Best Whiskeys to Use When You Cook

Great Whiskey Choices for Cooking

When cooking with whiskey, the best choices typically include those that balance bold flavors with smoothness, enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. Opt for a whiskey that is rich in caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, which can deepen the flavor of sauces, glazes, and marinades. A robust, smoky whiskey works well for barbecue or grilled meats, while a sweeter, spiced variety can elevate desserts like bread pudding or whiskey-infused caramel. It’s essential to choose a whiskey that complements the dish without overpowering it, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.

Elijah Craig Bourbon Small Batch

The Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon stands out as a remarkable value, offering an exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts. The inviting bouquet opens with delightful aromas of honey, sweet corn, vanilla, and brown sugar, setting the stage for what unfolds on the equally luscious palate. This bourbon strikes a perfect balance, combining boldness with smoothness, as flavors of honey, vanilla, and molasses take center stage, complemented by a subtle dry oakiness. Whether savored neat or with a touch of water, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon delivers a memorable and satisfying drinking experience. Buy it now!

Wild Turkey 101

The Wild Turkey 101 is a renowned Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey celebrated for its bold and robust character. Distilled by the Wild Turkey Distillery, this 101-proof spirit derives its name from the high alcohol content of 101 proof (50.5% alcohol by volume). With a rich amber hue and a complex flavor profile, Wild Turkey 101 boasts notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, delivering a warm and full-bodied experience. Its distinctive taste is attributed to a longer-than-average maturation process in new charred American oak barrels. This bourbon has garnered a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate its intense and well-balanced flavors, making Wild Turkey 101 a timeless and classic choice for those seeking a hearty bourbon experience. Buy it now!

Balcones Baby Blue Whiskey

Baby Blue, the first Texas whisky since Prohibition, is made from 100% Texas blue corn and aged in premium used oak casks. It brings a new level of sophistication to corn whisky while retaining the freshness of classic American distilling. With its round nuttiness, roasted notes, and refined complexity, Baby Blue offers a viscous mouthfeel and a soft finish, bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration or added color. Buy it now!

Four Roses Small Batch

The Four Roses perfects the marrying art of mingling multiple Bourbon recipes, our Master Distiller has expertly selected four original and limited Bourbons at the pinnacle of maturation. The result is a perfectly balanced small batch Bourbon that unveils a mellow symphony of rich, spicy flavors complemented by sweet, fruity aromas and nuanced notes of sweet oak and caramel. The finish is soft, smooth, and pleasantly long-lasting. Best enjoyed straight up, on the rocks, or with a splash, this exceptional Bourbon boasts a proof of 90 and an alcohol/volume of 45%. Buy it now!

Maker's Mark Bourbon

The Maker's Mark Bourbon is an iconic American whiskey known for its distinctive red wax-dipped bottles and handcrafted approach. Produced in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark has maintained a commitment to quality and tradition since its inception in 1958. This wheated bourbon, crafted with corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley, offers a smooth and approachable taste. The signature sweetness of the wheat complements the notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle spice, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Maker's Mark is carefully aged in charred American white oak barrels, contributing to its rich amber hue and mellow finish. With its recognizable bottle and consistently satisfying taste, Maker's Mark Bourbon stands as a classic choice for bourbon enthusiasts and those exploring the world of American whiskey. Buy it now!

Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof

Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof delivers a rich tapestry of robust aromas, including notes of vanilla, dried roses, baking spice, and sweet corn. This expression stands as a solid classic, catering to the discerning palate of bourbon enthusiasts. Its exceptional quality is underscored by several prestigious awards, including the 2020 SF World Spirits Competition Double Gold, the 2019 Whiskies of The World Gold, and the 2019 International Spirits Challenge Gold in the Straight Bourbon, 10 Years and Younger category. This bourbon is a testament to Old Forester's commitment to crafting high-caliber spirits that have garnered recognition and acclaim in the world of whiskey. Buy it now!

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey boasts a remarkable track record, earning both a 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal and a 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal. This whiskey is deeply rooted in the tradition of classic rye whiskeys that once reigned supreme in American whiskey, and its legacy is preserved through the efforts of Heaven Hill and two other distilleries. With a mash bill composed of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley, Rittenhouse Rye delivers a captivating palate with rich notes of cocoa, citrus, cinnamon, and vanilla, culminating in a lingering spiciness reminiscent of maple. Highly regarded by experts, Wine Enthusiast rates it at 95, highlighting pleasing flavors of vanilla, maple, and a subtle dried cherry note, while Tasting Panel, with the whiskey's 100 proof and Bottled in Bond designation, appreciates aromas of saltwater taffy, mandarin orange, and cooked pineapple. The flavor journey encompasses spiced cinnamon toast that softens the savory cigar leaf, concluding with a lingering and velvety mouthfeel reminiscent of apricot nectar. Buy it now!

Evan Williams Single Barrel

Evan Williams Single Barrel has remained an underrated gem since its inception in 1983, offering a vintage-dated selection of the finest barrels from the warehouses. Master distillers Craig Beam and his late father, Parker, meticulously handpick these barrels until only the best remains. Despite being bottled at a lower proof, perhaps deterring some, its quality shines through, especially when enjoyed neat. With recent releases like the 2009 vintage, it's evident that Evan Williams Single Barrel continues to uphold its legacy, a testament to Parker's enduring pride. Buy it now!

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7

Jack Daniel's is undeniably one of the most influential and economically significant brands in the American whiskey industry. Produced by Brown-Forman, it boasts an astonishing annual shipment of nearly 14 million cases, equating to approximately 175 million bottles sold each year. This massive scale of production underscores Jack Daniel's ubiquitous presence and enduring popularity, making it a staple choice for many whiskey enthusiasts, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a classic Jack and Coke cocktail. Buy it now!

Old Overholt Rye

The nose is straightforward, offering notes of corn and oak with a subtle hint of honey. On the palate, there's a balanced sweetness accompanied by prominent wood and spice flavors, leading to a long, sweet finish. Buy it now!