Best American Spirit/Liqueur Types
Rye whiskey predates bourbon, and it is often dubbed as the original American spirit. It is distilled from a mash that must constitute at least 51% rye, though most producers will opt for higher percentages. The minimum aging period is not regulated, but if it is aged for at least two years, it can be labeled as Straight Rye.
The drink developed with a combination of great-quality rye and whiskey-making practices that were brought by the early colonist. The beginning of production and the success of rye whiskey is mainly associated with Maryland and Pennsylvania. The regions produced two distinct varieties.
THE BEST Rye Whiskey Spirits
15 Stars
First West Batch 2-SSDD Rye Whiskey
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Art of the Spirits
Cask Strength “Final Run” BouRye Whiskey finished in Foursquare rum cask
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Whistlepig
The Boss Hog IX – Siren’s Song Straight Rye Whiskey
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Whistlepig
The Boss Hog VIII LapuLapu's Pacific Straight Rye Whisky
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy 2022
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
Henry McKenna
Henry Mckenna 10 YO Single Barrel Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Blanton's
Blanton's Original Single Barrel
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Blanton's
Blanton's Straight From The Barrel
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
High Bank Distillery
Whiskey War Double Double Oaked
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Benchmark Small Batch Straight Bourbon
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Tennessee whiskey is a label used for a specific type of whiskey produced in Tennessee that has to meet several quality and production standards. The production process is similar to bourbon, and the mash has to be made with 51% corn. After distillation, it has to go through a filtering step known as Lincoln County Process—which involves filtering or steeping whiskey in sugar maple charcoal.
The only exception to this rule is made for Prichard's whiskey. All Tennessee whiskey has to be aged in new, charred oak, but the exact aging period is not regulated. It is bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). Tennessee whiskey it typically amber-colored, and the charcoal-filtering provides for its signature smooth and mellow character.
THE BEST Tennessee Whiskey Spirits
Uncle Nearest
Single Barrel Whiskey – Batch 905 Premium Whiskey
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold 2024
Applejack is often dubbed as one of the oldest American spirits. Essentially, it is an apple brandy that supposedly originated during colonial times. It is believed that the original version was made as a cider that was fermented and left to freeze.
The liquid that was not frozen would then be consumed. However, this technique, known as freeze distillation or jacking is not practiced anymore. The turning point for applejack production happened in 1698 when a Scotsman William Laird moved to New Jersey.
Seagram's 7 is an American blended whiskey that was first produced in 1933. This blend was especially popular in the 1970s, and it still remains one of the best-selling brands in the United States. Although Seagram is a Canadian company, Seagram's 7 is marketed as an American blend, and it is probably produced in Connecticut.
The exact content of the blend is not known, but the character is mostly dominated by corn. The final profile typically has nutty and caramel-like aromas, while the flavor is sweet and reminiscent of vanilla and brown sugar. Seagram's can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but due to its character, it is mostly used in cocktails and long drinks.
Invented by Antoine Peychaud in the 1830s, this bitter was originally developed as a health tonic. Peychaud was a New Orleans apothecary of Creole origin who based the drink on an old recipe that his father brought from Haiti. He mixed the drink into hot toddies and offered it to his customers and friends.
It is believed that the Sazerac cocktail was modeled on Peychaud’s combination. Although the exact recipe is not known, the base of Peychaud’s bitters is made with gentian, while the dominant flavors are fruity, herbaceous, and spicy.
In its original form, this Southern classic used whiskey as its base, along with a secret combination of spices. Sometime in the 20th century, the original recipe was changed, and whiskey was merely used as a flavoring, while the drink was based on a neutral grain spirit.
First created by Martin W. Heron in New Orleans, Southern Comfort is appreciated for its smooth flavor, with hints of fruits and spices. It can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it also works well as a cocktail ingredient. In 2016, the brand was bought by Sazerac, a company that is trying to bring Southern Comfort back to its original form.
RumChata is a rum-based cream liqueur that is produced in Wisconsin. The base is made with light Caribbean rum that is distilled five times. It is then mixed with locally-sourced fresh dairy cream, sugar, and a spice blend that includes vanilla and cinnamon.
The drink was modeled on horchata—a creamy drink popular in Spain and Latin America that usually combines rice, milk, sugar, and spices. The name is also a reference to the drink—it is a portmanteau of rum and horchata. RumChata is a light, creamy liqueur that is not overly sweet or cloying.
Corn whiskey is one of the oldest whiskey styles in the United States. It is legally defined as a spirit with a fermented mash of at least 80% corn. Corn whiskey can be bottled without oak maturation, and if aged, the process has to take place in used or uncharred oak barrels—unlike bourbon that has to be matured in new charred oak.
Corn whiskey appeared sometime in the mid-1700s, first among Scottish and Irish settlers who were familiar with the whiskey-making technique. It was a rustic spirit that was not aged and mostly intended for immediate consumption. Following the Civil War and federal and state taxation, most of the production went underground, and corn whiskey became American moonshine.
THE BEST Corn Whiskey Spirits
Malört is a bitter, wormwood-based liqueur that was created in the 1930s by a Swedish immigrant Carl Jeppson. The drink was first introduced in Chicago, and although it is now produced in Florida, it is still mainly associated with its place of origin, and it can rarely be found elsewhere in the United States.
Malört, which is a Swedish word for wormwood, was modeled on Swedish beskbrännvin – a liquor distilled from potatoes or grains that was often infused with wormwood. The drink is characterized by its sharp flavor and a long, bitter aftertaste.
Best American Spirit/Liqueur Producers
Uncle Nearest is a premium American whiskey brand that honors the legacy of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States. Known as the mentor to Jack Daniel, Nearest Green's contributions to the whiskey-making process are celebrated through the brand's carefully crafted Tennessee whiskies.
Uncle Nearest is committed to excellence, using a meticulous distillation process and high-quality ingredients to produce rich, full-bodied flavors. The brand has garnered widespread recognition and multiple awards for its dedication to preserving history while creating an outstanding whiskey that stands out in the industry.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
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, 2021
BEST Blanton's Spirits
High Bank Distillery, based in Columbus, Ohio, was founded by four partners with a passion for quality spirits. Inspired by the historical confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, which led to Columbus's founding in 1812, the distillery produces a range of premium spirits, including whiskey, vodka, and gin.
Their "Whiskey War" blend has won awards for Best Blended Whiskey in America for three consecutive years at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In addition to the distillery, High Bank operates restaurants where guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails and modern American cuisine.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
BEST High Bank Distillery Spirits
Henry McKenna, an Irish immigrant, is a renowned figure in bourbon history who established his distillery in Kentucky in the mid-19th century. Known for producing high-quality whiskey, he applied traditional Irish distilling techniques to bourbon.
Today, the Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon is celebrated for its exceptional quality, winning awards for its depth of flavor and smooth finish. It is a product of Heaven Hill Distillery, which continues to honor McKenna's legacy with this premium bourbon offering.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
BEST Henry McKenna Spirits
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
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
BEST Beam Suntory Spirits
Ten To One Rum is a premium rum brand that celebrates the art of rum-making, offering high-quality blends crafted with care and expertise. The brand is committed to creating exceptional rum that showcases the unique characteristics of Caribbean sugarcane and the craftsmanship behind the distillation process.
The brand represents a fusion of heritage and modernity, making it an exciting option for rum enthusiasts who appreciate quality and craftsmanship.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
The DB & SB Autumn Blind Tasting - Gold
2023
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Ten To One Spirits
Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, with a rich history of over 200 years. Founded by Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr. and later expanded under George T.
Stagg, the distillery has survived challenges such as floods, fires, and Prohibition, during which it produced whiskey for medicinal purposes. Today, it is known for its wide range of highly acclaimed bourbons and whiskeys, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, and the Pappy Van Winkle line.
Buffalo Trace has garnered numerous awards, emphasizing its commitment to quality and innovation in whiskey production.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Buffalo Trace Distillery Spirits
Art of the Spirits Distillery, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was founded in 2014 by Richard Paul, a Denver native with over 13 years of experience collaborating with renowned artists like Danial James and David Uhl. The distillery specializes in producing cask strength, single-barrel whiskeys, each release featuring limited-edition fine art on its labels.
This unique approach combines high-quality whiskey with exclusive artwork, making Art of the Spirits the only brand globally to showcase world-renowned artists on their bottles.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Best American Spirits and Liqueurs
This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family's whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons.
Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, named in honor of Colonel Albert Blanton, is a pioneering bourbon with a rich legacy. Crafted from a handpicked, limited supply, this bourbon offers a deep and complex aroma, blending warm nutmeg and spices with dry vanilla notes.
The palate reveals harmonious flavors of honey, bold caramel, and corn, leading to a medium finish where the corn and nutmeg reemerge, leaving a satisfying and lasting impression. First introduced in 1984, Blanton's remains a benchmark as the first Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially, encapsulating both history and exceptional craftsmanship.
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
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
Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel Whiskey is a premium whiskey celebrated for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Named after Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller, this whiskey pays homage to his legacy. Each bottle is crafted from hand-selected barrels aged for at least 11 years, ensuring a rich and full-bodied profile.
This single barrel expression is bottled at cask strength, typically ranging between 108 and 119 proof, preserving its robust character. It features a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of spice, accompanied by a long and smooth finish.
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy
2020
Sorel Liqueur is a vibrant red liqueur that offers a modern twist on a Caribbean classic. Crafted in Brooklyn, it blends Moroccan hibiscus with Brazilian clove, Indonesian cassia, Nigerian ginger, and Indonesian nutmeg, resulting in a unique flavor profile that balances floral, spicy, and earthy notes.
This artisanal liqueur pays homage to the traditional "sorrel" beverage, a staple across the African diaspora, while introducing a contemporary interpretation that appeals to modern palates.
AWARDS
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
The Liqueur Masters - Gold
2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
Ten To One Caribbean White Rum is a premium rum that offers a smooth, balanced profile with notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, and a touch of citrus. Distilled in the Caribbean, it blends rum from various regions for a versatile spirit, perfect for cocktails like mojitos or daiquiris.
Its clean, crisp finish makes it ideal for mixing or sipping on its own. The rum reflects a modern, refined approach to traditional rum-making.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2021
The DB & SB Autumn Blind Tasting - Master
2023
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2020
Whiskey War Double Double Oaked is a premium bourbon produced by High Bank Distillery. This expression undergoes a unique aging process, being matured twice in new oak barrels, which enhances its sweetness and imparts additional oak and vanilla notes.
Bottled at approximately 56% alcohol by volume (113.5 proof), it offers a robust flavor profile with tasting notes of oak, caramel, leather, and pepper. Aged for at least five years, this bourbon has garnered significant acclaim, including Double Gold awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2023 and 2024, as well as the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition in 2023.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2023
Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka is a premium vodka made from locally sourced, high-quality potatoes, crafted by Boyd & Blair Distillery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known for its smooth, clean taste, this vodka is produced through a meticulous small-batch distillation process, ensuring exceptional purity and flavor.
The vodka has a creamy texture with subtle notes of vanilla, and a slight sweetness that comes from the natural starches of the potatoes used. Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka is distilled multiple times to achieve a smooth finish and is highly regarded for its versatility in cocktails or for sipping neat.
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2021, 2020
Barrell Craft Spirits Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
Heaven Hill Distillery William Heavenhill 9th Edition 15 YO Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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