With all due respect to wine fans, whiskey lovers are the ultimate liquid nerds who collect, study, analyze and keep to the traditions of their chosen spirit.

Much of that tradition has been tossed out the window this summer with a variety of flavoured whiskies hitting store shelves. For all you aficionados who just called 911, they’re bringing a whole new audience to whiskey.

While the Scots have held off for now, North American distillers have jumped on the infused booze bandwagon with the zeal of an audience at a Justin Bieber concert.

Now, before you go all Lemon Gin on me, I’ve tried them all. Know what? They’re quite interesting, particularly Jim Beam’s Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon ($26.25 – $28.49).

Though the name alone may be enough to send some American whiskey buffs into convulsions, I was quite charmed by its nice balance of natural black cherry flavour and the bourbon’s charred, upfront personality.

Cocktail options abound with the fruit aspect of the booze holding its own against many a mix. That said, I prefer it served ice cold straight from the fridge all by its lonesome.

Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.