Whiskey enthusiasts, get ready to embark on a journey through the best whiskeys 2023 the world has to offer. The Whiskies of the World Awards 2023, hosted annually by the Whiskies of the World team, has unveiled its top ten winners. These awards are a mark of distinction in the world of whiskey, representing excellence in aromatics, flavor, and finish. Let's dive into the world of the best whiskeys of 2023.
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| WORLD BEST WHISKIES |
The Whiskies of the World Awards
The Whiskies of the World Awards is a prestigious competition that draws hundreds of entries from whiskey brands around the globe. Each entry undergoes rigorous judging by a panel of esteemed tastemakers and influencers in the beverage industry. With a focus on aromatics, flavor, and finish, the whiskies are evaluated on a 100-point basis. The competition culminates in the selection of one exceptional whiskey as the "Best in Show," a distinction coveted by distilleries worldwide.
The Best Whiskeys 2023
Without further ado, let's explore the top ten whiskeys that stood out at the Whiskies of the World Awards 2023:
Note: These rankings are based on the judges' evaluations and may vary depending on personal preferences.
1. Best in Show: Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 (Indian Single Malt, Haryana)
Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 achieved a resounding victory, securing the prestigious 'Best in Show' Double Gold award at the renowned Whiskies of the World Awards. This win not only raised Indri's profile but also showcased the growing prominence of Indian single malts globally.
In a fierce competition involving over 100 whiskies from across the globe, Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 prevailed through rigorous blind tastings, judged by leading figures in the alcoholic beverage industry. It was crowned the best whisky in its class and ultimately declared the Best in Show, surpassing a field that included hundreds of Scotch whiskies, Bourbons, Canadian whiskies, Australian, and British single malts.
Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023, a peated Indian single malt distilled in traditional copper pot stills with six-row barley and matured in PX Sherry Casks in North India's sub-tropical climate, offers a unique blend of smoky notes and a rich tapestry of flavors, including candied dried fruits, toasted nuts, subtle spices, oak, bittersweet chocolate, and more.
This recognition underscores the excellence and innovation within the Indian whiskey industry, positioning it as a must-try for whiskey connoisseurs worldwide.
2. Balcones "1" Texas Single Malt Whisky - Classic Edition (AMERICAN SINGLE MALT)
Balcones "1" Texas Single Malt Whisky - Classic Edition, a true standout, offers captivating complexity with an enticing aroma of ripe stone fruit, banana, pears, honey, and delicate citrus accents. Its silky, full-bodied palate features notes of toasted bread, fresh butter, and marmalade, while the long, evolving finish evolves from toast and burnt sugar to rich malt and wood flavors, all with a hint of acidity. This whisky blends classic techniques and New World innovation, making it a must-try for those seeking a unique and rich tasting experience. Proudly crafted in Texas, it reflects the state's distilling prowess.
3. E.H. TAYLOR, JR. SINGLE BARREL STRAIGHT KENTUCKY BOURBON WHISKEY (USA BOURBON NAS)
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon, honoring Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr.'s bourbon legacy, secures the third spot. Colonel Taylor, a bourbon pioneer, championed the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 and left an indelible mark on Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Colonel Taylor's innovations, including climate-controlled aging warehouses, endure today. Many barrels mature in Warehouse C, constructed by Taylor in 1881, renowned for ideal aging conditions. Each hand-picked barrel is Bottled in Bond at 100 proof in his honor.
Tasting reveals lightly toasted oak, dried figs, and butterscotch aromas. A harmonious sip blends sweetness with tobacco and dark spices, inviting another taste. The bottle design pays homage to Colonel Taylor.
Wine Enthusiast rates this bourbon 94, recognizing its excellence in the Bottled-in-Bond sector, as noted in Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal. E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Bourbon stands out, securing a top spot at the Whiskies of the World Awards.
4. Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (USA BOURBON >= 10 YEARS)
Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey earns its fourth-place honor for one simple reason – it's an exceptional bourbon with an impressive aroma and flavor that left a lasting impact on the judges.
This bourbon is a testament to the art of careful crafting and patient aging, spending a minimum of ten years in barrels. Its unique qualities shine through in its rich aroma, featuring toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather, and oak. The taste is bold, dry, and oaky, with notes of candied almonds and cocoa, leaving a long-lasting impression. In short, it's an assertive and tactile bourbon that demands your attention.
So, if you're seeking a bourbon experience that's beyond the ordinary, Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a must-try. Fasten your seatbelts for a memorable journey into the world of bourbon excellence.
5. Four Roses Single Barrel: Exceptional Bourbon Craftsmanship (Kentucky, USA)
For those in pursuit of a bourbon that's both complex and unique, Four Roses Single Barrel stands as a testament to exceptional whiskey craftsmanship. At 100-proof, this bourbon exemplifies the art of whiskey-making, with each barrel meticulously hand-selected by our Master Distiller. The result? A bourbon with a distinctive and elegant flavor profile deserving of your appreciation.
Tasting Notes:
Prepare to be enchanted as hints of ripe plum and cherries create a delightful interplay of fruity sweetness, complemented by aromatic notes of dried spice, pear, cocoa, vanilla, and the rich allure of maple syrup. The grand finale is a smooth, delicately long finish that lingers, inviting you to savor every moment.
Four Roses Single Barrel isn't just a bourbon; it's a tribute to the craftsmanship and dedication of our Master Distiller. Each bottle encapsulates the essence of a carefully chosen barrel, making it the preferred choice for those who appreciate the finer nuances of bourbon.
6. Morris Signature Australian Single Malt (Australia)
Morris Signature Australian Single Malt combines tradition and innovation, crafted by the esteemed Morris family known for world-class fortified wines since 1859. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in every drop. Using hand-selected, family-owned fortified barrels, and with the iconic "Aurora" still at the heart of their distillery, Morris whisky reflects its rich heritage. Made from 100% Australian premium malted barley, it matures in Barossa and Coonawarra wine barrels before a finishing touch in Morris fortified wine barrels. Indulge in the heritage and artistry with each and every sip.
7. Old Elk’s Straight Wheat Whiskey (Fort Collins, Colorado)
Crafted by Master Distiller Metze, Old Elk’s Straight Wheat Whiskey stands as a tribute to his artistry. This exceptional creation features a mash bill of 95 percent soft red winter wheat and five percent malted barley, aged for five years.
Challenging conventions, this whiskey offers a vibrant and invigorating sipping experience. It entices with soft aromas of honey, fruit, cherry, vanilla, and oak, while the taste reveals warm notes of peach, dried fig, vanilla, oak, yeasty accents, and a hint of cedar.
Old Elk’s Straight Wheat Whiskey redefines sipping whiskey, inviting you to savor its distinctive character.
8. Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition: The Essence of Tennessee Whiskey (Tennessee, USA)
The Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition embodies Tennessee's whiskey-making legacy. This exceptional whiskey pays homage to Nearest Green, the world's first African American master distiller.
Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green, selects the finest barrels to create this unique blend. These barrels, renowned for their exceptional quality, are blended to perfection for the first time in history.
This whiskey's signature smoothness comes from aging in new American oak barrels, a low barrel entry proof, and sugar maple charcoal filtration. After maturing for a minimum of six winters in Tennessee's rickhouses, it's bottled at cask strength in Shelbyville, Tennessee, preserving Nearest Green's tradition.
The Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition is a testament to Tennessee's whiskey craftsmanship, offering balanced flavors and a captivating aroma. A must-try for whiskey connoisseurs.
9. Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (Tennessee, USA)
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey, bottled at cask strength, stands out for its exceptional quality. While Tennessee isn't known for rye, Uncle Nearest sought the finest rye from New York. Each barrel aged for a minimum of four years in new American oak, following a brief stint in British Columbia.
This whiskey began as an ambitious experiment in 2017: crafting a smooth, flavorful 100% rye whiskey. The result, after patience and dedication, is a resounding "hell yeah." Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye Whiskey exemplifies innovation and excellence in the world of whiskey.
10. Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey (Tennessee, USA)
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Whiskey is a standout among the top ten. It boasts a unique flavor profile bottled at barrel strength, capturing every nuance. Crafted in Tennessee, it embodies the legacy of master distiller Nearest Green. Its unmatched smoothness is a hallmark, thanks to a meticulous triple filtration process. Each bottle offers a distinct tasting experience, reflecting the hand-selected barrels' uniqueness. Indulge in the heritage and artistry with each and every sip.
In Conclusion: Explore Your Whiskey Journey
The Whiskies of the World Awards 2023 have unveiled an extraordinary selection of the world's finest whiskeys. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just starting to explore this rich and diverse spirit, these top ten whiskeys deserve your attention.
It's essential to note that these rankings are rooted in the expert judgments panel. However, whiskey appreciation is a personal journey, and your preferences may lead you in diverse and delightful directions. So, why not embark on your own whiskey adventure? Delight in the flavors that enthrall your senses, and savor each sip as a unique chapter in your whiskey story.
Here's to the world of whiskey, where every glass holds the promise of a remarkable journey. Cheers!
