Taste may be subjective, but that doesn’t stop people from assigning ratings to spirits. The Ultimate Beverage Challenge is conducted by professional tasters who compare spirits against their peers. We have the winners for 2013.
Not every brand entered their products into the challenge, but it was a pretty extensive list of competitors. These represent the top pick from 18 different major categories.
18 Unflavored Vodka
Tahoe Blue Vodka, United States, 40% abv, $30
17 Flavored Vodka
HOPHEAD Pot Stilled Hop Flavored Vodka, United States, 45% abv, $30
16 Gin
Fords Gin, United Kingdom, 45% abv, $27
15 Rum
Brugal Papa Andres Rum, Dominican Rep., 40% abv, $1200
14 Spiced Rum
Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum, United States, 40% abv, $23
13 Blanco Tequila
Milagro Silver, 100% Agave Tequila, Mexico, 40% abv, $30
12 Reposado Tequila
Siete Leguas Reposado, 100% Agave Tequila, Mexico, 40% abv, $43
11 Añejo Tequila
IZKALI Añejo, 100% Agave Tequila, Mexico, 40% abv, $38
10 American Whiskey
Balcones 1 Texas Single Malt American Whiskey, United States, 53% abv, $65
9 Bourbon Whiskey
Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon, United States, 46.5% abv, $50
8 Rye Whiskey
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, United States, 50% abv, $41
7 Blended Irish Whiskey
Jameson 18 Years Old Blended Irish Whiskey, Ireland, 40% abv, $85
6 Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Tullamore Dew 10 Years Old Single Malt Irish Whiske,y Ireland, 40% abv, $35
5 Canadian Whiskey
Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky, Canada, 40% abv, $50
4 Blended Scotch Whiskey
Royal Salute 21 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky, Scotland, 40% abv, $175
3 Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Highland Park 25 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland, 45.7% abv, $300
2 Cognac
Hardy XO Cognac, France, 40% abv, $125
1 Liqueur
La Muse Verte Absinthe, France, 68% abv, $65
More results
You can see the full list of entries and where your favorite stacked up right here.