The Extra Black is an elegant Bourbon with a heavy caramel flavor and a strong nose of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla. Maker's Mark is a simple, dependable favorite Shutterstock Maker's Mark is one of the best-known bourbon brands. It can be a gateway bourbon for beginners who like to taste a good bourbon with well-round flavors. To mitigate this problem, Buffalo Trace implemented a distribution system that allocated a fixed number of bottles yearly to each state, according toGear Patrol. Old Grand Dad is one of the prides of Beam Suntory, and bourbon drinkers and bartenders highly praise their bourbon expressions. Named for a prominent 18th century distiller (the same one pictured on the label of Old Grand-Dad, according to Malt Review), Basil Hayden's is produced in the same production distillery as Old Grand-Dad and Jim Beam, according to 31 Whiskey. BOURBONS. Barrel: Whiskey is distilled in oak barrels or casks in order to impart the most flavor into the liquid. William Larue Weller (WL Weller) by Buffalo Trace is a one-of-a-kind bourbon released annually, and it is aged until fourteen years. Its an attention grabber, with a pungent and powerful taste and plenty of contrasting notes. The no-age-statement release is bottled at 92 proof and retails for 75 ($87) per 700-milliliter bottle. A rising star in the Bourbon market, Makers Mark prides itself on being neither bitter nor sharp, but somewhere comfortably in the middle. Well, think again this venerable bottom-shelf brand deserves a lot more respect than it's been getting. Our "Homegrown" Boone's Bourbon went from $50,000 in sales in 2020 to $210,000 in 2021. It is unfiltered and uncut straight bourbon with great cask strength. Angels Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Angels Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 18. To help us rank the best Bourbons in the world, we looked at a number of different factors including the proof, age, and price. Stillhouse Classic Stillhouse Classic made our picks for the best whiskey, but its Black Bourbon couldn't be left off my list of best bourbon brands either. Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon. A spirit distilled for a shorter period of time is known as white dog and has a paler, almost clear coloring, and a sharp flavor. In short, if Old Grand-Dad had a life philosophy, it was probably "go big or go home.". Category: Whiskey, Bourbon. Pappy Van Winkle The hype has officially got out of control on all of the Pappy products. This includes multimillion dollar renovations at distilleries like Jim Beam andFour Roses, and a $1.2 billion expansion of Buffalo Trace. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon. Jim Beam Kentucky Fire Bourbon Whiskey, 70. Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, a barrel-aged distilled liquor made primarily from corn. Buchanan's Scotch Whisky. The bourbon has a subtle flavor of vanilla, stone fruit notes, and oak finish. Every bottle reflects the way it was produced in pre-prohibition when E.H Taylor Jr owned the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Blantons claims that its the original single barrel Bourbon whiskey and is known for its unique bottle shape. What makes Elijah Craig a critical favorite is its complexity and balance. It is a small-batch Bourbon brand that is known for its high-end luxury. Bourbon, by definition, has to be at least 51% corn and most distillers we've seen hug that fairly closely. Since they are less frequently ordered and expensive, they are placed on top of the shelf at the back of the bartender to prevent theft and damage. While not as big a name as Jim Beam or Wild Turkey, it's a widely distributed brand that you can serve at a big party without breaking the bank, yet won't be ashamed to mix into a cocktail for that bourbon snob friend. Each barrel is made from a carefully selected mash bill and is batched in a holding tank with no margin for blending out. Spicy and sweet and perfectly balanced, Knob Creek 9-Year-Old packs a solid punch in a single sip. Click the chart to open a larger image in a new tab. But Old Forester, which got its start in 1870, is unusual in that it's stayed in the hands of a single family since its founder, a pharmaceutical salesman, decided to dive into distilling, according toMalt. Read more about the terms to know when talking about Bourbon or our methodology to select and rank the best Bourbon brands of the year. Smooth, woody, and with quality, Woodford Reserves Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made up of a wonderful mellow spice flavor. Blantons is nothing if not a satisfying whiskey and the Single Barrel Bourbon is an excellent example of just that. Solera for those of you, like us, that needed to look it up is a "stack of barrels where a small portion of whiskey is removed periodically and new whiskey is added." This process removes the bitter tannins, allowing for a smoother flavor once the mixture has been added. The truth may be lost to time, but many of the original family-owned distilleries from the 1700s are still going strong, albeit under new corporate ownership in some cases. Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon Whisky, 95. Bottled-In-Bond: The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 identifies one class of spirits based upon a specific set of requirements. So what makes Old Grand-Dad distinctive? In 1964, Congress even declared Bourbon Americas Native Spirit. Ranker may collect a commission from links on this page. Helio allows you to discover Top Bourbon Whiskies's revenue data, competitor info, offline and online sales metrics, distribution channel data, and more. Pappy Van Winkle is never a surprise bourbon because it is the highly suggested top-shelf bourbon brand until today. Last Updated on November 3, 2022 by Lydia Martin. But don't think of these unusual expressions as mere gimmicks Whiskey Reviewer gave Old Forester's 150th Anniversary Bourbon a grade of A for its intensely fruity nose, reminiscent of cherries and bananas, as well as a lush mouthfeel. Here are the best bourbons in 2022: Best bourbon overall: Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon, $39.99 available on Total Wine & More. We went to the experts for recommendations on the best bourbon brands. The Bourbon Bard lauds it as "the bourbon that made me love the actual taste of bourbon," and Breaking Bourbon called it "instantly likeable and pleasant with notes of caramel, honey, orange, and vanilla" with a nose revealing "an underlying layer of oak and mint." There are different brands of bourbon on the market today, but there are popular brands that make it to the top shelf. Their Barrel Proof Bourbon was named Whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate in 2017. Blended whiskey combines multiple other whiskeys alongside neutral grains, flavorings, and colorings. sugar, two dashes of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon or orange twist in a sturdy Old Fashioned glass to complete. Try it with a traditional Old Fashioned or branch out with a Bourbon Sour or Manhattan for a sensational drink. The 114 proof has a complex nose, a velvety sip, and a burst of flavor on the tongue. Age/Age Statement: Though not required, many distilleries display their whiskey offerings with the amount of time theyve spent aging. The selections are rare, and most are released for their Celebration Sour Mash. The first mass-produced single barrel was bottled by Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee, named after Colonel Albert Blanton. Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey . A cult Bourbon, Old Grand Dad is not for the faint-hearted. This system was intended to make things fairer for consumers, but in some areas, there was the opposite effect, with fans crossing state lines in search of a bottle, according to The Bourbon Bard. But some brands have thrown caution to the wind and either removed their age banner from their bottles or have reduced the length of time their Bourbon matures for. Its full-flavored and one-of-a-kind, with a reliable, easy-to-drink taste and a smooth and satisfying finish. For those familiar with India's large output of whisky, the big surprise is that the brand that held the #1 spot for a few years now, Officer's Choice, has been dethroned, with McDowell's now. According to Breaking Bourbon, the original Elijah Craig was a Baptist preacher and said to be the inventor of the process of aging bourbon in charred oak barrels. Buy Blanton's, Weller, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare and many more amazing Top Shelf Bourbons all in one place. A wheated Bourbon combined with a large dash of bitters will result in a well-rounded, spice-heavy Old Fashioned. Also called the Alligator Char, it is obtained after 55 seconds of fire. Despite whatever institutional turmoil it has endured, Barton 1792 produces low-key, understated expressions. Then, a combination of rye, wheat, and malted barley can also be added. Old Forester 1910 memorializes a fortuitous accident: In 1910, a fire on a bottling line forced the distillery to store the bourbon it had planned to bottle in a barrel. It is one of the six distilleries that operated during the Prohibition Era [1], and the distillery relaunched the brand in 2022 in the American market. In other words, it's easy to drink with all the expected bourbon flavors and aromas, with plenty of depth for serious sippers to appreciate. No liquor speaks to American history, folklore, and tradition like bourbon. The perfect mix of modern luxury business and lifestyle stories. The Fifty Best held a "blind" tasting of 31 bourbon whiskies with a panel of 16 judges. Its Black Label Bourbon is a bit more nuanced, with "flavors of caramel, oak, and very light charcoal," according to a separate review onThe Whiskey Reviewer. Heres a list of highly suggested top-shelf bourbons you should try. Hence the hate. With an average price of around $2,500 a bottle, its certainly not cheap, but the range of (mostly dark) flavors and aromas means youll want to savor its uniqueness. The family's unusual longevity as owners is presumably due in part to its roots in pharmaceuticals, which enabled them to pivot to medicinal alcohol during Prohibition, keeping the distillery alive until better times returned. Final Verdict One with a slight nuttiness, a swirl of caramel, and a respectable 100 proof, Knob Creeks 9 Year Old is simple yet enjoyable, a popular choice for beginners and connoisseurs alike. As the saying goes, All Bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is Bourbon. But theres more to it than just semantics. 8. if you want something with a kick. This touch results in a tasty-enough prototypical bourbon that "has left so much on the table due to being diluted down," according to Whiskey Consensus. Buffalo Trace is like that brilliant, beautiful, and disgustingly successful girl from school that you wanted to hate but just couldn't because she was so very nice. Every bottle is of high quality, popular, and quite expensive. Beyond these basics, the details of bourbon's history are murky. From the smoothest to the best premium and budget Bourbons, heres everything you need to know when buying your next bottle. The name "Bourbon" was not applied until the 1850s, and the Kentucky etymology was not advanced until the 1870s. Makers Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky, Makers Mark Cask Strength Bourbon Whisky, 92. A classic and much-loved choice for Bourbon fans, Jim Beam offers the best option for those who want the best of both: whiskey and beer. Its easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of Bourbon technicalities and terminologies. According to their consistently increasing sales volume per year, Jack Daniel's American bourbon whiskey brand is the largest in the world. Many enjoy it straight, but its variety of flavors also makes it an ideal Bourbon for cocktails or those dipping their toe into the world of whiskey. Top-shelf bourbons are on top of the shelves for a reason. Jim Beam is one of the most popular brands of bourbon because the distillery has been making high-quality bourbon since 1795. -Distillery: Multiple - Undisclosed and A. Smith Bowman Distillery, VA. -Proof: 90. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by the whiskey that was pioneered by Augustus Bulleit over 150 years ago. Their Small Batch Bourbon took double gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018 and was named Best Small Batch at the same competition. The proof is double the alcohol by volume (ABV) measurement. Heavens Door Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 77. Browse through hundreds of new, local, and well-known Bourbon brands and explore reviews, ratings, and facts. 1792 bourbon is one of the top-shelf bourbon brands that are easy to find. But however spurious its suggested origin story, Evan Williams as a bourbon is the real deal. In 2021 Kentucky distillers broke the regional record for the most barrels of bourbon filled in a year when they filled almost 2.5 million the third year in a row the total topped two million barrels. It's the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond, single barrel bourbon currently available today. A crowd-pleaser, its a popular choice to pair with a beer. The uptick in bourbon production is likely due to the categorys immense growth over the last two decades due to skyrocketing demand. But its not just fruity flavors thatll come through: alongside its sea air saltiness comes milky coffee, strong dark chocolate, and a hint of bitterness. Russells Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon, 58. Scotch whisky brand Old Pulteney launched a limited-edition series of whiskies called The Coastal Series. Creative advertising, expansive distribution and exceptional quality have helped this pioneering whisky institution achieve world domination. Jeffersons believes that temperature fluctuations, salt air, and the gentle rocking of the ship all work together to weather a truly fine Bourbon. BenRiach was acquired by drinks conglomerate Brown Forman, owner of Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve, a few years ago as mentioned before, and the core lineup was relaunched with new bottle. Named for an 18th-century Kentucky settler who was allegedly Kentucky's first distiller (an impossible claim to prove, according toThe Whiskey Jug), Evan Williams in reality has no relationship to its namesake. We pick Makers Mark as the best bourbon for an old-fashioned. George T. Stagg boasts the bold character and smoky aroma of the bourbon. Read our earnings disclaimer to learn more. This 95% New York-grown corn bourbon holds the distinction of being the first (legal) whiskey produced in the state since Prohibition. Popular brands such as Pappy Van and Blantons are of superior quality and are well-loved by many. Highlights Low cost 100 proof Easy to find in-store Approachable, classic taste 2. But unlike most other bourbon brands, Maker's Mark does not contain any rye, instead supplementing the corn with red winter wheat, according to The Spruce Eats. Using only hand-selected grains, we mill, mash, ferment, distill, age, blend, and bottle - bringing the highest quality spirits from the farm to you. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. But while easy to love, Buffalo Trace isn't always easy to find. Knob Creek offers all of these, making it a model for what well-balanced bourbon is supposed to taste like. However, to be called a Bourbon, it must also be produced in the United States and be made from 51 percent corn. With a good mash bill and all the fruit and spice notes you'd expect from a pricier bourbon, Four Roses is a great no-brainer pick when you head to the bar or make a whiskey run at the liquor . Take part in a journey to build a bourbon brand. The perfection option? Its just one of many bottles in Four Roses successful collection. Then, the barrels are charred, offering a smoky environment that almost caramelizes the liquid. A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey, A.D. Laws Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey. And the similarities don't end there Basil Hayden's even boasts the same rye-forward malt bill as Old Grand-Dad. Among them are bottom-shelf staples like Evan Williams, and rarely seen unicorns such as Old Fitzgerald. Woodford Reserve is a modern bourbon brand with deep roots per Breaking Bourbon, it's produced and bottled in a distillery dating back to 1780. Click here to order a bottle of this top bourbon online. Expect tastes of cherry pie, raisins, and nuts, with an intense finish of tropical fruit. It's also known for its distinctive flavor, due to its unusual mash bill. Old Forester bourbon is made from a bourbon mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. Widow Jane 10 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey. Each voyage of Jeffersons Ocean typically crosses the equator four times. We are now sitting at about $430,000 in revenue in under 4 years. Jack Daniels Old No. What might sound like little more than a marketing gimmick has proven to pave the way for a great-tasting whiskey in the form of Jeffersons Ocean Bourbon. Once again, Jack Daniel's takes the top spot in the world's biggest-selling world whisky contingent. Larceny Small Batch Bourbon 16. Wild Turkey is another premium brand thats been distilling whiskey for more than 100 years. The top 5 smoothest Bourbons are:Elijah Craig Small BatchFour Roses Single BarrelKnob Creek 9 Year OldMakers MarkBulleit Bourbon, The top 5 Bourbons are:Four Roses Single BarrelKnob Creek 9 Year OldPappy Van Winkles 23 Year Family ReserveElijah Craig Small BatchWild Turkey 101 Bourbon. George T. Stagg is a pride of Buffalo Trace, and the wheated bourbon is a top-shelf whiskey that comes in a limited supply every year. Jeffersons Ocean Bourbon is a unique whiskey because instead of aging in rickhouses, it is aged while traveling the world. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery. (2022), Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Bottle Price & Guide (2022), https://www.britannica.com/event/Prohibition-United-States-history-1920-1933, https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/04/12/1050338/0/en/Basil-Hayden-s-R-Bourbon-Spices-Up-the-Rye-Category-with-Basil-Hayden-s-R-Rye-Whiskey.html, https://www.thrillist.com/glossary/top-shelf. We do not sell your personal information. Whoever Old Grand-Dad was, he didn't pull his punches. Old Forester 100 Proof Signature Bourbon, 72. Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon, 10 Year, Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon, 10 Year, Bottled-in-Bond, 62. This is fantastic news for the Scotch whisky industry and a sure sign of the growing interest in one of the premium segments of Scotch. -Fair Price: $30-$36. Woodford Reserves Baccarat will forever rightly be a talking point in the bourbon world, a fusion of sophistication and complexity with a brilliant light copper coloring. Originally produced on contract at the Four Roses distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, parent company Diageo opened its own facility for the brand in 2017. Top-shelf bourbons are quite hard to find for reasons such as (1) limited release and (2) high demand. And if it's bourbon's tasty cousin scotch you crave, check out the list of the best scotch brands - or this comprehensive list of the best tasting whiskey. Jameson Irish Whiskey 6. Michters US-1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 39. Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey Hillrock $105 AT DRIZLY Melts in your mouth Pricey True whiskey aficionados are sure to be impressed with this full-bodied beverage, which features a nose of. 1. 1.1K. Mash/Mash Bill: The ratio and mixture of grains used to produce whiskey. It remains untouched for fifteen years for an elegant and big flavor of oak, leather, and dried fruit. Top blended Scotch whisky: which grains and malts are used in the blend. The brand has a rich and long history behind its success. But whats the most expensive bourbon? The name "Bourbon" was not applied until the 1850s, and the Kentucky etymology was not advanced until the 1870s. Ranking The Big Bourbon Brands, From Worst To Best. Whether or not Craig actually did invent this process is up for debate, but what's not up for debate are the numerous awards given to the bourbon brand that shares his name. Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 6. Its flagship product, Wild Turkey 101, is a classic bourbon expression, with a typical mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. 2014 - 2022 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC, The Most Important Company in Craft Beer Makes Marshmallow Extract. Like many distilleries, Barton 1792 has a convoluted history. Top 10 Most Popular Bourbon Brands 2022 #1. Without further ado, here are a a few of my favorite bourbon brands, their distillers and some of their best products. And although the char is as heavy as they come, the resulting bourbon has a sweetness and warmth that balances out the smokiness. According to 31 Whiskey, the brand has its origins in the 1940s, when a liquor wholesaler picked up a bottle of nameless bourbon from a distillery he dealt with and took it to share on a turkey hunt. Russells Reserve was founded by Jimmy Russel, former master distiller of Wild Turkey bourbon and known by many as the master distillers master distiller.. Smoothness is a perception, rather than a flavor, and basically indicates the amount of burn that you feel when the whiskey goes down. Its easygoing character gives Maker's Mark another advantage, according to The Spruce Eats; while not the most memorable tipple to enjoy neat, it's fabulous in cocktails. Not a Bourbon - Tennessee Whiskey: George Dickel: 31: Hillrock Estate Disillery: Hillrock Estate Disillery: 19: Hillrock: Ancram, NY "field to glass" producer: A solera aged bourbon. Woodford Reserves large bourbon collection can be bought at various price points but its worth paying the extra dollars for an unrivaled taste. 18. This expression launched to the United Kingdom, France and Germany on Oct. 3. It has an ABV of 46.85% and 93.7 Proof. But the most. Check our Makers Mark in-depth review to see the price breakdown of each bottle from the brand. This suggests their tried-and-true middle-shelf expressions may be a safer bet for most tastes than their limited-edition experiments. ABV: 45%. If you have even a passing familiarity with bourbon, you'd probably recognize its distinctive square bottle and red wax-dipped cap from across the room. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 7. Old Forester delivers a fresh and bright flavor profile perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, or in a classic cocktail. Considered by many to be the world's finest Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle's Bourbons are so rare and so popular that there's even a term for finding a bottle: "Pappy hunting". Check our up-to-date list of Bulleits bourbon bottle prices and sizes to see how much you should pay for it. It does not mean that never-heard brands are of bad quality, but one reason top-shelf bourbon is popular is its premium quality. The taste is way better than baseline and mass-produced whiskey products because of the premium grains used to produce the whiskey. Jack Daniel's American Whiskey 2. Old Forester is one of the best and oldest bourbon brands on the market today, and it is the first bourbon sold in sealed bottles. And despite its eyebrow-raising alcohol content (100 proof, or 50% ABV), it feels warm on the tongue, not abrasively hot. But the challenge of sourcing a bottle or paying around $100 for a pour in a bar is worth the hype. You will get tropical fruit, caramel, and vanilla on the palate with a spicy finish. Keep an eye out for the collectors set of eight different bottle stoppers, featuring a horse and jockey. Blue Run 14 Year Bourbon. Best Rye: Pikesville Straight Rye at Drizly. An Old Fashioned is traditionally made with Bourbon or rye. Today, many of Old Forester's expressions are formulated and marketed to evoke the brand's long history. This differs between distillers and many distillers stick to one specific ratio to produce their offerings. Four Roses has been around since 1888, making it through the prohibition period before disappearing from shelves for 40 years. It features powerful vanilla notes combined with hints of honey and a nose of spices and nutmeg. The mash is then distilled mostly twice to remove impurities and increase the strength of the liquid. Frey's bourbon won the gold at three prestigious whiskey competitions in 2020 alone. Buchanan's 12 Year Scotch: Best blended whisky. #4. William Lawson The Brand: William Lawson Whisky Ltd. was officially founded in 1969, although its history dates back to 1849 when their blend was first developed. Each of the whiskies were judged and scored separately.