The TOP 20 BOURBONS & WHISKEYS of 2023

[@arian.mohajer]

From #20 to #1: Evan williams 1783 Small batch - American hero edition Penelope Barrel strength 9 year Old Carter barrel strength K Luke High rye low rye blended straight bourbon batch 5 Makers mark Cellar aged 2023 Shenk's homestead sour mash American whiskey 2023 Bardstown bourbon discovery #11 Baker's 13 Hardin's Creek Clermont Four gate 8 year kelvin sixty Bardstown bourbon origin series BIB Larceny BP C923 Little book chapter 7 Stagg Jr batch 22A Wild turkey generations Jack Daniels 12 year Michter's 10 year bourbon Four Roses 135th ЕСВР С923 RR SR CNF

[@K.LUKEWhiskeyCompany]

Thanks Jason for loving what K.LUKE is all about and including our batch 5 barrel strength small batch Bourbon in your top 20 Bourbon list of 2023! Cheers 🥃 K.LUKE Whiskey Company #TheSpiritOfBlending 3:54

[@PWNAGIZER]

Got your batch 6 and 7! 6 is amazing. still gotta crack 7 but I'm excited!

[@K.LUKEWhiskeyCompany]

@@PWNAGIZER Cheers 🥃

[@NolenNova33]

Wish we could get K Luke in NC been waiting to try it, heard it’s 🔥!

[@PWNAGIZER]

@@NolenNova33 I got both batches through Seelbach's. They were both around for probably like a week on the website. Does NC not allow shipping from them?

[@NolenNova33]

@@PWNAGIZER Haven’t tried yet..Have my Selbachs shipped to SC and pick up because NC is ABC controlled state…used another vendor and they eventually stopped shipments to NC

[@uneCENT]

Don't sleep on the Bardstown Origin Series BiB, that bottle for the price tag is outstanding.... Couple that with the fact it is on shelves all over! Stoked to see it on your list.

[@EZ-rs5zv]

The Elijah Craig and Larceny barrell proofs are amazing and they are accessible. I'll be buying them and won't sweat missing out on the rarities!

[@GreenHuedChair]

Thanks, Jason. Easily my favorite top 10 (20) video of the year. You did it right and cut right to the chase. Cheers, man.

[@10jodeo]

Damn, Bardstown BiB making that list with all those other heavy hitters is saying a lot about that pour! Great list

[@josephpowell7998]

It was awesome to finally see your ranking and find out I have several of the same bottles on my shelves. Keep crushing the reviews, videos, information, and electrifying the bourbon journey!!

[@andrewbergstrom6764]

Great list Jason! I look forward to these videos every year. You palate and mine are usually aligned so I love watching your reviews to know what to hunt for. Cheers!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

Woot! Nothing more exciting than seeing a (relatively) findable/affordable pour hit the top 10....glad to see the #10 pick on the list (it is indeed a wonderful pour). Thanks buddy!!!

[@jasonj2242]

Great list! At a VA ABC drop, I chose Michter’s Toasted Rye over WT Rickhouse and Generations. While the Michter’s is stellar, I still think about that Rickhouse.

[@joeyk_723]

We had the same #1! Love that single rickhouse camp nelson F. 4R 135th was my #2

[@thecougarexperience]

Larceny C923 is a killer!

[@VanBourbonBoy]

🦃 turkey 🦃. Love it!!

[@johng5710]

I wasn't able to score too much allocated stuff in 2023, but happy I was able to get 3 bottles of ECBP C923...good to have backups of this one!

[@jerrymathis8237]

I have 4 of your top 10 (JD12, ECBP c923, Bardstown Wheated, and the Little Book) and must say I agree with you on all of them. Cheers!

[@csamons0935]

Glad I was able to snag a few of these this year! Here’s to a prosperous 2024🎉

[@a68freak]

Hell of a list, hell of a year. We got new amazing shelfers and some great special releases.

[@BourbonDrop]

Excellent list Jason. Stagg Jr 22A made my list as well. It is something special!

[@alfredogomezjr7415]

Great list, as always...also glad to see that Evan Williams 1783 crack the top 20!

[@craigvanderhoff1208]

Great list! Glad to see I had some of the bottles on your top 20! I like how it was varied. Keep up the great work!!

[@roberthazard7539]

Jason- great list. I was fortunate to find the Elijah Craig C923 and the Little Book Chapter 7. Both phenomenal whiskey’s that I’m glad to have found to enjoy. Keep up the great work!

[@mikemiller30]

I’d love to see an episode comparing A bottles versus other batches (B, C, D, E etc) of 2023 Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon!

[@anthonyquaranta5717]

What happened to RR13? It beat your #1 in that one video but didn’t make top 20?

[@TheMashandDrum]

That wasn't a 2023 release. It was an older one. I didn't get a RR 13 last year

[@Coolin888]

Great list. I agree with the vast majority of it. I was surprised not to see the Parker’s 10yr Rye. Such a great bottle. Definitely one of my favorites from this year.

[@steveszymanski2962]

was SHOCKED on your #6 based on your initial review - love the list, thanks for all the "hard" work reviewing this year. On to the next!

[@nickp5511]

Wow, great top 20! I have quite a few of these and couldn’t agree more! Love the Little Book Chapter 7, Hardin’s Creek Clermont, and RR Rickhouse CNF!! Super pours! Cheers!

[@steveh8220]

I was able to get #1, #2, & #7. Can't complain. Great List!

[@eliasamador9708]

I have the rickhouse cnf and bought 2 diff store pics Russell's reserve that were comparable in taste...just a little diff but so good for around 70$. I still got a back up cnf tho😂😂

[@ernestadamo4634]

Great list! I'd love for you to put together a brief video of your favorite Scotch and Irish whiskies of the year. I know you're a fan of both.

[@Ratedred]

Now this is a great list.

[@frankcasano5910]

RR Rick F was my 2023 whiskey of the year too! It’s amazing.

[@Ken-Dad23]

Great list Jason. Love my ECBP C923 (A22), but I'm down to only 2 pours left. Just passed on a Russel's single rick for $330. Just a little too much for me right now. Hoping I don't regret it.

[@MdubMedia]

I tried a pour at a local bar and honestly don’t believe it’s worth that price. I prefer my Russell’s 13 over it

[@Ken-Dad23]

Thanks@@MdubMedia. I haven't seen the 13 for much less in my area. Dropping $300+ either way.

[@TheBourbonBunkerTX]

I loved the Russell’s Single Rick CNF and the ECBP C923!

[@theskillz]

I managed to get my hands on that Elijah Craig A123 at retail and loved it

[@richardbrandl7832]

Incredible list. I'm surprised we have 5 of the top ten. Had a chance to get the JD 12 yr but picked the 10 year, which I think has incredible flavor as well. When you sip these it's difficult to drink many others of less quality. Excellent picks!

[@quintonking5089]

Was able to have a pour of Camp Nelson F when I was in Louisville in September. Couldn’t agree more, Jason. One of not only the best Turkeys I’ve ever had, but also bourbons in general. Tasted a lot of whiskey on that trip and I’ll never forget that bird. Unlike any Wild Turkey I’d ever tasted. In a word: BEAUTIFUL. Balanced, complex, rich and viscous, all the things you want. Against C923, it’s apples to oranges for me because they’re both outstanding hitters this year. Both deserving of #1 and #2 spots interchangeably in my opinion.

[@TheMashandDrum]

I agree completely

[@jacoblebrun9331]

Great ranking, Elijah Craig barrel proof is a gem. Nulu is a great whiskey to try. Cheers

[@whatsthepoint170]

Jason love the diversity of bottles in the top 10, some high price, some not, some easier to track than others. I wouldn’t be surprised if my own top 10 looked very similar

[@michaelfrock2473]

Interesting number one. I had the RR 13 above it, but there really isn’t a wrong choice.

[@TheDeathlessDogs]

Love seeing 1783 American Hero getting a shoutout on this list. Such a full, classic, bourbon flavor that proves a bottle doesn't have to break the bank to be a banger.

[@WhiskeyBusinessFL]

Excellent list! I was fortunate enough to grab a lot of these throughout the year. It was indeed a great year for bourbon! Cheers to 2024!

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I had to pause and comment when you got to the Shenk’s. That’s been my absolute favorite whiskey since I tasted it in 2021 at a hotel bar (on recommendation of the bartender). And it’s one of the very few I over-pay to buy through an online secondary retailer. I was disappointed by the 2022, so I’m glad to hear the 2023 is good. Looking forward to ordering a bottle and nursing it over the course of 2024.

[@TheMashandDrum]

The shenks for 2023 was so good.

[@bourbonapprentice]

Love that Jack 12!!

[@tabray9567]

Really, really good top 20. Your top 20 shows me how sharp you are on reviews. Bravo!

[@bjp0327]

Same #1 for me. Had it at a tasting bar in KY and sat smiling for several minutes after first sip! Then I cried knowing I wouldn’t likely find a bottle of my own😢

[@curetiamhices289]

Great list! I finally got a bottle of Stagg. My son got one for me when he was in Austin, Tx. He just got it to me today. It does not have a batch #. Can you explain? Thanks!

[@jeffdavis3207]

Awesome video Jason! Great explanation of each bourbon while keeping the video concise. Loving the content!

[@stevefromchicago8277]

I only have #2 sadly, but happy to get it at retail

[@the_snicklefritz]

I was able to find the Four Roses LE for $299 and have zero regrets. One of the most balanced bourbons I’ve ever had, so damn good. Great list Jason

[@dapacreative]

I really lucked out this year and got two for retail.

[@CM-pc4xu]

I paid secondary for this one and I still don't regret it. Love 4 roses

[@MdubMedia]

Such a good pour. Tried it at the bar and hope I find a bottle to buy one day 🥺

[@thomasmichael6509]

That’s awesome! Honestly I’d rather fork up secondary for something really good like that then spend the same $299 on a few random NDP stuff that you don’t enjoy nearly as much

[@jfeliz5882]

Great list, cheers

[@brandontavano6297]

Just bought a larceny c923 based on yours and Fred's reviews. Heaven Hill has been dominating. Also glad to see your take on the a22 v a23 BS. Either one is 13+ year heaven hill goodness at barrel proof.

[@waylonnicely5715]

ECBP C923 a22 and a23 are the same juice just different bottling days

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Only know 2 stores that received the LE 4🌹 this year and employees bought both before store opened 😂😂. At least I will get a taste since I know one of them

[@stevegellas7869]

Thank you!

[@UEnjoyMiself]

The 23A is one of the best bourbons I’ve had all year. Def top 5

[@brantleymasters435]

Any thoughts on ECBP B523? Blind B523 > C923 for me. Splitting hairs though really and liked them both. Love HeavenHill putting overpriced/hyped bottles in check.

[@danboyyce4811]

Did you ever try the Russells Reserve 13 batch 5? Thought that should have made the list😮

[@yumyumhotsauce1]

Great Review Jason! What happened to RR13?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Didn't get one unfortunately

[@coryhall9175]

Great list as usual, hope to see a FourGate get back in the top 5 next year. Regarding prices, cant agree more, and unfortunately Wild Turkey looks to be leading the charge in price increases :(

[@officerdoofy8981]

Great list dude. Didn't get many of these and I didn't love the ECBP myself, but sounds like a solid reflection of reviews for the year.

[@Redhead40]

Just subscribed, great content!

[@hunterstutz]

Hey J! Can you confirm a source that it is indeed WT 😅n the Bard Disc 11? Lots of spec that it’s JB instead.

[@czrs85]

Hey Jason, can you point me to the direction of what I should be picking up this weekend? A store of mine has the peerless double oak rye for 120 or should I just go with faithful pikesville? Please help me make my decision. Thanks

[@robertharper2158]

I bought 2 of the Camp Nelson F (Rickhouse) this year. Really good Distillate. I got all except the Cellar aged and agree on your placement of those included. Of course I got the Antique Series, Pappy's, E.H. Taylor's and the Thirteenth Colony Double Oaked. That being said, my Top 20 would include some Unicorns. Was a great year and looking forward to 2024.

[@kevingaray1313]

You were able to get POAC bourbon but I guess that couldn’t crack top 20? I was so reluctant on CNF but glad I did, it’s a pretty crazy bourbon.

[@jamessocal8946]

Great list. Nice balance with a good finish.

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

Great vid Jason

[@waylonnicely5715]

ECBP C923 a22 and a23 are the same juice just different bottling days

[@vinole6532]

The LIST that matters! 🐐

[@andrewadinolfi5970]

J C- Congrats on a great '23. Question: How does the Russell's Camp Nelson compare to the RR 13 Year Batch 4, which I have and consider a colossal disappointment? Also, have you had the James E Pepper Decanter Barrell Proof? Sublime stuff...

[@thomasmichael6509]

How was the ECBP C923 compared to your pirate bottle?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Pirate bottle is always better. But a close enough alternative

[@timmytuffy5344]

Would love to see someone(you) do a blind of the last 5 years #1 whiskeys against each other……..

[@TheMashandDrum]

Great idea

[@jameslenaburg4378]

I have the ECB C923 LBP C923 and Bardstown Origins, but none of the rest of your list of bottles are available or affordable for me.

[@yFyre]

Have you tried blending the bombergers and shenks?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yes. Called it the shenkburger. Lol

[@ISPhotographic]

Single Rickhouse is a worthy choice for number one. It stands head and shoulders above other bourbons I’ve blinded it with.

[@robd8167]

Love it

[@Jamie-uq9sr]

No Russell 13?

[@thesoliloquypodcast8390]

All allocated 😆

[@robo4146]

Jason where is Russell 13?

[@bushkey]

Wild Turkey fan boy 😂

[@TheMashandDrum]

Own it. Lol

[@TorupHodl]

$750 4roses 135th aniv I left it on the shelf 😢

[@debrac3032]

I left it on the shelf for $499.

[@OutsideTheStar]

It’s 240 out here… I’m still considering it. 🤔

[@debrac3032]

@@OutsideTheStarI’d pick it up in a heartbeat at that price.

[@OutsideTheStar]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on 5 of the top 10 bourbons on this list. It was an amazing year for Bourbon. Nobody cares but here’s my top 5 1.ECBP C923 2. Stagg 22A 3. JD 12 4. Larceny BP C923 5.Disco 11

[@dbltime]

Glad to see that Wild Turkey made it to the #1 spot! I have not seen that bottle in our area, but was able to pick up a Russell's Single Barrel, which is damn tasty. Thanks for the list Jason. Let the hunting begin!

[@shawnsatchwell]

Totally agree on the single rickhouse! Also you have to somehow make a video on your buddy’s “real men of genius” Mr ohlq line stander guy. I also live in Ohio and I absolutely died laughing at that

[@TheMashandDrum]

Oh that's happening

[@clydekimsey7503]

What does rickhouse mean?

[@TheMashandDrum]

It's another word for warehouse where the bourbon is aged

[@systemtrend3194]

Great list. I’m gonna be that guy because I’m biased but I would rather drink multiple ECBP c923 than one WT single rickhouse. There I feel better now.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Lol. 1 and 2 this year are amazing.

[@justinf7674]

No Calumet 16?

[@TheMashandDrum]

That was released in 2022. Made one of my top 10 though.

[@justinf7674]

@@TheMashandDrum shoot, my bad! I remember you giving it a strong review.

[@fancismccarthy9580]

hi are you Dave Lombardo

[@LesBramblett]

nice list, wish more reasonable priced ones made your list, but all seem like great whiskeys

[@PWNAGIZER]

More in this video than other top 10 lists I've seen for sure. Especially between the heaven hill stuff, bardstown origin, and Jack.

[@LM-tf7jx]

Wow! Not a single BTAC this year.

[@877-MASH-NOW]

WHISKEY CHEERS 😎

[@odehhaddad3959]

CNF lets goooo

[@Danny_Spirits]

Am surprised they 13 colony DO didn’t make the list

[@TheMashandDrum]

As I stated in the beginning....I wasn't able to get a bottle so didn't make the list. But it's a top 5 bourbon

[@gregs7375]

Didn’t RR13 win your WT blind? Guessing you just didn’t get a bottle?

[@dadkicks]

Wow

[@codyburgess7034]

Give me a sample of dat cellar age

[@justinjenkins598]

🦃 🔥

[@nschlueter13]

Dang that is an expensive list.

[@williamharvey124]

IRT 4 Roses. Everyone speaks so highly of everything they release. For me, and this is only for me, I have only ever purchased 1 bottle of theirs, a Single Barrel, and it is absolutely the worst bottle of whiskey I have ever tasted. To the point that I can't bring myself to buy anything else from them. I really wish that it didn't taste so bad to me, because I feel like I am missing out everything someone reviews a 4 Roses bottle, but I swore to myself I would never try their products ever again, it is just so so bad. On a positive note, outside of the 4 Roses, that looks like a great list.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Lol. It can definitely turn some people off.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

I call four roses the cilantro of whiskey

[@williamharvey124]

@LeatherDaddy97 funny, my bottle tastes like cilantro, and fungus steeped in simple syrup.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

@@williamharvey124 yeah to me four roses tastes like already chewed spearmint gum. Most people get like raspberry cherry and pear off it but some people like you and me get something herbal and heinous, hence the cilantro comparison

[@officerdoofy8981]

Try the LE. I don't like any other 4R products but the 2021 and 22 LEs are collectively the best whiskey I've ever had. Totally different animal.

[@benhite7067]

Ok, so it is confirmed that it is Turkey in Disco 11? Great list though. Surprised Generations made it that high on the list for you since you didn’t love it on first crack

[@TheMashandDrum]

Exactly but it really changes.

[@colear3]

Let's gooooo 🎉