The best high-proof whiskies offer a combination of balance, power, and amped-up flavor. Generally defined as being above 50% ABV but often going far higher than that, they make for great whisky sipping any time of year but are perhaps best suited for the winter months. Sipping over ice or with a bit of water—which coaxes out additional flavors—is the preferred tasting method for most people, though some brave souls enjoy them neat. We've assembled this list of high-powered sippers that will make great gifts for the holiday season, or you can enjoy them on your own. There's quite a bit of variety here, with American whiskeys leading the way, joined by a strong contingent of scotch, an Irish expression, and an Irish-American blend. The good news is that they're all priced at $100 or lower, with some coming far below that threshold.
13 High-Proof Whiskies Perfect For The Season
Rich and chewy, with great heat and spice, offering hot chocolate, cinnamon, maple sugar candy, and espresso beans.
Balanced sweetness and spice with flavors of golden raisins and honey.
Baked apple, orange peel, musty aged oak, chocolate fudge, and vanilla flavors abound on a powerful, but not harsh, palate.
No. 10 in our Top 20 of 2024
Complexity and balance belie its high proof, with flavors of toasted vanilla, citrus, a whisper of peat, herbs, and peppercorn.
Dense flavors of apple cider doughnuts, vanilla wafers, candy corn, and harmonious spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
Just above the high-proof threshold, it has flavors of baking spice, toasted coconut, salted caramel, and bright citrus. No. 9 in our Top 20 of 2024.
Spice, cola, sweet tea, raisins, maplewood, syrupy raspberries, apples, and peaches; No. 14 on our Top 20 of 2024.
Nicely textured and well-structured with heat, but water brings out vanilla sweetness, ripe orange slices, and dark chocolate.
Peppery spice is balanced by caramel apples, butterscotch, and berries; tame for its proof. No. 13 in our Top 20 of 2024.
Herbs, cooked fruit, baked apple, grape jelly, caramel, and vanilla ice cream on the hot palate; water serves this one well.
Char lovers: This one is for you! Charred oak features prominently on the palate, with mocha, lemon iced tea, and sweet Concord grape jelly.
Powerful and hot, with flavors of vanilla cream and lemon curd. Water makes it blossom with honey, lemon, and vanilla.
This one is hot with flavors of candied ginger and peppery spice, balanced by creamy vanilla.
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93 points - Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (Distilled in 2017; 2024 Release), 61.60%, $100 
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92 points - Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (2024 Release), 57.7%, $70 
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