A few weeks ago Drizly.com approached me about joining their Top Shelf Bloggers program.  Drizly is one of the more successful online spirits delivery stores out there, so I’m honored to have been asked.  This blog is all about spreading the whiskey word, so this new partnership might prove to be a great platform for that. 

They asked me to kick off my new relationship with Drizzly with a post about my favorite whiskey.  After all, I am a whiskey blogger, so I should have a favorite whiskey.  It’s a question I get asked very often by whiskey newbies or those looking to try something new.  Let’s clear the air – I don’t have a favorite whiskey.  Not one. “But Bobby, you’re a whiskey blogger.  Surely you have a favorite?”

No, and don’t call me Shirley. 

The whiskey I imbibe depends on my mood.  Sometimes I want a rich, sherried single malt or a smoky, peated one.  Other times I’ll reach for a good ole’ American bourbon or rye.  Again, it depends on what mood I’m in.

If I started listing every whiskey I loved, we’d be here a while.  Instead, you’ll find a list of whiskies (and cognacs) I’ve been reaching for at home recently.  I’ve avoided adding limited release whiskies or really expensive ones, so all of these should be easy to find.  In no particular order:

Let’s start with some bourbon. I like Elijah Craig Small Batch bourbon.  This 8 to 12-year-old whiskey is full of classic “bourbony” notes we all love, such as caramel, vanilla, oak and spice. The cask strength Booker’s bourbon is an option for those looking for a more robust drinking experience.

Want something a little smokier?  Try Lagavulin 16-year-old.  It’s a beautifully balanced whisky with an elegant, balanced flavor.  If you want something with more of an edge, reach for Laphroaig 10-year-old.  The peat in the latter option is ramped up, providing a more in-your-face whisky.

Maybe smoky whisky isn’t your thing, and that’s perfectly fine.  It’s a “love it or hate it” kind of thing.  Glenmorangie 10-year-old is a lighter style whisky filled with honey and floral notes.  I like this one over ice.  Speaking of which, there is no right way to drink whiskey as long as you enjoy it. Neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks, there is no wrong way.

If you are in the market for something completely different, try cognac.  Like whisk(e)y, cognac is a distilled, barrel-aged spirit.  Because cognac is distilled from wine, it is much frutier than whiskey.  I’ve been sipping a lot of Hennessy XO and Courvoisier XO as of late.  Hennessy is bolder in character, while Courvoisier tends to be a bit lighter and more floral.  Both are pricier than the previously mentioned whiskies, so that may be a deciding factor as to whether you’re able or willing to pick up a bottle.  You can go Hennessy VSOP if you’re on a budget.  Lastly, Copper & Kings in Louisville make a 100 poof American brandy that’s as bold and flavorful as any bourbon you’ve come across.  

You can purchase all of these spirits at Drizly.com and have them delivered straight to your door.