5 Whiskey Brands That’ll Give Jack Daniels A Run For Its Money

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Your average bar or pub probably has about three whiskey options at most. There’s usually a house whiskey, Jack Daniels and maybe one or two more options if you’re lucky. The whiskey-obsessed deserve a little more to work with. It’s only right that you know some of the best whiskey brands flying under the radar.

1. Russell’s Reserve

Aged in deep No. 4 “alligator” char American white oak barrels (sh*t, that sounds intense) Russell’s Reserve is a single barrel bourbon that’s bottled at 110 proof. It’s non-chill filtered (which means less fussing with) with a smooth, rich and creamy coffee and vanilla taste. The bourbon has an ABV of 55 percent. Russell’s Reserve comes in five varieties: a 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a six-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, a Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and a small-batch vintage bourbon called Russell’s Reserve 2002. Buy a bottle here for $34.

2. High West Whiskey

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The Campfire blend from Utah’s High West Whiskey combines scotch, bourbon and rye whiskeys to give you a spirit that’s sweet with notes of honey, floral fruity spice and smokiness. It ranges in age from four to eight years old with an ABV of 46 percent and a proof of 92. The Campfire blend has a distinctive taste that you probably won’t find anywhere else. The rich, sweet and smokey blend is a little on the steep side at $45 for a bottle, but regardless, check it out here.

3. Breckenridge Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The honey-amber bourbon from Breckenridge has aromas of under-ripe banana and brown sugar with some spicy notes of toasted sesame and white pepper. The finish tastes like vanilla and sweet oak with a little bit of bitterness to balance out the sweet. According to the Breckenridge site, the Straight Bourbon Whiskey tastes like a slice of toasted rye bread with honey drizzled on top. The bourbon has an ABV of 43 percent. You can order Breckenridge through Drizly or online for $43.

4. Koval Bourbon

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If you’re looking for something a little outside of the usual whiskey routine, Koval makes an organic single barrel bourbon with millet and corn in a charred new American oak barrel. You’ll notice notes of mango chutney and vanilla throughout. Koval’s has a finish of peppery caramel and clove-spiked tobacco that’ll linger on your tongue. Buy the organic bourbon online for $50.

5. George Dickel #12

Crafted in Tennessee, George Dickel is a bourbon that’s been filtered with charcoal. The 90-proof bourbon is made through a sour mash process. Older whiskeys are blended together to achieve bold flavors with a smooth finish. You’ll get notes of rich oak and subtle vanilla with a finish of maple, butter and smokiness. It’s great for mixing, but also smooth on the rocks. Buy a bottle here for $25.

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