TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spirit Types in the World
Often dubbed as the whisky center, Speyside is one of five official Scottish whisky regions. Although it is geographically a part of Highlands, this area is a separate appellation, because of the large concentration of distilleries and the high-quality single malts that come from the area.
Whiskies that are produced in the region are less peaty than other styles, but their character can vary from floral and fruity to rich and spicy. Although they were once similar to the robust styles in the Highlands, most distilleries in the area have shifted their focus on lighter and sweeter styles that display classic flavors of vanilla, apple, honey, oak, and dry fruit.
THE BEST Speyside whisky Spirits
Longmorn
Longmorn 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet 15 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2021, 2020
Extra old Cognac label is the one with a blend that has been aged the longest. Although the previous legislation stated that XO needs to be at least six years old, new categorization, which will be fully implemented by March 31, 2019, will indicate that to be labeled as an XO, the blend will have to be at least ten years old.
However, the age limitation only signifies that the youngest in the blend is six (ten) years old, but when it comes to XO most blends are significantly older than that. XO Cognac should always be served neat in a snifter glass, and are best enjoyed as a digestif.
THE BEST XO Cognac Brandies
Martell
Single Cru Grande Champagne XO
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Domaine du Chêne
Jean Doussoux Cognac XO N°20
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2021
Courvoisier
Cognac XO Royal
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Tsikoudia is a Cretan spirit that is distilled from fermented grape pomace (strafylo)—the solid remains that are left after the grapes have been pressed. Tsikoudia is traditionally distilled in October and November, usually in small, family-owned copper stills.
The final product is a clear, potent, and colorless drink with an alcohol content that can vary from 40 to 65% ABV. Tsikoudia is similar to tsipouro, another pomace spirit that is produced in other parts of Greece. Unlike tsipouro, tsikoudia is typically distilled only once, which helps preserve flavors and aromas.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Viljamovka is a type of fruit brandy (rakija) that is distilled from Williams pear. This mellow and aromatic spirit is produced and enjoyed in several Balkan countries. It is often regarded as the finest type of fruit brandy produced in the region.
Viljamovka is made with fresh, ripe pears that are fermented before they are distilled. The result is a clear and colorless spirit that typically has an intensive pear aroma, mellow flavor, and a long, warming finish. Viljamovka is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif.
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
Avion Tequila
Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Añejo is a tequila variety that has been matured for at least one year in oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). The barrels are occasionally those once used for bourbon or cognac. This resting period in these barrels imparts a slightly darker golden hue to Añejo tequila, while its aromatic profile becomes more complex, and usually displays aromas of spices and vanilla.
THE BEST Añejo tequila Spirits
Don Fulano
Añejo Tequila
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2022
Sazerac Company
Expresiones del Corazón William Larue Weller Añejo
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2023
Cierto Tequila
Cierto Reserve Collection Añejo
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold 2024, 2023
Slavonian plum brandy is the most popular drink in eastern Croatia. It is distilled from locally grown fresh and ripe plums such as Bistrica, which have been cultivated in the region for centuries. This clear drink can range from light yellow to amber in color, depending on whether it is aged in Slavonian oak.
It is characterized by harmonious aromas of plums and a long finish, while its alcohol content may range from 37.5 to 42.5%. Slavonian šljivovica is not merely a drink, it is deeply integrated into Slavonian tradition, and no special event or gathering is complete without a shot of well-chilled šljivovica.
Considered to be one of the first grape brandy varieties produced in France, Armagnac originated in Gascony, a historic area now divided between the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. The first written records on Armagnac date back to the 15th century, when it was mainly used as a stomach remedy.
Although the predominant grape is Ugni Blanc, ten different grapes are allowed in its production, and since the 19th century, Armagnac is almost always distilled once. The final blend is then aged in oak casks for a minimum of two years. Maturation provides Armagnac with the signature complex flavor, and while young varieties show vanilla and honey notes, matured versions are typically characterized by the flavor of roasted nuts, licorice, and tobacco.
THE BEST Armagnac Brandies
Domaine Du Grand Comte
Hors D’age
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Domaine Du Grand Comte
Napoleon
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Château du Tariquet
Pure Folle Blanche 15 YO Bas-Armagnac
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Armagnac Gold Trophy 2020
Chateau de Laubade
Cask Strength 1994 Bas Armagnac
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy 2022
Ortolan
De Sable XO Armagnac
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2024
Dark rum is probably the most complex and confusing rum category. The term is often differently explained, but it is mostly used to classify longer-aged rum styles with more pronounced flavors. Although the color is primarily attained from long-term aging in charred sherry or bourbon barrel, it can also be obtained from different distillation techniques, longer contact with molasses, and the addition of caramel.
To add to the confusion, the term dark rum is sometimes used to distinguish it for clear, white rum or to denote Demerara rum from Guyana. Good-quality dark rum can be appreciated neat, but it is also used in cocktails to provide a somewhat heavier element and more flavor.
THE BEST Dark Rum Spirits
Ten To One
Black History Month Artist Edition
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
William Grant & Sons
Wood's 100 Old Navy Rum
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2016, 2014, 2012
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
Cierto Tequila
Cierto Reserve Collection Reposado
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Tequila Reposado
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2023, 2022, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spirit Producers in the World
Redbreast is a brand of single pot still Irish Whiskey produced by the Irish Distillers subsidiary of Pernod Ricard. It was originally bottled by Gilbey's, a Dublin spirits merchant using distillate sourced from Jameson's Bow Street Distillery.[1] In the 1980s, the brand was purchased by Irish Distillers, the producer of Jameson.
It is the largest selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021, 2020
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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Cierto Tequila Spirits
Highland Park Distillery, located in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, Scotland, is one of the oldest distilleries in the country, founded in 1798. Known for its distinctively rich and smoky single malt whiskies, Highland Park combines traditional craftsmanship with the unique influence of Orkney’s coastal climate and local peat.
The distillery's whiskies are celebrated for their balance of heather honey sweetness and aromatic peat smoke, crafted using time-honored methods and aged in sherry-seasoned oak casks.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST Highland Park 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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022, 2021
BEST Blanton's 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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
BEST High Bank Distillery Spirits
Plantation Rum is a distinguished rum brand known for producing high-quality spirits with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and distinctive flavors. It is part of the Maison Ferrand family, a renowned producer of fine spirits, including cognac.
Plantation Rum is sourced from various regions around the world, including the Caribbean and Central America, where it is distilled using time-honored methods and aged in a combination of tropical and European barrels to enhance its complexity and character.
Plantation Rum is celebrated for its range of expressions, from rich, spiced varieties to more delicate, fruity offerings. The rum is crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of the sugarcane and the aging process, with each bottle reflecting the terroir of its origin.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold
2023, 2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Plantation Rum 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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
BEST Tequila Ocho Spirits
Loch Lomond Whiskies is a renowned Scottish whisky brand, celebrated for its high-quality single malt and blended whiskies. Based near the iconic Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands, the distillery draws inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and pure water source, which contribute to the distinct character of its whiskies.
The brand is known for its innovation in whisky production, utilizing unique distillation methods. One of their signature techniques is the use of a custom-designed still, called the “Loch Lomond still,” which allows for a wide range of flavor profiles, from rich and fruity to smooth and smoky.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023
Distilleria Sibona is one of the oldest distilleries in the Piedmont region, located in the heart of Roero. It is renowned for its artisanal production of grappa, utilizing fresh pomace from prestigious local wineries. Sibona holds a unique historical distillation license and prides itself on its deep connection to traditional methods while incorporating modern techniques to ensure high-quality products.
Their grappa is aged in various types of barrels, including those used for sherry, port, and whiskey, enhancing the flavor profile and creating distinctive spirits.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2022, 2021, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Distilleria Sibona Spirits
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spirits in the World
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2023, 2022
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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
Knappogue Castle offers a distinguished range of limited-edition single malt Irish whiskeys, each showcasing unique aging processes and cask finishes. Notably, the Knappogue Castle 21 Year Old Single Malt is a marriage of two single malts—one aged 23 years and the other 21 years—both matured in ex-bourbon casks.
This expression is non-chill filtered and bottled at 92 proof, delivering a soft and mellow taste with malty richness throughout.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
With a desire to innovate and introduce a unique style of gin to Brazil, BEG developed the BEG New World Navy Gin. With 54% alcohol content, this gin contains over twice the juniper of the BEG Brazilian Boutique Dry Gin. Part of the ingredients is infused via steam extraction, while another part is macerated for 24 hours, as in the original recipe.
The result is a gin with greater complexity in aroma and flavor, ideal for enhancing your favorite drink.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024
Bartender Spirits Awards - 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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
The Highland Park 21-Year-Old 2022 release is a complex and mature whisky crafted from 14 casks laid down in 2000 and earlier. It opens with aromas of espresso, dark chocolate, and marmalade, followed by ginger and oriental spice from sherry-seasoned oak.
Sweet citrus and cedar notes from ex-bourbon barrels add complexity, with heather-infused peat smoke tying it all together. It's an exceptional example of Highland Park's craftsmanship, combining three distinctive cask types.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
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
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
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 Spirits in the World” list until March 26, 2025, 7,678 ratings were recorded, of which 5,335 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.