Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is a flavored whiskey liqueur made with real peanut butter. It was created by husband and wife duo Brittany and Steven Yeng in San Diego, California. Skrewball combines the flavors of premium whiskey and aromatic peanut butter to create a sweet and savory spirit.
The Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients in Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey are:
- Whiskey – The whiskey provides the base spirit for Skrewball. It is a blend of corn whiskey and rye whiskey.
- Peanut butter – Real peanut butter is used to provide the signature peanut butter flavor. It makes up about 10% of the total liquid.
- Sugar – Sugar is added to sweeten and balance the peanut butter flavor.
- Natural flavors – Other natural flavors are used to enhance the peanut butter taste.
The exact recipes and proportions of the ingredients are proprietary secrets held by the brand. However, we know peanut butter is central to the flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients.
Whiskey
The whiskey used in Skrewball is a blend of 70% corn whiskey and 30% rye whiskey. The corn whiskey provides a sweet, smooth base spirit. The rye whiskey adds spicy, peppery notes. Together, they create a rounded whiskey flavor profile.
Corn whiskey is made from at least 80% corn mash. It has a sweeter flavor compared to other whiskies due to the high corn content. Rye whiskey contains at least 51% rye grain in the mashbill. It has a spicier, drier taste from the rye.
The whiskey blend gives Skrewball a robust spirit base that complements the peanut butter. It provides spirit strength along with sweet and spicy whiskey flavors.
Wheated Bourbon vs Rye Whiskey
Some whiskey liqueurs use wheated bourbon rather than rye whiskey. Wheated bourbon contains wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. It has a softer, mellower flavor than rye.
Skrewball opts for a rye-heavy blend to give the whiskey base more bite. The spicy rye balances against the creamy peanut butter. It adds complexity and prevents the liqueur from being too one-dimensional.
Peanut Butter
Real peanut butter makes up about 10% of Skrewball by volume. Only high-quality, natural peanut butter is used. The brand does not disclose the exact type or origin of the peanuts.
The peanut butter delivers the namesake peanut flavor. Natural oils in the peanut butter also contribute to the whiskey’s viscosity and mouthfeel. The creamy nuttiness pairs beautifully with the blend of corn and rye whiskey.
Peanut Butter vs Peanut Flavoring
Many flavored spirits use artificial flavorings to achieve the desired taste. Skrewball sets itself apart by using real peanut butter made from roasted peanuts.
The natural peanut butter offers a richer, more authentic peanut flavor. Artificial peanut flavor can sometimes have bitter, chemical notes. Real peanut butter gives Skrewball a smooth nutty taste true to the source.
Sugar
Sugar is added to sweeten Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey. The exact type and amount of sugar are proprietary secrets. It likely includes white cane sugar or other neutral sugars.
The sugar balances the liquor’s peanut flavor. It makes the peanut butter taste seem less overpowering. Just the right amount of sugar rounds out the flavor profile.
Too much sugar would make Skrewball overly sweet and candy-like. The sugar content is carefully calibrated to complement the peanut butter whiskey blend.
Cocktail Sugar Syrup vs Granulated Sugar
Some whiskey liqueurs use simple syrup or cocktail sugar syrup to sweeten the liquor. The syrup dissolves evenly to sweeten the profile. Granulated cane sugar must be stirred or shaken vigorously to integrate the sweetness.
Skrewball’s production method allows the granulated sugar to fully dissolve into the liqueur. This avoids the need for sugar syrup and streamlines the ingredient list.
Natural Flavors
In addition to peanut butter and sugar, Skrewball includes “natural flavors” on its ingredient list. These proprietary natural flavors enhance the peanut taste.
The flavorings likely contain extracts of peanuts and peanut oils. Extracts made from roasted peanuts could boost nutty, toasted flavors. Peanut oil extracts would add creamy peanut essence.
The natural flavors are tailored to accentuate the distinctive peanut butter profile. They work synergistically with the real peanut butter to optimize the flavor.
The Proof and ABV of Skrewball
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 35% (70 proof). This is a relatively standard proof for flavored liqueurs.
A higher ABV would make the whiskey too “hot” and aggressive. The 35% ABV provides a balance between the spirit strength and rich peanut butter taste.
The 70 proof also makes Skrewball very mixable in cocktails. It blends smoothly without overpowering other ingredients.
Skrewball vs Traditional Whiskey Proof
Traditional straight rye and bourbon whiskies usually range from 80 to 100 proof. Corn whiskey is bottled around 80 proof. Skrewball’s lower 70 proof makes it more approachable as a flavored whiskey liqueur.
The proof is dialed down to allow the peanut butter flavor to shine. A higher alcohol content would overwhelm the delicate peanut taste.
How Skrewball is Made
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey begins with a blend of corn and rye whiskey as the base spirit. The whiskeys are likely distilled and aged before blending.
Real creamy peanut butter and sugar are added to the whiskey blend. The exact technique for integrating the peanut butter is unknown, but likely involves thorough mixing and dissolution.
Additional proprietary natural flavors are also blended in to enhance the peanut profile. Everything is carefully measured to achieve the target 35% ABV.
The resulting liqueur is filtered to remove any particles. It’s then bottled in Skrewball’s signature bottles with a distinguishing peanut butter-colored hue.
Flavored During Distillation vs After
Some flavored spirits introduce flavors during the fermentation or distillation process. Skrewball appears to rely on infusing the flavors after distillation.
Adding the peanut butter post-distillation avoids altering the base whiskey’s flavor. It also allows precise control over the peanut flavor profile.
Skrewball Nutrition Facts
As a 70 proof liqueur, Skrewball has around 105 calories per 1.5 ounce serving. It contains negligible amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Being distilled from grain, Skrewball would not contain gluten. The peanut butter may introduce minimal amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
Ultimately, the calories in Skrewball come predominantly from the alcohol itself. Any nutrition from the peanut butter is trivial compared to the alcohol and sugar content.
Less Sugar than Flavored Vodka
Many flavored vodkas have 200 calories or more per serving. The sugar content can range up to 10 grams per serving.
Skrewball manages to keep the sugar content relatively low for a flavored spirit. This reduces the calorie count compared to sugar-heavy flavored vodkas.
Cocktails Made with Skrewball
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey shines when used to make delicious cocktails and shots. Here are some popular Skrewball cocktail recipes:
Peanut Butter and Jelly
- 1.5 oz Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
- 1.5 oz fruit-flavored vodka
- 2 oz lemonade
Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass to make a PB&J in drink form.
Peanut Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
- 2 dashes bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- Orange twist
Muddle the sugar cube and bitters, add ice and Skrewball, garnish with an orange twist.
Fluffernutter Martini
- 1.5 oz Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
- 1.5 oz vodka
- .5 oz Frangelico
- .25 oz cream
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
The versatility of Skrewball makes it perfect for reinventing classic cocktails or creating new peanut butter treats.
Where to Buy Skrewball
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is sold at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants in the United States and several international markets. It retails for around $25-35 per 750ml bottle.
Skrewball has spread to many regions since its launch. Here are some places you can find it:
| Country | States/Provinces |
|---|---|
| United States | Sold in most states across the country |
| Canada | Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan |
| Australia | New South Wales, Queensland |
| Europe | Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain |
Check your local liquor store or search online to find Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey near you. Many stores with robust whiskey selections will carry it.
You can also order Skrewball from online liquor delivery services like Drizly or Minibar Delivery. This is a convenient way to get bottles shipped straight to your door.
Tasting Notes and Reviews
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey makes quite an impression with its indulgent peanut butter flavor. Here are some tasting notes and reviews:
Color
Skrewball has a warm amber color reminiscent of natural peanut butter. The hue comes from the whiskey as well as likely caramel coloring.
Aroma
The aroma is predominantly roasted peanuts and rich peanut butter. Sweet vanillas tones blend with nutty, savory peanut scents.
Flavor
The flavor leads with sweet, creamy natural peanut butter. It transitions into the vanilla and oak notes of the blended whiskey. The finish has traces of spice and heat from the rye.
Mouthfeel
Skrewball has a slightly oily, velvety texture on the tongue from the peanut oils. The body is medium-weight and coating.
Overall Impressions
“It tastes like an elevated peanut butter cup in liquid form.”
“The peanut flavor is rich and addicting but well-balanced by the blended whiskey.”
“A fun, accessible spirit for peanut butter lovers. Tastes great as a shot or in cocktails.”
FAQs
Does Skrewball contain any gluten, dairy, or allergens?
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey is gluten-free and does not contain any dairy. However, it’s not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy due to the presence of real peanut butter.
What is the alcohol content of Skrewball?
Skrewball has an ABV of 35% (70 proof). This makes it less alcoholic than most straight whiskeys but allows the peanut butter flavor to take center stage.
What foods and flavors pair well with Skrewball?
Skrewball makes a great pair for peanut butter treats like Buckeyes and peanut butter cups. It also complements chocolate, bananas, vanilla, coffee, and fruits like strawberries.
Is Skrewball considered vegan?
No, Skrewball contains dairy ingredients and is not considered vegan or vegan-friendly.
Where is Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey made?
Skrewball is produced in San Diego, California by the husband and wife founders Steven and Brittany Yeng.
Conclusion
With its sweet and savory peanut butter flavor, Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey has carved out a niche in the flavored spirit world. It expertly blends real peanut butter with a smooth blend of corn and rye whiskey.
The ingredients create an indulgent peanut butter treat for adults. Skrewball can be sipped on its own or bring nutty flavors to cocktails. Thanks to its mixability and accessibility, Skrewball has become a breakout hit.
So next time you crave the taste of peanut butter, reach for a bottle of Skrewball and enjoy peanutty deliciousness in whiskey form.
