Research notes a continued rise in consumer interest in low and no alcohol beverages that coincides with a simultaneous increase in the consumption of spirits. The same held true this year, indicating American consumers are continuing to actively strive to be healthier, but also are giving themselves permission to be indulgent on occasion.

In the fourth installment of Reasoned Opinion (an editorial series on trends in the food, beverage, nutrition, and ingredient industries) Prepared Foods Network’s Executive Editor–Technical David Feder focuses on holiday spirits—the kind consumers imbibe, that is. In this episode, the nuanced flavor notes of half a dozen trending whiskey spirits are subjectively profiled.

In last year’s discussion of spirits, the recent trend of combining Bourbon with Scotch whiskey influenced the first product reviewed this year: 15 Stars Distillery’s “Spirit of 1795 Three Kings” whiskey. It’s a blend of Bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskeys. The 107-proof mix of non-cold-filtered, cask-aged 15- and 11-year old. Whiskeys, is surprisingly smooth, with a pronounced flavor of dark dried cherries and a hint of clove. It leaves the palate clean with just a lingering spiced nose.

Neeley Family Distillery’s Hidden Barn offering is a 6-year, slightly wheated, fully organic Bourbon with a 70% corn mashbill. The wheat makes up 25%, and rye the remaining 5%. Crafted by Master Blender Jackie's Zykan, it gives a sweet corn flavor with a hint of tart fruit, balanced with a light peppery finish. One Bourbon guaranteed to raise eyebrows is The World Whiskey Society Co.’s cask-strength 6-year-old, Bourbon with a high corn, 75% mashbill that includes rye and barley.

The whiskey is named after the famous gunslinger Doc Holliday and is bottled complete with Deadwood-themed imagery and tales of the Wild West labeling. Even the cork is fashioned to look like the loaded cylinder of a Smith and West revolver.

Photo credit: 15 Stars Fine Aged Bourbon

Photo credit: by author; bourbon by Paddleford Creek Spirits Co.

Photo credit: The World Whiskey Society Co.

Photo credit: by author; whisky by Old Pulteney/Inver House Distillers

Photo credit: by author; bourbon by The Chattanooga Whiskey Co.

Photo credit: Neeley Family Distillery

❮ ❯

The seemingly unserious marketing of Doc Holliday Bourbon belies a full-flavored, incredibly smooth and balanced drink that delivers a symphony of flavor notes that include sweet roasted corn, brown sugar, and a multitude of spices and fruit—yet nothing clashes or interferes. It is truly one amazing Bourbon, and it's 116 proof that one should never judge a book—or a bottle—by its cover.

Two unexpected surprises for their low cost yet high quality include The Chattanooga Whiskey Co.’s “91 Straight” Bourbon. It’s a silky, smooth, high-corn and barley mash Tennessee high-malt that can be had for under $35 a bottle. The other is a double-distilled Bourbon by Paddleford Creek Spirits Company, located in, believe it or not, Princeton, Minnesota (although the spirit is actually distilled in Indiana.)

Paddleford also is a high-corn, barley, and rye mash. It is smooth, fruity, and a perfect sipping Bourbon at only around $29 a bottle. Both of these Bourbons have no trouble matching up to Bourbons costing $10-20 more.

For many consumers, winter holidays would not be the same without a good single malt Scotch whiskey. Old Pulteney from the Pulteney distillery in the northernmost tip of Scotland, in Wick Caithness. The distillery will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2026. Here, the focus was on its 12-year-old single malt. Uncorking this one brings forth an intense burst of Honeycrisp apple aroma, while the flavor leans more toward green apple with a hint of cinnamon. The coast of the North Sea adds in a faint tang of salt air, heather, and sweetgrass.

Old Pulteney is an ultra-smooth Scotch whisky, and an excellent bargain at $50, especially considering how far away the distillery is from “civilization.” It’s the perfect Scotch to have on hand for holiday guests—or even just for sitting in front of a cozy fire with a good dog and a nice book.

All these are great adult beverages to enjoy during the holidays and all year. These are not for mixing; they’re for slowly sipping and savoring. Of course, do drink responsibly and make sure your guests do as well. And don’t even think of drinking and driving.

In Good Spirits

Executive Editor–Technical David Feder subjectively discusses trending whiskey spirits and what they bring to holiday tables.

Listen to more from The Prepared Foods podcasts.