8 Craft Whiskeys That Are Perfect for Winter Sipping
8 Craft Whiskeys That Are Perfect for Winter Sipping
When the snow's piling up outside and you're kicked back in your favorite chair by the fire, nothing beats a good pour of craft whiskey to warm you up from the inside out. These small-batch beauties from American distilleries pack bold flavors like spice, caramel, and oak that just hit different on chilly nights. Last winter, I cracked open a bottle after shoveling the driveway – man, it turned a rough day into somethin' real nice real quick. Here's eight standout craft whiskeys worth huntin' down this season.
Woodinville Port Finished Bourbon
From Washington state, this straight bourbon gets extra time in ruby port barrels from Portugal's Douro Valley, adding a rich, fruity layer to their already solid five-year-old spirit. You pick up jammy berries, candied cherries, dried plums, chocolate-covered fruit, and a touch of spice that makes it thick and cozy, perfect for slow sippin' when the wind's howlin' outside. Buy it now!
J. Rieger & Co. Kansas City Whiskey
Revived in Kansas City with old-school roots, this unique blend mixes straight bourbon, rye, and light corn whiskey aged at least four years, finished with a dash of 15-year oloroso sherry for subtle sweetness. You get balanced vanilla, dried fruit, nutty notes, and a robust rye spice on the finish, makin' it smooth and slightly indulgent – perfect for slow sippin' on cold evenings. Buy it now!
Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon
Crafted in Memphis with a nod to the blues, this unfiltered straight bourbon delivers a thick, viscous body full of sweet corn, vanilla, allspice, apricot, pear, and oaky warmth. Aged just right near the river, it builds gentle heat with fruity and spicy layers that linger, turnin' a frosty night into somethin' cozy and satisfying. Buy it now!
Blue Run Ember Bourbon
This limited Kentucky straight bourbon blend clocks in at a hefty 128.8 proof but drinks smooth, crafted specially for winter with big char and wood spice that warms without burnin'. Hits of orange burst, dry cinnamon, honey, cocoa, floral jasmine, and earthy oak make it a bold yet velvety pour that'll chase away the chill on the darkest nights. Buy it now!
Frey Ranch Straight Rye
Coming straight from a Nevada farm where they grow their own grains, this 100% rye whiskey delivers a bold spice kick balanced by sweet corn notes and vanilla. The winter cereal rye shines through with refreshing pepper, cinnamon, and baked bread vibes, making it a solid sipper that heats up slow and steady on frosty evenings. Buy it now!
Laws Whiskey House San Luis Valley 6 Yr Rye Bottled in Bond
This Colorado high-altitude gem uses heirloom rye from the San Luis Valley, bottled in bond at 100 proof with a mashbill heavy on rye for that true grain-to-glass character. It brings cooling mint, wild fennel, candied orange zest, brown sugar, serrano pepper spice, and herbal notes that build a hearty warmth, ideal for battlin' the deep winter cold with layers of complexity. Buy it now!
Traverse City American Cherry Whiskey
From Michigan, this one steeps real local cherries in their straight whiskey for a sweet-tart twist that's surprisingly warming. You get rich cherry notes mixed with vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice, turning it into a festive pour that feels like dessert by the fireplace. Buy it now!
Hard Truth High Road Rye
Indiana's craft scene shines here with this sweet rye mashbill offering cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel layers that feel indulgent on cold nights. It's approachable with a nice spicy build, makin' it a go-to for kicking back after a day out in the weather. Buy it now!
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