When I worked with spirits manufacturers over a decade ago, the world of flavored whiskey was on the brink of expansion. Fireball’s incendiary growth inspired other manufacturers to create “million case” selling SKUs that would vie for the same retail shelf spaces so highly sought by other categories and manufacturers. The future was unwritten, and the sky was the limit. Fireball sales exceeded 7 million cases in 2022. Crown Royal introduced Crown Maple, Crown Apple, and Peach. Bushmills launched their Irish Honey, and George Dickel would create their Tabasco-flavored Tennessee whisky. Amidst this craze, I offered my dad a taste of Bushmills’ Honey to see what he thought.

His response: “I remember when whiskey WAS a flavor!” Dad was right; things were getting out of hand.

With some slowing in the category (category sales declined 1.5% last year), the major producers moved their sights toward rum and tequila. The craft spirits movement also gained momentum as many consumers gravitated toward smaller, better-quality luxury items to enjoy at home. Enter Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey.

Inspired by a love of bourbon whiskey and a passion for chocolate, founder and brand champion Paul Tuell wanted to create products dedicated to bringing people together. Founded in 2015, he named Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey to honor the Belgian chocolate’s decorative cardboard boxes. Founded in Louisville, the idea was simple: produce elegant and delicious sipping whiskeys designed for his flavor-craving friends. Ballotin highlights the more subtle flavors of bourbon (think chocolate, nuts, caramel, and vanilla). By bringing these flavors forward and balancing them with the complementary elements of traditional whiskey, he created a wonderfully approachable flavored whiskey. Ballotin stays true to the spirit while highlighting the decadent pleasures of chocolate. It’s produced and bottled by Saloon Spirits in Austin, Texas.

Bourbon Ball

Featuring a blend of craft chocolate and fine whiskey, Ballotin Bourbon Ball has reimagined this classic confection. Hints of caramel and pecan combine with velvety chocolate notes and a pleasant, nutty finish with its rich, creamy texture melding with the toasted oak of the fine whiskey. Bourbon Ball is an excellent dessert dram that is slightly sweet and spicy on the finish. What a wonderful after-dinner coffee drink this would make, especially with a small float of vanilla ice cream.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream

The instantly recognizable, classic peanut butter profile comes together with the right amount of whiskey warmth. Rich and viscous, the well-executed peanut butter flavor recalls real old-fashioned peanut butter, not the overly sweet JIF or Peter Pan varieties. The milk chocolate notes reflect the best attributes of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. It’s sweet but not cloying and ebbs with a pleasant whiskey warmth on the finish. Layered in a cordial glass with Chambord Liqueur, The PB&J shot elevates to top-shelf status. It’s a well-made treat worthy of a weekend bonfire with friends.

Original Chocolate

A true chocolate experience awaits within our last bottle of the three: Dark caramel colors glint with a reddish hue. At 60 proof, the chocolate flavor is easy and familiar, with hints of Dutch cocoa and chocolate truffles. The pleasant vanilla and oak notes on the finish make this a very easy sipper. Chocolate Martini fans will appreciate adding Original Chocolate and a jigger of vodka to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and straining it into a chilled coup or martini glass. On the rocks, a splash of Luxardo cherry juice calls to mind the best elements of Black Forest cake. Just for fun, I added a pour of Original Chocolate to my iced espresso and topped off my ice-filled pint glass with a cold, crisp bottle of Topo Chico Mineral Water. The result yielded a creamy head, producing a refreshment reminiscent of a chocolate soda.

Ballotin Chocolate Whiskies are both elegant and delightful. For those who appreciate sophisticated indulgence, look no further. Ballotin meets at the intersection of fine whiskey and hand-crafted chocolate.