Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The rise of flavored spirits has been attributed to the increasing number of new products introduced each year— from smoked-salmon vodka to chocolate tequila.
That’s why whiskey distillery makers are joining the trend, too. From small to big brands, they’re releasing flavored bourbons and rye whiskey.
If you’re interested in trying new whiskey flavors, there’s a growing list to choose from. But to save you time, we’ve put together the best flavored whiskeys to get you started.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 10 Delectable Flavored Whiskeys of All Time
10. Crown Royal Canadian Vanilla Whisky
Average Price: approx. $28.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: You’d all agree vanilla is the universal note of whiskeys.
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky didn’t effort that much to think of new flavors here and just enhanced the vanilla notes in this flavored spirit.
Surprisingly, Crown Royal Canadian Vanilla Whisky has fruity, oak, and spice notes.
Still, the intense vanilla flavors, which make this whiskey stand out, came from the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla used to craft this spirit.
Best to enjoy in a Canadian Coffee or mix chilled Coca-Cola with crushed ice.
9. Uncle Bob’s Root Beer Whiskey
Average Price: approx. $20/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Inspired by the spirit of “shock vodkas,” Uncle Bob’s Root Beer-infused whiskey introduced corn syrup’s adolescent flavors into the bourbon whiskey world.
We like the unique notes of anise and sarsaparilla.
Actually, the concept in this drink is to honor the “cool uncles,” who can “transform the mood in a room with his presence and the way he carries himself,” which is evident in Uncle Bob’s Root Beer Whiskey’s character.
8. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
Average Price: approx. $25.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Mixing fire and whiskey? Seems too intense, right? But Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire gives a smooth start.
The Tennessee Fire mixes with real cinnamon spice and the deep character of the Old No. 7.
Surprisingly, this cinnamon-flavored whiskey gives a different kind of experience that’s smooth and a bit spicy.
Tip: You can also try the Jim Beam Kentucky Fire as an alternative.
7. Garrison Brothers Honeydew
Average Price: approx. $87/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This flavored whiskey from Garrison Brothers is infused with Wildflower Honey from Texas, creating a smooth bourbon with subtle spice and a sweet honey finish.
“Our HoneyDew is the most magical nectar I have ever tasted. It is light, delicate, gentle, floral, and perfect for sipping on the porch in the summertime.”
— Dan Garrison, Founder/CEO
The tasting notes are as accurate as it is, but we noticed some dark chocolate, maple syrup, and brown sugar notes, which suit our palate.
Also, at 80-proof, it tastes great on iced tea and cranberry juice.
6. Knob Creek Smoked Maple
Average Price: approx. $38/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Not only for mixed drinks, Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon is sippable whiskey offering the usual spice, caramel, and vanilla with a robust maple bite.
For whiskey fans who love sweeter notes with real maple syrup, this is for you. But at 90-proof, it can surely entice more serious drinkers.
Try it over ice or enjoy a maple Old-Fashioned; it’ll satisfy your taste buds.
5. Bird Dog Peach
Average Price: approx. $20/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Bird Dog Peach is a wonderful blend of peach flavors and warm whiskey, creating a refreshing drink with an enticing aroma.
Best to enjoy on the rocks or paired with apple pie or creme brulee, Bird Dog Peach has the tasting notes of oak and vanilla with the familiar malted barley [1] flavors from bourbon.
4. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
Average Price: approx. $22/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: When it comes to smoothness, Jack Daniel’s didn’t disappoint, which applies to their flavored whiskey, too. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey sweetens the experience.
It’s not too sweet, and as the primary flavor, it gives the real honey notes, making this spirit stand out among other flavored whiskeys.
3. Skrewball Peanut Butter Flavored Whiskey
Average Price: approx. $27/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Taste this one to believe. It really tastes like real peanut butter, seriously.
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey [2] is a dessert liquor— best for milkshakes and peanut butter & jelly with Chambord.
It isn’t overly sweet, actually, as it’s more of a sweet and salty treat. But it’s as smooth as your favorite whiskey brands.
If you want a flavored whiskey to celebrate any holiday, then Skewball Peanut Butter Whiskey can be your best bet.
Tip: Bird Dog Peanut Butter is a good alternative.
2. Leopold Bros New York Apple Whiskey
Average Price: approx. $34.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: One of the best flavored whiskeys, Leopold Bros NY Apple Whiskey, contains fruit sediment, crafted with real fruit, and no preservatives used.
We like a caramel finish with vanilla ice cream notes. It’s sweet, and perfect for making cocktails and mixing with other beverages.
It’s not a limited edition release, so it’s available widely in liquor stores and retailers.
Read: Our Favorite Apple Whiskeys
1. Crown Royal Salted Caramel
Average Price: approx. $31/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: The best among the flavored whiskeys today is this limited offering from Crown Royal.
We prefer this one over the Ole Smoky Salty Caramel due to its rich, creamy notes of caramel while balancing the sweet and salty notes perfectly.
It goes well with almost anything, paired with food, served straight, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails.
Note: Some well-flavored whiskeys that didn’t get on this list but are still worth trying include:
- Old Forester Mint Julep
- Kings County Distillery Chocolate
- George Dickel Tabasco Barrel Finish Whisky (for those who loves tabasco sauce and hot sauce)
FAQs
What flavors are in a good whiskey?
A good whiskey has flavors of honey, vanilla, spice, toffee, and dried berries flavors.
What is the easiest flavored whiskey to drink?
The easiest flavored whiskey to drink is the Crown Royal salty caramel and Knob Creek smoked maple whiskey.
What is the best flavored whiskey to drink straight?
The best flavored whiskey to drink straight is what Crown Royal offers.
From the Crown Royal Apple to vanilla to salty caramel, all can be sipped straight, delivering smoothness.
Which whisky has the best taste?
Determining the “best-tasting” whisky is subjective, as individual preferences vary widely.
Some may favor peaty and smoky flavors found in Islay Scotch whiskies, while others may appreciate the smooth sweetness of bourbons.
Exploring different styles and brands is the best way to find a whisky that aligns with personal taste preferences.
What are the 4 Flavours of whiskey?
Whiskies can exhibit a diverse range of flavors, but commonly recognized categories include sweetness, bitterness, spiciness, and smokiness.
Sweetness often comes from caramel and vanilla notes, bitterness from tannins in the wood, spiciness from grains or barrel influence, and smokiness, particularly in some Scotch whiskies, from the use of peat during the malting process.
What is the most sweetest whiskey?
Identifying the “sweetest” whiskey can be subjective, but certain styles tend to have sweeter profiles. Bourbon, especially those with higher corn content in the mash bill, often imparts sweetness with notes of caramel and vanilla.
Additionally, some Tennessee whiskies and Irish whiskies may showcase sweetness, catering to those with a preference for a smoother and sweeter flavor profile.
Which whiskey is the smoothest?
The smoothness of a whiskey is influenced by various factors, including the distillation process, aging, and overall craftsmanship. Many enthusiasts consider Irish whiskies, with their triple distillation and often mellow profiles, as some of the smoothest.
Additionally, some well-aged Scotch whiskies and certain bourbons are renowned for their smooth and velvety textures, appealing to those seeking a gentle sipping experience.
Which whiskey is best for beginners?
For beginners exploring the world of whiskey, it’s advisable to start with lighter and milder options to ease into the diverse flavor profiles. Irish whiskies, with their approachable and smooth characteristics, are often recommended for beginners.
Bourbons, particularly those with lower proof and sweeter notes, can also be a good introduction. As preferences develop, individuals may gradually explore more complex and robust expressions from different whisky regions and styles.
Is Chivas Regal a good whisky?
Chivas Regal is widely regarded as a good whisky, appreciated for its smooth and well-balanced flavor profile.
Renowned for its rich heritage, Chivas Regal blends are crafted with a combination of single malt and grain whiskies, offering a consistently high-quality and approachable option for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and those new to the spirit.
What type of whiskey is most popular?
The most popular type of whiskey can vary based on regional preferences and trends. However, globally,
Scotch whisky and bourbon tend to be among the most popular categories. Scotch whisky, hailing from Scotland, often offers diverse flavor profiles, while bourbon, a distinctly American whiskey, is known for its sweet and robust character.
Preferences for the most popular type of whiskey can depend on individual taste preferences and cultural influences.
What does Jack Daniel’s taste like?
Jack Daniel’s, a Tennessee whiskey, is characterized by its smooth and mellow flavor profile. The use of charcoal filtering through sugar maple wood, known as the Lincoln County Process, imparts a distinctive mellowness.
The taste is often described as slightly sweet, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
Overall, Jack Daniel’s is recognized for its approachable and versatile taste, making it a popular choice for various cocktails and sipping occasions.
Is Hennessy a whisky?
No, Hennessy is not a whisky; it is a type of brandy. Specifically, Hennessy is a Cognac, which is a variety of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France.
Cognac is made from distilled white wine and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and complex spirit.
Whisky, on the other hand, is a distilled grain spirit that can come from various regions worldwide, including Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and beyond.
What type of whiskey is most popular?
As mentioned earlier, the popularity of whiskey types can vary globally, but Scotch whisky and bourbon often stand out. Scotch whisky, with its diverse regions and production methods, appeals to a broad audience, offering options from peaty and smoky to light and floral.
Bourbon, as a distinctly American whiskey, has gained immense popularity for its sweet and robust flavors, making it a favorite in both the United States and internationally.
Ultimately, the most popular type of whiskey is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences and cultural influences.
Final Verdict: Best Flavored Whiskey
From the Crown Royal Vanilla to Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey to Leopold’s Apple Whiskey, you’ll surely enjoy every sip and savor the experience.
But if you ask which is the best one to start – go ahead and start hunting Crown Royal Salted Caramel now.
References:
- The legal drama unfolding between an All-Star pitcher, a TV host and Ocean Beach’s peanut butter whiskey
- THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY INTRODUCES HIBIKI