Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also be stressful if you haven’t finished your shopping off yet. So, what then are your options when your loving partner, brother, sister, co-worker, or secret Santa recipient has waited until the last minute to drop hints that they’d like to try “some of that American whiskey they’ve heard so much about,” or a family member has suddenly discovered cocktails? How do you handle buying an amazing last-minute gift for the novice or veteran whiskey drinker in your life who is typically impossible to buy for – especially now that you’ve missed the ‘Guaranteed delivery before Christmas’ cut-off dates for online shopping?! Well, to you, I say worry not because the bourbon scene in Ireland continues to grow, meaning you should be able to find something decent at your local supermarket that would make a great gift for all the above.
Yes, America’s finest export is finally on Irish soil and in large enough quantity and variety that if you can’t make it to an independent off-licence, picking up a fantastic Christmas gift is as easy as a trip down to the shops for a pint of milk and a sliced pan. Now you might be wondering, “ Yes, but which local supermarket?” and “Will this American stuff cost me a fortune?” These questions and more are exactly what this Guide will answer. Contained below are 6 of the best bourbons and 6 of the best rye whiskies (with further recommendations) that can be sourced with reasonable ease, and the best part is many come to under €50 a bottle. Now let’s get to it, Christmas Eve will be here any day now!
Bourbon Whiskey
The origin of bourbon as a distinct form of whiskey lacks well-documented evidence and is surrounded by conflicting legends and claims. However, we do know that distillation was introduced to the US by early 18th-century settlers, and bourbon evolved into its current form during the late 19th century. By law, modern-day bourbon must be produced in America, aged in new oak barrels that are charred, and cannot have any added flavourings or colourings. It must also be made from a mash containing at least 51% corn, with the remaining portion typically consisting of “flavouring” grains like wheat or rye, along with malted barley for enzymes. Bourbon whiskey that has been aged for at least two years and is not blended with other spirits can be labelled as “straight bourbon whiskey.” The unique flavours of caramel, vanilla, and cherries are commonly associated with bourbon, while the brand-new charred barrels contribute to flavour, impart a deep colour, and eliminate undesirable flavours through interaction with their charred surfaces.
Rye Whiskey
America’s pioneering spirit, rye whiskey was the first whiskey produced by early settlers from excess grain. In the US, rye whiskey, by law, is made from a mash of at least 51% rye – with other ingredients in the mash usually being corn and malted barley. Like bourbon it’s aged in charred, new oak barrels and rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years and has not been blended with other spirits may be further designated as straight, as in “straight rye whiskey”. According to many, rye whiskey is the great bridge between Scottish whiskey, Irish whiskey, and American whiskey with toffee, baking spices, and cinnamon being the characteristic flavours.
Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey, again as the name suggests, is a particular style of American whiskey that is produced solely in the state of Tennessee and uses a variety of additional processes that distinguish it from standard bourbon or rye whiskies. The most important of these is the Lincoln County Process whereby the newly made whiskey is filtered through or steeped in charcoal before being put into the barrel for ageing. Although Tennessee whiskey is a bourbon up to this filtration step, many argue, including some producers, that this step adds flavour to the whiskey. Therefore it cannot qualify as a bourbon any more. Opinions on this differ and therefore the ensuing argument is undoubtedly the industry’s most flogged dead horse. Once this filtration is complete, the whiskey then enters a new charred oak barrel and ages as usual with the resulting whiskey being described as more mellow and smoother as a result of the added filtration before ageing removing unpleasant flavour compounds. The most famous example of Tennessee whiskey is Jack Daniel’s, who have been producing this style of whiskey for more than 150 years!
With this basic understanding in mind, let’s explore the various American whiskies available in Ireland that would make excellent Christmas gifts. For convenience, I’ve categorized them into two groups: those readily accessible at supermarkets and those requiring a visit to independent off-licences or off-licence franchises. I won’t include own-brand bourbon products from large chains like LIDL, ALDI, and Tesco, as these often lack transparency, provenance, and adherence to known standards, resulting in very low prices. Instead, I’ll focus on larger brands that boast a proud distillation history and offer high-quality whiskey.
Keep in mind that prices may vary across stores, and the finer options will likely come at a slightly higher cost. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
The Bourbon Whiskies
#1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon – 40% abv
First on the list is a straight-talking bourbon from the longest-operating distillery in the US, Buffalo Trace bourbon. With over 200 years of experience under their belt, Buffalo Trace aim to create the best bourbon they can and are so happy with the result that they name the bourbon after their distillery. This bourbon is a mid-shelf classic among bourbon drinkers of all levels and is made using Buffalo Trace’s #1 bourbon recipe (featuring 10% or less rye as a flavouring grain). A smooth and very flavourful bourbon, this bourbon combines sweet caramel and vanilla and delicately balances it with an oak spice that offers its drinker an authentic bourbon experience that they won’t want to end. Currently available in all major supermarkets including Supervalu, Tesco, and Dunnes Stores with a premium spirits fixture.
Less “moo”, more “Wooo!“
If the mighty Buffalo doesn’t quite do it for you and you’re looking for something with a bit more majestic flair that both hits just under the €50 mark, and ups the game significantly, then why not pick up a bottle of Eagle Rare instead? Also from the Buffalo Trace distillery, this 10 y.o. age-stated bourbon comes from exactly the same recipe as Buffalo Trace bourbon, but what it picks up in those added years of ageing is lots more vanilla and sweet caramel – not to mention it clocks in at a respectable 45% (5% more than Buffalo Trace). Currently available from most independent whiskey retailers including The Celtic Whiskey Shop, O’Brien’s Wines & Spirits, L. Mulligan’s, etc.
#2. Maker’s Mark – 45%
One of the most famous bourbons in the world, Maker’s Mark with its square-shaped bottle and its iconic red wax dip is the perfect present for that special someone who likes a present with a bit more bang! Made from a recipe that uses winter wheat this bourbon is a lot smoother than traditional high-rye bourbons and offers a sweet earthy experience where the wheat is the star of the show. This bourbon is one of the best wheated bourbons on the market and it’s no surprise given that, since opening in 1953, the distillery has only ever made a handful of expressions all using the same base whiskey. This means they’ve been perfecting the art of making a great wheated bourbon for over 65 years and it shows! Currently available from Tesco and Dunnes Stores.
Already tried this and loved it, but I want an even better-looking bottle, more wax, and even more complexity – it’s Christmas for goodness sake!
Already have a fan of Maker’s Mark who may be looking for something with even more style and flavour? Well here you have it, Maker’s 46. Whilst the standard Maker’s Mark is a fantastic wheated bourbon, Maker’s 46 is a whole new level. Taking the standard Maker’s Mark, which is around 6-8 years old, the geniuses at Maker’s mark then insert charred French Oak staves into the barrels before further ageing the bourbon for approximately another 2-3 months. What the addition of these oak staves and extra ageing does is it takes all those great Maker’s flavours and adds in a whole pile of further complexity and wood notes that balance it perfectly whilst making it sweeter. This bourbon is so good that it’s on Julian Van Winkle’s (the creator of the legendary Pappy Van Winkle bourbons) list of bourbon to get if you can’t get Pappy, and that’s all the endorsement needed! Bottled at 47% abv (2 more than standard Maker’s) this beauty is available in limited quantities from independent off-licences including James Fox, Castle Off-Licence, Mitchell & Son, etc.
#3.Woodford Reserve Bourbon – 43.2%
The fourth bourbon on the list is Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select. Featuring a blend of triple-distilled pot still and column still bourbon, Woodford Reserve has a unique mellow taste that gently beckons without overwhelming its drinker. Long hailed as the perfect bourbon for introducing those that already have a preference for Irish and Scotch Whiskies, Woodford shows off classic bourbon flavours of caramel, vanilla, baking spices, and a crisp maltiness that smells like cherries dipped in dark chocolate. Despite having a high percentage of rye in the recipe (18%) there’s a lot more balance when it comes to Woodford reserve and all the flavours combine to create a very well-rounded bourbon that’s smooth and easy enough to drink on its own, yet carries its flavours well enough to hold its own in a whiskey cocktail like an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. Currently available from Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and Supervalu.
Please sir, can I have some more?
Want more Woodford goodness but not sure how to get it? Luckily the good people over at Woodford Reserve have heard your call and have come back with a solution: Woodford Double Oaked. If ageing in heavily charred barrels gives bourbon those fantastic caramel and vanilla flavours, then imagine what another few months in a cask that’s very lightly charred but heavily toasted will do. Without going too much into the technicalities of it, toasting a barrel brings out all the wood sugars and vanilla flavours from the wood whilst mellowing out any harsh flavours a barrel might add. This bourbon is the standard Woodford Distiller’s Select that has been aged further in virgin oak barrels with a heavy toast and a light char. The results are a bourbon that is darker, richer and has an amazing taste of toasted wood and maple syrup that really rounds out the traditional Woodford Reserve experience at the same abv of 43.2. Personally, I always end up going for the Double Oaked over the Distiller’s Select, and luckily this bourbon is available from the Celtic Whiskey Shop and Irish Drink Shop and is well worth the price.
#4. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey – 40%
Here is a whiskey that requires no introduction but what is it doing on a bourbon gift Guide? Interesting question. The short answer is Jack Daniel’s distillery technically follows all the legal requirements for a straight bourbon whiskey but chooses to identify as a Tennessee whiskey. The argument behind how and why has raged for decades but the takeaway is it’s similar to bourbon in many ways and is often enjoyed in the same way- so here it is! This iconic brand and whiskey has been around for over 150 years and is known for its distinctive flavour and versatility. It can be sipped neat, it can be put into cocktails, hell, you can even cook with it if you like your barbecue food with a bit of a kick. One of the main things that sets Jack Daniel’s apart from other whiskeys in this Guide is the way it is made. It undergoes a unique filtration process called the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whiskey through layers of sugar maple charcoal before it is aged in oak barrels. This creates its signature flavour profile with less spice and more sweetness. Of all the whiskies in this Guide, Jack is probably the easiest to get your hands on, it is everywhere!
I know about Jack, surely we can do better for Christmas?!
If you’re already a fan of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and are looking to try something a little bit special for Christmas, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel might be the perfect choice for you. This premium offering is made from a single barrel of Jack Daniel’s whiskey that has been hand-selected by the master distiller for its unique, exceptional character and depth of flavour from the heart of their barrel warehouses. Because it is made from a single barrel rather than being blended with whiskey from multiple barrels, it has a more concentrated and distinctive flavour profile as well as a higher alcohol content, with an ABV of around 47%. To top it all off it comes in a beautiful decanter-style bottle with a handmade wooden stopper and all the details of the barrel and where it came from on the neck tag – truly a next-level gift. This can be found in most Irish supermarkets but if you want to go a step even further certain off-licences such as O’Brien’s Wines have had the chance to select their own unique barrel. This is available everywhere Old No. 7 is including Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and Supervalu.
#5. Wild Turkey 101 – 50.5%
The final bourbon on the list is Wild Turkey 101 and regardless of your level of previous experience in bourbon or whiskey, I’d argue that anyone should be able to enjoy a pour or two of this. Wild Turkey 101 was my first taste of bourbon and to this day, all bias aside, still remains one of the best bourbons I think you can spend your money on. Choosing this over other lower abv options is similar to the difference between listening to your favourite song on a standard car radio versus seeing the performer live- you’re in for a big surprise in the best way possible. With lower ABV options it’s important to remember that the lower the ABV, the more water in the bottle, and the more water in the bottle the more those incredible flavours that bourbon is famous for are dampened – but not this time! Thanks to Wild Turkey 101’s high abv you’re getting a fantastic blend of 6 – 8-year-old bourbons with all the flavour trimmings that’s easy to drink both neat or in a cocktail without compromising on flavour and without overwhelming your palate. This is currently available in select Tescos and no doubt from most independent off-licences – happy Turkey hunting!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a proper Turkey, now bring out that 19 lb big boy I see in the back there!
Already a few months into a relationship with Wild Turkey 101 and ready to take the next step? Wild Turkey Rare Breed is the big Tom for you! Made from a blend of six, eight, and twelve-year-old bourbons, which are then bottled at barrel proof (58.4%abv), this whiskey is versatile, can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, and has a distinct taste that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. If you’re looking for a bold and full-bodied bourbon with a rich flavour profile, then Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a great choice. Currently available from DrinkStore.ie, and Celtic Whiskey Shop.
#6 Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon – 47%
Despite being Ireland’s newest bourbon, Elijah Craig is a name that goes back as far as the creation of bourbon whiskey itself. This high-rye small-batch bourbon from Heaven Hill is named after the Reverend Elijah Craig who is also known as “The Father of Bourbon.” Craig in 1789 is credited with being the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels to make Bourbon. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavour that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, America’s largest independent, family-owned and led distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, Ireland has added another Kentucky thoroughbred to its stable of bourbon offerings with Elijah Craig Small Batch. With its iconic shape, robust profile, and ringing in at a decent abv, Elijah Craig Small Batch is now slowly starting to pop up in various supermarkets and independent off licences. the introduction of Elijah Craig into the Irish market is a great sign of what’s to come and adds another option to curious drinkers looking to taste some of the best bourbon Kentucky has to offer. Find Elijah Craig in select Supervalu stores and most independent off licences!
The Reverend seems like a lovely fella, but does he golf?
Have a dad or partner who are piously devoted to their golfing? Well then the good Reverend has you sorted! Released to commemorate the official partnership between Elijah Craig and the Ryder Cup, Elijah Craig Small Batch Official Ryder Cup Commemorative Bottling was created to commemorate the 2023 tournament, held at Marco Simone Gold Club in Rome, Italy. Bearing a commemorative label and neck tie this limited edition release not only costs the same as the standard Small Batch but adds a further layer of thoughtfulness to an already excellent gift. As an added bonus, the Master Distiller in Heaven Hill is Cork man, so he knows what he’s at when it comes to making good whiskey!
The Rye Whiskies
America’s pioneering spirit, rye whiskey was the first whiskey produced by early settlers from excess grain. In the US, rye whiskey, by law, is made from a mash of at least 51 percent rye – with other ingredients in the mash usually being corn and malted barley. Like bourbon, it’s aged in charred, new oak barrels and rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years and has not been blended with other spirits may be further designated as straight, as in “straight rye whiskey”. According to many, rye whiskey is the great bridge between Scottish whiskey, Irish whiskey, and American whiskey with toffee, baking spices, and cinnamon being the characteristic flavours.
Rye whiskey in Ireland is a relatively new category and as such can only be found in good off-licences. They may not favour the last-minute shopper with wide availability, but the effort it takes to find the right bottle of rye will always be rewarded with an amazing American whiskey experience. Most if not all of these rye whiskies are available from the Celtic Whiskey Shop, L. Mulligan’s or any independent off-licence with a decent selection of American whiskey. Here are my thoughts on the rye whiskies available in Ireland!
#1. Michter’s US☆1 Single Barrel Rye
The newest American whiskey to enter the Irish market, Michter’s Distillery is based out of Kentucky and produces a wide range of whiskey styles under their flagship US☆1 range. The crown jewel of this range, Michter’s US☆1 rye whiskey is a great example of a very well-made Kentucky rye. Coming from a single barrel and bottled at a modest 45.7% abv Michter’s style is a whiskey that is both packed with flavour and very easy to drink – with this rye being no exception. As a rye whiskey, it’s a perfect balance of rye’s green apple character, white pepper, a touch of tannins from the barrel, and a great proof. An interesting element is that this is a single-barrel offering which means there’s no hiding inferior whiskey behind good blending. As a flagship rye whiskey, Michter’s have truly set the bar very high with the level of quality you get and this one is very hard to beat. For a true show-stopper ask about their 10-year-old rye which is currently in the Celtic Whiskey shop!
#2. Templeton 6 y.o. Rye Whiskey
Coming from a distillery situated in the small town of Templeton in rural Iowa, Templeton rye is a sourced rye whiskey and the only brand that you will get an age-stated rye whiskey from without breaking the bank. At 6 years old this whiskey towers over its 4 y.o. little brother and boasts a recipe of 95% rye with rye-forward notes of red fruit and baking spices galore. It fits seamlessly into cocktails (Sazerac anyone?), begs to be enjoyed neat, and was sourced from a distillery that produces some of the most renowned rye whiskey in America – MGP. With a very reasonable price and bags of flavour in every drop, this is another you won’t want to miss regardless of your level of rye experience.
#3. Sazerac Rye
Another whiskey from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Sazerac rye traces its roots back to New Orleans and symbolises the tradition and history of New Orleans dating back to the 1800s. Albeit not age –stated this is understood to be around 6 years old on average and is the 90-proof version of Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye from the coveted Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. Known for its versatility, crisp rye notes and solid oak backbone, Sazerac Rye Whiskey was used to make the original, first and only branded American cocktail—The Sazerac. Whiskey aside, the bottle is one of the best-looking in the business and makes a great-looking, great-tasting stocking filler.
#4. Woodford Reserve Rye
Another Kentucky-style rye, Woodford Reserve’s Master Distiller approached this whiskey with the same laser-keen focus on flavour as with all their other releases and spent the better part of a decade perfecting it. Made with only 53% rye this is another easy-drinking and delicious rye whiskey for those treading the shallows of what rye whiskies offer and is again perfect for beginners or those taking the brave step outside of their particular whiskey comfort zone be that Scottish whiskey or Irish whiskey. Bottled at a decent 45.2% abv this rye whiskey will not disappoint any recipient and comes in Woodford’s iconic flat bottle shape.
#5. Town Branch Rye
Named after the river that cuts through the city of Lexington, KY, the Town Branch Distillery was founded by Irish businessman Pearse Lyons (ring a bell?) under Alltech and has been producing bourbon, rye, and American single malt since 2012. Bottled at 50% abv Town Branch rye is the heaviest hitting of the rye whiskies and gives a traditional rye whiskey that’s aimed at those who have already wet their feet with rye. This rye whiskey is delicious and goes well into anything be it a Manhattan cocktail or just neat into a glass.
So there we have it folks, 17 of the best American whiskies to be found anywhere in Ireland in 2022, most within a reasonable budget, and many available at the drop of a hat! Hopefully, this is the year where there’s no reason for any whiskey lover or newcomer to be left disappointed on the big day when they realise Santa Claus has overlooked their much-anticipated bottle of bourbon or rye whiskey. Should you still find yourself wondering what to get your whiskey lover before the big day I would highly recommend a trip or a phone call to your local independent off-licence or Whisky Specialist shop. The reason these are mentioned repeatedly in this Guide is for the simple reason that collectively they have the best bourbon and rye selections on Irish shelves at the moment (especially the more premium bottlings), and their staff are typically very knowledgeable when it comes to recommending something for even the most difficult of people.
Now go forth with the confidence that the perfect Christmas present may be as easy as taking a trip to your local supermarket, and remember to sip responsibly this Christmas (i.e., try not to spill any – I’m sure it’s a sin).
&
Nollaig Shona Daoibh!
~Merry Christmas!~
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