Yes, There Are Good Flavored Whiskeys

"The flavored whiskey market was valued at $32.3 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $65.3 billion by 2035. And here's the thing - some of these whiskey-adjacent products are actually good! Almost every major whiskey or spirits competition has an award or two set aside for these spirits. They tend to be modestly priced (around $20 to $30), work well in cocktails and attract an audience that might be hesitant to bring bourbon or other brown spirits into their lives, including a younger demographic who's craving canned cocktails, lower-ABV options and non-traditional serves."

"The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (TTB) defines flavored whisky (they use the "whisky" spelling) as "whisky flavored with natural flavoring materials, with or without the addition of sugar, bottled at not less than 30% alcohol by volume (60 proof)." As well, the name of the predominant flavor needs to appear as part of the class and type designation (e.g., "Cherry Flavored Whisky") and, interestingly, wine may be added, though I don't think I've run into that in a flavored spirit yet."

"The whiskeys below (I'm using the "whiskey" spelling, as most of these brands use it) run a wide gamut of flavors. I tried to pick a single bottle per flavor, so you won't see, say, four apple whiskeys. I also ignored honey and maple whiskeys for now. Many of these are normal whiskeys that have undergone additional maturation, while others fall into the flavored whisk(e)y category."

"Many of these are normal whiskeys that have undergone additional maturation, while others fall into the flavored whisk(e)y category. (My quick recs for honey and maple? Green River Honey-Finished Bourbon and Widow Jane Decadence, respectively.) I also ignored peanut butter-flavored whiskeys because I personally cannot stand the flavor (sorry, Skrewball), and I didn't include anything"

Flavored whiskey products are gaining market traction, with a reported value of $32.3 billion in 2025 and a projected $65.3 billion by 2035. Major spirits competitions award flavored offerings, and many products are priced around $20 to $30. These spirits work well in cocktails and attract consumers who may be hesitant to try bourbon or other brown spirits, including younger drinkers seeking canned cocktails, lower-ABV options, and non-traditional serves. The TTB defines flavored whisky as whisky flavored with natural flavoring materials, with or without added sugar, bottled at not less than 30% alcohol by volume. The predominant flavor must appear in the class and type designation, and wine may be added. The range includes both additional-maturation whiskeys and products that fit the flavored whisky category.

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