A good bourbon can be enjoyed at any time of year, but there’s something about the cooler months that simply beg for a strong pour. We’re happy to oblige, and we’re reaching for the top shelf with four hand-picked bottles selected by the connoisseurs at Colonial Wines & Spirits.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, by father-and-son team Jimmy and Eddie Russell, this reserve release from Wild Turkey comes from barrels that are hand-selected and have matured to show a whiskey that’s the best of its aged inventory. Subtle tones of toffee and vanilla make for an amazing pour that highlights the caliber of bourbon being produced by Wild Turkey.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon
The Volstead Act of 1920 started Prohibition, and during that time, Old Forester was able to continue production for medicinal purposes as long as the product was cut down to 100 proof. This release comes in at 115 proof with a 57.5% average alcohol content. The 1920 is a longtime favorite of bourbon collectors.
Smoke Wagon Private Barrel Straight Bourbon
Every once in a while, Colonial is presented with the opportunity to buy bourbon by the barrel. With Smoke Wagon, there were five options to choose from, and this was a clear winner. It has a building warmth on the palate and has the rustic quality one expects from high-rye mash. (These are fairly limited, but can be picked up this holiday season.)
Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon
For years, Noah’s Mill — as well as the other releases from the Willett Distillery — were not available in Arkansas. Bottled in extremely small batches, Noah’s Mill is a pour that is rich in tones of butterscotch, vanilla and herbaceous warmth from rye. This always has a place at the top of a well-stocked bar and is best served neat.
Descriptions provided by Colonial Wines & Spirits.
How to Build Your Arkansas Bar Cart
Looking to localize your sipping selections? Chris Kotoun, a wine and whiskey expert at Colonial, shares his must-haves.
Origami Sake: A Thousand Cranes
“Made in Spa City from Arkansas-grown rice and Hot Springs spring water, Origami is a first for The Natural State.”
Apertura Lemongrass Limoncello
“Made with cane sugar and lemon zest by Fox Trail Distillery in Rogers, this is an herbaceous and subtlety sweet distillate.”
Boxley Vodka
“Named after one of the most scenic places in Arkansas, Boxley is perfectly clean, a great choice for any vodka cocktail and an essential for any home mixologist.”
Rock Town Distillery Single Barrel Arkansas Bourbon
“Rock Town will celebrate 15 years of distilling in Arkansas next year. This single-barrel release is the flagship of their portfolio. Cheers to the founder and master distiller Phil Brandon.”
Rock Town Distillery Bourbon Cream
“For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, Rock Town’s Bourbon Cream is a wonderful alternative to Baileys and other Irish cream liqueurs.”
Oak & Bean Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
“Another amazing product from our friends at Fox Trail that is produced with coffee made by Airship Roasters in Bentonville.”
Delta Dirt Distillery Tall Cotton Gin
“This Helena distillery is owned and operated by the Williams family, fourth-generation farmers. They make vodka from Arkansas sweet potatoes and gin from Arkansas corn and wheat.”
Bloody Darn Good Bloody Mary Mix
“Made in the capital city, Bloody Darn mixes are wildly good quality. Instead of vodka, you can also use tequila for a Bloody Maria.”