Holiday 2021 Shopping Lists, the Bourbons: Smoke Wagon Uncut & Unfiltered

We’re into the heart of our Christmas shopping lists, with bourbon getting the next week. Again, I’ve tried to compile a list of bottles that most people stand a chance of finding, because any moron can tell you that Pappy 15 is a good bourbon and a good bottle to gift. So, while maybe 1 or 2 of these bottles are ghosts in your area, it’s my hope that most are within your grasp. Again, I’m trying to keep everything at $100 or below, but a few of these might tip the far end of the scales.

First up, SW Uncut Unfiltered, which for my money is my favorite MGP bourbon I’ve tried. There’s a ton of variance between batches, as @aaron_from_nvdistilling has repeatedly stated he aims for best-possible quality for each batch, and is willing to sacrifice predictable flavor profile to achieve that. However, what is reliable is the tastiness of this bottle. I’ve got the Batch 76, which was a bonanza of barrel flavors, black pepper, tobacco, rye spice, and a meaty umami vibe that somewhat approached Islay scotch territory. It also drank friendlier than its 115 proof would suggest. At approximately $70 American dollars SRP, you’re squarely in the middle of premium-tier bourbon pricing.

While most of us whiskey nerds care far more for contents over bottling, it has to be said this is a pretty stunning package if you’re aiming for some pizzazz in a potential gift. More than one Smoke Wagon bottle has enjoyed a second career as a limoncello bottle in my family.

So, if you want a bit of a wildcard with the fundamentals to back up the flash, might I offer Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered for your gifting consideration.

Image courtesy of Jon who also writes on Low Class & High Proof.

Low Class & High Proof

I learned how to make cocktails watching Danger 5