In the whiskey world, the term “flavored whiskey” can be a bit divisive. Purists believe that a long-aged, nuanced whiskey is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. It should be matured and then proofed down, or bottled at cask strength. It definitely should not have any coloring or flavors added to it.
If you’re one of these drinkers, you’re missing out on a whole world of well-made, delicious flavored whiskeys. Sure, there are a few cloyingly sweet, over-the-top flavored spirits that are closer to a liquid dessert than a balanced bourbon. But there are also varieties that are absolutely worth adding to your home bar.
Below, you’ll find our favorite flavored whiskeys that are actually worth buying. They include flavors like chocolate and peanut butter, honey, toasted marshmallows, and even Elvis Presley’s favorite late-night snack.
Photo via Beam Suntory
Knob Creek Smoked Maple
Knob Creek is a beloved for its complex whiskeys, and its Smoked Maple variety is no different. This 90-proof, smoky, sweet whiskey is infused with natural smoked maple flavors, lending notes of maple candy, hickory smoke, vanilla beans, caramelized sugar, and rich oak. This flavored whiskey makes a great riff on the traditional Old Fashioned, and also works well as a neat (or on the rocks) after-dinner sipper.
Photo via Garrison Brothers Distillery
Garrison Brothers HoneyDew
With a name like HoneyDew, you should have a pretty good idea about what you’re getting into when you crack open a bottle. This 80-proof straight bourbon whiskey is matured for at least three years. It is then infused with Burleson’s Texas Wildflower Honey. This sweet, noteworthy whiskey is loaded with flavors like wildflowers, sweet honey, cloves, vanilla beans, dried fruit, cinnamon, chocolate, and oak. Use it as the base for your favorite cocktail to add some fresh, floral sweetness.
Photo via Saloon Spirits
Ballotin Peanut Butter Chocolate Whiskey
If you’re a fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, you’ll love Ballotin Peanut Butter Chocolate Whiskey. The folks at Ballotin take their whiskey and blend it with all-natural chocolate and peanut butter flavors. The result is a surprisingly complex, noteworthy spirit filled with flavors like candied peanuts, milk chocolate, toasted vanilla beans, oak, and gentle spices. The finish is long, warm, and pleasantly sweet and nutty. Perfect as an indulgent after-dinner drink, it will also add chocolate and peanut butter flavors to your favorite cocktails.
Photo via Hotel Tango Distillery
Hotel Tango ‘Shmallow Toasted Marshmallow Bourbon
Nothing is better in the summer months than a marshmallow toasted on a campfire. The folks at Hotel Tango clearly share this nostalgia, as evidenced by the distiller’s ‘Shmallow Toasted Marshmallow Bourbon. This bourbon whiskey was infused with natural and artificial flavors including smoke, toasted marshmallows, and caramelized sugars. The palate features flavors like wood-fires marshmallows, vanilla, caramel, and gentle smoke. Drink it neat alongside a fire or mix it into your favorite cocktail.
Photo via Suntory Holdings Ltd.
Jim Beam Red Stag
One of the most underrated flavored whiskeys ever produced, this is essentially your favorite Jim Beam White Label blended with black cherry liqueur. The result is the classic Jim Beam flavors like vanilla, oak, spices, and caramel along with notes of dried fruits and sweet black cherry. It’s a well-balanced whiskey that you’ll want to mix but will also be tempted to enjoy on its own on a cool evening.
Photo via Elvis Whiskey
Elvis Midnight Snack Flavored Whiskey
Elvis Presley was almost as famous for his affinity for peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches as for his music. Well, if you’d like to try this infamously indulgent snack in whiskey form, you can thanks to Elvis Midnight Snack Peanut Butter, Banana & Bacon Flavored Whiskey. Each flavor works in perfect unison to create a truly unique, flavorful tipple that is guaranteed to crank up your Old Fashioned to eleven. This creative whiskey is also a great slow sipper neat or on the rocks.
