From modest to sumptuous, these spirits all share more in common than just being aged in oak barrels — they’re perfect for your special event that brings people together.
Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Owensboro, Kentucky – $35
Green River Distilling Co.’s flagship bourbon is a must-have in your private bar. It’s affordable, as well as a perfect spirit for cocktails, highballs, or sipping neat, Fischer says. It’s so local that it’s made mostly from Daviess County corn.
Hard Truth Distilling Co. Sweet Mash Bourbon
Nashville, Indiana – $45
Hard Truth is one of the few distilleries regularly producing whiskey through sweet mashing rather than the normal sour mashing. Without digging into the distilling science, sweet mashing can make for a smoother drink, Fischer says. Local ties: Master distiller and co-partner Bryan Smith is a Harrison High School graduate.
WhistlePig Snout-To-Tail Bourbon Aged 10 Years
Shoreham, Vermont – $90
Don’t flip out. The folks at WhistlePig experiment, and their Snout-to-Tail Bourbon is proof of that. While aging in two oak barrels with differing barrel heads for a decade, the barrels are flipped upside down to soak up each head’s unique characteristics, Fischer says.
Four Gate Whiskey Co. Kelvin Collaboration VI Whiskey
Rectified from several Kentucky distilleries – $200
A bold, unconventional choice is to sip on this whiskey blend. “Four Gate is one of my favorites,” Fischer says. The blend is finished in Portuguese Madeira and Florida rum casks, giving it a “bold yet nuanced” finish. Behind the name: Four Gate is a reference to the white rail fencing you see bordering Kentucky horse farms.
Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked
Versailles, Kentucky – $200
It wouldn’t be Derby season without Woodford Reserve, and this bourbon’s regality is worthy of busting out the flared-rim Glencairn glasses at your party. It’s aged in two barrels, with the second aging twice as long as its double-oaked companion, thus double double. It delivers a spicier, warmer taste, Fischer says. Can’t find the Double Double? The standard Double Oaked is a solid alternative.
