Get A Bang for Your Buck With These High Proof Whiskies

WIth tax season upon us, many of you might be feeling a bit lighter in the wallet around this time of year, and one way to stretch your dollar is by choosing a higher-proof whisky. While these powerful whiskies aren't for everyone, the best ones deliver bold flavors and aromas that are well worth savoring. But the buyer must sometimes beware because high proof is not always an indicator of quality. Some lesser whiskies will keep the proof jacked up to mask imperfections, banking on the idea that a drinker will expect a high-powered liquid to taste brawny and more rustic. But the best high-proof expressions are not necessarily like that. Our panelists will often write about a high-proof expression that "holds its proof well," meaning that the structure and essential flavors are very much discernible, the key advantage being that they are delivered in a more bold and powerful way. The best examples are sometimes described as being easy to taste, sometimes even "remarkably gentle" for their proof level. In our view, that is usually an indication of a quality whisky.

In recent times, some whisky makers have really cranked up the proof dial—Jack Daniel's released Coy Hill single barrel at proofs ranging from 68.7% to 74.15% ABV back in 2022—a bottling at 72.5% ABV scored 90 points with our panel. And an Eljah Craig Barrel Proof batch (the batches vary by ABV) came in at 67.5 ABV back in 2019. Larceny Barrel Proof has been another high-proof player, to good effect.

And if the price is right, these whiskies can also present a good chance to stretch your dollar because you'll inevitably be sipping in smaller amounts. While we can't help you with your taxes, we have done an audit of our favorite high-proof expressions. Some people might stay away from the high-proof expressions, equating them with extreme pastimes like sky diving, high-speed motorcycling, or whatever their imagination may conjure, but give one or two of these a few sips and you might be surprised. Unlike taxes hopefully you'll find a proof bracket you can enjoy.

11 Proof-Packed Whiskies To Explore

Sample these expressions ranked from high to hazmat proof. Note that the ABVs of these whiskies can vary depending on the batch/barrel number.

92 points - Bardstown Bourbon Discovery Series (No. 11), 59.05%, $140
This serves up terrific texture with flavors of cherry compote, strawberry jam, and ripe raspberries. There's chocolate on the lengthy finish, plus a burst of cooling menthol that’s a tip-off to the proof.
92 points - Angel's Envy Port Finished Cask Strength Bourbon (2023), 59.1%, $230
A powerful but worthy sipper with its fruity palate, with cinnamon, white pepper, chocolate, red fruit, and a hint of orange.
94 points - Kavalan Cask Strength Port Cask Taiwanese Single Malt, 59.4%, $250
Let this breath in the glass before diving in. The palate is fruity with cherry Twizzlers, then a surge of high-strength alcohol as the fruit and nutty glory of the port cask. Water required.

90 points - Coors Whiskey Co. Five Trail Barrel Proof Blended American whiskey, 59.5%, $80
This takes water well. Black coffee and dark chocolate flavors are softened with water. A hot, hot finish benefits from a few drops; once diluted, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and red berries emerge alongside lingering cinnamon spice.

93 points - Elijah Craig 10 year old Barrel Proof Bourbon (Batch A124), 59.5%, $75
Big and robust, chewy and thick, with flavors of dark chocolate and caramel . Water or ice will tame it, unlocking more of those nicely integrated flavors, accented by orange and berries, baking spice, tart herbs, and pepper.
94 points - Lochlea Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch (Batch 1), 60.1%, $100
Apple cider doughnuts, vanilla wafers, and candy corn plusharmonious spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. It takes water well, unveiling orchard fruit and honeyed oats.

92 points - Indri Diwali Collector's Edition Indian Single Malt(2023), 60.5%, $140
Sweet red fruits, peppery spice, smoke, and chocolate, then dried fruits, pear, and damson flavors. Water adds candied orange, leather, and musty chocolate, but dampens the smokiness.

95 points - Torabhaig The Legacy Series Allt Gleann Batch Strength Single Malt Scotch, 61.1%, $90
An assertive peated whisky, yet gentle and approachable, with bursts of luscious fruit. Golden raisins and honey on the delightfully sweet palate are balanced by generous spice. Water brings out fruity notes of sweet baked orange and poached pears. Long on the finish, with earthy peat and more honeyed fruit.

90 points - Rabbit Hole Founder's Collection 12 year old Amburana Finished Cask Strength Bourbon, 62.7%, $1,100
Flavorful and assertive. It's sweet and honeyed, with red berries and an unusual wood note. Burnt oak, drying tannins, and lots of barrel influence on the lengthy finish, plus plenty of fruit, dark chocolate, and pepper spice.

92 points - Penelope 15 year old Founders Reserve American Light Whiskey (2023), 64.2%, $90
Vanilla birthday cake, Mexican wedding cookies, and sweet orange. On the finish, flourless chocolate cake is balanced by jalapeño spice, which water softens to great effect.

90 points - Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon (2023), 70.45%, $250
Bottled at hazmat proof, without water it's as withering as the desert sun. Even with ample water added, it is rich and oily, with oak, lemon, orange, and black pepper flavors. The finish is long, with vanilla sweetness, cinnamon tang, and parched oak.