The Bottles That Defined Our Year
We made it to the end of the year, and instead of chasing hype bottles or unicorn myths, we’re breaking down the spirits that actually earned a permanent place on our shelf.In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crys
Inside the Episode
We made it to the end of the year, and instead of chasing hype bottles or unicorn myths, we’re breaking down the spirits that actually earned a permanent place on our shelf.In this episode of The Liquor Connoisseur, Crystal and Roger share their Best Spirits of the Year across whiskey, tequila, rum, cognac, vodka, gin, absinthe, and even agave’s lesser‑known cousins. These are bottles we didn’t just review, but finished, re‑bought, and kept reaching for.You’ll hear why:Absinthe myths needed to be retired (no green fairy here)Overproof and cask strength became our word of the yearAdditive‑free tequila changed how we drink agaveCreamy, oily mouthfeel matters more than brand namesRarity doesn’t equal qualityHigh proof doesn’t mean harshFrom Yéyo Rosa Reposado and Dad’s Hat Honey Rye, to Du Nord Gin, Striped Lion Overproof Rum, Delta Dirt Sweet Potato Vodka, and Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations, this episode is your shortcut to drinking smarter, not louder.💬 Tell us in the comments: Which bottle was your favorite this year, and what surprised you the most?As always, we drink to remember, not to forget.⏱️
At a Glance
- Category: Whiskey
- Published: December 27, 2025
- Runtime: 00:11:39
- Presented by: The Liquor Connoisseur
Tasting Notes from the Episode
These are bottles we didn’t just review, but finished, re‑bought, and kept reaching for.You’ll hear why:Absinthe myths needed to be retired (no green fairy here)Overproof and cask strength became our word of the yearAdditive‑free tequila changed how we drink agaveCreamy, oily mouthfeel matters more than brand namesRarity doesn’t equal qualityHigh proof doesn’t mean harshFrom Yéyo Rosa Reposado and Dad’s Hat Honey Rye, to Du Nord Gin, Striped Lion Overproof Rum, Delta Dirt Sweet Potato Vodka, and Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations, this episode is your shortcut to drinking smarter, not louder.💬 Tell us in the comments: Which bottle was your favorite this year, and what surprised you the most?As always, we drink to remember, not to forget.⏱️
Episode Chapters
- Welcome + Best of the Year Setup
- Absinthe Myths & Why It Made the List
- New Dawn 10 Year Wheated (Cask Strength Love)
- Yéyo Rosa Reposado & Additive-Free Tequila
- Pierre Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac
- Dad’s Hat Honey Rye & That Creamy Mouthfeel
- Bacanora: Agave’s Lesser-Known Cousin
- Delta Dirt Sweet Potato Vodka
- Loft & Bear Vodka + Giving Back
- Du Nord Gin (Balanced, Bold, Legendary)
- Striped Lion Overproof Rum
- Overproof, Cask Strength & Our Word of the Year
- Final Thoughts + What’s Coming Next#LiquorConnoisseur#BestSpiritsOfTheYear#WhiskeyReview#TequilaLovers#Overproof#CaskStrength#CraftSpirits#SpiritEducation#DrinkToRemember#Absinthe#RumLovers#VodkaReview#GinLovers#Cognac#AgaveSpirits#Mezcal#Bacanora#SpiritPodcast