The combination of whiskey and peanut butter tastes like drinking a boozy dessert. It's certainly sweeter than the traditional product, putting off some discerned whiskey drinkers. Beginners, though, tend to appreciate the delicate sweetness of this type of liquor.
In recent years, many distilleries have come up with their own take on the trendy whiskey flavor. Some sweeter, some richer, and others slightly salty. But with such a selection, how do you know which one to try?
We tested the best options on the market, looking for flavor, sweetness, richness, and overall quality to help you find the best peanut butter whiskey brands to try in 2023.
1. Skrewball - The Top Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $25
- Produced by: Skrewball
- Nose: Peanut butter, cream, popcorn
- Taste: Sweet, natural peanut flavor
- Rating: ★★★★
Brand
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey was the brand that kickstarted the whole peanut butter whiskey movement. Invented by Steven & Brittany Yeng, the idea of marrying one of America's favorite flavors with whiskey was born at their restaurant in Oceanbeach, California. The best-selling cocktail back then was a drink that brought smooth whiskey together with the sweet and creamy taste of peanut butter.
Today, Skrewball is not only the original peanut butter whiskey but also the best-selling brand on the market. Unlike many other products in this category, Skrewball uses genuine peanuts during production, which ultimately shows in the aroma and taste of the final product.
Taste Review
The nose is relatively sugary and combines flavors like peanut butter, cream, and popcorn in an overall sweet and buttery aroma. On the palate, you're greeted by a velvety texture, and strong and sweet peanut butter note, boasting a wonderful and natural nutty peanut flavor.
Best for
This one is best served neat or on the rocks to not hide its delicate flavor.
2. Ole Smoky - Best Low Proof Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 30%
- Price: $17.50
- Produced by: Ole Smoky
- Nose: Sweetness, vanilla, peanuts
- Taste: Smooth vanilla and peanut flavor
- Rating: ★★★
Brand
Ole Smoky is most famous for its Moonshine, but lately, the distillery from Tennessee started offering a large selection of flavored Whiskeys; -And one of them is flavored with peanut butter.
The corn whiskey base matures for two years in wooden barrels. This sweetness works perfectly and leads to a whiskey that tastes like peanut butter cookies or shortbreads.
Taste Review
Overall, Ole Smoky peanut butter whiskey is super smooth on the palate, with strong notes of peanut and vanilla. You can also taste some oaky notes from the barrel and even hints of licorice.
Best for
It's best served on the rocks to help the spirit show its beautiful flavors without being overpowered by other ingredients.
3. Shepherd’s P’Nutty Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $20
- Produced by: K.D. Distilling Co
- Nose:
- Taste:
- Rating: ★★★
Brand
When you want a sweeter and more mellow whiskey with a nuanced peanut butter flavor, this one might be for you. K.D. Distilling did a great job crafting a delightfully flavored whiskey that brings back childhood memories.
K.D. Distilling belongs to Buffalo Trace, which presents a unique take on the popular peanut butter whiskey trend. In total, Buffalo Trace offers three distinct varieties of Peanut Butter Whiskeys on the market - Sheep Dog, Rams Point, and Shepherd’s P’Nutty.
Taste review
In my opinion, each of the three serves a distinctive audience. Yet, overall, Shepherd's P'Nutty is the star of the show with its well-balanced blend of peanut and caramel flavors that doesn't overpower your palate. The nose is also well-balanced with vanilla, caramel, and distinct PB notes.
Best For
It's best mixed in a sweet cocktail paired with raspberry liqueur or served over ice.
4. Bird Dog - Top High Proof Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 40%
- Price: $19
- Produced by: Bird Dog
- Nose: Caramel, peanuts
- Taste: Sweet peanut butter, oak, boozy
- Rating: ★★★
Brand
Bird Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey is deliciously creamy and smooth, with a base of Bourbon distilled from corn, barley, and rye. After aging in white oak barrels, the whiskey is infused with peanuts and other flavorings to achieve the iconic taste with hints of cream, toffee, and roasted peanuts.
But what truly sets Bird Dog's Whiskey apart is its 40% ABV - higher than most other peanut butter whiskeys, which usually range between 30% and 35% ABV.
Taste Review
As a result, this bottle is slightly stronger with more burn than its competitors, and it also brings the product closer to authentic whiskey - a big plus for experienced whiskey drinkers. The nose is bold with hints of caramel sweetness and distinct peanut notes.
On the palate, it maintains the sweet and sugary notes of peanut butter whiskey taste you are after.
Best for
Sip it neat or add ice, should it be too sweet for your palate. The ice will slightly mute the flavors overall and make them more approachable. It's also the best option to make classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned.
5. Hard Truth Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $29
- Produced by: Hard Truth Distilling
- Nose: Nutty, sweet, hints of oak
- Taste: Sweet and salty, roasted peanuts, honey
- Rating: ★★★
Brand
The dark golden-colored whiskey from Hard Truth is made from a quality straight Bourbon. The refined base also shows in the flavor of the final liquor. The aromas of Hard Truth's PB Whiskey include wooden notes of oak combined with rich and sweet scents of heavy cream and caramel.
Taste Review
After sipping, I got an interesting mix of sweet and salty flavors alongside intense notes of roasted peanuts and honey. Then, the omnipresent creamy, nutty, and oaky flavors pop up, combined with a distinctive salty note. This beautiful change in flavor from sweet to salty enhances the peanut butter character.
This whiskey has a relatively dark color and mature flavor that makes this product stand out from other peanut butter-flavored whiskeys.
Best for
Serve it on the rocks or incorporate its sweet and salty flavor in a cocktail.
6. Two Trees Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $20
- Produced by: Two Trees Distillery
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, brown sugar
- Taste: Dry, oaky, sweet caramel, peanuts
- Rating: ★★★
Brand
Like Ole Smokey, Two Trees produces a variety of flavored whiskeys. They have nine different flavors, and Peanut Butter Whiskey is one of them.
What sets Two Trees apart is its innovative process when it comes to actual production. Instead of aging their Whiskeys in wooden barrels, they mimic the process in just one day with artificial aging.
Taste Review
That produces a dry and mature whiskey with notes of vanilla, oak, peanut butter, brown sugar, and caramel. Furthermore, they don't distill their whiskey themselves but only toast and char wood which they then use for treating the spirit.
The resulting product is more on the dry and mature side. -More like a whiskey with notes of peanut butter than a peanut butter whiskey liqueur.
You can taste classic aromas like vanilla and oak, but you also get sweetness from peanut butter, brown sugar, and caramel.
Best for
Drink it neat or mix it in a cocktail.
7. Barrel & Banter Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $20
- Produced by: Barrel & Banter
- Nose: Grainy, okay, peanut butter
- Taste: Sweet, caramel, vanilla, and toasted peanuts
- Rating: ★★
Brand
The taste of this peanut whiskey has a more pronounced whiskey note and is significantly less sweet compared to other products in this category. There's still sweetness on the front with nutty and creamy vanilla notes. But overall, it has far more traditional oaky notes than other peanut-flavored whiskeys.
Taste Review
If your palate is well-trained for whiskey tastings, you can notice a unique flavor from the grains used to make the base whiskey. Barrel & Banter prides itself on using local grains only - for this expression, but also their other products.
The aroma is grainy and oaky, with distinct peanut butter butter notes. The palate is well-balanced yet sweet, with caramel flavors and hints of vanilla and toasted peanuts.
Best for
It is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. That way, you can taste the different flavors and enjoy the smoothness of this sip. However, the discernible whiskey note also makes it an ideal choice for a cocktail. Try it in combination with fruity liqueurs for some excellent summer drinks.
8. PB&W Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $25
- Produced by: Old Elk Distilling
- Nose: Roasted peanut, vanilla, caramel
- Taste: Syrupy, nutty, caramel, peanut butter
- Rating: ★★
Brand
PB&W Peanut Butter Whiskey is one of the early competitors of Skrewball. It's produced by Old Elk Distillery in Fort Springs, Colorado. Interestingly, one of the few brands in this category that does not rely on animal-related branding.
According to the brand, the base whiskey used for making PB&W is a premium blend. Unfortunately, they don't provide further information. Still, the quality shows when tasting PB&W.
Taste Review
In the nose, the aroma of PB&W is a complex mix of roasted peanuts, vanilla, caramel, and some sweet whiskey notes. On the palate, I quickly realized the thick and syrupy texture and its nutty flavor. Tastewise, has the typical caramel and vanilla notes, an intense salted peanut butter flavor, and even hints of apples.
Best for
This one is best when served in mixed drinks or on the rocks.
9. Rams Point Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $15
- Produced by: Sazerac
- Nose: Vanilla, marmalade, butterscotch
- Taste: Honey, peanut butter, butterscotch
- Rating: ★★
Brand
Rams Point is the entry-level product from Buffalo Trace. It sells at only $15 a bottle, which makes it one of the most affordable options for peanut butter-flavored whiskeys.
Taste Review
Tastewise, Rams Point can't compete with leading brands like Skrewball or Bird Dog, but that is also not the intention.
Compared to other low-budget options, like Sheep Dog, it offers a slightly more complex flavor profile. The nose offers some classic vanilla, peanut, and butterscotch notes, but also some more uncommon ones like honey and orange marmalade.
Best for
It is an excellent budget-friendly alternative if you don't want to spend big bucks but still want to indulge in luscious whiskey flavored with peanut butter. I prefer to serve it over ice. However, it also works great in a sweet cocktail or shots.
10. SQRRL Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $17
- Produced by: Beam Suntory
- Nose: Sweet, whiskey, roasted nuts
- Taste: Butterscotch, nuts, chocolate, caramel
- Rating: ★★
Brand
SQRRL is a product of Suntory Beam, not only famous for Japanese whiskey brands but also the Jim Beam brand. With this much expertise, it is no surprise that they also nailed making peanut whiskey.
The amber-colored peanut butter spirit produced in Illinois is less sweet than most alternatives and has a more complex flavor.
Taste Review
The aroma of SQRRL is sweet, including hints of whiskey and the sweet scent of roasted peanuts. On the palate, It has a pleasant balance of classic whiskey taste paired with the savor of peanut butter, complemented by notes of nutty flavors from roasted peanuts, butterscotch, and chocolate.
Best for
This melange of flavors reminds me of peanut butter cup, making it an ideal serve instead of dessert. Alternatively, you can also use it as an ingredient in a creative cocktail.
11. Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $15
- Produced by: Sazerac
- Nose: Sweet, peanuts, caramel, hints of paper
- Taste: Slightly salty, peanut butter, spice, and sweet caramel
- Rating: ★★
Brand
Sheep Dog is owned and produced by Sazerac. Of all the products on our list, I found Sheep Dog the most savory. It still has enough sweetness to it, just like the other brands. Yet, the flavor and balance of sweet and savory are slightly better.
Taste Review
A touch of salt and peppery notes make it a great option for everyone who isn't a fan of overly sweet-flavored whiskies. You even get a hint of classic whiskey notes in the spirit. Nevertheless, it still is no alternative to actual whiskey, and you won't get any notes of wood, smoke, or heat.
Best for
The sweetness of this one makes it great on the rocks or in desserts. Try it drizzled over fresh pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
12. Blind Squirrel Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 35%
- Price: $18
- Produced by: Universal Brands
- Nose: Whiskey, peanut butter aroma
- Taste: Saccharin, peanuts, caramel, cinnamon
- Rating: ★
Brand
Produced by Universal Brands in Minnesota, Blind Squirrel is one of the more affordable options when it comes to peanut butter whiskey. It's a great entry-level product featuring the expected flavors without breaking the bank.
Taste Review
When tasting it, your nose is confronted with dominant whiskey notes and hints of peanut butter and artificial sweetness in the background. On the palate, this sweetness translates into a saccharin-like taste that is slightly off-putting. But you also get the more common flavors of peanuts, vanilla, cinnamon, and cream.
Overall, it's not the best in the category, but at this low price point, Blind Squirrel is an affordable option for everyone new to Peanut Butter Whiskey. So if you like Skrewball and are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, give this one a go.
Best for
Try to use it in creative shot recipes in combination with other liqueurs. Paired with a fruity liqueur, you can create an accessible peanut butter jelly shot.
13. Coastal Creek Peanut Butter Whiskey
- ABV: 30%
- Price: $22
- Produced by: Total Wine & More
- Nose: Vanilla, molasses, toffee, peanut butter
- Taste: Peanut flavor, vanilla, hints of Bourbon
- Rating: ★
Brand
Coastal Creek is an exclusive private-label product, produced and sold by Total Wine & More. Coastal Creek is lower in ABV than most other products as it contains only 30% alcohol, while most competitors come up with at least 35%, some even 40%.
The base is a shortly-aged Bourbon, and after production, the flavored whiskey matures for another six months before it's blended, bottled, and labeled.
Taste Review
When tasting Coastal Creek Peanut Butter Whiskey, I immediately perceived a strong peanut butter smell accompanied by hints of vanilla, molasses, and toffee. The palate is rich in peanut flavor with only a subtle hint of Bourbon in the background.
Best for
The lower alcohol content makes it great as in alcoholic sauces for desserts such as ice cream.
Which is the best peanut butter whiskey on the market?
Skrewball is still the best choice in the peanut butter whiskey category. Its velvety texture paired with natural nutty peanut flavor make it the top choice when choosing a peanut butter infused whiskey.
Skrewball is a real crowd-pleaser and works excellent in shots (chilled or neat) but also in several cocktail recipes.
However, the category is still young and shows that there can be very different approaches. If you prefer a stronger whiskey taste, you should choose higher-proof options like Bird Dog. These peanut butter flavored whiskies are also less sweet and lighter on the peanut butter taste.
The Best Peanut Butter Whiskey Drink Recipes
Peanut Butter Espresso Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this sophisticated twist on a classic. Combining the flavors of peanut butter and coffee, this drink is perfect for a delightful pick-me-up.
Ingredients (for two servings):
- 3 oz Peanut butter whiskey
- 1.5 oz Coffee liqueur
- 1.5 oz Freshly brewed espresso
- Ice
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine ice, peanut butter whiskey, coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well for 8-12 seconds and strain into chilled Martini glasses.
- Garnish each glass with three coffee beans.
Nutty Hardshake
Embrace the timeless combination of peanut butter and chocolate with this delightful treat. It's a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and you can easily modify it to make a kid-friendly version.
Ingredients (for two servings):
- 8 oz Semi-skimmed milk
- 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream
- 1.5 oz Peanut butter whiskey
- 5 regular-sized marshmallows
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine semi-skimmed milk, chocolate ice cream, a handful of marshmallows, and peanut butter whiskey.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve in a chilled glass.
PB & J Old Fashioned
Capture the nostalgic flavors of a PB & Jelly sandwich in a glass. This unique creation balances peanut butter whiskey with raspberry liqueur like Chambord, resulting in a delightful concoction that's reminiscent of the classic sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Peanut butter whiskey
- 0.5 oz Chambord Raspberry liqueur
- 1 dash Orange bitters (optional=
Instructions:
- Add both ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 15-18 seconds.
- Strain over large ice cube into rocks glass.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Buying Guide: Best Peanut Butter Whiskeys
Please note that ratings are subjective and based on our tasting. Prices and availability may vary based on location and retailer. Always check local stores and online platforms for the most accurate information.
| Brand | ABV | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skrewball | 35% | $25 | ★★★★ |
| Ole Smoky | 30% | $17.50 | ★★★ |
| Shepherd’s P’Nutty | 35% | $20 | ★★★ |
| Bird Dog | 40% | $19 | ★★★ |
| Hard Truth | 35% | $29 | ★★★ |
| Two Trees | 35% | $20 | ★★★ |
| Barrel & Banter | 35% | $20 | ★★ |
| PB&W | 35% | $25 | ★★ |
| Rams Point | 35% | $15 | ★★ |
| SQRRL | 35% | $17 | ★★ |
| Sheep Dog | 35% | $15 | ★★ |
| Blind Squirrel | 35% | $18 | ★ |
| Coastal Creek | 30% | $22 | ★ |
Peanut Butter Whiskey FAQs
What exactly is peanut butter whiskey?
Peanut butter whiskey is a flavored alcoholic beverage that combines the flavors of whiskey with the distinct taste of peanut butter. It is characterized by its sweet and nutty profile, often achieved through the infusion of peanut flavors and other additives.
While popular as a novelty drink, it's important to note that peanut butter whiskey is not considered a traditional or standard whiskey type due to its unique flavor profile, added sugar, and other potential additives.
How is it made?
To make peanut butter whiskey, brands infuse peanut butter flavor into a base of rye or Bourbon whiskey. Some brands use natural flavorings, others opt for artificial peanut butter flavors.
How does it taste?
The taste is typically rich and sweet with flavors of roasted peanuts, vanilla, caramel, cream, chocolate, butterscotch, and similar notes paired with traditional characteristics of whiskey.
How to drink it?
It's best enjoyed chilled or neat but can also be served on the rocks or in mixed drinks.
Can I mix it with other beverages?
Sure, you can pair it with a variety of other drinks like cola, coffee, or cream liqueurs (e.g. Baileys). However, when paired with cola you should keep in mind that sweeter peanut butter whiskeys should be combined with low-sugar versions like Coke Zero or Pepsi Max.
Is peanut butter whiskey good or bad for you?
Consuming alcohol, including peanut butter whiskey, is not considered beneficial for your health. Claims of moderate alcohol consumption being harmless should be taken with caution, as similar claims were made about cigarettes in the past, only to be proven false.
For those prioritizing health, it's advisable to avoid alcohol altogether. However, if one chooses to indulge, caution is needed with peanut butter whiskey, given its high sugar content paired with high amounts of alcohol, which can result in headaches and hangovers.
Are there any peanut butter whiskeys without artificial flavorings?
Yes, many brands including Skrewball only use natural flavors.
Is it suitable for people with peanut allergies?
If you're allergic to peanuts, I would recommend to skip. However, there are some brands that are suitable for persons with peanut allergies. You should always double-check as recipes and production processes can change over time.
Brands you can try at the moment are SQRRL and Sheep Dog. Both of them state that their products are peanut allergen-free.
Where can I buy peanut butter whiskey?
Purchasing peanut butter whiskey has become incredibly convenient, with its popularity leading to widespread availability. You can expect to locate it in various liquor stores throughout the United States, ensuring easy access.
For those who prefer the comfort of online shopping, common platforms like totalwine.com and drizly.com offer a wide selection of peanut butter whiskeys delivered right to your doorstep.Â
Final Verdict
Adding flavor to such a classy product may seem daunting to seasoned whiskey drinkers. -Especially when the flavoring is as pronounced and sweet as peanut butter. Luckily, there are many options, from strongly sweet to salty to whiskey-forward. Our list contains all the best peanut butter whiskeys to choose from.
It's fun to create peanut butter whiskey cocktails, but some bottles are also great for sipping neat or on the rocks.
And even though the market for this type of whiskey is young, there's already heavy competition. Led by the success of the original inventor, Skrewball, this niche has potential.