10 Smoothest Liquors To Drink Neat

To appreciate the real beauty of a liquor, you sometimes have to drink it as the makers intended it: straight, neat, and unencumbered by mixers. Although there are plenty of alcohols and liqueurs you should enjoy on their own, few high-octane liquors like rums, vodkas, gins, or tequilas make the cut. Fortunately, a few rise above, pairing excellent distilling methods with complex flavor palates that make them taste experiences on their own.

With exceptional attention to detail, premium ingredients, and unexpected surprises that just work, these liquors are ones that you'll feature in pride of place on your home bar. So break them out for special occasions or for those times you want a nice treat at the end of a long day. Although the craft and velvety smoothness of these liquors make them fine mixers, why mess with perfection? Instead, get yourself a chilled glass, pour in a splash or two, and kick back for some epic enjoyment.

Good sippin' tequilas are few and far between, but Siembra Spirits hits the mark with this endlessly sippable, straightforward, and sophisticated white tequila. At more than 90 proof, Siembra Valles High Proof Blanco Tequila is undoubtedly a heavyweight, but you won't get any harsh burn at the end. Instead, the taste is deliberate and slightly sweet and finishes clean and luxurious.

According to Tequila Matchmaker, you'll find mellow notes of soft mint, sage, agave, and anise and lots of herbal notes in every taste. In addition, there's a light peppery bite at the end that's just enough to make you remember that you're sipping something bold and strong but not overpowering enough to overshadow the subtle spearmint that runs through the drink. A master class in artisan distilling and restraint, Siembra Valles High Proof Blanco Tequila is an excellent example of precisely what a tequila should be, and it deserves a prominent place in your bar.

Of all the Absolut flavors on the market, Absolut Elyx is easily one of the smoothest, most delicious, and best vodkas to drink straight. Absolut Elyx is the ultimate luxury offering from this already stellar spirits distiller, and it comes in an artfully designed black-and-white geometric-patterned bottle. According to Absolut's website, Absolut Elyx is an ultra-meticulous, perfectly curated version of the brand's signature vodka, geared toward refinement and satiny smoothness.

According to Master of Malt, Absolut Elyx comes from vintage, artisanal copper stills, yielding a soft end-product with a traditional, clean vodka taste and minimal residual burn. Although you could elevate virtually any cocktail with a splash or two of Absolut Elyx, it's best to enjoy this liquor neat so as to better appreciate the simplicity and craft in every sip. Serve ice-cold, atop some whiskey rocks, or poured straight into a tall shot glass for the best effect.

With a whimsical bottle full of deep penny-colored whiskey, Heaven's Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey has some heavy, bakery-inspired notes of spice and vanilla, plus a beautiful oak foundation bolstered by the non-chill filtration process at Heaven's Door. If you're looking for a solid, easy-going whiskey with a good finish, reach for a bottle of this liquid gold. According to Whiskey Raiders, the artisanal expertise that goes into each bottle of Heaven's Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey isn't lost on drinkers or reviewers.

With consistently high scores on top review sites like The Whiskey Wash, Distiller, and Breaking Bourbon (via Whiskey Raiders), this Bob Dylan brand gets consistent praise for its fiery intenseness, the balance of elements, and layers upon layers of familiar flavors. In addition, the whiskey itself is thick and luscious, going down smooth and leaving a brilliant and long finish at the end.

Brooklyn-brewed Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon is a cleverly concocted blend of different whiskeys, with a robust ribbon of caramel running through every sip. It's bourbon at its best, relying heavily on tried-and-tested flavors like vanilla and oak while still managing to stay fresh and innovative at the same time. According to Gentlemen Ranters, you can expect some delicate almond, pepper, and honey at the first whiff of Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon, then delve into cherry, caramel, and dark chocolate in the body.

One thing that makes this bourbon deliciously drinkable and best enjoyed straight is the finish. It's never harsh, but there is a black pepper bite and a hint of smokiness that beautifully plays off the cherry and vanilla flavors. Plus, the mouthfeel is wonderful: slightly viscous but not overwhelming. Enjoy this solidly scrumptious sipper straight or with a few whiskey rocks so as to not dilute the flavor.

Mhoba Franky's Pineapple Rum gets its brilliant, tropical kick from Natal Queen pineapples and two types of rum. The result is a pineapple-heavy, but never cloying, treat that takes the sipper on a glorious journey through different iterations of pineapple. You'll get grilled, succulent pineapple notes on the beginning and middle parts of the sip and a bright, juicy burst of fresh pineapple at the end. Paired with plenty of oakiness and signature char, this rum never ceases to disappoint (via Got Rum?).

In addition, sippers can expect plenty of subtle sugarcane and caramel running throughout the drink. It's a pleasant, tropically infused treat that is great for people who love a luxe fruit bite in their rum but might be a little much for those who prefer more classic rummy tastes (via Reddit). Although it's slightly polarizing, especially for rum purists, Mhoba Franky's Pineapple Rum is a fine, straight-sippin' liquor.