Bourbon whiskey lovers, get ready for a journey through America’s finest spirits. We have the top bourbon brands, from affordable gems to luxurious sips. This guide celebrates the diversity of Kentucky bourbon and American whiskey. It shows the rich flavors that make this spirit so beloved.
Our ranking considers pricing and availability, ensuring a fair assessment of these bourbon whiskey brands. From limited editions to standard expressions, we’ve sipped and sorted to bring you the cream of the crop in American whiskey. Read on to discover which brands made the cut and find your next favorite pour.
A Brief History of American Bourbon
Bourbon has a deep history deeply tied to American culture, starting in Kentucky. Pioneers like Evan Williams, Jacob Beam, and the Brown family first made this spirit in the late 1700s. By 1820, Kentucky was sending out 2,000 barrels of whiskey, starting a booming industry.
The 19th century was a big time for bourbon. Bottling in the mid-1800s changed the way sellers marketed it. The Industrial Revolution made getting bourbon around easier. Dr. James Crow’s Sour Mash method also transformed bourbon production.
Kentucky distilleries grew, with about 500 by the early 1900s. But Prohibition hit hard, leaving only a few distilleries open. Yet, bourbon stayed popular, with doctors writing millions of prescriptions for it.
After Prohibition, bourbon slowly came back. By the 1960s, Kentucky had around 100 distilleries, making 75 million gallons a year. Even when vodka became popular in the 1970s, bourbon bounced back. In 2013, sales hit $1 billion, starting a new “golden age” for Kentucky bourbon.
Today, bourbon is a cornerstone of American whiskey culture, with its rich history and flavors captivating new generations, particularly millennials. Its future looks promising as it continues to thrive in the modern market.
Bourbon Whiskey Brands: From Classic to Cutting-Edge
The bourbon world offers a mix of classic and innovative brands. Jim Beam is a trusted favorite, and its Small Batch Collection features Booker’s, which ages for six to seven years. Knob Creek offers four Small Batch expressions to cater to different palates.
Wild Turkey is famous for its bold 101 proof bourbon. Meanwhile, Four Roses uses two mash bills and five yeast strains to create ten distinct recipes, offering a wide range of flavors.
Craft distilleries are also reshaping the bourbon scene. Old Elk Distillery in Colorado, for instance, uses a unique “Slow Cut” proofing process to create one of the smoothest bourbons available.
Key Highlights:
- Jim Beam: Small Batch Collection, including Booker’s
- Knob Creek: Four Small Batch expressions
- Wild Turkey: Flagship 101 proof bourbon
- Four Roses: Ten recipes from two mash bills and five yeast strains
- Old Elk: Pioneers the “Slow Cut” proofing process
From established names like Jim Beam to innovative craft distilleries, the bourbon world continues to evolve, offering something for everyone.
Top-Shelf Bourbons: The Platinum Medal Winners
Premium bourbon lovers rejoice! The world of high-end whiskey has reached new heights with exceptional offerings that have earned top honors. These whiskeys showcase the pinnacle of craftsmanship and deliver complex flavors with unparalleled quality.
Four Roses Warehouse Liquors Selection Barrel Strength Single Barrel stands out as a true gem, scoring an impressive 98/100 points. This bourbon exemplifies top-shelf artistry, captivating enthusiasts with its rich profile and smooth finish.
Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to impress with Gold medal-winning expressions. Their Stagg Jr. and Colonel E.H. Taylor cement their place as high-end favorites.
Heaven Hill Distillery claimed five Gold medals for various expressions. Meanwhile, Kentucky Owl Confiscated Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Fifteen Stars also earned Gold recognition for their exceptional offerings.
In 2023, the International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) awarded Gold Outstanding medals to four American whiskeys, further highlighting the quality of domestic spirits. With 25 bourbons earning Gold medals, the competition showcased the diverse excellence of the industry’s top performers.
Affordable Luxury: Gold Medal Bourbon Brands
You don’t need deep pockets to enjoy award-winning whiskey. Many value bourbon brands offer exceptional quality without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some mid-range whiskey options that have earned gold medals and critical acclaim.
Maker’s Mark holds a special place in the bourbon world. It offers its Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky for just $35. This smooth, approachable whiskey is perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails. Another crowd-pleaser is Wild Turkey, known for its bold flavors and reasonable prices.
For those seeking more unique flavors, consider these gold medal winners:
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon ($33) – Ranked #1 in Bourbon
- Four Roses Small Batch Select ($69) – Complex and well-balanced
- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style ($69) – Rich and full-bodied
Craft distilleries are also making waves in the value bourbon market. Laws Whiskey House Four Grain Straight Bourbon ($68) and Great Jones Straight Bourbon ($45) offer distinctive taste profiles at accessible price points. These brands prove that quality doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting your whiskey journey, these affordable luxuries are worth exploring. Discover the rich flavors of Irish whiskey and compare them to these American treasures to expand your whiskey knowledge.
Wheated Bourbons: A Softer Side of Whiskey
Wheated bourbon offers a unique twist on the classic American spirit by replacing rye with wheat. This change results in a softer, sweeter profile that has become a favorite among whiskey fans.
Maker’s Mark is a top choice in this category, known for its smoothness and 45% ABV, perfect for sipping or mixing. Weller Special Reserve, often compared to the coveted Pappy Van Winkle line, is another standout.
The wheated bourbon market is expanding rapidly. Larceny uses 20% wheat to create a sweet, complex flavor. It also offers barrel-proof releases that range from 115 to 120 proof for those who prefer a stronger drink.
Key Highlights:
- Wheated bourbons are perfect for sipping neat or in classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds.
- Buffalo Trace uses soft red winter wheat in its Van Winkle and Weller lines.
- Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon is available in 25 states for under $40.
Wheated bourbons showcase the versatility of American whiskey, offering options for every taste and budget. With more distilleries experimenting with wheat, the future promises exciting new releases in this category.
Cask Strength and Barrel Proof: The Power Players
Bourbon lovers look for high-proof bourbon and barrel strength whiskey for intense flavors. These spirits give a pure taste that shows off bourbon’s true nature.
A recent blind taste test showed interesting results. Tasters found deep leathery smells, cherry notes, and salted caramel. Others liked the balanced taste with cinnamon, chocolate, and vanilla.
Top brands in the high-proof category include:
- Larceny Barrel Proof (63.2% ABV)
- Booker’s “Charlie’s Batch” Small Batch
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (66.5% ABV)
- A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength (67.55% ABV)
These bourbons are strong, with ABVs from 55% to over 67%. Yet, they balance their heat with complex tastes. Tasters liked the sweet, spicy, and smooth flavors.
If you’re new to high-proof bourbon, start with small sips. Adding a drop of water can help open up the flavors. Exploring this world, you’ll learn to love the bold taste of barrel-proof spirits.
Limited Editions and Special Releases: Collectible Bourbons
Bourbon lovers look forward to limited-release whiskeys. They love their unique tastes and value as collectibles. These rare bourbons come from famous distilleries in Kentucky. They show off great craftsmanship and aging methods. There’s a wide range of limited edition bourbons, with prices from $69 to over $9,000.
Collectible Limited Edition Bourbons:
- 2XO Gem of Kentucky – $199
- Angel’s Envy Cask Strength – $399
- BTAC George T. Stagg – $1,300
Other Noteworthy Collectible Bourbons:
- Old Fitzgerald Special Editions: Highly valued by collectors.
- Blood Oath Pact Series: Released in different pacts.
- Booker’s Limited Editions: Often released for special anniversaries.
These rare bourbons have proofs between 100-119 and ages from 4 to 30 years. Limited release whiskeys often have special finishes, like brandy, port, or tequila casks. This adds complexity to their taste.
People seek these bourbons for their rarity and unique aging processes. Special finishes include brandy, port, or tequila casks.
They typically have proofs between 100 and 119. Ages range from 4 to 30 years. Collectors often find limited stock or sold-out bottles, increasing their value. Brands like Heaven Hill and Wild Turkey drive demand for these releases.
The Art of Bourbon Tasting: Flavors and Aromas
Bourbon tasting is a journey for your senses. It lets you explore the rich flavors of whiskey. Start with the right glassware, like the Glencairn glass, Tulip glass, or Brandy Snifter, to capture the aromas well.
When tasting bourbon, use all your senses. First, look at the color and clarity. These tell you about the aging and the type of cask used. Then, swirl the glass and smell it. Try different ways to smell the bourbon, like keeping your mouth open or smelling it directly.
Common flavors in bourbon include vanilla, caramel, wood, fruits, and spices. As you taste, notice these flavors. The finish, or the taste that stays with you, ends the tasting. Older bourbons usually have deeper and more complex flavors.
To improve your tasting skills:
- Choose a quiet place without distractions
- Have room-temperature water ready to clean your palate
- Add a little water to reveal hidden flavors
- Try vertical tastings to compare different years from the same distillery
- Explore horizontal tastings to taste bourbons of the same age from different producers
By learning these bourbon-tasting techniques, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle more. Whether you’re new to bourbon or have been drinking it for years, there are always new flavors to discover and enjoy.
Bourbon Cocktails: Showcasing Brand Versatility
Bourbon mixology has a rich history, beginning in Kentucky in the late 1700s. Today, bourbon cocktails allow for endless creativity, with timeless classics and modern twists. Some of the most iconic bourbon cocktails include:
- Old Fashioned – A staple since the early 1800s, still beloved in bourbon bars across the U.S.
- Maple Old Fashioned – A modern take by Company Distilling, featuring maple syrup and black walnut bitters for a sweet and rich twist.
- Bourbon Peach Smash – A refreshing summer drink that combines bourbon’s warmth with fresh peaches and lemon zest.
- Mint Julep – A favorite since the 1930s, highlighting bourbon’s affinity for fresh herbs.
- Boulevardier – A bourbon-based Negroni, offering a sophisticated European twist.
- Bourbon Sour – A smooth, tangy cocktail made with egg white for added texture.
Choosing the right bourbon for these cocktails is key. Brands like Pendleton Whiskey, Old Forester 1870, and Buffalo Trace each provide distinct flavors. For a special touch, try award-winning bourbons from small distilleries like Garrison Brothers. Whether you’re mixing at home or seeking expert advice, the right bourbon can elevate any cocktail to an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion: A Bourbon for Every Palate
From accessible value brands to premium, top-shelf options, bourbon offers something for every whiskey lover. Whether you prefer the bold intensity of cask strength or the smooth sweetness of wheated bourbon, the variety in American whiskey is remarkable. The craftsmanship ensures there’s always a new bottle to explore.
Bourbon’s rich history, paired with its continued innovation, makes it a key part of America’s cultural and culinary heritage. So, whether you’re sipping neat, mixing cocktails, or hunting down a rare bottle, these bourbons promise a delightful journey through the world of whiskey.
Now that you’ve explored the best bourbon brands, why not dive into Scotland’s world of whisky? From Kentucky’s rich bourbons to Scotland’s iconic single malts. Compare the craftsmanship and flavors of these two whiskey giants. Visit Scotland Whisky to discover top Scotch whisky brands and learn more about the heritage behind Scotland’s legendary spirits!