Highland Park Cask Strength (Batch 4), 64.3%

A giant of a whisky, with the highest proof ever on our Top 20 list, Highland Park Cask Strength is about more than just high-octane thrills. Unencumbered by an age statement, master whisky maker Gordon Motion was free to paint Batch 4 with flavor in mind, using a vivid palette of sherry-seasoned European and American oak, bourbon, and refill casks, then in a twist, adding port casks for a daring new streak of flavor. In the distillery’s 225th year, Motion’s stellar accomplishment integrates expressive notes of pink grapefruit and exotic spices within a deep well of citrus, dark chocolate, and heathery peat smoke. No.-2 Top 20 Whiskies of 2023