The World’s Best Whiskeys - 2023 Competition Edition

The World’s Best Whiskeys - 2023 Competition Edition

With an abundance of options available, determining the best bottles of whiskey can be a daunting task for any enthusiast. Fortunately, leading international spirits competitions serve as reliable guides in navigating the vast landscape of whiskey offerings. Through rigorous blind-tasting evaluations conducted by industry experts, these competitions identify standout bottles that excel in flavor, craftsmanship, and overall quality. Here is a selection of five exceptional whiskeys crowned as the best in the world in 2023. These esteemed bottles represent the pinnacle of whiskey craftsmanship and would make an esteemed addition to any connoisseur's collection. Shop award winning whiskey!

15 Stars First West Fine Aged Rye Whiskey

When 15 Stars debuted in 2022, its founders set out with a dual mission: to create the world's finest aged whiskey and pay homage to Kentucky, the birthplace of bourbon, being the fifteenth state. They succeeded admirably on both fronts. Their First West Fine Aged Rye garnered the prestigious title of World's Best Whiskey at the New York World Spirits Competition. A skillful blend of straight rye whiskeys aged six to eight years, it delivers the expected spiciness of rye, harmoniously balanced with nuanced hints of fruit and tobacco. Buy it now!

Courage & Conviction American Single Malt Whiskey

This exquisite whiskey marks a captivating evolution in the world of whiskey, heralding the rise of American single malt expressions. Traditionally associated with Scotland, the allure of the intricate yet straightforward flavor profiles inherent in this style has captivated American distillers. Awarded Whisky of the Year at the London Spirits Competition, Courage & Conviction American Single Malt is crafted from 100% malted barley sourced from North America, undergoing a double cask maturation process. Initially aged for a minimum of five years in first-fill bourbon casks, it is then transferred to European red wine cuvée casks for finishing. The resulting elixir boasts enticing hints of bright berries complemented by subtle notes of toffee, epitomizing the artistry of American single malt whiskey. Buy it now for $74.99.

Glenfairn Floral Highland Single Malt Whisky

Look no further if you seek a whisky that has garnered more accolades on the awards circuit this year than any other. Glenfarin Highland Single Malt has made a resounding impact, clinching a Gold Outstanding, a Whiskey Trophy, and an exceptional score of 99 points at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Produced by the esteemed creators behind single malt stalwarts Jura and Dalmore, this whisky offers exceptional quality without breaking the bank, retailing at a modest $30. Primarily intended for U.K. supermarket shelves, it has captured the hearts of judges and enthusiasts alike. Described as "wonderfully fragrant" on the nose with enticing tropical mango notes, it boasts a palate of creamy toffee that is both sweet and indulgent, underscored by remarkable balance. The finish leaves a lasting impression with its rich floral character that lingers delicately on the palate. This is mostly sold out at this point but you can still find the Speyside bottling in supermarkets like Tesco.

Heaven Hill Bottled-In Bond

Heaven Hill, a pioneer in the post-Prohibition era, swiftly established itself as a cornerstone of American bourbon culture. Today, boasting the second-largest inventory of aging bourbon worldwide, with approximately 1,600,000 barrels maturing in rickhouses across Kentucky, they continue to shape the industry. Their Bottled-In-Bond expression exemplifies the mastery of their distillers. Honored as the World Whiskey of the Year at the Bartender Spirit Awards, this iconic bottling offers a harmonious interplay of flavors. A subtle spiciness from the rye component intertwines seamlessly with notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel sweetness. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, it's a testament to Heaven Hill's enduring legacy and craftsmanship. Buy it now!

Tomatin Highland Single Malt 36 Year Old

If you are a collector looking for rare bottles to step up a collection, or if you love fantastic whisky, then Tomatin Highland Single Malt 36 year Old is what you want. A limited-release whisky, only 1,200 are released globally each year; a bottle can easily run thousands of dollars on the resale market, so be prepared if shopping for one. Crafted in the heart of the Scottish countryside, the Tomatin distillers are renowned for producing exceptionally complex scotches. By being named Best in Show Whisky at the venerable San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the second time Tomatin has won the award in the last decade, their whisky has bested over 1,800 other entrants. A remarkably smooth sipper, its complex flavors make it indeed a memorable dram. Buy it now!