If you were to choose five American Whiskeys to try before you die, what would they be?

We’ve tried to make that decision easier by delivering our own list of some of the finest examples of classic and creative American Bourbon and Rye Whiskey on the market today.

Wild Turkey Forgiven

Wild Turkey have done it again but this time, by mistake.

Accidentally mixing very rare rye whiskey with fully matured bourbon. The result, a Bourbon/Rye of exceptional charter. A blend of 78 percent 6-year-old Bourbon and 22 percent 4-year-old Rye, the whiskey delivers a full flavour at 91 proof (45.5% abv) finished by cinnamon, pepper and rich oak. This is one mistake anyone would be forgiven for.

Lock Stock & Barrel 13 year old Straight Rye Whiskey

This very unique, Straight Rye Whiskey is matured for 13 years before being bottled at a bold 101.3 proof (50.5% abv).

A creation by the independent family owned Coopers Spirits Company based out of New York, this is a standalone product which more than stands out. With aromas of salted caramel, buttered popcorn and toffee, the palate delivers complex notes of sweet vanilla, milk chocolate, roasted coffee and honeyed oak.

OYO Michelone Reserve Bourbon

This small-batch, award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the first of a proposed Masters Collection by Middle West Spirits based out of Columbus, Ohio.

Balanced from a mixture of sweet yellow corn, soft red winter wheat, dark pumpernickel rye and two-row barley, this 90 proof (45% abv) whiskey produces aromas of banana, toffeed nuts and dried fruits with an incense and baked spice finish.

Michter’s 20 Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon

Located in the Bourbon heartland of Louisville, Kentucky – Michter’s have been delivering limited release American Whiskeys for over 40 years.

This special 20 year old Single Barrel release delivers a complexity of flavour described by resident Master Distiller Willie Pratt as the “Fork In The Road Point” when specific whiskeys aged between 17-20 years achieve a full flavour profile. Bottled at a full-bodied 114.2 proof (57.1 abv), this Bourbon delivers ripe fig and date notes balanced with toasted caramel and a rich spice finish. Fewer than 100 bottles made it outside of Bourbon country and even fewer are available online so if you see it – grab it!

Angels Envy Straight Rye Whiskey

Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey finished in XO Rum barrels…nuff said.

NO lets, say more. Angels Envy is an unfiltered, very small-batch range of American whiskeys inspired by the late, great Lincoln Henderson – ex Master Distiller for Brown Forman Brands Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniels “Gentleman Jack” and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. His legacy is continued by his two sons Kyle and Wesley Henderson who together produce multi-award winning Port wood finish whiskeys from their Angels Envy Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.

Their new 100 proof (50% abv) Straight Rye Whiskey is the conclusion of sampling over 100 types of rum before settling on the correct barrel for final maturation. Finally selecting old Cognac casks used to mature Plantation XO rum, the result of 18 months final maturation delivers a rye whiskey of complex sweetness and incomparably smooth texture.

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