In each issue of Whisky Advocate, the editors select three whiskies they consider to be the most impressive, based on score, price, and availability. For Fall 2022, our Editors’ Choice selections include a blended scotch, a madeira and rum cask-finished rye, and a barrel proof Kentucky bourbon.

Check out the Buying Guide for a complete list of whiskies reviewed in the Fall 2022 issue.

STANDOUT WHISKIES FROM FALL 2022

Dewar’s 12 year old
93 points, 40%, $30
Now double-aged in first-fill bourbon casks, this is a zinger. Bright aromas of honey, caramel, dried apricot and apple slice, mixed peel, malt, roasted spices, rich vanilla, and an imprint of woodsmoke. Silky-smooth flavors of honey, warm citrus, black pepper, dark chocolate, and a lick of smoke, then vanilla, burnt toffee, black cherry, espresso, soft oak, and a finish of milk chocolate and hazelnut latte. An outstanding blend.—Jonny McCormick

Blackened Double Cask Madeira and Rum Cask Finished
92 points, 45%, $80
Grain-forward on the nose, like a grain barn, with lots of robust spice. Water softens it and brings out notes of candied grape. The clean, smooth palate is balanced with fruit, good depth, and plenty of spice. Water unlocks pleasant bitter chocolate and enhances the rye grain flavors. The finish is superbly long, with more spice, grape jelly, chocolate, and coffee ice cream. The cask finishing works superbly—a real winner.—David Fleming

Elijah Craig 12 year old Barrel Proof (B522)
92 points, 60.5%, $70
The maturity is instantly apparent, with a nose of chocolate cloaked in old oak and antique leather, but also offers red berries and aged herbs at the edges. Plenty of depth on a buttery palate of chocolate, almond, gooey caramel, vanilla ice cream, and ripe banana. On the finish, chocolate, raspberry jam, and espresso bean. This one has aged gracefully, with perfectly tempered sweetness and depth.—David Fleming