Bourbon is a beloved spirit in the United States that has been around for centuries. Known for its sweet and smoky flavor, bourbon is aged in charred new oak barrels, which gives it its distinctive taste.
Today, hundreds of bourbon offerings are on the market, each with its unique flavor profile, mash bill, and the aging process. But which ones are the best?
In this article, we will explore some top-shelf bourbon brands and give you examples of bourbons from each brand, so you can decide which is the best choice.
Pappy Van Winkle
Pappy Van Winkle is one of the most sought-after and expensive bourbons on the market. Named after the founder of the distillery, Julian Van Winkle.
The brand's origins can be traced back to the 19th century when Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. began distilling whiskey in Kentucky. Today, the brand is known for its highly sought-after bourbons.
Pappy Van Winkle uses a high percentage of wheat in its bourbon mash, which gives the whiskey a smooth and mellow flavor profile.
The brand's limited availability and high price tag have only added to its mystique and desirability among bourbon collectors and enthusiasts.
Some of the bourbons from Pappy Van Winkle include;
- Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year: This is the flagship bourbon from the Pappy Van Winkle distillery, aged for a minimum of 15 years in charred new oak barrels. It has a smooth and mellow flavor with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes.
- Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year: This bourbon is aged for a minimum of 20 years, which gives it an even richer and more complex flavor profile. It has dark chocolate, leather, and tobacco notes, with a long and satisfying finish.
- Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year: This is the oldest and rarest bourbon from the Pappy Van Winkle distillery, aged for a minimum of 23 years in charred new oak barrels. It has a deep, complex flavor with toffee, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes.
Maker's Mark
Maker's Mark is a bourbon whiskey brand known for its smooth and easy-drinking flavor drinks. They are made in small batches using a unique mash bill that includes red winter wheat.
Maker's Mark uses charred new oak barrels, which gives the bourbons a distinctive flavor and color. Here are some of the best bourbons from the brand;
- Maker's Mark Bourbon: This is the flagship bourbon from the Maker's Mark distillery, aged for a minimum of six years in charred new oak barrels. It has a smooth and mellow flavor with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes.
- Maker's Mark Cask Strength: This bourbon is aged for at least six years and bottled at cask strength, giving it a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor profile. It has dark chocolate, black pepper, and oak notes, with a long and satisfying finish.
- Maker's Mark 46: This bourbon is aged for a minimum of six years and finished in charred oak staves, which gives it an even richer and more complex flavor profile. It has a smooth, lingering finish with caramel, vanilla, and spice notes.
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is known for its balanced and complex flavor profile bourbons. They make them in small batches using a unique mash bill.
Woodford Reserve bourbons are aged in charred new oak barrels and bottled at cask strength, which gives them a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor profile. Examples include;
- Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 149 2023 Edition: It is a limited-release bourbon that celebrates the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. This special edition is aged for at least two years and features notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and spice, making it the perfect sip for race day.
- Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon: It is a luxurious and limited-release bourbon aged 5-7 years in oak barrels. The special Baccarat crystal decanter and packaging make it an ideal gift for bourbon connoisseurs looking for a premium drinking experience.
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Private Select: Bourbon is a unique and exclusive bourbon finished in a second oak barrel for an additional period. This extra aging process creates a rich and complex flavor profile with vanilla, caramel, and spice notes.
- Woodford Reserve Batch Proof: This bourbon is bottled at cask strength and made in small batches, which gives it a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor profile. It has cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg notes, with a long and spicy finish.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
The Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for producing some of the most popular and well-regarded bourbons on the market.
Their bourbons are aged in charred new oak barrels and made in small batches. They have a unique and complex flavor profile.
These are some of the best bourbons from the distillery;
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: A classic and affordable bourbon in oak barrels for at least eight years. It has a smooth and balanced flavor with vanilla, toffee, and spice notes.
- Eagle Rare 10 Year: This bourbon is aged for a minimum of 10 years in charred new oak barrels, which gives it a rich and complex flavor profile. It has dark chocolate, leather, and tobacco notes, with a long and satisfying finish.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey is a bourbon brand known for its bold and flavorful bourbons. Their bourbons are barrel aged in charred new oak barrels and bottled at cask strength, which gives them a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor profile.
The master distiller of Wild Turkey is one of the most respected and well-known figures in the bourbon world. This role is currently held by Eddie Russell, who took over from his father, Jimmy Russell, in 2015.
The Russells are a legendary family in the bourbon industry, with over 100 years of combined experience in distilling. Eddie has worked at Wild Turkey for over 35 years.
His attention to detail and dedication to quality is evident in every Wild Turkey bottle. It makes it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts around the world.
Below are some of the best bourbons from Wild Turkey;
- Wild Turkey Rare Breed: This bourbon is a blend of six to 12-year-old bourbons bottled at cask strength. It has a bold and spicy flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and oak notes.
- Wild Turkey Master's Keep: This bourbon is aged for at least 17 years in charred new oak barrels, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. It has toffee, caramel, and vanilla notes, with a smooth and satisfying finish.
- Wild Turkey 101: This bourbon is bottled at a high-proof and aged in charred new oak barrels for a minimum of six years. It has a bold and spicy flavor with black pepper, oak, and caramel notes.
Four Roses
Four Roses is a bourbon brand known for its unique and balanced flavor. They produce ten different bourbons, each with a unique mash bill and aging process, giving them a distinct flavor profile.
Examples of Bourbons from Four Roses:
- Four Roses Single Barrel: This bourbon is aged for at least eight years in charred new oak barrels and bottled at a barrel proof of 100. It has a bold and spicy flavor, with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg notes and a long and satisfying finish.
- Four Roses Small Batch Select: This bourbon is made from six different mash bills and aged for a minimum of six years in charred new oak barrels. It has a complex flavor profile, with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, and a smooth and satisfying finish.
- Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch: This bourbon is made from four different mash bills and aged for a minimum of 15 years in charred new oak barrels. It has a rich and complex flavor profile, with dark chocolate, espresso, toasted oak notes, and a long and satisfying finish.
Conclusion
Many top-shelf bourbon brands are on the market, each with its unique flavor profile and the aging process.
No matter which brand or bourbon you choose, enjoy it responsibly. Savor the rich and complex flavors that make bourbon one of the most beloved spirits in the world.