If you’re a whiskey lover looking to spice up your spirits collection, you’re in luck. The world of whiskey is full of surprises, and one of its most delicious creations is apple whiskey.
Whether you’re a fan of sweet, fruity blends or prefer the smooth finish of a classic whiskey, apple whiskey offers a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress. So, pour yourself a glass, settle in, and get ready to discover your new favorite spirit.
Apple Whiskey Drinks
1. Crown Royal Regal Apple
Made in Canada from 50 different whiskeys, this blend is infused with Regal Gala apples and other natural flavors. The Crown Royal has been around since 1939 and was created as a gift for the king and queen of England. Now, this whiskey boasts a smooth and crisp flavor with a balance of sweet and tart notes, and it’s perfect for mixing or enjoying neat.
2. Jim Beam Apple
Jim Beam is one of the most popular bourbon brands in the world and has been around for over 200 years. The apple flavor was introduced in 2015, and it quickly became a fan favorite due to its subtle tart taste and oak undertones.
The Jim Beam whiskey is made by infusing its signature bourbon with crisp, green apples and topping it all off with a tasty, clean finish.
3. Evan Williams Apple Bourbon
This bourbon is a product of the Haven Hill Distillery, which has been making fine whiskey for over 80 years. Today, this distillery is known for its smooth and mellow whiskeys, with a balanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with the fruit taste.
This particular blend is crafted from a combination of premium bourbon and real apple flavors, resulting in a uniquely delicious taste.
4. Wild Turkey American Honey Sting
The Wild Turkey drink is a bourbon-based liqueur infused with apple, honey, and ghost pepper, so it packs a punch. Its apple flavor is mellow, the honey is well-balanced, and the ghost pepper adds a fiery kick.
Wild Turkey has been around since 1940, so you can rest assured that their signature twist on the original American Honey flavor is worth trying.
5. Ole Smoky Apple Pie Moonshine
Ole Smoky is a Tennessee-based moonshine distillery that was founded in 2010. Their Apple Pie flavor is one of their most popular, and it’s easy to see why. This moonshine is made with pure apple juice, ground cinnamon, and other spices, resulting in a deliciously sweet and spicy drink.
The Ole Smoky Apple Pie is perfect for sipping on the rocks or mixing into a cocktail.
6. Busker Irish Whiskey Single Malt
The Busker is a relatively new Irish whiskey brand that was founded in 2019. Their Single Malt is a unique take on Irish whiskey that’s sure to please any apple lover. Finished in apple casks, this whiskey features a unique flavor profile with a sweet and fruity taste and just a hint of vanilla.
The best way to enjoy this drink is neat, but you can also mix it up if you’re feeling feisty.
7. Knob Creek Smoked Maple Bourbon
Knob Creek is a fan-favorite bourbon brand, introduced back in 1992. Their Smoked Maple flavor is a recent addition to their line-up and has quickly joined the ranks of whiskey enthusiasts.
As such, it’s infused with naturally smoked maple flavors and aged for nine years, so the result is a smooth and rich taste with a long-lasting, lingering finish.
8. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple Whiskey
With a rich history that dates back to 1866, Jack Daniel’s is an iconic American whiskey brand known for its commitment to quality and tradition.
The brand’s rich history finds itself in this particular expression by infusing its classic Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey with the natural essence of the apple, resulting in a smooth and refreshing taste experience.
9. Coppersea Excelsior Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Coppersea is a New York-based distillery that prides itself on using traditional techniques to create its premium whiskeys. The Excelsior is made from a mash bill of 60% New York corn, and it’s aged for a minimum of three years in charred oak barrels.
The result? A full-bodied whiskey with a rich, complex, and unforgettable flavor profile.
10. Laird’s Applejack
Laird’s Applejack is a blend of apple brandy and neutral spirits, resulting in a smooth, fruity taste with a hint of oak. Laird’s has been making apple brandy and applejack since the early 1780s, making them the oldest licensed distillery in the United States.
So, if you’re interested in savoring delicious history through modern taste buds, this is your chance.
11. Leopold Bros. New York Apple Whiskey
Leopold Bros. is a Colorado-based distillery founded in 1999. Their signature NY drink is made with a blend of straight whiskey and New York Apples, resulting in a sweet and fruity taste with hints of cinnamon and caramel.
This apple whiskey is best served in fruity mixes and intricate cocktails, as it doesn’t interfere with other blends yet holds its signature taste.
12. Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Clyde May’s is a relatively new bourbon brand founded in 2001. However, they are very serious with their recipe, as their Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged for six to seven years.
Then, the formula is infused with dried apple slices, giving it a delicious and unique flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Apple Whiskey vs Traditional Whiskey
What makes apple whiskey distinct from other whiskey varieties is the addition of apple flavor and sweetness. This infusion sets the drink apart from the traditional smoky and oaky flavors commonly associated with whiskey.
Flavor Profile
The main difference between apple whiskey and other whiskey varieties is its flavor profile. Apple whiskey has a sweet and fruity taste, which is quite distinct from the traditional smoky flavor of whiskey. The apple flavor compliments the whiskey, giving it a refreshing and unique taste that’s hard to find in other varieties.
Aroma
Another characteristic that sets apple whiskey apart is its aroma. The apple aroma is dominant, giving it a fruity and inviting smell. This aroma is not common in other whiskey varieties, making apple whiskey a signature drink that stands out from the rest.
Color
Apple whiskey has a light golden color, which sets it apart from the deep amber or brown color that we’re used to seeing in traditional whiskey. This distinct color is a result of the apple juice used in the blending process, and as such, it perfectly complements its unique taste.
Serving
Apple whiskey is best served chilled or on the rocks. It can also be mixed with other drinks like apple cider or ginger ale to create a refreshing and fruity cocktail. This serving method is quite different from traditional whiskey, which is usually served at room temperature or with a few water drops to enhance its flavor.
Apple and Traditional Whiskey Comparison Table
| Apple Whiskey | Traditional Whiskey | |
| Flavor profile | Notes of apple, caramel, vanilla, and spice | Notes of smoke, oak, and the occasional caramel |
| Aroma | Fresh apple with hints of cinnamon and/or nutmeg | Oak, smoke, and spice |
| Color | Golden brown with hints of amber | Dark amber or brown |
| Serving | Neat or on the rocks, great for cocktails | Neat or on the rocks |
| Alcohol content | High | Moderate to high |
| Taste | Sweet and fruity, with a subtle whiskey finish | Bold and complex, with a strong whiskey taste |
It’s important to remember that both varieties of whiskey have their unique characteristics, and choosing between the two ultimately boils down to personal preference.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a casual drinker, there’s no denying the appeal of apple whiskey. With its unique flavor profile and rich history, apple whiskey has become a popular choice among all whiskey enthusiasts that aren’t afraid to live a little.
From the smooth and crispy Crown Royal Regal Apple to the fiery Wild Turkey Honey Sting, the 12 best apple whiskey brands on this list offer a wide range of flavors and aromas that will surely satisfy any palate.
So, why not try something new and indulge in one of these delicious apple whiskeys? Who knows, you just might find your new favorite drink!
