The 20 best whiskies of 2023 according to Whisky Advocate

Each year, the Whisky Advocate Buying Guide's team of experts explores a wide selection of whiskies, including rare brands, limited editions, and promising labels potentially available in stores. This list isn't limited to the highest-rated whiskies, as many remain too rare for the general public. Therefore, price and availability are also taken into consideration.

A crucial step in assessing the true value of these whiskies is blind tasting by an international panel. The tasters evaluate the whiskies without knowing the producer, origin, age, or price of each whisky, which is a key element of the evaluation process.

1. Glenglassaugh Sandend
50.5% – Scotland

2. Highland Park Cask Strength (Batch 4)
64.3% – Scotland

3. Westland Garryana (No. 8)
50% – United States

4. Little Book Chapter 7 “In Retrospect”
59.7% – United States

5. Wild Turkey Master's Keep Voyage
53% – United States

6. Maker's Mark Cellar Aged 2023
57.8% – United States

7. Dewar's Double Double 21 year old Mizunara Oak
46% – Scotland

8. Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest
46% – Scotland

9. Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Foursquare
53.5% – United States

10. GlenDronach Cask Strength (Batch 12)
58.2% – Scotland

11. Barrell Craft Spirits 6 year old Cask Strength (Batch 035)
58.7% – United States

12. Blue Run Trifecta
58.5% – United States

13. Hemingway Signature Edition
51% – United States

14. Glenfiddich 12 year old Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish
43% – Scotland

15. Old Elk Port Finished
54% – United States

16. Green Spot Quails’ Gate
46% – Ireland

17. Crown Royal Noble Collection Barley Edition
45%

18. Teeling Wonders of Wood Second Edition Virgin Portuguese Oak
50% – Ireland

19. Fuji
43% – Japan

20. Ezra Brooks 99
49.5% – United States