Welcome to the exciting world of Kentucky Bourbon, a favorite for many! Kentucky is famous for making some of the best bourbon in the world. We’re going to explore the top brands that make this drink so special. Imagine sipping on a smooth, rich bourbon that has flavors like vanilla, oak, and a little bit of spice. These bourbons are perfect for enjoying on their own or in tasty cocktails. Whether you’re new to bourbon or a longtime fan, you’ll love learning about the best Kentucky Bourbon brands. Get ready to discover your new favorite bourbon and enjoy the rich flavors of Kentucky! 🥃
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15. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
While exact taste and proof depend on the batch, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength bourbon provides a robust option with a smooth finish. The bourbon’s oaky aroma pairs well with the caramel-tasting liquor bringing out notes of vanilla and spice. Look for Maker’s Mark’s classic wax-sealed bottle filled with this reddish gold bourbon.Â
14. Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon
Harry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon is named after an Irish immigrant to Kentucky who applied his whiskey-making knowledge when working with Kentucky grains. What sets this bourbon apart is the long aging process which takes ten years. If you like your bourbon with a kick, you’ll want to sample this high-proof choice.Â
13. W.L. Weller Special Reserve
A burnt orange-colored bourbon, W.L. Weller Special Reserve has a smooth finish that goes great in cocktails or drunk on its own. This bourbon showcases soft and sweet-tasting notes like honey and butterscotch. The sweet and smooth notes result from adding wheat to grain mash, creating a flavorful spirit that goes down easy.Â
12. Larceny Small Batch Bourbon
Larceny Small Batch Bourbon has a unique copper color, but the brand’s flavors have won numerous awards for the spirit. Swapping wheat for rye in the grain mash results in complex tasting notes with sweet undertones like fresh pastry and caramel. Another praise-worthy quality of this Kentucky bourbon is the silky finish of the spirit.
11. Old Forester Kentucky Straight
A brand priding itself on distilling a robust and complex bourbon, Old Forester Kentucky Straight is a fine example of a Kentucky spirit. The bourbon combines tastes of baked apple and toasted oak with a distinct nose of sweet coffee with licorice. A lingering flavor of apples accompanies this spirit's smooth, light finish.
10. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
A twice-barreled bourbon rich in flavor and color, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is darker in color due to its unique process. The resulting bourbon shares many notes with others but is stronger. Expect apple and vanilla with a distinct hazelnut flavor creating a unique bourbon with a creamy finish.
9. Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Small Batch is a remarkably mellow bourbon with a light golden color aged for at least six years. While this spirit has some sweetness, this bourbon's taste is reminiscent of spiced berries. One of my favorite aspects of this liquor is the long-lasting soft finish after each sip.
8. Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon
Bulleit Barrel Strength Bourbon uses a grain mash with a high amount of rye, creating a spicy spirit balanced by a mild sweetness. Woody tones of oak and maple add complexity to the liquor. Bulleit bottles each bourbon straight from the barrel, so expect variances in proof.Â
7. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
With over two hundred years of tradition in bourbon-making, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon makes a ruggedly bold bourbon. The spirit has lots of sweet-tasting notes of fruit and vanilla, as well as unique anise and mint notes rounding out the spirit into a bold but complex liquor.
6. Blanton’s Single Barrel
When Blanton’s Single Barrel was first released in 1984, it became the first single-barrel bourbon commercially on the market. This dark amber spirit is bottled by hand in small batches creating a unique flavor profile in each bottle. Spices like nutmeg characterize the flavor of this bourbon, with caramel corn notes making it an excellent option for drinking neat.
5. Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey spends ten years in the aging process, creating a particularly aromatic spirit. The noose contains notes of orange and herbs as well as honey and oak. A bold bourbon, the taste of Eagle Rare is oaky with hints of almond and chocolate. For those looking for a bourbon with a dry finish, I recommend this option.Â
4. Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
An award winner, Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon uses a highly malted grain mash to coax out complex tastes in their spirit. Notes of cherry, oak, and brown sugar characterize this liquor. With the many rich flavors in this bourbon, it's the perfect match for red meat and earthy mushrooms, but don’t be afraid to try dessert pairings too.Â
3. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey
Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey uses the same recipe as it did sixty years ago. A high rye content in the grain mash results in spirit with an appealing bite in contrast to examples of smooth bourbon. The rye also adds a spicy flavor to the bourbon adding to the bold signature finish of Wild Turkey.
2. Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
A rich amber gold color characterizes Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. The award-winning bourbon has honey and apple flavor profiles enhanced with citrus notes. This spirit’s nose produces a scent of both caramel and wood. A relaxed finish ties the flavors and nose together with a simple finish.Â
1. Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon
Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon ranks among the best Kentucky bourbon but stands out among them. While spicy and sweet notes are typical in the spirit, this bourbon also introduces nutty and floral notes into its liquor. Noah’s Mill leaves the lingering taste of burnt caramel on the finish, making it one of my favorites for drinking neat.Â