Region: Alabama, United States

Composition: 100% Whiskey

History: John Sharp and his son Jimmy ran a business in Montgomery, Alabama. But that business required a lot of travel. When Jimmy’s daughter Lily was born in 2014, they knew they had to start something different. They founded the John Emerald Distilling Company — the first legal distillery in Alabama since Prohibition — in the tiny town of Opelika and named it after John’s father. They make a Rum, Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, and their signature Alabama Single Malt Whiskey.

Tasting Notes:

The appearance is ruddy bronze, while the aroma has rich notes of molasses and rye spice with an emphasis on cinnamon and a hint of mint; the palate is smoky and sweet with notes of praline, menthol, and red hots, leading to a long, warm, and spicy finish.