Eight Categories · Forty-Eight Bottles · One Guide

The Spirits Index

A curated reference across every major spirit category — with the best bottles to buy, explore, and avoid, evaluated purely for mixing utility.

Gin · Tequila · Mezcal · Scotch Whiskey · Brandy · Rum · Other Six Tiers Per Category Curated for Mixing

Every spirit here is evaluated on a single axis: utility at the bar. The best splurge rewards the investment in cocktails, not just in the glass. The overrated call is made without apology. Six bottles, six tiers, eight categories.

Botanical Spirit · Juniper-Led
Gin
From London's 18th-century craze to a global craft explosion.
  • SplurgeMonkey 47
  • BudgetTanqueray London Dry
  • VersatilePlymouth Gin
  • UnderratedBoodles London Dry
  • UniqueSt. George Terroir
  • OverratedEmpress 1908
Explore gin
Blue Weber Agave · Jalisco, Mexico
Tequila
Defined by a single plant. The difference between 100% agave and mixto is not subtle.
  • SplurgeFortaleza Reposado
  • BudgetOlmeca Altos Plata
  • VersatileEspolòn Reposado
  • UnderratedTapatio Blanco 110
  • UniqueChamucos Diablo 55
  • OverratedCasamigos Blanco
Explore tequila
Any Agave · Oaxaca & Beyond
Mezcal
Tequila's older, wilder ancestor. Made from dozens of agave varieties, by hand.
  • SplurgeDel Maguey Chichicapa
  • BudgetBanhez Espadin & Barril
  • VersatileDel Maguey Vida
  • UnderratedEl Rey Campero
  • Unique5 Sentidos Pechuga
  • OverratedDos Hombres Joven
Explore mezcal
Malted Barley · Scotland
Scotch
Five regions, two primary styles, centuries of peat and oak.
  • SplurgeArdbeg Uigeadail
  • BudgetThe Famous Grouse
  • VersatileMonkey Shoulder
  • UnderratedArdbeg Wee Beastie
  • UniqueLaphroaig 10 Year
  • OverratedMonkey Shoulder
Explore scotch
Bourbon & Rye · United States
Whiskey
New charred oak, corn and rye. A regulatory framework that actually protects quality.
  • SplurgeWild Turkey Rare Breed Rye
  • BudgetOld Grand Dad Bonded
  • VersatileWild Turkey 101
  • UnderratedElijah Craig Small Batch
  • UniqueBarrell Seagrass
  • OverratedJack Daniel's Old No.7
Explore whiskey
Distilled Wine · France & Beyond
Brandy
The most underused category in the modern cocktail bar.
  • SplurgeRémy Martin 1738
  • BudgetSt-Rémy VSOP
  • VersatilePierre Ferrand 1840
  • UnderratedDartigalongue Armagnac
  • UniqueArarat Dvin
  • OverratedHennessy VS
Explore brandy
Sugarcane · Caribbean & Beyond
Rum
No other spirit has as many traditions pulling in different directions.
  • SplurgeHampden Estate HLCF
  • BudgetAppleton Estate Signature
  • VersatilePlanteray 3 Stars
  • UnderratedHavana Club 3 Year
  • UniqueRivers Royal Grenadian
  • OverratedKraken Spiced
Explore rum
Absinthe · Aquavit · Cachaça · Vodka
Other
The spirits that don't fit a category but are essential to the toolkit.
  • SplurgeSt. George Absinthe Verte
  • BudgetLaird's Bonded Apple Brandy
  • VersatileLinie Aquavit
  • UnderratedRitual Sister Smoked Pineapple
  • UniqueNovo Fogo Tanager
  • OverratedGrey Goose Vodka
Explore other