Best North American Beverage Types
Aguas Frescas are light non-alcoholic beverages made with a combination of fruits, cucumbers, flowers, seeds, and cereals blended with sugar and water. The name translates to fresh water, and it is often sold at bodegas and eateries throughout Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but it can also be found in Mexican cafés and taquerias throughout USA.
Aguas Frescas come in a variety of flavors such as guava, mango, orange, cucumber, lemon, and tamarind, among others. The beverage is most commonly consumed in the summer months, served cold with pieces of fruit and ice.
A unique, pre-sweetened type of espresso that originated in Cuba known as café Cubano is often referred to as Cuban espresso, Cuban coffee, Cuban pull, or Cuban shot. Although it holds a unique status in Cuba, where it traditionally stands as the essential social and cultural beverage, Cuban espresso is also very popular and widely available throughout Latin America and Florida.
It consists of an espresso shot that is sweetened with demerara sugar while being brewed. This espresso variety is made by brewing the darker roasts with sugar, which results in light-brown foam on top of the coffee. Cuban-style espresso is considered a mid-afternoon standard that is typically served alongside a glass of water.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Coquito is a traditional cocktail similar to eggnog. It is typically prepared and consumed during the festive Christmas season. The cocktail is made with a combination of coconut milk, rum, condensed milk, and vanilla, although every family has their own variation.
In order to prepare it, all ingredients should be blended, then chilled and served in small glasses. It is recommended to garnish coquito with nutmeg on top. The name of this drink means little coconut. In Cuba, they serve it with scoops of coconut ice cream, while the Spanish people serve it with turron.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Lava Flow is a Hawaiian cocktail with numerous variations. It can be blended or shaken. The blended version is typically made with a combination of coconut rum, light rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, bananas, and frozen strawberries.
In order to prepare it, rums and strawberries are blended separately from other ingredients, but they are later combined in a collins or hurricane glass so that the strawberries swirl in the drink, creating an effect similar to that of lava flow. If shaken, strawberries and a slice of banana should be muddled in the bottom of a glass, then combined with ice and shaken coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum.
The cocktail is then garnished with a pineapple wedge and a paper parasol, if desired.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Sugary, refreshing, and herbaceous, Mojito is a traditional cocktail based on rum as the key ingredient. It has a relatively low alcohol content (about 10%). Although Havana is considered its birthplace, the origin of this simple cocktail is still disputed.
The original Cuban cocktail recipe includes white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and spearmint yerba buena that grows on the island, but almost every mint variety can be used in the mix if yerba buena is not available. The components of the cocktail are added in a particular order: sugar and lime juice are gently mashed before mint and rum are added to the combination; the cocktail is then briefly stirred and topped with ice and sparkling soda water.
VARIATIONS OF Mojito
MAIN INGREDIENTS
In its basic form, horchata is a rice-based drink made by soaking rice in water, typically together with cinnamon. The combination is blended, usually sweetened, and strained to reach a smooth, creamy texture. Horchata has a long history and most likely European and African roots.
In Latin America, the name is now mostly used as a generic term for a broad category of related drinks—they are based on grains, fruits, seeds, and sometimes even herbs and spices. Horchata most likely originated in Mexico, where it has been known since the 16th century.
VARIATIONS OF Horchata (Mexico)
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Guarapo is a Latin American drink made from raw, pressed sugarcane juice mixed with water, ice, and lots of fresh limes. Most often, the vendors that sell it will extract the sugar cane juice right on the spot using a metal sugar cane press.
The juice drips into a bucket below the press where it’s sieved before serving. It has a slightly sweet flavor, and it’s most popular in the summer as a cold refreshment. The word guarapo was first recorded in the 19th century by Esteban Pichardo, who defines it as a broth or a liquid made from sugarcane juice, extracted under pressure.
Extra añejo tequila variety is matured for at least three years in oak barrels that have a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). Longer aging time creates a drink of exceptional quality, and ultra-aged tequila varieties are typically incredibly complex, with a dark golden hue, and a mellow and long finish.
They are occasionally marketed as Reserva and usually come with a high price tag.
THE BEST Extra añejo tequila Spirits
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Avion Tequila
Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
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Reposado is a tequila variety that has been aged for a minimum of two, and a maximum of twelve months, usually in French or American oak. This tequila is characterized by a pale golden color and mellow agave flavor. It is praised for its complexity and a great, subtle balance of agave and wood aromas.
Reposado is the most common tequila variety enjoyed in Mexico.
THE BEST Reposado tequila Spirits
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Cierto Tequila
Cierto Reserve Collection Reposado
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
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Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Tequila Reposado
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2021, 2022, 2023
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Rum Punch is a classic Caribbean cocktail made with rum, fruit juice, sugar syrup, and water. To prepare it, all you need to do is remember this Caribbean saying: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, and four of weak.” A shot of fruit juice, two shots of sugar syrup, three shots of rum, and four shots of water are combined in a big glass or a jug, then poured into a glass over ice.
It is recommended to add a few drops of bitters or some freshly grated nutmeg to elevate the flavors even further. Garnish it with a pineapple wedge for the best possible experience.
Best North American Beverage Producers
Cierto Tequila is a premium tequila producer renowned for its artisanal approach and commitment to excellence. Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, Cierto sources 100% Blue Weber agave grown in both the highlands and lowlands, ensuring a balanced and complex flavor profile.
The brand emphasizes sustainability and traditional production techniques, including slow cooking in brick ovens and careful aging in French and American oak barrels. Cierto offers a range of luxury tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo expressions, each celebrated for its smoothness, richness, and elegance.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Cierto Tequila Spirits
Uncle Nearest is a premium American whiskey brand that honors the legacy of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States. Known as the mentor to Jack Daniel, Nearest Green's contributions to the whiskey-making process are celebrated through the brand's carefully crafted Tennessee whiskies.
Uncle Nearest is committed to excellence, using a meticulous distillation process and high-quality ingredients to produce rich, full-bodied flavors. The brand has garnered widespread recognition and multiple awards for its dedication to preserving history while creating an outstanding whiskey that stands out in the industry.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
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Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022, 2021
BEST Blanton's Spirits
Ocho Tequila is a renowned producer of high-quality, artisanal tequila, celebrated for its commitment to tradition and transparency. Founded by Tomas Estes, a global tequila ambassador, and Carlos Camarena, a master distiller from a legendary tequila family, Ocho is known for being the first tequila to designate its production from specific agave fields, emphasizing terroir in its flavor profile.
Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, Ocho Tequila is produced using traditional methods, including slow cooking in brick ovens and natural fermentation. Each batch is made from agave harvested in a single estate, showcasing the unique characteristics of the land.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
BEST Tequila Ocho Spirits
High Bank Distillery, based in Columbus, Ohio, was founded by four partners with a passion for quality spirits. Inspired by the historical confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, which led to Columbus's founding in 1812, the distillery produces a range of premium spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Their "Whiskey War" blend has won awards for Best Blended Whiskey in America for three consecutive years at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition to the distillery, High Bank operates restaurants where guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails and modern American cuisine.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
BEST High Bank Distillery Spirits
Henry McKenna, an Irish immigrant, is a renowned figure in bourbon history who established his distillery in Kentucky in the mid-19th century. Known for producing high-quality whiskey, he applied traditional Irish distilling techniques to bourbon.
Today, the Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon is celebrated for its exceptional quality, winning awards for its depth of flavor and smooth finish. It is a product of Heaven Hill Distillery, which continues to honor McKenna's legacy with this premium bourbon offering.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
BEST Henry McKenna Spirits
Mezcal Vago is a producer focused on small-batch, artisanal mezcals sourced from remote regions of Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand collaborates with four master mezcaleros, each using traditional methods passed down through generations. Their mezcals reflect the distinct terroir of the area and the unique craftsmanship of each producer.
Mezcal Vago emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and the deep cultural heritage of mezcal-making.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022, 2020
BEST Mezcal Vago Spirits
Barrell Craft Spirits, founded in 2013 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, is a renowned independent blender specializing in unique, aged, cask-strength whiskeys and rums. The company sources high-quality spirits from various distilleries, meticulously blending them to create distinctive flavor profiles.
Their commitment to innovation and quality has earned them numerous awards from prestigious spirits publications and competitions. Barrell Craft Spirits offers a diverse range of products, including small-batch and single-barrel releases, as well as ongoing series like Seagrass, Dovetail, and Vantage.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2020
BEST Barrell Craft Spirits Spirits
Ten To One Rum is a premium rum brand that celebrates the art of rum-making, offering high-quality blends crafted with care and expertise. The brand is committed to creating exceptional rum that showcases the unique characteristics of Caribbean sugarcane and the craftsmanship behind the distillation process.
The brand represents a fusion of heritage and modernity, making it an exciting option for rum enthusiasts who appreciate quality and craftsmanship.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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The DB & SB Autumn Blind Tasting - Gold
2023
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The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Ten To One Spirits
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, with a rich history of over 200 years. Founded by Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr. and later expanded under George T.
Stagg, the distillery has survived challenges such as floods, fires, and Prohibition, during which it produced whiskey for medicinal purposes. Today, it is known for its wide range of highly acclaimed bourbons and whiskeys, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, and the Pappy Van Winkle line.
Buffalo Trace has garnered numerous awards, emphasizing its commitment to quality and innovation in whiskey production.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Buffalo Trace Distillery Spirits
Best North American Beverages
This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family's whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons.
Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
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SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, named in honor of Colonel Albert Blanton, is a pioneering bourbon with a rich legacy. Crafted from a handpicked, limited supply, this bourbon offers a deep and complex aroma, blending warm nutmeg and spices with dry vanilla notes.
The palate reveals harmonious flavors of honey, bold caramel, and corn, leading to a medium finish where the corn and nutmeg reemerge, leaving a satisfying and lasting impression. First introduced in 1984, Blanton's remains a benchmark as the first Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially, encapsulating both history and exceptional craftsmanship.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is one of the most renowned whiskeys in the world, known for its bold and intense flavor. This bourbon offers rich notes of dark chocolate, caramel, butter, with earthy tones of walnut and hazelnut, while the palate features warm vanilla, oak, and spicy notes.
With a high alcohol content, it delivers a deep and long-lasting finish. Best served neat or with a splash of water, unfiltered and in its purest form.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Cierto Private Collection Extra Añejo is an exceptional tequila, aged for 48 months in rare French Limousin oak casks. This careful aging process gives the tequila a rich and luxurious flavor profile, blending deep notes of tobacco, vanilla, oak, and cherries.
The aroma offers a tantalizing mix of oak, cherry, and cooked agave, while the palate reveals layers of dark chocolate, black cherry, and subtle hints of cognac, creating a refined and complex sipping experience. The finish is smooth and memorable, leaving traces of honey and spice that linger long after the last sip.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel Whiskey is a premium whiskey celebrated for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Named after Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller, this whiskey pays homage to his legacy. Each bottle is crafted from hand-selected barrels aged for at least 11 years, ensuring a rich and full-bodied profile.
This single barrel expression is bottled at cask strength, typically ranging between 108 and 119 proof, preserving its robust character. It features a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of spice, accompanied by a long and smooth finish.
AWARDS
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Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy
2020
Tequila Avión Reserva 44 is the pinnacle of luxury within the Avión portfolio, crafted for those who seek an exceptional tequila experience. This ultra-premium tequila is made from the finest handpicked agave and aged for 43 months in traditional oak barrels.
It is then finished in petite oak barrels for an additional month, adding complexity and depth. The result is a beautifully balanced tequila with a rich and velvety profile. It offers enticing notes of roasted agave, warm vanilla, and baking spices, alongside hints of finely toasted oak and dried fruits.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2020
Sorel Liqueur is a vibrant red liqueur that offers a modern twist on a Caribbean classic. Crafted in Brooklyn, it blends Moroccan hibiscus with Brazilian clove, Indonesian cassia, Nigerian ginger, and Indonesian nutmeg, resulting in a unique flavor profile that balances floral, spicy, and earthy notes.
This artisanal liqueur pays homage to the traditional "sorrel" beverage, a staple across the African diaspora, while introducing a contemporary interpretation that appeals to modern palates.
AWARDS
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NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
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The Liqueur Masters - Gold
2022
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022
AWARDS
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2021
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USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021
Ten To One Caribbean White Rum is a premium rum that offers a smooth, balanced profile with notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, and a touch of citrus. Distilled in the Caribbean, it blends rum from various regions for a versatile spirit, perfect for cocktails like mojitos or daiquiris.
Its clean, crisp finish makes it ideal for mixing or sipping on its own. The rum reflects a modern, refined approach to traditional rum-making.
AWARDS
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SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2021
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The DB & SB Autumn Blind Tasting - Master
2023
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Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
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Heaven Hill Distillery William Heavenhill 9th Edition 15 YO Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 North American Beverages” list until February 19, 2025, 9,704 ratings were recorded, of which 7,659 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.