Anytime American history is brought up, bourbon should be in there. Even if the history in question was before bourbon’s time—find a way. Bourbon is a distinct part of American culture and any whiskey distilled outside the state of Kentucky cannot bear the name. Of course, some will say otherwise but let's be honest, bourbon made in California is not bourbon.
It’s the holy grail of whiskeys in the western hemisphere and its ingredients are specific, even governed by law. While some may be satisfied with a mason jar full of moonshine and cinnamon sticks, turning your back on a tumbler full of premium Kentucky bourbon is tantamount to sacrilege.
The U.S. Congress recognized bourbon as a "distinctive, American product" in 1964 and its mash bill is included in Title 27—Code of Federal Regulations. The mash bill must include 51% corn, cannot be distilled over 160 proof, has to age in charred oak containers that are new, must enter the barrel above 125 proof, has to be bottled at 80 proof or higher, and cannot contain any colorings or flavors.
Best Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon doesn't require an age statement on the bottle if it's been aged more than four years, so you at least know that much if you don't see that label. The bourbon on this list, however, will have more than four years going for them.
1. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
With a distillery located in Woodford County, Kentucky, Woodford is known for its small-batch whiskeys. They're also known for avoiding a lot of the unique combinations other distillers try to use so they can slap an "exotic" declaration of some sort on their bottles. Woodford believes that if it isn't broken, don't fix it.
Woodford Reserve is the perfect combination of sweet and spice. If you enjoy a very mellow spice after-effect, Woodford Reserve will accommodate you. The fruit and floral notes are there as well but they aren't overwhelming. One thing Woodford believes in is a careful balance. The grain and charred oak flavors are immediate and it will take a lot of evenings with a bottle of Woodford Reserve to explore all 200 individual flavors.
This bourbon isn't made for mixing, though some mixing enthusiasts will do so anyway. Woodford Reserve is at its best straight, with a splash of water, as any good whiskey will attest. The water opens up myriad flavors that balance well with the smell of honey and vanilla.
If you want to bring out the vanilla and charred oak, give it a light swirl prior to each sip. Woodford Reserve accomplished a very balanced bourbon, especially considering its triple distilling process. It's quite an effect and many bourbon enthusiasts will happily swear off any other bourbon in favor of Woodford Reserve.
2. Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton's beautiful, turtle-shell-patterned bottle makes you consider just leaving it on a display shelf with the rest of your bottle collection. But if you want to taste this award-winning, single-barrel bourbon, you don't have a choice. You have to open it.
Blanton's is a vanilla and caramel lover's dream bourbon. The sweet-smelling notes assault your senses immediately before you take that first sip. Blanton's formula is a #2 mash bill with elevated rye mash. All of Blanton's bourbon offerings are aged in Buffalo Trace barrels.
The smell is followed by a flavor that equals anticipation. Heavy vanilla, caramel, and even some cotton candy are instantly apparent but they remain in the background, perfectly balanced with peanuts, corn, and rye spice. It's not going to blow your socks off but you'll find this is the perfect bourbon to sink into the couch with.
3. Colonel E.H. Taylor Single-Batch Bottled in Bond
If you like freshly baked bread and hints of caramel, you'll appreciate how Colonel E.H. Taylor greets the nose. At 100-proof, that's quite the accomplishment. The higher alcohol content often overwhelms the distinct aromas you get from a good bourbon.
The palate is well-balanced, with vanilla, dried raisins, and just a touch of caramel. Dry leather and tobacco quickly follow, which makes this bourbon a perfect companion to a good cigar. A cigar helps to mellow out a peppery aftertaste that, while not bad, is definitely on the potent side.
Colonel keeps its mash bill pretty close to the vest but the general consensus is that it's mash bill #1, via Buffalo Trace. It's not a bad comparison, especially if you're a fan of Buffalo Trace. While the bottle doesn't separate itself from other bourbon distillers' aesthetics, it's distinctive enough to find a place on your shelf.
4. Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Blended bourbons rarely gain much traction with bourbon aficionados but there's a reason to pay attention to this one. While Wild Turkey is often a mixed bag with bourbon drinkers, mostly because it's considered to be a lower shelf, blended bourbon, the Rare Breed is the only "cask strength" option on offer.
And it really brings the heat. At 116-proof, it's hard not to but thankfully, Rare Breed found a way to dampen it, with subtle flavors of red apple, cinnamon, and licorice, with a fruity aftereffect that balances everything out.
Give a good swirl between sips to add a deep, caramel overtone to the roasted flavors. Thanks to the delicate combinations and the rich, sweet aftertaste, the 116-proof is never overwhelming.
5. Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
Gently shoving aside the likes of Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, Bulleit Bourbon arrived on the scene with a whole lot of spice at a very good value. Its rare to place quality and low price on the same pedestal but Bulleit has proven its worth. As soon as you open the bottle your nose will be assaulted by vanilla and orange.
The taste is a unique one. It starts off sweet and mellow, with a burst of vanilla caramel, and then it quickly transcends into white pepper and oak. The finish is a delightful cherry aftertaste. You'll feel like you've been slapped by a freight train and it's a surprisingly good feeling. It helps that Four Roses is sharing some of its knowledge and even some of its supply with Bulleit owner, Diageo.
Four Roses has a few of their own quick hits with the bourbon community and you can feel their handiwork in a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey.
Bottom Line
Sure, we could have included a couple of $1k and $2k bottles in there, along with alienating 9/10 of our audience. There's little doubt that some of the VIP room bourbons out there are pretty outstanding. But those are generally short-run rarities and "editions" rather than the beating heart of bourbon country, Kentucky.
As it stands, all five of the above should share a place on your shelf this year, along with some Baker's, Knob Creek, Buffalo Trace, 1792, Elijah Craig, Heaven's Door, and Widow Jane. That's the beauty of bourbon. The choices are nearly endless. Cheers.