What is THE best American Whiskey you have ever had?

[callmeox]

The 22 year old rye that Doug Philips poured for me at KBF. I've been ruined for life by that moment.

[wskybnt]

I've had about half of these mentioned above. But if i got to choose one, Pappy 20. I got like 15 top 5's though.....lol

[libertybar]

Well. Tough call. Very tough call.

To memory, the most enjoyable whiskey has been either the "Old Commonwealth 10yr" (A Van Winkle product, I do believe) or the Pappy 15yr or a number of Willett's.

Crap. To have to choose. Rittenhouse 23yr Rye? No, not quite as good as those above. There are a couple of Vintage bourbons that are outstanding to say the least, but I'd have to say that the 10yr "Old Commonwealth" is right now sitting at the top of my list.

[DoubleT]

Wow, what a hard question. I haven't had as many bourbons as others here (about 21 different brands) but I have had more than most of my friends who have taken up bourbon drinking thanks to my advise and this site. I have also enjoyed some fine Tennessee whiskey (Jack Daniels Single Barrel) but have never been a big fan of rye.

All that said, if I could only have ONE whiskey for the rest of my life it would have to be Buffalo Trace. I enjoy it neat, on the rocks, and straight up so I can't go wrong.

[AntiqueBourbon]

My best bourbon is Very Very Old Fitzgerald 15yo B.I.B. distilled 1954,bottled 1969

I love a A.H.Hirsch Reserve 20yo 91.6proof,too.

[Special Reserve]

Well, the jury is still out, but right now WT 12 with the "cheesy gold foil label" is the top contender.

[edo]

Right now, maybe because it's what I'm drinking, I like Wild Turkey Rye as much as anything I've ever tried. But, I remember having exactly the same thought about Blanton's Original, not too long ago, ... before I finished the bottle.

[smokinjoe]

Well, I can honestly say that I hope I haven't had it yet. But, if I had to select one now, it would be the McScrooge's bottling of S-W Pappy 15. Doug's 22 yr. rye would be right behind it.

[AVB]

Jim Beam Distiller's Masterpiece 18 yo Cognac Finish Bourbon would be my #1 with a Classic Cask 22 yo Rye close behind.

[Gillman]

I have to mention a few: Doug Phillips' 1970's Beam's Choice (a square-shaped bottle with a black label similar to today's Beam Black label); some of Tim Sousley's 1950's-70's S-W bottlings; A.H. Hirsch 20; Hirsch 16 blue wax; Tony's 1970's Benchmark; the current Hirsch 22 rye. There have been many others though (e.g., Bobby's Yellowstone Mellow Mash).

Gary