So if you've ever enjoyed bourbon from Maker's Mark or Jim Beam, know that you've experienced a taste of early American history. Henry McKenna Bottled-In-Bond 15. Its balance and wide appeal are what puts Knob Creek near the top of our list. William Larue Weller (WL Weller) by Buffalo Trace is a one-of-a-kind bourbon released annually, and it is aged until fourteen years. However, its the term used for whiskey thats been produced in select numbers, on a limited basis.Sour Mash: The most common mixture of crushed malt and grain meal, sour mash means adding some of the already used mash into a fresh batch for fermentation. Its complex, full-bodied, and surprisingly smooth with a delicate, long finish thats unbelievably mellow. In the case of Jim Beam,. Experience the highs, lows, and everything in between from investments, filling barrels, and shipping bottles. A favorite among bartenders, this Bourbon offers rich and complex flavors far superior to what you might expect at its price point. Also called the Alligator Char, it is obtained after 55 seconds of fire. This whiskey is aged for 8 years in new charred oak barrels before being bottled at 80 proof. Blended whiskey combines multiple other whiskeys alongside neutral grains, flavorings, and colorings. Formerly known as Ridgewood Reserve 1792 and 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, 1792 is another brand that offers taste beyond its value. What is the best Bourbon? Despite whatever institutional turmoil it has endured, Barton 1792 produces low-key, understated expressions. The name "Bourbon" was not applied until the 1850s, and the Kentucky etymology was not advanced until the 1870s. The Jim Beam distillery has been producing excellent Bourbon since the late 18th Century and has more than a few tricks up its sleeve for creating a range of delicious whiskeys. Whats the best top-shelf bourbon for Old Fashioned? Considered by many to be the worlds finest Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkles Bourbons are so rare and so popular that theres even a term for finding a bottle: Pappy hunting. The spirits production in Kentucky has shot up 250 percent since 1999, and the industry is currently undergoing a $5.1 billion capital investment campaign that is set to expand the industry even further. Named for an 18th-century Kentucky settler who was allegedly Kentucky's first distiller (an impossible claim to prove, according toThe Whiskey Jug), Evan Williams in reality has no relationship to its namesake. Superstar chef Wolfgang Puck offers both fine dining at his flagship Beverly Hills restaurant and frozen supermarket pizzas for the masses, and some chic designers offer both bespoke runway pieces and fast fashion at Target. The product portfolio of this bourbon brands includes Maker's 46 Bourbon, Maker's Mark 84 Proof, Maker's Mark Mint Julep Liqueur and Maker's Mark Cask Strength. Like many distilleries, Barton 1792 has a convoluted history. Bourbon can take a number of forms with vastly different personalities, but most critics and casual tasters agree that no matter what the brand or expression, a good bourbon should have a few fundamental characteristics: A caramel sweetness, a distinct taste of oak in the background, a flavor that matches and complements its initial aroma while balancing out the potentially overwhelming burn from the alcohol, and a pleasant mouthfeel and finish. Four Roses has been around since 1888, making it through the prohibition period before disappearing from shelves for 40 years. -Company: Sazerac Company. As you know, I've been reviewing major bourbon brands around here since 2014 and consider myself an aficionado on all sorts of brands. Compared to the familiar caramel-and-vanilla bombs, Evan Williams comes off as more restrained and lean, making it a good choice for those who usually find bourbon too sweet. Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Family Reserve. Not many of us have the ducats to stock our bars with only top-of-the-line, limited-edition releases. The brand offers rye whiskey and four-grain whiskeys (corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley), all aged in white oak barrels. Drink it neat while wondering exactly how far your bottle has traveled before it reached you. Basil Hayden's. $24 AT DRIZLY. This expression launched to the United Kingdom, France and Germany on Oct. 3. Jim Beam 18. Officially defined as American-made corn-based whiskey aged in new charred oak barrels, bourbon first emerged in the 1780s in Kentucky, where settlers from Scotland and Ireland adapted their whiskey-making skills to local ingredients, as explained byThe Spruce Eats. It has enough alcohol content and rich flavor to keep shining in Old Fashioned but does not overpower other flavors. The ultimate unicorn brand, the Buffalo Trace-produced line of Pappy Van Winkle expressions Named for bourbon pioneer Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr., the line includes Old Rip Van Winkle as well as Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve. Buchanan's Scotch Whisky. There are four Small Batch expressions available: Booker's (barrel proof, filtered only for char), Basil Hayden (mild 80-proof, high-rye bourbon), Baker's (relaunched as a single barrel release),. Rather, Widow Jane currently sources its bourbons from several undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, then barrel-ages and blends them which is how a nine-year-old company has been able to sell 10-year-old bourbon since its inception. After that, they must age for four years in a state-owned warehouse and be bottled at 100% proof/50 ABV. We pick Makers Mark as the best bourbon for an old-fashioned. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon. In fact, there are some fantastic lesser-known bottles hiding in price points that you wouldnt expect. The whiskey produced by the Russells over the years offers an infusion of timeless tradition and modern innovation. Tasting Notes: N/A. Bulleit Bourbon is a little sharper than most, thanks to its high rye content. With notes of cherry, vanilla and baking spices, this whiskey is great in a classic cocktail like the Manhattan. The no-age-statement release is bottled at 92 proof and retails for 75 ($87) per 700-milliliter bottle. Bottled-In-Bond: The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 identifies one class of spirits based upon a specific set of requirements. They must be distilled in their entirety by a single distiller in a single American distillery within the course of a year. Small-Batch: There are no legally-defined parameters as to what small-batch actually means. Buffalo Trace earned a reputation as a brand that turns casual drinkers into serious bourbon fans. Knob Creek 11. The topshelf bourbon uses red winter wheat for additional sweetness and smoothness. 9. As 31 Whiskey noted, "Basil Hayden's is to Old Grand-Dad as Acura is to Honda." The mixture is pumped into a fermentation vat with yeast and, commonly, a sour mash mix. Malt described their Very Old Barton Bottled in Bond as having "a solid quality/price ratio" that would make it a potentially "reliable go-to or house bourbon" were it more readily available. The single barrel whiskey is a classic favorite because of its special premium flavors of pineapple, cloves, and chocolate. Their more than 150 years of experience in making American whiskey made them one of the most trusted and reliable top-shelf bourbon brands today. They are currently the largest Scotch brand that remains under family ownership. Founded in 2012, the brand is so young the bourbons it produces in its own distillery in upstate New York are not yet sufficiently aged for consumption, according to31 Whiskey. What makes Elijah Craig a critical favorite is its complexity and balance. 19. Spicy and sweet and perfectly balanced, Knob Creek 9-Year-Old packs a solid punch in a single sip. But while easy to love, Buffalo Trace isn't always easy to find. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 28. Also, you can compare the flavor profile with other brands, such as Woodford Reserve and Makers Mark. Generally, the more years the liquor has spent in its barrels, the better although there are some exceptions. Top Bourbon Whiskies is a brand in the Alcoholic Beverages industry . The selections are rare, and most are released for their Celebration Sour Mash. ABV: 45%. The truth may be lost to time, but many of the original family-owned distilleries from the 1700s are still going strong, albeit under new corporate ownership in some cases. Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon Whiskey 14. Makers Mark isnt as spicy as rye-influenced whiskeys, making it a great Bourbon for a pairing. Learn more about the terms and distillery processes to understand what goes into making a delicious bottle. Bourbon. The small business later became a competitor to other popular bourbon brands like Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve. So how are they? It must not contain any added flavoring, coloring, or other additives and must be aged in new, oak-charred barrels. It has a humble price tag but a very distinctive rye spice note. Top blended Scotch whisky: which grains and malts are used in the blend. For another great option if you want a great value bourbon with a more modern twist, check our Bulleit bourbon review. Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old: Best Irish whiskey. Pappy Van Winkle is never a surprise bourbon because it is the highly suggested top-shelf bourbon brand until today. Its just one of many bottles in Four Roses successful collection. It'll be interesting to see how Widow Jane evolves once its own distilled products start to enter the picture. With an average price of around $2,500 a bottle, its certainly not cheap, but the range of (mostly dark) flavors and aromas means youll want to savor its uniqueness. Jim Beam. The double oak Bourbon brings out vanilla and caramel notes with a smooth start and a slightly sweet finish. Best Bourbon: Henry McKenna Single Barrel at Caskers. If you prefer something a little sweeter, Jack Daniels is another great bourbon to drink with a beer or in a cocktail. Smooth, woody, and with quality, Woodford Reserves Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made up of a wonderful mellow spice flavor. Pappy Van Winkles 23 Year Family Reserve wins that crown at a recommended retail price of $3,000. In the case of Jim Beam, one of the top selling bourbons in the world, the brand is owned by parent company Beam Suntory, which also owns brands like Knob Creek and Makers Mark. To complicate matters further, many of your favorite bourbon brands are actually owned by the same parent company. The proof: While the general consensus is that a higher proof (or ABV) number results in a better whiskey, this isnt always the case. This much-loved spirit has a distinct flavor profile and a history to match. Strict tasting rules were applied. No liquor speaks to American history, folklore, and tradition like bourbon. The next step differentiates Bourbon from whiskey. The proof is double the alcohol by volume (ABV) measurement. But however spurious its suggested origin story, Evan Williams as a bourbon is the real deal. And dont be put off by the whisky spelling: it uses a process similar to that of Scotch, but thats where the similarities end. Buy for dinner parties when you want to casually impress. But remember, taste is subjective, and at the end of the day, your rankings are the only ones that count. As The Bourbon Bard noted, "It's versatile with the fruit notes lending themselves to summer drinking and the spice coming through for colder winter nights." This claim, however, has been disputed by the Century House Historical Society, the current custodians of the mine and surrounding properties, as Blue Stone Press reported. Woodford Reserves Baccarat will forever rightly be a talking point in the bourbon world, a fusion of sophistication and complexity with a brilliant light copper coloring. The hint of oak connects and balances the flavors of fruit and spice. The perfect mix of modern luxury business and lifestyle stories. Popular in the States as well as Latin America, Buchanan's 12 Year is noted for its honey toast, spice, and fruit flavors. Jeffersons Ocean Bourbon is a unique whiskey because instead of aging in rickhouses, it is aged while traveling the world. Jim Beam may not be practicing the world's most ambitious blending and distilling, but for a brand to have lasted over 200 years, it must be doing something right. Glenlivet 12 Year: Best whisky under $50. Top-shelf bourbons are on top of the shelves for a reason. Whether you are after a rare bottle like Pappy Van Winkle or want an everyday bourbon like 1792, top-shelf bourbons are made to be enjoyed. Their Small Batch Bourbon took double gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018 and was named Best Small Batch at the same competition. Whoever Old Grand-Dad was, he didn't pull his punches. Actually, not quite: It was only 2020 when Knob Creek's 15 Year Old expression became the oldest whiskey in its lineup, and now there's a natural follow-up (also a limited edition), Knob Creek at a full 18 years of age, which is presumably bottled from slightly different stock. After the distillation process, the American whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels for a certain time [2] to develop rich vanilla flavors, heavy caramel aroma, and a great flavor profile. The brand is named after the first-generation distiller of the Weller Family, and he originally developed the substitution of traditional rye grain with wheat. 1792 bourbon is one of the top-shelf bourbon brands that are easy to find. Brian Beyke sits down with the founders of the top whiskey podcast, Kenny and Ryan of Bourbon Pursuit, to figure out what it takes to bring their whiskey label to life. Instead, this venerable budget brand (which you may have last seen in your grumpy great-uncle's pantry) is known for its unapologetic kick. The collection's first expression is Pineau des Charentes. Maker's Mark . Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, a barrel-aged distilled liquor made primarily from corn. The bourbon is great for sipping because it has rich aromas of nuts, tropical fruit, and raisins. Youll taste caramel most prominently when sipping this bourbon, rounded off with an expert hint of spicy cinnamon and ginger. Originally produced on contract at the Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, parent company Diageo opened its own facility for the brand in 2017. A top-shelf bourbon brand is a whiskey brand that produces distilled whiskey from high-quality ingredients and is usually expensive and rare. A wheated Bourbon combined with a large dash of bitters will result in a well-rounded, spice-heavy Old Fashioned. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey 5. A spirit distilled for a shorter period of time is known as white dog and has a paler, almost clear coloring, and a sharp flavor. While one of the most familiar bourbon brands, Jim Beam is not known for its depth or subtlety. Maker's Mark is associated with beverage industry as it deals in hand-crafted bourbon small-batch whiskey. Its almost impossible to go wrong with anything Pappy Van Winkle so, if its proving tricky to get your hands on the 23 Year release, the 15 Year and 20 Year are also top contenders. It's a balanced, austere bourbon, with a sophisticated nose that Malt described as "ferric, green and vegetal notes balanced against warm, very subtly woody vanilla." Other popular whisky brands include; Glenfiddich 12 Years Old, Louis XIII by Remy Martin, TIMAH Double Peated Blended Whiskey, SUNTORY WHISKY Kakubin, Lagavulin 16 Year Old, AUCHENTOSHAN Three Wood, BRUICHLADDICH The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley and MAKER'S MARK. According to award-winning mixologist Laura Reidy (Beauty and the Bourbon), Teeling is a top brand to remember if you're searching for Irish whiskey. The Whiskey Shelf noted that it "has some of the quintessential bourbon flavors, but overall there's not a lot going on," and Breaking Bourbon said its "straightforward and approachable flavor profile" makes it a "good base for cocktails.". How do you decide between the most popular Bourbons or, ultimately, find the best Bourbon of the year? Crisp American and French oak notes combine in a bottle that youll save for only the most special of occasions. It actually dates back to 1879, after which a series of ownership changes resulted in its current name and product line. It's harder to find than a needle in a haystack, with only 7000 cases released each year. The Whiskey Reviewer described its 12-year-old bourbon as having a nose of "brown sugar, cinnamon graham crackers and vanilla, accented by toasty oak." We Asked 9 Sommeliers: Which Cabernet Sauvignon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck? But the challenge of sourcing a bottle - or paying around $100 for a pour in a bar - is worth the hype. This 95% New York-grown corn bourbon holds the distinction of being the first (legal) whiskey produced in the state since Prohibition. PerBreaking Bourbon, it features the expected caramel, toffee, and vanilla notes on the nose, followed by a hit of spice, oak, and butterscotch. We went to the experts for recommendations on the best bourbon brands. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon, Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon, 66. These are rarely sold as is, but are rather aged for five to 10 years and blended in different combinations for each expression. Whiskey & Bourbon Distilleries in the United States (Market Size 20032027). Michters US-1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 39. But whats the most expensive bourbon? Makers Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky, Makers Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky, 92. But its not just fruity flavors thatll come through: alongside its sea air saltiness comes milky coffee, strong dark chocolate, and a hint of bitterness. But don't think of these unusual expressions as mere gimmicks Whiskey Reviewer gave Old Forester's 150th Anniversary Bourbon a grade of A for its intensely fruity nose, reminiscent of cherries and bananas, as well as a lush mouthfeel. Some of its collections, like EH Taylor Jr Small Batch bourbon and EH Taylor Single Barrel bourbon, are uncompromising yet powerful, similar to its namesake. It has a light mouthfeel and is less sweet than its aroma would suggest. The top 5 smoothest Bourbons are:Elijah Craig Small BatchFour Roses Single BarrelKnob Creek 9 Year OldMakers MarkBulleit Bourbon, The top 5 Bourbons are:Four Roses Single BarrelKnob Creek 9 Year OldPappy Van Winkles 23 Year Family ReserveElijah Craig Small BatchWild Turkey 101 Bourbon. What might sound like little more than a marketing gimmick has proven to pave the way for a great-tasting whiskey in the form of Jeffersons Ocean Bourbon. By the 1880s, Jack Daniel's had a total of 15 distilleries across Tennessee. Most top-shelf bourbons are produced in limited quantities, and because of their high demand, it can be hard to find the spirit. To top our ranking of the best bourbons of the year, we picked Four Roses Single Barrel bottle. As our best bourbon for beginners, we picked Wild Turkey 101 for its approachable taste, rich history, and the lesson in traditional American values that this bottle offers. Whats a top-shelf bourbon brand thats easy to find? Buffalo Trace is a flagship bourbon, and for over 200 years, the brand has been dedicated to creating a timeless craft. The difference between Baccarat and the brands other offerings comes from a few final touches: an extra period aging in XO Cognac barrels, the handmade crystal decanters its served in, and its insanely velvety, fruity, sweet, citrus-tinged taste. Jim Beam is one of the most popular brands of bourbon because the distillery has been making high-quality bourbon since 1795. Top-shelf bourbons are placed on top of the shelf as an advertisement for rare and high-quality whiskey. It has fragrant scents of new leather, light toffee, caramel corn, plums, and pipe tobacco. E.H. Taylor is one of the top-shelf bourbons with premium quality and an amazing flavor profile. $4.9bn Whiskey & Bourbon Distilleries in the US Market Size in 2022. 24 episodes. This touch results in a tasty-enough prototypical bourbon that "has left so much on the table due to being diluted down," according to Whiskey Consensus. Bourbon makers can play this game too, producing both unpretentious mass-market bottles and more refined, smaller-batch expressions. Start-up spirits producer Patriot Brands is building an 8,000-square-foot US$5 million distillery and historical park in Henry County, Kentucky. Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon. Check our Makers Mark in-depth review to see the price breakdown of each bottle from the brand. George T. Stagg boasts the bold character and smoky aroma of the bourbon. Its eight years spent in American oak barrels result in plenty of spice character coupled with a smooth, lasting taste. Known as one of the best evening bourbons, Bulleits taste lingers long after that final sip. Mash/Mash Bill: The ratio and mixture of grains used to produce whiskey. Four Roses Small Batch. Its a brand that knows exactly whats what when it comes to distilling: its master distiller is Jimmy Russell, the worlds longest-tenured active distiller. Clearly, such heritage brands have stood the test of time here's how they fare in comparison with newer players in the bourbon game. Kentucky, the birthplace of Bourbon, produces 95 percent of the worlds Bourbon supply. Top-shelf bourbon whiskeys can be expensive, but it has premium quality and taste that will make you want another bottle. The Smoothest Bourbon Brands Maker's Mark 46 Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey Maker's Mark 46 Image: Reese Lloyd With limestone filtered mineral water and an abundance of oak trees, which are required for barrel aging, the bluegrass state has ideal conditions for bourbon production and the proof is in the pudding. Best Scotch: The Balvenie DoubleWood at . Wild Turkey 101 refuses to compromise on standards of excellence. Barrel: Whiskey is distilled in oak barrels or casks in order to impart the most flavor into the liquid. The distillery honors tradition and embrace change by using the traditional production process and the innovative aging process. Wild Turkey is another premium brand thats been distilling whiskey for more than 100 years. Considered by many to be the world's finest Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle's Bourbons are so rare and so popular that there's even a term for finding a bottle: "Pappy hunting". Ohio Liquor says Butler is already winning prestigious whiskey awards. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. The top-shelf straight bourbon is well-loved because of its rich vanilla, oak, and caramel flavor. Whether or not this is worth your while depends on your fondness for Old Grand-Dad. The barrel begins to crack and peel in a rough, shiny pattern that looks like alligator skin. But the most. And there are a lot of expressions, from their flagship 80-proof bourbon to their small-batch, single-barrel, and limited releases, offering bourbon geeks numerous options to collect and explore. Using only hand-selected grains, we mill, mash, ferment, distill, age, blend, and bottle - bringing the highest quality spirits from the farm to you. -Distillery: Multiple - Undisclosed and A. Smith Bowman Distillery, VA. -Proof: 90. Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee released Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984, at a time when the Bourbon industry appeared to be on a downward slope. Wild Turkey is a premium brand of bourbon that has established its technique for over 100 years. Click the chart to open a larger image in a new tab. Basil Hayden's is such a case. Like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig is a Heaven Hill distillery brand named for a legendary figure in bourbon history. A crowd-pleaser, its a popular choice to pair with a beer.