3 Scary Good Whiskies to Sip on Friday the 13th

It’s Friday the 13th—day of bad luck, superstition, and that ever-present hint of creepiness lurking in the shadows. So watch out for mishaps. But not in your glass, of course. We’ve picked 3 eerily delicious whiskies to pour today (and on any other day, too).

For this special, we selected 3 bottles, each with a touch of the ominous. From a Highland “beast” at cask strength to a bourbon born from Bloody Butcher corn and a young Islay that behaves like a smoke monster. Which of these three whiskies dare you pour?

We begin in the Scottish Highlands with the strikingly named Timorous Beastie Meet The Beast 13 Years Limited Edition.

The name sounds like something out of a horror flick, but the truth is quite the opposite. Timorous Beastie originally refers to a small, timid mouse from a Scottish poem by Robert Burns.

This special edition of the Scottish blended whisky from Douglas Laing proves there’s serious power lurking behind that cute little mouse.

Timorous Beastie Meet the Beast 13 Years Old Limited Edition is bottled at natural cask strength of around 54% and aged for 13 years.

On the nose you’ll find vanilla, honey, and citrus, followed by a warm spiciness. On the palate, its true character emerges: malty sweetness, caramel, candied citrus peel, and a bold peppery kick courtesy of the higher ABV.

Next up, a potent pairing of horror and whiskey from the United States. With its Horrorwood Reserve Whiskey, Macabre Spirits has crafted a flavorful crossbreed of the two.

This bourbon features Heirloom Bloody Butcher corn, a historic varietal known for its deep red hue. The whiskey spent 5 years in new American oak, and you can taste it right away. Expect toasted nuts, vanilla, and brown sugar on the nose. On the palate, cinnamon, leather, and warm oak tones follow.

The finish is dry, spicy, and pleasantly persistent. This isn’t a gimmick bottle meant only to look good on a shelf. It’s a serious, full-bodied bourbon. Its striking presentation makes it a perfect centerpiece for a Friday the 13th tasting.

Finally, we head to Islay, where smoke and peat have always carried a hint of mystery. There we find Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Years Old.

Ardbeg Wee Beastie is a young 5-year-old single malt, but it hides a smoky monster within. This heavily peated Islay single malt from the Ardbeg Distillery is intense, smoky, and straight to the point. Think bold notes of campfire smoke, black pepper, and tar on the nose.

On the palate: pure peat, dark chocolate, anise, and espresso. The finish is smoky, slightly briny, and surprisingly long for a whisky of this age.

With these three powerhouse whiskies for Friday the 13th, consider your luck changed, for the better, in flavor at least. What will you pour today? One of these three, or something entirely different?