Pumpkin spice has become synonymous with fall. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice has made its way into everything from coffee drinks to baked goods. It’s no surprise that pumpkin spice has also found its way into the world of whiskey. Distillers have begun experimenting with infusing and flavoring whiskeys to create pumpkin spice varieties perfect for autumnal sipping. In this article, we’ll look at whether pumpkin spice whiskey exists, examples of popular pumpkin spice whiskeys, how they’re made, and tasting notes and reviews.
Does Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Exist?
The short answer is yes – pumpkin spice whiskey does exist from several producers. While not as ubiquitous as pumpkin spice lattes, there are a growing number of distillers releasing seasonal pumpkin spice flavored whiskeys. These are often released in the fall around September and October to align with the kickoff of pumpkin spice mania.
Some examples of pumpkin spice whiskeys on the market include:
Pumpkin Spice Whiskeys
| Whiskey Name | Distillery |
| Pumpkin Spice Flavored Whiskey | Ole Smoky |
| Pumpkin Spice Whiskey | High West |
| Fall Whiskey | Westland Distillery |
As you can see, there are a few pumpkin spice whiskey options to choose from by well-known distillers. While availability and offerings may vary year to year, you can typically find at least one pumpkin spice whiskey release in liquor stores during the fall months.
How is Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Made?
Pumpkin spice whiskey starts off like any other whiskey – distilled from grains like corn, rye or malted barley. The base spirit is then aged in charred oak barrels, which impart color and flavor. Once the desired aging is complete, the pumpkin spice flavoring and aromas are added.
There are a few different techniques used to achieve the pumpkin spice flavor profile:
Infusing
The whiskey can be infused with a blend of pumpkin spice ingredients like cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice berries during or after aging. The spices are steeped directly in the whiskey, allowing their flavors to fully permeate the spirit.
Adding Natural Flavorings
Some producers add proprietary natural flavorings that try to mimic pumpkin spice. This can include things like cinnamon extract, nutmeg oil, clove oleoresin, and combinations of pumpkin flavors.
Blending
Whiskey makers may blend the aged base spirit with a smaller percentage of a pumpkin spice flavored whiskey. The flavors marry together through this blending process.
The goal with any technique is to impart the characteristic warming, slightly sweet pumpkin spice flavors without overwhelming the underlying whiskey. When done right, you get a balanced, seasonal sipper.
Tasting Notes and Reviews
So what can you expect a pumpkin spice whiskey to taste like? Here are some common tasting notes and reviews on popular pumpkin spice whiskey releases:
Ole Smoky Pumpkin Spice Whiskey
| Whiskey Base | Grain Neutral Spirit |
| Age | Unspecified |
| ABV | 30% |
Ole Smoky’s pumpkin spice whiskey uses a grain neutral spirit base. Reviewers describe it as very sweet and candied on the nose. The taste features prominent cinnamon, clove, allspice, and vanilla. It’s extremely dessert-like and would pair well with actual pumpkin pie. As a lower proof whiskey, it has minimal heat on the finish. Overall it’s more like a pumpkin liqueur than a true whiskey.
High West Campfire Whiskey
| Whiskey Base | Blended Straight Bourbon & Rye |
| Age | 5-7 Years |
| ABV | 46% |
High West’s Campfire release uses a blend of straight rye and bourbon whiskeys aged 5-7 years. Fall batches feature pumpkin spice flavoring. It smells like a delicious pumpkin pie with orange, baking spices, and graham crackers. On the palate it’s creamy and sweet up front transitioning to rye spiciness. It finishes warm with a kiss of spice flavors. Overall it’s well-balanced and a nice autumnal sipper.
Westland Distillery Fall Whiskey
| Whiskey Base | Single Malt Whiskey |
| Age | 5 Years |
| ABV | 46% |
This single malt whiskey from Westland is aged 5 years before being infused with pumpkin spices. On the nose it features delicate baking spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The palate has pie crust, toasted nuts, vanilla, and gingerbread. It finishes spicy and moderately sweet. Reviewers note it’s a nicely balanced and flavorful pumpkin spice whiskey.
Cocktail Recipes
In addition to sipping it straight, pumpkin spice whiskey can be used to make delicious autumn-inspired cocktails. Here are two cocktail recipes that feature pumpkin spice whiskey:
Pumpkin Old Fashioned
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This autumn twist on a whiskey classic uses pumpkin spice whiskey as the base spirit. Maple syrup provides seasonal sweetness, while aromatic bitters and an orange twist balance the flavors.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
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If you like pumpkin pie, this cocktail is for you. Pumpkin spice whiskey is paired with coffee liqueur and cream, then shaken and strained into a glass rimmed with graham cracker crumbs. It’s a liquid pumpkin pie in a glass!
Where to Buy Pumpkin Spice Whiskey
Wondering where you can get your hands on pumpkin spice whiskey? Here are some places to look:
Liquor Stores
Check the whiskey aisle at local liquor stores during autumn months. Limited release seasonal products like pumpkin spice whiskey will be on shelves starting late summer through fall while supplies last.
Online Spirits Retailers
Many online liquor delivery services will carry pumpkin spice whiskey releases. This can be a great option if pumpkin spice whiskey is hard to find in your area. Make sure to order early, as availability is limited.
Distillery Gift Shops
Some distilleries that produce pumpkin spice whiskeys will sell them through their onsite gift shops. You may be able to find exclusive bottlings and limited releases. Visit during release season for the best selection.
Autumnal Events
Look for pumpkin spice whiskey at harvest festivals, holiday markets, and other autumnal events. Vendors and spirits brands often showcase their seasonal offerings.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice whiskey may sound gimmicky, but distillers are producing some tasty options each fall. Major brands like Ole Smoky, High West, and Westland Craft Whiskey release limited edition pumpkin spice whiskeys using various production techniques. On the palate, flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, vanilla and baking spices come through that would nicely complement pumpkin pie. Beyond just sipping it neat, pumpkin spice whiskey can be used in autumnal cocktails like a Pumpkin Old Fashioned or Pumpkin Pie Martini. While availability is limited, you can track down bottles at local liquor stores, online spirits retailers, distillery gift shops, and seasonal events. So embrace the pumpkin spice craze and get into the fall spirit with pumpkin spice flavored whiskey!