Bourbon, as you know, is a type of whiskey, much like rye and scotch. Unlike rye and scotch; however, bourbon is primarily an American-made drink, particularly that of the state of Kentucky where bourbon has a strong historical presence. In fact, Kentucky accounts for up to 95% of all bourbon, making it the bourbon powerhouse of the world. There are actually more barrels of bourbon in Kentucky than there are people.
Much like other whiskeys, bourbon is a grain alcohol, made from at least 51% corn in this case. Also like other whiskeys, there are certain bourbons which stand out among the others as being of the best quality. Without further ado, here are ten of the best bourbons on the market today.
10. Four Roses 2015 Limited Edition
As if the ‘limited edition’ tag wasn’t enough, this bottle of Four Roses is a small batch bourbon. For those who don’t know, that means you’re going to have a hell of a time trying to find this laying around, no matter your location. If you live in Ontario, Canada or some other place with a liquor monopoly, you’ll most likely have to take a trip out of state/province to get your hands on it. When you do; however, you won’t be disappointed. Master distiller Jim Rutledge put this out as his last bottle. You can certainly say he went out with a bang.
Unlike some, this bourbon is a real people pleaser no matter your taste. Those who like a spicy, alcoholic nose and body will no doubt appreciate this bottle, while its earthy, vanilla undertones will do well by anyone else. Beginners and seasoned whiskey drinkers alike will find something special in this blended bourbon. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s marvelous. You can’t say you truly know what bourbon is all about until you’ve had something from the Four Roses line. If you haven’t yet, this is certainly a good place to start.
9. Jefferson’s Groth Reserve Cask Finish
With a two step aging process and a finish unlike no other, this Jefferson’s bottle is arguably the best the line has to offer. A bold claim, I know, but just hear me out for a second. While most bourbons advertising a cask finish keep it safe and stick to sweet wine casks, Jefferson’s took a bit of a risk here by refraining from the traditional cask finishing process. By now, any experienced bourboneers are certainly cringing at the thought, but you’d be surprised how well this bottle’s finishing process turned out.
You’re getting an almost smoothly robust finish here, with a classic Jefferson’s body that you just can’t not appreciate. You’re getting a fruity vanilla nose as well, with a bold, earthy/woody undertone, which is where this bottle really shows what it has to offer. I will say; however, that this is not a casual, Saturday afternoon whiskey – rather an adventurous twist for those looking for something a little different. The long, intricate finish isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve grown tired of the same old bourbon and love Jefferson’s and want to mix things up a bit, I couldn’t recommend a bottle more highly than the Jefferon’s Groth Reserve Cask Finish.
8. Jim Beam Devil’s Cut Bourbon Whiskey 6 Year Old
Speaking of something a little different, this bottle Jim Beam is a real kicker. Of all drinkers, I’d recommend this one to those who aren’t loyal to any one region. If you’re a fan of, not just bourbon, but whiskey in general, this is sure to please your pallet. The body of this one almost has a Canadian tinge to it, which is rather unusual for bourbon, an American-mad drink. Those who like to cheat on their bourbon with rye from time to time will find value in this bottle.
Don’t get me wrong, though – this is still %100 bourbon, it’s just… unorthodox is all. You’re primarily getting spicy peppermint notes with a hint of hickory. Personally, I believe this is the perfect bourbon for advanced beginners who are ready to step away from the standard Eagle and Jefferson’s beginner blends and on to something a little more complex; while this bourbon is certainly a heavy hitter, it is quit forgiving to new drinkers.
7. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 9 Year Old
I’m not going to lie and tell you about how this is unlike any other Knob Creek you’ve had – because it’s not. I will however say that, despite its resemblance to other bottles under the same brand, the Single Barrel Reserve 9 Year Old does offer something extra that other Knob Creeks don’t. I say extra because there’s nothing unique about this particular bottle, though many notes are accentuated relative to similar bourbons.
The biggest nose note you’re getting here is nuttiness. A lot of nuttiness. The nose; however, is quite deceiving once you really get into the glass. Barley and rye are the flavors which really stick out here, despite its nutty nose, flavors which go well in contrast with its high alcohol content. As far as overproof bourbons go – in fact, as far as overproof whiskeys go – this might just be your best bet.
6. Lidl UK Western Gold Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Well, technically you’d call it whisky, as opposed to whiskey, but you catch my drift. Unlike some bourbons which are made with a specific drinker in mind, this bourbon’s smooth, well rounded body as well as its floral notes make it a great casual whiskey, suitable for everyone. It’s not the most adventurous of the bunch, but it’s of some of the highest quality bourbon you’ll be able to get your hands on.
5. Pabst & Richarz Vertriebs GmbH Western Gold Bourbon Whiskey
Those looking for a safe, basic bourbon will find solace here. Unlike some trickier whiskeys, this bourbon’s flavors have a tendency of matching its nose notes while providing a quality whiskey experience. While it has some spicy and nutty notes, you’ll primarily be picking up on a fruity oak note, which is quite nice. While it remains fairly basic, it has an extra kick to it that spices things up a bit and keeps things interesting. This is no doubt one of the best bourbons on the market today.
4. 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Those looking for a mild whiskey can’t go wrong with this installment in the Ridgemont line. A very aromatic drink, this bourbon delivers a bit of everything in the the flavor department, while primarily giving off a spicy vanilla flavor. Its nose remains much the same, though giving off a bit more in the oak department. While one of the smoother and milder bourbons, it remains more suited toward those seasoned drinkers, due to its complex pallet and nose, which may take some strong bourbon appreciation to pick up on. Advanced drinkers looking for something a little more mild will find everything they’re looking for in this bourbon.
3. Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey
A very sweet, malty bourbon, suitable for seasoned drinkers and beginners alike. Nose notes consist primarily of vanilla and malt, with a bit of honey thrown in for good measure. Its flavor profile stays somewhat consistent relative to its nose through staying sweet and malty, though with a tad more grain (corn, mostly). Its finish is very oaky and a little sweet, signifying the use of a traditional oak cask finishing process. While not the smoothest whiskey out there, it’s certainly not the harshest. I think anyone can find something to love in this bourbon and would recommend everyone pick up a bottle at least once in their lifetime.
2. Lidl UK Western Gold Bourbon Whiskey 6 Year Old
Another bottle of whiskey by Lidl, you’ll find this bourbon to be quite warm and inviting. Of all citrus-centric bourbons, this one easily stands out as the best and I would therefor recommend it to any fans of this type of bourbon. One thing I will mention is that, relative to other whiskeys with such pronounced citrus notes, this goes down quite smooth and, in an almost contradictory fashion, it manages to give off quite a pleasant, smoky flavor. It’s certainly a little different and something every bourbon drinker needs to try. This is the kind of whiskey you’d share with guests (assuming you want them to come back a second time).
1. Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon 10 Year Old Whiskey
A gold outstanding award winner, this is, without a doubt, the best bourbon available on the market today. A sweet-yet-charred oak is no doubt the most notable nose note present in your glass. You’re getting a bit of leather as well, which works great in contrast with the former note, creating an awesome synergy of scents. Flavor-wise, the first thing to hit your palate will undoubtedly be vanilla, though as time goes on other flavors are drawn out such as almond and chocolate. The nose notes also eventually shine through, leaving the flavor rather complex and, as a finishing touch, you’ll pick up on a hint of mint. It’s really one of the most complex pallets in the world of whiskey – not just bourbon – uniting seasoned whiskey drinkers of all kinds in the modern world’s best bourbon.
