7 Whiskeys to Try This Fall

Fall and whiskey just make sense together. Cooler nights, football weekends, fires in the backyard, and hearty dinners all pair pretty naturally with a good pour. Whether you already have a favorite bottle or you’re still figuring out what kind of whiskey you actually like, fall is a great time to branch out and try something new.

Bourbon is usually the easiest place to start. It tends to be a little sweeter than other styles, with notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, and sometimes baking spice. That makes it great neat, on the rocks, or mixed into an Old Fashioned. If you normally drink cocktails and want to start sipping whiskey on its own, bourbon is often the most approachable option.

Rye whiskey is a little different. It usually has more spice, pepper, and bite than bourbon, which gives it a bolder personality. Rye works incredibly well in classic cocktails like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned because those stronger flavors can stand up to bitters, vermouth, and other ingredients. If bourbon sometimes feels a little too sweet for you, rye is definitely worth trying.

Irish whiskey is another great fall option, especially if you prefer something smoother and lighter. Many Irish whiskeys have soft notes of honey, fruit, vanilla, and toasted grain. They’re easy to sip and also work well in simple drinks with ginger ale or in an Irish coffee once those colder mornings arrive. It’s a great category for someone who says they “don’t really drink whiskey” but wants to give it another shot.

Scotch can feel intimidating, but it really doesn’t have to be. There’s a huge range of flavors depending on where it’s made and how it’s aged. Some Scotch is smoky and intense, while other bottles are fruity, rich, or surprisingly smooth. If you’re curious about Scotch, don’t assume every bottle is going to taste like a campfire. There are plenty of approachable options for beginners.

Tennessee whiskey is another familiar style that deserves a spot in the fall rotation. It shares a lot of characteristics with bourbon, but it typically goes through an additional charcoal mellowing process. The result can be smooth, slightly sweet, and easy to drink. It’s a solid choice for simple whiskey-and-cola drinks, but a good Tennessee whiskey can be just as enjoyable poured over a large cube.

Japanese whisky has also become increasingly popular, and for good reason. These whiskies are often known for balance and subtlety rather than huge, aggressive flavors. Depending on the bottle, you might notice fruit, oak, smoke, floral notes, or a touch of spice. Japanese whisky can be especially good in a highball with sparkling water and plenty of ice.

Finally, don’t overlook American single malt whiskey. This category has been gaining attention and gives whiskey fans something a little different to explore. American single malts are made primarily from malted barley and can offer everything from chocolate and toasted grain to fruit, smoke, and oak. It’s an interesting bridge between American whiskey and Scotch-style flavors.

The best way to learn what you like is simply to try a few different styles. You don’t need to know every tasting note or whiskey term. Pay attention to whether you prefer something sweeter, spicier, smokier, lighter, or richer, and go from there.

Stop by Boone’s Wine & Spirits and we’ll help you find a bottle that fits your taste, whether you’re looking for something easy to sip during the game, a new bottle for your home bar, or a great whiskey to bring to your next fall get-together.