Best Kentuckian Beverage Types
Mint Julep is a cocktail that originated in the 18th century in Kentucky, and it is widely consumed throughout the American South. It contains bourbon, sugar syrup, water, crushed ice, and fresh mint leaves (usually spearmint). In the 18th century, Mint Julep was originally prescribed for stomach-aches, while bourbon was sometimes replaced with aged gin.
However, since 1938, it is associated with the Kentucky Derby as an official drink. The drink is prepared by muddling fresh mint with sugar and crushed ice until the mint releases its essential oils, and the cocktail is then topped with bourbon and water.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
As the name suggests, Old-Fashioned is a very old cocktail made with bourbon or whiskey, fine sugar or a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, Maraschino cherries, orange slices, and a splash of club soda or water. The cocktail is prepared by muddling the bitters, sugar, cherries, an orange slice, and soda or water in an old-fashioned glass.
After the fruit husks are removed, bourbon and ice are added to the combination, and the whole thing is stirred, then garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. It is believed that the first Old-Fashioned was created at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, when it was made with whiskey, bitters, water, ice, and a sugar cube.
VARIATIONS OF Old-Fashioned
Bourbon is an American whiskey that is primarily made from corn mash, the minimum requirement is 51%, while other options may include rye, barley, or wheat. Although most production is located in Kentucky, bourbon can technically be made anywhere in the United States.
The whiskey is almost always aged, and the process must take place in new charred oak casks, but the regulations do not specify the minimum aging period. If it is labeled as straight bourbon, it indicates that the whiskey has been aged for at least two years, and all bourbon whiskey must be bottled at the minimum of 40% ABV.
VARIATIONS OF Bourbon
THE BEST Bourbon Spirits
Blanton's
Blanton's Straight From The Barrel
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Brother’s Bond
Cask Strength Bourbon
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Heaven Hill Distillery
Bottled in Bond
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
High Bank Distillery
Whiskey War Barrel Proof
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
High Bank Distillery
Midnight Cask Barrel Proof
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
This pomegranate-flavored liqueur was first manufactured in 2006. Although it does not pride in rich and long history, the liqueur soon gained recognition for its versatility and a complex taste profile. It is produced from natural pomegranate juice, premium vodka, and a small amount of imported tequila. Pama is praised for its berry aroma and a unique combination of sweet and tart flavors.
Although it can be enjoyed on its own, preferably on the rocks with a lemon twist, it also pairs exceptionally well with bubbly drinks such as ginger ale, tonic water, sparkling wines, and Champagne.
Old Charter is a type of bourbon produced in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is now owned by Sazerac. This bourbon is not overpowering, and it usually displays light peppery and vanilla notes, along with hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
It has a long tradition, dating back to 1874 when Adam and Ben Chapeze first produced it near Bardstown, Kentucky. After prohibition, the Charter brand was acquired by Bernheim, and the production was continued in Louisville, Kentucky. The brand was later owned by Schenley Distilleries, and in 1999, the Old Charter was purchased by Sazerac from Diageo.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Seelbach is a bourbon-based cocktail that also includes orange liqueur (Cointreau), two types of bitters (Angostura and Peychaud's), and Champagne. To prepare the drink, all the ingredients apart from Champagne are mixed with ice. The combination is then poured in a chilled flute and topped with Champagne.
Seelbach was invented by Adam Seger, who used to work at the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville. Interestingly, for a very long time, it was mistakenly believed that the cocktail was a pre-Prohibition drink that Seger reintroduced. Seger created the well-known myth, probably thinking it would add to the appeal.
Kentucky Common is one of the few beer styles native to the United States. The style originated in Louisville, Kentucky, and it first appeared in the mid-1800s with the influx of Irish and German immigrants who were familiar with brewing techniques.
They adapted brewing techniques with available ingredients—the mash was predominantly malt with an addition of corn. The result was a light, thirst-quenching beer with a relatively low alcohol content that was mostly enjoyed by the laboring class due to its low price.
Best Kentuckian Beverage Producers
Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935, is one of the largest independent, family-owned distilleries in the United States. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, it is renowned for producing some of the most iconic American whiskeys, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny.
The distillery boasts a rich heritage in crafting premium bourbons and other spirits, blending tradition with innovation. Heaven Hill is also home to one of the largest inventories of aging whiskey in the world, reflecting its commitment to quality and authenticity.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
BEST Heaven Hill Distillery Spirits
Barrell Craft Spirits, founded in 2013 and based in Louisville, Kentucky, is a renowned independent blender specializing in unique, aged, cask-strength whiskeys and rums. The company sources high-quality spirits from various distilleries, meticulously blending them to create distinctive flavor profiles.
Their commitment to innovation and quality has earned them numerous awards from prestigious spirits publications and competitions. Barrell Craft Spirits offers a diverse range of products, including small-batch and single-barrel releases, as well as ongoing series like Seagrass, Dovetail, and Vantage.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2020
BEST Barrell Craft Spirits Spirits
15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon celebrates Kentucky's heritage as the 15th U.S. state and honors traditional distilling with innovative aging techniques. The distillery sources fine aged bourbons, blending unique mash bills and proprietary grains like heirloom black corn.
Their craftsmanship combines early Kentucky artisanship with modern quality standards, creating award-winning bourbons with rich, complex flavors and historical significance.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023, 2022
BEST 15 Stars Spirits
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2021
BEST Heaven’s Door Spirits
Frank August is a modern bourbon brand that emphasizes openness and sincerity, inviting enthusiasts to share in America's spirit. Their flagship offering, the Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is a meticulously crafted blend of 10 to 15 barrels, bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
Tasting notes highlight rich caramel and vanilla aromas, complemented by warm oak and mild baking spices. On the palate, it presents a balance of sweet caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and rye bread spices, leading to a smooth finish with lingering flavors of vanilla, oak, and baking spices.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2021, 2020
Old Fitzgerald is a well-known brand of bourbon whiskey produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The brand has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century, and is named after John Fitzgerald, a former U.S. Treasury officer who was believed to have secretly added extra aging to the whiskey barrels he oversaw.
Old Fitzgerald is renowned for its smooth, full-bodied flavor, which comes from its high-quality ingredients and traditional production methods. The whiskey is made from a mash bill that typically includes corn, rye, and barley, and it is aged in charred oak barrels, which contribute to its signature notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022, 2021
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2022, 2021
Bardstown Bourbon Company, founded in 2016 in Bardstown, Kentucky, is an innovative distillery that combines the traditional art of whiskey-making with a modern approach. As the first Napa Valley-style facility on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the distillery offers a unique experience that includes bourbon production, culinary delights, and an extensive library of vintage American whiskeys.
Their commitment to transparency and collaboration is reflected in a diverse range of products, such as the Origin, Discovery, and Collaborative series, which bring together rare and exceptional whiskeys from around the world.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Bardstown Bourbon Company Spirits
Sazerac Company is one of the oldest privately held distilleries in the United States, founded in the 1850s. The company's headquarters are located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it is renowned for its wide range of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, bourbon, rum, vodka, gin, and liqueurs.
The company takes its name from the Sazerac cocktail, which is considered to be the first cocktail ever created in the United States.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Sazerac Company Spirits
Wild Turkey is a renowned American bourbon whiskey distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Established in 1869 by the Ripy brothers, the distillery has a rich history of producing high-quality bourbon. The brand's name originated in 1940 when an executive took some warehouse samples on a wild turkey hunting trip, and his friends began requesting "that wild turkey bourbon." The distillery is known for its traditional production methods, including the use of a high-rye mash bill and aging in new, charred American oak barrels.
Wild Turkey offers a range of expressions, with Wild Turkey 101 being one of its most iconic products.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
The American Whiskey Masters - Gold
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
BEST Wild Turkey Destillary Spirits
Bushwood Spirits is a lifestyle brand that embodies an unbridled lifestyle, free of the constraints of convention. Their products are approachable, combining premium quality and affordability. The Bushwood story is unique and entertaining, and their name inspires humorous anecdotes the world over.
Their carefully crafted, custom bottles are almost as beautiful empty as they are before the celebration begins, and the award-winning liquid inside each and every bottle speaks to the care and craftsmanship born of the quest for perfection. You’ll find both their story and yours with every sip you take.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Bushwood Spirits
Best Kentuckian Beverages
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is one of the most renowned whiskeys in the world, known for its bold and intense flavor. This bourbon offers rich notes of dark chocolate, caramel, butter, with earthy tones of walnut and hazelnut, while the palate features warm vanilla, oak, and spicy notes.
With a high alcohol content, it delivers a deep and long-lasting finish. Best served neat or with a splash of water, unfiltered and in its purest form.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Spirit
Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
The Barrell Private Release Series is a project in detailed blending on a scale small enough to allow extreme precision. Every ounce of every ingredient changes the overall character of these blends, as does the barrel that each one is aged in. For that reason, these barrels take months to polish and perfect.
Each release of our Private Release Whiskey is a unique blend of whiskeys. Once created, these blends are married in single casks, many of which were previously used for other spirits and/or wines. Each Private Release Whiskey series has slightly different base whiskey and is entered into a finishing cask at a different time.
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022
Barrell Craft Spirits' Gold Label Dovetail is a premium whiskey blend that elevates their acclaimed Dovetail expression. This limited edition incorporates whiskeys aged up to 25 years, finished in rum, port, and Dunn Vineyards Cabernet barrels, resulting in a more powerful and robust profile.
Bottled at cask strength of 140.18 proof (70.09% ABV), it offers a complex flavor experience. The nose presents white grapefruit and red currant, with jammy fruits like raspberry and peach, complemented by sarsaparilla and espresso. The palate evolves from strawberry rhubarb pie to toasted marshmallow and wintergreen, leading to a finish bursting with tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2020
Introduced in 1951, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky is named for its signature, velvet-like texture. The brand was initially known as “Black Label,” but after Jack Napier, the original distiller, sampled the first batch, he changed the name to Black Velvet to reflect its uncommon velvety taste and smoothness.
This smooth quality is the result of using crystal clear Canadian water, plus the finest rye, grains, and corn, the whisky is painstakingly distilled, blended at birth, and put up in premium oak barrels to gently mature. Black Velvet has maintained a loyal following since its inception.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
Frank August Case Study: 01 Mizunara Japanese Oak Bourbon: A Confluence of East and West Introducing the foundational release in Frank August's Case Study series, the Case Study: 01 is a masterful blend of Kentucky straight bourbon, finished in the revered medium toasted Japanese Mizunara oak barrels.
Mizunara, a porous species of wood, is renowned in the whisky world for its ability to impart unique spicy and sandalwood notes, often used to age premium Japanese and Scotch whiskies.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
Elijah Craig 18-Year is a distinguished expression from Heaven Hill Distillery. Aged for 18 years, this bourbon showcases the pinnacle of extended maturation, offering a deep and refined flavor profile. Bottled from a single barrel, it features rich notes of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and subtle hints of dried fruit.
This 2019 release reflects the artistry of Heaven Hill’s craftsmanship and is highly regarded by bourbon enthusiasts for its complexity and rarity.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon A122 is a bold and unfiltered bourbon crafted by Heaven Hill Distillery. Released as part of their Barrel Proof series, this expression features a wheated mash bill, delivering a rich and full-bodied profile. With its high proof (typically above 120), A122 offers a robust combination of flavors, including caramel, oak, and warm spice, making it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
This release is celebrated for its complexity and depth, appealing to those who appreciate cask-strength whiskeys.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Bourbon Gold Trophy
2022
Spirit
Heaven Hill Distillery William Heavenhill 9th Edition 15 YO Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The William Heavenhill 9th Edition 15-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon is a premium offering from Heaven Hill Distillery. This limited-edition bourbon is aged for 15 years, highlighting the distillery's commitment to crafting exceptional, well-aged whiskeys.
Bottled at 109 proof, it delivers a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel, dark fruit, toasted oak, and a touch of spice. As part of the exclusive William Heavenhill series, this release is highly sought after by collectors and bourbon aficionados for its rarity and craftsmanship.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Bourbon Gold Trophy
2023
The 15 STARS First West Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 2 is crafted from three rye whiskeys aged 6, 7, and 8 years, distilled in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. With aromas of ripe pear, golden raisin, and spices, it features a balanced palate of candied fruit, herbal spice, and almond, finishing with kumquat, almond, and toasted oak.
This blend pays tribute to Kentucky’s historical distinction as the 15th state, symbolized by the 15-star flag.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
Dark Arts Whiskey House Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Toasted Jupilles Fluer French Oak Staves – Small Batch
Dark Arts Whiskey House Straight Rye Whiskey Finished with Toasted Amburana Oak Staves – Small Batch
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