Bourbon, America’s native spirit, has been captivating whiskey enthusiasts for centuries with its rich history and exceptional flavors. Crafted primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon offers a wide array of taste profiles, from sweet and caramel-forward to bold and spicy.
In this post, we will explore the ten best bourbons that are a must-try for any bourbon whiskey lover.
Best Bourbons To Drink
1. Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery Notes- Named for the 14th tallest tree on the planet, Pipe Dream is our first Bourbon whiskey. Pipe Dream Bourbon is made from barrels aged between four and twelve years with a high corn mash bill. Smooth and complex, it is a true sipping whiskey
2. New Riff Bottled In Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery Notes- New Riff Distilling’s core Bourbon expression is a genuinely high-rye, full bodied whiskey offering savory, spicy character. Building upon America’s 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act—already the highest quality standard for aged spirits in the world—New Riff Bourbon is Bottled In Bond Without Chill Filtration. Featuring a mash bill of non-GMO grains at 65% corn,30% rye, and 5% malted barley, it represents a new riff on Kentucky’s most hallowed whiskey traditions. Aged four years in 53-gallon toasted and charred new oak barrels, there are no shortcuts taken in our production. All New Riff whiskeys are made with the full sour mash Kentucky Regimen; all carry an age statement, and are always bottled without chill filtration.
3. Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength is an exquisite Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, amplified to perfection. This exceptional expression delivers an enticing nose of caramel and vanilla, followed by a harmonious palate of rich oak, toasted spices, and sweet toffee. Bottled at cask strength, it offers an intensified and luxurious tasting experience. With every sip, the smooth and bold flavors intertwine, culminating in a long, satisfying finish that leaves a lasting impression on the palate. A true masterpiece for whiskey enthusiasts seeking an elevated journey into the world of premium bourbons.
4. Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series – Foursquare Rum Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bardstown Bourbon Company Collaborative Series presents a remarkable creation, the Foursquare Rum Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Meticulously crafted through a unique collaboration, this expression showcases the fusion of two distinct spirits. Aged in Foursquare rum barrels, it exhibits a delightful harmony of rich bourbon notes entwined with the essence of Caribbean rum. The result is a smooth and captivating flavor profile, where caramel, oak, and tropical fruit intertwine, culminating in a truly exceptional sipping experience.
5. Henry McKenna 10 Year Old Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery Notes- This high proof, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was named for Henry McKenna, the Irish immigrant who adapted his family’s whiskey recipe to work with the grains he found in Kentucky. Henry McKenna is one of the longest aged Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys available today, resting in the barrel through 40 Kentucky seasons. Critics agree that this is perfectly balanced Bourbon.
6. Hirsch The Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Hirsch The Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a true gem in the world of bourbons. Bottled at its natural, robust strength, this expression embodies the essence of a classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon. With a deep amber hue, it entices with enticing notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla. Each sip offers a bold and complex flavor profile, showcasing layers of toasted grains, dried fruits, and a touch of spice, culminating in a long and satisfying finish. A must-try for discerning whiskey enthusiasts.
7. Barrell Bourbon Vantage Virgin Oak Finished Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery Notes- Vantage highlights the blending expertise that defines Barrell Craft Spirits and is an exciting step forward in our never-ending journey to take bourbon to new heights. Our unique vantage point in the whiskey world, combined with a passion for experimentation and nuance, has inspired us to produce a blend with impeccable balance and depth of flavor. Barrell Vantage is the result of deliberately pairing specifically identified bourbons with carefully selected cooperage, giving rise to a final expression that focuses on the subtle flavors and their compounding profiles. Vantage is a blend of straight bourbons finished in three distinct expressions of virgin oak: Mizunara, French, and toasted American oak casks.
8. Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 28 Aged at Sea Very Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 28 is an extraordinary Very Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, aged at sea to perfection. As it sails across the world’s oceans, the constant motion and sea breeze infuse the spirit with unique flavors. This exquisite expression boasts a rich amber color and tantalizing aromas of caramel, sea salt, and oak. The palate is rewarded with layers of vanilla, dark chocolate, and a subtle briny note, leading to a smooth and memorable finish. A voyage worth savoring.
9. Widow Jane 10 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Widow Jane 10 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a true testament to time-honored craftsmanship. Aged for a decade, this exceptional bourbon exudes a deep amber hue and entices the senses with a captivating bouquet of caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, rich and complex flavors of honey, dried fruit, and warm spices intermingle, leading to a velvety-smooth finish that leaves a lasting impression of elegance and depth. A remarkable whiskey for connoisseurs seeking a refined and rewarding tasting experience.
10. American Highway Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
American Highway Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey embodies the spirit of the open road and the rich heritage of Kentucky distilling. Crafted with meticulous care, this expression offers a captivating amber color and an inviting aroma of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The palate is treated to a harmonious blend of sweet corn, toasted grains, and subtle spices, leading to a smooth and satisfying finish. A memorable journey of flavors that pays homage to America’s bourbon tradition.
Conclusion
Bourbon, with its diverse flavor profiles and rich history, continues to captivate whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. The ten bourbons mentioned in this article represent the pinnacle of the spirit’s craftsmanship, offering a delightful range of tastes to satisfy every palate.