We are exploring the domestic world of Whiskey this month, which includes a range of Bourbon, Whiskey, and Rye, in a variety of styles. Without further ado, let’s jump into our list of curated spirit ‘stars’ this month.

Note: All prices in effect from November 1-30, 2026 at all four Oliver’s Market locations.

Featured Favorite

Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $19.99 +crv                                                             

“Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and oak aromas. Finish is long and dry, with a hint of toffee. A great bottle to use for fireside cocktails!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

Bulleit Rye Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $19.99 +crv

“95% rye, 5% malted barley, creating a distinctively spicy character. One of the best rye whiskeys for the price in the Oliver’s set!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

Great for Cocktails

These whiskeys bring structure, balance, and character to your favorite mixed drinks. Whether you’re making a classic Old Fashioned or a simple highball, they hold their own beautifully. Expect approachable flavors that play well with bitters, citrus, and sweeteners.

Four Roses Bourbon, 750 ML Bottle, $19.99 +crv                                                       

“Aged for a minimum of 5 years, you get your bang for your buck. On the nose, floral with gentle spice, while the palate brings hints of fresh fruit and a long, smooth finish. Approachable bourbon!”  – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager

Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $12.99 +crv

“This Bourbon offers a rich, balanced flavor with caramel notes as well as vanilla, and oak. Perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails, it’s a versatile and affordable choice for an old standard that keeps working. Cheers!” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $27.99 +crv

“Woodford is a Kentucky institution for Bourbon and the distillery is a National Historic Landmark. Their bourbon is bold on flavor and wood, that has an array of sweet aromatics, spices, and fruity notes.” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager

Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $34.99 +crv                                                

“This bourbon is finished in port wine barrels which adds subtly distinct flavor of Madeira to the existing vanilla, maple syrup, toast, and dark chocolate that enhance the whiskey without challenging it. Exceptionally smooth with a hint of sweetness, enhanced by its signature port barrel finishing.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager

Smooth Sippers

These picks are crafted for slow enjoyment, with rounded textures and layered flavors that unfold with every sip. Rich but approachable, they’re perfect for enjoying neat or over ice. Each offers a refined, mellow experience without overwhelming the palate.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon or Rye, 750 ML Bottle, $23.99 +crv                                                            

“Elijah Craig in known is whiskey circles as the ‘Father of Bourbon’. The first to char oak barrels to make bourbon. Also fantastic producers of Rye, Elijah presents incredible value for the price!” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

Oliver’s Own Bourbon, 750 ML Bottle, $27.99 +crv

“This Kentucky Bourbon was distilled from a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, and aged for six years. The result is a smooth, well integrated bourbon with rich notes of caramel, along with hints of allspice and nutmeg.” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $22.99 +crv

“This Bourbon is like Draymond Green, versatile enough to stand alone or enhance any mix. Buffalo Trace ensures quality, whether sipped neat or in a cocktail.” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, 750 ML Bottle, $19.99 +crv                                                             

“A Wild Turkey product meant to be consumed on the rocks. Blended from smaller batch of barrels that are hand-selected for characteristics and flavor profile. Notes of vanilla, clove, toffee and caramel. Cheers!” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager

Bold and Flavor-Forward

These whiskeys are expressive, spicy, and full of personality. With deeper intensity and pronounced character, they’re ideal for drinkers who enjoy big flavors. Expect warmth, complexity, and a memorable finish.

Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $29.99 +crv LOCAL

“Made from barrels aged between four and twelve years with a high corn mash bill. Smooth and complex, it is a true sipping whiskey. Redwood Empire is one of our best local whiskey producers!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye, 750 ML Bottle, $29.99 +crv LOCAL

“A wonderful local whiskey option with unparalleled spice complexity and smooth Rye notes. A hint of honey and orange peel becomes peppery with a lingering cinnamon finish. My first choice when shopping for a Rye!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch American Whiskey, 750 ML Bottle, $29.99 +crv LOCAL

“Some of the best local spirits I have had. A super smooth blend of rye and bourbon whiskies that combine into a maple syrup like flavor with a peppery finish.” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager

The Care and Keeping of your Whiskey                                                           

• Store in a cool, dark area, such as a wine cellar, pantry, cabinet or box
• Store your whiskey in its bottle of a well-sealed decanter
• Store at a stable temperature, and avoid sunlight
• A mostly full, opened bottle of whiskey should keep for about a year if kept away from the heat and the light

Ways to Enjoy Whiskey

• On the rocks
• Sipped Neat, ideally in a glass that allows savoring the aromas and flavors
• With a small amount of spring water added to ‘bloom’ the aromas and flavors
• In a cocktail, which can be as simple as Whiskey and Soda
• In one shot, traditionally with a beer

Recipes

The Bramble

• 2 ox. Bingham’s Original
• Fresh Blackberries
• Fresh jalapeno
• ½ oz. Sour Mix
• Topo Chico

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 blackberries and a slice (or two!) of jalapeno.
2. Add bourbon and ice and top with sour mix.
3. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and top with Topo Chico.

Rye Manhattan

• 5 oz. Bulleit Rye
• .5 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Luxardo cherries

1. Add rye, vermouth, and bitters in a stirring glass with ice.
2. Stir and strain into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with cherries

Hot Toddy

• 5 oz. Four Roses Bourbon
• 1 cube sugar
• Lemon wedge
• Cloves

1. Heat the glass or ceramic mug with hot water, then discard water.
2. Place the sugar cube in the warmed glass and dissolve with more hot water. Add bourbon.
3. Garnish with a clove-studded lemon wedge.

Morning Fog

• 4 oz. heavy cream
• 1 oz. maple syrup
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 2 oz. Redwood Empire Pipe Dream
• 5 oz. Cold brew concentrate
• .5 oz. simple syrup
• 2 dashes chocolate bitters

1. Make salted maple whipped cream by shaking heavy cream, maple syrup, and salt in a chilled cocktail shaker.
2. In a separate shaker filled with ice, add bourbon, coffee, simple syrup and bitters.
3. Shake until chilled. Strain into a highball glass and top with salted maple shipped cream.

Double Back Manhattan

• 2 parts Bourbon
• 1/2 part Averna
• 1/2 part Cherry Heering
• 1 dash each of Angostura and orange bitters
• Garnish – Cherry or Blood Orange slice

1. Stir well with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
2. Garnish with charred blood orange soaked in dark brown sugar and Amarena Toschi cherry.

Whiskey Sour

• 2 parts Bourbon Whiskey
• 3/4 part simple syrup
• 3/4 part lemon juice
• Garnish — Luxardo cherry and lemon slice

1. Shake Bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice
2. Strain into a glass
3. Garnish with a slice of lemon, top with the cherry and serve

Mint Julep

• 1 1/2 parts Bourbon
• 2 sprigs mint – one for garnish
• 1 part simple syrup
• 1 splash soda

1. In a Julep cup, lightly muddle one mint sprig with simple syrup and a splash of soda
2. Add fine crushed ice and pour in the bourbon
3. Garnish with remaining mint sprig
4. Optional: Sift powdered sugar over mint to add frosted appearance.

I Am Giant

• 2 oz. Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey
• ½ oz. Blanc Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice
• ¾ oz. Pineapple Juice
• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup

1. Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake, double strain into a coupe or Martini glass, and enjoy!

The Oliver’s Market Beer, Wine & Spirits Team is Here to Assist

Our passionate team is always ready to assist, whether your question be about tequila or anything else you might be seeking in our department. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we may be of service. Cheers!

Cheers!