There are many whiskey-related terms that are fairly self-explanatory, like “cask strength” or “small batch.” Others can leave some drinkers scratching their heads, like “hazmat” whiskey. The term is a shorthand for hazardous materials, substances that pose a health risk to people and the environment.
So what does that have to do with whiskey? Well, hazmat whiskey is ridiculously high proof in an almost aggressive way. We’re talking about spirits that make some barrel proof and cask strength varieties look weak. They’re bottled at 140-proof (70% alcohol by volume) and above. They’re also extremely flammable. In fact, the FAA doesn’t even allow hazmat whiskey to be shipped on planes.
While rare, hazmat whiskeys have gained popularity in recent years. Known for their intense flavor and heat, these expressions are best enjoyed with a splash or two of water to open up aromas and flavors like caramelized sugar, dried fruits, wintry spices, vanilla beans, and oak. If the idea of sipping on an over-the-top high-proof bourbon, rye, or other type of whiskey appeals to you, you’re in luck. Here are a handful of our favorite hazmat whiskeys.
Photo via A. Smith Bowman Distillery
A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon
The folks at A. Smith Bowman understand that cask strength fans are looking for something a little more robust. This award-winning, Virginia-made straight bourbon is matured in new, charred American oak barrels for a minimum of ten years. It’s bottled at 144.5-proof and is best enjoyed with a splash or two of water. This nuanced, flavorful whiskey begins with scents of caramelized sugar, dried cherries, maple candy, vanilla beans, and oak. Sipping it brings flavors of molasses cookies, chocolate, toasted vanilla beans, brown sugar, butterscotch, dried fruits, and spices. The warm finish is a final flourish of butterscotch, wood, fresh leather, and wintry spices.
Photo via Augusta Distillery
Augusta Buckner’s Limited Edition 13-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
This hazmat whiskey is bottled between 120-147-proof, and has racked up countless awards. This limited-release whiskey is matured for a minimum of thirteen years in new, charred American oak barrels. Most readily available in Kentucky and at select online retailers, it’s known for its nose of caramel corn, honey, vanilla beans, and oak. The palate is a symphony of flavors including sticky toffee, vanilla, sweet corn, honey, and light spices. The finish is a warm mix of herbal tea, butterscotch, and baking spices.
Photo via Wooden Cork
World Whiskey Society Wyatt Earp “Hazmat” 13 Year Whiskey
Released last fall, World Whiskey Society’s ultra-high-proof offering begins with a mash bill of 73% malted barley, 14.9% malted rye, and 12.1% malted wheat. Sourced from undisclosed California-based distilleries, it’s matured for at least thirteen years before being bottled at a staggering 163-proof. The result is a big, bold, surprisingly complex whiskey that begins with a nose of candied nuts, cherries, raisins, vanilla, and oak. The palate is centered on caramel, vanilla beans, dried fruits, cracked black pepper, and wood. The lingering and very warm finish brings notes of toffee, vanilla, and spice.
Photo via Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey 2021
Maybe you’re a fan of the classic flavor of Jack Daniel’s, but you wish it was much higher proof. Lucky for you, the Lynchburg-based distillery has a hazmat offering. This limited-edition whiskey begins with a mash bill of 80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malted barley. While it doesn’t have an age statement, it’s believed to be matured for at least ten years. Instead of being proofed down, it’s bottled as high as 148-proof (depending on the batch). This creates a multi-layered spirit that starts with aromas of brown sugar, toffee, charred oak, orchard fruits, and gentle spices. The palate is loaded with flavors like cinnamon candy, apples, toasted vanilla beans, caramelized sugar, and cracked black pepper. It all ends with a warm, lingering mix of peppery rye, tree fruits, and oak.
Photo via Mile High Spirits
Mile High Spirits Fireside Hazmat Proof Bourbon
If you’re looking for a lesser-known distillery making a hazmat whiskey, take a look at Denver’s Mile High Spirits. This single barrel bourbon is matured for at least six years in new, charred American oak barrels and bottled at a robust 141.2-proof. The result is a flavorful, balanced whiskey that starts with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, cloves, pine, and toffee. The palate is a mix of charred oak, wintry spices, vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. The finish is long and effortlessly warm, with notes of caramel corn, vanilla, and baking spices.
