Hardcore, traditional whiskey enthusiasts will tell you not to waste your money on flavored whiskeys, but we’re here to squash that stereotype: not all of them deserve the hate.
Sure, some abhorrent brands are out there, but you know we’re here to give you only the good stuff.
Honey and whiskey go extremely well together that you’ll often find both ingredients in many cocktail recipes.
If you’d like to sample this iconic combination, here are the best honey whiskey brands.
15 Best Honey Whiskey Brands You Shouldn’t Miss
15. Western Honey Pepper Whiskey
Average Price: Around $23.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: The Western Honey Pepper Whiskey is a small-batch whiskey [1] made with a blend of four-year-old bourbon, chili pepper, and natural clove honey.
With those ingredients on hand, you would expect it to be nice and spicy — and it delivers wonderfully.
The Western Honey Pepper Whiskey has beautiful heat on the palate (nothing too overwhelming), balanced with a touch of sweetness. It is bottled at 35 percent ABV, slightly lower than most standard spirits at 40.
14. Bird Dog Jalapeno Honey Whiskey
Average Price: Around $19.03 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: You probably know the Bird Dog brand’s ability to use highly unconventional ingredients. The Bird Dog Jalapeno Honey Whiskey is made with (surprise, surprise!) spicy fresh jalapenos and light honey.
Before you make any judgments, you should know that the Bird Dog Jalapeno Honey Whiskey has won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Personally, we love how the heat encourages you to take that initial sip, and the honey sweetness gently coaxes you to take a subsequent one. It is bottled at the standard 40 percent ABV.
Read: Popular Honey Bourbon Brands
13. Dewar’s Highlander Honey
Average Price: Around $29.99 per 1L (Drizly)
Why We Like It: Dewar’s is one of the most popular blended Scotch whiskies in the market.
If you like the standard bottle, you’ll definitely love Dewar’s Highlander Honey, made by blending 40 different grains and malts with just the right touch of distilled heather honey.
Like other Scotch whiskies, Dewar’s Highlander Honey is oaky, citrusy, malty, and buttery, with a sweet finish. We personally liked this honey whiskey as a sipper, but it would definitely hold its own in a mixed drink, too.
12. Bluebird Honey Whiskey
Average Price: Around $39.99 per 750ml (Official Website)
Why We Like It: Bluebird Honey Whiskey is made with four-grain bourbons, straight rye, and American wheat whiskey and blended with locally sourced wildflower honey. It has a pretty straightforward flavor and a velvety, sweet honey profile.
You can expect the Bluebird Honey Whiskey to be spicy and warm, perfect for chilly autumn nights in front of a roaring fireplace. It is bottled at 40 percent ABV.
11. Garrison Brothers Honey Dew
Average Price: Around $83.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: Garrison Brothers Honey Dew blends their award-winning small-batch bourbon with wildflower honey to add an element of earthiness.
The cool thing about how this honey-flavored whiskey was produced was that they transformed used bourbon barrels into small wooden cubes, which they immersed in the said honey.
They then put both the bourbon and the honey-soaked wood cubes into a large stainless steel tank so it soaks up all the honey goodness.
This honey whiskey is light and delicate on the palate, and at 40 percent ABV, it’s perfect for serving on the rocks on a hot summer afternoon. We loved its peaches, apricots, and sweet honey taste.
10. Seagram’s
Average Price: Around $15.39 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: Seagram’s 7 Crown Dark Honey Whiskey is one of the most famous honey whiskeys on the market today. [2] It is made with the brand’s classic whiskey, infused with pure honey and other natural flavors.
Seagram’s Honey Whiskey has a nice, dark profile, so if you like that in your honey-flavored whiskey, this is right up your alley.
It has bold vanilla and maple flavors but surprisingly remains a well-balanced and drinkable whiskey. This honey whiskey is bottled at 35.5 percent ABV.
Read: Popular Vanilla Whiskey Brands
9. Belle Meade
Average Price: Around $56.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: The Belle Meade Honey Cask Bourbon is one of the few select labels included in the Nelson Green Brier’s Craftsman Cask Collection: a collection of limited-edition and experimental cask-finished bourbons.
What the brand does is fill empty Belle Meade bourbon barrels with local wildflower honey.
Once they deem the barrels ready, they remove the honey from the barrels and put their proprietary bourbon blend inside to finish anywhere from six to eight months. The honey whiskey is finally bottled at cask strength at 106 proof.
As you know, cask strength bourbons vary from barrel to barrel. You can expect Belle Meade Honey Whiskey to have a lot of oaky depth from the wood and rich, thick honey. It also has a gorgeous, plump mouthfeel.
8. Black Eagle Honey Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $11.99 per 750ml (Total Wine)
Why We Like It: Black Eagle Honey Bourbon Whiskey is a premium handcrafted bourbon distilled only from Minnesota’s finest quality ingredients and blended with sweet southern honey.
It is bottled at 35 percent ABV, like most other flavored whiskeys.
This honey whiskey’s flavor notes are perfectly balanced — there is plenty of oak from the bourbon and real honey sweetness. It’s perfectly fine when sipped neat or on the rocks, and it also holds its own extremely well in bourbon cocktails. [3]
7. The Dubliner
Average Price: Around $27.57 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: The Dubliner Whiskey and Honeycomb is made by blending their classic Irish whiskey with honeycomb and caramel flavors.
This Irish honey whiskey is soft, sweet, and warm on the palate. It has a lower ABV than what we would prefer at just 30 percent, but this only means that you can drink more of it without getting drunk too quickly.
This honey whiskey is perfect for shots with your friends, but its delectability also ensures that it’s enjoyable neat or on the rocks.
6. Woodford Reserve
Average Price: Around $75.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: Woodford Reserve’s latest release in the whiskey market is finished in honey barrels. The truth is the honey barrels used to finish their bourbons came from them in the first place.
They were initially Woodford Reserve bourbon charred oak barrels, then shipped to a Kentucky bee farmer to mature honey, and eventually returned to them to be refilled with bourbon.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon is known for being gentle and mellow, so don’t expect a honey bomb with this release. Instead, its floral and toasty notes gently caress your tongue with each sip.
This honey whiskey has honeysuckle, toasted coconut, and honey crackers flavor notes alongside the signature caramel and wood.
5. Evan Williams Honey
Average Price: Around $23.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: You’ll probably be able to identify the Evan Williams Honey as a honey whiskey just by looking at it: a large golden bee is on its label, and the spirit’s hue resembles golden honey.
It is made with Evan Williams’ extra-aged bourbon, infused with natural honey flavor, and bottled at 35 percent ABV.
It’s an excellent bang for your buck. The Evan Williams Honey is citrusy with just the right amount of honey, perfect for drinking neat, in shots, or in mixed drinks.
4. Wild Turkey American Honey Whiskey
Average Price: Around $14.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Why We Like It: The Wild Turkey American Honey Whiskey is made with the original Wild Turkey Bourbon, all-natural honey, and, believe it or not, ghost pepper, which they refer to as “sting.” This flavored whiskey is bottled at 35 percent ABV.
Don’t let the ghost pepper discourage you, though — we promise this honey whiskey is a rewarding sip. The Wild Turkey American Honey Whiskey starts with a sweet honey profile and a black pepper undertone.
As the heat moves down your throat, it is calmed down with the honey, so it doesn’t get overwhelming. If that sounds appealing, this is your sign to try out the Wild Turkey American Honey.
3. Jim Beam Honey Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $23.99 per 1L (Drizly)
Why We Like It: Jim Beam is known for being an inexpensive bottle that doesn’t compromise on quality. The Jim Beam Honey Bourbon Whiskey is made by blending their four-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey with natural golden honey. It is bottled at 35 percent ABV.
This is a rich whiskey, with honey taking center stage on your palate. Some will find it a bit overwhelming, but personally, this is what we believe honey-flavored whiskey should taste like.
The Jim Beam Honey Bourbon Whiskey is great sipped on the rocks, but if you’re feeling a bit experimental, you can integrate their honey whiskey in cool recipes on their website.
2. Bushmills Irish Honey Whiskey
Average Price: Around $27 per 750ml (Winesearcher)
Why We Like It: The Bushmills Irish Honey Whiskey is made with the brand’s triple distilled Irish whiskey and authentic Irish honey. According to the brand’s Master Distiller, they wanted to create a blend that was smooth and warm, with much of their original recipe’s taste and aroma.
Like the original Bushmills, this Irish honey whiskey has clear cereal grains backed with the tartness of pears and apple cider.
Everything is rounded out with smooth honey flavors that make the overall drink smoother and more decadent. This honey-flavored whiskey is bottled at 35 percent ABV.
1. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
Average Price: Around $37.99 per 1L (Drizly)
Why We Like It: Jack Daniel’s blended their iconic No. 7 whiskey with their real honey liqueur to create Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey. It is bottled at 35 percent ABV.
The best thing Jack Daniel’s did about their honey whiskey is how they still let the flavors of their bourbon whiskey have the lead role. The honey liqueur acts as a flavor accent alongside toffee and a bit of dark chocolate.
Hands down, this is a delicious sweet honey whiskey, whether drunk neat, in shots, or in your favorite honey bourbon cocktails. Learn what to mix with Jack Daniel’s Honey here.
FAQs
Is Jack Daniel’s Honey discontinued?
No, Jack Daniel’s Honey isn’t discontinued. However, a US-only version of the flavored whiskey exists, wherein it’s housed in a round bottle (instead of the quintessential rectangle bottle). This version has been discontinued.
What does honey whiskey taste like?
Honey whiskey tastes like regular whiskey but is infused with the signature warm and earthy tones of honey. As a result, the flavored whiskey is warmer and more decadent.
What mixes well with honey whiskey?
Honey whiskey is a great flavored whiskey drink on its own. However, if you’re looking to experiment, honey whiskey tastes delicious with apple juice, lemon-lime soda, or ginger beer.
How do you drink honey whiskey?
The best way to enjoy honey whiskey is to have it neat or on the rocks. We find that the sweetness and earthiness of honey make it an extremely palatable drink. Of course, you are free to use honey whiskeys for your favorite bourbon cocktails.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best honey whiskey brand?
Consider factors such as the balance of honey flavor, smoothness of the whiskey, brand reputation, and personal taste preferences.
Are there any specific honey whiskey brands known for their exceptional quality?
Yes, several honey whiskey brands have gained recognition for their exceptional taste and craftsmanship, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Wild Turkey American Honey, and Evan Williams Honey Reserve.
How do I know if a honey whiskey brand is suitable for my taste preferences?
Read reviews from other consumers or whiskey experts to gauge the quality and flavor profile of honey whiskey brands. You can also sample different brands to find the one that best suits your palate.
Can I use honey whiskey in cocktails?
Absolutely! Honey whiskey can add depth and sweetness to a variety of cocktails, such as the classic Whiskey Sour, Honey Bee, or Honey Old Fashioned.
On A Final Note
Honey and whiskey go together much like two peas in a pod. You’ll often find both ingredients in many sweet and earthy cocktail drinks. We hope that with this list of the best honey whiskeys, we’ve helped narrow down your list.
Bushmills, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey are some of the best honey whiskeys, but our top pick has to go to Jack Daniel’s Honey Tennessee Whiskey.
It infuses the sweet and syrupy flavors of honey to their iconic No. 7 whiskey, without becoming too overpowering. The result is a warm, oaky drink, perfect for sipping neat or mixing into your favorite bourbon cocktails.
Did we include your favorite honey-flavored whiskeys in our list? Let us know your thoughts by sounding off below.
References:
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a36688708/small-batch-bourbon-whiskey/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Seagram-Company-Ltd
- https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/gold-rush-bourbon-cocktail
