American whiskey isn’t just one thing. It’s a sprawling, character-packed category filled with history, innovation, and, most importantly, flavour.
There’s an American whiskey for every mood and moment. Here are ten bottles that showcase just how diverse and exciting American whiskey can be.
Forget what you think you know about Jack Daniel’s. This rye whiskey is a spicy, bold departure. With a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, it’s packed with pepper, caramel, and a hint of smoke. Bottled-in-Bond at 50% ABV, it’s got enough muscle for cocktails but is smooth enough to sip neat.
Buffalo Trace doesn’t miss, and Eagle Rare is proof. Aged for a decade, this bourbon is like a dessert tray at a fancy restaurant, all honey, orange zest, and a whisper of cocoa. The bottle also features a giant bald eagle, because, well, America.
Some bourbons stay in their lane, but not Angel’s Envy. This one takes a detour through Port casks, picking up layers of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice along the way. It’s a bit like bourbon decided to go on a luxury European holiday and came back even better.
Woodford took an already great bourbon and gave it an encore performance in a second, heavily toasted barrel. The result? A whiskey dripping with dark chocolate, butterscotch, and a double helping of rich, oaky depth. If bourbon could wear a tuxedo, this would be it.
Rare Breed comes at you full-force with big, unapologetic flavours. Bottled at cask strength, it delivers vanilla, spice, and toasted oak with a finish that lingers longer than an encore at a rock concert. This one’s for the bold.
A whiskey with a love story behind its name, but the real romance is in the glass. Rich, fruity, and just the right amount of spicy, this single barrel bourbon is smooth, sophisticated, and just a little flirty. Perfect for a classic Old Fashioned or a slow sip by the fire.
A nod to the past with a taste for the present. Old Forester’s 1870 Original Batch pays tribute to the brand’s early days, blending barrels from different warehouses for complexity. Expect layers of dried fruit, baking spice, and a touch of citrus, all wrapped in an impossibly smooth finish.
Born for cocktails but more than worthy on its own, PiggyBack is a 100% rye whiskey packed with spice, citrus, and a touch of honey. Turns Manhattans and Old Fashioneds into masterpieces.
A bourbon with deep roots, Elijah Craig Small Batch carries the legacy of the man who (allegedly) invented charring barrels. Whether that tale is true or just good marketing, what’s undeniable is the whiskey itself. Rich notes of spiced apple, caramelised sugar, and toasted oak make for a smooth, satisfying sip. Perfect for those who like their bourbon with a touch of history and a lot of flavour.
Aged for over a decade, this bourbon is a showstopper without the price tag. Brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of cigar box spice make this an indulgent, complex sip. As the bottle proudly states, “Fire made it good”—and it’s hard to argue with that.
These bottles prove that American whiskey is more exciting than ever. The only question is, which one’s getting poured first?
The post Top 10 American Whiskeys appeared first on Master of Malt blog.