Spirit Gift Guide: 9 American Whiskeys for Everyone on Your List

by Reid Mitenbuler on Nov 26, 2012 in Liquor
Spirit Gift Guide: 9 American Whiskeys for Everyone on Your List

The best part of giving whiskey for the holidays is that you can finish all your shopping with one trip to the liquor store. But who gets what? Check these folks off your list with nine perfect brown liquor pairings. If you’re lucky, maybe they’ll even share a sip or two.

The Sweetheart: Four Roses Single Barrel (100 proof; $40/bottle*)
With a relatively high amount of corn in the mash bill, this bourbon is a little sweeter than most. The price tag is also high enough that anyone getting a bottle will know it should be savored — a nice way to send a subtle message to your beaux. Plus, Four Roses supposedly got its name when distillery founder Paul Jones, Jr. proposed to his eventual wife — she told him if the answer was “yes,” she would wear a corsage of four roses to an upcoming ball. (Spoiler: she wore the corsage.)

The Parents: Buffalo Trace
(90 proof; $23/bottle)
This bourbon is responsible for bringing a lot of new whiskey enthusiasts into the world, so it’s an appropriate gift for the people who did the same for you. Steady and reliable, this bourbon never gets a bad word from tasters. It’s reasonably priced and can be relied on for everything from drinking straight to mixing. Spiciness, sweetness and smoothness — it’s all there.

The Grandfather: Old Grand Dad 114
(114 proof; $24/bottle)
The name alone makes it an obvious choice, but it’s also a classic brand your grandfather will recognize. The 114-proof version of this old stalwart is one of the best-kept secrets in the bourbon world and is less expensive than it could be. It starts with a spicy blast that’s best cut with a little water, and could almost pass for a straight rye. The finish lingers appropriately long for those who have been around longer than the rest of us.

The Know-It-All Cousin: Bowman Brothers Pioneer Spirit Small Batch Bourbon (90 Proof; $30/bottle)
He might be a know-it-all, but he probably doesn’t know about this special bottle, from a relatively obscure distillery. He’ll love the heavy maple sugar nose with a cinnamon palate and a long, dry finish.

The Rich Uncle: George T. Stagg (~140 proof, $75/bottle)
If he’s actually wealthy, he should probably buy this one for you. It’s an appropriate match, though — big, rich, and barrel proof, so it definitely needs to be cut with a little water. Bottlings of this vary depending on the year, but usually have strong notes of molasses and leather, just like the deep club chairs your uncle sits in with his rich friends.

The Crazy Aunt: Fighting Cock (103 proof; $17/bottle)
Just make sure she doesn’t use this one to wash down her meds. At 103 proof, this bourbon has her big attitude and an equally confusing marketing strategy. Regardless of the initial blast of spicy rye notes and hot ethanol vapors, this bourbon grows on you, once you get to know it.

The Unemployed Sibling: Rittenhouse Rye (100 proof; $20/bottle)
The unemployed sibling should probably be given something he can’t otherwise afford, but alternately, you can introduce him to something that won’t break his wallet when he goes to re-up. At 100 proof, this rye will go a long way. It’s got chocolate on the nose and palate with a little licorice in the finish.

The In-Laws: Bernheim Original (90 proof; $35/bottle)
Distilled mainly from wheat, this whiskey is relatively sweet and mixes well in cocktails — two indispensable qualities when spending time around the in-laws. It has coconut aromas in the nose and a warm palate. It goes down easy and the taste is pretty clean — just how you want to appear in front of your spouse’s parents.

Your Boss: (The choice here depends on how big your bonus is.)
We recommend choosing along a sliding scale of Jim Beam White Label, Jim Beam Black Label and Knob Creek. All three offerings come from the same recipe and the only difference between them is the amount of aging and the relative price. White label comes in at four years, Black Label at eight years, and Knob Creek at nine years. All have their respective merits (even White Label) and tasting between the three offers a lesson in the effects of aging in a barrel, so you get the bonus of teaching your boss something he doesn’t know.

*All prices vary by location, but we’ve offered a ballpark number so you get an idea for the range. (Back to top)

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

Boston Beer & Dogfish Head Have Merged in a $300 Million Deal

In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 10, 2019
A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A New, High-End Blend of Jack Daniel's Whiskey is Now Available in the United States

A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 15, 2019
Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Bourbon Is Now Available in 12 States With a New Barrel Reserve Expression

Coopers' Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon has debuted an entirely new label design, has expanded to more states...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Apr 3, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close