Bartenders have been flavoring whiskey for use in cocktails for hundreds of years, but the first commercialized flavored whiskey was most likely Southern Comfort in 1890, quickly followed by Drambuie in 1893. Southern Comfort was a whiskey flavored with fruits and spices (its formula has changed several times over the years), while Drambuie is a mixture of Scotch, honey, and spices. In the 1940s, Irish Mist (Irish whiskey and honey), and Yukon Jack (Canadian whisky and honey) entered the market, followed 30 years later by Wild Turkey Liqueur. In 2006, Wild Turkey rebranded their liqueur as American Honey and sales skyrocketed. Since then, every major whiskey maker and many craft distillers have introduced a wide array of flavored whiskeys. While most large brands use natural flavor essences, many craft brands are using whole fruits, species, and botanicals to create their flavored whiskeys.
Flavored whiskeys can be made anywhere in the world.
Flavored whiskeys are often described as an entry point for those drinkers who are not used to drinking stronger straight whiskeys. And while that may be partially true, people love alcohol and sugar, so it is no surprise that flavored whiskey has found a large and welcome reception. While early flavored whiskeys began with more common flavors such as honey, fruit, and spices, the sky's the limit as demonstrated with the growth of peanut butter flavored whiskey. While it is possible that some of the flavors will fade away, flavored whiskey is here to stay.
A whiskey distilled according to appropriate rules for its type (bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey etc.) to which natural flavors, sugar, and/or wine is added. Flavored whiskey may contain wine up to 2.5% by volume without stating so on the label, and must be bottled at 30% ABV or higher.
A somewhat murky term that is required on flavored whiskey labels. Natural flavors can mean that the producer purchased flavor essence that they add to the spirit, or it can mean that the distiller macerated (soaked) whole ingredients in the spirit to extract their flavor.