Discover the Top 10 Whiskies of 2023!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About Original Grain watches
3. The Best Whiskies of 2023
   1. Honorable Mentions
   2. 10th Place: Ry 3 Cigar Series
   3. 9th Place: 13th Colony Batch
   4. 8th Place: Stagg Jr.
   5. 7th Place: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C 923
   6. 6th Place: Maker's Mark Seller AG 2023 Release
   7. 5th Place: Blanton's Straight From the Barrel
   8. 4th Place: Parker's Heritage Double Barrel Blend
   9. 3rd Place: EH Taylor Barrel Proof
   10. 2nd Place: M10 Year
   11. 1st Place: 13th Colony Double Oak
4. Conclusion

The Best Whiskies of 2023

Welcome back to another episode! Today, I'm very excited to talk about the best whiskies that I had in 2023. This year has been a great year for bourbon and rye whiskies, and I can't wait to share my top 10 picks with You. But before we dive into that, I want to thank our video sponsor, Original Grain. If you haven't checked out their watches, you're missing out. These watches are crafted with precision and style, using unique materials like reclaimed whiskey barrels and military ammo crates. You can get up to 40% off your order this holiday season by using the code ROW at checkout on their Website.

I also want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our Patreon community and all of our patrons. Your support has been tremendous, and I can't thank you enough for being a part of Whiskey Row. Now, let's get into the 10 bottles that made it to the top of my list for 2023.

Honorable Mentions

Before we jump into the top 10, I want to mention four whiskies that didn't quite make the cut but are still worth mentioning. The first one is the Old Forester Blue label store pick. This 132-proof bourbon is incredibly delicious with its rich flavors and high proof. Next up is the Old Jet Brothers from 2023, coming in at 114.4 proof. This whiskey has a unique taste of cinnamon Red Vines and is worth trying if you can get your hands on it. The Bown Bourbon Company's collaboration with Four Square Rum is another honorable mention. This rum-finished bourbon impressed me with its brown sugar notes, although it had a slight bitterness that held it back. Finally, we have the Jack Daniel's single barrel barrel proof rye. This 133.5-proof rye is a great addition to Jack Daniel's lineup and offers a unique flavor profile.

Now, let's dive into my top 10 whiskies for 2023.

10th Place: Ry 3 Cigar Series

In 10th place, we have the Ry 3 Cigar Series. This is the first version of the cigar series released by Ry, and it comes in at 121.2 proof. This whiskey is triple cask finished in Madeira, rum, and Nanha casks, resulting in a delicate and flavorful spirit. Despite its high proof, it is surprisingly sippable with subtle rye and orange notes. This whiskey pairs exceptionally well with a cigar, making it a must-try for cigar enthusiasts.

9th Place: 13th Colony Batch

Coming in at 9th place is the 13th Colony batch. This specific pick was a Whiskey Row exclusive, and it has impressed me with its unique flavor profile. It comes in at 113.9 proof and offers a departure from the typical 13th Colony style. While it may not immediately taste like a 13th Colony bottle, it is incredibly delicious and interesting in its own right. This bottle showcases the creativity and quality of 13th Colony distillery.

8th Place: Stagg Jr.

Taking the 8th place on my list is Stagg Jr. This particular bottle, 23A, stood out as a solid version of Stagg Jr. Though it may not be the best Stagg Jr. I have ever had, it still offers enticing flavors of red berries, cola, and brown sugar. While it may not have the same depth as some of the higher-ranking bottles, it is a great representation of Stagg Jr.'s quality.

7th Place: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C 923

In 7th place, we have Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C 923. This 133-proof bourbon features a blend of 13E and 7MON barrels, resulting in a complex and delicious whiskey. With its almond extract, nuttiness, and rich caramel and vanilla flavors, this bottle showcases the best of Heaven Hill distillery. If you can find it, I highly recommend giving it a try.

6th Place: Maker's Mark Seller AG 2023 Release

Taking the 6th place is Maker's Mark Seller AG 2023 Release. This bottle stands out as the best Maker's Mark I have ever had. While I have been critical of the brand in the past, this particular release has impressed me with its depth and complexity. It comes in at 115.7 proof and offers a fantastic sipping experience. If Maker's Mark continues producing bottles like this, they will earn back my respect for sure.

5th Place: Blanton's Straight From the Barrel

Coming in 5th place is Blanton's Straight from the Barrel. This particular bottle is a blind sample that was sent to me by a generous member of the Whiskey Row community. Although I don't know the dump date, this bourbon delivers exceptional flavors. It may not be as berry-forward as some other Buffalo Trace products, but it shines with its balanced caramel and vanilla cream notes. If you have the chance to try Blanton's Straight from the Barrel, I highly recommend it.

4th Place: Parker's Heritage Double Barrel Blend

In 4th place, we have Parker's Heritage Double Barrel Blend. This bottle holds a special place in my heart as it was a gift from a supporter. With a blend of 13-year and 15-year bourbons, this 132.0 proof bourbon delivers a delightful experience. It offers beautiful caramel and vanilla notes, and the combination of aged bourbons creates a unique and Memorable taste.

3rd Place: EH Taylor Barrel Proof

Taking the 3rd place is EH Taylor Barrel Proof. This 131.0 proof bourbon from 2023 is simply phenomenal. With its high proof, it packs a punch, but the berry sweetness and underlying flavors of vanilla cream make it a truly enjoyable sip. EH Taylor Barrel Proof continues to impress me year after year, and this release is no exception.

2nd Place: M10 Year

Coming in at 2nd place is M10 Year. This 94.4 proof bourbon holds its own against the high-proof contenders on this list. It may not have the same proof as the others, but it compensates with deep, rich flavors. This bourbon has a distinct musty barrel character that sets it apart from the rest. Its age is uncertain, but it doesn't matter because it tastes fantastic. If you can find the 2023 release of M10 Year, I highly recommend giving it a try.

1st Place: 13th Colony Double Oak

And finally, in 1st place, we have the 13th Colony Double Oak. This bourbon, with its proof of 136.88, is a true winner in my book. It offers an intense and complex experience with its dense, rich flavors of dark plum, caramel, and butterscotch. This bourbon is well-balanced, despite its high proof, and it deserves its spot at the top of the list.

In conclusion, these are my top 10 whiskies of 2023. Each bottle offers a unique and exceptional experience, showcasing the best of what the bourbon world has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey aficionado or just getting started on your whiskey Journey, I hope you find the opportunity to try some of these outstanding bottles.