LiquorHound's Best Spirits of 2018
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- I want to thank all my viewers for another great year! Here I present my favorite spirits of the 2018. As always, I like to award the bottles that made a big impression on me yet are somewhat available and not insanely overpriced.
Bottles shown are:
Craigellachie 23 Single Malt ($275), Craigellachie 13 Single Malt ($50), Deanston 2008 Bordeaux Single Malt ($60), Bunnahabhain PX Finish Single Malt ($100), ’17 Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength ($125), Redbreast 21 ($275), Old Forester 1910 Bourbon ($55), Early Times Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon ($30), Untitled Whiskey No. 8 Bourbon ($85), Murray Hill Club Special Release #2 Bourbon ($150), WhistlePig Single Barrel ($85), Knob Creek Rye Single Barrel ($45), Sazerac Rye ($45), Dove Tale 2 Year Florida Rum ($35), Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum ($30), Gran Patron Smoky ($200), Don Cayo Extra Anejo ($85), Gracias a Dios “Del Cura” Mezcal ($55), Méry Melrose “XO” Cognac ($80), Méry Melrose “Ancestral” Cognac ($250), Hine XO Cigar Reserve Cognac ($100), Baron Gaston Legrand 1976 Armagnac ($175), Delord 1981 Armagnac 30 Year ($100), Tanqueray Malacca Gin ($35), Gray Whale Gin ($45), Beluga Transatlantic Vodka ($35), Jewel of Russia Ultra Vodka ($100).
If you enjoy my reviews and want even more, join me at my LiquorHound Patreon channel (link in the barrel picture on my homepage or / liquorhound . There you'll get an extra 30-40 videos per year, in addition to the 10-12 that I've always done here.
As of December 2018, my current bottle count is over 2,500. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for the last two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into what I think is a pretty nice collection. Thank you for watching and sharing in my passion.
Cheers!
No matter how old the videos are on these series, they're still valuable.
Thank you for watching and cheers!
The entire Beluga line is fantastic!
Always love the year end wrap up! Thanks for doing them!!!
I had not heard of Early Times BIB until I watched this video. We just happened to go to Kentucky a couple of weeks ago and I found it. I bought a bottle brought it back to the place we were staying and gave it a try. All I can say is I had to go back the next day and pick up several more. It is the best bourbon I have had in a while. I agree with you, there are older barrels in this for sure. It is absolutely delicious.
I always love and look forward to all of your videos. And it’s nice to see you giving alternatives and not just picking unicorns that no one can find or afford. Same as last year I actually have several of these bottles and couldn’t agree more with your picks. Although mostly a whisky drinker I’ve started paying more attention to your other liquor choices and have bought a few. You haven’t led me astray yet. That Tanqueray Mallaca was excellent!
I went after that 1910 immediately after you posted the review. Have to say - thank you very much!!
I love the way you put these year end videos together - thank you for the recommendations!
Chris, bought my wife a bottle of the Delord 25 year for her birthday and agree, it will need some time. Enjoying some sips now but 1 month and counting. Just cracked open my first Craigellachie 13 and will go back for another. Have only had the Rebreast 12 and enjoying very much; I guess the CS will be next. Great list and thanks. Cheers!!
Thank you and I’m glad you’re enjoying those! Yep sounds like the countdown is on for that Delord (but it’ll get there). Cheers!
Completely agree on the Deaston 9yr Bordeaux and the OF 1910. All of your whiskey choices were excellent. I don't know a lot about the other liquors you talked about but I am sure they are great.
Always appreciate your honesty in your reviews. Thanks.
Great video, I have been eyeing that Craigelliche 23 ever since I fell in love with the 13. Good to hear it's worth it maybe someday. Cheers !
Great review as always! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄🎉🎊🥂
I love the videos, I am 24 and I have watched a few others on UA-cam who do similar style video, but you're by far my favorite. I like the way you convey your message. The way you speak, very interesting. I'm not too big into taking shots like others may age I like to sip and enjoy a drink. I digress, I would like to see a video on different types of alcohol. It could be a series. Like on one episode you could talk about whiskeys and their different varieties. Also go over some common vocabulary associated with different styles. Also talk about what you look for in these different styles
Thank you for being here! I’ll see what I can do, but in the mean time, check out some of my other videos (like ua-cam.com/video/G7KCU6UhkFg/v-deo.html). I think it’ll help guide you a bit in the meantime. Cheers!
Great video as always. I appreciate your insight and enjoy your commentary on the industry, distilling processes, maturation choices, and history behind the bottles and brands. And of course the great tasting notes/reviews!
As much as I'm a Scotch guy, I have to admit that the best whisky I tried this year was that Redbreast 21. The huge tropical fruits blew my mind. Almost $250 in Ontario. Maybe 2019 is the year I splurge on a bottle
Ohh, it’s full of tropical goodness. ;-) I’m glad you agree and cheers!
I picked up a Bunnahabhain PX after watching your review and was not disappointed. Great pick.
Yes!!!! Been waiting for this
You MB.
Best reviews on UA-cam
Just looked in your videos a couple hours to see if you had done this yet. Here we go!
Thomas Buck one of the best in the biz
Another great video as always! I just picked up 2 bottles of the Murray Hill SR batch 2 the other day. I can't wait to try it!
Yes! Good seeing you
Great video! My favourite scotch was the Octomore 8.3, some like the 9.3 better (haven't opened that one yet). I think you need to do an update video; Octomore 6.3, 7.3, 8.3 & 9.3 comparison. The Octomore 8.3 ties with the 3.1 as the best Octomores IMHO.
I look forward to these every year. Your "best of" should be on the Michelin Star or James Beard level for restaurants. The companies should hold these distinctions in high honor. Thank you!!
Thank you for the high praise! I am very proud of my independence (my collection is 99% self paid for) and thus my unbiased reviews when it comes to spirits. Cheers!
Wonderful best of 2018 video ! My best Single Malt was the Talisker 8 years Special Release , my best Bourbon was the Van Winkle 10 years @ 53,5%vol. bot. 2007 and my best herbs liqueur was the Jagermeister Manifest ! Cheers , Chris from Bremen / Germany
Every time I fly through Dubai I pick up a bottle of the Trans Atlantic! Might even try a step here in the next few days! Great year end review on all spirits thanks as always!
Hey Buddy, I just wanted to add some information since you showed that Early Times Bottled in Bomd. I talked to Brown-Foreman and they confirmed that the ET BIB 1 L in that blue libeled bottle contains 6 and 7 years old barrels. So, at around $20-$25 for 1L it really is a steal. A mix of 4, 6,7 years old juice. I guess they wanted to empty their stock before selling the brand to Sazerac. There are still some of these out there on shelves in Kentucky and Indiana. And yea, it’s good to start within after opening and good after air gets it as well. 👍🏻 Some young jagged edges and some good oak spice and cherry 🍒 cola/syrup. It’s what I call the almost great daily drinker.
Thanks for that sharing that great information! Cheers!
@@LiquorHound Well, you were right. There were some older barrels used for that special release! You’ve got a great nose for it. Owensboro, KY still has a bunch of it locally for $22 and change. I can’t think of a better buy.
Nice selection and great reasons for choosing them. Excellent.
Great review, as always. Keep um coming in 2019. Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Always look forward to your videos man. Great list as always.
I always enjoy watching your content! Please keep it coming
another great best of video, thanks again! Learned a lot
Fantastic setup there brotha. I’ll be getting into those bourbons, Ryes, Irishes and Scotches! Good work
Great video. The only thing missing is the brandy of the year.
Thanks as always Chris. Much appreciated!
Always enjoy watching your videos.
Nice review Chris (Happy Christmas by the way) -Haven't tasted the Bunna PX & the Deanston Bordeaux cask but curious about them as a lot of good feedback at several fellows youtubers channel..Also interesting to hear you speak of other spirits I don't know well, like that intringuing smoky tequila-Cheers !
Love all your videos. Just getting in to bourbon over the past couple of years. Could you do a video for newbies as to how you find your bourbons? Strategies, do you get on newsletter lists, etc. I’m in Alabama and need some help finding lots of these bourbons.
Great video as always. Looks like your Canada connection did not get any of the rare bottle releases to you this year. Seeing that your Rye of the year is a WP SB you could have added that as your Canadian of the year as well and killed 2 birds with one stone.
Lol, yeah we could go with that. Sadly, I just didn't have any Canadian whiskies that impressed me enough this year. The 2018 Lot 40 Cask Strength was the best, but it wasn't better than last years release, so I didn't feel like including it in the video. Cheers!
@@LiquorHound The Gooderham & Worts 11 Souls was really good IMO, NAS and $100 CAD but worth it. The Beam Little Book chapter 2 was a very nice US/Canada collaboration blend as well. Cheers
@@LiquorHound How about the Crown Royal Northern Harvest?
That 1910 oldfo was money. I can't believe how fast that one went outta here.
Yep that one disappeared fast! Cheers!
WOW! You know your stuff! My hat is off to you my friend!
Brilliant review once again, many thanks.
Great video. Thanks.
Great list Chris. We got to try the Mery Melrose Ancestral in Denison at Ironroot Republic with Nancy Fraley!
Thank you and I’m glad y’all got to try that one. Sorry I had to miss that get together but I had Kentucky commitments that weekend. 🥃😉 It’s always great times with great people up at Ironroot! Cheers!
I'll be curious to have you opinion on HARRIS Gin, Chris, for me it's one of the spirits of the year, absolutely stunning (packaging AND content wise).
I also really enjoyed Harris gin
Excellent! I'll be referring back to this video before going shopping.
I was able to find the Malacca, the Deanston, the 1910, and the Diplomatico. The rest may take some effort. ;)
Love it! Thanks for the advice again this year
solid list, good video. the diplomatico is good, though i prefer el dorado 12.
Thank you for the bottles of the year!
Goodness. Never have I disagreed so strongly with you about a rum. The Diplomatico you mentioned as the second rum choice has so much coloring and sugar added to it. It is more like a liqueur than a good rum. Maybe there is some decent rum hidden within it but it is near impossible to find it beneath the heavy sugar additive.
Well everyone has their own palates. I guess it’s all depends on perceived sweetness and personal tolerances. I myself am not a fan of syrupy rums and thus Diplomatico falls into the category of mid level viscosity and sweetness (at least perceived). I selected it as a runner up because it’s still found fairly easily, is inexpensive and I’ve always found it to be a real crowd pleaser. I could go in-depth explaining why I don’t necessarily agree with but accept additives in rum, but I’ll summarize by asking us to remember that rum is basically a byproduct of sugar refinement process. So with it so plentiful to them, what did we expect? ;-D Cheers!
PS - I know rum doesn’t have to have additives to be great (Foursquare is killing it).
Good picks man, Baby Saz and Knob creek rye are 2 of my favs. I might have to buy a WP single barrel this year. I think the lag 12 2018 is very good this year but maybe not quite as good as 2017.
Loved it! Thanks for posting!
Awesome Chris. Haven't been on youtube lately but glad I came on to see this video and you. Merry Christmas to you and the family my friend, have a great New Year. Lets talk soon
Poured myself the Deanston Bordeaux clicked this video and what do you know.
Was able to get the MH Club special release in January when me and the wife took a weekend trip to DC. Must say the Cigar Bourbon is what I liked most but could not find, dont expect to see it in KY anytime soon..
Careful with the color at 7:00 colorant is well used...
Gran Patron Smokey will be my next bottle. Thanks liquorhound
A great bottle to pick up. Cheers!
You did an excellent job. Thank you.
Great stuff as always! You didn't mention the inaugural Knob Creek cask strength release, so assume you haven't tried it even though that's highly unlikely. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on it. I imagine a decent store pick of the single barrel is going to be a reasonable facsimile at almost the same proof and just over half the price. Am I wrong?
Awesome review as always, thanks Hound.
Excellent work !!!!!
Great informative video thanks 🙌🏻
Store pick Knob Singke Barrel Rye!! Very tasty, and such a great value.
No mention of Little Book Noe Simple Task? I have to say it was one of my favorite Whiskeys of 2018. Although im Not sure what category youd put it in? L0L CHEERS! Thanks for the vids...
There's a sotol distillery out here by Austin - Desert Door. I just got a bottle of their unaged sotol - less smokey than most mezcals, and a lot less sweet. Lot's of vegetation in the taste. Have you tried it yet?
Great review!, I love that lagavullin!... it’s the mutts nutts!
I'm looking for your pick and opinions for the following Whisky. Which one would you choose based on your taste? I plan to buy the most popular one as a B-day gift.
1) BALBLAIR 1991 3R 700ML
2) ANCNOC 24 YO 700ML
3) HART BROTHERS INVERGORDON 22 YO 700ML
4) DEANSTON 18 YO 750ML
5) FIRST EDITIONS AUCHROISK 19 YO 700ML
6) BUNNAHABHAIN 18 YO 750ML
7) LAGAVULIN DISTILLERS EDITION 750ML
8) MACALLAN CLASSIC CUT 750ML
9) GLENFARCLAS 21 YO 700ML
10) LAGAVULIN 16 YO 750ML
11) ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN 750ML
12) DALMORE 15 YO 750ML
13) DALWHINNIE 15 YO 750ML
I’d go with the AnCnoc 24 first and then the Invergordon 22 (but know that it’s a Single Grain not a Single Malt whisky). From there probably the Auchroisk 19 with the Bunnhabhain 18 and Glenfarclas 21 being the final two backups. Cheers!
Great line up!!!! 👏👏👏
@LiquorHound Where can I purchase a bottle of the Merry Melrose XO Cognac? If I can't find it in the DC/Northern Virginia area which online store?
Fantastic reviews!
I would love to see what’s new in your collection of whiskey
Nice picks
Curious about your Tanqueray Macala recommendation. It is a cheaper gin and No10 is generally considered the best in the Tanq line. What makes you prefer the Macala?
It’s a different style and flavor profile than Ten. Ten is a more of a straight forward London Dry to where as Malacca has less juniper, is a touch sweeter and has a unique herbal/lemongrass base to it. It’s very tasty! Cheers!
Hound - thanks for the video. Been waiting for this one. Quick cognac question. Do you have any thoughts on Cognac Dudognon Reserve or Heritage? Alternatively if you’ve had Navarre cognac, interested to hear your thoughts on that one.
Sorry I haven’t had the opportunity to try those. If I get my hands on them, I’ll review them. Cheers!
Great vid. many thanks
Interesting picks - thanks :)
(Liquor Hound voice) "wow!" #first
Great selection and video!
Can you review the Le Tribute gin? would like your opinion on it
Chris, I found some 1910 finally, will have to have it shipped to me, hard to find around here.
Hello I have a Gin that we think is pretty good. I want to have you taste test it . How do we make that happen?
Could anyone give me advice on selling rare and highly sought after American/Irish whiskeys? I have a large collection of single malts/ryes/bourbons. From Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old Bourbon and a Pappy Van Winkle Rye, to limited batch Gordon & Macphail Single Malt Scotches and dozens more whiskeys/liqueurs. Further, I have a full sealed bottle The Original Canton Delicate Ginger Liqueur, and a rare Laird's Apple Brandy sealed in the box. Thank you!!
There's several auction houses that handle rare liquor. Cheers!
I would love to see what your thoughts are on half moon gin.. I find it to be the best I have hade.
Liquorhound I notice your jewel of Russia Ultra the juice appears to look dark in color I recently bought a bottle and the juice is clear as day what gives ?
You’re just seeing the hand painted back of the bottle. It’s a black base coat with a colorful cathedral on it, but from the front it looks all black. The vodka is clear. Cheers!
Can you possibly do a review for Lost Spirits Abomination The Sayers of the Law ......cheers
Damn! I bought two 1920s this year, Im gonna have to get some 1910.
Well you’ve done great with the 1920’s. Hopefully you can find a 1910 since it’s different, but still of high quality. Cheers!
@@LiquorHound Awesome, Im certain Ive seen it. I have to try some others as well. Just had my first scotch, so Im gonna hunt a couple of those down.
Great video, as always. What happen to the ‘whisky from the rest of the world’ category?
Well due to space and time, I cut them from this year’s list. If I were to name a “World Whisky”, it would have probably been Amrut Portonova and Kavalan Sherry Cask Strength as a runner up. With the video running almost 24 minutes, I was pushing the limits already. ;-) Cheers!
It’s understandable. I’ll check out the Amrut and am happy to see you included the Kavalan Cherry Cask, which is always exciting. Kavalan-wise, allow me to bring to your attention their recent limited release of a Peaty Cask at Cask strength, if you are able to source one of the 300 ml bottles they put out. It was my favorite Kavalan of the year for sure. Thanks again for the great content!
Have you ever tried costcos kirkland french vodka? There are many rumors out that it is made in the same distillery as grey goose. However, when compared side by side there is a definitive taste difference. Just wondering you thoughts/ratings on a costco vodka.
Sadly I have not. I always hear how some of their bottlings are very good for the money, but here in Texas our Costco’s can’t sell liquor. They have a separate liquor store that’s attached to the Costco building, but they’re ran by a different company that doesn’t carry Kirkland spirits. ;-/ Crazy I know. Cheers!
LiquorHound
Thank you for the reply. Sad to hear about your costco. Side note... between Ciroc and Beluga Transatlantic which do you prefer more? And why. Thanks for your insight. Appreciate it.
Thoughts on Codigo 1530's line of tequila?
So, I really need to know. With all of the opened bottles appearing behind you, do you gas the bottles to maintain control of oxidation, especially the bottles less than half full??? Any comment or relevant knowledge pertaining to those opened bottles as it reflects the longevity of freshness; i.e. lack of changes in flavor... I am sure many others would like to learn also... Thank you.
Actually I get this question a lot. Of course it If you don't take some steps to preserve a bottle, you’ll probably get 6 months to a year without losing noticeable flavor. I use a argon tank to fill/replace the oxygen trapped in my open bottles. For smaller home bars you can just use a wine preserver spray (like "Private Preserve"). You can buy them from Amazon for about $10 and they say you can get 120 uses out of one. They recommend a 1 sec. spray followed by 3-4 small bursts, but when I was using them I sprayed them heavy (2 seconds long and 3-4 short bursts), so I only got 70-80 good seals per can. The key to using gas is that you do not disturb/move the bottle once it's gassed (which will disrupt the gas layer). Here's an old video of mine where I talked about oxidation and the spray (starts at the 4:22 mark): ua-cam.com/video/VWYYGS4wStQ/v-deo.html . To see the larger argon tank that I use, here's a video that shows my setup (starts at the 10:18 mark): ua-cam.com/video/vGic-_cI5FM/v-deo.html . Cheers!
@@LiquorHound
Thank you so much for your reply... Yes, I do use Private Preserve, But I have only about 80 opened bottles, scotches and bourbons mainly... Thanks for your sharing of knowledge and your personal likes in great flavors, flavors yet to be experienced...
No Canadian pick this year ? Sorry we couldn't follow up a great 2017 Sorry
Lol, like another commentator said, we can use the WhistlePig to cover both categories. ;-D Cheers!
Where in Texas are you at? I'm in Austin and with a handful of exceptions (like everywhere) it's pretty good for whiskey.
I’m in the North Texas area. Cheers!
Bourbon of the year in the 1910 is surprising, every review I’ve seen says the 1920 is better. Then again, local store is out of the 1910 but has the 1920 in stock, so that’s telling.
J Reed, looks like OF has just released more of the 1910. I do prefer the 1920 over the 1910, but to each their own tastes. I wish I had tried making the "1915" before finishing my 1910. Will be looking for the new release to "... make that happening!", as Tony Beets would say.
Please try next year «чистые росы» premium eco vodka from Russia
Well that’s not in my area, but I’ll try and reach out to see if I can source a bottle. Thank you for the recommendation and cheers!
Can’t find that exchange vodka anywhere ?? I think they stop making it
Ohh that possible. It’s been awhile since that video. If it is gone, try getting a Beluga Transatlantic in its place. Cheers!
Great reviews BUT I dislike the reviews on extremely limited spirits. No point of listing it if we can't purchase one of five hundred bottles ever made. Thanks I guess...
Well I do it because they’re great spirits and if viewers didn’t know about them, they may miss them. There’s been several comments from thankful folks that have found them on shelves recently. Who know that could be you one day. ;-) Cheers!
As a Scottish man who has just got payed am drinking Whyte and McKay when yur poor it's gid
Lol, don’t make it sound too rough. Richard Patterson and Whyte and McKay have created some solid blends. Cheers!
I wish I could taste all the shit he tastes. Tropical fruit in Red Breast? I just taste whiskey.
Russian vodka never ever, it's not good at all, gas not alkohol.