Are you a bourbon lover looking for the perfect pour? Look no further! Bourbon is more than just a drink, it's an American spirit with a rich history and cultural significance. While all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskey is bourbon.
A well-crafted bourbon is a luxurious sipping experience to be savored and enjoyed. It can be made anywhere in the United States, but Kentucky is the mecca of bourbon production.
With so many options on the market, finding your perfect pour can be overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a list of the best bourbons to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year
Let's start with the king of bourbons, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 Year. It is so highly sought after that it's nearly impossible to find, but if you manage to get your hands on a bottle, consider yourself lucky.
The bourbon is aged for an impressive 20 years, giving it a smooth, complex flavor profile with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes. It's a true luxury bourbon that's worth every penny.
Four Roses Small Batch
Next up is Four Roses Small Batch, a bourbon that's won multiple awards for its quality and taste. It's made with a unique mash bill that includes malted barley, rye, and wheat, giving it a well-rounded flavor with hints of spice and fruit.
Four Roses Small Batch bottled at 90 proof, making it a strong sipper that's best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Plus, it's available at a reasonable price point, so you won't break the bank to enjoy a luxurious sip.
Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition 2022
Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition 2022 is an exceptional release from Four Roses Distillery, and it's highly anticipated among bourbon enthusiasts.
This limited edition bourbon blends four of Four Roses' ten distinct bourbon recipes. Each aged for at least 12-16 years, resulting in a smooth, complex flavor profile.
The Small Batch Limited Edition 2022 has a beautiful amber color and aromas of sweet vanilla, ripe fruit, and spices. On the palate are flavors of caramel, oak, and hints of chocolate, followed by a long, lingering finish.
This limited edition release is bottled at 111.4 proof, making it a high-proof bourbon with a robust character that can be enjoyed on its own or in cocktails.
Like all Four Roses bourbons, the Small Batch Limited Edition 2022 is crafted with high-quality ingredients. It has a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley, aged in charred oak barrels.
Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition 2022 is a highly sought-after bourbon. Its exceptional taste and complexity will impress even the most discerning bourbon drinkers.
Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage
For a bourbon that's both affordable and delicious, look no further than Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage. It's a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon with tasting caramel, vanilla, and maple syrup notes.
The bourbon is bottled at 86.6 proof, making it a great option for sipping and mixing. Plus, it's aged in new charred oak barrels, giving it a deep, rich color and flavor.
Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace is a great option if you're looking for a bourbon with a smooth, well-balanced flavor profile. It's made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley and aged in new charred oak barrels.
The result is a bourbon with tasting notes of caramel, toffee, and vanilla bottled at 90 proof. It's a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
For a bold, high-proof bourbon packed with flavor, try Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve. It's bottled at 120 proof and aged for 9 years, giving it a rich, complex taste with oak notes, caramel, and spice.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
For a bourbon that's twice-barreled for a richer, more complex flavor, try Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. It's aged in charred oak barrels and finished in new, heavily toasted barrels.
The result is a smooth taste with dark chocolate, vanilla, and caramel notes. It's bottled at 90.4 proof, making it a great sipper for those who enjoy a bit of a kick.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
For a bourbon that pays homage to the Prohibition era, try Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style. It's a rich, complex bourbon with tasting notes of chocolate, toffee, and spice that's bottled at 100 proof.
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, as it has a strong flavor profile that can hold its own.
Maker's Mark Cask Strength
Maker's Mark Cask Strength is a great option if you're looking for a bourbon with a higher proof. It's bottled at a whopping 125 proof, making it a strong sipper not for the faint of heart.
It's aged 6-7 years in new charred oak barrels and has tasting notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. You can enjoy the bourbon neat or with a splash of water to bring out its full flavor.
Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon
Jim Beam is a classic bourbon brand that's been around for over 200 years, and their Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon is a standout in their lineup.
It is a complex and smooth bourbon with a deep amber color, and it is a favorite of bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.
The bourbon has a rich and full-bodied taste, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice.
This bourbon is made using a traditional recipe and is aged in charred white oak barrels, which give it its distinctive flavor and aroma.
Weller 12 Year
For a wheated bourbon that's aged for a long time, try Weller 12 Year. It's made with a mash bill that's 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley.
Weller 12 year has a smooth, sweet taste with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes. It's aged for 12 years and bottled at 90 proof, making it a well-rounded bourbon that's great for sipping or mixing.
Booker's Bourbon
Booker's Bourbon is a high-proof bourbon aged 6-8 years and bottled at barrel strength, ranging from 121 to 160 proof. It's a bourbon not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a strong sipper, it's a must-try.
It has tasting notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice and is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to bring out its full flavor.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon is a well-balanced bourbon made with a unique mash bill of 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley. It's aged in charred oak barrels and has tasting notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
It's bottled at 91.4 proof, making it a strong sipper best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
For a bourbon that's bottled at a high proof but still maintains its smoothness, try Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It's bottled at 116.8 proof and blends 6, 8, and 12-year-old bourbons. It has tasting notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
Best Bourbon Cocktail Recipes
Bourbon Old Fashioned
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
- Ice
Instructions:
- In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube, bitters, and a splash of water until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the affordable bourbon and stir to combine.
- Add a large ice cube and garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
Bourbon Lemonade
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz value bourbon
- 4 oz lemonade
- Club soda
- Lemon wedge
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a highball glass, add ice and pour in the value bourbon.
- Add the lemonade and stir to combine.
- Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Serve and enjoy!
Bourbon and Ginger Ale
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz value bourbon
- Ginger ale
- Lime wedge
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice and pour in the value bourbon.
- Top with ginger ale and stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve and enjoy!
Bourbon Sour
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Egg white (optional)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice and pour in the affordable bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add the egg white, if using, and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
Food Pairing
When it comes to pairing food with bourbon, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, bourbons have rich, complex flavors with vanilla, caramel, and spice notes.
Therefore, pairing them with foods that can hold up to these flavors, such as grilled meats, smoked fish, or hearty stews is essential.
Secondly, the level of sweetness in the bourbon should be considered. For example, a sweeter bourbon, such as a wheated bourbon, can pair well with desserts or even a cheese board.
Lastly, it's important to match the intensity of the bourbon with the dish. A full-bodied, high-proof bourbon can pair well with bold flavors like barbeque or spicy dishes, while a lighter bourbon can pair well with lighter fare like salads or seafood.
Overall, when it comes to food pairings with bourbons, the possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations can lead to some delicious discoveries.
Conclusion
Bourbon is a luxurious American spirit to be savored and enjoyed. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon drinker or just getting started, there's a bourbon out there that's perfect for you.
There's something for everyone, from high-proof sippers to smooth, easy-drinking bourbons. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite bourbon, sit back, and enjoy a luxurious sipping experience.