What defines an excellent spirit? The obvious answer: It drinks well and tastes great. It also makes for a comforting neat pour or elevates a drink when mixed. But there’s more.
Winnowed down from hundreds of bottles reviewed over the past 12 months, these 100 selections represent the brightest and most memorable. By the numbers, all scored 90 and higher, and prices ranged from $500 (for a special single-vintage Jamaican rum) to a mere $11 (for a dessert-ready coffee liqueur).
Overall, this might be one of the most affordable Top 100s we’ve ever compiled, with more than half the list priced at $60 or below.
What makes these bottles so special are the stories they tell and the feelings they inspire. An absinthe distilled during a full moon. A 25th-anniversary bourbon that glows with toffee and spice. A luxury vodka that had us craving icy martinis . A lemony Italian liqueur we can’t wait to mix into summer spritzes .
These were the spirits we instantly wanted to share with others, even as we also coveted them for our own home bar. Whether you’re seeking to shake up celebratory cocktails , gift a special bottle or just try something different, we hope you’ll find a new favorite among these top 100 picks. —Kara Newman
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