LiquorHound’s Best Spirits of 2022
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- Опубликовано: 21 дек 2022
- Well, we’ve made it to the end of another year, so allow me to celebrate by listing my favorite spirits of 2022. The bottles shown all made a big impression on me, and hopefully with a little digging, you can still find them. Now if you want to skip straight to a certain category - you’ll miss a lot of great information but here are their time marks: Canadian Whisky 2:30, Irish Whiskey 3:26, Non-Peated Single Malt Whisky 4:33, Peated Single Malt Whisky 7:19, Bourbon Whiskey 10:15, Rye Whiskey 15:18, World Whisky 18:18, Cognac 22:01, Armagnac/Brandy 24:35, Rum 27:45, Tequila 29:59, Mezcal/Agave Spirits 32:08, Gin 34:10, Vodka 35:30.
Bottles shown are: Lot 40 “Dark Oak” Canadian Whisky ($55), Alberta Premium Cask Strength ($80), Gold Spot 9 Year Irish ($150), Dubliner “Double Barrel Cask Select” 6 Year Irish ($60), Glendronach Cask Strength ($100), Craigellachie 17 Year ($150), Craigellachie 13 Year Armagnac Finish ($70), Bunnahabhain 12 Year Cask Strength ($100), Bruichladdich Octomore 13.2 ($275), Balvenie “The Week of Peat” ($170), Port Charlotte 10 Year Heavily Peated ($60-$130), Kirkland Islay Single Malt ($30-$40), Hardin’s Creek “Jacob’s Well” ($150), Benchmark “Full Proof” ($25), Knob Creek 15 Year ($125), Ironroot “Hazmat Harbinger” ($87), Kirkland Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon ($30), Saints Alley “The Nobleman” Rye ($79), Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof Rye ($100), Rossville Union “Barrel Proof” or “Cask Strength” Rye Picks ($70), Westward American Single Malt “Single Barrels” ($100), Yamazaki 12 Year ($150), Rampur “Double Cask” ($90), Nikka “From The Barrel” ($80), Balcones Texas Single Malt “Rum Cask Finish” ($80), Ragnaud-Sabourin “Fontvieiller No.35” Cognac ($155), PM Spirits “Hommage a Yves & Jean-Noel Pelletan” Cognac ($400), Ferrand “Selection Des Anges” Cognac ($200), PM Spirits XO Cognac ($90), Delord Armagnac 1975 ($140), Ararat 25 Year “Charles Aznavour Signature Blend” Brandy ($250), Chateau du Brevil 20 Year Calvados ($160), Darroze 20 Year Armagnac ($90), Holmes Cay “Mauritius 2005” 15 Years in Cognac Casks Rum ($110), The Hampden “Great House” Rum ($100), Doorly’s 12 Year Barbados Rum ($30), Cascahuin Extra Anejo Tequila ($200), ArteNom 1146 Anejo Tequila ($90), El Tesoro Single Barrels Tequila ($60-130), Cuentacuentos “Angel Cruz Robles” Coyote Agave ($125), 5 Sentidos “Tobala - Cuixe” Mezcal ($125), Bonete “Costa” Raicilla ($70), Kyoto “Ki No Bi Sei” Navy Strength Gin ($75), Gray Whale Gin ($35), Sipsmith Gin ($30), Stoli Elit Vodka ($40), Ketel One Vodka ($22), Goodnight Loving Vodka ($20), Roberto Cavalli Vodka ($22)
As always, I want to thank all of my viewers and send a special thank you to my Patreon supporters who’ve helped me keep my independence and allowed me to continue creating these unbiased and honest reviews. So, if you enjoy this content and would like to help keep it afloat, please join us at www.patreon.com/LiquorHound. There you’ll get “Patron Only” bonus reviews, a 2-week head start on hunting all the bottles I review - before they launch on RUclips. You’ll also get add-free videos, be able to message me directly with questions, a private review library (which hasn’t been on RUclips), get some secret tips, and can be eligible for my giveaways.
As of December 2022, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, my “Saints Alley" Bourbons & Rye whiskeys are on Total Wine shelves and customers are really enjoying them (be sure to ask for a sample when you're in the stores)! Currently, our two new Special Editions are also available for a limited time! One is our "Nobleman" Rye Whiskey aged in Tokaji (pronounced Tok-eye) casks - Tokaji is a Hungarian fortified wine (similar to the French Sauternes) that’s barrel aged. The other is a twist on our "Herald" Bourbon. Instead of just finishing the bourbon in Armagnac casks, we've also used some that rested in French Pineau des Charentes casks - “Pineau” is unfiltered grape juice (sometimes lightly fermented) that’s fortified with Cognac and barrel aged. Trust me, both are delicious, and given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to continue releasing whiskeys that we're proud of! Thanks for watching and please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers! 
Хобби
Always love these videos. Good work man.
I was looking forward to this list! Always thorough and informative...
A wealth of information and always a learning experience. Thank you.
I have tried Balcones Peated Single Malt. It's beyond amazing! They know what they are doing over there.
I always look forward to this! There are only a few categories of spirits I generally stick to but the content of this video sparks my interest every year to try new things. Going to look for the Craigellachie bas-arm finish!
I’m so glad you look forward to this! Thank you for being here, happy new year, and cheers!
The spirits of the year videos are my favorite. Well done LiquorHound, been a fan of your channel for years. Keep up the great work. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Glad to hear, and thank you for being a longtime viewer! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. Cheers! 🥃
Thanks for the comprehensive overview. Gives me some pointers in categories I'm not that familar with yet but am looking to explore.
Glad it was helpful! Cheers!
Nice review man. Keep it up!
Thanks for sharing this motherlode of great info. And thanks for your part in Saints Alley! Working on my second bottle of the armangnac finish, and it's glorious. Cheers!
Love to hear that! Thanks for the support, and I wish you Happy Holidays! Cheers!
Fantastic video. Great choices on all. Cheers
I look forward to this list every year.
Great selection, as usual, Chris, and like many viewers I was looking forward to your list & expertise ! Cheers & have Happy Holidays !
Thank you and Happy Holidays to you as well!
Bravo! The rye side of things are maybe the most different from my picks this year. There were some unreal rye whiskies. I’ve got some full proof Nashville Barrel 8 year old rye single barrels this year that hold their own against any rye in resent memory. That malted rye from New Riff was also interesting and has great potential for further aging.
I always look forward to these videos.
Thanks for the unbiased reviews, and cheers!
My pleasure and cheers!
Was excited for this video
I opened The Nobleman on Monday. It will make it till tomorrow night. Thanks for a great year of reviews. Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Ahh nice! Thank you and I hope you have a great holiday season! Cheers!
Yea, indeed. That Heaven Hill 17 sure gave the Heaven Hill 27 a run for its money. But the Parker’s Heritage Double Barreled made me rethink my rankings. Wow, it’s big and extremely delicious. It was a top three for sure. The style of it was right down my alley. You are right, that Roseville Union barrel proof rye 7 year is a heck of a rye and nobody really knows about it. Complex and challenging.
Oh very solid. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Excelent list Chris.
Espero tengas una feliz navidad.
Saludos cordiales. 🥃🥃
Thank you!! ❤
Great Video! Not sure if you’ve tried any but man I am loving the Rye whiskey that Sagamore has been putting out. Great stuff! Will be going to grab a bottle of the iron root from this video.
Yep, they’re a great producer as well! Thank you and cheers!
Merry Christmas Liquor Hound. 🏆🍸🍷🍹🍺
Same to you and cheers!
100%, Saint's Alley Nobleman was the best rye I had in 2022. The Tokaji Cask is such an amazing finish. So much molasses, citrus oil, and tobacco on the nose with this bottle. The taste though, amazing, for me I keep getting deep chocolates, honey, and a bit of sweet fruit (can't quite figure out the fruit note) with that tobacco coming back on the finish.
Great list for 2022! Always a fan of your agave suggestions.
Thank you for the comment and I’m glad you’ve been enjoying it! Happy Holidays and cheers! 🥃
Great video 👏
This is second to none Chris. Keep up the great work! Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Much appreciated! Happy Holidays and to you as well!
Thanks Chris!
Just happened to find a bottle of the nobleman signed by you at total wine today. Can't wait to try
That’s awesome! Enjoy it and cheers!
Great video Chris, aways look forward to these and base my shopping on your recommendations. For vodkas, kind of shocked you didn’t have beluga. It has been your top vodka for the past 3-4 years I believe. Did they lose to stoli this year? Unbelievable.
Beluga is probably still a very tasty vodka, but pretty much all the Russian vodkas have been pulled from stores in my area. But the ones I named were all very good and could probably give Beluga a good run. Cheers!
Well over the past few days picked up the Hardins creek Jacobs Well, the Glendronach cask strength 10 and the gold spot. Thanks for the reviews!
My number one bourbon was Lucky Seven Proprietor 14yr found 3 different single barrel bottling and all were fantastic. And my number one scotch was Archives Ben Nevis 21 whisky base: 135977. 😋🤯
Ohh, I’m sure that Ben Nevis was delicious! Unfortunately I missed out on the Lucky Seven 14’s, but congratulations on picking up the others! Cheers to a great new year! 🥃
Chris, your perennial vodka favorite - Siberian-made Beluga Transatlantic - is now made and exported out of Montenegro with imported grains and local water. When you get your hands on some I look forward to your perspective: Siberian vs Montenegro Beluga. Montenegro began shipping product in April 2023.
Thank you for that information! As soon as I see a new one, I’ll give it a try. Cheers!
Love elit! Still my favorite over beluga and different purity vodkas. Any higher end vodka you would recommend over elit?
25$ for a yamazaki 12yr long time ago?!! Even for a $150 that yamazaki is still a winwin😁 that one is around 300$ now 👌👌👍👍✌️🍻🥃😎 octo13.2 is a boss 🚬 🤤🤤
Love the content, if you take requests I would love to see you review The Boss Hog Siren’s Song and The Tears of Lorona Tequila.
I’ll try and see if a friend has that Boss Hog - so I can borrow it to review. Thanks for the recommendations and cheers!
Hi Chris-
Thanks for spending time with me today at Ironroot. I didn’t get a picture of that Cognac we tasted. Can you tell me what it was?
-Greg Evans
You’re welcome Greg and thanks for coming by! We tried the A.E. Dor Fine Champagne XO. Cheers!
Thanks for the great episode, super informative as always. 2 quick questions:
- Have you tried the Coppersea Straight Rye from upstate NY?
- Did anything from Kavalan grab you attention in 2022?
You’re welcome! I haven’t had that rye and did try a few things from Kavalan this year including the Triple Sherry, but unfortunately they weren’t able to snag a spot on this years “Best of” list. I still may review that Triple Sherry fairly soon though. Cheers!
Nice one
I am curious, about how many different spirits do you taste for the whole year? Great list as well.
It’s in the 2k range. Thank you and cheers!
Thanks for this. I’ve used this list in past years to fill openings in my bar and not been disappointed. Question: what’s the difference between a 100% corn whiskey white dog and vodka made with corn?
Mainly the proof it comes off the still. Maximum for corn whiskey (and bourbon) is 160 proof. Vodkas come off at 190 proof and are then watered down. Cheers!
11:37 Benchmark Full Proof is a Baby BTAC Stagg Jr! I felt like I was outcasted from the whisky society for recommending this bottle. I keep it to myself now, and continue to purchase one every time I see it on the shelves.
_The_ best !
Heaven Hill 17 was the best bourbon I had this year and one of the best I have ever had period!
Is that the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 17 year?
@@JasonJeckers yes
Yessss stolichnaya elit ❤️
It deserved it! Thanks for watching and cheers!
You’re the only one that I’ve seen who actually likes the Hardins Creek Jacob’s well bottle design haha
I’m more in love with what’s inside the bottle. Cheers! 😉🥃
Could we get absinthe added to the list?
With your amazing breadth, I'm shocked you don't have a Baijiu category, since it is the highest selling spirit in the world by far! (you could have several Baijiu categories based on aroma profile type)
To be honest, I’m not very versed in Baijiu - since we don’t get very much of it in my area. I have tried Kweichow Moutai, but it didn’t really do it for me. Idk, maybe I just haven’t tried the right profile yet? Thanks for the comment and cheers!
@@LiquorHound Sauce aroma does have a very bizarre high ester fermentation profile that is probably as off putting for most people as Hampden is. The other two major Sorghum styles are a bit lighter, and then of course there are the rice spirits. Cheers and thanks for the fun videos!
@@LiquorHound Baijiu is a rather challenging spirit for people who aren't accustomed to it. I live in California, so I have no trouble finding it and have tried many different varieties, but it might not be so readily available in many other parts of the country. Kweichow Moutai is one of my favorites, but it certainly isn't for everyone. I've seen it almost induce vomiting in people who aren't ready for it. Baijiu made from rice is probably the most approachable style but isn't the easiest to find. Higher quality examples of the "light fragrance" type, including gaoliang/kaoliang and erguotou, are good introductions to sorghum-based baijiu, as they are a bit less in-your-face than the "strong fragrance" and "sauce fragrance" types. I've heard horror stories about the dirt-cheap, low end erguotou that is sold in flimsy plastic bottles in China, but the stuff that makes it to the United States seems to be at least decent quality. I've always found it to be an enjoyable and refreshing drink. If it seems too potent neat, try it chilled or on the rocks, and try pairing it with food.
great sri lanka 🥂🥂👍
Hmmm. Interesting scotch choices. Perhaps reflective of the relative limited choice on the shelves in Texas.
Where was your lowlands and speysides of the year?
Sound is low but good reviews as always
Adjustments will be made. Thank you and cheers!
Any thoughts on Sash & Fritz vodka?
I haven’t had it, but If I can get one, I’ll include it in my next lineup review. Cheers!
Hey you actually cut gin off in the timestamps listed in the description brother. It's really like 34:10
Thank you for letting me know! 👊
Have you tasted Indian Single Malt Whiskies? You can review them as well.
if i had that home bar it would be RIP
Camera quality is great - sound is way too quiet though.
Adjustments will be made. Cheers!
sound was a tad low
Audio's a little low coach
10:15 begin bourbons
we should do a video together, I have my own opinion but you have tried more would like to see you at your craft
434👍
Guys I just spent a month in Japan. Suntory and Nikka are pulling from substandard casks IMHO. It will be a few more years yet 5-8 before production gets back to early-2000's standards. Nikka From The Barrel is repackaged Ben Nevis and does not pass the new "Japanese Whisky" standard. Yamazaki 12 is a shadow of it's former self. Look for Ichiro's Malt Peated it's AMAZING.
Solid information! Thank you and cheers!
@@LiquorHound I tasted quite a few Japanese whisky’s on the trip and was disappointed with the quality. A few notable exceptions for established but 2nd tier distilleries but the best I found were some Springbank bottlings 😂
@liquorhound or anyone tell me what type of shelves those are the liquor is on?
Mine are the Wide Span Storage Racks from Uline. I added 2 shelves per unit and my own lighting. Each shelf is rated at 1400 pounds - so it’s more than enough. Just make sure your floors can handle the combined weight. Cheers!
@@LiquorHound thanks a lot!
@@LiquorHound one more question…what lighting options did you utilize?
At the time, I just used separate led strip lighting (similar in size to a T-5 linear fluorescent bulb) and wired each shelf’s lights together into one plug (that plugs into a remote controlled outlet plug). Nowadays you can probably get an easier plug and play “daisy chain” set of led strips to use. I hope that helps and cheers!