Phillips Union Cherry Flavored Whiskey 750ML is a 35% ABV (70 proof) cherry-flavored whiskey that blends Kentucky bourbon with Canadian whisky and real cherry flavoring. What distinguishes this expression is its cross-border blending approach, marrying the richness of American bourbon with the lighter character of Canadian whisky as a base for its cherry infusion. Quick Facts: ABV: 35% (70 Proof) | Origin: United States | Flavored Whiskey | Distillery: Phillips Distilling Company LLC, Princeton, Minnesota Production & Heritage Phillips Distilling Company LLC, headquartered in Princeton, Minnesota, produces this flavored whiskey by blending Kentucky bourbon and Canadian whisky, then infusing the result with real cherry flavoring. The dual-origin base spirit gives Phillips Union Cherry a structural foundation that differs from single-source flavored whiskeys — the bourbon contributes body and caramel sweetness while the Canadian component brings a lighter grain character. At 35% ABV, it sits slightly below standard whiskey strength, placing it in a space between full-proof whiskey and flavored liqueur. Tasting Notes Aroma: Cherry fruit leads immediately on the nose, backed by soft vanilla and light grain notes from the blended whiskey base. There is a mild sweetness in the aromatics that signals the flavor-forward profile to come. Taste: The palate entry is distinctly sweet, with pronounced cherry flavor dominating the early and mid-palate. Wine Enthusiast described the palate as "exaggeratedly sweet and more like a whiskey liqueur than a blended whiskey," with a "sappy sweet" mid-palate. Underneath the cherry, traces of caramel and light oak from the bourbon component can be detected. Finish: The finish is moderate in length and smoother than many flavored whiskeys at this proof. Wine Enthusiast noted it closes on a "mildly pleasing spicy note" that provides a welcome counterpoint to the sweetness. How to Drink Phillips Union Cherry Given its sweet profile and lower proof, this whiskey performs best in mixed drinks and simple serves over ice rather than neat sipping. A Cherry Old Fashioned works well, as the built-in cherry flavor replaces the need for cherry garnish or cherry liqueur. It functions in a Cherry Whiskey Sour, where lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and balances the drink. A Cherry Cola highball is a straightforward crowd-pleasing serve, with the cola amplifying the whiskey's caramel undertones while the carbonation lifts the cherry notes. Best For Mixing approachable cherry-forward cocktails at casual gatherings Introducing flavored whiskey drinkers to bourbon-based blends Summertime mixed drinks and highballs served over crushed ice Building a home bar with versatile flavored spirits for entertaining Frequently Asked Questions What does Phillips Union Cherry taste like? Phillips Union Cherry delivers a prominently sweet cherry flavor built on a base of blended bourbon and Canadian whisky, with caramel undertones and a mild spicy finish. Wine Enthusiast characterized it as closer to a whiskey liqueur in its sweetness level. How does Phillips Union Cherry compare to Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry? Both are cherry-flavored whiskeys, but Phillips Union Cherry uses a blend of Kentucky bourbon and Canadian whisky as its base, while Red Stag is built entirely on Jim Beam bourbon at 40% ABV. The lower 35% ABV and blended base give Phillips Union Cherry a lighter, sweeter profile overall. Is Phillips Union Cherry good for cocktails? Yes — its pronounced cherry sweetness and smooth, lower-proof character make it well-suited for mixed drinks like Cherry Old Fashioneds, whiskey sours, and simple highballs where the cherry flavor carries through without overpowering other ingredients. Where is Phillips Union Cherry made? Phillips Union Cherry is produced by Phillips Distilling Company LLC, based in Princeton, Minnesota. The whiskey itself is a blend of bourbon sourced from Kentucky and Canadian whisky, combined and flavored with real cherries. What foods pair well with Phillips Union Cherry? Dark chocolate desserts complement the cherry sweetness with bitter cocoa contrast. Smoked pork or barbecue ribs echo the bourbon's caramel notes. Vanilla ice cream or cheesecake works as a dessert pairing, letting the cherry flavor act as a sauce-like accent. Sharp cheddar provides a savory counterbalance to the sweetness. What sizes does Phillips Union Cherry come in? Phillips Union Cherry Flavored Whiskey is available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is Phillips Union Cherry worth the price? Phillips Union Cherry positions as a value-tier flavored whiskey, making it an accessible option for mixing and casual drinking without a significant investment. Its real cherry flavoring and bourbon-Canadian whisky blend offer reasonable quality for its price category. Why Phillips Union Cherry? The blending of Kentucky bourbon and Canadian whisky as a base sets Phillips Union Cherry apart from the majority of flavored whiskeys, which typically rely on a single source spirit. That dual-origin foundation provides a slightly more layered canvas for the cherry infusion than a straightforward flavored bourbon. The use of real cherry flavoring rather than artificial additives contributes to a more authentic fruit character. For drinkers who find standard whiskey too intense but want something with more depth than a flavored vodka, this 70-proof expression occupies a useful middle ground — sweet enough to be immediately approachable, with just enough whiskey backbone to anchor it in the category.
