Early July always sees the whisky world’s eyes shift to the United States and focus on the different styles of American whiskey. July 4th is Independence Day—the day in 1776 when the 13 colonies of America were devolved from the rule of King George III and the United Kingdom, and the legendary Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. This was the birth of the modern USA.
American whiskey has grown from this point and was inspired by the many British, Irish and European immigrants that settled there in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Their skills, plus the different available ingredients, have influenced and shaped the industry and flavours, many of which remain today. The state of Kentucky remains the important heartbeat of the industry.
So, whether it’s a traditional bourbon you like or something quirkier from a craft producer, there is something for everyone. Below, we showcase five whiskeys from Kentucky that will kickstart your Independence Day party this year.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
The Wild Turkey brand is one of the best-selling bourbons out there, and this expression sits at the pinnacle of the core range. The Straight Bourbon and multi-award-winning 101 Proof are excellent, but Rare Breed takes their whiskey to another level.
It is always bottled in small batches and at cask strength (or ‘Barrel Proof’), using bourbons aged between six and 12 years. Wild Turkey also has a relatively high rye content in its mash bill.
Each of these elements contributes to a superb whiskey that is rich, bold and packs a punch. Expect heady notes of dark chocolate, caramel and clove that mingle with oaky spices, cinnamon and white pepper. Hints of brown sugar and burnt orange peel, plus menthol and peppermint, round everything off nicely.
This is bourbon at its very best.
Buy now at Amazon
Russell’s Reserve 10 Years Old
This is a whiskey with a great backstory. And one that pays tribute to a true American whiskey dynasty – the Russell family. At the pinnacle sits Bourbon Hall of Famer Jimmy Russell, a veteran who started distilling in 1954 and celebrates his 70th anniversary this year. His son, Eddie Russell, has worked in the industry since the early 1980s and created Russell’s Reserve to celebrate Jimmy’s official retirement in 1998. Eddie’s son, Bruce, is now also waiting in the wings to take over.
Russell’s Reserve is made in small batches (never more than 200 barrels at a time are used). This premium bourbon is also aged for a decade – not many American whiskeys reach this maturity. The extra years have added incredible depth of flavour.
Spiced caramel and vanilla notes lead the way, followed by maple syrup, candied orange, butterscotch and baking spice.
A truly masterful whiskey.
Buy now at oldandrarewhisky.co.uk
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
Old Forester is a true pioneer of the modern American whiskey industry. It was the first brand to sell whiskey in individual bottles rather than from a barrel. Founder George Garvin Brown introduced this practice to ensure the consistency and quality of his bourbon. He named the whiskey after his dear friend Dr. William Forester. It is one of a handful of companies that survived the Prohibition era between 1920 and 1933, making it the only bourbon brand to be available before, during, and after Prohibition.
This 1920 Prohibition Style bottling celebrates that achievement and the brand’s survival. Many others failed and went bankrupt during that unprecedented time.
The whiskey is bottled at a punchy 57.5% ABV and has a wonderful set of characteristics that complement each other well – think of chocolate-dipped cherry, caramel sauce and maple syrup with background gingerbread spice and drying oak.
Sublime.
Buy now at Hedonism Wines
Michter’s US *1 Original Sour Mash
The heritage behind Michter’s makes it one of America’s oldest whiskey names. The original distillery associated with the brand (the Shenk distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania) is widely regarded as the first commercial whiskey producer in the country when it began production in 1753 (hence the modern use of US *1 in the branding).
However, the Michter’s name only appeared after Prohibition – it was created by owner Lou Forman, who combined the names of his two sons, Michael and Peter. Despite the brand disappearing in the 1980s, it was resurrected a decade or so ago by two whiskey fans. They built a distillery on the famous Whiskey Row in Louisville, Kentucky, and the rest is history.
Their award-winning whiskeys have garnered fans worldwide. The Original Sour Mash is the cornerstone of the range and is packed with delicious buttery, toffee and almond notes, with a pinch of black pepper.
Exquisite.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Years Old
The Van Winkle name is synonymous with the American whiskey industry and carries a prestigious edge in today’s market. Van Winkle whiskeys are some of the most sought-after by bourbon enthusiasts and collectors alike. This has driven prices sky-high, and they will remain high due to a combination of consumer demand, low production and lengthy maturation times. This is the youngest whiskey in the range.
This whiskey offers an enticing blend of sweet and savoury. Initial notes of fruit and nut milk chocolate, heather honey and vanilla fudge quickly evolve to include some deliciously drying woody spices and tannins, plus hints of orange oil and jasmine.
It is easy to see why this bourbon and its siblings carry such a premium, both in terms of quality and price tag. It is big, bold and brimming with flavour.
Buy now at whisky-online.com
