There are a few solid whiskey’s from well-known Country Music artists you should be aware of. The American Highway (Brad Paisley), Traveller Whiskey (Chris Stapleton) and Whiskey Jypsi (Eric Church) are all quality offerings.  I’m not so high on Silverbelly (Alan Jackson) & Redneck Riviera (John Rich).  They come off a little young for me. But that’s my opinion.  To each their own.  Judge for yourself.  But they each have an interesting story behind them.

American Highway Reserve Straight Bourbon

Musical Association: Brad Paisley

This is the first ever bourbon to be aged on the road. Ninety barrels in a 53-foot truck, on tour, in a rolling rickhouse.  These barrels traveled over 7,000 miles across the country, thru mountains and scorching deserts with many temperature swings bringing out the flavor.

• Proof: 96
• Cost: $99.99
• Distilled By: A blend of four undisclosed Kentucky Bourbons 
• Mashbill: 28% 3 Year/25% 3 Year/24% 13 Year/23% 15 Year

Traveller Whiskey

Musical Association: Chris Stapleton

This is a first of its kind collaboration from Buffalo Trace Distillery and 10X Grammy Award winning artist Chris Stapleton.  Over 50 blends were sampled by Stapleton and Master Distiller Harlan Wheatley before selecting barrel #40 as the chosen combination. 

• Proof: 90
• Cost: $39
• Distilled By: Buffalo Trace Frankfort, KY & Other  Sazerac Locations
• Mashbill: Undisclosed

Whiskey Jypsi Explorer 

Musical Association: Eric Church

This series is based on the harmony of unparalleled whiskeys and unique finishing woods. It starts with two six-year bourbons-a low Rye distilled in Kentucky and selected for its sweetness and an Indiana high Rye chosen for its spice.  I prefer this over their inaugural Legacy launch both in taste and affordability. Physical bottles are only available at select Tennessee locations and online retailers.  Hit their website for specifics.

• Proof: 103
• Cost: $69.99
• Distilled By: Sourced from Indiana and Kentucky
• Mashbill: 60% Corn/ 30% Rye/ 4% Malted Barley
• Finished in Frenck Oak + American Appalachian Oak

Silverbelly Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Musical Association: Alan Jackson

This name comes from the color of Alan’s iconic cowboy hat. The bottles are labeled by Chart Number instead of a typical batch number.  Every batch of Silverbelly produced will represent on of Alan Jackson’s #1 songs. In chronological order.  It begins with his first #1 from 1990, “Here In The Real World.”

• Proof: 91
• Cost: $39.99
• Distilled By: Undisclosed Kentucky source. Matured for 3 years in new American Oak Barrels.  
• Mashbill: Undisclosed

Redneck Riviera American Blended Whiskey

Musical Association: John Rich

Rich had a very specific flavor profile in mind and was adamant all ingredients be All American. This two-whiskey blend brings one with the sweetness of grains. The other is a smooth whiskey that tastes like the caramel corn you might have enjoyed at a state fair.  A little corn a little rye, a little malt…

• Proof: 80
• Cost: $22.99
• Distilled By: Eastside Distilling, Portland, Oregon
• Mashbill:  A blend of two whiskeys aged for at least two years. Includes Various grains.

So there you have it, a handful of country music-associated whiskeys to consider. Whether you’re a fan of the artists or simply enjoy a good pour, these spirits offer unique flavors and stories. Remember, taste is subjective, so be sure to try them for yourself and discover your favorites. Cheers to great music and great whiskey!