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Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Vanilla is one of the most popular flavors in the world, but did you know that it also works well in whiskey?
It gives the spirit a sweet, rich flavor reminiscent of vanilla ice cream or pudding.
Luckily, vanilla whiskeys are readily available to satisfy a drinker’s cravings. Read on and check our top picks for the best vanilla whiskey options.
Top 12 Vanilla Whiskeys To Try
12. Larceny Small Batch
Average Price: around $30 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Larceny small-batch bourbon has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice.
It is well-balanced and smooth, with a long straightforward finish that lingers on the palate.
As a wheated type of bourbon, it is mellow and smooth. The notes of vanilla are easily identifiable and satisfying.
11. Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition
Average Price: around $30 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is great value for your money. You get a decent blend of Scotch at its price range that packs a punch.
This Scotch blended whisky achieves its subtle signature flavors of vanilla and spice by using American Sherry oak casks, which you must try.
10. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Average Price: around $60 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 45.2% ABV
Why We Like It: As its name suggests, this whiskey is aged in two different oak casks, which gives its deep layers of vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, and toasted oak notes.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked has rich and depth flavors thanks to its double maturation process. It’s perfect for sipping neat or enjoying a classic cocktail.
9. Garrison Brothers Small Batch Texas Bourbon
Average Price: around $85 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: This bourbon whiskey proves that not all satisfying whiskey can be only made in Kentucky or Tennessee.
Garrison Brothers small batch offers a bold and unique flavor profile.
It has robust and compound notes that will never bore your every shot. This bourbon embodies the saying, “everything is bigger in Texas.”
8. Hudson Bright Lights Big Bourbon
Average Price: around $50 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: Hudson Bright Lights is a grain-forward whiskey aged at least three years.
The whiskey is made in New York with high-quality corn and is considered the pride among locals.
Though the whiskey might be young for some experienced drinkers, it has rich notes of vanilla from the nose to the finish.
7. Noah’s Mill
Average Price: around $61 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 57% ABV
Why We Like It: Noah’s Mill is a small batch bourbon whiskey aged for at least four years in American white oak barrels.
It has a high alcohol content, giving it a bold flavor profile.
It has a deep amber color and a rich, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The high alcohol content makes it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
6. Wyoming Whiskey Bourbon
Average Price: around $45 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 44% ABV
Why We Like It: Wyoming whiskey is a great example of a high-quality, vanilla-forward whiskey you can rely on.
It has a unique and rare flavor profile with a reasonable price tag.
Wyoming is a great option for those looking for a delicious and affordable vanilla whiskey that stands up to other bigger brands in terms of uniqueness and value.
5. Maker’s Mark 46
Average Price: around $43 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: This whiskey is an upgraded and modified version of the standard Maker’s Mark whiskey, enhanced to have a deeper and richer profile.
The additional French oak staves allow it to absorb more vanillin extract from the wood for more vanilla-forward notes to satisfy your palate.
4. Jim Beam Vanilla Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: around $18 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: There’s something about the combination of vanilla and bourbon that works so well together, and Jim Beam Vanilla bourbon whiskey is a great example.
Jim Beam Vanilla is a classic, affordable option for a light vanilla-flavored whiskey you can binge on for a whole night.
The 35% alcohol content means it’s not too strong, and the flavor is spot on – not too sweet, with just the right amount of vanilla.
3. Henry McKenna Single Barrel
Average Price: around $70 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: When most bourbon brands lost their age statement, Henry McKenna Single Barrel bottle-in-bond is still here for you. [1]
Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just a vanilla lover, this will live up to your expectation.
The whiskey is aged for ten years in oak barrels, which gives it a rich flavor profile that includes notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel.
2. Litchfield Distillery Vanilla Bourbon
Average Price: around $53 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: Litchfield Distillery Vanilla bourbon is a delicious sipping whiskey that would be perfectly neat or on the rocks.
This whiskey is infused with Madagascar vanilla extract for a profound and deep vanilla flavor you couldn’t possibly resist. [2]
Even at 86 proof, this whiskey is smooth, mellow, and full of flavors. It’s an easy sipper but also perfect for cocktails. Check out the best bourbons for vanilla extract here.
1. Crown Royal Vanilla
Average Price: around $30 per 750 ml
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Crown Royal is famous for its exquisite flavored whisky series that are exceptionally good. Its vanilla-flavored whiskey offers a smooth and bursting vanilla flavor.
“Batch base is the secret of Crown Royal’s condensed milk mouth-feel.”
– Andrew MacKay, Master Blender
At its average price tag of around $30 (Drizly), consider it a steal to experience royal quality at an affordable price.
*Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
FAQs
Is vanilla whiskey sweet?
Most vanilla whiskeys tend to be on the sweeter side. Vanilla whiskey is a type of flavored whiskey made with natural or artificial vanilla flavoring.
The sweetness in vanilla whiskey comes from adding sugar or other sweeteners to flavor the liquor.
What does vanilla whiskey taste like?
Most vanilla whiskeys often taste smoky, sweet, and tropical. The flavor is similar to a vanilla bean, with a slightly woody aftertaste from the liquor itself.
The vanilla notes often balance the harshness and spiciness of any whiskey it touches.
Key Takeaways
There are a variety of vanilla whiskeys available on the market, so finding the best one for you may require some trial and error.
The best vanilla whiskey should have a smooth, creamy texture but not be too overwhelming. Find something that tastes more natural rather than too artificial.
Finally, take into account your budget when selecting a vanilla whiskey. Many great options are available at different price points, so choose the one that fits your needs.
References:
- https://www.winemag.com/2019/10/15/what-is-bottled-in-bond/
- https://greatist.com/eat/what-is-the-difference-between-types-of-vanilla
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
