Whisky Loot

Whisky Loot: Why is Bourbon the ultimate winter warmer? Bourbon one of the best known American Whiskies and derives its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it originated. Whiskey production in the US first emerged when farmers found that corn and rye grew in abundance, and applied the same principles they had used with malted barley to their excess crop. The resulting Bourbon is a delicious slightly sweeter style of whiskey with strong notes of vanilla, oak and caramel, perfect for a winter warming drink.

"A lot of people in Australia drink Bourbon with a mixer - cola, ginger ale or soda - which makes for a great refreshing summer drink. But neat, or in a strong sipping cocktail (such as an Old-Fashioned or Manhattan), Bourbon has a wonderfully comforting profile of vanilla and baking spices. Think cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Perfect to warm you up in the winter months." Joel Hauer, Whisky Loot Founder & Sommelier

Whisky Loot's pick of the best Bourbon winter warmers:

● Widow Jane 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750mL) RRP $180: A rare find in Australia, the Widow Jane is an enigma of American bourbon. A sourced bourbon using whiskeys from Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana, which is aged in Brooklyn, New York. Cut down with rich mineral water from the Widow Jane Limestone Mine in Rosendale, New York. It's an elegant, light and refreshing aged bourbon with impressive length.

● Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700mL) RRP $150: The brainchild of Lincoln Henderson, who was a master distiller at Brown-Forman, developing several well-known bottlings including Woodford Reserve. Angel's Envy was his labour of love – the only whiskey he produced independently. A Bourbon, finished in Port "pipes", this dram is packed with sweet fruits and spice flavours.

● Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700mL) RRP $98: The name "Rare Breed" is in reference to the selection of the best barrels from the Wild Turkey rickhouses for this small-batch Bourbon. A blend of 6 to 12-year-old barrels bottled without any adulteration, not even water added, present this whiskey in its purest form. With an alcohol content of 58.4% there is layer upon layer of flavour that you might like to open up with a splash of water.

Discover more must-try best in class Bourbon this winter at whiskyloot.com