Best of 2014: Whisk(e)y Wednesday presented by Lock & Key

Pappy Van Winkle 23 year

This year in whiskey started strong at the Social Southern Small Batch Bourbon Dinner in January. You never argue with a chance to taste George T. Stagg, Black Maple Hill, the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, and Pappy Van Winkle 23 year. One of the most coveted whiskies in the world, the Pappy 23 year lived up to the hype with the strong notes of vanilla, oak, and sweet corn with a bit of lingering spice. Each of the spectacular whiskies partnered marvelously with a dish from Social (Lafayette, LA) to create one of the best whiskey tasting experiences I've ever been a part of. I didn't score the Pappy or any of the other small batch whiskeys that day because I didn't have my panel present and I wanted to enjoy the dinner. I'm not sure exactly how they would fare in the Whisk(e)y Wednesday points system, but here are the top three scored whiskies from 2014. For the full list of the top 20 all time whiskies scored on Bite and Booze, scroll down the right column of the site. 

Ardbeg Auriverdes 94.67

Noah's Mill Bourbon 86.5

Talisker Distillers Edition 84.75