Each trip around the sun
seems to go faster than the last. Here we are, at the end of 2022, and it is again
time to hand out the annual Whiskeyfellow
Awards (queue the loud cheering).
If you think this is yet
another list of whiskeys that you’ll never be able to get your hands on, that’s
not how the Whiskeyfellow Awards work. All my reviews are written for the
average whiskey drinker, and my “Best Of” whiskeys are no different. For any
whiskey to qualify for an award, it must meet the following requirements:
It must have been something
I’ve both tasted and reviewed this year. Some reviewers have a team of people
who sip whiskeys all year long and provide their favorites to the “face.” That
person then takes that list and comes up with their favorites. Whiskeyfellow
doesn’t work like that; I’m a one-person shop tasting whiskeys and keeping tabs
on the ones I enjoy the most.
Any winning whiskey must be
reasonably affordable. I tend to put a ceiling of $150.00 for my awarded
whiskeys. That’s about the most I’d pay for a whiskey, and I’d assume the
average whiskey drinker is in that range, too.
It must be pretty reasonable
to get your hands on. I’m not suggesting that you can walk into any liquor
store to find it – the three-tier distribution system makes that promise
impossible beyond Jack Daniel’s Old No.
7, Evan Williams Black Label,
and Jim Beam White Label. But, it
also won’t be something you’d have to sell your soul to see in person, let
alone acquire, and when you do, hopefully, you don’t have some jackwagon
charging many times retail for it.
It cannot be a store pick.
While these are a fantastic way to taste truly unique whiskeys, the average
whiskey drinker outside the store’s or club’s locale typically can’t get their
hands on a bottle.
In my opinion, the bottom line is that for a “Best Of” list to
have any value, it must contain whiskeys you can actually drink.
Otherwise, what’s the point?
I’ve never understood how
reviewers can name the Best Whiskey before the year is close to over (some
publish theirs in September!). That’s why I wait until December to hand out
awards. I can safely say that I’ve found my top whiskeys while still giving you
some time to buy presents if you’re so inclined.
I also occasionally tweak the
categories. Two years ago, I added a Please
Santa? category. It allowed me to point out something genuinely outstanding
that was either extraordinarily difficult to find or way above the average
whiskey drinker’s bankroll. That category carries over into 2022. But, new to
the Whiskeyfellow Awards is The Sleeper
category which reflects a whiskey that came out of nowhere and blew my mind.
And, in what may be a complete shock to anyone who has followed me for more
than a year, there’s a Canadian Whisky
category! Don’t order yet, because if you keep reading, I’ll also include at no
extra charge the Flavored Whiskey
category.
I’ve also eliminated a
category. Strange as it may sound, I’m no longer naming a Whiskey of the Year. The classes I’ve listed are broad and wide.
Simply put, with this breadth, a Best of the Best is pure guesswork and becomes
irrelevant.
I used to include links to my
reviews of what wins in a category. Every year I’ve published my list, a particular
social media platform that shall remain anonymous (cough cough Meta cough cough) has flagged my post and
shut it down, calling it “clickbait.” Last year I stopped doing it, and
magically, no flag was thrown. You can search out any of the reviews of these
whiskeys on my Blog.
This
year, I reviewed somewhere in the neighborhood of 165 whiskeys. While that may
seem like a lot, I’ve not tasted whiskeys from every available niche. If you don’t
see something in the category you’re seeking, it means one of two things
happened; I didn’t drink anything in that category, or nothing from it was worthy
of a “Best Of” award.
Finally, all I care about
is the liquid inside the bottle. It matters not if it is sourced or a brand’s
own distillate.
And now, let’s get to it!
Here’s the best of my #DrinkCurious
journey for 2022:
American
Single Malt
Winner: Copperworks Distilling Co. Release No. 042
Date reviewed: October 19,
2022
Price: $76.49
Release
No. 042 is one of those whiskeys where I don’t really care what it costs
because it is a sipping experience that must be savored. There was nothing to
dislike. The peat was so light that even folks who claim they don’t enjoy peat
will discard that notion. I recommend this American Single Malt to Bourbon
drinkers who aren’t sold on malts – Release No. 042 will change your mind. It
earns every little bit of my Bottle rating.
Runner
up: Hatch Distilling Doc Wahl Straight Single
Malt Whiskey
Date reviewed: September 23,
2022
Price: $40.00
I
am not a coffee drinker, but despite that, I kept coming back to additional
pours of Doc Wahl. I will say this much; if you enjoy espresso, you’re going to
go ga-ga for this American Single Malt. If you’re less into coffee (like me),
you’ll still find this one exciting and attention-grabbing. The pepper at the
end adds a complementary layer that simply works. And, yet, the nose gave no
hints as to what the mouth would expect.
The
$40.00 price is at the sweet spot for authentic craft whiskey, bolstered more
so by its stated proof. I loved Doc Wahl American Single Malt. I believe you
will, too, and that means it has earned every bit of my
coveted Bottle rating.
American
Rye
Winner: Mammoth Distilling Northern Rye No. 01
Date reviewed: November 10,
2022
Price: $74.99
Before
I began this tasting journey, I stated that Northern Rye No. 01 looked unique
on paper. It followed through on that promise, offering me one of the most
unusual palate experiences I’ve encountered. If you’re a fan of Rye, you’re
going to go crazy here. If you’re not big into Rye, this may be the one that
grabs your interest. I enjoyed every bit of this whiskey; I would describe it
as entertaining. Northern Rye No. 01 earns every bit of
its Bottle rating.
Runner
up: JW Kelly & Co Melrose Rye
Date reviewed: December 12,
2022
Price: $60.00
JW
Kelly & Co.’s Melrose Rye is a nice change from the “me too” American Ryes
on the market. There was nothing to complain about. If you like flavorful Ryes,
Melrose does that. If you want a luxurious mouthfeel, Melrose has it. If you
desire a slow-sipping whiskey, Melrose knocks that out of the ballpark. All of
this for $60.00? Are you kidding me? Melrose is what Bottle ratings
are all about.
Bourbon
Winner: Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Date reviewed: June 13, 2022
Price: $59.99
I
may say something that will make you angry, and for that, I apologize. As we
pass the halfway point of 2022, it is time to start considering the cream of
the crop. Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon is one of the best – if not the
best – Bourbon I’ve tasted year-to-date. There’s nothing not to love here. Even
the price is attractive. So, why is that upsetting? Well, it means you’ll have
to travel to or have a friend in Kansas or Missouri to snag a Bottle.
Travel. Make new friends. Trust me.
Runner
up:
Barrell Craft Spirits Vantage Straight Bourbon
Date reviewed: September 2,
2022
Price: $89.99
I’ve
never had a Mizunara-finished whiskey before today. I can’t swear that most of
this experience is directly related to that wood, as there are two others to
contend with, but let’s say that I’m curious about tasting others. The coconut
flavors came through hard, and while that’s something that isn’t overly unusual
with whiskeys, to have it as prominent as Vantage offers is.
Vantage
is also surprisingly easy to sip despite its proof. There is undoubtedly a
spicy component to this Bourbon, but no alcohol burn, which many folks will
appreciate. However, it also sneaks up on you because there is no warning of it
coming before it hits. I’ve been delighted with many of Barrell Craft Spirits'
offerings as of late, and Vantage is no exception. I’d happily fork over the
$90 to have this Bottle in my library.
World
Whiskey
Winner: Starward
Octave Barrels Australian Single Malt
Date reviewed: June 3, 2022
Price: $79.99
The
smaller cooperage was not an issue with this whisky. Perhaps it was due to it
being vintage rather than new. The seasoned oak was different, I loved the
fruity flavors (especially the blueberry), and those Bullseye candies have
always been my favorite. Starward Octave Barrels hit all the nails on the head,
and I can safely say this is one of the top whiskies I’ve tried in 2022. It
steals my Bottle rating. Find it. Buy it. Enjoy it.
Runner
up: Indri-Trīni Indian Single Malt
Date reviewed: March 21,
2022
Price: $60.00
Indri-Trīni
lacks any resemblance to Indian Single Malts I’ve tried from Amrut, Paul
John, Kamet, or Rampur. I’ve loved Indian Single Malts for the last
couple of years, and while decidedly different, this is an attention-grabbing
whisky that is also easy on the wallet. If big, fruity notes are your jam, you
will swoon over Indri-Trīni, and it snags my Bottle rating.
Canadian
Whisky
Winner:
Proof and Wood Good Day 21-Year
Date reviewed: July 18, 2022
Price: $99.99
I’m going to do
something I’ve never done before. I’m going to congratulate Proof and Wood. You
have finally ended my quest for an affordable, drinkable Canadian whisky. Yeah,
in this case, $99.99 is “affordable” when you consider it is 21 years old. I’ve
paid far more than that when it comes to similarly-aged Scotch, and that
becomes almost a Walmart price when you bring Bourbon into the picture. Today
was a good day to drink Good Day, and it snags my Bottle rating.
Runner
up: BEARFACE Triple Oak
Date reviewed: August 31, 2022
Price: $34.99
I
don’t know if it is the base single grain whisky, the French oak finish, the
Hungarian oak finish, or those repurposed shipping containers that did it, but
BEARFACE Triple Oak Whisky is easy to sip and generous on flavor, and it is
just damned good. It earns every bit of my Bottle rating, and I’m
thrilled to have this easy-on-the-wallet Canadian whisky in my library.
Irish
Whiskey
Winner: Limavady Irish Single Malt, Single Barrel
Date reviewed: September 21,
2022
Price: $49.99
Limavady
has a complex nose, an unusually thick mouthfeel, and a spicy, fruity palate.
Its long-lasting finish gently warmed my throat, and I caught myself smiling as
I analyzed the experience. To offer a 46% ABV single malt at $50.00 ranks this
one heck of a bargain, and I can’t think of a single reason why it hasn’t
earned my Bottle rating. On a side note, Limavady is one of the
better Irish whiskeys I’ve sampled this year.
Runner
up: The Irishman Single Malt
Date reviewed: August 10,
2022
Price: $45.00
There
are a lot of 40% ABV Irish whiskeys out there for less than the cost of The
Irishman Single Malt. If you’re shopping based on price, you’ll cheat yourself
out of something special. Even Mrs. Whiskeyfellow took a sip and smiled, then
begged for a second. I’m thrilled to crown this with my Bottle rating
and have this in my whiskey library.
Scotch
Whisky
Winner: BenRiach
Smoke Season Single Malt
Date reviewed: October 12,
2022
Price: $79.99
I’m
a big fan of Islay Scotches, and Smoke Season can compete effortlessly with
several (and win). There’s no way on the planet I would guess this was a
Speyside. After jotting down my tasting notes, I read my review to see how
close this year’s matched up. While the proof was the same each year, I believe
this year’s release trumps the inaugural. This one steals
my Bottle rating.
Runner
up:
Glengoyne 10-Year Single Malt
Date reviewed: May 9, 2022
Price: $37.99
There
are summer days when I want to sit on my back deck and drink something light
and refreshing. Glengoyne 10 is perfect for that occasion. Sans the
peat-craver, there’s something here for any Scotch-lover: lots of fruity
goodness, significant sherry influence, a touch of spice, a lovely texture, and
even those who are price-conscious in this economy yet demand a quality pour.
If you’ve not yet figured it out, Glengoyne 10 grabs my
coveted Bottle rating and runs away with it.
Budget
Whiskey
Winner: Harleston Green Blended Scotch
Date reviewed: August 15,
2022
Price: $24.99
The
first thing I’ll say is I’ve shared this Scotch with a few friends, one of whom
is a well-known distiller. The consensus was it was pretty damned good,
especially for a young whisky. I was well-blended, and while there is a
smoky quality to it, it would not turn off those who dislike peat (or who are
newbies). Harleston Green is a great Scotch to explore if you’re new and
curious. Harleston Green is a tasty gem for those who are more experienced. I have
no doubt that you’ll enjoy this one, as such it earns
its Bottle rating.
Runner
up:
J.W. Dant Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Date reviewed: May 27, 2022
Price: $14.99
JW
Dant Bottled-in-Bond is a reasonably simple Bourbon. For the money, there's
good value. You get notes you can actually identify because they're not muted,
you get a sufficiently complex finish, and while it isn't the best of Heaven
Hill's Bottled-in-Bond bottom shelf program, that shouldn't turn you off. Much
of what's in that program is lovely. This one earns a Bottle rating
from me.
Flavored
Whiskey
Winner: Kurvball “The Original Barbeque Whiskey”
Date reviewed: September 28,
2022
Price: $24.99
Kurvball
is absolutely unlike any Islay whisky that I mentioned at the beginning of this
review. It isn’t anything like a flavored whiskey. It stunned me how natural it
tasted and how much it toyed with my brain and palate. There was no alcohol
quality to it, which puts this in the dangerous category, meaning you
won’t feel the impact of the alcohol until you’re stuck in a chair, wondering
how you got there and how you’re going to get out of it. I smiled the entire
journey. Mrs. Whiskeyfellow tasted it and was impressed. It doesn’t matter that
this doesn’t come across as a whiskey; it still gets my Bottle rating.
Runner
up:
Lonerider Spirits Nutcracker Pecan Flavored Whiskey
Date reviewed: January 21,
2022
Price: $17.95
Several
companies are making pecan-flavored whiskey, but few hit the legal requirements
of whiskey. Most of the flavored whiskeys I encounter are below 80°.
Lonerider’s Nut Cracker does the full Monty with its version. With its
attention-getting flavor, creamy mouthfeel, and welcoming nose, it is easy to
understand that Lonerider wasn’t playing any games when it made this whiskey.
If there ever was one, it is a true dessert drink, and I’m happy to slap
a Bottle rating on it.
Please
Santa?
The GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 11 Single Malt
Scotch
Date reviewed: October 14,
2022
Price: $800.00
I
loved this Scotch. It was yet another example of Dr. Barrie’s immense talent.
The nose, the palate, the finish; each told me this was a luxurious whisky. All
things being equal, this would capture my Bottle rating. The elephant
in the room is the price: $800 is beyond my and many others' means. But
that shouldn’t discount your chance at a dram of Grandeur Batch 11 if you can
find it at a good whisky Bar.
The
Sleeper
J.T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey
Date reviewed: November 11,
2022
Price: $47.00
This
rice whiskey drank at its stated proof and featured more flavor than I would
have ever imagined. As I suspected, it was nothing like the Japanese versions
I’d tried. J.T. Meleck American Rice Whiskey is kinda-sorta like a blend of
Bourbon and Rye. The more I sipped it, the more flavorful it became.
I’m
curious if American rice whiskey will catch on. If J.T. Meleck is an example of
what the category becomes, it’ll be a winner. I commend Mike Frugé for doing
something decidedly different, and I’m thrilled to have this in my whiskey
library. If you’ve not figured it out, it takes
my Bottle rating.
And there you have it; these
are the best whiskeys I’ve tasted in 2022. Lift a glass to the winners and
runners-up, and let’s see what 2023 brings. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my reviews and follow me. I truly appreciate it. Cheers!
Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit
but begs you do so responsibly.
