As Men’s Journal’s spirits editor, I test lots of whiskeys every week. And it’s not just one type. I compare and contrast bottles of Bourbon, Scotch, Rye Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, Japanese Whiskey, Canadian Whiskey, and everything in between.
To keep track of everything, I started compiling my favorites for the Men’s Journal Whiskey Wednesday newsletter. Every week, we track the latest whiskey trends, news, deals and reviews, sent straight to your inbox. I also always highlight what I’m drinking right now.
Below you will find our recommendations and an explanation of what makes them stand out. If you have a favorite bottle, a dislike, or just a question, email us at [email protected]. In the meantime, check out the great whiskeys I’m drinking.
Related: How to drink whiskey straight
Week of January 19th
green river full proof bourbon
Provided image
I hate to say I’m not drinking anything right now, but it’s true. Dry January still has one week left. But I can tell you what I’m most looking forward to drinking: Green River Full Proof Bourbon. At 117.3 proof, this whiskey has warming aromas of spice, vanilla, caramel, chocolate and peppermint.
Week of January 12th
WhistlePig Sex, Drugs, Rock & Dry
Provided image
We’re still in the middle of Dry January, but I’ve been reaching for non-alcoholic mocktails from rye whiskey giant WhistlePig. It satisfies the spiciness of whisky, but also features a completely unique flavor profile. Since we use adaptogenic mushrooms, you can really feel the flavor. As a big fan of mushrooms, I’m all for it.
Week of January 5th
edmund’s honor
Provided image
Before embarking on Dry January, I had a glass of Edmunds Honor. A vanilla-filled bourbon whiskey blend inspired by Edmund Albius, a slave orphan in the 1800s who discovered how to pollinate vanilla at the age of 12. Albius never received recognition or compensation for his methods. But Pronghorn, a company that aims to promote Black brands in various industries, created this bottle in his honor. The sip I took had all the classic bourbon notes like oak and caramel, but as expected, the vanilla notes jumped out in my mouth. I thought it would be perfect for a snowy day when mixed well with bourbon hot chocolate. So I’m looking forward to February 1st.
Week of December 15th
Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Cask Strength
Provided image
Cask Strength Version of Redwood Empire Pipe Dream — What about apples? Seriously, do you like apples? Because this expression of the Northern California craft whiskey brand is full of green apple notes from nose to finish. I haven’t tried this one in a highball yet, but the flavor and proof point (115.8) makes it seem like it would pair very well with ice or club soda.
Week of December 8th
Laphroaig 10
Provided image
Last week I visited my dad and clinked a nice glass of Laphroaig 10, capping off an evening of good food and conversation. I’m a bourbon drinker, so I usually don’t touch anything peaty. However, the smoky, earthy aroma mellowed my palate after a fairly sumptuous meal. Over the next few days, I found myself staring at the shelves of Scotch. Like father, like son? As for whisky, I’m not quite there yet, but you never know.
1st week of December
Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 12 Year Old American Single Malt
Provided image
American single malt continues to grow and change. Stranahan’s new 12 Year Mountain Angel Expression is a great example. I spoke to Justin Eiden, the brand’s master blender, on Monday about why he loves single malts, especially those that express age.
“Single malt is very compatible with other notes because it’s not so dominant (barley malt). It’s corn dominant. Rye dominant. If you manage the malt well, it goes well with anything. We can match it well,” he said.
Surely he is right. This new release takes you on a journey of flavor from sip to swallow. No two parts taste the same.
Week of November 24th
Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak
Provided image
I got a sneak peek at the upcoming Abraham Bowman Oak Series, an American oak from A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Virginia. I don’t want to spoil anything. A raffle is currently open on the brand’s website until December 2nd. But that’s good. Really good. It’s good to be in the top 5 bourbons this year. Register for the lottery and give it a try.
Related: How to drink Scotch whiskey: Top tips from experts