Editor’s Note: These whiskeys were provided to us as review samples by Beach Whiskey Company. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy links towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Beach Whiskey Company is an entrepreneurial venture that launched in 2015. Its founders include American radio host Billy Bush, musicians Jake Owen and Gavin DeGraw, beverage industry veteran J. Smoke Wallin, and co-founding investor and advisor Ken Austin, as well as entrepreneurs co-founder Andrew McGinnis and co-founding investors Kenny Dichter and Andrew Kline. The mission statement for these two naturally flavored whiskeys is “Born on the beach, enjoyed everywhere. No matter where you are, our mission is to bring the beach – ‘your place in the sun’ – to thirsty, fun-loving whiskey drinkers everywhere. Please sip and swim responsibly!”
Beach Whiskey Company’s marketing for these flavored whiskeys are clearly geared towards a younger demographic as opposed to the traditional whiskey aficionado. As stated on the Beach Whiskey Company website, “Our unique filtration process creates a distinctly smooth, round mouthfeel that gives Beach Whiskey drinkability unlike other harsh whiskeys, making it perfect on its own or in a cocktail,” further contending that, “We bypass the barrel aging process yielding a whiskey that is as pure and clear as sunshine.”
One of the primary qualities of these whiskey liqueurs is the experimentation possibilities for mixing in cocktails. You can either add multiple ingredients or just add club soda or cola. The website offers several signature cocktail recipe options for making your own cocktails. In addition to American Beach Whiskey Bonfire Cinnamon and American Beach Whiskey Island Coconut, their portfolio also includes American Harvest Organic Vodka.
Both Beach Whiskey Bonfire Cinnamon and Beach Whiskey Island Coconut were Gold Medal winners in the 2021 Pr%f Awards.
Tasting Notes: Beach Whiskey Co. Bonfire Cinnamon Liqueur
Vital Stats: 70 proof (35% ABV), 750ml MSRP $20, bottled by Beach Whiskey Co. Houston, TX.
Appearance: Clear.
Nose: This had a pleasant mild, spicy nose burn, with cinnamon and fruity notes.
Palate: On the palate is a clean, mild, and straight forward cinnamon flavor along with hints of cinnamon apple.
Score: 3/5
Tasting Notes: Beach Whiskey Co. Island Coconut Liqueur
Vital Stats: 52 proof (26% ABV), 750ml MSRP $20, bottled by Beach Whiskey Co. Houston, TX.
Appearance: Clear.
Nose: This had coconut forward aroma with tropical fruit notes such as pineapple and slight buttery notes on the back end.
Palate: On the palate was a soft, delicate texture with coconut flavor rounded out by pineapple, wildberry, and blueberry notes.
Score: 2.5/5
Final thoughts: While the Bonfire Cinnamon packed a little more flavor than the Island Coconut, both of these whiskey liqueurs offer clean and pleasant flavor profiles which are very simple and straightforward. Both offered a short finish with very little aftertaste. They each held up well when I added a little ice, which makes them ideal for sipping on the rocks or mixing in cocktails. They’d probably taste great on snow cones too!