Okay, look, I just got off my stool, and let me tell you, Tony Sachs over at *Forbes* has just dropped a bombshell – or, you know, a really well-curated list of American whiskies he was too busy drinking to properly analyze. Apparently, he popped a dozen amazing bottles this year, and we’re left with the delightful hangover of knowing we missed out on some serious sipping. You can check out the whole glorious mess – it’s basically a guilt trip disguised as a recommendation.
Sachs’ Picks & Why You Should Care
Tony Sachs’ list, published on December 15, 2025, highlights ten American whiskies he personally indulged in throughout the year. It’s a fantastic starting point if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of excellent whiskey available. It’s like he’s saying, ‘Don’t just drink *any* whiskey, you beautiful heathen!’ And frankly, we all need a little nudge sometimes, right? Sachs isn’t trying to provide a definitive ranking or a rigorous review; he’s offering a curated selection based on pure enjoyment, a philosophy we can certainly appreciate. This isn’t a scientific paper; it’s a conversation starter, a reminder to slow down and savor the moment.
Key Considerations & Notable Brands
The selections showcase several important aspects of the American whiskey landscape. Sachs emphasizes the significance of barrel aging, a recurring theme highlighted recently by *Whisky Advocate*, which noted that extended aging is crucial for developing a complex and flavorful dram. The list includes a diverse range of expressions, representing key American producers. He’s clearly interested in the nuances that come with time, a critical factor in shaping the character of any spirit. The breadth of his choices – from established giants to smaller, more experimental brands – suggests a genuine curiosity about the evolving world of American whiskey.
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Four Roses:
Known for its diverse range of bourbons and ryes, utilizing multiple distillery locations and mash bills. Four Roses consistently demonstrates the incredible variations possible within a single brand, largely due to their distinct production methods.
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Heaven Hill:
A major player in the American whiskey market, offering a broad selection of brands and expressions. Heaven Hill’s expansive portfolio provides a starting point for exploring the sheer volume of American whiskey available.
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Smaller Craft Operations:
Sachs also included selections from smaller, independent distilleries, reflecting the increasing interest in artisanal American whiskey. These often represent a dedication to quality and a willingness to experiment with different techniques, resulting in unique and compelling flavors.
He particularly focused on bottles with significant barrel aging, featuring some older releases that undoubtedly carry a premium price tag – a somewhat ridiculous indulgence, but a worthwhile one. He seems to be prioritizing depth of flavor and complexity, suggesting that a longer maturation period can unlock a spirit’s full potential.
A Broader Context: Climate Change & Whiskey
While Sachs’ list concentrates solely on the American side of things, the conversation around whiskey’s future is becoming increasingly relevant. Recent *Scotch Whisky* research highlighted the impact of climate change on single malts, demonstrating how environmental factors can dramatically affect the character and quality of aged spirits. The rising temperatures in Scotland, impacting barley yields and, consequently, spirit maturation, served as a stark reminder that even seemingly “stable” American whiskey regions are subject to broader environmental trends. The potential for increased humidity in Kentucky, for example, could significantly impact barrel aging, demanding proactive adaptation from distillers. This underscores the need for producers to consider long-term sustainability and the potential impact of climate change on the very core of their craft.
Recommendations:
Based on Sachs’ selections and a little further exploration, here are a few bottles we’d recommend for your own tasting journey:
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Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon:
(As featured on the list) – A classic choice that showcases the brand’s distinct floral and spicy notes.
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Heaven Hill Rye Whiskey:
(As featured on the list) – A robust and assertive rye, perfect for those who appreciate a bold flavor profile.
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Bardstown Bourbon Company Heritage Rye:
(A similar expression noted for its richness) – A particularly rich and complex rye, often described as having notes of dark fruit and spice.
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Wildfire American Single Malt Whiskey:
(Representative of smaller craft distilleries) – Demonstrating the growing interest in single malt production, Wildfire offers a fascinating alternative to bourbon and rye. This highlights the adventurous spirit of the smaller operations.
