Best North American Spirit Types
Extra añejo tequila variety is matured for at least three years in oak barrels that have a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). Longer aging time creates a drink of exceptional quality, and ultra-aged tequila varieties are typically incredibly complex, with a dark golden hue, and a mellow and long finish.
They are occasionally marketed as Reserva and usually come with a high price tag.
THE BEST Extra añejo tequila Spirits
Avion Tequila
Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Añejo is a tequila variety that has been matured for at least one year in oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). The barrels are occasionally those once used for bourbon or cognac. This resting period in these barrels imparts a slightly darker golden hue to Añejo tequila, while its aromatic profile becomes more complex, and usually displays aromas of spices and vanilla.
THE BEST Añejo tequila Spirits
Don Fulano
Añejo Tequila
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2022
Cierto Tequila
Cierto Private Collection Añejo
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2022, 2021
Milagro Tequila
Milagro Añejo Tequila
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold 2023
Milagro Tequila
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Añejo Tequila
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold 2023
Dark rum is probably the most complex and confusing rum category. The term is often differently explained, but it is mostly used to classify longer-aged rum styles with more pronounced flavors. Although the color is primarily attained from long-term aging in charred sherry or bourbon barrel, it can also be obtained from different distillation techniques, longer contact with molasses, and the addition of caramel.
To add to the confusion, the term dark rum is sometimes used to distinguish it for clear, white rum or to denote Demerara rum from Guyana. Good-quality dark rum can be appreciated neat, but it is also used in cocktails to provide a somewhat heavier element and more flavor.
THE BEST Dark Rum Spirits
Ten To One
Black History Month Artist Edition
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
William Grant & Sons
Wood's 100 Old Navy Rum
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2016, 2014, 2012
Reposado is a tequila variety that has been aged for a minimum of two, and a maximum of twelve months, usually in French or American oak. This tequila is characterized by a pale golden color and mellow agave flavor. It is praised for its complexity and a great, subtle balance of agave and wood aromas.
Reposado is the most common tequila variety enjoyed in Mexico.
THE BEST Reposado tequila Spirits
Cierto Tequila
Cierto Reserve Collection Reposado
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Cutwater Spirits
Cutwater Tequila Reposado
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2023, 2022, 2021
Blanco is a clear tequila variety that is usually not matured, and it is never colored. Soon after distillation, it is diluted to drinking strength, and it is then immediately bottled. This tequila shows a true agave character, especially if made with 100% blue agave, and it is usually quite potent.
Blanco variety is usually enjoyed neat from shot glasses.
THE BEST Blanco tequila Spirits
Rum is an alcoholic beverage distilled from fermented sugarcane juice, molasses, syrup, or any other sugarcane by-products, although most of what we know as rum is made from molasses. Nowadays, most rum comes from the Caribbean, and the region is often dubbed as its spiritual home.
Caribbean rums can significantly differ in character, mostly due to different practices adopted through history, which influenced distillation, blending, and aging techniques. Most islands have their signature styles, such as dark and complex Jamaican rum or clean, white rums from Puerto Rico.
VARIATIONS OF Rum
THE BEST Rum Spirits
Burdekin Rum
Virgin Cane Spirit
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
This smoky Mexican spirit is produced from agaves that are grown throughout the country, but the main territory of mezcal production is in Oaxaca. Mezcal is traditionally prepared with agave hearts that are roasted in earthen pits and are then crushed to a pulp, which would later be distilled.
Though some varieties are still made in this artisan way, mezcal is nowadays also commercially produced using modern ovens. Officially, it can be made in seven Mexican states and with over thirty types of agave, some of which only grow wild. It cannot, however, be made with blue Weber agave, which is used in the production of tequila.
VARIATIONS OF Mezcal
THE BEST Mezcal Spirits
Mezcal Vago
Ensamble en Barro Mezcal
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Mezcal Vago
Espadin Emigdio Jarquin Mezcal
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Rye whiskey predates bourbon, and it is often dubbed as the original American spirit. It is distilled from a mash that must constitute at least 51% rye, though most producers will opt for higher percentages. The minimum aging period is not regulated, but if it is aged for at least two years, it can be labeled as Straight Rye.
The drink developed with a combination of great-quality rye and whiskey-making practices that were brought by the early colonist. The beginning of production and the success of rye whiskey is mainly associated with Maryland and Pennsylvania. The regions produced two distinct varieties.
THE BEST Rye Whiskey Spirits
15 Stars
First West Batch 2-SSDD Rye Whiskey
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Art of the Spirits
Cask Strength “Final Run” BouRye Whiskey finished in Foursquare rum cask
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Whistlepig
The Boss Hog IX – Siren’s Song Straight Rye Whiskey
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Whistlepig
The Boss Hog VIII LapuLapu's Pacific Straight Rye Whisky
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy 2022
Sotol is a clear Mexican spirit distilled from a group of plants of the Dasylirion genus. The plants are known as sotol in Spanish, while the most common English term is the desert spoon. Sotol is an ancient Mexican spirit, often dubbed as a close relative to tequila and mezcal.
It is mainly produced in Chihuahua. The drink is made by roasting, fermenting, and then distilling piña—the center of the plant. The final result is a drink with a smoky character similar to mezcal. The flavor is smooth and mellow, and the drink has a long-lasting, warming finish.
THE BEST Sotol Spirits
Bacanora is a native Mexican spirit exclusively made in the Sonora region. It is made with a specific type of agave called Pacifica (agave Angustifolia). Despite its turbulent history, in 2000, this once outlawed spirit has been awarded a denomination of origin status.
Bacanora is a type of mezcal and a close cousin to tequila. It tends to be smoother than mezcal, while it typically has more smoky notes than tequila. Due to specific terroir, bacanora attains distinctive, complex character, smoky nuances, and an earthy finish.
THE BEST Bacanora Spirits
Best North American Spirit Producers
Reid's Distillery is a family-run craft distillery devoted to the art of exceptional gin making, where passion for quality, tradition, and modern creativity come together in every bottle. Their gins are crafted using Canadian wheat and a thoughtful blend of botanicals, with wild-foraged Canadian juniper taking center stage to deliver a truly distinctive flavor profile.
Inspired by a spirit of exploration and a desire to create something uniquely their own, Reid’s combines classic distillation techniques with a bold, contemporary approach. The result is a collection of gins that are elegant, nuanced, and instantly memorable—ranging from timeless dry styles to inventive, aromatic expressions.
Ampersand Distilling is a family-run distillery devoted to the craft of spirit-making that blends technical precision, artistic expression, and a deep commitment to quality. Their philosophy, reflected in the very name "Ampersand," symbolizes the union of seemingly opposite worlds—science and tradition, craftsmanship and innovation, simplicity and complexity.
Driven by a passion for creating something genuine and enduring, the team meticulously oversees every step of the process—from selecting ingredients to refining the final flavor profile—ensuring that each spirit embodies character, clarity, and consistency.
Sheringham Distillery is an award-winning distillery located on the west coast of Canada, in Langford, British Columbia. Founded with the vision of creating premium, handcrafted spirits that reflect the spirit and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Sheringham quickly earned a reputation for its quality, innovation, and commitment to local ingredients.
They are best known for their Seaside Gin, a unique gin infused with notes of sea salt and local seaweed from the shores of Vancouver Island, creating a complex yet refreshing flavor profile. It is often recognized as one of the best gins in Canada.
AWARDS
World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
BEST Sheringham Distillery Spirits
Ocho Tequila is a renowned producer of high-quality, artisanal tequila, celebrated for its commitment to tradition and transparency. Founded by Tomas Estes, a global tequila ambassador, and Carlos Camarena, a master distiller from a legendary tequila family, Ocho is known for being the first tequila to designate its production from specific agave fields, emphasizing terroir in its flavor profile.
Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, Ocho Tequila is produced using traditional methods, including slow cooking in brick ovens and natural fermentation. Each batch is made from agave harvested in a single estate, showcasing the unique characteristics of the land.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
BEST Tequila Ocho Spirits
High Bank Distillery, based in Columbus, Ohio, was founded by four partners with a passion for quality spirits. Inspired by the historical confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, which led to Columbus's founding in 1812, the distillery produces a range of premium spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Their "Whiskey War" blend has won awards for Best Blended Whiskey in America for three consecutive years at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition to the distillery, High Bank operates restaurants where guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails and modern American cuisine.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
BEST High Bank Distillery Spirits
Mezcal Vago is a producer focused on small-batch, artisanal mezcals sourced from remote regions of Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand collaborates with four master mezcaleros, each using traditional methods passed down through generations. Their mezcals reflect the distinct terroir of the area and the unique craftsmanship of each producer.
Mezcal Vago emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and the deep cultural heritage of mezcal-making.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022, 2020
BEST Mezcal Vago Spirits
Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935, is one of the largest independent, family-owned distilleries in the United States. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, it is renowned for producing some of the most iconic American whiskeys, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny.
The distillery boasts a rich heritage in crafting premium bourbons and other spirits, blending tradition with innovation. Heaven Hill is also home to one of the largest inventories of aging whiskey in the world, reflecting its commitment to quality and authenticity.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
BEST Heaven Hill Distillery Spirits
Barrell Craft Spirits, founded in 2013 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, is a renowned independent blender specializing in unique, aged, cask-strength whiskeys and rums. The company sources high-quality spirits from various distilleries, meticulously blending them to create distinctive flavor profiles.
Their commitment to innovation and quality has earned them numerous awards from prestigious spirits publications and competitions. Barrell Craft Spirits offers a diverse range of products, including small-batch and single-barrel releases, as well as ongoing series like Seagrass, Dovetail, and Vantage.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2020
BEST Barrell Craft Spirits Spirits
Don Fulano is a premium tequila brand rooted in the rich heritage of the Fonseca family, who have been cultivating agave in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, for five generations. Their journey began over 140 years ago in Atotonilco, where they started as agave farmers before acquiring the historic La Tequileña distillery in the mid-1980s.
This distillery, with over a century of history, became the foundation for producing their exceptional tequilas. Don Fulano tequilas are crafted using estate-grown, hand-selected mature agave, proprietary yeast, and natural volcanic spring water, ensuring a product that honors the natural gifts of the agave plant.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
BEST Don Fulano Spirits
Forty Creek Whisky is a Canadian distillery located in Grimsby, Ontario, renowned for its innovative approach to whisky making. Founded in 1992 by John Hall, an experienced winemaker, the distillery has set new standards in the Canadian whisky industry.
One of Forty Creek’s key innovations is the separate fermentation, distillation, and aging of different grains—corn, rye, and barley—before they are carefully blended. This unique method allows each grain to contribute its own character to the final flavor profile.
AWARDS
The World Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023, 2022
The Luxury Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Forty Creek Distillery Spirits
Best North American Spirits
Reid’s Signature Gin is an elegant dry gin that blends timeless distilling traditions with Canadian character and a modern approach to flavor. Crafted from high-quality Canadian wheat and infused with hand-harvested Canadian juniper and wild sweet fern, it delivers a perfectly balanced profile—crisp, aromatic, and refreshing, with subtle earthy and piney notes.
Its refined composition makes it exceptionally versatile—ideal for a classic gin and tonic, a sophisticated martini, or inventive cocktails. Whether sipped neat, over ice, or mixed, Reid’s Gin offers an experience that brings together tradition, nature, and artisanal skill in every drop.
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2023
Ampersand Gin is a refined, small-batch gin that perfectly blends the art and science of distilling. Crafted with precision and care, it features a balanced infusion of seven carefully selected botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica root, cardamom, lemon peel, sweet almond shells, and licorice.
Distilled from locally grown wheat, it offers a crisp and refreshing profile, with subtle citrus and spice notes that create an exceptionally smooth finish. Its elegance and complexity make it a versatile choice—equally at home in a classic martini or gin and tonic, yet refined enough to be enjoyed on its own.
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2022, 2021
Lemon Gin Liqueur is a handcrafted spirit that captures the essence of premium lemons. With an alcohol content of 25%, this liqueur is crafted on a gin base specifically designed to complement the juice of high-quality lemons. The result is a harmonious balance of fresh, tart lemon notes gently sweetened to create a refreshing and versatile beverage.
Ideal for various serving options, the Fresh Lemon Liqueur can be enjoyed on its own, shaken over ice, or as a key ingredient in simple cocktails. Its bright and sophisticated profile evokes the simple pleasures of summer, making it a delightful choice for any season.
AWARDS
World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
Seaside Gin is the flagship product of Sheringham Distillery, inspired by the coastline of Vancouver Island. This gin combines botanical ingredients such as juniper, rose, lavender, citrus, coriander, and cardamom with locally and sustainably harvested Alaria marginata (commonly known as “winged kelp”), which lends a subtle salty note and a unique taste of the sea.
This gin is exceptionally versatile - it can be sipped neat, enjoyed over ice, or mixed into cocktails like a classic gin and tonic. Its complex yet balanced flavor profile makes it a favorite among gin enthusiasts. Its aroma is bright and herbaceous, with a gentle saline finish that awakens the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is one of the most renowned whiskeys in the world, known for its bold and intense flavor. This bourbon offers rich notes of dark chocolate, caramel, butter, with earthy tones of walnut and hazelnut, while the palate features warm vanilla, oak, and spicy notes.
With a high alcohol content, it delivers a deep and long-lasting finish. Best served neat or with a splash of water, unfiltered and in its purest form.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2021
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022
Cierto Private Collection Reposado is an exquisite tequila crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, grown in Jalisco's Highlands. Aged for 11 months in French Limousin oak casks, this reposado delivers a smooth and refined experience with layered flavors.
The initial notes of butterscotch and cooked agave evolve into hints of caramel and finish with a warm cinnamon spice, offering a rich and balanced taste profile.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Tequila Ocho Plata is a premium, 100% blue agave tequila known for its high quality and distinct taste. It is produced in small batches at the Ocho distillery, which is known for crafting tequilas with unique flavors that reflect the terroir of the agave plants used.
The Plata expression is unaged, offering a crisp and fresh flavor profile with notes of citrus, pepper, and agave. It's typically enjoyed neat or in cocktails like margaritas.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2022, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2020
Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka is a premium vodka made from locally sourced, high-quality potatoes, crafted by Boyd & Blair Distillery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for its smooth, clean taste, this vodka is produced through a meticulous small-batch distillation process, ensuring exceptional purity and flavor.
The vodka has a creamy texture with subtle notes of vanilla, and a slight sweetness that comes from the natural starches of the potatoes used. Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka is distilled multiple times to achieve a smooth finish and is highly regarded for its versatility in cocktails or for sipping neat.
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2021, 2020
Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
Heaven Hill Distillery William Heavenhill 9th Edition 15 YO Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 North American Spirits” list until April 17, 2025, 1,704 ratings were recorded, of which 1,245 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.