Last Updated on June 12, 2024 by Lydia Martin
When it comes to crafting the perfect eggnog, selecting the best whiskey is crucial. Aside from the traditional rum, brandy, or cognac, you can use whiskey (be it Scotch or bourbon).
So, I did a whiskey taste test and explored various bottles to find the ideal match for eggnog recipes.
If you’re seeking the best whiskey for eggnog, here are my top recommendations to turn eggnog from good to delectable!
Top 10 Whiskey Bottles For Eggnog
1. Angels Envy Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Approx $84.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Candied, citrus, and spicy
Palate: Sherry wood, oak, honeyed spice
Star Rating: 5/5
Why I Like It: This spirit is my top-tier choice for eggnogs since it has complexity and smoothness, making for a luxurious drinking experience.
Centuries have honed the passion of Americans for whiskey, crafting a legacy of taste and tradition.” – Liquor Laboratory
The combination of flavors and gentle sweetness from rum finishing makes it one of the ideal ingredients in eggnog recipes.
If you’re the type of person seeking the perfect bite, Angel’s Envy should be on your top list!
2. Four Roses Small Batch
Average Price: Around $32.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Nose: Floral, caramel
Palate: Rich, mellow
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Four Roses SB’s mellow and rich profile enhances the creaminess of egg nog recipes. I like how the floral hints add an elegant touch, complementing the stuff in an egg nog mix.
If you want to deviate from the usual rum or cognac and are looking for a subtle alternative, Four Roses bourbon is a good choice aside from Sherry instead of opting for the complexity of vodka or tequila.
3. Old Grand Dad 114
Average Price: $28.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 57% ABV
Nose: Cinnamon, oak
Palate: Strong, spicy
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: If you’re looking for a real spike and complexity, try Old Grand 114. Its high proof and spicy profile make it a robust choice for egg nog recipes, bringing warmth and depth.
If Scotch can’t deliver the spike you want, Old Grand Dad is an excellent choice. This bourbon whiskey is a great base for an eggnog drink with an on-point spiciness and a bit of earth tones.
4. High West Double Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $37.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Nose: Spices, herbaceous
Palate: Bold, peppery
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: This spirit introduces a bold, peppery flavor to an eggnog drink, perfect for those who want to enjoy something stronger and spicier during the holidays.
Though it seems weird, I find the peppery bit of High West complementing well with eggs, cream, milk, and other stuff in egg nog recipes.
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5. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
Average Price: Approx. $27.49/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 35%
Nose: Nutty, candied
Palate: Peanut butter
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Of course, you can always have a fun twist, elevating the milky drink. Skrewball’s unique peanut butter notes add a quirky, nutty twist to the traditional eggnog drink.
Although produced with a lower ABV, it can turn a simple drink into a holly jolly treat. If you hard pass stronger spirits, you’ll surely like the mildness and unique flavors of Skrewball.
6. Jim Beam Black Label Whiskey
Average Price: Approx. $23/750ml (Wine-Searcher)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Nose: Vanilla, oak
Palate: Rich, smooth
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The rich and smooth profile of Jim Beam Black Label complements eggnog wonderfully, providing a velvety texture and a hint of vanilla.
If you hard pass complex and intense spirits for eggnog, Jim Beam is a good choice since it’s milder with an on-point smoothness, perfect for the upcoming festive season.
7. Maker’s Mark
Average Price: Around $25/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Nose: Sweet, woody
Palate: Smooth, rich
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Maker’s Mark’s smooth and rich character adds a luxurious depth to eggnog, making it a go-to for a refined holiday drink.
If you’re the type of person with a passion for something sophisticated yet approachable and delicious, you can’t go wrong with Marker’s Mark. Trust me, it goes well with eggs and other eggnog components.
8. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
Average Price: Around $20/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Nose: Oak, caramel
Palate: Smooth, honeyed
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why I Like It: Jack Daniel’s brings a traditional, smooth taste to eggnog the closer you get to rum and brandy. Its honeyed notes complement the richness of eggnog, making it a classic choice.
When you mix it in egg nog recipes, its robust taste doesn’t overwhelm, imparting a somewhat full body and smoothness – delivering a satisfying drinking experience.
9. Evan Williams BiB
Average Price: Roughly $19.99/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Nose: Caramel, oak
Palate: Balanced, warm
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: If you don’t feel like splurging for the upcoming holiday season, Evan Williams BiB is a great value whiskey for eggnog.
“A classic eggnog is just eggs, cream, and sugar.” – H. Joseph Ehrmann, Bartender & Proprietor
Most importantly, I like the balanced, warm flavor that seamlessly blends with eggnog’s components like eggs and creams, enhancing its traditional bite without overpowering.
10. Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
Average Price: Around $15.09/750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 33% ABV
Nose: Grated cinnamon
Palate: Spices, sugar, cinnamon
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why I Like It: The fiery cinnamon kick of Fireball whisky [1] adds a unique twist to egg nog recipes, delivering a warming drink perfect for the holidays.
It goes well with other ingredients, like milk and creams. But mind you, it’s delightfully heavenly to taste, but it’s intensely fiery (far, far from the bittersweet notes of cognac in your usual eggnog).
FAQs Related to Best Whiskey for Eggnog
What is eggnog?
Eggnog is a rich and creamy beverage traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s often served during the holiday season, either non-alcoholic or spiked with spirits such as whiskey, rum, or brandy.
Why is whiskey a popular choice for adding to eggnog?
Whiskey’s bold and complex flavors, along with its ability to complement the creamy texture and spices of eggnog, make it a popular choice for adding depth and richness to the beverage.
What type of whiskey is best for eggnog?
The best whiskey for eggnog is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, many people prefer using bourbon or rye whiskey for their eggnog due to their robust flavors and smooth finishes, which pair well with the creamy sweetness of the drink.
Can I use other types of whiskey besides bourbon or rye for eggnog?
Yes, you can use other types of whiskey, such as Irish whiskey or Canadian whisky, for eggnog if you prefer their flavor profiles. Experimenting with different whiskey styles can lead to unique variations of eggnog with distinct characteristics.
How much whiskey should I add to eggnog?
The amount of whiskey to add to eggnog depends on personal preference and desired strength. A common ratio is 1 to 2 ounces of whiskey per serving of eggnog, but you can adjust this according to taste.
Should I use a specific brand of whiskey for making eggnog?
There is no specific brand requirement for whiskey in eggnog. However, choosing a quality whiskey with flavors that complement the richness and spices of the eggnog can enhance the overall drinking experience. Popular brands of bourbon and rye whiskey are often recommended for their reliable quality and flavor profiles.
What Is The Best Whiskey For Eggnog?
After my taste test with various whiskeys, Angels Envy stands out as the best whiskey for eggnogs.
Its smooth, complex profile not only complements milk, eggs, and other components but enhances eggnog flavors [2], making each sip a delightful experience.
Most importantly, I can say that Angel’s Envy is a kind of spirit produced with the right ABV, perfect not just for sipping but also for crafting holly jolly drinks!
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