Why are Bourbon and Whiskey Ideal for Fall and Winter?  

But what makes bourbon and whiskey so suitable for the cooler months of the year? It’s a little bit of the same things that make fruity and lighter cocktails ideal for summer; the seasonal flavor palate and lightness just pair well with pool days, sunshine, fresh produce, and barbecues. Similarly, bourbon and whiskey boast specific tasting notes and flavor profiles that pair perfectly with cozying up by the fire, your favorite comfort foods, and staying indoors as you watch the leaves and then snow fall.  

Bourbon particularly offers smoky, spicy notes that go well with other seasonal favorite flavors like apple, maple, cinnamon, and cloves. From apple cider-inspired cocktails in October to Christmas cookie-esque concoctions in December, bourbon works its seasonal magic in a way other spirits can’t.  

So which are the best bourbons to add to your bar cart this season (or maybe even stick in your favorite bourbon drinker’s stocking come Christmas)? Here are a few recommended selections from the Lux Row Distillers family.  

Ezra 99 

This Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is charcoal-filtered and bottled at 99 proof for a bolder, more intense flavor palate that still remains ultra-smooth and drinkable. Its tasting notes incorporate sweet-spicy hints of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, making Ezra 99 an excellent after-dinner spirit to enjoy on the rocks or in a favorite, sweet-leaning cocktail.  

Rebel 100 

This Rebel 100 is even more intense than regular Rebel Bourbon. The heightened proof gives it a spicier finish that’ll warm you all the way to your toes, even on the chilliest day of tailgating before your favorite football team takes to the field. This whiskey is fantastic on its own, with slight notes of dark fruit, honey, and butter. But it also delivers an unmistakable bourbon kick when added to some of our favorite sweet treats. 

David Nicholson 1843 and David Nicholson Reserve 

For a bourbon with an undeniable smoky, spicy aroma and flavor profile, look no further than David Nicholson 1843. This smooth, award-winning, wheated bourbon offers hints of honey, butter, vanilla, and oak and a spicy and smoky finish. Like all of our Lux Row whiskeys, you can enjoy David Nicholson 1843 all on its own for a superior sipping experience but also included in favorite fall cocktails that incorporate maple and apple.  

For a spicier version that hits a little differently, check out David Nicholson Reserve. It brings some of the same flavor profiles as 1843 but with a ryed mashbill. Put in cocktails where you want smoky undertones with hints of caramel, oak, and mild spice. 

Daviess County Bourbons 

Three different bourbons (five if you count the annual variants we’ve released in the last two years) make this collection unique to every home bar. First, you have the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (the blue label) that offers notes of oak, caramel, and graham cracker–some of the more common flavors found in traditional bourbon whiskey. 

Second, there’s the Cabernet Sauvignon Finish, which brings to the table a uniquely complex flavor of fruit and oak it receives from finishing in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon barrels.  

And the third variant is the French Oak Finish, which recently got a glowing review from Fred Minnick on his YouTube video, 5 Shockingly Good Bourbons Available Now. This awesome bourbon is perfect for the fall and winter, with hints of chocolate and oak throughout.  

Craving Something Rare? 

But if you’re looking for a true treat this fall, go with one of the Lux Row Distillers more rare bourbon whiskey options that can only be purchased on-site at our distillery. You can grab a bottle of Lux Row 12-year Double Barrel bourbon — which has been aged in two different barrels for 12 years each, resulting in a proof of 118.4 — or a Distiller’s Collection bourbon will be just the thing to elevate your upcoming fall or winter gathering. Both are only while supplies last. 

Whether you’re adding your bourbon to a cocktail or food recipe or drinking it straight from a glass, we hope you stay warm this fall and winter with your favorite dark spirit.