Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The internet is going crazy over Howler Head, a whiskey that smells and tastes like bananas and whiskey. Wait, bananas and whiskey? Whiskey is globally known for its toffee flavor and deep sweetness, but whiskey with banana infusion?
After passing around a few shots, here’s our Howler Head whiskey review-bold and honest!
All About Howler Head Whiskey
Howler Head whiskey is a distilled spirit produced in North Charleston, South Carolina, by Wooler Brands. Does it ring a bell? Yes, it’s the whiskey endorsed by the UFC. The distilled spirit is made from straight bourbon, and it is infused with natural banana flavor.
Wooler Brands embraces the jungle bananarama goodness, and it only produces one product- the banana-flavored whiskey.
Also, they believe that after cinnamon, apple, and peanut butter, the banana will be the next most popular flavored whiskey. With all the reviews on YouTube, this can be true.
Fun Facts
How It’s Made
Howler Head whiskey is made from Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey matured in American oak barrels with #4 alligator char for two years.
The level 4 char means the barrels are burned for 55 seconds to achieve the shiny crack and peel that looks like alligator skin [1]. It will give a spicy flavor profile and deep color to the bourbon.
After maturation, it will be blended with banana flavor at 80 proof, and we tell you, the jungle bananarama flavor is not monkeying around. More about Howler Head’s owner here.
Raw Ingredients
The base bourbon of Howler Head is made by Master Distiller Ron Call from Green River Distilling Co.
The distillery uses a 100-year-old Vendome Copper Column Still, and that’s quality and proper old-timey.
It is then blended with natural banana flavor before bottling at 40% ABV or 80 Proof.
Flavor Profile
Nose
As you open the bottle of Howler Head, the Kentucky bourbon smell will hit you hard because of the 40% ABV. However, here’s the real deal, the banana aroma will also enamor you.
Overall, it has the smell of subtle sweet sugary vanilla and has a peak aroma of Laffy Taffy banana. The burnt toffee aroma makes way for the signature ingredient of Howler Head.
Palate
Howler Head has a genuine classic flavor, and the full force infusion of banana flavor washes into the mouth along with the alcohol.
It has a surprisingly smooth taste and delicious hints of cinnamon that whiskeys are famous for and lingers on the palate/taste.
Sweet yet hot, you will understand why Howler Head believes that banana is the next real thing for flavor-based spirits.
Finish
Howler Head prides itself on being a great flavor-based whiskey, and overall, the product is elegantly smooth- neat or on the rocks.
We agree with internet reviews that it has a great finish of apple, oak, whiskey, and candy taste. It has a sweet finish and subtle bitterness.
Alcohol Content
Bourbon drinkers will be impressed with the alcohol content of the Howler Head whiskey because each bottle contains 40% ABV (80 Proof).
While it has a sweet flavor, you can still taste the alcohol because of its base whiskey. It must be one of the reasons why people love to drink it as a cocktail, too.
Appearance/Color
You won’t miss the whiskey when you see it on the shelf because the screaming ape on the red and white label is remarkable.
It is a whiskey housed in a traditional 750ml square bottle, and it has a golden amber hue just like any other whiskey.
Is Howler Head Whiskey or Bourbon?
Howler Head is not a bourbon but a whiskey. The base alcohol is Kentucky bourbon, which is bourbon, obviously, but Howler Head is no longer considered a bourbon because of its added flavorings.
By law, bourbons should not have additives, be flavored, or have colorings [2], so Howler Head is a whiskey and is not legally allowed to be called a bourbon.
How about the so-called flavored bourbon? Peach, apple, and other “flavored bourbons” are technically whiskey liqueurs, sweetened, and have a lower ABV.
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Howler Head Whiskey Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Howler Head Banana Infused Kentucky Straight Bourbon | 750 mL | 40% | $17.99-$25.99 |
Compared to Other Whiskeys
Knob Creek
Knob Creek is a mid-shelf fine bourbon, and it is one of the great selections for cocktails because of its robust flavor. However, unlike Howler Head, it is bourbon and does not offer flavored whiskeys. Knob Creek also offers multiple categories of bourbons, unlike Howler Head, and you can score a 750 ml for around $36.
Evan Williams
Evan Williams is another Kentucky bourbon brand created by Heaven Hill Company. It is one of the best-selling whiskey brands worldwide, and like Howler Head, it offers flavor-infused whiskey.
Some of its whiskey categories are straights, flavored, and seasonal, and a 1.75L is approximately $18, which is cheaper than Howler Head.
Bulleit
Bulleit is a bourbon whiskey created by Bulleit Distillery in Kentucky, and compared to Howler Head, it has high rye content and is aged for at least six years. Aside from bourbons, the brand sells ready-to-drink cocktails, and you can score a 750 mL for roughly $20.
Popular Howler Head Whiskey Cocktails
Howler Head & Cola
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Howler Head whiskey
- 4 oz Cola
Instructions:
In a lowball glass with ice, pour the Howler Head and add the cola.
Serving: 1
Howler Head Beer Bomb
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Howler Head whiskey
- 6 oz Beer
Instructions:
In your choice of glass, pour down the beer and drop the Howler Head whiskey. You can chill on the side if you prefer it cold.
Serving: 1
FAQs
Is Howler Head smooth?
Yes, Howler Head is smooth, thanks to its flavorings. However, the flavor will be more open if you pour it over ice, making the drinks smoother and more enjoyable.
What mixes best with Howler Head whiskey?
Howler Head whiskey mixes well with cola, citrus flavors, and soda water. While it is perfect for drinking neat, people may enjoy it as cocktails, and you can try one at home.
How Much Alcohol is in Howler Head?
Howler Head is a flavored whiskey liqueur that typically contains 35% alcohol by volume (ABV), or 70 proof. This alcohol content is consistent with many other flavored whiskey liqueurs on the market, making Howler Head suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as a base for cocktails. The lower alcohol content compared to traditional straight whiskies allows for a smoother and more approachable drinking experience, while still delivering the desired flavors and aromas.
Is Howler Head Bourbon Good?
Howler Head is not a bourbon; it is a flavored whiskey liqueur. Therefore, it does not adhere to the specific requirements and regulations that define bourbon whiskey. However, whether Howler Head whiskey is considered “good” is subjective and dependent on individual taste preferences. Some may enjoy the sweet and fruity flavors of Howler Head whiskey, which features notes of banana and toffee, while others may prefer more traditional whiskey profiles. Ultimately, the quality of Howler Head is determined by factors such as its taste, smoothness, and overall drinking experience, which can vary among consumers.
Does Steve Own Howler Head?
There is no publicly available information suggesting that someone named Steve owns Howler Head. Howler Head is a brand of flavored whiskey liqueur produced by Howler Head Spirits, LLC, a company based in Austin, Texas. The ownership and management structure of Howler Head Spirits, LLC, including any individuals involved in its ownership or operation, may not be widely known or disclosed.
How Much is Howler Monkey?
It appears there might be a confusion here. Howler Head is a flavored whiskey liqueur, not Howler Monkey. The price of Howler Head whiskey can vary depending on factors such as location, retailer, and any ongoing promotions or discounts. Generally, Howler Head is priced similarly to other flavored whiskey liqueurs of its caliber. It’s advisable to check with local liquor stores or online retailers for the most accurate pricing information on Howler Head.
How Much is Howler Monkey?
It seems there may be a misunderstanding as there is no widely recognized product named “Howler Monkey” within the context of spirits or alcoholic beverages. Therefore, there is no specific pricing information available for Howler Monkey. If you’re referring to a specific product or brand, please provide additional context so I can assist you accurately.
How Strong is Howler Head Whiskey?
Howler Head is a flavored whiskey liqueur typically bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (ABV), or 70 proof. This alcohol content is standard for flavored whiskey liqueurs, offering a balance between the desired flavors and the alcoholic strength. Howler Head’s 70 proof makes it suitable for various consumption methods, such as sipping neat, on the rocks, or as a mixer in cocktails. The lower alcohol content compared to straight whiskies allows for a smoother and more approachable drinking experience, particularly given Howler Head’s focus on bold flavors, such as banana and toffee.
Is Howler Head Real Whiskey?
Howler Head is not considered a traditional whiskey in the sense of being a straight bourbon or rye whiskey. Instead, it is a flavored whiskey liqueur, meaning it is a blend of whiskey and other flavorings or sweeteners. While Howler Head contains whiskey as a base spirit, its primary focus is on delivering unique flavors and aromas, such as banana and toffee. As such, it does not adhere to the strict regulations and standards that define traditional whiskey categories like bourbon or Scotch. However, Howler Head offers an alternative drinking experience for those seeking a sweet and fruity whiskey liqueur.
Can You Drink Howler Head Straight?
Yes, you can drink Howler Head straight if you enjoy its unique flavor profile. Howler Head is a flavored whiskey liqueur that combines whiskey with natural flavors, resulting in a sweet and fruity taste, often with notes of banana and toffee. Some people prefer to sip Howler Head neat, meaning straight from the bottle without any additional mixers or dilution. Sipping Howler Head straight allows you to fully experience its bold flavors and smooth texture. However, as with any alcoholic beverage, it’s essential to drink responsibly and be mindful of your alcohol consumption.
Is Howler Head Whiskey Sweet?
Yes, Howler Head whiskey is typically sweet due to the addition of natural flavors such as banana and toffee. Howler Head is a flavored whiskey liqueur that combines whiskey with these sweet flavorings, resulting in a unique and bold taste profile. The sweetness of Howler Head makes it a popular choice among those who enjoy sweeter spirits or flavored liqueurs. However, the level of sweetness may vary depending on individual taste preferences, so it’s advisable to try it for yourself to determine if it suits your palate.
What Can I Mix Howler Head With?
Howler Head can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious and refreshing cocktails. Its sweet and fruity flavor profile makes it a versatile base for a wide range of cocktails. Some popular mixers to pair with Howler Head include ginger ale, cola, lemon-lime soda, or even pineapple juice for a tropical twist. You can also experiment with creating your own signature cocktails by combining Howler Head with ingredients like citrus fruits, herbs, or other liqueurs. Ultimately, the best mixer for Howler Head depends on your personal taste preferences and the flavor profile you wish to achieve in your cocktail creation.
Can You Drink Howler Head Straight?
Yes, you can drink Howler Head straight if you enjoy its unique flavor profile. Howler Head is a flavored whiskey liqueur that combines whiskey with natural flavors, resulting in a sweet and fruity taste, often with notes of banana and toffee. Some people prefer to sip Howler Head neat, meaning straight from the bottle without any additional mixers or dilution. Sipping Howler Head straight allows you to fully experience its bold flavors and smooth texture. However, as with any alcoholic beverage, it’s essential to drink responsibly and be mindful of your alcohol consumption.
In Summary
We are going bananas over our Howler Head whiskey review (no pun intended), and it might sound odd, but like other reviews, we agree that banana and whiskey are a good combination too! The not-so-ordinary flavor infusion of Howler Head from North Charleston, South Carolina, made them the talk of the town, and it is worth a shot!
If you enjoyed our Howler Head whiskey review, it’s a sign to drop by the liquor store and try it!
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