Lux Row Small Batch Bourbon PX Sherry Cask Finish

Ah, the celebrated Whisky Advocate Top 20. I've been following it for about four years, which is roughly half the time it's been around. I understand it should be taken with a grain of salt. WA is primarily a lifestyle publication aimed at selling products, but it's reasonably priced, and I enjoy looking at glossy whisky bottle pictures – judge me. Besides, lists are for discussion, not final decrees. Typically, I manage to try 2-4 of the listed whiskies annually, and while I might question rankings (Jack Daniels Bonded at #1, seriously?) or if other whiskies were more deserving (Ezra Brooks 99 Rye), I'm never truly disappointed with the whiskies themselves. Even that Ezra Rye is quite pleasant for sipping, considering its $23 price point. This year, however, even the more affordable options (I'm unlikely to spend the money for Maker's Mark Cellar Age, despite liking almost everything Maker's I've ever tasted) weren't readily available in my area. I just sent a bottle of Torabhaig Legacy Series Sound of Sleat, this year's #9, to my friend in Chicago because I could order it for direct delivery while state laws prevent me from shipping it myself. Anyway, this dram, #17, the Lux Row Bourbon finished in PX Sherry Casks, was on sale for $39 (normally $60) at the store near my therapist's office (the perfect combination for mental well-being, right?). And as I often mention in my reviews, I can't resist a good deal. And this whisky is genuinely excellent. Its high rye content aligns with my bourbon preferences. The nose is very sweet, with both corn and sherry contributing a candy-like aroma, musky like a blend of cinnamon and cocoa powder. At 112 proof, the palate is rich but not overly harsh (though my experience with higher-proof spirits might influence my perception of heat, so keep that disclaimer in mind). The palate adds a hint of raspberry/blackberry to the nose's profile. There's a cherry Luden's note towards the end, followed by a pleasant peppery finish. While I enjoyed it, I do question the suggested retail price. I'm unsure if it's worth $60, but at $39, it's a fantastic buy. Highly enjoyable. My primary issue with the Whisky Advocate Top 20 isn't the rankings or whether whiskies belong on it. After all, since I haven't tasted every release in a given year (and they select based on new releases, including new batches of existing products like ECBP), how can I definitively say if a whisky deserves its spot? No, my main concern is that once a whisky makes the list, demand increases, distilleries gain confidence, and they raise the prices. Old Ezra 7 Year Bourbon is a prime example. When it ranked #7, it cost $40 and was well worth it. The following year it was $55, perhaps pushing it. Now it's around $80, and if you're foolish enough to buy it, good for you for not knowing better. I could see Lux Row doing the same. I sincerely hope they don't.