10 Most Influential Spirits List

I'm on phone duty at the moment and that is always a good time to browse the internet in between rings.  The New York Times today was talking about the idea of lists and how the blogging atmosphere really enjoys this activity.  One list that I read recently and had fun pondering was the 10 Most Influential Books In Your Life - the words that changed your view of the world.  I like lists like that because you get to debate impact rather than qualit, and importance to the greater picture rather than best and worst.  For instance, I would argue that Boogie Nights is one of the finest films ever made, but it isn't my favorite by any means, whereas Real Genius I could watch everyday while admitting it isn't a great picture.  The writers who did their Top 10 books recommended not dwelling upon the idea, and recommended going from the gut, so that's what I'm going to do.  I have 10 more minutes on phones to write this so here are the ten spirits (not in any order) that changed how I look at distilled liquor.  Feel free to add your own list to the comment option below.

1) Ardbeg Corryvreckan - who knew whiskey could be so lean yet so flavorful?

2) Arette Reposado Tequila - this is when I "got" tequila.

3) Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Bourbon - this is when I understood why bourbon could be expensive.

4) North Shore No. 11 Gin - gin elegance redefined.

5) Bruichladdich 15 Year Sauternes Cask - Susan Purnell let me try this - my first real single malt experience and still one of the best ever.

6) Germain Robin Grappa of Zinfandel - the best grappa I have ever tasted. Distillation excellence

7) Germain Robin XO - Cognac from pinot noir is a beautiful thing

8) Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal - awesome distillation and so pure

9) 2001 Bruichladdich Resurrection - proof that awesome whisky can be very young sometimes

10) Camut 12 Year Calvados - I never knew that barrel and fruit could be so balanced.

-David Driscoll