Even though the official calendar might tell us differently, summer is pretty much over once we hit September, right? The days will grow shorter, and the nights will get cooler. That means it’s the perfect time of year for high-proof whiskey, especially if you’re planning to attend a football tailgate this autumn.
While the beginning of the season is a time for crushable session beers, as the season heads further into autumn, you’re going to want something to warm your bones. I’ve spent many afternoons in Orchard Park, New York, before Buffalo Bills games, so I know a thing or two about keeping warm.
What is high-proof whiskey?
While your best bet is layering your clothing this fall, you’re also going to want to purchase a high-proof whiskey or two for slow-sipping. For those unaware, the term “high-proof” is a reference to the alcohol content of the whiskey. While there’s no official standard for what constitutes high-proof, many people have a cut-off at 50% ABV (100-proof) and above.
An average whiskey clocks in at 80-proof. This is because, after aging, it was diluted with water to lower the alcohol content. Whiskeys that are proofed down less (like cask strength and barrel-proof expressions) not only have more alcohol content, but they also have a bolder, intense, and sometimes more complex flavor profile than their lower ABV counterparts.
High-proof whiskeys I swear by for chilly fall tailgates
Now that you’ve learned a little about the definition of a high-proof whiskey and some of its characteristics, it’s time to find some to drink while you stand in a parking lot on a chilly fall day awaiting the start of a football game.
Below you’ll find a variety of whiskeys. They were selected not just because of the high-proof that will make you feel warm from the inside out (although proper layers will actually keep you warm), but because they are affordable and shareable with your fellow tailgaters, and complex, yet still easy to drink.
Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask Bourbon
This 100-proof bourbon was matured for at least five years in charred oak barrels before being finished in casks seasoned by Pedro Ximenez sherry. The result is a memorable sipping whiskey loaded with flavors like raisins, candied orange peels, toffee, and oak.
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
There might be no better value bourbon than Wild Turkey 101. This 101-proof expression is a blend of high-rye bourbons aged between six and eight years. It’s beloved by bartenders and drinkers for its notes of vanilla, cinnamon, oak, and baking spices.
Aberlour A’Bunadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky
No tailgate whiskey article would be complete without a warming single malt Scotch whisky. A great choice is Aberlour A’Bunadh, a cask strength whisky aged completely in Spanish Oloroso sherry butts. The result is a memorable whisky with notes of dried cherries, oak, vanilla, orange peels, and sweet sherry.
Still Austin Cask Strength Rye
You can’t stand around in a parking lot on a cold autumn day without a warming cask strength rye whiskey. A great choice is Still Austin Cask Strength Rye. Made with 100% Texas-grown rye, this award-winning 116-proof whiskey is known for flavors like candied apples, ginger candy, brown butter, baking spices, and dried cherries.
