Like every year, The Flaviar Awards variant X is based on a particular approval cocktail of our Members’ ratings and reviews, informed staff picks, sales numbers, and wishlist information.

While beauty is most certainly in the eye of the beholder (or in this case, on the nose and on the palate), the Flaviar world unanimously united on five swanky expressions that left their biggest mark in the past year.

From an up-and-coming Danish Whisky to a classic triple-matured Irish Single Malt, these are the red carpet drams totally deserving of a spotlight in your home bar.
 

Stauning Kaos Danish Whisky

From a quiet farm community on the West Coast of Denmark with a very Scottish Highlands kinda climate comes a controlled chaos blend of fine Danish Single Malt, peated Single Malt, and malted Rye Whiskies.

Each of these fine drams on its own is a worthy treat. Together they give us the world’s first Scotch-like blend at a perfect 46% ABV.

“Unexpectedly rich, complex, and robust. Scottish distillers better watch their backs!” - Jeremy, Flaviar Member

Stauning Kaos Danish Whisky in a cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Stauning Kaos Danish Whisky
• 0.7 oz (21 ml) sweet Vermouth
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Dom Benedictine

Stir all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass. Double strain into a chic lowball glass without ice. Twist an orange peel over the glass. Garnish with orange peel. Toast lavishly.

Brugal 1888 Rum

The fabulous Rum for Whisky lovers. Distilled specifically for dryness, this Rum had many of the heavy alcohols that give other Rums their sweetness removed. Made from fermented molasses it’s a blend of Rums aged from 5 to 14 years in American white oak casks, and finish matured in first-fill Sherry oak casks.

“It’s a perfect mix of the sweetness of rum, and the underlining hint of bourbon..” - Brad, Flaviar Member

“An incredible sipping rum and makes a delicious rum Old Fashioned!” - Amber, Flaviar Member

Brugal 1888 Rum in a cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 oz (30 ml) Brugal 1888 Rum
• 0.3 oz (10 ml) Campari
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) sweet Vermouth (infused with a vanilla pod)

Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Discarded orange peel and a vanilla pod

Add all ingredients and elegantly stir over ice and add a vanilla pod as a garnish. Spray orange zest on top of the drink using the orange peel to give it a luxurious perfumey finish.

Yellowstone Select Bourbon

A rich and flavorful blend of four sourced Kentucky Bourbons from the legendary Beam family. Originally created by Taylor & Williams in the late 1800s, the Yellowstone brand has been restored to its former glory in 2015 by Steve and Paul Beam. And the Bourbon is absolutely glorious!

“Nice aroma and nice flavor mix. Was surprised at the depth of the first taste and enjoyed the overall smoothness. Has become one of my favs.” - Matt, Flaviar Member

Yellowstone Select Bourbon in a cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) Yellowstone Select Bourbon
• 1 bar spoon of apricot preserves
• Orange zest
• 4 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Flamed orange peel for garnish

Combine Yellowstone Select, apricot preserves, orange zest, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass. Give it a high-class stir for 30 seconds and strain over one big ice cube in an Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with a refined fragrance of a flamed orange peel.

The GlenAllachie 15-Year-Old Single Malt

One of the most popular Flaviar Advent Calendar entries, this Scotch Whisky in the Speyside style had been meticulously perfected by the Master Distiller into the jewel in the Distillery’s crown. After a finishing period in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry puncheons and hogsheads, the resulting juice exhibits an "exceptional balance of the distillery’s Spirit and the influence of the Sherry casks."

“A delicious addition to the Flaviar Advent Calendar this year. Sweet and spicy with just the right amount of smokiness.” - Mike, Flaviar Member

“One of the best scotches I’ve had. Just the right amount of smoke to not overpower the complex flavors behind it. A smooth finish makes this worth savoring.” - Daniel, Flaviar Member

The GlenAllachie 15 Year Old is so dashing, it just needs to be enjoyed neat in a snifter glass deserving of the dram's richness. It pairs perfectly with orange peels dipped in chocolate.

Bushmills 16-Year-Old Single Malt

An absolutely classic Single Malt triple-matured in American Bourbon barrels, Spanish Oloroso Sherry butts, and Port pipes— each of which contributes extra nuances to its flavor.

“So smooth! The aftertaste is long and keeps on giving but this one is so structured that it's almost poetry.” - Emma, Flaviar Member

“Incredibly smooth with a subtle and rich taste that builds with each sip.” - Peter, Flaviar Member

This opulence, too, deserves to be enjoyed neat. In a Glencairn glass, of course. But you can't go wrong pairing Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt with a deluxe cheese plate, including Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Manchego with toasted or Marcona almonds, plus dried apricots, raisins, and green apples.

Denmark, Dominican Republic, United States, Scotland, Ireland—a true international jet set of celebrity Spirits, indeed. Enjoy the samples inside the 2022 Flaviar Awards Tasting Box, and go for the full bottles when you’re ready to put on the ritz at home.