Whiskey flavors you never knew existed
By Matt Sidney
Southern Tier Pumpking whiskey
The pervasive pumpkin spice trend has now extended to whiskey, with several companies launching their own versions each fall. Southern Tier’s Pumking Whiskey, known for its incorporation of pumpkin and spices, is a notable entry in this niche. Additionally, Revel Stoke and Ole Smoky Tennessee Distillery have also introduced pumpkin-spiced and pumpkin-spice cream whiskeys. As this trend continues, pumpkin spice in whiskey seems to be an inescapable new norm.
George Dickel Tobasco whiskey
Rye whiskey, known for its inherent spicy notes, has inspired some brands to create truly “hot” flavored whiskeys by incorporating actual spices. George Dickel embraced this concept by aging their whiskey in barrels used for Tabasco sauce, resulting in a distinctly peppery whiskey packaged to resemble a Tabasco bottle. Rogue Farms also ventured into spicy whiskey, distilling theirs with chipotle peppers for an added kick. Meanwhile, Bird Dog’s Jalapeño Honey whiskey combines sweetness with spice, earning a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Spicebox Gingerbread whiskey
Beyond pumpkin spice, gingerbread is another seasonal flavor making waves in the whiskey world, often incorporating similar spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Bird Dog’s Gingerbread Whiskey melds ginger and cinnamon with bourbon’s inherent sweetness and spice, presenting a potentially successful flavor twist. Canadian brand Spicebox also offers a Gingerbread Whiskey, using a rye base that complements the added spices—ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and molasses—for a uniquely festive spirit. These offerings represent bold, unconventional choices for holiday-inspired spirits.