Top 5 Whiskeys of 2024 (The Best of the Best!)

[@slbdrinks]

2024 was an incredible year for whiskey lovers! Check out our picks for the Top 5 Whiskeys of the year and let us know your favorites in the comments below. Cheers to another great year in whiskey! 🥃

[@Boo_Yeah]

just an FYI Sauternes is pronounced Saw-Tair-ns

[@coryschunemann1395]

Sauternes is pronounced saw turn or so turn. You are correct that they are normally sweet/dessert wines. The grapes are infected with botrytis which results in "noble rot". As a result of microscopic holes created in the skins the moisture level is lower in the grapes and thus more concentrated resulting in its beautiful unique flavor that reminds me of dried apricots. One last fun fact, the botrytis prevents the grapes from being infected by other fungi that may taint the flavor of the wine.

[@LP23D6]

Thanks for the clarification Cory. Love that Found North.

[@leeknowlton7303]

But, now how do you pronounce "botrytis"?

[@davidgottfried5819]

Thank you for saying this! Their pronunciation of sauternes was driving me nuts. LOL!

[@coryschunemann1395]

@@leeknowlton7303 this one is pronounced very similar to how it is written: bo tri tes. If you listen to a wine podcast or KZbin episode on sauternes they will likely say it multiple times.

[@dkfromthebay]

Not mention "analogs of history" and not annals

[@Tuck_1933]

I shared a pour of this year's Westward Milestone last night with a friend, and she said it was hands down the best whiskey she had ever had. So unique. Without question, one of the best this year. Such a great bottle!

[@kngbllr805]

Take the top 2 from the rye, bourbon, and whiskey lineups and blind all 6 on the live show!

[@crowntug]

This, although blinding them will be pretty pointless.

[@bassiclymike]

I have a bottle of that same Westward Milestone, I bought it right after I watched your initial video with it. Yes, you impressed me that much. I have yet to taste it since I don't have anyone here to share it with, but hopefully over the holidays there will be a family get-together where I can bust it out and floor everyone. I visited my brother-in-law and sister in Houston recently, and he has several nice Texas bourbons. One of them was a Still Austin which was magnificent. Not the Monster Mash you have here but the Musician straight bourbon. Fabulous.

[@sparky167]

@@bassiclymike the very first time I tasted it I was blown away and amazed at how different the mouth feel was. It has a very unique taste. I am impressed. Hope you enjoy it too!

[@BrothersINbourbon31]

⁠thank you guys I love your show you guys are the reason we started our show! My family is from Seymour Indiana maybe one day we will run into you guys and we can do a bottle share. Have a blessed and great holiday thank you again brothers!

[@sparky167]

When you first tried your number 1, and you raved about it. I stopped the video and ordered one online and then I continued your video so based on your review when I first got it, I was amazed and thoroughly enjoy it. It is fantastic thanks gentlemen. Happy holidays to you both and your families.

[@randc47]

Pretty sure I did the exact same thing. Haha! Great bottle!

[@vertigo_one]

Texas whisky is very divisive in general... that "funk" is hard to ignore. I think you all just really like malts (as the same in the rye video) or scotch influence. I liked my monster mash 2024 as well, but I could tell it was young in the finish. The flavor on the palate was great, but the finish was thin. Also yes, it sold out in less than a minute but I got lucky as well. I'm also so happy to see people giving love to Found North. I have two bottles of that batch 9 (what you called a "19 year") and one bottle of batch 10 -- both are amazing.

[@FakingANerve]

Hanging out in Portland this week with family and loved ones... excited to visit Westward tomorrow, along with some other distilleries (and all the food trucks we can pack in). Cheers. 🥃🥃

[@CatfishCounts]

On my first bottle of Westward American Single Malt. Love it! Bought one for a gift. Haven’t seen this release in my area. Merry Christmas SLB!

[@nicholaskrebs7815]

I have a bottle of the Milestone and it’s so damn good and unique, but there’s no way that goes through a blind without knowing what it is. Literally nothing tastes like it!

[@userperson5259]

First world problem: I can't get ANY of these in state-control ldaho. But I'm still glad to know what I'm missing so thank you.

[@blakepumphrey8782]

Wow 2 from Texas!

[@daveblack5912]

Awesome list! Times like this, I dislike living in Utah where it makes it impossible to get my hands on any of these!

[@whiskeybidness]

I have 4 bottles from Found North … lucky to get a few before they blew up and got 1 or 2 from buy lotteries… they are among some of my favorite bottles on the bar top. Delicious whiskeys!

[@nighthawk05]

Glenfiddich 12 year has always been a favorite of mine. I want to try their 14 year aged in ex bourbon casks.

[@kevinator101]

I am getting the Milestone this weekend. Can’t wait to try it.

[@Fatherrick1963]

I batted 2 for 5 with the Top Five Bourbons - and I was blessed to have been able to try the RR15 and the OCD#5 Premium. On this Top Five list I batted zero. Zilch. ☹️

[@Indyjeeplover]

Just a heads up for you SLB guys near Valpo…..yesterday (12/19) I stopped by the Liquor store on Hwy 35 in Knox. They have an amazing selection of unicorn finds at what I think is MSRP. Four different E.H. Taylor. A COMPLETE selection of the Pappy line, including the 23 year ($4,000). All five vintages. Elmer T Lee, multiple bottles of Blanton’s at $85 IIRC. Multiple sizes of Eagle Rare. Buffalo Trace in multiple sizes. Other rare or very rare stuff. I personally have never seen some of these bottles, let alone in one place.

[@justmaybe5643]

Still pretty bummed I missed out on that Westward. Had it in my cart one night, got sidetracked, and it was sold out by the time I thought about it again 😢

[@jcase6199]

Bruh… I feel your pain! Literally exact same thing I did! During the video I pulled it up, put it in my cart, got a phone call, got side tracked, came back a few hours later and it was “No longer available.” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@kolbywaggoner5922]

Impex is the importer for glenallachie, it’s their pick for US distribution.

[@robstilson6013]

Y'all are amazing and the reason I have the Milestone Batch 2! I watched your original video on it and after seeing all of the reactions, immediately ordered one. It has been to several of my tastings and is universally loved (even by those who are not malt drinkers or even whiskey drinkers). Thank you again! Keep up the great work!

[@teslapete4461]

i had my uncle from portland go and grab a bottle of that Milestone release and was really looking forward to trying it. i was getting a slightly bitter after taste which was really disappointing...i'll try again after it's been open for a couple months

[@bobborgstede837]

Here is one you missed: Woodford Reserve Distillery Series Blended Malt 2024. Blew me away and was my #1 for 2024. Picked it up in their gift shop.

[@CGsYTChannel]

I guessed right, I knew Milestone 2 was going to be the winner!!

[@WhiskyWars]

Great picks guys! And Merry Christmas! 🎅 🎄 Thank you for the great content you’ve put out this year, I’ve spent many an evening watching your reviews with a dram 🥃

[@Dad.son_drums]

Not sure if you’ve ever had it, but you need to try 1845 Distilling Co. They are located 15 minutes from my house and they got Double Gold in Sanfran on their first year. Absolutely delicious Texas Bourbon in 3 versions. Traditional, Wheated and 4 grain. A couple of weeks ago they released their first Whiskey aged in Hungarian Barrels. Very good quality whiskeys in all their now 4 versions. They have barrel proof and 100 proof for their Bourbons. The barrel strength is very high quality!

[@collinwilliams5097]

SA Monster Mash was 125 MSRP this year and as you mentioned, pick up at the distillery only. Like everything else, prices going up!

[@debuenzo]

Love that bottle of the westward! Looks gorgeous

[@justinmassa6287]

Trenton came out swinging with a low blow at the end 😂

[@KevinB-fx4dh]

I got lucky and was quick enough to pick up this years monster mash as well. Even though the price tag was a bit high ($125), I believe its worth it!!

[@tonyspohn]

Merry Christmas and thanks for all the entertainment and giving me new things to try these last several years. I’m going to be up there in Lakeville next week to visit the in-laws. I would like to check out Harry’s, but I can’t find it on google maps so I’m guessing it’s named different?

[@timothywoo2625]

GlenAllachie by Impex is fantastic! You should try the 14yr port cask, if you can still find it! My favorite! I’m on my second bottle!

[@jeffnuzz]

Been fortunate enough to find a store the regularly gets Found North, which gets snapped up rather quickly. Managed to get their batch 003 17 yr rye, batch 006 17 yr corn whisky, batch 007 18 yr corn whisky (which is delicious), and batch 010 8 yr whiskey. Could have grabbed the batch 009 19 yr as well, but dang how much can you spend, LOL.

[@julesjouvenat1535]

You are spot on with the description of the Catalaja. It is one of the most complex sherry bombs. Love all your picks!

[@kngbllr805]

Love my Westward Milestone. Definitely the most unique pour I've ever had. Haven't got to try the RR15 yet but I'm looking forward to comparing the two.

[@DustinGeese]

Have the westward and yet to crack it. Will be soon and can’t wait!

[@joekasiak921]

Your videos are so fun …. Heartfelt thank you for the content.

[@debbybrady1246]

I just visited the Balcones distillery last week. I did a four flight. I really liked it.

[@Pokellectibles94]

Gonna have to keep an eye out for the Glen Alachie. I've been wanting a higher proof speyside or lowlands scotch!

[@89sooner]

Between Monster Mash and Tanager (and the batch 2 Red and Blue Corn BiBs), it has been a great year for Still Austin…if each limited release means a six hour drive down I-35.

[@Duckhunter5175]

Found north puts out phenomenal whiskey- glad to see it here!

[@AboutBeverages]

Would love for you to mention other options from these distilleries that you liked that might be possible to find.

[@ConcreteKid54]

Excellent reviews. every other trip to the liquor store, I purchase a bourbon, scotch or American whiskey I have never tasted. I do not drink Rye (I do not enjoy or appreciate it) so that is not part of my tasting journey. These 5 are now on my list.

[@jasonczfan8658]

I was at a liquor store and they had a rep from Westward that was sampling their core line up. After I was done she produced a small flask and said she has a sample of the Milestone. It was so good, and I'm thankful she let me try it.

[@andybrooks4070]

Still Austin is one brand that no matter what I get from them I love it, A lot of different whiskeys I have gotten just to get something at the store are usually 50/50 on if I like them or not but Still Austin always hits especially there barrel proof offerings

[@thesouthernsipper8401]

I haven't had that particular Balcones, but the standard Texas Single Malt makes my top 5.

[@Orpheus159]

Cataleja is a fantastic pour, love Balcones. Daniel at the Whiskey Vault had some insights and a good video on it a few months back.

[@markgale1644]

Westward is the bomb I was blindsided when I tried it first and now a fan

[@jacesaces15]

4:10, the FIREWORK NOTE! This makes me feel better, i have gotten this note out of the Jack Daniels Single Barrel barrel proof Rye. all my buddies thought i was going crazy. It's not a bad note, but it is the most unique note ive gotten out of a whisky.

[@franks4973]

My best whiskey of 2024 is Taconic Distillery, NY double maple barrel, 110 proof. Staight, on the rocks, in coffee or eggnog. Love this but I am going to uave to go back and buy 2 bottles this time.

[@Skwurm2297]

Still Austin is so good, everything they do is amazing

[@erikibarra14]

while Monster Mash is not labeled as bourbon on the bottle, the website does call it a bourbon with a mash bill that's 63% corn, 17% malted wheat, 10% rye, 8% malted rye, 2% malted barley

[@JayAlfredoG]

When I look at the top rated bourbons a good chunk is six or so Wolcott bottles. I tried searching but not sure how well it works. Have they done much in Wolcott?

[@shred3302]

I want to try to get into American single malts. What one would you recommend to try first to see if I might like them?

[@fishhead680]

Just keep in mind they are all extremely different - if you try one and hate it, doesn’t mean you won’t love the next one. I have tried about 15 different ASM’s so far - Westward Cask Strength so far is the only one i absolutely love and there were one or two that I disliked a lot. Most are just okay… I mostly drink bourbon and rye but also love good scotch and good Irish.

[@DustinGeese]

Stranahans

[@tomgensel4134]

Merry Christmas, hope to see you Friday 🌲🇺🇲🥃 Cheers

[@michaellarkins9293]

I've been wanting to get into scotch. I've tried a few that were peated, anybody have recommendations for bottles that are lightly or not peated??

[@jkk4657]

I completely agree. Variety is important. That being said man do I hate finished whiskeys. but I need to branch out into single malts and some American whiskeys

[@pat-z]

I was fortunate to be one of the ones who got this year’s Still Austin Monster mash. When I picked it up they said it sold out in 90 seconds!

[@dsmoov2]

Try some Port Charlotte scotch when you get a chance. One of my favorites these days

[@shoot2thrillp2k]

Getting my fill of Indiana content this Friday. SLB and Indiana @ Notre Dame!

[@MRsavard73]

Westward Milestone! I was lucky to get one myself and it is my #1 of all brands this year

[@Juice8g]

That Milestone is dessert in a glass….. i don’t regret buying it! Thank you for the tip. I get baked cinnamon apples

[@MaryS-go8dl]

Would love to see your number 6 & 7 in each category! Fantastic job!

[@geoffrohrer6223]

Do you have the Still Austin Double Barreled ?

[@bryanabrams5916]

That Balcones is incredible! What a bottle!

[@hanqb10]

Great vid as always guys! Quick pronunciation correction: Sauternes = “saw-turns”. Love many Sauternes finished scotches…especially peated, sorry Trent!

[@biofixphysicaltherapy5353]

The glensllachie is amazing I loved it

[@thebrianfoster]

Balcones makes some REALLY interesting whiskeys. If you want to try something to break the monotony, try anything they offer.

[@C_H_1972]

The match note comes from sulfites sprayed on wine barrels for preservation.

[@aaronwurtzel7287]

Here we go!!! Sad im gunna miss the livestream on Friday...

[@paulkukiel3725]

Who is Imma? Is she going to be alright?

[@slknic7]

What other westward whiskey is good? Since I can’t find the Milestone around St Louis.

[@fishhead680]

Cask Strength - purple label

[@ozo012]

Cask strength, stout finish or rum finished are all great

[@JordanG_3031]

SLB Classics 0:25 let’s talk about what we are talking about 1:28 personal palettes only 2:08 LIVESTREAM this Friday 2:20 don’t mess with Mom 3:06 the boys aren’t scared of some controversy 3:30 Trenton needs a tasty sip 4:11 Trenton’s classic fireworks note 4:41 no examples of the singing? 5:12 the boys still struggle with wine pronunciation 6:26 there are definitely corrections (soh-tairn) 7:15 shout out to all the viewers 7:54 Trenton likes peated scotch?!? 8:40 shout out to pretty labels and tasty whiskey 9:45 gotta be on your game 10:06 ok, to Trenton’s sponsorship, he’s trying to complete his collection hit him up 11:04 back to the show 11:40 way to catch Kurt on his verbiage 12:29 Kurt needs his glasses to read the bottle 13:04 non chill filtered! 13:21 shout out to blue summers 13:59 asking Kyle to do far too much 14:45 they’re almost a cheat code 15:01 Trenton shows off his dance moves, because he needs another pour 15:13 Trenton knows how to treat good whiskey 16:44 cinnamoniminimy 17:10 Trenton still needs a whiskey bath 18:15 respect for the best flavor to westward 18:51 Trenton goes out on a short limb and a long drop…. Whew strong words 19:51 the world may end Friday with the blind 20:47 nice sign off and nod

[@homegrownaxe3540]

This is obsessive

[@JordanG_3031]

@ I agree

[@darynt73]

Special Mention #1 B- Westward SLB pick, best whiskey I have ever tasted (Didn't drop $250 for the Milestone 2)

[@lackerslacker]

speaking on still Austin what do yall think of their cigar blend “tanager”

[@slbdrinks]

Just got it the other day, going to be opening it here soon!

[@bobbybando2593]

Thanks for the videos! Cheers!!

[@kendallhuseman3685]

I have that same bottle and it is one of their better bottles. You need to try their 10yr cask strength for $100 if you like that bottle! The box isn't as fancy as that $228 bottle but imo it hits just as good! Glenn alachie

[@gosman949]

How does this Westward compare to their $99.99 single malt cask strength whiskey?

[@skramzy6628]

The line-up on that bar has me feeling sooooo jealous! What lucky sons of guns, you are!

[@markpoani2558]

Was not a fan of FN batch 9 but the batch 10 is another story. Highly recommend.

[@Theaussiemixer]

If you want to try a different type of peated whiskey, you should try Smokehead High Voltage it's sensational

[@Thomatay95]

We have many Found North products sitting on shelves up in Rochester, NY

[@francisrizzo1529]

OMG, "if you lit a sparkler in my mouth" really sums up most Texas whiskeys.

[@allengregory4067]

Have you guys tried Any of the Wood Hat whiskeys?

[@hendrixwoodworks7349]

I’ve seen Found North 19 multiple times in Illinois if that helps anyone. I’ve never picked one up myself though.

[@homegrownaxe3540]

Met Harry today at rome liquor got 3 barrel picks of buffalo trace and 1 bottle of uncut blue not for round msrp and 5 lottery tickets. 😊

[@kevinmills7067]

Just won a bottle of Blanton's in our local Bourbon lottery. Super excited about that.

[@MaryS-go8dl]

Fantastic review!!

[@davidalanmedia]

Great show as always, Merry Christmas.

[@jtf2dan]

The Glenallachie bottling you have there is from a cask chosen by Billy Walker for USA distribution only. Impex also carries regular GlenAllachie bottles that are available worldwide.

[@alexspainhoward]

Do you do a top 5 for bourbon that isn’t allocated by chance?

[@grantrada7150]

Gonna need to get the Still Austin Tanager Cigar Blend.

[@isherpa]

I believe the Glenallachie is an original bottling (OB), bottled for Impex and distribution in US, it's not an independent bottling (IB) from Impex.

[@garteaga482]

what batch is the found north? EDIT: I looked it up its batch 9

[@JEM707]

You’re probably going to be hunting for the limited Still Austin Tanager Cigar Blend

[@marlonious7650]

Cognac Rye ? I need that !!!

[@GOTAisMe]

It's pronounced Sow-Turnz. When you showed the GlenAllechie label I saw what the cask was. Cask strength GlenAllechie is wonderful

[@louispaddie5398]

I'm just suggesting a war or the Roses. Line up 10 mash bills of the Four Roses Private Single Barrels.

[@BarrelandBottle]

Live stream vs the ND game. Hell of a Friday night coming up.

[@Brad_Boersma]

Easy decision… 😊

[@johnnymarinarasauce]

$248.25 Canadian for the GlenAllachie up here in Montreal. Probably can’t find any of the others in Quebec.