Bourbon whiskey lovers, get ready for a journey through America’s finest spirits. We’ve ranked 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.
Evan Williams leads the pack for value, while Benchmark from Buffalo Trace Distillery is climbing the ranks. New Riff, a family-owned distillery, is turning heads with its quality bourbon. Maker’s Mark remains a go-to wheated bourbon, and Penelope offers a unique four-grain experience.
Heaven Hill’s Larceny and Elijah Craig have surged in popularity, with Elijah Craig’s barrel proof edition earning accolades. Willett Family Estate single-barrel bottles are coveted, and Michter’s has revived interest in rye whiskey. Woodford Reserve balances classic and luxe offerings, while 1792 bourbon delights with sweet, caramel notes.
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.
The Evolution of American Bourbon: A Brief History
Bourbon history is 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 how it was sold. The Industrial Revolution made getting bourbon around easier. Dr. James Crow’s Sour Mash method also changed how bourbon was made.
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.
Now, bourbon is a key part of American whiskey culture. With millennials drinking the most, its future looks good. From its beginnings to being a big industry, bourbon keeps drawing in fans with its deep history and rich flavors.
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 bourbons showcase the pinnacle of craftsmanship, delivering complex flavors and unparalleled quality.
Four Roses Warehouse Liquors Selection Barrel Strength Single Barrel stands out as a true gem, scoring an impressive 98/100 points. This premium bourbon exemplifies the artistry behind top-shelf spirits, captivating enthusiasts with its rich profile and smooth finish.
Buffalo Trace Distillery continues to impress with its award-winning expressions. Their Stagg Jr. and Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbons have secured Gold medals, cementing their status as high-end whiskey favorites. These accolades underscore the distillery’s commitment to excellence.
- Heaven Hill Distillery received five Gold medals for various expressions
- Kentucky Owl’s Confiscated Straight Bourbon Whiskey earned Gold recognition
- Fifteen Stars secured three Gold medals for their bourbon offerings
The International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) awarded Gold Outstanding medals to four American whiskeys in 2023, highlighting the exceptional quality of domestic spirits. With 25 bourbons earning Gold medals, the competition showcased the diverse range of top performers in the industry.
Affordable Luxury: Gold Medal Bourbon Brands
Bourbon lovers, rejoice! 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 is a beloved name 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. From classic Kentucky staples to innovative craft creations, there’s a gold medal bourbon for every palate and budget. Discover the rich flavors of Irish whiskey and compare them to these American treasures to expand your whiskey knowledge.
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. Look at the color and clarity first. They 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 Whiskey Brands: From Classic to Cutting-Edge
The bourbon world ranges from classic to new. Brands like Jim Beam make trusted favorites. Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection includes Booker’s, aged six to seven years. Knob Creek, also by Jim Beam, offers four Small Batch expressions for different tastes.
Wild Turkey is known for its 101 proof bourbon. This higher proof makes it taste bolder. Four Roses is unique, using two mash bills and five yeast strains for ten different recipes. This creates a wide range of flavors.
Craft distilleries are changing the bourbon scene. These small places try new things and use new ingredients. For example, Old Elk Distillery in Colorado has a “Slow Cut” proofing process. This makes one of the smoothest bourbons out there.
- Jim Beam: Offers Small Batch Collection including Booker’s
- Knob Creek: Provides four Small Batch expressions
- Wild Turkey: Flagship expression at 101 proof
- Four Roses: Uses ten recipes from two mash bills and five yeast strains
- Old Elk: Invented “Slow Cut” proofing process
From big names like Jim Beam to new craft distilleries, bourbon has something for everyone. Whether you like a classic Jim Beam or a new craft bourbon, the whiskey world keeps changing and thrilling.
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.
Wheated Bourbons: A Softer Side of Whiskey
Wheated bourbon brings a new twist to the classic American spirit. It replaces rye with wheat, making it softer and sweeter. This change is a hit with whiskey fans.
Maker’s Mark is a top wheated bourbon. It’s smooth and has 45% ABV, great for sipping or mixing. Weller Special Reserve is another favorite, similar to the popular Pappy Van Winkle line.
The wheated bourbon market is growing fast. Larceny uses 20% wheat for a sweet and complex taste. It also offers barrel-proof releases, from 115-120 proof, for those who like stronger drinks.
- Wheated bourbons are great for sipping neat or in classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds
- Buffalo Trace uses soft red winter wheat for its Van Winkle and Weller lines
- Green River Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon is available in 25 states for under $40
Wheated bourbons show how versatile American whiskey can be. There’s a wheated bourbon for every taste and budget. With more distilleries exploring wheat, we can look forward to new and exciting wheated bourbons.
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. Old Fitzgerald is a top choice among collectible bourbons, with special editions that whiskey fans adore.
There’s a wide range of limited edition bourbons, with prices from $69 to over $9,000. Some top examples include:
- 2XO Gem of Kentucky: $199
- Angel’s Envy Cask Strength: $399
- BTAC George T. Stagg: $1,300
These rare bourbons have proofs between 100-119 and ages from 4 to 30 years. Brands like Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve make these sought-after spirits. Limited release whiskeys often have special finishes, like brandy, port, or tequila casks. This adds complexity to their taste.
Collectors really want these bourbons because they’re rare and unique. Brands like Blood Oath and Booker’s have different pact editions. Some are even for special anniversaries. Since these bottles are hard to find, with some marked as “very low stock” or “sold out,” they become even more sought after by bourbon fans.
Bourbon Cocktails: Showcasing Brand Versatility
Bourbon mixology has a long history, starting in Kentucky in the late 1700s. Now, whiskey cocktails let people get creative, with the Old Fashioned being a top choice. This classic drink has been around since the early 1800s and is still popular in bourbon bars across the U.S.
Modern twists on old recipes keep the bourbon scene exciting. The Maple Old Fashioned by Company Distilling adds maple syrup and black walnut bitters for a sweet touch. For a cool summer drink, try the Bourbon Peach Smash. It mixes bourbon’s warmth with fresh peaches and lemon’s zest.
Bourbon’s versatility is clear in many recipes. The Mint Julep, a favorite since the 1930s, highlights the spirit’s love for herbs. For a European twist, the Boulevardier is a bourbon-based Negroni. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Bourbon Sour with egg white for a smooth texture.
Choosing the right bourbon is key when making these cocktails. Brands like Pendleton Whiskey, Old Forester 1870, and Buffalo Trace each offer unique tastes. For a special touch, use award-winning bourbons from small distilleries like Garrison Brothers. Whether mixing at home or getting expert advice, the right bourbon can make any cocktail unforgettable.