Don't Be Fooled by Whiskeys That Aren't What They Seem

There are more whiskey options nowadays than ever before, with hundreds of bottles on the shelves of some stores—but you may be surprised to discover that some of them aren't true whiskey. Many products, including the ones below, use words like whiskey, bourbon, and rye prominently on their labels, and some display the names of well-known whiskey brands; however, none of these are straight whiskey. That doesn't mean they're inferior or you shouldn't consider drinking them, but that they may display flavors well outside what's normal for conventional whiskey.

Know What You're Drinking: Whiskey Liqueurs, Flavored Whiskeys & Whiskey Specialties

Angel's Envy Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine BarrelsLooks like: BourbonIt's really: Whiskey specialtyKentucky straight bourbon finished in port barrels. (93 points)
Basil Hayden's Dark RyeLooks like: RyeIt's really: Whiskey specialtyKentucky straight rye blended with Canadian rye and port-style wine. (84 points)
Evan Williams HoneyLooks like: BourbonIt's really: LiqueurKentucky straight bourbon blended with honey liqueur.
FEW Cold Cut BourbonLooks like: BourbonIt's really: Whiskey specialtyBourbon diluted to proof with cold-brew coffee instead of water. (87 points)
Heritage Distilling Co. BSB (Brown Sugar Bourbon)Looks like: BourbonIt's really: Flavored whiskeyBourbon with natural brown sugar and cinnamon flavors added.
Oak & Eden Bourbon & SpireLooks like: BourbonIt's really: Whiskey specialtyBourbon finished “in bottle” with a spiral-cut piece of toasted oak.
Southern ComfortLooks like: American whiskeyIt's really: Whiskey specialtySpirit whiskey with added natural flavors and caramel color.
Two James Spirits Johnny Smoking GunLooks like: American whiskeyIt's really: Flavored whiskeyA blend of corn and rye whiskeys infused with Asian teas.
Tommy Bahama RyeLooks like: Rye whiskeyIt's really: Whiskey specialtyRye whiskey blended with Tommy Bahama rum.