Different strokes for different folks! Or… In this case… Different sips for different peeps.

Whiskey isn't everyone's cup of tea. It can either be it's not for them, or they just haven't found the one that matches their tastes. That's right. It isn't always just smoke and oak - though it does come up a ton. 

Whiskey, in actuality, boasts a family of flavors shaped by grain, yeast, distillation and the barrel. Let's go through them one by one, shall we?

The Different Shades of Whiskey

Smoky Whiskey

Probably what we associate most with whiskey is the smoke. Smoky bottles get their personality from peat or from finishing in smoked casks. In some regions, peat is used during the malting process, and that peat smoke becomes part of the grain itself. The result can be medicinal, coastal, or campfire-y, with notes of ash, sea spray, and smoked herbs. 

Some makers also finish spirits in casks that once held smoked products or use smoked ingredients to add a different kind of smoke. Ever heard brands say their bottles have a "whisper" of a certain flavor? That's how it's done. 

Sweet Whiskey

Sweet bottles usually come from mash bills heavy in corn and from aging in new charred American oak. The oak gives vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar notes while the corn brings a round, soft sweetness. 

Sweet whiskeys are the kind of bottles that feel like dessert in a glass. They are lovely neat, on a single large ice cube, or paired with caramelized nuts and slices of apple pie. Sweet expressions are also forgiving in mixed drinks, where their vanilla and toffee notes can add warmth and balance.

Spicy Whiskey

Spicy whiskeys are often rye-forward. Rye grain brings black pepper, clove, cinnamon, and a dry, bread-like backbone. Rye grains themselves can usually make a true whiskey bring heat, but many others rely on and add flavorings to achieve their spice - think Fireball Cinnamon Whisky.

That spice is what makes these bottles shine in stirred cocktails. A Manhattan or an Old Fashioned built with a spicy whiskey will have structure and bite. If you enjoy drinks that cut through vermouth and bitters, a spicy bottle will be your ally. Try it neat first to feel the backbone, then use it in classic cocktails to see how the spice balances sweetness and bitterness.

Recommended Bottles

Smoky Whiskey

Lagavulin 16 Year Scotch Whisky
Intensely peaty and smoky, this Lagavulin Scotch Whisky is a single malt that's been aged for, surprise, 16 years. It has notes of dried fruit and sherry that you'll recognize from slow and contemplative sipping.

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Blended Scotch Whiskey
For folks who don't want a strong smoke profile, Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Blended Scotch Whiskey is the perfect balance of smoky-sweet. It is a blend of single malts and grain whiskies from all over Scotland, which means it has smoky elements from peated malts and sweet, fruity layers from Speyside and Highland regions.

Sweet Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Of course, we had to have Buffalo Trace Bourbon on our sweet whisky list. It's both a fantastic first bottle and a favorite amongst seasoned sippers for its approachability, quality, and price. The vanilla, caramel, and candied fruit notes make it sweet, but you do get a hint of spice in the back - like a light pepper finish. Overall, it's a versatile and easily-enjoyable bottle to have in your bar.

Larceny Small Batch Bourbon
Larceny Small Batch Bourbon is another sweet pick. Expect warm vanilla, caramel, and a touch of honeyed cereal on the nose; a creamy, smooth palate; and flavors of caramel, brown sugar, and baking spice.

Spicy Whiskey

The Glenlivet Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey
Attentive readers remember rye as one of the spice-bringers. That's why The Glenlivet Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey comes up on this list. It is warm and peppery with a little oaky sweetness to round it out. 

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey
Citrus… yum. Cinnamon… of course. Buttered bread… interesting. Bulleit's 95 Rye Whiskey is indeed a spicy bottle. You get pepper, baking, spice, and a dry backbone here. Before you go mixing with it, we recommend having a neat sip to get to know this whiskey's flavor and how to work with it.

A Whiskey for Thee, and Some for Me

Country Wine & Spirits houses all your favorite whiskey brands and more. If you want spicy, smoky, or sweet whiskey, we're sure to have everything you could ever want. Plus, who knows? You might find something new and different to try and learn to love those just as much. Happy sipping!