SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

‘Justified’ is back, with lots of whisky

If there was ever a show begging for a drinking game, “Justified” is it.

The FX series, which began its fifth season Tuesday, is set in Kentucky and is as booze-soaked as its setting, as characters like outlaw Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) throw back pulls of Elmer T. Lee and engage in backwoods moonshining.

Here’s a primer on what you should be drinking while watching the new season:

PAPPY VAN WINKLE

This elusive bourbon makes appearances throughout the show, added to coffee by rich villains or used as a bribe with law enforcement. “Justified” prop master John Harrington says he was able to get his hands on four bottles a few years ago before “Pappy Mania” hit full steam, but less-connected drinkers might not be so lucky.

Hudson Malone, a new bar in Midtown East opened by former rmer (and be beloved) P.J. Clarke’s bartender ender Doug Quinn, has two bottles of the 20-yearold because the bar “knows ows the right people.” Two-ounce pours urs go for $80.

If you don’t have that kind of cash, try signing up for Char No. 4’s mailing list. The Cobble Hill restaurant and whisky bar doesn’t esn’t have Pappy Van Winkle e on its regular drink list, but t will occasionally offer it t as a special so devotees can n try it, says beverage man- nager Allan Roth.

MOONSHINE

In Season 2, Mags Bennett (Margo Martindale), a character based on real-life moonshiner Maggie Bailey, poisons another character with her famous apple pie moonshine, booze that’s doctored up with apple juice, cinnamon and tons of sugar to taste like a slice of apple pie.

To try moonshine sans poison, head out to the Strand Smokehouse in Astoria, which mixes up its own infusion with five varieties of apples and cinnamon. You can also buy pre-made Midnight Moon apple pie moonshine in most liquor stores, which is (legally) made from a recipe from Junior Johnson, 82, a former bootlegger and NASCAR legend.

Strand beverage director Dan Bronson suggests an easy cocktail to make at home: a one-to-one mixture of apple pie moonshine and dry ginger beer, and a splash of the driest hard cider you can find. Serve it over plenty of ice, garnished with fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks.

UNDER-THE-RADAR BOURBONS

The show’s main character, U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), changes up his preferred bourbon quite a bit, and last season was dipping d into Ancient Age, a value valu bourbon that despite its name, nam is aged only 36 months. If you’re yo looking to mix it up, Roth suggests three Kentucky bourbons that haven’t gotten a lot of air time, but are worth a taste: taste Very V Old Barton: This bourbon b recently became available a up north and is now n the well bourbon at Char No. 4. (About $13 a bottle).

Evan Williams Black Label: L This bargain brand works w well in cocktails. (About (A $13 a bottle).

Wild W Turkey 101: You may have hav gotten roasted on the Turkey in college, but this iteration is all al grown up. Roth recommends mend it for sipping. (About $23 a bottle). bott