The Whiskey Wash’s 2021 Whiskies Of The Year

on this brown spirit type.””,””sameAs””:[“”https://thewhiskeywash.com””,””https://www.facebook.com/thewhiskeywash/””,””https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninomarchetti””,””https://twitter.com/whiskeywash””],””url””:””https://thewhiskeywash.com/author/thewhiskeywash/””}]} Skip to content Home Reviews Articles American Bourbon Canadian Irish Scotch World Drinks Subscribe About Our Team Advertise Partners Whiskey Review Submission Guidelines Contact Us Search website Home Reviews Articles American Bourbon Canadian Irish Scotch World Drinks Subscribe About Our Team Advertise Partners Whiskey Review Submission Guidelines Contact Us Search website Search… Search The Whiskey Wash’s 2021 Whiskies Of The Year Nino Kilgore-Marchetti . Like I said above, it is reminiscent of drinking a bottle of wine, so maybe this bottle will turn the wine drinkers into whiskey lovers. Because of the savoriness, I highly recommend pairing it with a charcuterie board.” Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2021-02 “Tagalong Batch” – “This is one of the better high-proof bourbons I’ve had the pleasure of tasting. It is very clear that Booker’s Bourbon takes pride in its output, and I think Master Distiller Noe pulled these barrels at the perfect time. There is a subtlety to the bourbon that warms the belly without burning the palate, so all the nuanced flavors come through and gently move through different iterations. One sip will be robust, another will highlight the vanilla, another, perhaps with a drop or two of water, will open to perfectly feature the white oak. It’s a well-made bourbon from a brand that knows its purpose.” Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Batch B521) – “This is everything you can ask for in a barrel proof bourbon. The sweetness doesn’t overwhelm, but is enough to balance the strength of the sip. It’s good with a touch of water to lighten it up, but if you’re a barrel proof fan like I am, you won’t want anything to come between yourself and the whiskey.” Rampur Double Cask, one of our 2021 whiskies of the year (image via Talia Gragg/The Whiskey Wash) Canadian Cooper Spirits’ Lock, Stock, & Barrel 20-Year Rye – “For a 20-year-old rye in American oak, the wood does not overpower the rest of the palate. While there are dessert-like flavors, the rye is not overly sweet or syrupy. The rye spice is not too hot and is balanced with the ABV so it does not burn. I’m really impressed and find few faults with this whiskey, but I cannot say I have ever not enjoyed a dram of Lock, Stock, & Barrel. As for the price, you are paying for the age statement, but it is a fair deal, so buy a bottle if you find it. “ Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye – “Right out of the gate, this one will punch you in the face. It’s big, boozy, and raw. As is, the whisky can come off as pretty simple with simple, pronounced flavors. I tasted this one a few times to figure it out. Always solid, but definitely benefits with the addition of water or ice to take things down a notch. With a little dilution, there’s more levels of flavor and accents of what you may have already picked up.” Crown Royal Noble Collection Rye Aged 16 Years – “If you like rye, I think you’ll like this selection. I would encourage those with preconceived notions about Crown Royal to push past that and give it a shot. The whisky matured nicely, bottled at a mellow, lovely lower proof. This would also work well with a favorite mixer, I’d like to try it with a Cherry Coke as I feel it would accentuate the stone fruit and vanilla of the whisky.” Michter’s 10-Year-Old Rye, one of our 2021 whiskies of the year (image via Debbie Nelson/The Whiskey Wash) Irish Writers’ Tears Cask Strength – “Honestly, if I were blindfolded, I would not be able to tell this was an Irish whiskey. The mouthfeel is velvety and the whiskey is more mellow. It is not hot at all, even with the 54.5% ABV. The price point for this premium Irish whiskey is decent. If you, or you have a friend who, cannot get into Irish whiskies, I suggest trying Writers’ Tears. The Cask Strength is limited, but definitely worth a try.” Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey – “The flavors are subtle but balanced. Not too sweet, not too hot, just a pleasant easy drinker that will leave you with a smile. Though it does not pack a punch as the original Fighting 69th was known for, it is a lovely example of the Irish tradition of blended distillation and well worth your time and palate.” Writers’ Tears Florio Marsala Cask Finish – “This whiskey begs to be paired with food. Though it could compliment any course, I would pair it with antipasti style foods. This bottle would be right at home in your picnic basket on a bright, sunny day.” Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye, one of our 2021 whiskies of the year (image via Kenji Mizumori/The Whiskey Wash) Scotch BenRiach The Thirty – “The bright headiness of this expression emerges after the first, almost (delightfully) violent impact. If a symphony is for the ears, then this is a whisky for the tastebuds. At the price point, obtaining this bottle would be a stretch for many, but is not entirely inaccessible and compares favorably to Scotches of similar age. It would be a worthy addition to any budding or established collection.” Glenfiddich Grande Couronne – “I don’t think it’s a secret by now that I was thoroughly impressed with this tasting. I was given a small amount, but I’ll be savoring every sip. It’s on the higher end of a pretty penny, but I believe this will be a conversation starter at any dinner party–if you like your friends enough to share.” Ardbeg “Arrrrrrrrdbeg!” – “If I seem stumped by this whisky it’s because I am. From the color to the finish, this is a truly unique expression. There is a world of complexities within the spirit that emerge different with each tasting. I highly recommend trying it if you can get your hands on it, share it with a group of friends and see what each of you can get out of it. Then come back and share, I’d be curious to hear. “ Glenfiddich Grande Couronne, one of our 2021 whiskies of the year (image via Glenfiddich) World Stauning Rye Whisky – “Not entirely dissimilar from other small distillery, terroir-oriented ryes I’ve tasted, and can certainly hold its own in quality. A particular distinction is the lack of overt sweetness or grassiness that often defines a rye. This whiskey has a little something in common with aquavit – which seems to be the idea, considering Stauning calls it “a liquid interpretation of freshly baked Danish rye bread.” I’ve heard beer called liquid bread before, but as for me, I’ll take the whiskey version.” Mithuna by Paul John – “One of my favorite tastings in a long time, Mithurna by Paul John is a special occasion spirit. It is on the expensive side, but there is a complexity of flavors that elevate the whisky from an ordinary tasting to a unique one.” Rampur Double Cask – “If you’re not drinking Indian whisky you should. This is absolutely delightful. While in the style of a Scotch, there are flavors coming through here that you won’t find as commonly in Scotch. It’s also remarkably drinkable. I’d take this whisky over diamonds any day.”