13 Whiskeys For Making Whiskey Sours

A whiskey sour needs something with enough personality to be interesting without overpowering the drinker. Compared to other options, Rittenhouse Rye is a little spicier and a little stronger. However, the tasting notes of citrus, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cocoa make it an exciting addition to your cocktail recipe.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its long and successful operating history in the United States, producing fine whiskeys like Eagle Rare Bourbon. Eagle Rare has distinctive notes of orange, herbs, and honey, with a leathery appeal and a dry finish that lingers pleasantly. 

If you want a bourbon that's perfectly balanced with subtle tasting notes of dried fruit, honey, herbs, oak, toffee, and caramel, then you've got to try Woodford Reserve. Compared to other bourbons, you'll enjoy a rich, smooth, balanced experience from start to finish with Woodford.

Four Roses is a classic bourbon that seems to bear the standard for whiskey everywhere. However, there's nothing peculiar about Four Roses. It simply tastes like good whiskey. Four roses is a smooth, balanced experience with a long finish that makes for a pleasurable drinking experience. You can dress your whiskey sour up with some Four Roses.

Elijah Craig has been a staple in the whiskey community for centuries. Elijah Craig is a true classic, named for the famous Baptist preacher who started distilling this whiskey recipe. You'll love the tasting notes of caramel and vanilla, with a subtle nuttiness and a dash of licorice that follows. The finish is smooth and powerful, leaving you with pleasant memories of every sip.

If you're looking for a whiskey that has a little more punch to make your whiskey sour stand out, Wild Turkey 1010 Rye is the perfect addition to your cocktail cupboard. The potent whiskey is 101-proof straight rye with a warm flavor that exudes smoke and oak. You'll love the follow-up flavor of spice and vanilla and the warming finish. 

Try Basil Hayden's from Jim Beam's line of whiskey when you need an old, reliable brand to get your whiskey sours tasting fantastic. Compared to other whiskey options, Basil Hayden's is light and manageable. It has a balanced body with an excellent mouthfeel and tasting notes of corn, pepper, orange, and lemon.

This straight bourbon is an excellent choice if you want something that has a slightly different personality than other whiskeys for your whiskey sour recipe. Traverse City Cherry is infused with tart cherries from Traverse City, Michigan, giving it a strong cherry flavor that makes this bourbon unlike anything else you've ever had.

If you need a whiskey better suited for an everyday sipping experience, check out Nikka Days and the fine whiskey produced by mixologist experts. Nikka Days delivers a more mellow whiskey flavor than other options on this list. It's the perfect option for a whiskey sour because it provides a nice flavor without overpowering the drinker.

Maybe strong whiskey is more your style. If that's the case, then Bulleit Rye is the thing your whiskey sour has been missing all this time. With tasting notes of honey, vanilla, and spice, you'll love the smooth, warming experience you get with Bulleit Rye in your whiskey sour.

Old Forester Rye is a 100-proof rye whiskey great for sipping neat, pouring over a bit of ice, or mixing in a cocktail like a whiskey sour. Old Forester Rye delivers tasting notes of black pepper and cinnamon, making it a perfect addition to any drink. It is especially tasty if you're practicing a fall-themed whiskey sour for your friends.

Ghost Hill from Treaty Oak is a Texas bourbon aged at least two years in American white oak barrels with a mash bill of Texas wheat and corn. The tasting notes include cherry, toffee, anise, and orange. Combined with the delightful ingredients of a whiskey sour, you'll have a genuinely complex cocktail when you use Treaty Oak. 

Made at the famous Wild Turkey Distillery, this straight Kentucky bourbon is an excellent choice for a whiskey to keep on hand for sours. You'll immediately notice the taste of vanilla and caramel, followed by an oaky graham cracker presence. The smooth and balanced finish makes Rusell's 10-Year Reserve a pleasant experience.