Buy It, A Kentucky bourbon bottled in Tennessee? For a good price you get a quality single barrel thats even vintage dated on each bottle. The Best Bourbons You Can Buy Under $100 | HiConsumption That means no blending what came out of the barrel goes into the bottle (with maybe a touch of water). Its a lush and accessible bourbon, with honey flavors and oak aromas. However, Jim Beam's Knob Creek Small Batch 12 Year Bourbon should do just the ticket, spending some 12 years maturing in white oak . So, bring out the Bacardi, make your own Fireball cocktail, and throw in that flair to impress your guests!At Liquor Laboratory, we provide updated liquor price estimates. A post shared by The Bourbon Road (@thebourbonroad). It exchanged a few hands in ownership over the years, but since 1999, it has called Heaven Hill Distillery its home. We consider balanced tasting notes as one of the key criteria for choosing great bourbon. His namesake bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch, is equally as interesting as his idea, with rich vanilla, caramel, butterscotch tasting notes, and lots of rye spice. The bourbon is made in small batches hand poured into barrels and bottles for top-notch quality. Jim Beam Jim Beam is no foreign name when it comes to Kentucky bourbon. More spiciness and nuttiness come out in the finish. The bourbon contains a good amount of corn and barley, unlike the commonly used secondary grain, rye, making Old Fitz true wheated bourbon. Some of the popular Kentucky bourbon brands include Jim Beam, Evan Williams, Woodford Reserve, and Makers Mark, to name a few. The Noahs Mill Small Batch Bourbon comes packed in a distinctive wine-like bottle. Kentucky Owl 'Takumi Edition' Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey . There are plenty of bourbons here that only true enthusiasts will recognize. 8 Bourbon 6. The rare aged bourbon boasts a sophisticated wine-like profile with almond, cigar box, and cinnamon aroma. Buy It, 110-115 Proof Semi-Limited Loretto, KY, For Makers 46 they added 10 seared French oak staves to a mature barrel of Makers. 20 Best Kentucky Bourbon Brands Ranked & Reviewed (2023) In addition to the 2020 honor, this bourbon was also named to the Top 100 Spirits List by Wine Enthusiast in 2015, where it was a clear standout. Go ahead, pour yourself a glass of Buffalo Trace youll thank us later. freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: "gearmoose_leaderboard_btf", slotId: "gearmoose_leaderboard_btf" }); about the article: 15 Blacked-Out EDC Essentials, about the article: The 15 Best Bolt-Action Pens For Everyday Carry, The 15 Best Bolt-Action Pens For Everyday Carry. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked owes much of its complex flavor notes to the double-aging process: the first inside a traditional charred white oak barrel and the second inside a deeply toasted, lightly charred barrel. Best Top Shelf: Michter's 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly. It's described as thick and buttery, with heavy rich oak flavors and caramel and vanilla notes (via Breaking Bourbon). The 20 Best Bourbons Made Outside Of Kentucky, Ranked - UPROXX ("Craft Your Perfect Bourbon") is the result of a crowd-sourcing campaign (via The Lane Report). While maintaining great quality in both body and flavor, the bourbon whiskey comes at a pretty friendly price tag. 6 Best Bourbons 2023 | Shopping : Food Network | Food Network . If you've ever shopped for this bourbon, you'll quickly notice that not every horse is the same. Buy It, 93.7 Proof Wide Release Bardstown, KY, Kentucky became a state in the Union in 1792 as the region was just beginning to perfect the craft of American whiskey-making. CWA Staff [January 2023] The 25 Best Bourbons Are you ready to try the best bourbons? Makers Mark uses the regular Makers Mark recipe but with a little bit of a twist. Instead, this dark bourbon boasts a cocoa milk chocolate taste with coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cherry notes. However, if you're a fan of the Blue Grass State you'll want to check out all of our favourites on our list below. Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year Family Reserve, As the name suggests, a high rye bourbon contains plenty of rye, and a, https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/kentucky, https://www.forbes.com/sites/samlemonick/2017/08/18/yes-you-should-put-water-in-your-whiskey/, Knob Creek is one of the high-end releases, Pappy Van Winkle is the fabled unicorn of Kentucky bourbons, Villon Cognac Bottle Prices, Sizes & Guide (2023 Updated), Salted Caramel Crown Royal Recipes (2023 Updated), 15 Simple Mixed Drinks To Order At A Bar Today (2023), Purple Gatorade Shot Recipe: How To Make It (2023 Updated), What To Mix With Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon? Whiskey and bourbon are very similar drinks, though with a few distinct differences. Size:750ml . The cask strength heat may be overwhelming at first, but try having it in a classic Old Fashioned or with a pipette of water so you can appreciate it more. Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 21. This bourbon continues to get rave reviews (via Paste). Makers Mark makes excellent Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, but in this article, well talk about the brands behemoth: Makers Mark Cask Strength. Jim Beam is smooth, friendly, and versatile, perfect for those just beginning to get into the spirit. After that, resellers ask upwards of $2,000. And something very good to drink afterwards. Best Overall: Noah's Mill Small Batch Bourbon at Flaviar Jump to Review Best Budget: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best Splurge: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best Single Barrel: Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon at Drizly The brand is almost always held at a standard for robust, complex bourbons, thanks to Master Distiller Fred Noe. Rich notes of dark fruit, chocolate, toasted oak, and burnt caramel dance on your tongue upon the first sip of the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. The 10-year-old bourbon is aged in charred American oak barrels and contains a majority of corn mixed with rye and barley. Perhaps the best in the brands line is the Pappy Van Winkles Family Reserve 20 Year, aged for a whopping two decades inside oak barrels. The bourbon inside has an unabashedly robust, smoky, and bold flavor. Its made by Buffalo Trace using the same mash as their namesake bourbon, yet aged for 10 years. While the Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon Whiskey traces its roots back to the late 1800s, its production was interrupted by the prohibition era. The full-bodied bourbon is sweet, woodsy, and fruity, with a long, rich finish. The 2-year-old bourbon boasts notes of charred oak and sweet brown sugar that blend well with its peppery, herbal, and dried fruity flavor. Maker's Mark's red wax-dipped bottle has been a bar staple since 1958 (via Maker's Mark). Due to the double barreling, the bourbon also boasts a pleasantly smoky charcoal aroma. Maker's Mark 46 earned a score of 92 points out of 100 from Tastings, and earned a Gold Medal Exceptional ranking (via Tastings). Single Barrel an almost-perfect mark of 99 out of 100 (via Forbes). Ezra Brooks Bourbon Whiskey 9. It's bottled at a whopping 125 barrel entry proof. In addition to the Classic bourbon, Jim Beam also comes in a selection of other bourbon options, including single barrel, aged oak, and fruit-infused options, like peach and orange, to mention a few. As a result, it produces a fresh fruit aroma with beautiful notes of dried fruity apricot, ripe pear, and sweet roasted grain. Lets take a look at the best Kentucky bourbon brands that graze the shelves of liquor stores today. While Kentucky is the center of the bourbon world, bourbon whiskey can be made anywhere in the U.S.A. This barrel-strength bourbon is bottled raw as it is, made from a blend of select oak barrels combined into a single batch. If you want to spend extra for a special occasion like a huge birthday milestone or anniversary, the Michters US 1 Toasted Barrel Finish Bourbon is a good option. This premium 20-year reserve bottle joins the Pappy van Winkle Distillery family among its other excellent quality, premium, and expensive bourbons. That same year, it was named a finalist in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and won a gold medal in the Class Bartender Award. It comes with sweet caramel, toffee, and cinnamon notes blended with honey and a nutmeg aroma. When it comes to bourbon whiskey, youll always find Jim Beam among the worlds best-selling bourbon brands. Because all bourbons are whiskeys, Kentucky bourbons often make the list of the world's best whiskies, though it's not necessarily a clean sweep. Theres no limit to your happy hour! While this next bourbon shares a similar name to a few of the others on this list, its origin is totally unique. Weller Antique 107 mentioned elsewhere on this list, this Weller bottle has become increasingly difficult to find for all but the most dedicated hunters. Best Bourbon Reviews (2023): 20 Top Shelf Bourbon Whiskeys - TheCoolist Weller C.Y.P.B. What Are The Best Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries? Knob Creek is one of the high-end releases of the Jim Beam brand. The World's Best BourbonAccording To The 2023 Ultimate - Forbes Buy It, 104 Proof Semi-Limited Lawrenceburg, KY, If your last dance with Wild Turkey was in a college bar when you drunk dialed an ex, its time to give the brand another go. A product of the prolific Buffalo Trace Distillery, this bourbon has received numerous gold medals and other accolades, including its gold medal place in the 2019 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition (via Buffalo Trace). Weller C.Y.P.B. With so many different types of bourbon to choose from, it can be difficult to sort the good from the great and the bad from the worse. No prescription required. Many would describe this bourbon as thick and buttery and features notes of rich vanilla, brown sugar, and toasted oak. While Basil Hayden is a relatively young distillery, it still produces one of the best Kentucky bourbons. Bourbon made with a high amount of wheat will be softer and fluffier in flavor and texture, similar to freshly baked bread. Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon Whiskey. ] Its been called the best bourbon whiskey in the world by connoisseurs, celebrity chefs, and others who seem to know what theyre talking about. The high proof, bottle in bond bourbon is named after Henry McKenna. Here are our non-Kentucky favorites. in fact, while Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey is the best selling whiskey globally, Jim Beam is the best selling bourbon globally. As the flavor develops, you will get subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Weller Antique 107, sometimes known as OWA for "Old Weller Antique," earns high scores for its profile, which features cinnamon spice and oak with hints of vanilla and caramel. In 2021, just one of the 15 top whiskies named by the International Whiskey Competition was a bourbon (via Whiskey Competition). Best budget bourbon under $20: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - See . Top 20 Kentucky Bourbon Brands You Need To Try 20. Henry McKenna Bottled-In-Bond 15. Yet another Buffalo Trace bourbon has made the list of the best Kentucky bourbons of all time. The original bourbon of that name was first registered in 1884. Did we include your favorite brand in our list? Tip: Make the best Kentucky Mule by shaking the Larceny Small Batch Bourbon, ginger beer, and lime and strain over ice. Wild Turkey also proves you dont have to burn a hole through your wallet to have a great bottle. We want the bourbon to have a long, satisfying finish that leaves none to be desired. In 2017, the magazine named Elijah Craig Barrel Proof the top bottle of the year with a score of 94 out of 100 (via Whisky Advocate). 90.4 Proof Wide Release Versailles, KY, All bourbon is grain plus water, fermented, distilled and aged. If you want a Kentucky Bourbon that won't break the bank or are ready to invest a bit of your finances on a superior bottle, this list will give you something to ask for next time you visit your local purveyor of fine spirits. A 750ml bottle of Bulleit also wont burn a hole through your wallet as it costs just a bit more than $50. The amazing bourbon features notes of vanilla, honey, corn, and nutmeg. And first on our list is Bulleit Bourbon specifically, the Bulleit Barrel Strength. King of Kentucky 2021 Edition. Collecting the bottlecaps is also a lot of fun get all eight, and youll have spelled B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S, with the equestrian in various forms as he completes the race. When lined up, the stoppers display a sequence of the horse running (via VinePair). You can find versions in various markets from suppliers who made their way down to Loretto to participate in the program, or get some from the distillery. Eagle Rare 17-Year Bourbon ($1500 one of the exp). 1792s full proof label comes from its unique filtering process it passes through a plate and frame filter instead of chill filtering. Why the heavy price tag? Overall, the bourbons rich and sweet woody full-bodied profile goes well when drunk neat, on the rocks, or added to a cocktail. Best for a Manhattan: Woody Creek Colorado Straight Bourbon Whiskey at Wine.com. Proof: 96: State: Kentucky: Category: Small Batch Bourbon: Elijah Craig Small Batch: Smoothest Bourbon. As a result, the award-winning Single barrel bourbon is one of his incredible crafts. Also check: 20 Best High End Bourbons. $41 at Drizly. This Kentucky bourbon whiskey has traditional flavors and a sweet and spicy profile. Benchmark Old No. Its easy to spot Woodford Reserves iconic stout bottle on any whiskey shelf. The bourbon whiskey uses an exclusive Solera System aging process used by the distillerys older distillery which was closed in 1992. Weller Full Proof. The low percentage of rye in the mix lowers the spice and focuses on the honey and leather notes. Jeffersons Reserve comes with strong and bold flavors a true testament to a premium reserve bottle! And, if you find it, be prepared to pony up. Weve scoured the market and tasted a good variety of candidates to find you 25 of the best Kentucky bourbon to try out this year to experience the states rich flavors. Named for Parker Beam (grandnephew of Jim Beam and sixth-generation master distiller), the label supports ALS research (which the late Parker Beam was diagnosed with in 2010). Especially if you go with this. The Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon can be enjoyed straight or used in a cocktail. Invented in Kentucky in 1789, this drink has become one of the staples of US culture. One look at the short, squat bottle of Blantons would tell you everything you need to know about this bourbon whiskey. Ross & Squibb Releases Remus Highest Rye Bourbon Knob Creek is a quality, well-executed bourbon with a nutty aroma and a rich, almost fruity taste that goes great in a glass (or if you must, an old fashioned). You will also experience oak and baking spices in the middle. Learn more The 14 Best Kentucky Bourbons to Drink Right Now Photo: Hardin's Creek By: Ethan Brehm Published: Feb 07, 2023 You may have heard that 95% of all bourbon whiskey comes from the state of Kentucky. The 100-proof bourbon is made in American white oak barrels to achieve full and deep flavor with a robust oak taste. If true, then Weller (and W.L. Weller C.Y.P.B. Here are the ones you need to stash away. The bourbon packs complex flavors yet, it remains pleasant on the palate. Notable wins include a gold medal in the 2019 Whiskies of the World competition, a 2019 Double Gold Medal in the North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, and a 2019 Double Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (via Buffalo Trace). On a fun summer afternoon, you can also try out Jim Beam bourbon pre-mixed highball cocktails for a sweet, refreshing bourbon cocktail experience. While some varieties and special releases from this distillery may be tough to find, this variety of Maker's Mark is far easier to procure. Staves are then seared or heavily toasted to give the 46 its distinctive profile. And nowhere is it as cherished as in the Bluegrass State. The bourbon is made with high quality ingredients to produce 118.8-proof whiskeys with a strong but, well balanced taste, best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. This gives it a decidedly spicy flavor rife with cinnamon, maple syrup, white pepper, and charcoal. Average Price: Roughly $46.49 (Total Wine). Although Henry McKenna is a Kentucky bourbon, it wont deny that it gets most of its roots from Irish whiskey. Most of the bourbon available on the market is made in Kentucky. The bourbon features a deep amber color and boasts complex notes of vanilla, mint, and molasses. 10 Best Bourbons Not From Kentucky - Men's Journal W.L. The Old Fitzgerald brand has a long history, one that's only expanded since the 1950s. The cask strength heat may be overwhelming at first, but try having it in a classic Old Fashioned or with a pipette of water so you can appreciate it more. Weller for sipping. To enjoy the bourbon, you want to experience its most authentic flavors when sipped neat or added with a splash of water. Not all expensive bourbons are worth every buck, just like not all cheap bourbons are a waste of money. The bourbon is good as a sipper, on the rocks, and mixed with soda. 25 Best Kentucky Bourbons You Must Try (2023) The entire Pappy Van Winkle line of Kentucky bourbons is known as a sort of difficult-to-find "unicorn" in the industry (via Cool Material). Bottled at 125 barrel entry proof, the bourbon gives a deep and smoky flavor profile with balanced notes of sweet vanilla and caramel. Buy It, 100 Proof Semi-Limited Lawrenceburg, KY, So many variables can affect the outcome of bourbon from the weather to the location of a barrel in a warehouse most distillers blend a range of barrels to create an end bourbon thats fairly consistent. We do not sell your personal information. Bulleit Bourbon has plenty of accolades under its belt, Barrel Strength included it won Double Gold at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and scored 92 out of 100 at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The brand also carries more premium labels for bourbon aficionados looking to experiment with more complex flavors. But thats not the only amazing thing we do here! We didnt expect any less from a bottle named the number one bourbon whiskey in the world. And just because an expensive bottle of bourbon breaks the bank, that doesn't make it great. But in 2020, one in particular stole the show: 1792 Single Barrel. A post shared by Whisky Lounge (@whiskyloungereno). It offers buttery caramel and honeyed noted with a rich mouthful and a long, sweet, and savory finish. And surely, there's no better way of extolling the virtues of the Pappy bourbon that has been sitting in charred oak casks for nearly two decades. At a very good price point for a 10-year-old whiskey, a bottle of this wont disappoint. Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond earned a spot on the list of the Top 100 Spirits 2021 by Wine Enthusiast. 30 Best Aged Bourbons That Will Let You Taste Time Disclosure: Clicking on these links and making a purchase may earn us a small referral fee, at no extra cost to you. This 7-year reserve bottle is matured in a separate charred oak barrel and then deeply toasted before light charring in a second barrel. Nonetheless, the top-shelf bourbon features high quality and an award-winning distilling process which adds to its incredible taste and profile. It was founded in the late 1700s and has been handed down to seven generations of the Beam family. Knob Creek 11. You can also mix it with water, club soda, or ginger ale, or add it to an Old Fashioned cocktail. The worst thing is having a bad bourbon that is too cloyingly sweet. They release stock once a year and retailers lucky enough to carry it hold lotteries to decide who gets to buy a bottle. Thigh high corn and low rye formula gives it a more mellow flavor with the utmost sweetness and smoothness. Used in an Old Fashioned cocktail, the bourbon release beautiful notes of cinnamon spice and vanilla that elevate the cocktails overall flavor. Yes. The brand also brought innovative techniques to the bourbon industry. The Town Branch Straight Bourbon integrates one of the best handcrafting and masterful practices to produce a great quality drink. The 1792 Full Proof Limited Edition Bourbon is made with a rich and elegant flavor that reflects its exclusivity. Bib & Tucker Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 6 Years Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits ABV: 46% Average Price: $55 The Whiskey: Bib & Tucker pulls barrels of Tennessee whiskey from an old and. The bourbon is made with a mash bill of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye, and 12 percent barley. When it comes to taste, the bourbon boasts a perfect balance of different flavor and palate profiles, including a sweet, fruity, floral, and rich character. The Pappy Van Winkles Family Reserve 20-Year bottle is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Noah Mils Small Batch is excellent rare bourbon, blended with whiskey that has been aged between 4 and 20 years. Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch scored an impressive 99 over 100 in the 2020 International Wine and Spirits Competition, making it just one of the many award-winning labels from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Today, listings for this five-star-ranked bottle of bourbon go as high as $5,000 (via Wine-Searcher). A post shared by Rugged Workwear (@ruggedworkwear). On your palate, it starts with a medium body of sweet vanilla, honey, and maple syrup that transition slowly to candied nuts with faint saltiness. A post shared by Bourbon Geeks (@bourbongeeks). This bourbon scored 91.2 points out of 100 in the 2020 International Whisky Competition, and earned the title of the Best Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (via The Lane Report). Most Expensive Tequila: 30 Top-Shelf Tequilas You MUST Try. 20. With a high proportion of rye in the mash, this bourbon has strong spice notes that mingle well with the vanilla aroma and caramel flavors. You also have him to thank for the Bottled-in-Bond Act.