Ask the Whiskey Hotline - A Well-Stocked Whiskey Bar For the Holidays
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Every week, the Whiskey Hotline answers real questions from customers seeking special releases, gift ideas, and expert recommendations. With hundreds of inquiries pouring in annually, we spotlight one question each week and share our answer in hopes it helps you, too. I’m hosting my family’s holiday party this year and I need to have a well-stocked bar. I don’t know much about bourbon, but I want to have some good options for cocktails and pours. Can you help? We sure can! When stocking a bar for a party you want to make sure you have good options without breaking the bank. With bourbon, we’d suggest a cocktail focused option and something for neat and on the rocks pours. Regardless, all of the options below are excellent on their own or in cocktails. |
Clark & Sheffield Small Batch BourbonMade for us by the 1792 Barton distillery, this is one of the best values in our bourbon aisles. At 90 proof it is perfect for mixing but is an easy sipper. |
Wild Turkey 101 Proof BourbonThis is a bartender and Whiskey Hotline favorite and once you start keeping it around you’ll understand why. It’s a perfect proof and flavorful enough to stand up to any cocktail ingredient, including Campari in a classic Boulevardier. |
Clark & Sheffield Original Barrel Proof BourbonAlso made for us by the 1792 Barton distillery, this is our first barrel proof expression of Clark & Sheffield bourbon. An absolute stunner, it’s richly decadent and an unbelievable value and has become a must have for our home bar. |
Heaven Hill 7 year old Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight BourbonHeaven Hill 7 is a bottled in bond bourbon, meaning that it must be bottled at 100 proof, aged a minimum of 4 years old, and everything in the bottle has to be distilled in the same distilling season. This one exceeds standards with a 7 year age statement. Mellowed by extended aging, this is an easy sipper for a party and makes the perfect night cap when your hosting duties are done. |
Knob Creek 12 year old Kentucky Straight BourbonWhen it’s time to break out “the good stuff,” look no further than Knob Creek 12. Extended aging softens the power of Knob Creek while adding layers of vanilla and spice. While we consider this a top-notch sipper, it is killer in a cocktail. |
