Top 20
The Most Exciting Whiskies of 2023
Our Top 20 whiskies represent a curated collection that deserves your notice.
This assortment features hidden gems offering exceptional value, standout examples leading their respective styles, and superbly crafted bottles worth seeking out. Above all, each whisky in
this list stands out as a beacon of excitement, highlighting the pinnacle of a year filled with remarkable tastings.
Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Foursquare
Score: 94
53.5% ● $160
Kentucky
Barrell Craft Spirits 6 year old Cask Strength (Batch 035)
Score: 94
58.75% ● $90
Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee
Glenfiddich 12 year old Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish
Score: 93
43% ● $55
Scotland
Teeling Wonders of Wood Second Edition Virgin Portuguese Oak
Score: 93
50% ● $100
Ireland
Each year, the Whisky Advocate Buying Guide's expert team samples an array of whiskies, encompassing rare, limited editions, and up-and-coming brands likely to hit store shelves nationwide. Our Top 20 list starts with whiskies scoring 90 or above (“outstanding”) on our 100-point scale. But, this list isn't just our highest-rated whiskies; many are too rare for general access. Hence, we also weigh in value (price) and accessibility.
A crucial step in assessing these whiskies' true worth is a blind tasting by an international panel. Reviewers taste the contenders in a series of blind flights, unaware of each whisky's producer, origin, age, or price. This panel's average ratings take precedence over the initial Buying Guide scores, although individual reviews remain recorded. The final Top 20 ranking is based on a balanced consideration of average score, price, and availability.
