When it comes to the best bourbon whiskey, only the best will do if you’re a fan of the Blue Grass State. The renowned spirit is a barroom staple and a favorite of celebrities, mixologists, and people who enjoy history and rules, in addition to being sweet and rich with a bold flavor profile. Bourbon is produced in accordance with strict regulations, just like tequila, cognac, and Scotch whisky. If you enjoy bourbon, you probably already know that it has to be made in the United States, contain at least 51% corn, and age in newly charred American oak barrels (among other rules).
With its beginnings in Bourbon County, Kentucky, bourbon production has since spread to several states, with bottles coming in various flavors and price points.
Here are a few finest bourbons to try today
1. Knob Creek
In 1992, when bourbon was struggling for popularity, former master distiller Booker Noe developed Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection. The phrase “small batch” has no real meaning, so many brands refer to a smaller volume of whisky than they produce for other products. Booker’s (barrel proof, filtered only for char), Basil Hayden (mild 80-proof, high-rye bourbon), Baker’s (re-released as a single barrel release), and Knob Creek are the four Small Batch expressions that are readily available.
Even though this last whiskey may not be the most eye-catching, it is arguably the best all the time. This 100-proof bourbon (and rye) received its 9-year-old label back in 2020 after a few years without an age statement. Additionally, they also release some limited-edition 12 and 15-year-old expressions. Jim Beam’s distinctive nuttiness and delicious caramel and brown sugar stand out regardless of age.
If you want something with a higher ABV that resembles Booker’s, you have many single-barrel releases to pick from. And if flavored whiskey is your thing, don’t let anyone make fun of you; Knob Creek even offers a Smoked Maple expression which is best bourbon whiskey.
2. Single-barrel Henry McKenna bourbon
This Henry Mckenna bourbon from Heaven Hill Distillery earned the title of “Best in Show” at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and for a good reason. The only extra-aged single barrel bourbon that is currently available and beer in bond is this one. In oak barrels, it ages. It has a flavor profile that is structured, rich, and smooth and is best bourbon whiskey.
O.P. Rockwell Cocktail Lounge & Music Hall’s bar manager and lead bartender Xania Woodman describes the 10-year-old bourbon as rich and buttery, “like butterscotch candy,” but with a noticeable bite. Despite its advantages, the cost isn’t as high as with some other well-known bourbons. It just goes to show you, says Woodman, that a price that seems outrageous doesn’t always translate into actual quality.
Also read: 8 Best Whiskeys to Taste for Ultimate Experience
3. Van Winkle
It was set up in Frankfort, Kentucky, in 1994. One of the most popular and sought-after bourbon brands is Pappy Van Winkle. The line of Pappy Van Winkle expressions produced by Buffalo Trace is the ultimate unicorn brand. In honour of bourbon pioneer Julian P., the brand, which includes Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve and Old Rip Van Winkle, carries his name.
“Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. Few expressions are more prized and elusive than those of Pappy Van Winkle. Don’t wait to try some if you have the chance to drink best bourbon whiskey. There may never be another opportunity. The most popular phrase of this brand is Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year.
4. Wild Turkey
Before Matthew McConaughey is creative director in 2016, Wild Turkey was a well-known, straightforward American whiskey brand that had already cemented its place in consumers’ minds. The distillery’s entry-level flagship expression is 101 proof (and comes in a new bottle design), giving it a slight edge over other whiskeys of a similar strength in heat and spice.
To help the whiskey’s flavor develop as it ages, Wild Turkey typically bottles liquor aged for at least six years. The No. 4 “alligator” char, which is stronger, is then applied to the barrels. Several high-end releases, including One by Master’s Keep, were aged in barrels that had previously contained toasted oak (the new edition is due this fall).
Then there are smaller batch releases like the single-barrel Kentucky Spirit and the barrel-strength Rare Breed to sample. A simple bottle of 101 is the best bourbon whiskey option you have (don’t waste your time with the 81-proof variety).
5. Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey
Even though a dizzying array of obscure bottlings and hard-to-find special releases has largely replaced Maker’s Mark, once the bourbon category’s darling. Don’t dismiss this contemporary classic just yet; it still has fans among today’s connoisseurs. Because it uses wheat rather than rye as the secondary grain, giving it a sweeter flavour profile. This traditional “wheated bourbon” is delicious and goes well in any traditional whiskey cocktail.
The price is the best part because this bourbon far outperforms its peers in terms of strength. Expect to pay no more than $30 per bottle, which is affordable for something adaptable, complex, and expertly made.
Also read: How to Make An Old Fashioned Drink
6. George T. Stagg
In honour of the person who planned and constructed one of the largest distilleries in the 19th century, Buffalo Trace creates a brand of bourbon called George T. Stagg (now known as Buffalo Trace). It begin in Kentucky’s Frankfort in 2002. This barrel-proof, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon company named after the father of whiskey offers two different varieties.
The first, George T. Stagg, spent at least 15 years maturing in brand-new, charred oak casks. The outcome is a robust, complex whiskey with notes of charred wood, vanilla, raisins, and pipe tobacco. The second one, George T. Stagg, Jr., is at least eight years old and has flavours of toasted vanilla beans, honey, and dried cherries. The most popular phrase is George T. Stagg.
7. Williams, Evan
Evan Williams is living proof that good bottles of bourbon don’t have to cost a fortune. Bourbon enthusiasts are aware of this. The Jim Beam White Label is fine, but this Heaven Hill whiskey, which is about the same price and slightly stronger at 86 proof, has more flavor and punch. Evan Williams is a fantastic, affordable cocktail bourbon that is drinkable on its own.
Nevertheless, there are a few other excellent expressions besides the traditional Black Label. Along with the underrated Evan Williams Single Barrel, there is also the elusive “small batch” 1783, which is bottled at 90 proof, and the Bottled in Bond variant, which increases the ABV to 50%.
Even though the bourbon will vary depending on which barrel it comes from, this is a really good and reasonably priced whiskey that you should try and compare the tasting notes to the classic Black Label.
8. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
1986 saw the launch of Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Elijah Craig line. After that it quickly established itself as a leading figure in the nascent “craft whiskey” movement. It bears the name of a Baptist minister well known for establishing a whiskey distillery in 1789.
Four different bourbons are currently available from the company. It includes McKay’s favorite 12-year-old “single barrel” expression, which packs a powerful punch. He says you don’t need to pour very much, adding that it is simply delicious.
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