The 10 Best Whiskies of 2022 That Still Impress

Saturday, 07 January 2023 at 11:00

Though 2022 is already some time behind us, these ten whiskies continue to make an impression today. Whether you are looking for inspiration or are curious about recent classics, this overview remains worthwhile.

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Every year the International Whisky Competition takes place to determine who has the best whisky in the house. During the competition, whiskies from around the world vie for medals and a place amongst the top whiskies in the world. The 13th edition of the event was held in Estes Park, Colorado, United States. Numerous distilleries presented their whiskies, but only a select few took home the coveted medals. These are the 10 best whiskies of 2022!

As with every edition of the International Whisky Competition, this year awards were given out in various categories, including Master Distiller of the Year, Distillery of the Year, and Whisky of the Year. Only one gold, silver, and bronze medal is given out per category (unless there is a tie), making this event akin to the Olympics of whisky.

Before we go on to the top 10 best whiskies of the competition, let's take a moment to look at the winners of some other categories. Scotland stands out this year as being well-represented among the winners. Additionally, a Scottish lady can boast of being the Jutta Leerdam among the blenders this year.

Master Distiller of the Year: Graeme Cruickshank, Aberlour Distillery
Golden Barrel Trophy: Aberlour Distillery
Distillery of the Year: Ardbeg Distillery
Master Blender of the Year: Stephanie Macleod, John Dewar & Sons.

In addition to these, numerous other categories have been awarded. For a complete list of results, visit the website of the International Whisky Competition.

What is the top 10 best whiskies of the International Whisky Competition 2022?

After discussing the other categories, it's time to put the spirit itself in the spotlight. After all, that was what the International Whisky Competition 2022 was all about. The list, like the list of winners in other categories, is dominated by Scotch names. But this time, there are several stand-outs. Here are the winners:

10. Starward Unexpeated

Australia: 93.4 points

We open the top 10 best whiskies of 2022 with an Australian whisky. The Starward Unexpeated has a light golden color and features aromas of fruit and a hint of smokiness from the Scottish barrels in which the whisky was aged. In terms of taste, you'll enjoy ripe berries, peach, cocoa with a sharp edge of smoke. That sharp edge transitions into a long smoky finish.

9. Kavalan Distillery Reserve Peated Malt Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky

Taiwan: 93.43 points

It's quite a mouthful, the name of this Kavalan Single Malt. This gold-colored Taiwanese whisky doesn't rank very high in this top 10, but it's certainly a whisky to take into account! The spirit is rather complex in taste. To be exact, you will get notes of leather, toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate, berries, and more on your tongue when you sip this whisky. Sounds tempting, doesn't it?

8. W.L. Weller Special Reserve

United States: 93.48 points

From the United States, W.L. Weller Special Reserve competes for the title of best whisky of 2022. Unfortunately, it only managed to reach the eighth spot amid all the Scotch contenders. Nonetheless, it's an achievement worth noting and one for the books. The W. L. Weller Special Reserve is a sweet-smelling whisky with aromas of honey, caramel, apples, and gentle oak. The flavor is equally sweet, featuring caramel and vanilla, complemented by wheat, nuts, and a hint of chili. The sweet taste and scent eventually give way to a fairly long finish accentuated by honeysuckle.

7. Dewar's Double Double 27 Year Old Blended Whisky

Scotland: 93.55 points

Dewar's Double Double 27 is the product of innovation, determination, and patience. This exceptional, award-winning Blended Scotch Whisky from Dewar's has been aged for 27 years and is the result of a unique “four stage ageing process”, where maturation, blending, and additional maturation happen consecutively to create the ultimate level of smoothness and refinement. Dewar’s Double Double 27Y is finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks. This blend boasts aromatic, floral notes with honey-sweet fruits and subtle spices, and the characteristic silky-smooth finish.

6. Ardbeg Uigeadail

Scotland: 93.6 points

Ardbeg is a brand you'll encounter three times in this list of the best whiskies. The whisky that shines in sixth place is the Uigeadail. This amber-colored drink initially tastes sweet and fruity but soon gives way to a powerful smoky flavor. Yet, its aroma is one of berries, walnut, and mocha.

5. Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Scotland: 93.8 points

Halfway through the list stands the Ardbeg Corryvreckan, also known as Islay's untamed spirit. This whisky is named after one of the largest whirlpools in the world, located north of Islay and Jura. The flavor of this whisky is full of rich, peaty, and peppered notes. A powerful whisky indeed and fitting for the fifth place!

4. Dewar's Double Double 36 Year Old Blended Whisky

Scotland: 94.3 points

A whisky the jury couldn't get enough of is Dewar's. This Scottish whisky wins awards for the second time this year (and not the last) with the 36 Year Old Double Double. Although this bottle is the oldest Dewar's on this list, it's not the best. However, it still claims the fourth spot, just short of the big stage. This 50cl bottle comes from master blender Stephanie MacLeod, who already garnered awards this year in the Master Blender of the Year category. The whisky is finished in a Madeira cask and brings taste notes of vanilla, coconut, and peach.

3. Dewar's Double Double 32 Years Old Blended Whisky

Scotland: 94.3 points

Proving that older doesn't necessarily mean better, Dewar's Double Double, with the 32 Years Old Blended Whisky, makes its third appearance on this list. The 32-year-old whisky scores slightly higher than its older brother. This blend is also the result of a four-stage ageing process, with maturation and blending taking turns. The whisky is finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and has a slightly smoky taste amid other rich spicy flavors with fruit and syrupy notes.

2. Ardbeg Ardcore

Scotland: 94.9 points

The Ardbeg Ardcore dazzles in second place in the top 10 best whiskies of 2022. This limited-edition golden drink is inspired by the Punk culture of Islay from the '70s of the last century. Interestingly, the drink smells somewhat sweet but surprises with flavors of smoky malt, toffee, anise, and pure chocolate.

1. Aberlour A'bunadh Batch #70

Scotland - 95.8 points

At the top sparkles the best whisky of 2022 according to the competition. The single malt from one of the most renowned Scottish distilleries, Aberlour, claims this year's coveted top spot. The Aberlour A'Bunadh takes its name from the Celtic language, which roughly means 'return to the origin.' It's fitting, given that it comes from Speyside, a significant whisky region in Scotland. Additionally, the whisky is bottled at cask strength, with 61.2 percent alcohol. In terms of flavor, this bottle gives you a full, strong aroma of spices, orange, cherries, sherry, ginger, and pure chocolate. The finish is long and spicy.

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