10 American Whiskeys for Backyard Barbecue Sipping
Toast Memorial Day weekend with these grill-friendly whiskeys
May 22, 2025 –––––– David Fleming
Memorial Day is about honoring our fallen soldiers, but the holiday weekend also represents the unofficial start of summer, when the season's gatherings begin. While the weather can sometimes interfere with our outdoor plans, it's often a time for backyard cookouts and parties. Here we add whiskey to the occasion, with a selection of 10 American expressions that are perfect for barbecue sipping.
94 points - Booker's "Springfield Batch" Straight Bourbon (Batch 2024-01), 62.25%, $90
Booker's is a longtime barbecue favorite—back in 2018 it even gave one of its releases the name "Backyard Barbecue." The Springfield Batch edition, released last year, was exceptional, finishing at No.-6 on our Top 20 and offering caramel, dark chocolate, baking spice, and a finish that catapults it into greatness. While each batch is different, all are highly flavorful with proof levels and structures giving them plenty of backbone to stand up to even the boldest meats coming off the grill or smoker.
93 points - Andalusia Stryker American single malt, 50%, $59
From the very underrated Andalusia Whiskey Co., located about an hour's drive east of Austin on the edge of Texas Hill Country. This is Andalusia's uniquely Texan take on smoky whiskey, with the malted barley smoked with applewood, oak, and mesquite in nod to Texas barbecue tradition.
93 points - Kentucky Peerless Double Oak, 54.35%, $120
This expression also landed on our Top 20 list in 2021. As the name implies, the oak influence here is pronounced, but in a superbly balanced and flavor-driven way. Indeed it’s filled with flavor, yet with a strong profile that holds its own against barbecue fare.
93 points - Knob Creek Bourbon x Rye, 56.5%, $45
From last year’s Top 20, this one is a blend of Knob Creek bourbon and Knob Creek rye at higher proof. It has aged well and has prominent, bourbon-driven sweetness balanced fairly equally against the spice of the rye. Water unleashes barbecue flavors.
92 points - Still Austin Bottled in Bond rye, 50%, $80
Bold is a word that can describe many of these barbecue-appropriate whiskeys, and this one certainly meets that description. There’s a bit of extra oomph from its 5 years of Texas aging, and overall, it has a distinct and big flavor that will not disappoint.
91 points - Bib & Tucker 6 year old Small Batch Double Char bourbon, 44%, $55
A finish of over 5 months in heavily charred barrels smoked with sugar maple creates flavors of savory barbecue seasoning, and a finish of barbecue roasting over charcoal and barrel char. This too was Top 20 material, finishing at No. 14 in 2021.
91 points - Hard Truth 5 year old Bottled in Bond Sweet Mash Four Grain bourbon (Spring 2019 Vintage), 50%, $60
Sweet mash whiskey is Hard Truth’s signature style, and this bourbon is indeed on the sweet side. But that sweetness serves as its counterpoint to savory barbecue flavors. Hard Truth regularly hosts barbecue events at its Nashville campus, and there's even a Hard Truth barbecue sauce.
91 points - Peg Leg Porker 12 year straight bourbon, 46.35%, $130
From the world's only whiskey owned by a pitmaster. Nashville-based restaurateur and pitmaster Carey Bringle filters this whiskey through hickory charcoal to add depth. It's another sweet, delicious Tennessee bourbon that could be a stand-alone backyard sipper or a meal accompaniment.
90 points - Garrison Brothers Cowboy bourbon (2023 Release), 70.45%, $250
Take a look at that hazmat ABV and be prepared for a big, bold ride, as this whiskey has plenty of Texas swagger. But there’s sweetness here despite the heat and spice, with vanilla and cinnamon spice, coupled with the boldness to complement barbecue well.
90 points - High West Campfire (Batch 22K18), 46%, $80
This blend of rye, bourbon, and blended malt scotch presents spice on the nose, leading to charcoal smoke and smoldering coals on the palate. The scotch adds smoke and some meaty flavors, the spice is from the rye, and rich sweetness from the bourbon, all creating a delicious, barbecue-friendly dram.
