Who Makes American Honey? How Good Are They?

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Editorial Team

American Honey is a popular flavored whiskey known for its smoothness and distinct honey flavor. But who exactly makes this delicious spirit? American Honey is proudly produced by Wild Turkey, a well-established distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. With a rich history in distilling, Wild Turkey has been crafting high-quality spirits since 1891.

As one of the leading American Honey producers, Wild Turkey is owned by the Campari Group and has been making American Honey since 1976. Their expertise in blending bourbon and honey results in a truly exceptional flavor profile. It’s no wonder why American Honey has become a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.

When it comes to American Honey brands and manufacturers, Wild Turkey is a name you can trust. Their commitment to using the finest ingredients and traditional distilling methods shines through in every sip.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wild Turkey is the distillery behind American Honey, a renowned flavored whiskey.
  • They have been producing American Honey since 1976, using a blend of bourbon and honey.
  • As a part of the Campari Group, Wild Turkey is one of the leading American Honey manufacturers.
  • American Honey is known for its smoothness, distinct honey flavor, and affordable price.
  • Wild Turkey’s expertise in distilling ensures a high-quality and enjoyable drinking experience.

The History of Wild Turkey’s American Honey

The history of American Honey can be traced back to 1976 when Wild Turkey, a renowned distillery with a rich heritage, introduced a bourbon-based honey liqueur. As one of the pioneers in the flavored whiskey category, American Honey quickly captured the attention of whiskey enthusiasts with its unique combination of bourbon and honey flavors.

Originally known as a bourbon-based honey liqueur, American Honey underwent a rebranding in 2006 and adopted its current name. This rebranding brought along a new bottle design, giving the product a fresh and modern look.

Wild Turkey, the distillery behind American Honey, has a long history that dates back to 1891 when it was founded as the Old Hickory Distillery by Thomas Ripy. Over the years, the distillery changed hands and underwent various ownership changes before being acquired by Austin Nichols & Company in 1971. This acquisition led to the distillery being renamed Wild Turkey Distillery, a name that has become synonymous with quality spirits.

Today, Wild Turkey is owned by the Campari Group, a leading global spirits company. The Campari Group’s commitment to producing exceptional spirits is evident in every bottle of American Honey.

The Campari Group’s acquisition of Wild Turkey ensured the continuation of the American Honey legacy. The distillery, nestled in the heart of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, remains dedicated to crafting high-quality spirits that captivate the palates of whiskey enthusiasts around the world.

The rich history of Wild Turkey’s American Honey makes it a standout in the world of flavored whiskeys. Its roots as a bourbon-based honey liqueur, along with the expertise of the Campari Group and the traditional distilling methods of Wild Turkey, contribute to the exceptional quality and distinct flavor profile of American Honey.

Tasting Notes and Usage of Wild Turkey American Honey

When it comes to Wild Turkey American Honey, prepare yourself for a sensory delight. With its bright yellow gold color and irresistible aroma, this flavored whiskey is sure to captivate your taste buds. Let’s dive into the tasting notes and explore how this versatile spirit can be enjoyed in various ways.

Tasting Notes

As soon as you take a sip of Wild Turkey American Honey, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful medley of flavors. The nose is filled with the captivating scents of honey, lemon zest, allspice, and soft polished oak. These harmonious aromas set the stage for a delightful tasting experience.

On the palate, American Honey reveals its true essence. The initial taste is wonderfully round, full, and sweet, with prominent notes of honey and refreshing lemon. As the flavors dance on your tongue, you may detect a subtle bite of oak that lingers on your gums and inner lips.

The mouthfeel is a true indulgence, offering a rich and full-bodied texture reminiscent of spiced cookies. It’s a satisfying experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The finish is surprisingly long and memorable. As the whiskey fades, you’ll discover hints of toast and light smoke, while the delightful tang of honey continues to linger. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Usage and Pairings

Wild Turkey American Honey is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its unique flavor profile makes it perfect for creating delicious cocktails with a touch of sweetness.

Try incorporating American Honey into citrus-influenced cocktails for a burst of vibrant flavors. It pairs exceptionally well with mixers like ginger beer or peach juice, adding a delightful twist to classic recipes.

Not just limited to cocktails, American Honey can also enhance your culinary adventures. Use it as a glaze when barbecuing chicken or ribs for a delectable and slightly sweet smoky flavor. For a unique dessert experience, drizzle American Honey over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or incorporate it into creative cocktails like the famous “green juice” cocktail found at a Las Vegas resort.

Wild Turkey American Honey is truly a spirit that knows no boundaries. Its versatility allows for endless possibilities, whether you’re sipping it on its own, using it as the star ingredient in cocktails, or incorporating it into your culinary creations.

Tasting Notes Usage & Pairings
Color: Bright yellow gold Citrus-influenced cocktails
Nose: Honey, lemon zest, allspice, soft polished oak Mixers like ginger beer or peach juice
Palate: Round, full, and sweet with pronounced notes of honey and lemon Barbecuing chicken or ribs as a glaze
Mouthfeel: Rich, full-bodied, reminiscent of spiced cookies Poured over ice cream or incorporated into unique cocktails
Finish: Long, fading into toast and light smoke with a tang of honey Creative cocktails like the “green juice” cocktail

Wild Turkey American Honey bottle

Packaging and Variants of Wild Turkey American Honey

Wild Turkey American Honey stands out not only for its exceptional flavor but also for its visually appealing packaging. The American Honey comes in a square-shaped glass bottle with faceted edges, exuding an art-deco charm. The bottle prominently features the Wild Turkey brand name on a transparent label, allowing the rich amber color of the whiskey to shine through. On the back label, you’ll find the distinctive outline of a turkey, symbolizing the heritage and craftsmanship associated with Wild Turkey.

While the original American Honey is immensely popular, Wild Turkey has also introduced a tantalizing variant called American Honey Sting. This honey-infused liqueur takes the sweetness to a new level by incorporating the fiery kick of ghost peppers, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and spice. Unfortunately, American Honey Sting can be elusive to find in the market, adding to its allure and desirability.

American Honey packaging

Both variants of American Honey, the original and American Honey Sting, are known for their rich, sweet flavors that provide a unique honey-infused experience. Whether you prefer the smoothness of the original blend or the boldness of American Honey Sting, each sip promises a delightful combination of honey and whiskey that captures the essence of Wild Turkey’s craftsmanship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wild Turkey American Honey is a well-made flavored bourbon that has garnered widespread popularity in the market. With its distinct honey overtones and smoothness, it offers a unique flavor experience for whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. Produced by the renowned distillery, Wild Turkey, which is owned by the Campari Group, American Honey lives up to its reputation for quality.

While some bourbon purists may prefer the complexity found in traditional bourbons, American Honey’s sweetness and approachability have earned it a dedicated following. Whether enjoyed neat or used as an ingredient in citrus-influenced cocktails, American Honey showcases its versatile nature.

With its visually appealing packaging and the availability of variants like American Honey Sting, which adds a spicy kick, Wild Turkey American Honey caters to a wide range of palates. Its smoothness, combined with the signature honey flavor, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a flavored bourbon that stands out.

In short, if you’re looking for a well-crafted flavored bourbon that offers a distinct honey profile, Wild Turkey American Honey is definitely worth adding to your liquor cabinet. Its popularity, unique taste, and versatility make it a standout choice for both casual drinkers and bourbon connoisseurs alike.

FAQ

Who makes American Honey?

American Honey is made by Wild Turkey, a distillery located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

What is American Honey known for?

American Honey is known for its smoothness and distinct honey flavor.

Who owns Wild Turkey distillery?

Wild Turkey is owned by the Campari Group.

When was American Honey first produced?

American Honey has been produced since 1976.

What is American Honey made from?

American Honey is made using a blend of bourbon and honey.

What awards has American Honey received?

American Honey has received accolades, including a Double Gold award at the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition.

Is American Honey considered a quality flavored whiskey?

Yes, American Honey is considered one of the first quality flavored whiskeys on the market.

How is American Honey packaged?

American Honey is packaged in a visually appealing square-shaped glass bottle with faceted edges.

Are there any variants of American Honey?

Yes, Wild Turkey also offers a variant called American Honey Sting which is made with ghost peppers for a spicy kick.

How can American Honey be enjoyed?

American Honey can be enjoyed in citrus-influenced cocktails, paired with mixers like ginger beer or peach juice, used as a glaze when barbecuing, poured over ice cream, or incorporated into unique cocktails.