2022 Liquor Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Spirits

2024 list is coming out in September

Welcome esteemed guests, aficionados, and connoisseurs of fine spirits, to the grand unveiling of the 2022 Liquor Awards. As we gather in celebration of the artistry, innovation, and sheer excellence that define the world of distilled beverages, it is with great pleasure that we present to you the crème de la crème of the spirits realm. Our journey through this year's awards has been nothing short of exhilarating, as our panel of expert judges delved deep into the nuances of each spirit, seeking out those exceptional qualities that set them apart as true gems in a sea of libations.

From the bold complexity of bourbons to the delicate nuances of gins, from the smoky allure of scotches to the vibrant flavors of tequilas and rums, every category has been meticulously explored to unearth the standout performers of the year. Join us as we raise our glasses to these extraordinary spirits and toast to the artistry, passion, and craftsmanship that define the spirit of the 2022 Liquor Awards. Cheers to a journey of discovery and celebration

Whiskey Category

1. Best Bourbon Whiskey:
   • Winner: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
     • Tasting Notes: Rich and decadent with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. A smooth finish that lingers on the palate.
   • Runner-Up: Four Roses Single Barrel
   • Honorable Mention: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
2. Best Scotch Whisky:
   • Winner: Lagavulin 16 Year Old
     • Tasting Notes: Peaty and smoky with hints of dried fruit, spices, and a lingering maritime influence. A complex and satisfying dram.
   • Runner-Up: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
   • Honorable Mention: Ardbeg Uigeadail
3. Best Rye Whiskey:
   • Winner: WhistlePig 10 Year Old
     • Tasting Notes: Bold and spicy with flavors of cinnamon, clove, and rye bread. A well-balanced expression with a long, warming finish.
   • Runner-Up: Bulleit Rye
   • Honorable Mention: High West Double Rye!

Vodka Category

1. Best Premium Vodka:
   • Winner: Belvedere Vodka
     • Tasting Notes: Smooth and velvety with a subtle sweetness and hints of white pepper. Exceptionally clean and perfect for sipping or cocktails.
   • Runner-Up: Grey Goose Vodka
   • Honorable Mention: Ketel One Vodka
2. Best Flavored Vodka:
   • Winner: Absolut Elyx Pineapple
     • Tasting Notes: Bursting with tropical pineapple flavor, balanced sweetness, and a silky texture. Ideal for refreshing cocktails.
   • Runner-Up: Stoli Crushed Ruby Red Grapefruit
   • Honorable Mention: Smirnoff Raspberry
3. Best Craft Vodka:
   • Winner: Hangar 1 Straight Vodka
     • Tasting Notes: Clean and crisp with subtle floral notes and a hint of sweetness from Viognier grapes. A unique and elegant expression.
   • Runner-Up: Tito's Handmade Vodka
   • Honorable Mention: Reyka Vodka

Rum Category

1. Best Dark Rum:
   • Winner: Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
     • Tasting Notes: Rich and velvety with flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits. Complex layers of sweetness and spice.
   • Runner-Up: Ron Zacapa Centenario 23
   • Honorable Mention: Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
2. Best Spiced Rum:
   • Winner: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
     • Tasting Notes: Bold and flavorful with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of oak. Perfect for crafting classic cocktails with a twist.
   • Runner-Up: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
   • Honorable Mention: Kraken Black Spiced Rum
3. Best White Rum:
   • Winner: Plantation 3 Stars White Rum
     • Tasting Notes: Crisp and clean with hints of tropical fruit, vanilla, and a subtle floral aroma. Versatile for mixing in cocktails.
   • Runner-Up: Bacardi Superior Rum
   • Honorable Mention: Don Q Cristal Rum

Gin Category

1. Best London Dry Gin:
   • Winner: Tanqueray No. Ten
     • Tasting Notes: Vibrant citrus notes with a botanical complexity of juniper, coriander, and a hint of chamomile. Smooth and versatile for cocktails.
   • Runner-Up: Bombay Sapphire
   • Honorable Mention: Beefeater London Dry Gin
2. Best American Gin:
   • Winner: Aviation American Gin
     • Tasting Notes: Balanced and aromatic with flavors of lavender, cardamom, and citrus zest. A modern twist on classic gin profiles.
   • Runner-Up: Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
   • Honorable Mention: Hendrick's Gin
3. Best Flavored Gin:
   • Winner: The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
     • Tasting Notes: Herbaceous and complex with botanicals sourced from Islay, including heather, chamomile, and thistle. A unique and captivating gin experience.
   • Runner-Up: Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin
   • Honorable Mention: Bulldog Gin

Tequila Category

1. Best Blanco Tequila:
   • Winner: Don Julio Blanco
     • Tasting Notes: Crisp and agave-forward with hints of citrus and pepper. Smooth on the palate with a clean finish, perfect for sipping or mixing.
   • Runner-Up: Patrón Silver
   • Honorable Mention: Casa Noble Crystal Tequila
2. Best Reposado Tequila:
   • Winner: Herradura Reposado
     • Tasting Notes: Smooth and mellow with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Aged to perfection for a balanced and flavorful profile.
   • Runner-Up: Espolon Reposado
   • Honorable Mention: Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado
3. Best Añejo Tequila:
   • Winner: Clase Azul Añejo
     • Tasting Notes: Rich and complex with layers of caramel, chocolate, and spice. Aged in oak barrels for a luxurious sipping experience.
   • Runner-Up: Don Julio Añejo
   • Honorable Mention: Casa Dragones Añejo

These winners represent the pinnacle of excellence in the spirits world, showcasing the diversity, craftsmanship, and innovation that continue to elevate the art of distillation. Raise a glass to these outstanding liquors and savor the flavors of perfection. Cheers to a remarkable year in spirits!