About US Spirits

About US Spirits
The spirit industry in America is much like the beer industry; some large corporate distillers turning out good quality vodka, gin and whisky along with a growing number of artisan producers of these same products.

In large cities such as Chicago and San Francisco, small distilleries turn out superb spirits, many of them organically produced. Vodkas and gins are most common, but there are even a few examples of single malt whiskey.

This is certainly an encouraging alternative to the commercially produced spirits in the US, but the truth is that these artisan spirits are a drop in the bucket next to the huge amount of vodkas, gins and whiskeys made by the large companies and are sold in huge numbers; given the promotional money spent by these firms.

But the new competition is a bright sign at least in terms of some of the famous whiskey producers that have recently introduced specialty bourbons, aged for a dozen or more years, many of them single barrel products. They are responding to a public looking for more high quality American spirits. The success of these products is a great thing for the American sprits industry.

Top Picks for USA

Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative Non Alcoholic Spirit
98 points
$28
A spot-on Tequila alternative that thus far, can't be beat. Make margaritas, palomas and more and delight your guests with this non-alcoholic spirit.
Awards: 2021 Best Non Alcoholic Spirit
Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
97 points
$49
Bigger and bolder than a beginner's Whiskey; so complex with an incredible depth of sweet bakery aromas and flavors.
Awards: 2022 Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey
LiveWire Honeydew Collins
97 points
A curiously savory cocktail that really grows on you; balanced, quenching and interesting. This is a an awesome option for cocktail enthusiasts.
Awards: 2022 Best Ready-to-Drink Cocktail
Larceny Barrel Proof Batch No. C922 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
96 points
$59
Rich and bracing, with intensity that demands attention and comes close to overpowering without going overboard; just delicious.
Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
96 points
$39
A delightful Whiskey with ethereal floral aromas that make it stand out from the Bourbon crowd.
Middle West 6 Year Old Sherry Finished Bourbon Whiskey
96 points
$99
A barrel-forward Bourbon that holds its age well and expressed cocoa, caramel, and dried fruits.
Awards: 2022 Best Cask-Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition Premium Tennessee Whiskey
96 points
$149
Simply delicious, this is dessert in a glass. The aromas and flavors transport you to a summer afternoon indulging at your favorite ice cream parlor.
Awards: 2022 Best Tennessee Whiskey
Old Fitzgerald Spring 2022 17 Year Old Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
96 points
$230
A benchmark example that you'll want to let sit in the glass and sip slowly over hours to allow it to develop.
On The Rocks The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita Ready-To-Drink Cocktail
96 points
$11.99
A delicious ready-to-drink cocktail with balanced, concentrated flavors that surprise and delight.
96 points $11.99
Cutwater Spirits White Russian
96 points
A really, really good creamy coffee cocktail; careful with this one.