Rams Point Peanut Whiskey

Peanut Whiskey from Rams Point is a peanut-flavored whiskey, which puts it in the flavored-whiskey category rather than the straight bourbon, rye or Scotch categories. The label gives us the brand and the peanut flavor, and nothing else about proof, base spirit or age. Expect the whiskey base to supply some grain sweetness and light oak, with roasted peanut as the dominant note. Products like this usually lean toward roasted-nut, peanut-butter and caramel, with a little vanilla underneath. They tend to be softer and sweeter than an unflavored whiskey, with little char or smoke. That profile suits chilled or lightly diluted service. Try it neat from the freezer or fridge first, since the cold tightens the sweetness and keeps the nut character clean. On the rocks, a single large cube dilutes slowly and keeps the flavor from going thin. A few drops of water in a room-temperature pour can open the roasted aromas if you prefer it warmer. For nosing, a Glencairn concentrates the nutty aromatics. A short rocks glass is the better choice if you plan to sip it over ice. In cocktails, the peanut note pairs best with drinks that have some bitterness or acid to balance it. An Old Fashioned built with aromatic or chocolate bitters and little or no added sugar lets the whiskey's sweetness do the work. A Manhattan-style stir with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters gives a richer, dessert-leaning version. In a Whiskey Sour, the lemon cuts the sweetness and the nut flavor comes through as a background note. As a highball, use ginger beer or a dry ginger ale, or cola for a peanut-and-caramel soda profile. Because the flavor is already sweet, start with less sugar or syrup than a standard recipe calls for and adjust to taste. For food, expect it to go well with chocolate, banana, salted caramel and anything with a salty-sweet edge.