The Ultimate Guide to the Best Peanut Butter Whiskeys

When venturing into the world of peanut butter whiskey, it's essential to understand how it differs from traditional whiskey. These differences are not just in flavor, but also in production, consumption, and the culture surrounding each.

Production Process

Normal whiskey, a time-honored spirit, is made from a fermented grain mash — typically including barley, corn, rye, and wheat — and aged in wooden casks, which impart deep, complex flavors. The aging process is crucial, often taking years, and it's here that traditional whiskey develops its distinct characteristics.

Peanut butter whiskey, on the other hand, starts as regular whiskey but then undergoes an additional flavoring process. This involves infusing the whiskey with peanut butter flavor, which can be achieved through natural or artificial means. The focus here is less on aging and more on achieving the perfect balance between the whiskey's inherent flavors and the rich, nutty profile of peanut butter.

Flavor Profile

The most noticeable difference lies in the flavor. Traditional whiskey is known for its wide range of flavors, which can include notes of caramel, oak, vanilla, spice, and smoke, depending on the type and aging process. Peanut butter whiskey, while maintaining a whiskey backbone, prominently features the creamy, sweet, and slightly salty taste of peanut butter. This unique combination creates a smoother, often sweeter drink that appeals to a broader audience.

Consumption Trends

Regular whiskey is often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour. It's savored for its complexity and depth, with enthusiasts often noting the nuances of each sip.

Peanut butter whiskey, with its sweeter and more approachable profile, has carved out a niche in both sipping and cocktail culture. It's frequently enjoyed in inventive cocktails, as a dessert drink, or even as a flavorful addition to coffee and other beverages. Its versatility has introduced whiskey to those who might find traditional variants too strong or intense.

Cultural Perception

Lastly, there's a cultural aspect to consider. Traditional whiskey is steeped in history and often associated with heritage and craftsmanship. It's a drink that's revered and deeply connected to the regions where it's produced, like Scotland, Ireland, and the American South.

Peanut butter whiskey, a more modern invention, doesn't carry the same historical weight but has quickly made a name for itself in the contemporary spirits scene. It represents innovation, playfulness, and a willingness to experiment within the whiskey category.

Understanding these differences helps in appreciating peanut butter whiskey not just as a novelty but as a legitimate and enjoyable offshoot of the traditional whiskey world. Whether you're sipping it neat or mixing it into a cocktail, peanut butter whiskey offers a unique and accessible way to enjoy the richness of whiskey with a playful twist.

Here’s a snapshot of the standout peanut butter whiskeys this year, each with its distinct character and flavor profile.

Skatterbrain Peanut Butter Whiskey is known for its bold and distinctive flavor profile. It combines the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with the warm, smooth undertones of whiskey. This whiskey is perfect for those who enjoy a strong peanut butter presence in their drink, coupled with a well-rounded alcoholic warmth.

Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey stands out with its slightly sweeter profile. It's crafted for a more dessert-like experience, where the peanut butter flavor is complemented by hints of vanilla and caramel. This whiskey is a great choice for those who prefer their spirits to have a dessert-like quality, making it a versatile mixer in cocktails.

Ole Smokey Peanut Butter Whiskey is known for its balance and smoothness. It skillfully blends the rich taste of peanut butter with a subtle, mellow whiskey background. This brand is often appreciated for its ability to deliver the peanut butter flavor without overpowering the whiskey essence, making it a great sipping option.

Sqrrl Peanut Butter Whiskey brings a unique twist to the table. It's known for incorporating a nuttier, almost roasted peanut butter taste, paired with a robust whiskey profile. This whiskey suits those who enjoy a more pronounced, earthy nut flavor alongside their whiskey.

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is perhaps one of the most recognized in this category. It's famed for its rich, authentic peanut butter taste that seamlessly melds with the smooth, aged whiskey. It offers a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, making it a favorite for both peanut butter enthusiasts and whiskey aficionados alike.

Two Trees Peanut Butter Whiskey is a unique offering from Two Trees Distilling in Fletcher, North Carolina. It stands out with a proprietary process that accelerates the aging of whiskey, imparting rich flavors in a shorter time. The whiskey presents a complex blend of oak, vanilla, and peanut butter, with a semi-dry finish that includes toasted oak, caramel, and peanut butter. It's more whiskey-forward, described as a whiskey with peanut butter flavor rather than a peanut butter whiskey liqueur​​.

Hard Truth Peanut Butter Whiskey, crafted in Brown County, Indiana, distinguishes itself with a premium whiskey base. Master Distiller Bryan Smith has blended two-year-old straight bourbon whiskey with natural flavors, achieving a balance of sweet peanut butter and sea salt. The tasting profile is complex, featuring salted caramel whiskey, roasted peanut, and vanilla, leading to a creamy peanut butter and whiskey peak. Its finish is semi-dry and salty, with a distinct Skippy Peanut Butter note, offering a well-crafted, premium experience with a salty edge that offsets the typical sweetness found in other peanut butter whiskeys​​.

Barrel & Banter Peanut Butter Whiskey, produced at Lockwood Distilling Company in Richardson, Texas, uses a bourbon base distilled from Texas corn and Oklahoma rye. The bourbon, aged in American oak barrels, forms the foundation of this whiskey, which is then blended with natural flavors. The result is a harmony of cinnamon, vanilla, and roasted peanut, culminating in a creamy peanut butter taste. The whiskey finishes warmly, leaving a lingering taste of cinnamon, vanilla, oak, peanut butter, and a hint of cocoa. This whiskey is noted for enhancing the natural bourbon flavor with peanut butter, rather than overwhelming it​​.

PB&W Peanut Butter Whiskey, made at Old Elk Distillery in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a blend of premium whiskey and three different peanut flavors. Its aroma is a mix of roasted peanut, vanilla, caramel, and apple, with a sweet whiskey backing. The flavor journey includes apple, walnut, caramel, and vanilla, building up to a creamy salted peanut butter peak. It finishes with a Payday candy bar flavor, leaving a taste of peanut rolled caramel apple, vanilla, and whiskey. PB&W is designed for versatility, perfect for shots or as a base in cocktails​​.

Blind Squirrel Peanut Butter Whiskey is known for its easy-drinking quality and suitability for enhancing cocktails. It pairs well with Chambord or blackberry brandy to create a Peanut Butter and Jelly shot, or with chocolate liqueur for a liquid peanut butter cup. The experience of sipping this whiskey neat brings to mind the sweetness of Crackerjacks, making it a delightful and versatile option for various drinking preferences​​.

Coastal Creek Peanut Butter Whiskey, exclusive to Total Wine & More, is made from a six-month barrel-aged Kentucky whiskey blended with natural peanut extract sourced from London. Its aroma includes peanut butter, vanilla, molasses, and caramel corn. The flavor builds from sweet caramel corn and vanilla to a creamy peanut butter peak, fading into a finish that includes caramel corn, vanilla buttercream, and peanut butter, leaving a Peanut Butter milkshake and subtle whiskey taste. This whiskey is a unique blend selected for its balanced and smooth flavor profile.

In conclusion, the world of peanut butter whiskey is diverse and exciting, offering a wide range of flavors and experiences for both whiskey enthusiasts and those new to the spirit. From the whiskey-forward profile of Two Trees to the premium, salty edge of Hard Truth, each brand brings its own unique twist to this intriguing category. Whether you prefer a more traditional whiskey experience or are looking for something sweet and cocktail-friendly like PB&W or Blind Squirrel, there's a peanut butter whiskey out there to suit your taste. As this trend continues to grow, it's clear that peanut butter whiskey is more than a novelty – it's a delicious and versatile addition to the world of spirits.