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Whiskey Del Bac recognized as the ‘Best Whiskey in Arizona’ by UPROXX

Whiskey Del Bac recognized as the ‘Best Whiskey in Arizona’ by UPROXX

Sep 30, 20222 min read

The online news and culture platform, UPROXX, recently published a roundup covering “The Single Best Bottle Of Whiskey From Each Of The 50 States.” Here in Arizona, Whiskey Del Bac took home the gold with its Dorado American Single Malt.

Photo courtesy of Whiskey Del Bac

One of the parameters UPROXX kept in mind while compiling the list is that they kept their choices priced between $20 and $150 per bottle. Whiskey Del Bac’s bottle of Dorado comes in at $60 each. Although, there are a couple of “wildly expensive bottles” because the author felt they’re worth “at least trying as a pour in a bar.”

“The best way to use this list is to travel with it. Seek out those Starlight pours in Indiana, track down Cowboy Bourbon in Texas, and pour some Grand Teton in Idaho.”

If you’re a whiskey lover, it’s likely you’ve taken sips of this incredible spirit at a local bar or in the comfort of your own home, but if you haven’t, here’s a breakdown of how it’s made. Dorado is crafted with local barley that’s malted with mesquite wood, and then those malts are then mashed, fermented, and distilled. After a few years of resting in oak barrels, it’s batched, proofed, and bottled.

Dragoon Brewing Co. beer aging in Whiskey Del Bac barrels (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Whiskey Del Bac barrels (Credit: Jackie Tran)

“In the end, this is America — a big, complicated, mixed-up nation — in 50 bottles of whiskey. Ready to dive in?”

Lucky for us here in Arizona, we don’t need to scroll too far down in the roundup of 50 whiskeys since it’s listed alphabetically. However, we’ve already done the hard work for you. Scroll just a bit further in this article and read what UPROXX had to say about Tucson’s beloved spirit:

“The nose is full of chocolate tobacco with a hint of dried ancho chili, old cedar bark, and whispers of a crackling campfire in the high desert. The palate has a mild tannic vibe with a dash of espresso bean and vanilla next to soft toffee with a hint of an almond shell. The end leans into that campfire smoke with a dash more of that chili pepper before the cedar and choco-tobacco merge on the finish.”

Keep an eye out because Whiskey Del Bac often releases Distiller’s Cuts and Global Cask Collections throughout the year. They’re always limited to a certain amount of bottles and you won’t regret it if you can get your hands on one before it’s sold out.

To read the full article, visit uproxx.com. Whiskey Del Bac’s distillery is located at2106 Forbes Blvd #103. For more information, visit whiskeydelbac.com. 

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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@Sisterstucson occupies a historic space on Country Club Road, once home to the Benedictine Monastery and its iconic “Pink Rose of the Desert” chapel. 

Built in 1939 by architect Roy Place, the property spent nearly 80 years as a monastery before being transformed into a neighborhood gathering place. Today, the former chapel is home to @Larosatucson, while Sisters Restaurant & Bar sits next door where the citrus orchard once stood.

Chef Christian “Chris” Bidegain’s (@Chrisbidegain) menu brings together carefully crafted pizzas, fresh focaccia, meatballs, mezze, cocktails, and boozy soft-serve. The pizza dough is cold-fermented for 24 hours before being balled and fermented a second time, resulting in a thin, crispy, chewy crust.

The Sonoran Rajas Pie features roasted poblano cream, corn, rajas, chile crema, and queso fresco, while the rotating Slice of the Week offers something new to try.

With colorful interiors, live music next door, and a focus on bringing different generations of Tucson together, Sisters is continuing the property’s long history as a place for community.

📍 800 N. Country Club Rd.

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photos by @sea_lyon@Sisterstucson occupies a historic space on Country Club Road, once home to the Benedictine Monastery and its iconic “Pink Rose of the Desert” chapel. Built in 1939 by architect Roy Place, the property spent nearly 80 years as a monastery before being transformed into a neighborhood gathering place. Today, the former chapel is home to @Larosatucson, while Sisters Restaurant & Bar sits next door where the citrus orchard once stood. Chef Christian “Chris” Bidegain’s (@Chrisbidegain) menu brings together carefully crafted pizzas, fresh focaccia, meatballs, mezze, cocktails, and boozy soft-serve. The pizza dough is cold-fermented for 24 hours before being balled and fermented a second time, resulting in a thin, crispy, chewy crust. The Sonoran Rajas Pie features roasted poblano cream, corn, rajas, chile crema, and queso fresco, while the rotating Slice of the Week offers something new to try. With colorful interiors, live music next door, and a focus on bringing different generations of Tucson together, Sisters is continuing the property’s long history as a place for community. 📍 800 N. Country Club Rd. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Sneak pEAk👀🌄

@Sawmillrun has introduced a new fall menu across its cocktail list, lunch offerings, and dinner entrées. The seasonal menu leans into autumn flavors like apple, maple, pumpkin, and pear.

The new cocktail lineup includes classics like the Mount Lemmon Mule and Aspen Glow Old Fashioned, plus fall seasonals with a little more theatrics. The Forest Fire arrives under campfire smoke, the Changing Leaves pours tableside with a color-changing effect, and the Campfire Coffee is topped with brûléed marshmallow cold foam.

On the food side, new fall additions include the Autumn Burger with cheddar, apple butter, applewood bacon, and Dijon aioli, plus Prickly Pear Elote, Sawmill Poutine with duck fat gravy and cheese curds, and seasonal desserts like apple pie, pumpkin pie, and peach strudel.

Dinner brings Arizona-raised ingredients to dishes like the 12 oz @veraearlpremiumbeef Ribeye, Mesquite Half Chicken, Orchard Salad with Honeycrisp apple and Point Reyes blue cheese, and a rotating Chef’s Seasonal Feature highlighting local farms and ranches.

🍂Have you checked out Sawmill Run’s fall menu yet?

Read @addiewankenobi’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @addiewankenobiSneak pEAk👀🌄 @Sawmillrun has introduced a new fall menu across its cocktail list, lunch offerings, and dinner entrées. The seasonal menu leans into autumn flavors like apple, maple, pumpkin, and pear. The new cocktail lineup includes classics like the Mount Lemmon Mule and Aspen Glow Old Fashioned, plus fall seasonals with a little more theatrics. The Forest Fire arrives under campfire smoke, the Changing Leaves pours tableside with a color-changing effect, and the Campfire Coffee is topped with brûléed marshmallow cold foam. On the food side, new fall additions include the Autumn Burger with cheddar, apple butter, applewood bacon, and Dijon aioli, plus Prickly Pear Elote, Sawmill Poutine with duck fat gravy and cheese curds, and seasonal desserts like apple pie, pumpkin pie, and peach strudel. Dinner brings Arizona-raised ingredients to dishes like the 12 oz @veraearlpremiumbeef Ribeye, Mesquite Half Chicken, Orchard Salad with Honeycrisp apple and Point Reyes blue cheese, and a rotating Chef’s Seasonal Feature highlighting local farms and ranches. 🍂Have you checked out Sawmill Run’s fall menu yet? Read @addiewankenobi’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @addiewankenobi
Where to eat & drink at the Mercado District in 2026✨

@Mercadodistricttucson sits at the westernmost stop of the Sun Link streetcar, about a mile from downtown. The district now spans four properties: the Spanish colonial-style Mercado San Agustín, the shipping container-based MSA Annex, The Monier, and The Bautista, a mixed-use development under construction at 165 S. Linda Ave. The Bautista will add a public plaza, underground parking, and additional commercial space along the Santa Cruz River.

Both courtyards allow dogs on leash and operate as open-air spaces with shared seating throughout. A leisurely visit easily spans multiple stops.

Mercado San Agustín 
100 S. Avenida del Convento

@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA Annex
267 S. Avenida del Convento

@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@rolliestucson 

The Monier
160 South Avenida del Convento

@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorites in the comments! 

See the guide on Tucsonfoodie.comWhere to eat & drink at the Mercado District in 2026✨ @Mercadodistricttucson sits at the westernmost stop of the Sun Link streetcar, about a mile from downtown. The district now spans four properties: the Spanish colonial-style Mercado San Agustín, the shipping container-based MSA Annex, The Monier, and The Bautista, a mixed-use development under construction at 165 S. Linda Ave. The Bautista will add a public plaza, underground parking, and additional commercial space along the Santa Cruz River. Both courtyards allow dogs on leash and operate as open-air spaces with shared seating throughout. A leisurely visit easily spans multiple stops. Mercado San Agustín 100 S. Avenida del Convento @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA Annex 267 S. Avenida del Convento @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @rolliestucson The Monier 160 South Avenida del Convento @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorites in the comments! See the guide on Tucsonfoodie.com
An overnight escape just 45 minutes from Tucson 🌞

Spend the evening at @tubacgolfresortandspa, enjoy dinner, wake up to breakfast, and be back in Tucson by late morning, or extend your stay and make a weekend of it. The Tucson Foodie team had such a great time during our stay. Dinner and breakfast at Stables Ranch Grille were impressive and vegan-friendly, and the entire staff was incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Thank you for showing us around, @civilwines!

Established as a Spanish presidio in 1752, Tubac was one of the earliest European settlements in what is now Arizona and served as an important military outpost during Spanish colonization. And now, you can experience it for yourself.

GIVEAWAY 🎉

One winner receives a one-night stay at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa plus a $150 dining credit at Stables Ranch Grille.

To enter:
1. Like this post (share to your story and tag us for a bonus entry)
2. Follow @tucsonfoodie and @tubacgolfresortandspa
3. Comment who you would bring

Entries close [Monday, October 6] at 11:59 pm MST. Winner chosen at random and contacted only from this account. We will never ask you for payment or financial information.

Must be 21+ and a U.S. resident. Stay must be booked and completed by December 31, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates. Not transferable, no cash value, no purchase necessary. This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.An overnight escape just 45 minutes from Tucson 🌞 Spend the evening at @tubacgolfresortandspa, enjoy dinner, wake up to breakfast, and be back in Tucson by late morning, or extend your stay and make a weekend of it. The Tucson Foodie team had such a great time during our stay. Dinner and breakfast at Stables Ranch Grille were impressive and vegan-friendly, and the entire staff was incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Thank you for showing us around, @civilwines! Established as a Spanish presidio in 1752, Tubac was one of the earliest European settlements in what is now Arizona and served as an important military outpost during Spanish colonization. And now, you can experience it for yourself. GIVEAWAY 🎉 One winner receives a one-night stay at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa plus a $150 dining credit at Stables Ranch Grille. To enter: 1. Like this post (share to your story and tag us for a bonus entry) 2. Follow @tucsonfoodie and @tubacgolfresortandspa 3. Comment who you would bring Entries close [Monday, October 6] at 11:59 pm MST. Winner chosen at random and contacted only from this account. We will never ask you for payment or financial information. Must be 21+ and a U.S. resident. Stay must be booked and completed by December 31, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates. Not transferable, no cash value, no purchase necessary. This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.