From wood type to char level, the barrel has always played an important role in a whiskey’s flavor. Lately, there’s been a rise of brands using toasted barrels to finish their whiskeys. One of the latest being Buzzard’s Roost Toasted Rye blended by Louisville’s Jason Brauner.

American Light Whiskey is a category that has been said to have “saved bourbon”. This obscure classification was created in response to the trends and palate preferences of the 1970s when lighter spirits like gin and vodka proved popular. Enter New Basin Distilling, and their 13-year-old Single Barrel American Light from Madgras, Oregon.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. of Nashville, Indiana tells BourbonBlog.com they have released a new addition to their America’s Original Barrel Smoked Whiskey line: Sipes’ Barrel Smoked Straight Bourbon Whiskey.