.jpg)
The winner of the most coveted title of 'World Whisky of the Year' in the latest edition of Jim Murray's Whisky Bible had been announced. And like previous years, Scotland will be displeased once again.
The best in the world, according to the most influential whisky guide is "a staggering example of a magnificent rye showing exactly what genius in terms of whisky actually means." It scored 97.5 of 100. And it isn't Scottish.
The Limited Edition Booker's Rye, which beat out over 1,241 new whiskies in this year's judging, is American, one of two that feature in the top three.
Last year's choice, a Canadian whisky called Crown Royal's Northern Harvest Rye was a controversial one. So was the 2015 winner -- the Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 from Japan's oldest whisky distillery, Beam Suntory. But the consolation? After three years, Glen Grant Aged 18 Year Old Rare Edition is the first Scotch whisky to have made the final shortlist since 2014, coming in close at number 2.
Here are 5 things you should know about this year's 'World Whisky of the Year'
It's backed by a rich legacy. The Kentucky rye by Booker's Bourbon brand began life as an experiment by master distiller Booker Noe, who also happens to be Jim Beam's grandson. Before his death in 2004, Noe followed in his iconic grandfather's footsteps, working at the family distillery in Clermont.
It's the first rye ever produced by the Kentucky bourbon brand. And is exactly 13 years, 1 month and 2 days old.
Booker Rye is bottled uncut at 136.2 proof.
Expect 68.1% ABV.
Originally priced at $300 dollars, no bottle is available for less than $549 as of today.
Check out our expert whisky list of the world's best single malts outside of Scotland
