Gold Winners
Carolans Salted Caramel
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Ireland
Category: Liqueurs | 905. Cream/Dairy
Alcohol Content: 17%
Retail Price: $14.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Pleasantly rich on the palate with a genuine cream flavor.”
“Great balance, rich, and satisfying.”
Legends Vodka
Spirits of the USA
Region: Georgia
Category: Vodka | Corn Vodka | 201. Domestic (USA), Classic (Clean)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $25.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Nothing at all on the nose. Rounded and mellow on the palate. Extremely smooth.”
“Clean on the nose with a good mouthfeel.”
Burnett’s Vodka
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Kentucky
Category: Vodka | Corn Vodka | 201. Domestic (USA), Classic (Clean)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $8.99
Production Volume: > 750,000
Tasting Notes:
“Almost odorless (not a bad thing of course). A little weight on the palate, otherwise crisp and clean. Neutral and low-profile in all the right ways.”
“A very good product. Crisp clear nose. Good mouthfeel and a creamy finish. A very well balanced vodka.”
Nemiroff Original
Nemiroff
Region: Ukraine
Category: Vodka | Wheat Vodka | 204. Vodka, Imported, Classic (Clean)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $17.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Clean and efficient. Gold Medal.”
Ghost Hollow American Blended Whiskey
Ghost Hollow Distillery Inc.
Region: Illinois, Virginia, Indiana
Category: Whisk(e)y | 109. American, Blended, NAS
Alcohol Content: 49%
Retail Price: $38.00 – $40.00
Production Volume: < 5000
Tasting Notes:
“Yum — I like the spice, I like the lingering dark fruit, I find this really tasty!”
“Zesty caramel notes on the nose. On the palate, chewy sweetness with the proof and spice to keep things together through to the finish. it’s a bit light by the end but the bright and orange peely character is charming and bubbly.”
“A subtle nose with notes of caramel and baking spices. A spicy slightly woody palate with touches of vanilla and a hot spicy finish.”
Southern Star Standard
Southern Distilling Company
Region: North Carolina
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $49.95
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Warm, satisfying classic. Wears its ABV well.”
“Wood caramel and slight spice on the nose. A touch of wood and caramel on the palate with a dry piney finish and a touch of heat.”
“Nice gold tones in appearance. The aroma is charcoal and oak dominant with some stone fruit. Lovely entry with lots of black cherries, but gets thin quickly. Finish is rich and deep, medium length.”
Mother Earth Gin / Barrel Rested
Mother Earth Spirits
Region: North Carolina
Category: Gin | 314. Redistilled Contemporary (Signature botanical), Aged/Cask Finish
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $38.95
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Well-balanced, rounded on the tongue, soft finish — it’s quite tasty.”
“The finish is an interesting mix of licorice and baking spices.”
“It smells like the inside of an American whiskey distillery.”
Mother Earth Gin
Mother Earth Spirits
Region: North Carolina
Category: Gin | 311. Redistilled Contemporary (Signature botanical)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $29.95
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Nose is mellow but aromatic. Bolder on the earthier, spicier side of gin botanicals.”
“Just enough juniper. Very nicely balanced. Delicious.”
“Bright mix of lemon and orange peel on the nose with a hint of lemongrass. Juniper and a spicy note of grains of paradise. A dry medium finish with notes of eucalyptus and licorice. A good gin and tonic gin.”
Red Bordner South Carolina Rum Gold
Red Bordner DIstillery
Region: South Carolina
Category: Rum | 501. Dark/Gold, Age Stated to 5 Years
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $28.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Pleasant vanilla warmth on the palate.”
“The nose is all bannana. The palate is hot and light.”
Goodland Gin
Goleta Red Distilling Company
Region: California
Category: Gin | 311. Redistilled Contemporary (Signature botanical)
Alcohol Content: 42%
Retail Price: $35.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Lovely on the nose — a balance of warmth and pine-y and citrus.”
“Interesting array of flavors on the warmer-spicier-drier side. Leaves a long finish. Really tasty.”
“Juniper and Eucalyptus on the nose. Bright pine and lemon peel on a light to medium palate with a long licorice root finish. A decent gin and tonic gin.”
Barrel Rested Gin
Chemist Spirits
Region: North Carolina
Category: Gin | 314. Redistilled Contemporary (Signature botanical), Aged/Cask Finish
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $38.95
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“A classic London Dry-style on the nose. One flavor is super dominant — Lavender? Eucalyptus? At any rate, it’s tasty!.”
Baker’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Beam Suntory (Jim Beam)
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 105. Bourbon, Single Barrel, NAS
Alcohol Content: 53.3%
Retail Price: $59.99
Production Volume: N/A
Tasting Notes:
“Surprisingly smooth for the proof. Lots going on. Definitely like.”
“Amber with a touch of orange. Aroma inviting and biscuit-like. Dark chocolate with a touch of marmalade — very satisfying.”
“Nice toastiness on the nose with a touch of coconut. A medium palate with a spicy dark cherry on a short finish.”
“Toe-curling powerhouse! white chocolate and caramel. Complex and rich.”
“On the palate, sugary layers of grain and wood spice come on in subtle waves, layering vanilla on top of orange zest on top of marzipan… The finish is brief but pleasant.”
Glenfiddich
William Grant & Sons
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Category: Whisk(e)y | 154. Scotch, Single Malt, Age Stated 13-19 Years
Alcohol Content: 43%
Retail Price: $49.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Very warm and bready on the nose.”
“Pale amber hues. Lots of dark char on the nose with baking spice and brown sugar undertones. Bright and rich on entry. A polished, elegant and refined spirit.”
“Chocolate and honey on the nose with a cool round palate and notes of BBQ on the finish.”
“A kilt kicker with some rugged spice notes and hearty flavors. A bold, intense scotch.”
“A deep and sweet nose with some hints of nuttiness. On the palate, it shows a dry, nutty character with rich dessert-fruit sweetness.”
Milagro Silver
William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd
Region: Jalisco, Mexico
Category: Agave (Tequila, Mezcal) | 600. Tequila,100% Agave, Blanco/Silver
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $24.99 – $29.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Hints of vanilla and on the nose and palate.”
“A typical mineral forward cooked agave profile, ending with agave nectar sweetness and hints of orange zest.”
“Subtle aroma with notes of green apple; refined entry, elegant with fleeting notes of sweetness and grape skin. Long, dry, pleasant finish.“
“Earthy, herbal nose with a sweet, smooth lingering finish. Stellar silver tequila.”
Root Digger
Cart/Horse Distilling
Region: Pennsylvania
Category: Liqueurs | 902. Herbal/Botanical
Alcohol Content: 25%
Retail Price: $35.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Root beer is present on the nose. An interesting array of botanicals that resolves into something like a cross between a good root beer and club soda.”
“Pumpkin pie and fruit cake on the nose. More pumpkin pie on the palate with a sweet herbaceous finish.”
Oak & Eden Rye & Rumba
Oak & Eden
Region: Texas
Category: Whisk(e)y | 124. Rye, Straight, Special Barrel Finish
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $64.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Lots of rich vanilla / warm wood on the nose. The finish is almost Scotch-y?”
“A grain forward nose with fresh corn. On the palate, creamed corn notes fade into green wood notes.”
“Subtle and smooth on the nose. Medium palate with good wood and a smooth finish with a hit of spice and heat.“
BENDT No. 5 American Blended Whiskey
BENDT Distilling Co.
Region: Texas
Category: Whisk(e)y | 109. American, Blended, NAS
Alcohol Content: 42%
Retail Price: $25.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Simple and sweet on the palate, light vanilla.”
“Cooked fruits and tart berries on the nose with a tiny hint of fudge. On the palate, creamy and sweet with vanilla syrup and little hints of nutmeg.”
“A dry nose with hints of caramel. A nice round palate with a long herbaceous finish.”
Cloudsplitter Single Malt Whiskey
High Peaks Distilling
Region: New York
Category: Whisk(e)y | 112. American, Single Malt, Age Stated to 10 Years
Alcohol Content: 46%
Retail Price: $60.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Really enjoy this. A pleasant balance of Scotchy-smoky and light and dynamic.”
“Green grain notes subtly on the nose. On the palate, layers of toffee and vanilla icing, with a subtle toasty dryness to the finish.”
“Finally – a good American Single Malt”
Oak & Eden Rahr Soaked Hopped Oak
Oak & Eden
Region: Texas
Category: Whisk(e)y | 124. Rye, Straight, Special Barrel Finish
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $52.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Big, bold, earthy, wintergreen and rye notes on the nose, with hints of fresh pencil shavings. On the palate, chewy layers of juicy fruits with a brief finish leaning soft and sweet. Overall nice.”
“The aroma is incredible … I could smell this all day.”
“Sweetened from the finish, smoothing the rougher rye edges but still potent and assertive.”
Glenrose Spirits American Single Malt
Glenrose Spirits LLC
Region: New York
Category: Whisk(e)y | 111. American, Single Malt, NAS
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $45.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Rich, smoky, Scotch-y, and compelling.”
“Top notch of American single malts I know.”
“On the palate, smoky vanilla bean, cedar, and chocolate malt… complex whiskey with a bevy of flavors to throw at the palate, starting soft and ending quite bold. This is nice.”
“A medium palate with sweetness and a touch of heat with a short hot and spicy finish.”
Cathouse Gin
All Points West Distillery
Region: New Jersey
Category: Gin | 301. London Dry, Classic
Alcohol Content: 46%
Retail Price: $34.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Palate is big on cardamom and spice. Long and peppery finish.”
“I find this quite delicious and a little savory. Lovely.”
“Floral nose with a touch of barley. Notes of mint and eucalyptus on the palate. Long lingering finish with notes of licorice.”
Oak & Eden Rahr Soaked Malted Oak
Oak & Eden
Region: Texas
Category: Whisk(e)y | 104. Bourbon, Straight, Special Barrel Finish
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $52.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Warm baking spices on the nose. Ditto on the palate, with some pleasant leathery-savory notes. Lovely.”
“A nutty and fruity whiskey with long, syrupy intonations, and just a little funk. The flavors are complex and delightful.”
“Subtle vanilla and kola on the nose. A little vanilla and a hint of spice on the palate with a dry woody burnt finish with notes of vanilla.”
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Heaven Hill Distillery
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 47%
Retail Price: $29.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Best finish of the lot so far!”
“A spicy, warm bourbon with a ton of citrus on the nose. On the palate, it’s creamy with a subtle but delicate structure. Sweet and slightly spicy.”
“Perfect balance, not too sweet, light caramel color but offers great flavor.”
Hendrick's Gin
Hendrick's Gin
Region: Girvan, Scotland
Category: Gin | 304. Contemporary (Signature Botanical)
Alcohol Content: 44%
Retail Price: $34.99
Production Volume: 500,000 – 750,000
Tasting Notes:
“Drinks like a London Dry.”
“Herbaceous in all the right ways.”
“Lovely on the nose.”
Boone County Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Boone County Distilling Co.
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $48.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Smooth on the palate, and pleasant to sip.”
“Creamy, oaky aromas on the nose with a hint of sugary syrup on the palate. It’s warm with candied citrus and tangy vanilla notes, with a finish that’s brief but well balanced towards charming flavors.”
“Clear and clean nose with a slight spice. Slightly to much wood on the palate with spice and clove. A slow round finish, with lingering wood.”
Larceny
Heaven Hill Distillery
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 46%
Retail Price: $24.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Like the spice. Much prefer the palate to the finish.”
“Hints of fresh rye grain and sweet oak. On the palate, it’s sweet and nutmeggy with hints of citrus and caramel pinging around here and there. The finish is soft and velvety with carefully designed signs of complexity.”
“Charred wood and kola on the nose. A deep rich palate with notes of baking spices with a long hot spicy finish.”
Shipmates Spiced Rum
Cleveland Distillery
Region: Ohio
Category: Rum | 509. Spiced
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $28.95
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Warm, sweet winter spice on the nose. Follows through on the palate, though drier than the nose would suggest.”
“Satisfying flavors and I love the dryness of the spiced rum (unusual).”
“Strong fruitcake notes on the nose with heavy allspice and clove flavor on the palate.”
Legends Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whisky
Spirits of the USA
Region: Georgia
Category: Whisk(e)y | 105. Bourbon, Single Barrel, NAS
Alcohol Content: 43%
Retail Price: $35.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Like this. On the livelier, brighter side for a bourbon.”
“Tart apples on the nose. On the palate, a fresh sweetcorn base with caramel, nutmeg, and a dry, slightly citric melody that leaves a lovely chewy, mouth coating finish.”
“Subtle nose with a cool round palate and a dry woody finish.”
Carolans
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Ireland
Category: Liqueurs | 905. Cream/Dairy
Alcohol Content: 17%
Retail Price: $14.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Delicious on the palate. Creamy in a great way (not too-thick), balanced sweetness, enough heat from the alcohol to keep it drinkable.”
“Like a delicious boozy dessert. Sticks around on the palate.”
“Butterscotch and cocao on the nose. More butterscotch with notes of nutmeg on the palate, with a creamy butterscotch finish.”
Lunazul Blanco
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Mexico
Category: Agave (Tequila, Mezcal) | 600. Tequila,100% Agave, Blanco/Silver
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $19.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Grassy on the nose with a touch of clay.”
“Good body with medium mouth feel and a great long herbaceous finish.”
“Satisfying.”
Hendrick’s Orbium
Hendrick's Gin
Region: Girvan, Scotland
Category: Gin | 304. Contemporary (Signature Botanical)
Alcohol Content: 44%
Retail Price: $34.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“This is nice — darkly herbaceous, rooty, earthy.”
“Unusual but exciting!”
Uncle Nearest 1884 Premium Small Batch Whiskey – V. Eady-Butler Batch
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Region: Tennessee
Category: Whisk(e)y | 118. Tennessee
Alcohol Content: 47%
Retail Price: $49.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Fruity nose, spicy palate, quite tasty.”
“Subtle cola-esque sweetness and just a tiny hint of peanuts on the nose. On the palate, cool syrupy sweetness with well-structured dryness and spice and just a hint of that peanut note. The finish is brief but enjoyable, leaving a subtle, back-of-palate caramel as it fades out.”
“Subtle nose with a medium body and smooth finish with a hint of chocolate.”
Tullamore D.E.W. XO Rum Cask Finish
William Grant & Sons
Region: Tullamore, Ireland
Category: Whisk(e)y | 135. Irish, Blended, Special Barrel Finish
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $34.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“A little fruitier on the nose, I like that. Satisfying. Would happily drink.”
“Very slight aroma of toasted oak– almost vanishingly light, hard to discern. Thin on the entry but grows nicely into a sort of sweet, buttered corn flavor. The finish is fast and clean.”
“A light, subtle, and sweet nose. A light palate with notes of honey and apricot with a sweet fruity finish.”
Dubonnet
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Kentucky
Category: Liqueurs | 901. Aperitif/Vermouth
Alcohol Content: 19%
Retail Price: $17.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Lovely deep, ruby color. Juicy, grape-y, winelike on the nose. Powerfully fruity on the palate.”
“This would probably work really well in a cocktail. Might try that later.”
“Strawberry and a touch of earth on the nose. Dark stewed fruit on the palate. Not at all sweet. The finish is light and subtle. A very good liqueur.”
Evan Williams Black Label
Heaven Hill Distillery
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 43%
Retail Price: $14.99
Production Volume: > 750,000
Tasting Notes:
“Lots of spice on the palate.”
“A slightly thin whiskey showing a depth of sweetness and pleasing aromas and flavors of baking spices.”
“Mellow nose of wood and spice. A cool rye palate. A deep oaky finish.”
Oak & Eden Rye & Spire
Oak & Eden
Region: Texas
Category: Whisk(e)y | 120. Rye, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $40.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Yum — warm spice, vanilla-barrel richness. This is really excellent.”
“Earthy spicy nutty rye on the nose. On the palate, it’s equally bracing and nutty, showing some depth of vanilla and Christmas flavors without losing that dryness.”
“Great finish. Lengthy and pleasant.”
Sacred Bond
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Kentucky
Category: Brandy | 839. Other — American – Grape – Copper Pot Stilled – 4Y in Bourbon Barrels
Alcohol Content: 25%
Retail Price: $17.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Really lovely on the palate. Grape and wood nicely balanced — very Cognac like.”
“Apricot and wood on the nose with more wood and fruit on the palate.”
“Nice long finish.”
King’s Family Distillery American Blended Whiskey
King's Family Distillery
Region: Tennessee
Category: Whisk(e)y | 109. American, Blended, NAS
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $29.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Evolves on the palate. I appreciate the lingering finish. It would be great in a cocktail.”
“Buttered caramel corn on the nose. On the palate, layers of the same, with the addition of vanilla cream and butterscotch… light but quite nice and silky.”
“Smooth subtle nose with a touch of caramel. Vanilla on a well-rounded palate with a short smooth finish.”
Southern Star White Whiskey
Southern Distilling Company
Region: North Carolina
Category: Whisk(e)y | 117. American, Moonshine/ Unaged
Alcohol Content: 50%
Retail Price: $24.95
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Nice mouthfeel — full and round. Pleasing sweet flavor with notes of candy corn and vanilla.”
“Finish is long-lasting and sweet. I enjoyed this.”
“Potent but flavorful. Smooth and balanced with a hint of sweet earth and spicy finish.”
King’s Family Distillery Ginger Vodka
King's Family Distillery
Region: Tennessee
Category: Vodka | Corn Vodka | 207. Flavored
Alcohol Content: 31%
Retail Price: $24.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Ginger aroma quite appealing. On the palate — some ginger flavor, not too potent.”
“Ginger on the nose with a touch of pepper.”
“A nice finish with a bit of zing.”
Lunazul Anjeo
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Mexico
Category: Agave (Tequila, Mezcal) | 603. Tequila,100% Agave, Añejo
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $22.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Nice balance of agave and tequila on the palate. Tasty!”
“Very light on the nose with just hints of earth and wood.”
“Subtle notes of caramel and baking spices on the palate with a very clean finish that ends with a surprise of chocolate.”
Red Bordner South Carolina Whiskey
Red Bordner Distillery
Region: South Carolina
Category: Whisk(e)y | 111. American, Single Malt, NAS
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $35.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Fruity on the nose. Smooth with warm spice around the edges. Really tasty.”
“Freshly milled grains, oatmeal, and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, delicious layers of creamy vanilla and toasted almonds… fudgy sweetness and a subtle lean into dryness by the finish, which is fresh and fruity.”
“This whiskey tastes like a warm piece of fresh almond pound cake. Delicious.”
Deep Eddy Original Vodka
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Texas
Category: Vodka | Corn Vodka | 201. Domestic (USA), Classic (Clean)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $13.99
Production Volume: 500,000 – 750,000
Tasting Notes:
“Clean with a sweet, crisp finish. I’m sure this would disappear nicely into a cocktail.”
“Clear and clean on the nose and palate.”
“A good light, flavorless vodka. Hints of lemon on the nose and just a hint of pepper before on a pleasant finish.”
“Soft easy drinking. Elegant.”
“Nice easy drinking vodka that I could sip on ice with a lemon twist or pour into a V&T. But would I want it in a martini? I think I would.”
Starward Two-Fold
Starward Australian Whisky
Region: Melbourne, Australia
Category: Whisk(e)y | 168. Other — Double Grain Australian Whisky
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $35.00
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Depth and nuance. Lingers on the palate in a great way.”
“A little hint of fudge on the nose. On the palate, this is bright and slightly buttery with a lovely mouth-coating texture.”
“The flavors develop and end pleasantly dry with low-rumbling spices and more fruit character. This is slightly syrupy and just nails it with regards to texture.”
Highclere Castle Gin
Highclere Castle Spirits
Region: United Kingdom
Category: Gin | 301. London Dry, Classic
Alcohol Content: 44%
Retail Price: $48.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Strong juniper on the nose with a balance of juniper, lemon and black pepper on the palate with a dry finish with notes of grass and pine.”
“A vanilla-heavy juniper focused gin with a flavorful finish.”
Flor de Caña - 12 Year
William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd
Region: San Cristobal, Nicaragua
Category: Rum | 502. Extra-Aged, 5+ Years
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $35.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“The caramel-creme brulee notes are nice. Delicious.”
“Lovely baking spice aromatics, with a bite of oak along with cola and star anise on the palate. Finishes clean and inviting.”
“Take me to the islands! A whisper of brown spice along with sultry smoothness makes this a winning spirit.”
Flor de Caña - 18 Year
William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd
Region: San Cristobal, Nicaragua
Category: Rum | 502. Extra-Aged, 5+ Years
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $49.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Less wood on the nose than I’d expect from the color. It’s rich and has all those great dark rum notes on the palate.”
“Caramel and a touch of vanilla on the nose with a full caramel palate and a creamy finish.”
“Silky vanilla notes on the nose appear again on the palate, as does buttercream, caramel, and brown sugar. There’s a hint of dryness beneath.”
“Nice clay-red tones in appearance. Praline and pepper aroma. Clean, rich entry with a great balance of oak and sweetness. Sharp black licorice flavor in mid-palate.”
Ironworks Apple Brandy
Ironworks Distillery
Region: Nova Scotia, Canada
Category: Brandy | 839. Other — Canadian Apple Brandy
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $37.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Fruit and a touch of cinnamon on the nose.”
“Green wood on the palate and a lingering caramel apple finish.”
Boone County White Hall Tavern Bourbon Cream
Boone County Distilling Co.
Region: Kentucky
Category: Liqueurs | 905. Cream/Dairy
Alcohol Content: 16%
Retail Price: $21.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Fresh butter, milk, and a touch of grass on the nose. Baking spices and milk on the palate with a long creamy buttery finish.”
“Lovely color and texture on this lighter, more vanilla-forward cream liqueur.”
“Like vanilla milkshake! Light and easy sipping. I want it in coffee.”
Tattered Flag Still Works Bourbon Whiskey
Tattered Flag Still Works
Region: Pennsylvania
Category: Whisk(e)y | 106. Bourbon, Single Barrel, Age Stated to 10 Years
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $60.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“A touch of lime and grassiness on the nose, medium body with a vanilla finish.”
“Big bold green notes and fresh fruit notes on the nose. On the palate it’s surprisingly light and clean, revealing minerality and dryness. The oily texture lends weight.”
“The over the top viscosity gives way to a smoothness that makes for an interesting ride.”
King’s Family Distillery Bourbon
King's Family Distillery
Region: Tennessee
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 43%
Retail Price: $34.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Tasty on the palate, but much better on the finish.”
“Fresh apple slices and pound cake on the nose. On the palate it’s lush and flavorful, ending with subtle mid-palate spice and a final wash of old oak… hints of tobacco… this is gorgeous liquid.”
“A round wood, kola, and herbaceous nose with a wheaty kola and wood palate with a dry flat finish.”
Journeyman Last Feather Rye
Journeyman Distillery
Region: Michigan
Category: Whisk(e)y | 169. Other_Rye Whiskey
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $49.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Solid”
“An overall pleasant high-rye whiskey with that trademark caraway/minty character on the nose, and on the palate layers of licorice, orange and caramel.”
“The finish is pleasant and slightly fudgy. Very nice.”
Bespoke Bourbon Cream
Black Button Distilling
Region: New York
Category: Liqueurs | 905. Cream/Dairy
Alcohol Content: 15%
Retail Price: $35.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Interesting on the palate — fresh, balanced sweetness, a bit of an alcohol punch (rum?) in a great way. Not gloppy in the way some cream liqueurs can be. Quite tasty.”
“Chai and cream on the nose. Caramel, burnt sugar, and nutmeg on the palate with an easy quick finish. A tasty cream liqueur.”
“Subtle chocolate and caramel flavors, and overall pleasant with a nice texture.”
Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Texas
Category: Vodka | Corn Vodka | 207. Flavored
Alcohol Content: 35%
Retail Price: $13.99
Production Volume: 500,000 – 750,000
Tasting Notes:
“Salty lemons on the nose with a very juicy lemon taste on the palate.”
“Yummy! Tart and slightly sweet like a good limoncello.”
Skunk Brothers Spirits Cinnamon Moonshine
Skunk Brothers Spirits
Region: Washington
Category: Spirits Other | 1000. Other — Flavored Whiiskey
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $29.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Great on the nose, convincingly cinnamon. Really like the spice on the palate and this finishes warm and pleasant.”
“Warm cinnamon on the nose. Natural cinnamon spice runs throughout this spirit. Quite pleasant.”
“Delicious. Smells and tastes of cinnamon sugar toast (but with booze!). Clean, well-balanced cinnamon.”
M&O Spirits Ta-Da! Whiskey
M&O Spirits
Region: Ohio
Category: Whisk(e)y | 169. Other —
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $39.95
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“The nose shows mostly vanilla caramel swirl notes… very sweet initially.”
“On the palate, it’s really a nicely integrated whiskey with some depth, some texture, and an overall pleasant finish.”
“I’m actually quite impressed by this.”
Bernheim
Heaven Hill Distillery
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 169. Other — Wheat Whiskey
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $29.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Like the sweetness on the nose, it’s appealing. Balanced on the palate.”
“Nice nose with notes of honey and wheat.”
“A spicy palate with notes of sweetness and wood. Long finish with lingering viscosity.”
Rittenhouse Rye
Heaven Hill Distillery
Region: N/A
Category: Whisk(e)y | 120. Rye, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 50%
Retail Price: $27.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Nice rye balance of dynamic and spicy”
“Modest nose with hints of sweetness. on the palate, chalky vegetal sweetness with hints of praline on the finish.”
“Green wood and wet leaf on the nose. A dry slightly woody palate with a short hot finish.”
B. Bird Kentucky Statehood
B. Bird
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 50%
Retail Price: $36.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Sugar syrup with hints of orange and cola on the nose. On the palate, a creamy almost effervescent whiskey, with a soft, tip of the tongue finish into butterscotch.”
“Bread, vanilla, and a slight orange on the nose. A woody flat palate and a dry, sharp, and piney finish.”
“Fine example of classic bourbon.”
Ghost Tequila
Ghost Tequila
Region: Jalisco, Mexico
Category: Agave (Tequila, Mezcal) | 600. Tequila,100% Agave, Blanco/Silver
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $27.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Classic Blanco nose, fresh and clean. Spice starts subtle but hits with a force, but the bit of sweetness balances. Well-done, this would slay in a spicy margarita.”
“Vanilla on the nose and palate. The finish was spicy and lovely.”
“Perfect heat – not too much or too little. One of the best sips of the day.”
“I don’t even like peppers and I like this for its uniqueness! Whisper of pepper on lips after sipping.”
Galloping Goose Canadian Whisky
James Bay Distillers, Ltd.
Region: British Columbia, Canada
Category: Whisk(e)y | 170. Canadian, Blended, Age Stated < 5 Years
Alcohol Content: 44%
Retail Price: $49.99
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Caramel flavors. On the palate, intensely creamy and restrained.”
“Showing mostly vanilla cream and crème Brule notes. Yum!”
“A soft nose with notes of caramel and a touch of vanilla. Vanilla and caramel on the palate with a dry woody finish with lingering vanilla and caramel.”
Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka
Heaven Hill Brands
Region: Texas
Category: Vodka | Corn Vodka | 207. Flavored
Alcohol Content: 35%
Retail Price: $13.99
Production Volume: 500,000 – 750,000
Tasting Notes:
“Great on the nose, juicy, fresh, aromatic. Ditto on the palate.”
“Tastes almost like a cocktail in itself. Nicely done. 90 points.”
“Lovely nose of freshly squeezed grapefruit. Lovely color. It’s clean and bright like fresh grapefruit zest, with a round, fleshy finish.”
Corgi Spirits Pembroke Gin
Corgi Spirits
Region: Jersey City, NJ
Category: Gin | 304. Contemporary (Signature Botanical)
Alcohol Content: 43%
Retail Price: $34.99
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“It is really nicely balanced.”
“Clean notes of juniper and black pepper and a long, vegetal finish.”
“Really enjoy this. Tons going on with earthy moments, fruity moments, and a spicy peppery finish. It keeps evolving.”
“Herbal and earthy.”
“This would be lovely in a bee’s knees cocktail.”
“Spicy botanicals which breath nicely and is savory on the palate.“
Cape Fear Maritime Gin
Cape Fear Distillery
Region: North Carolina
Category: Gin | 304. Contemporary (Signature Botanical)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $24.95
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“I literally taste rock candy. Very smooth.”
“Sweet floral nose with a bit of perfume and butterscotch. These scents carry through on the palate.”
“Really into the aroma, big juniper but balanced with citrus brightness. Soft on the palate like a lemon cookie. Gentle finish.”
“Strong citrus aromas with floral and tropical fruit tastes.”
“Citrus and vanilla with a unique creaminess.”
“Citrusy, fresh, and intense.”
Red Harbor Rum
Red Harbor Rum
Region: Charleston, SC
Category: Rum | 501. Dark/Gold, Age Stated to 5 Years
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $39.99
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“Flavorful with a nice finish.”
“Nose is delicious, like a great crème caramel. Carries all the way through and tastes older than a 5 year, in a good way.”
“Aromas of vanilla, cream, and toasted oak. With vanilla, caramel and toasted coconut on the palate. Good balance of fruit, acid, and tannin on the finish.”
“Crisp notes of fruit and molasses on the nose. Overall a most pleasant experience.”
“Lovely aroma. Smooth with flavors of bananas and cinnamon.”
Holystone Distilling's Perla Vodka
Holystone Distilling
Region: Utah
Category: Vodka | Fruit Vodka | 210. Other — Grape based
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $34.95
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“I liked the grape flavor”
“Soft aroma, light hints of floral and grape, clean, light palate and a lingering, viscous finish.”
“Subtle soft fruit on the nose. Very silky texture and a pleasant finish”
“Mild grappa aromas spiked with lemon peel. Ripe, tropical fruit tastes.”
“A very pretty, delicate vodka.”
A well-balanced vodka with a really nice fruit sweetness, a nice viscosity and a bite that will show up in cocktails. My pick for a Moscow mule.”
Van Gogh Vodka
Van Gogh Vodka
Region: Holland
Category: Vodka | Grain Blend Vodka | 204. Vodka, Imported, Classic (Clean)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $24.99
Production Volume: NA
Tasting Notes:
“This tastes like a vodka ought to taste. Clean and smooth. Well done.”
“Aromas of fresh rainwater and a sleek mouthfeel.”
“I can only imagine how this will shine in a cocktail.”
Banner Natural Vodka
Banner Distilling Co.
Region: Texas
Category: Vodka |Grain Blend Vodka | 201. Domestic (USA), Classic (Clean)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $22.99
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“A bit of fruit on the nose, quite smooth on the palate. Clean and easy.”
“White pepper, star anise, and citrus peel flavor.”
“Clean and focused.”
“Bright, tingly nose, soft on the front palate with a nice little bite on the back. Will probably rock in a martini.”
“Mellow flavors that are smooth on the tongue.”
Legent
Beam-Suntory
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 104. Bourbon, Straight, Special Barrel Finish
Alcohol Content: 47%
Retail Price: $35.00
Production Volume: 5,0001 – 100,000
Tasting Notes:
“It got better with each sip.”
Spicy nose, toasted caramel, dep apricot, slight viscosity.”
“Spicy, sweet and peppery– a mix of sweet corn, custard, menthol. Excellent.”
“A creamy corn and pepper nose and a nice viscous mouthfeel. A lovely sip with a medium finish.”
“Beautiful oak on the nose. Opens up with oak and caramel.”
Jim Beam Black
Jim Beam
Region: Kentucky
Category: Whisk(e)y | 100. Bourbon, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 43%
Retail Price: $22.99
Production Volume: >750,000
Tasting Notes:
“Really liked the fruit and chocolate on the palate”
Rich amber in color, good legs, a little heat on the nose with a touch of spice and toast. Stewed peaches and apricot on the nose. Vanilla on the front palate, dark cherry on the mid-palate, and chocolate on the back palate and a long, lingering finish.”
“Straightforward and likable.”
“Sweet corn pudding, menthol, and banana. Well managed balance of tannin, acid, and sweetness.”
“Has a pleasant sweetness I wish would linger all day.”
Clyde May’s Cask Strength Alabama Style Whiskey
Conecuh Brands
Category: Whisk(e)y American Blended
Alcohol Content: 57%
Retail Price: $99.99
Production Volume: 1,500
Tasting Notes:
“I Liked everything about this”
Deep amber in color with long, thick legs. Rich, deep aroma of stewed fruits and a touch of honey and baking spices. Dark cherries and wood on the palate and a healthy, woody finish with a touch of dark chocolate.”
“Nice and toasty, super mellow and balanced, and at the same time bold and exciting. I’m into it!”
“Lovely sip. Peppermint candy flavors with a thick viscosity and a dose of vanilla chocolate and cinnamon, punctuated with a dose of alcohol.”
“Leather, freshly mown grass, and wood tannins, this whiskey starts assertive, fiery, and peppery that becomes luscious and appetizing.”
“Full-flavored with aromas of butterscotch and candied citrus.”
Ghost Hollow Premium Wheat Vodka
Ghost Hollow Distillery Inc.
Region: Illinois
Category: Vodka | Wheat Vodka | 201. Domestic (USA), Classic (Clean)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Retail Price: $28.00 – $30.00
Production Volume: < 5,000
Tasting Notes:
“Creamy and round on the palate”
“Grain forward on the nose with a pleasant, mouth-coating texture.”
“There’s more flavor here than expected from a vodka, but it works.”
Westland American Oak Single Malt Whiskey
Westland Distillery
Region: Washington
Category: Whisk(e)y | 111. American, Single Malt, NAS
Alcohol Content: 46%
Retail Price: $69.99
Production Volume: 50,001 – 100,000
Tasting Notes:
“A lot of flavors and a great finish”
“Super fruity nose_cherries, cherry blossom, and slight toastiness. Chocolate on the palate as well as baking spices and stewed fruit with lingering dry cacao and yeasty finish.
“Mellow and youthful malty aroma and a supple, sleek palette with cocoa, red currants and caramel candy.”
“Complex aromas of toast, brown spices, herbs, a lush texture, and a long finish. A joy to sip.”
“Big whiskey! Mucho flavors. Malty and a bit tannic, this is a nice whiskey with a long, chocolatey finish.”
Cooper’s Ransom Rye
Cooperstown Distillery
Region: New York
Category: Whisk(e)y | 120. Rye, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 51%
Retail Price: $79.99
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“Nice chocolate notes”
“Mellow baking spices on the nose. Dark stewed fruit on the palate. Currents, a little jammy. Fresh bread, rich and deep.”
“Pleasant.”
“Rye is sweet and soft on the front, then the rye signature spices present themselves on the back of the throat. I can drink this all day.”
“Great nose. Bold, sweet and punchy.”
Whisper Premium Rice Whiskey
Burlock and Barrel Distillers of Florida
Region: Florida
Category: Whisk(e)y | 114. American, 100% Rice
Alcohol Content: 45%
Retail Price: $79.99
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“Loved the color and aroma”
“A sweet and fruity floral nose with a touch of lightly toasted wood. Smells as if it were aged in sauternes barrel, light and smooth palate with a woody underbelly, a long finish with a hint of candy corn.”
“Spicy and woody on the palate with an interesting, sweet, and woody finish.”
“Smooth, elegant and unique aromatics. Floral.”
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak
Sagamore Spirit
Region: Maryland
Category: Whisk(e)y | 124. Rye, Straight, Special Barrel Finish, NAS
Alcohol Content: 48%
Retail Price: $59.99
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“I’d drink plenty of this voluntarily.”
“Super mellow nose with notes of baking spices and baked pears.”
Clyde May’s Straight Rye Whiskey
Conecuh Brands
Category: Whisk(e)y | 120. Rye, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 47%
Retail Price: $44.99
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Baking spices and cedar on the nose, black pepper on the palate with notes of eucalyptus and a long spicy finish.”
“Mint aromas dominate with moderate tannins, high pepper and clove with a hint of citrus on the palate, and a hot and sweet finish.”
“Spicy and full.”
“A nice, sweet, pudding nose and a juicy sip that makes the mouth water. Mad rye flavors.”
“Lovely nose that’s light and sweet. The rye is perfectly represented. Smooth texture.”
Taste of Florida Spicy Bloody Mary
Taste of Florida
Region: Florida
Category: Mixers (Non-Alcoholic) | 1200. Bloody Mary
Alcohol Content: 0%
Retail Price: $4.99 – $5.99
Production Volume: 100,001 – 500,000
Tasting Notes:
“Delicious.”
“Like the vibrancy and real spice here.”
“Smells like brunch to me! Nice and spicy, just needs vodka and maybe a squeeze of lemon. Nice spicy lick and fresh flavors.”
“I love the texture this will add to a bloody. Perfect amount of spice that lingers just enough to keep it interesting.”
Sagamore Spirit Signature Straight Rye Whiskey
Sagamore Spirit
Region: Maryland
Category: Whisk(e)y |121. Rye, Straight, NAS
Alcohol Content: 42%
Retail Price: $45.00
Production Volume: 5,001 – 50,000
Tasting Notes:
“Liked this better with each sip. Sweet up front, spicy, and dry in the back. Could stand to be a little higher proof. Is this a Maryland rye?”
“Medium amber in color with medium legs. A light, pleasant nose with a lot of baking spices and a touch of pine and apricot. Smooth on the palate with slight notes of wood and cereal. Burnt toffee on the medium finish.”
“Lovely, woodsy and earthy aromas and manages to be potent yet subtle at the same time.”
“Deliciously light, bright, and sassy. Delicate spicy aroma and a supple palate and finish.”
“Lovely thanksgiving spices, a sweet nose that changes as you inhale its aromas. Nice and smooth on the front, I can drink this all night.”
Gillespie's Sin Gin
Gillespie’s Distillery & Boozewitch Brands
Region: British Columbia, Canada
Category: Gin | 321. Other/New Wave Style Gin
Alcohol Content: 43%
Retail Price: $43.00
Production Volume: <5000
Boozewitch Shrubs
Gillespie’s Distillery & Boozewitch Brands
Region: British Columbia, Canada
Category: Mixers (Non-Alcoholic) | 1206. Other — Shrubs
Alcohol Content: 0%
Retail Price: $12.00
Production Volume: <5000
Tasting Notes:
“Right in my wheelhouse. I really enjoyed it.”
“Good acidity balance, fruits work well together. I like the real juiciness of it.”
“A fine product that definitely is geared up for killer cocktails.”
