The Whiskeys I'm Drinking Now - Winter 2026 Edition

Winter is the perfect season to settle in with a nice dram of whiskey for the evening! For me, that means taking my glass out on the lanai to enjoy the cool, humidity-free evenings of winter in a sweatshirt and sipping my whiskey slowly to warm me up a bit. OK, it’s still usually in the low 60’s or upper 50’s but definitely cool enough for the whiskey to take off the chill! Here are four my favorite whiskeys I’m drinking now!

I’m using the same approach to learn about whiskeys as I did to learn about wine – reading books and magazines to help educate myself on the processes and techniques used to create this delicious spirit, and then tasting as wide a range as possible of different whiskey offerings from around the world to train my palate to recognize the differences across those offerings.

While I appreciate all whiskeys to some degree, I have a particular affinity for whiskeys made in the United States, including bourbon and rye whiskey. Both suit my palate well. Bourbon has an inherent sweetness and complexity that appeals to me, while the high spice of rye gives it that extra punch that makes it intellectually stimulating. Which is why all of the recommendations for this blog are U.S. produced whiskeys. I can vouch wholeheartedly for each of them – try one or two out and let me know what you think!

Yellowstone Special Finishes Collection Toasted 100 Proof Bourbon ($45). This is one of a number of Yellowstone’s special finishes collection which I absolutely love! The focus is on aging in toasted barrels to infuse the bourbon with a sweet caramel and dark cherry flavor profile. You get both of those scents on the nose, with a hint of vanilla as well. I get rich cherry, maple, and honey notes in the mouth, with nice but restrained heat on the finish, courtesy of the 100 proof. This is a big, rich sweet flavorful bourbon that is nicely balanced and a bargain for the price. Rating: Very Good!

Milam & Green Triple Cask Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($40). This straight bourbon whiskey comes in at 47% ABV, and is a blend of whiskeys from Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. It shows a light caramel color in the glass and sweet corn and light spice on the nose. In the mouth, I taste vanilla, orange zest, spice, and caramel. It’s smooth and silky on the tongue with a nice long finish and mild burn. This is a bourbon for those who like a smooth and easy drinking whiskey – really delicious and a best value purchase! Rating: Very Good.

Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Highest Rye ($48). This rye whiskey from Indiana weighs in at 109 proof and is aged for 6 years. The mash bill includes 51% corn, 39% rye, and 10% malted rye. It’s dark gold in the glass and has an intense nose dominated by bright spice and alcohol. I get notes of cinnamon, baking spice, maple syrup, cherry, and caramel apple on the nose and in the mouth. It has an amazingly smooth finish with a nice toasty spicy heat as well. Beautifully balanced and crafted! Rating: Very Good.

Penelope Toasted Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($59). This 100-proof bourbon has undergone toasted barrel aging and shows a dark caramel color in the glass. It shows campfire, toasted oak, and marshmallow on the nose. In the mouth, I get a complex mix of flavors that include honey, burnt caramel, vanilla bean, and caramelized pear. There’s a moderate but mellow burn on the finish. This is top-notch barrel proof bourbon and well worth the price – one of the best bourbons I’ve tasted so far this year! Seek this one out if you can – you won’t be disappointed! Rating: Excellent.

I’ll be back with more whiskey recommendations come the Spring – until then, stay warm and enjoy your finger (or two, or three!) of the whiskey of your choice!