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12 Whiskies For Your Memorial Day Weekend Gathering
Neat, with ice, or in a refreshing cocktail, these whiskeys are a perfect way to kick off summer
May 19, 2026 –––––– David Fleming
Memorial Day is a holiday rooted in remembrance, but it’s also the unofficial start of summer—a long weekend for gathering and reflecting, but also for enjoying. The 12 American whiskeys on this list are perfect for sipping neat, over a single rock, or in cocktails. Whether you're hosting a cookout (check out this burger pairing guide), heading to the lake, or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, they're a great weekend accompaniment. Note that many are high in proof, as those expressions tend to match up well with Memorial Day cooking, though they're also great for just relaxed sipping. For complete reviews of these whiskeys and many more, please see the Buying Guide in our Summer 2026 issue, which hits the newsstands June 2nd.
12 American Whiskeys Perfect for Memorial Day Sipping
93 points - 15 Stars Artisan Collection 15 and 12 year old Blended Bourbon, 54.5%, $180
This top-quality high-proof whiskey makes a fantastic accompaniment to barbecue, thanks to its rich, aged profile.
93 points - Barrell 7 year old Cask Finish Series Armagnac Cask Strength Blended Bourbon, 56.5%, $85
Another tour de force from Barrell, baked fruits, and a lovely, balanced oak influence.
93 points - Buzzard's Roost Ambuzzador's Select Single Barrel (June 2025 Release; Barrel 23-76494), 57.5%, $85
Loads of rye spice, brown sugar, just straightforward, solid whiskey, but with plenty of backbone.
93 points - Knob Creek Eli Manning's Bold Pick Cask Strength Single Barrel (2026) Bourbon, 58.2%, $70
The second collaboration between Eli Manning and Knob Creek. Lovely sweet layering, with gooey, rich flavors.
92 points - Maker's Mark 7 year 2 month old Cask Strength Bourbon, 56.3%, $50
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92 points - Middle West 5 year old Double Cask Collection Napoleon Sun-Soaked Calvados Cask Finished Blend, 61.9%, $130
Another winner from this Ohio distillery. Dark sweetness of plums, raisins, and prunes, as well as lively spice and oak.
92 points - Redwood Empire Haystack Needle Rye, 59.6%, 120
Banana soufflé, vanilla, tobacco leaf, cherry pie, rye spice, and plenty of heat, with a long, flavorful finish
92 points - Shortbarrel The Afterswarm Meadowfoam Double Barrel Toasted Honey Cask Finished Rye, 54.3%, $115
Honey sweetness, generous rye spice, deftly avoiding the potential trap of being overly sweet.
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91 points - Garrison Brothers 6 year old Bottled in Bond, 50%, $100
Texas-style heat juxtaposed against luscious cherries and raspberries, balanced by oak and spice.
91 points - High West Bourye (Batch 25A24), 46%, $125
Now a special release rather than a permanent expression, this bourbon and rye blend is made to pair with backyard cookout fare.
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91 points - Kentucky Peerless Toasted (Batch 1) Rye, 54.7%, $110
Another one that seems made to pair with barbecue, with bold spice but a creamy finish.
90 points - Stoll & Wolfe Rye, 45%, $48
