The American Mixologist Online® Newsletter Vol. 15, No. 12 All Rights Reserved
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The world has developed a serious thirst for American whiskey. Exports from Kentucky and Tennessee have risen over 60% since 1992 and 26% over the past five years alone. Foreign sales now constitute a significant percentage of sales for American whiskies. Last year more than 8.8 million nine-liter cases of bourbon and Tennessee whiskey were sold abroad.

The leading market for American whiskies is the United Kingdom, a part of the world renown in their own right for making world class spirits. Germany, Australia and Japan follow close behind as leading export markets.

It’s little wonder why our indigenous whiskies have sparked the imagination of enthusiasts around the world. Bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys are loaded with big, complex flavors and have about the most captivating aromas in the business. They are elegant and assertive without being pretentious and overbearing. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a week’s paycheck to bring home a topshelf American whiskey.

A quick glance at the leading exports of American brands reads like all-star roster. Clearly the world has developed a taste for the good stuff. Exports account for roughly 40% of Wild Turkey’s annual sales and 35% percent for Jim Beam. Jack Daniels’ overseas sales have grown more than 10% per year over the past 6 years. Worldwide demand for small batch Maker’s Mark has sent its exports soaring to a whopping 80,000 cases in 2002.

American whiskeys are on fire here and abroad. Brands such as Gentleman Jack, Knob Creek, Blanton’s, Booker’s and Maker’s Mark can now be found on almost every back bar around the globe, once again proving that when you buy quality you’ll never be disappointed.

Ironically there are still Olympic class American whiskeys that some our own citizens haven’t even heard of. The upside is that once they catch on our trade deficit problems will be a thing of the past. To that end, here is our list of the 12 best American whiskeys you likely haven’t heard of…yet.

• A. H. HIRSCH POT STILL BOURBON — Easily the most exclusive American whiskey on the market, A. H. Hirsch Bourbons were crafted at the now defunct Michter’s Distillery in Shaefferstown, PA. Limited stocks remain of these 16-year-old and 20-year-old marvels, handcrafted bourbons actually produced in a copper pot still (second distillation), a time-honored yet laborious process. Both whiskeys are 91.6 proof, gloriously aromatic with rich palates laden with vanilla, spice, caramel and hints of smoky oak. Their finish is a genuine work of art. Grab them while you can.
  
  
• BUFFALO TRACE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON — Buffalo Trace is made from Kentucky and Indiana corn, selected rye, malted barley and limestone water, all of which is then double distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, formerly known as Ancient Age. The 90-proof whiskey possesses every quality and characteristic a magnificent whiskey should have. It is imbued with an enticing bouquet and a huge, mouth-filling palate. Introduced in late 1999, Buffalo Trace is destined to be an international player.
  
  
• DISTILLERS’ MASTERPIECE BOURBON — Be prepared to be wowed. Jim Beam’s legendary master distiller, Booker Noe, has created an all-American classic unlikely to meet its equal. Distillers’ Masterpiece is small batch Booker Noe Bourbon aged an amazing 20 years and finished in port casks. Every aspect of this sensational bourbon’s character has been softened and enhanced by the wine. The overall effect hovers between sheer elegance and savory indulgence.
  
  
• ELIJAH CRAIG 18-YEAR-OLD SINGLE BARREL —This single barrel bourbon was distilled in early 1974 and aged in charred oak barrels for the better part of two decades. Its deep amber color is the first indication that Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon is an extraordinary whiskey. With its soft, round body and wafting bouquet it is a rare pleasure to drink. The palate is a skillfully layered mosaic of flavors, including toffee, vanilla, and toasty oak. This unsurpassed bourbon experience finishes long and warm.
  
  
• EVAN WILLIAMS SINGLE BARREL 1993 VINTAGE BOURBON — The current vintage was distilled and barreled in the autumn of 1993 and is an extravaganza for the senses. After resting for nine years in charred white oak, the whiskey is drawn from the barrel, diluted to 86.6 proof and bottled unblended. The bourbon is luxurious and loaded with zesty, bakery fresh flavors. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage is a remarkable bourbon, a "must-have" for any topshelf. Take a sip and you’ll see why whiskey enthusiasts have snapped up the previous seven vintages or this release.
  
  
• JEFFERSON RESERVE — Jefferson’s Reserve is a handcrafted bourbon made in extremely small batches and aged 15 years in heavily charred, white oak barrels. The whiskey has a medium to full body with a dry, robust palate, one that envelops the mouth with the flavors of corn, caramel, toffee, and oak. Also made by the McLain & Kyne Distillery, SAM HOUSTON KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKY is distilled from a blend of corn, rye and barley, and is aged for 10 years in new white oak barrels. The spirited bourbon has a supple, rounded body and a complex, full-flavored palate.
  
  
• JIM BEAM BLACK LABEL — Jim Beam is the most recognizable name in bourbon and the brand is becoming something of an international phenomenon. While the White Label and their stellar collection of small batch whiskeys get most of the attention, Jim Beam Black Label has quietly garnered a sizeable following of its own. It is a tremendously flavorful whiskey aged in oak for a minimum of 8 years. It has a sweet, irresistible bouquet, a well-rounded body and an array of exquisite flavors. It has long been considered one of the top values in the category. It’s a "can’t miss" selection.
  
  
• OLD FITZGERALD VERY SPECIAL — Appropriately named, Old Fitzgerald Very Special is distilled by Heaven Hill and is a charter member of the Bourbon Heritage Collection. This wheated, 12-year-old American classic is exquisitely balanced, with a fruity bouquet, a huge body and a dazzling array of fresh fruit flavors. Its satisfying finish is warm and long lasting. Bottled at 90-proof, this issue of Old Fitzgerald is to be savored slowly.
  
  
• OLD PORTERO WHISKEY — Produced at the Anchor Distillery in San Francisco, Old Portero is made in small batches entirely from malted rye. The whiskey is double distilled in pot stills, aged for one year and bottled at a lofty 123.5 proof. Do not let its relative youth deceive you. Old Portero is a mature dram with a voluminous bouquet and a vibrant palate brimming with dry, toasty flavors.
  
  
• SAZERAC STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY — Produced in limited quantity, Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey is a magnificent spirit made entirely from premium rye and aged a minimum of 18 years in oak. It has a compelling bouquet, a muscular, well-textured body and a slightly spicy palate. The Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey is part of a three-bottle collection that also includes EAGLE RARE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON, a heavyweight contender bottled at 90-proof and aged for 17-years. The bourbon is highly aromatic, full-bodied and loaded with warm, bakery fresh flavors. Famous for using wheat instead of rye in its composition, 19-year old W.L. WELLER KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON is an exuberant and highly aromatic bourbon. It has a sweet palate stuffed full of fruity and oaky flavors and a big, robust finish.
  
  
• WILD TURKEY RUSSELL RESERVE — Small batch Wild Turkey Russell Reserve is an exceptionally delicious Kentucky straight bourbon aged for 10 years and bottled at the distillery’s trademark 101 proof. The whiskey is delightfully complex with a bouquet of vanilla and oak, a luxuriously soft, round body, and a palate loaded with the rich flavors of vanilla, caramel and toffee. It is a tremendous bourbon with a small price tag. Russell Reserve joins an already world class portfolio including single barrel KENTUCKY SPIRIT, barrel proof RARE BREED, and the famed Wild Turkey 101Ý
  
  
• VAN WINKLE SPECIAL RESERVE — Made from a family recipe dating back to 1872, the Van Winkle Special Reserve is aged 12 years in oak. The result is absolutely elegant, a big bourbon with superb flavor and a long, marvelous finish. Like all the bourbons made by Van Winkle, it is an absolute masterpiece. PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY RESERVE is a national treasure aged for an amazing 20 years in oak. It has a fruity bouquet, a huge, elegant body with a delicious, sophisticated palate.
  
  
• VIRGINIA GENTLEMAN — Produced at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredricksburg, Virginia, this sophisticated, small batch whiskey is distilled in copper pot stills and bottled at both 80- and 90-proof. A genuine pleasure to drink, Virginia Gentleman has a voluminous bouquet and a complex palate of rich earthy flavors. The long lasting finish is dry, warm, oaky and relaxed.

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