Most years I do an article on my favorite wines and spirits from the past year. This year, as 2023 came to a close, I also asked Facebook friends what were theirs, to change it up a bit. So I will share their picks first, followed by mine:
Steven W: Tequila: Fortaleza, G4, Tequila Ocho, El Tesoro, Arette, Santo, Cazcanes, Mi Familia Flores…what more could anybody need?
Scott K: Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2021. Larceny Barrel Proof … I don’t remember the batch number. Pedals and Pints “The Razor” IPA.
Lennie R: Vodopivec 2015 “origine” purchased from the rare wine company for about $45. They also make a white label one for about $40 I’ve had that from 2013, 2015 and 2017 lately. All spectacular.
Donny T: Kirk & Sweeney Gran Reserva 23 yr rum. Gray Whale gin (thx to u). Decourtet XO cognac (which I floated over some good eggnog Christmas Eve). Willett bourbon and this may be sacrilegious but for pure nostalgia I did go back to my late wife’s favorite Cabo Wabo Anejo to commune with her.
Lorenzo B: Richard Hennessy Cognac, and Sassicaia – Tenuta San Guido.
Michael B: Rare Character’s award-winning Rye finished in an Amburana cask that supported Chief 107 Charities, Inc.
Kathy B: Billecart-Salmon Rose.
Colleen B: Hands down my all time favorite Beach Blast Rum from Cape Fear Distillery – put this in a soda of any kind or drink it by itself. And Kul Mocks Mock Mule – this one is alcohol free. Both are simply delicious and refreshing
Joanie W: Rums from Plantation and Zacapa.
My list, culled from my website:
2006 and 2012 Joseph Phelps Insignia, 2012 Joseph Phelps Backus, 2012 Beringer Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Robert Hall 2021 Cavern Select Sparkling Grenache Blanc and 2017 Moraga Red.
New Zealand’s VDKA Vodka.
Whisky Advocate’s WhiskyFest Las Vegas: World’s Best Bourbon 2023 = The Representative; Parker’s Heritage Double Barreled Blend from Heaven Hill; a Port and Cab Franc Barrel Finishes from Traverse City; Blackened collaboration with Rabbit Hole Calvados Casks; everything from Middle West; Uncle Nearest Single Barrel; Minoki Mizunara cask finished rum; KOME SG Shochu distilled from sweet potato; everything at the Westland table; Kamiki Japanese whiskey in cedar and pine casks; Chivas Regal 15 YO; Johnnie Walker Blue and High Rye; and Crown Royal 18 YO.
For the love of Formula 1 I was pleased to try this inaugural bottle: Ferrari Trento F1 edition Las Vegas!
Red Line Whiskey Company Bourbon, “Elements” Mongolian Oak Finish, Small Batch. Many others from the Kentucky Bourbon Fest – and everything from Rare Perfection during one of our distillery tours.
Universal Whisky Experience, aka the Nth 2023: Glenmorangie, Virginia Distilling, The Brollach Irish single malt, Hardy Cognac, Westward Whiskey, Rosebank, Cognac Frapin, Stellum Distillery Rye, Johnnie Walker, Mortlach, Hakata, Glenfiddich, Martell Cognac, Linkwood distillery, Isle of Raasay Distillery Hebridean Distillers (their first legal distillery in the Hebrides) – my FAVORITE of the night and at my favorite table – ImpEx Beverages
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
