The National Honey Board assembled an expert panel of judges to create a definitive list of the Best Honey Whiskeys and Bourbons in North America. The blind tasting evaluated each product based on its aroma, taste, finish and use of honey to create a complex and exceptional spirit.
The tasting, which was hosted in Louisville, Kentucky, named Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye from the Cooper Spirits Company as the Best Honey Whiskey and Bourbon in the United States. The 84 proof spirit has a straight rye whiskey base with the addition of rock candy, honey, aromatic bitters and navel oranges. From its citrus nose to its slightly sweet honey taste, this straight rye whiskey was flavorful but perfectly balanced, the judges’ notes stated.
The complete list of the Best Whiskeys and Bourbons with Honey:
1. Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye, The Cooper Spirits Company
2. American Honey Sting, Wild Turkey Distilling Company
3. Cooper’s Mark Golden Colony Honey, Cooper’s Mark Whiskey Company
4. Trapline Rock & Rye, Glacier Distilling Company
5. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniels Distillery
6. Honey Run, Golden Beaver Distillery
7. Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
8. Oak & Eden Wheat & Honey, Oak & Eden
“As the flavored whiskey category continues to grow, we wanted to recognize the flavor that started it all: honey,” Catherine Barry, National Honey Board vice president of marketing, said. “Despite honey’s now longstanding use in flavored whiskeys and bourbons, it’s amazing to see a new generation of distillers use the flavor to add complexity, smooth floral notes and bold, spicy finishes.”
Learn more about each spirit on the list.
The National Honey Board (NHB) is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that works to educate consumers about the benefits and uses for honey and honey products through research, marketing and promotional programs. The Board’s work, funded by an assessment on domestic and imported honey, is designed to increase the awareness and usage of honey by consumers, the foodservice industry and food manufacturers. The 10-member Board, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, represents producers (beekeepers), packers, importers and a marketing cooperative.