The Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017

With 2017 drawing to a close, we decided to sit down and come up with a list of our top 10 whiskeys of the year.

However, there are a few of things to keep in mind as you read.

First, this is obviously a subjective exercise – everyone’s palate is different. Second, sadly, we were not able to try every whiskey produced in the world this year. Consequently, this list represents only those products we were lucky enough to sample. Third, we drink primarily bourbon and rye, so there are undoubtedly great Scotch whiskies that we are omitting.  And lastly, cost and availability were not taken into account here – these are simply our favorite pours of 2017. 

With that, on to the Bourbon Sippers top 10 whiskeys of 2017…

  1. Jim Beam Little BookLittle Book Jim Beam Bourbon Sippers

Why we chose it: This is one hot pour. However, a few drops of water tames the heat and helps bring it back into balance. Little Book is an experiment gone well. #10 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

      1. Kentucky Owl Rye

Why we chose it: A bold whiskey that packs all of the flavors you expect from a higher-proof rye. You can debate whether it is worth the price, but KO Rye definitely deserves a spot among 2017’s best. #9 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

  1. High West Bourye

Why we chose it: Previous renditions of Bourye have never really impressed us, but the sweet bourbon and spicy rye notes in this release are expertly balanced. A must-try. #8 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

    1. Rebel Yell 10 year Single Barrel

      Wheated Bourbon Rebel Yell 10yr - Bourbon Sippers

Why we chose it: We have to admit that we weren’t expecting much when we heard about this release. Needless to say, we were very pleasantly surprised. RY 10 is a fantastic wheater, and a steal at $49.99. #7 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.


      1. Knob Creek 25th Anniversary

Why we chose it: Knob Creek 25th is everything we love about the standard single barrel release, but more of it. As a barrel strength offering, this is a truest expression of the brands signature flavor to date.  #6 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

      1. High West A Midwinter Nights Dram Act 5

Why we chose it: A Midwinter Nights Dram is a yearly favorite of ours, and this release didn’t disappoint. Sweet, spicy and rich with dark fruit – MWND is the holidays in a glass. #5 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

      1. Compass Box Double Single

Why we chose it: Compass Box Double Single somehow manages to be both silky smooth and unquestionably bold. This is an intricate, deftly blended Scotch that all whiskey lovers should try. #4 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

      1. George T. Stagg

Why we chose it: Despite its reputation as the bruiser of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, George T. Stagg always manages to be surprisingly smooth. This year is no exception. The 2017 Stagg is unapologetically powerful, but also remarkably nuanced. This is a world-class whiskey. #3 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

      1. William Larue Weller

Why we chose it: The 2017 William Larue Weller is simply a stunning whiskey. The superb balance and complexity of this bourbon shines through from beginning to end, with each sip offering a different assortment of flavors. We have tried nearly every WLW release, and while this may not be the best ever, it isn’t too far behind. #2 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.


      1. Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition Al Young’s 50th Anniversary

Why we chose it: The top whiskey we tried this year, and easily the best Four Roses release since the epic 125th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch. Four Roses Al Young is the perfect balance of sweet, spice, oak and fruity goodness. If you don’t like this whiskey, you don’t like bourbon. We have no idea how Four Roses Al Young didn’t win “whiskey of the year” because it tops our list. #1 on our Top 10 Whiskeys of 2017.

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