The Best American Whiskey According To The TAG Global Spirits Awards 2023

The Best American Whiskey According To The TAG Global Spirits Awards 2023

Inaugurated in 2022, The TAG Global Spirits Awards stands as a prestigious platform recognizing the pinnacle of distilled spirits worldwide. Spanning categories from bourbon to scotch, and tequila, the competition involves industry experts meticulously tasting and evaluating hundreds of spirits, ultimately awarding the coveted "Best In Show" accolade to select few in each category. Among the myriad entries in the previous year, which included blends, ryes, and Bottled-In-Bond American whiskeys, only seven claimed the prestigious title. Join us as we delve into the finest American whiskeys honored by the TAG Global Spirits Awards, exploring their compositions, the distilleries behind them, and where enthusiasts can procure these award-winning gems. As we eagerly anticipate the results of the TAG Global Spirits Awards 2024, stay tuned for updates in this space.

Bespoken Spirits “The Epic” Straight Rye Whiskey

Discover the exquisite Bespoken Spirits Straight Rye Whiskey, classified as American Straight Rye, offering a tantalizing array of flavors including molasses, toasted cloves, caramelized plantain, vanilla, dark chocolate, caramel, and citrus notes, all available for purchase at $41.99. Crafted from a mash bill featuring 95% rye and 5% malted whiskey, this exceptional whiskey undergoes a unique aging process in virgin American white oak barrels, followed by a finishing touch with twice-toasted oak staves. Renowned for its quality, this rye whiskey has garnered multiple awards, including the esteemed Double Platinum at the Ascot Awards in 2022. Bespoken Spirits distinguishes itself by its dedication to crafting bespoke flavors through its innovative "Tailored Wood Finishing" program, empowering whiskey makers to exercise creative control over their spirits' profiles. Buy it now!

Smoke Wagon Whiskey Malted Rye

Discover the bold flavors of Smoke Wagon, a distinguished bourbon and rye brand crafted by Nevada H&C Distilling Co. Classified as American Straight Rye, this unique whiskey offers tasting notes of cinnamon spice, black pepper, smoke, caramel, and creaminess, available for purchase at $59.99. Distilled from a mash bill comprising 51% rye and 49% malted barley, this malted rye whiskey defies tradition, presenting as a 'high-malt rye' with unapologetic intensity. Bottled at cask strength for an added punch, Smoke Wagon pays homage to its roots with a name derived from old west slang for the iconic 1873 Colt single action army revolver, known as 'the gun that won the west'. Founded in 2004 by friends Jonathan and Aaron, Nevada H&C Distilling Co. continues to deliver exceptional spirits. Buy it now!

Woody Creek Distillers 100% Rye

Woody Creek Distillers, situated in Basalt, CO, is dedicated to infusing their spirits with their essence. Their 100% rye whiskey sources local rye and undergoes distillation in custom "CARL stills" from Germany, renowned for producing high-proof spirits in a single distillation. Aged for a minimum of four years in #3 char virgin American white oak casks, this rye whiskey is then bottled at 90 proof. While official tasting notes are unavailable, Woody Creek describes their spirit as a "straight rye whiskey of uncommon complexity and 'damn that's smooth' taste." Beyond rye whiskey, Woody Creek crafts bourbon, vodka, and gin. Additionally, the brand collaborates with actor William H. Macy on the William H. Macy Reserve, a Bottled-In-Bond straight rye whiskey. Buy it now!

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye stands as an exceptional offering in the American Rye Single Barrel category, offering a symphony of flavors including lemon, vanilla, spicy oak, orange peel, ginger, pepper, tobacco, and pear drops, all available for purchase at $44.95. Created to address a gap in the American whiskey market, this affordable and award-winning spirit is hand-selected from level #4 char barrels and bottled at 104 proof. Founded by the esteemed father-and-son duo, Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who both honed their craft at Wild Turkey, Russell’s Reserve carries on their legacy of quality and expertise. As guardians of quality, Jimmy and Eddie's signatures grace each bottle of Russell’s Reserve Whiskey, ensuring a premium drinking experience. Buy it now!

Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition Batch 012

The Uncle Nearest brand, crafted at the Nearest Green Distillery, pays homage to Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the revered master distiller who mentored Jack Daniel in the art of distillation. As the world's first African American master distiller, Green's legacy lives on through Uncle Nearest whiskey. The Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition, curated by master blender Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green, comprises annual barrel picks, with Batch number 12 receiving acclaim at the TAG Global Spirits Awards in 2023. Exclusive to the Nearest Green Distillery, these Master Blend Editions are coveted for their exceptional quality. Notably, Uncle Nearest whiskey has garnered accolades in various competitions, including the International Whisky Competition's Best Rye Whiskey title in 2023 for the Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, and the distinction of World's Best Tennessee Whiskey at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards for the Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey. Shop Uncle Nearest Whiskey!

Jack Daniels Bonded Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg continues to expand its esteemed range with the introduction of Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey, a standout addition to their lineup. Distilled from the same mash bill as the iconic Old No.7, comprising 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, this expression is aged for a minimum of four years. Renowned for its signature charcoal mellowing process, known as the Lincoln County Process, Jack Daniel’s ensures an exceptionally smooth mouthfeel in every sip. Bottled from select casks chosen for their rich mahogany hue and robust oak flavors, this Tennessee Bottle-In-Bond whiskey is bottled at 100 proof as mandated by law, offering a warm, lingering finish accentuated by notes of caramel, spice, dark brown sugar, cooked fruit, seared oak, and warm baking spice. Buy it now!

Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

At the Nearest Green Distillery, the spotlight falls on the 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, offering a delightful array of tasting notes including honey, warm brown sugar, cedar, orange peel, tobacco, ginger, white pepper, caramel, tannins, baking chocolate, cougar leaf, nougat, cinnamon, and maple syrup. While the exact mash bill remains undisclosed, speculation suggests it comprises at least 51% corn, alongside rye and wheat. Aged for a minimum of four years and bottled at 93 proof, this small batch whiskey promises a nuanced and flavorful experience. Buy it now!