The cooler autumn weather ushers in a desire to light the fireplace and settle in with a drink designed to be sipped slowly and savored. Among the spirits that seem tailor-made for fall are single barrel whiskeys.

Many authorities on whisky claim that single barrel whiskeys are the most authentic and intriguing spirits made in America. The authenticity claims stems from the fact that, back about a century and a half ago, all American whiskeys were of the single barrel variety. Prior to the widespread manufacturing of bottles, American distillers sold their whiskeys directly out of the barrel and usually at full cask strength. So, today’s single barrel whiskey movement is in part a resurrection of an earlier tradition.

However, the difference between the whiskeys of yesteryear and contemporary single barrel whiskeys lies primarily in quality of the spirit. In the 19^th century, the practice of selling whiskey one barrel at a time was by necessity rather than choice. Today’s single barrel whiskeys are crafted as an art, and are carefully selected by a master distiller to express that art.

What makes single barrel whiskeys so intriguing is that they come from only one charred oak barrel rather than from a blend of whiskeys from multiple barrels. Therefore, every bottle of single barrel whiskey automatically becomes a "limited edition," so to speak.

Even though numerous bottles may originate from one distillation batch, each bottle carries with it all the unique characteristics imparted by the particular barrel it was aged in. This is what makes single barrel whiskeys stand a breed apart from small batch and standard whiskeys.

Today’s single barrel American whiskeys carry a much higher price tag than standard bottling, and share retail space with those other premium spirits such as France’s finest XO cognacs and vintage armagnacs and Scotland’s and Ireland’s choicest whiskey brands.

Many industry experts believe that the recent popularity of single barrel whiskey can be traced to the natural curiosity of consumers. There are a growing number of whiskey aficionados who enjoy the adventure of trying out the distinctive flavor profiles found in each bottle. There is the added attraction that each bottle is individually tested, thus providing quality assurance.

A recent industry magazine recommended eight single barrel American whiskies worth trying. Among the names in single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys are Blanton’s, Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old, Elmer T. Lee, Evan Williams Vintage 1995, Rock Hill Farms, and Wild Turkey "Kentucky Spirit".

Also highly rated is Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey (Rick No. L-24, Barrel No. 4-0623). This is the only single barrel whiskey made in Tennessee.