In each issue of Whisky Advocate, the editors select three whiskies that we consider the most impressive, considering score, price, and availability. For Summer 2020, our Editors’ Choice whiskies include Kentucky straight rye and bourbon and a 10 year old single malt scotch.

For all whiskies reviewed in the Summer 2020 issue, check out the full Buying Guide.

Standout Whiskies from Summer 2020

Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye
93 points, 47% ABV, $30

A welcome addition to the Elijah Craig family, this rye has rock-solid heft and flavor that doesn’t quit. The nose swells with cooked blackberries and raspberries, fruit leather, iced tea, cola, and stately oak. It’s chewy and viscous on the palate, with more berries and grapes (often jammy), well-integrated oak, dark chocolate, and lush spice. The finish rides a long way on peppery dark fruit, wet walnuts, dark chocolate, and rich oak. —Susannah Skiver Barton

Benromach 10 year old Single Malt Scotch
92 points, 43% ABV, $60

This expression was distilled from malt peated to 12 to 14 ppm, and aged for 9 years in 80% bourbon and 20% sherry casks before a final year in more sherry casks. Sweet smoke on the early nose, with malt, vanilla, quite dry sherry, apple, and toffee. Smoky barley, vanilla, subtle sherry, and light honey on the palate. Peaches, ginger, and woodsmoke on the medium-length finish. Very accomplished. —Gavin Smith

Bulleit Blender’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Batch 001)
92 points, 50% ABV, $50

The nose shows great maturity, with varnish, leather couch, black cherry syrup, dark chocolate, and wet walnuts. There’s a pleasant tartness to the palate, like just-ripe cherries, along with the richness of chocolate torte, blackberry jam, birch syrup, Concord grape jelly, and leathery oak. It finishes with lengthy cherry syrup, high-end dark chocolate, and more varnish and leather. —Susannah Skiver Barton