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FeedTop 10 American Spirits
Are you ready for a fabulous Fourth? Here’s a shortlist of great All-American spirits to help you celebrate America’s Independence Day.
1. Bluecoat Gin (Pennsylvania)
That vibrant blue bottle alone is enough to get us in a celebratory mood, let alone the dry, juniper-forward gin inside. Martini, anyone?
2. Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Kentucky)
Though all Bourbons are made in America, this one is an old favorite – smooth, balanced, and versatile.
3. Crusoe Spiced Rum (California)
Most rums are made in the Caribbean. But this one, from the makers of Modern Spirits, is made in Los Angeles. It’s delicately spiced, made from a blend of organic molasses and sugarcane. (Since it’s still in limited distribution, here’s where to find it: crusoerum.com/find.html)
4. Death’s Door White Whiskey (Wisconsin)
This clear, un-aged whiskey known as “white dog” also makes a fine whiskey sour.
5. Hangar One Mandarin Blossom Vodka (California)
This artisanal distiller makes a beautiful citrus-flavored vodka, with hints of honeyed orange and floral aromas. Think ethereal vodka tonics while you fire up the grill.
6. Jack Daniels (Tennessee)
The classic Tennessee whiskey for Jack & Coke, or Jack & Ginger.
7. Laird’s Applejack (New Jersey)
What’s applejack? It’s 35% apple brandy and 65% neutral spirits. It’s also a key ingredient in the classic Jack Rose cocktail, and as American as….wait for it…apple pie.
8. Tito’s Handmade Vodka (Texas)
Made just outside Austin, in the state’s first (legal) distillery.
9. Tuthilltown Manhattan Rye (New York)
Inspired by the Manhattan cocktail, this cult favorite is described as floral and fruity, with a recognizable rye edge.
10. Wild Turkey American Honey (Kentucky)
This sweet treat comes from one of the premier Bourbon producers. Sip a little of this liqueur over ice as you watch the Fourth of July fireworks. A perfect way to end a spirited holiday weekend.
Reader Comments:
Are you serious with Jack Daniels and Wild turkey honey??? The Deaths door is horrible too but at least kinda original...
Thanks for the comment, No Suspenders, and yes, I absolutely stand behind all my picks for American-produced spirits.
If you know of other made-in-the-USA spirits that you'd like to recommend, please feel free to post a comment with your pick! For that matter, I'd like to invite anyone with a favorite American spirit to sing out & post a comment.
Good try Kara.
I'd like to recommend you try Blanton's "Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey." It is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better than either of the Bourbons (Im not counting American Honey as a Bourbon, more a liquor) you have listed. Jack D is a poor relative to Blanton's! Give it a try.
Gatorjim
I'm with ya Kara, on #7 & #10. I'm enjoying both right now actually. The WTAH was just a little much for a balmy delta afternoon. But 2:1 Applejack to the Wild Turkey Honey is just the ticket. On the rocks of course. I've dubbed it the Honeyed-Apple. And it soothes the savage soul just fine. Keep it up!
My vote is for Twenty 2 Vodka. It is made in Maine and hand crafted in just 50 gallon batches.
Hey,
Good selection, blueocat is amazing, so is tito's, tuthilltown, and buffalo's trace. jack's is a good selection it is one of the better american whiskeys (non bourbon) out there, american honey is a fantastic liqueur as well. I've worked in bars in New Zealand for long time and we have some fantastic products available to us but these are a good selection of american spirits and liqueurs.
Cheers
Grant Dingwall
My vote for the top American spirit is Twenty 2 Micro Distilled vodka.
Handmade in 50 gallon batches by a pair of entrepreneur engineers - it's the epitome of the American Spirit.