Yes, there are a few different whiskeys that are flavored with or infused with maple syrup. Maple syrup whiskey is a relatively new category of flavored whiskey that has become more popular in recent years as distillers experiment with new flavors.
What is maple syrup whiskey?
Maple syrup whiskey is exactly what it sounds like – whiskey that has been infused with maple syrup or maple syrup flavors. The maple syrup provides a sweetness and maple taste that complements the spice and heat from the whiskey.
There are a few different ways that maple syrup flavor can be added to whiskey:
- The whiskey can be infused with real maple syrup during the distilling process. This allows the maple flavor to permeate the entire whiskey.
- Maple syrup or maple sugar can be added to the whiskey after distilling. The whiskey is then aged in barrels with the maple syrup or sugar to infuse the flavor.
- Maple syrup extracts or natural maple flavors can be added to the whiskey as a finishing step before bottling.
No matter the exact process, the result is a whiskey with pronounced sweet, rich maple characteristics balanced by the spice and vanilla notes of the whiskey.
Popular maple syrup whiskey brands
Here are some of the most popular and widely available maple syrup whiskey brands on the market today:
Tap 357 Maple Rye Whiskey
Tap 357 is made in New York by the American Whiskey Distillery. It starts with a rye whiskey base spirit that is then infused with maple syrup from New York and Vermont. It has robust maple flavors along with rye spiciness and a hint of vanilla oak.
Crown Royal Maple Finished Whiskey
Crown Royal is a well-known Canadian whiskey brand that makes this maple flavored whiskey. They start with traditional Crown Royal Canadian whiskey and then finish it in barrels infused with maple-toasted oak for a smooth, sweet maple flavor.
Revel Stoke Maple Whiskey
Revel Stoke is a maple rye whiskey produced in Oregon. It’s made by infusing column distilled rye whiskey with maple wood smoke for a peaty, smoky maple profile.
Vermont Gold Maple Syrup Whiskey
From Vermont Spirits distillery, this whiskey is made using 100% maple syrup from Vermont. It has a very prominent maple flavor profile since real maple syrup is used rather than extracts or infusions.
Other flavored maple whiskey options
In addition to the above widely distributed maple whiskey brands, there are many other small batch and local whiskey producers experimenting with maple flavors. Here are a few other flavored maple whiskey options you may come across:
- Woodinville Whiskey Co. Maple Cask Finished Bourbon
- Catskill Distilling Company Most Righteous Maple Bourbon Whiskey
- Hillrock Estate Distillery Solera Aged Maple Bourbon
- Devils River Maple Whiskey
- Cedar Ridge Maple Cask Finished Bourbon
How is maple syrup whiskey made?
Maple syrup whiskey can be made a few different ways depending on the distillery and brand. Here are some of the most common production methods:
Infusion Method
With the infusion method, the base whiskey spirit is first distilled normally without maple flavors. Then, maple syrup, maple sugar, or maple wood chips are added to the whiskey and allowed to infuse for a period of time. This could be for just a few days or up to several weeks. The maple is usually added after aging but before final bottling.
Finishing Method
The finishing method involves taking fully aged whiskey and transferring it into barrels that have been toasted or charred with maple wood. The whiskey picks up subtle maple notes as it finishes aging in the maple barrels, usually for 3-6 months.
Distilling with Maple Syrup
Some distillers make maple whiskey by including real maple syrup or maple sugar during the initial fermentation and distilling process. The maple syrup gets fermented along with the grain mash and the maple flavors get embedded into the distillate.
Adding Maple Flavoring
Finally, some mass produced maple flavored whiskeys use artificial or natural maple extracts that are added just prior to bottling. This produces a whiskey with maple characteristics without needing real maple products.
What does maple syrup whiskey taste like?
When tasting maple syrup flavored whiskey, the most prominent flavors are sweet maple syrup, cinnamon and baking spices. Underneath you may get vanilla, caramel, roasted nuts, and toasted wood depending on the whiskey base. It is sweet upfront like pancake syrup, while retaining the warmth and kick of whiskey.
Compared to regular whiskey, maple syrup whiskey will have more sweetness and maple aroma. The maple balances out the spiciness from the rye or bourbon. It makes the whiskey slightly thicker and syrupy on the tongue.
Overall, the flavors profile combines the best of maple syrup’s rich sweetness with whiskey’s complex blend of spice, wood and vanilla. This makes it ideal for sipping on its own or using in whiskey cocktails.
How to drink and mix with maple syrup whiskey
Maple whiskey is quite versatile when it comes to cocktails. The inherent maple sweetness lends itself well to mixing and rounding out whiskey cocktails. Here are some ways to drink and mix with maple syrup flavored whiskey:
On the Rocks or Neat
Like other quality whiskeys, maple syrup whiskey can be enjoyed simply poured over ice or served neat in a Glencairn glass. This allows you to savor the full maple aroma and get a sense of the layered flavors.
Maple Old Fashioned
A maple old fashioned is made by stirring maple syrup whiskey with bitters and maple syrup. It’s a simple classic cocktail highlighted by the maple flavors.
Maple Manhattan
Substitute maple whiskey for regular whiskey when making a Manhattan. Combine it with sweet vermouth and bitters for an upscale maple-laced cocktail.
Maple Sazerac
Make this whiskey cocktail by substituting maple whiskey in place of rye or bourbon. Mix with absinthe, simple syrup and bitters.
Maple Whiskey Sour
The basic whiskey sour formula of whiskey, lemon juice and sugar gets a maple twist by using maple whiskey as the base spirit.
Cold Weather Cocktails
Maple whiskey really shines in cold weather cocktails like maple toddies and hot buttered maple rum. It brings warming maple flavor with the kick of whiskey.
Where to buy maple syrup whiskey
Maple syrup whiskey can be purchased at many liquor stores or ordered online. Here are some places you can buy it:
- Large liquor store chains like BevMo, TotalWine, etc.
- Independent liquor stores, especially ones with extensive whiskey selections
- Directly from distillery websites for limited releases
- Online sites like Drizly, ReserveBar, or Flaviar
- Some grocery stores, department stores or duty-free shops
Availability will vary greatly by location. More limited batch maple whiskeys may only be found in the distillery’s home region or online. The major national brands like Tap 357 and Crown Royal Maple can be found in most states.
Is maple syrup whiskey gluten free?
Most maple syrup flavored whiskeys are gluten free. Whiskey that is distilled from grains like rye, corn, wheat or barley is inherently gluten free. The distillation process removes the gluten proteins from the grain mash.
Adding maple syrup or maple flavors after distillation will not affect the gluten free status. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Some whiskey is aged in barrels sealed with wheat paste. This could potentially contaminate it with trace gluten. However major whiskey brands use gluten-free methods.
- Flavored whiskeys use very small amounts of flavorings, so even if the added maple flavoring has gluten it is unlikely to be an issue.
- Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still check with the specific brand if concerned.
In summary, the major maple syrup whiskey brands are considered gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten. But individuals with celiac disease should still exercise caution and check labels.
Does maple syrup whiskey expire?
Like regular whiskey, maple syrup flavored whiskey has an very long shelf life when stored properly in an unopened bottle. The average shelf life is:
- Unopened – At least 10-20 years if stored in cool, dark place away from temperature fluctuations.
- Opened – 2 to 5 years generally. Keep away from heat and light once opened.
The maple syrup may cause maple syrup whiskey to have a slightly shorter shelf life compared to non-flavored whiskey. But this difference is negligible, especially for an unopened bottle stored properly.
Over a very long time, the whiskey may gradually lose some flavor, aroma and color. But it would still be safe to consume decades past the bottling date as long as it is sealed.
Once opened, oxygen causes the flavors to fade faster, so try to use within a couple years. Keep watching for any changes in taste or texture. As long as it has been stored well and tastes normal, old maple whiskey is perfectly safe to enjoy.
Is maple syrup whiskey keto friendly?
Maple syrup whiskey can fit into a keto diet when consumed in moderation. The key factors:
- Whiskey itself is zero carb and sugar free. Pure whiskey does not contain any sugar or carbs.
- Maple syrup flavoring has minimal sugars due to very small amounts used.
- A 1.5 oz serving of maple whiskey is around 5g carbs. This fits into daily carb limits.
- Drinking more than 1-2 servings may push carbs above keto targets.
Here are some tips for drinking maple whiskey on keto:
- Stick to 1-2 servings max per day. Measure out 1.5oz carefully.
- Be careful with cocktail mixes, which may have added sugars. Stick to low carb mixers.
- Avoid flavored maple whiskey with added sugars or honey.
- Consider lower carb straight bourbon or rye whiskeys for daily drinking.
Overall, maple whiskey can be enjoyed occasionally by keto dieters who account for the small amounts of carbs. Just be mindful of serving sizes and mixers.
Conclusion
Maple syrup whiskey delivers the sweet, rich flavors of maple combined with classic whiskey notes. A growing number of distillers now offer maple infused or flavored bourbons, ryes and Canadian whiskeys. These provide a tasty twist for fans of flavored whiskey and maple liqueurs.
Maple whiskey can be served neat, on the rocks or mixed into a range of cocktails. It provides a sweetness that works well in whiskey drinks. While availability may still be limited, the popularity of maple whiskey brands seems likely to continue expanding.