20 Best Whiskey For Sipping (2022 Updated)

Knob Creek comes from the Small Batch Bourbon Distillery, which belongs to Jim Beam. This exclusive whiskey is named after a stream that ripples in a picturesque valley south of Louisville. “Small Batch” does not only refer to the size of the batch at distillation, but was introduced by Jim Beam around 1990 – the name stands for rare and exceptional Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys, which are assembled from particularly successful casks in the warehouse.

The Straight Rye Whiskey is composed of a mixture of grains that has not been made public. According to law, however, it must contain at least 51% rye. The duration of storage is also kept secret, which is becoming increasingly popular in the whisky industry.

In terms of taste, Rye Whiskey has the typical rye seasoning, but without being overpowering. Instead, vanilla, brown sugar and butter are also added.

Elijah Craig Straight Rye is delightful small batch rye whiskey that’s both approachable and balanced with distinctive spice from rye grain and corn sweetness. Meticulously crafted, Elijah Craig is a fan favorite when it comes to Kentucky drams thanks to their small batch approach.

Starting with a mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% barley, Elijah Craig Straight Rye is well aged, with a 47% ABV that’s smooth and approachable while still being strong enough to stand out in a cocktail.

Winner of the Platinum Best of Class honor at the 2020 SIP Awards. The dark amber color of this spirit entices you with a remarkably fruity nose that touches on herbal, cocoa, and toasted oak notes while the palate leads with toasted buttery notes followed by warm baking spice, black pepper, and brown butter.

The maple flavor isn’t overly sweet is rounded out by real whiskey flavors. In addition to just being a sipping whiskey, we predict some tasty creations from bartenders with Smoked Maple.

An initial burst of rye spice is immediately followed by a rush of dry, seasoned oak. The dryness continues to ramp up, but as it does, sweeter flavors of raisin, caramel, and burnt brown sugar develop along with a trace of tobacco.

Like the nose, the oak continues to be the dominant flavor, however not so much to completely overwhelm the other flavors present allowing for a good amount of complexity to develop.

The original that started it all, Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is still made to exacting standards. Knob Creek is aged to fully draw out the natural sugars in its charred white oak barrels.

This exceptional, full-bodied bourbon strikes the senses with an oak aroma, a sweet, woody, full-bodied, almost fruity taste, with a long, rich finish.

Straight away the nose on this bourbon is very rum-like, suggesting molasses, vanilla and dark fruit. The flavor profile is a healthy balance of sweet and spicy with a lot of jammy dried fruit, as well as some cacao and malt powder notes to keep the sweetness from being too cloying.

The fruit flavors linger into the finish where it becomes moreso driven by notes of toasted oak and a subtly floral hint of cherry blossom. This barrel has been proofed down to 120 from a natural cask strength of 133.

8 proof and only produced a shockingly low volume of 84 bottles, so grab this unusual and rich bourbon while you have the chance.

The original that started it all, Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is still made to exacting standards. Knob Creek is aged to fully draw out the natural sugars in its charred white oak barrels.

This exceptional, full-bodied bourbon strikes the senses with an oak aroma, a sweet, woody, full-bodied, almost fruity taste, with a long, rich finish. Created to reflect the flavor, strength, care, and patience that defined whiskey before Prohibition, Knob Creek is perfect neat or on the rocks with one or two ice cubes.

Knob Creek is part of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection. Explore the entire Knob Creek Family for yourself and discover what whiskey was meant to be.

A twelve year aging period creates another excellent selection from Knob Creek. Produced according to pre-Prohibition standards, this 100-proof Kentucky bourbon is named for a creek on the boyhood farm of Abraham Lincoln.

Described by some as “sturdy”, this aged bourbon is a great choice for those seeking a spirit with barrel-forward flavors. Complex flavors of citrus, oak, molasses are lightly sweet and reminiscent of other dark spirits.

This bourbon has a warm finish with a long tail that makes it perfect for slow sipping.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a whiskey produced in the Kentucky, United States. The Elijah Craig brand is named for Reverend Elijah Craig, who is credited with inventing bourbon. The whiskey is produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries and has been awarded numerous accolades, including a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

This particular expression of Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 700ml. It has a light amber color and aromas of oak, vanilla, and caramel. On the palate, it is smooth and creamy with flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel.

The finish is long and warming. Whether you are enjoying it neat or on the rocks, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a delicious sipping whiskey. It is also versatile enough to be used in cocktails.

Try it in an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan for a truly enjoyable experience.

As founding father of the bourbon industry, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. left an indelible legacy. His dedication to distilling began at the close of the Civil War when he purchased O. F C. Distillery.

There, he developed innovative techniques that are still in use today. Made by hand, this Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey has been aged inside century old warehouses constructed by E. H. Taylor, Jr. Barrels are evaluated and selected to create a perfect blend of distinctive character that is like no other.

This bourbon is a true sipping bourbon that honors the uncompromising legacy of E. H. Taylor, Jr. TASTING NOTES: Tastes of caramel corn sweetness, mingled with butterscotch and licorice. The aftertaste is a soft mouth-feel that turns into subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.

While most rye whiskeys are made with corn as an ingredient, this is a unique rye whiskey made only with rye and malted barley. This spicy and full-bodied 100 proof Straight Rye Whiskey pays tribute to the classic American whiskey style and the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897.

On the nose, this whiskey is full of dried fruit, black pepper and a touch of fresh dill. A small sip brings an array of flavors both sweet and savory with a terrific balance of dark spices and subtle caramel overtones.

The finish is especially pleasing with an oaky dryness that lingers just long enough. Liquor.

High West Campfire Barrel Aged Whiskey is made from a top secret blend of bourbon, rye and peated scotch whiskey ranging in age from four to eight years. The floral, fruity spice of a mature rye whiskey enhances flavors of honey from a sweet bourbon, while hints of vanilla, toffee, cinnamon and nutmeg dance on the tongue.

Scotch whiskey adds the smoke, giving this blended whiskey a long sweet, spicy and smoky finish. This 750 mL bottle of whiskey is aged in white oak barrels, along with second use bourbon barrels. Bring it out with old friends or good-looking strangers, enjoying this High West whiskey straight up, with a little water or in classic whiskey cocktails for a unique twist.

Choose High West and enjoy delicious craft whiskey made with the pioneering spirit of the West. Please drink responsibly. 2020 High West Distillery, Park City, UT.

Distinctive, limited-release, barrel-finished versions of High West whiskey, each of these High West Double Rye! Barrel Select Whiskey bottles is hand-numbered. Specially selected batches of Double Rye! aged whiskey are finished in second-use barrels for an additional period of time, ranging from six months to two years, before being bottled.

Finishing barrels for this High West whiskey vary from rum or bourbon casks to brandy, gin, scotch, and a variety of wine casks, including Madeira. This secondary barrel-aging process adds a sophisticated layer of complexity and depth of flavor to an American whiskey already known for delicious spice flavors of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg balanced with the richness of woody vanilla and subtly sweet caramel flavor.

Regardless of the pleasantly surprising tasting notes a particular bottle of Double Rye! Barrel Select provides – perhaps added sweetness, a hint of wine, or an aged bourbon whiskey flavor – whiskey connoisseurs can anticipate something special.

Bottles are filled at 50% ABV; however, each bottle’s final ABV varies by aging period, barrel type, etc. , often resulting in a higher-proof whiskey. With a variety of unique taste profiles and barrel finish options, showcased by the distinct background color and foil-treated logo on the labels of these customized bottles, the enhanced character of Double Rye! Barrel Select results in an extremely unique whiskey.

To fully appreciate this barrel whiskey’s additional complexity, enjoy this whiskey neat or with a splash of water in a Glencairn whisky glass. Sip Responsibly. Straight Rye Whiskey 50% Alc/Vol 2021 High West Distillery, Park City, UT.

High West American Prairie Barrel Select Bourbon 750mlThe High West American Prairie Bourbon is a complex blend of straight bourbon whiskeys aged 2 to 13 years producing an aromatic whiskey that helps preserve the west.

The Mission Wine & Spirits Limited Release is the American Prairie finished 8 months in Islay Scotch barrels and bottled at 103 Proof for your enjoyment. Hints of peat smoke on the nose with clove and honey.

Surprisingly light on the entry with hints of maraschino cherries and dried apricot. The palate develops flavors of caramel, toffee, peat and oak. On the finish, the bourbon sweetness gives way to a smoky Islay finish.

High West Distillery is passionate about the American West’s natural beauty. American Prairie is a superb premium bourbon whiskey dedicated to one of the greatest land preservation projects of our time.

The American Prairie Reserve in Montana is a 5000 square mile land tract the size of Connecticut restored to what Lewis and Clark would have seen. High West donates 10% of after-tax profits from each bottle to the American Prairie Foundation.

Gentle and soft, this blend of straight Bourbons would be lovely in a Manhattan smoothed out with sweet vermouth. Look for sweet, creamy caramel aromas and flavors that waft into cocoa and espresso on the finish.

A portion of profits goes to benefit the American Prairie Reserve in northeastern Montana. Whiskey #1: 6 year old Bourbon. Mashbill from 75% Corn, 20% rye, 5% barley malt. Whiskey #2: 10 year old Bourbon.

Mashbill from 60% Corn, 35% rye, and 5% barley malt. Liquor.

Rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingle in perfect balance with the bold rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.

Basil Haydens differs to the rest of the bourbons in the samll batch range in that its mash bill contains a higher percentage of rye grain. The richness of the corn is complemeneted by spicy notes from the rye, with notes of peppermint, and a slight citrus edge.

First created in 1796 by Master distiller Basil Hayden snr, when he broke the rules by adding small grains to the traditional corn base. In 1796, Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke the rules by mixing small grains into the mash of a traditional corn base.

A Maryland transplant unafraid to stand out amidst the residing establishment, Basil conjectured that the spicy flavor of rye would be a striking complement to the sweet smoothness of corn in his distillerys standard bourbon.

And much to the chagrin of the traditionalist set, Basil was right. His recipe was a masterpiece, resulting in a unique, singular small batch bourbon whiskey that was blessed with rich hints of peppermint, notes of pepper, slight citrus overtones, and a spicy, warming finish.

California is a sun-washed land of dreamers and builders with relaxed creativity and natural luxury. CALI Whiskey is a reflection of that warm, welcoming, mellow culture. CALI Whiskey is full-bodied with whispers of wonderful aromatic spices and botanicals.

Rich, smooth, with a deep tan and a bit of easy-going complexity, CALI Distillery presents a unique California Twist on classic American Sipping Whiskey. CALI starts with pure whiskey front notes and ends with subtle, complex, slightly sweet spice notes.

The flavors of CALI Whiskey arise organically from the interaction of rich corn mash bourbon and spicy rye, mellowed by clean oak and finished with their own signature blends of herbs, spices and botanicals.

The CALI Distillery family want their whiskey to be something that a real whiskey lover will be happy share with friends, even non-whiskey friends. Pour a glass to sip while reading a good book or while laughing with friends, this whiskey is good in all occasions.

Meet The Glenlivet Captain Reserve, a combination of raisin-rich cognac and signature citrus notes married with the creamy smoothness of our one and only, The Glenlivet. The luscious liquid finds its unique honey and spicy notes through its journey from bourbon and sherry casks to a selective finish in Cognac casks.

Bursting in sweet and fruity aromas, The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve shines as a proud celebration of our Speyside craft, taking you on a golden adventure that begins with the finish. Inspired by Captain Bill Smith Grant, great grandson of our Founder George Smith, our new product will make you wander through the misty glens of Scottish Speyside to the rolling vineyards of French Cognac at every sip.

A new taste exploration by The Glenlivet that makes us THE Whisky. Drink – Enjoy The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Minimum order of 3 bottles mixed and matched across our range of wines and spirits.

A gorgeous nose of prunes and violets exude from the glass. The palate is big, bold and lush, with notes of dried fruit, freshly cracked pepper and toasted oak. The finish is long and haunting.