For this guide, we balanced a few different objective criteria in addition to more subjective questions such as, “Does it taste good?” and “How does it taste in cocktails versus neat?” We compared these bottles based on criteria such as overall value for the price, exclusivity, quality and reputation of the distillery, and uniqueness. How did we select the best bottles of bourbon? Selecting the best bourbon will always involve some subjective criteria.

Every bottle of bourbon featured in this guide has been taste-tested by the author or a SPY editor, and we take genuine pleasure (and pride!) in selecting the best bourbon for every type of whiskey lover. Over the years, SPY has produced dozens of guides to the world’s best spirits, and we’ve helped thousands of readers find delicious bottles of tequila, absinthe, and Japanese whisky, as well as more under-the-radar spirits such as Applejack. Why Trust SPY when Picking a Bottle of Bourbon? Additional funds will go to other charities throughout the rest of the year. And recently Buffalo Trace released a commemorative edition of EH Taylor Single Barrel, autographed by country artist Chris Stapleton with initial proceeds going to benefit his charity Outlaw State of Kind. This bourbon has a bit of spice that underlays creamy vanilla and apple notes, and is a great choice for sipping but makes some excellent whiskey cocktails. The entire range is bottled-in-bond bourbon, meaning it’s 100 proof and at least four years old among a few other qualifications (aside from the Barrel Proof expression that will, of course, have a higher ABV). Of course, Buffalo Trace also makes the incredibly hard-to-find and expensive Pappy Van Winkle and Antique Collection lineup, but for your money, EH Taylor is a solid choice (although certain bottles can be pricey as well). But if you’d like to dive into something a bit more complex from this venerable Kentucky distillery, check out EH Taylor. Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbonīuffalo Trace’s eponymous flagship bourbon is a great pick for those looking for affordable bourbon that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Most recently, Maker’s has released several iterations of its Wood FInishing series, which builds on the idea of 46 by custom-making different types of staves with which to finish the bourbon and create specific flavor profiles.ġ0. There’s also Maker’s 46, which takes regular Maker’s and finishes it for nine weeks in a barrel with 10 seared virgin French oak staves added to impart some extra flavor to the whiskey. Cask Strength is always a good bet for those who like a higher ABV bourbon, but with a range between 108 and 114 proof, this will not overwhelm you with alcohol the way some barrel-proof whiskeys can.

In addition to the flagship bottle, there are some other expressions to check out. Maker’s is a wheated bourbon, meaning wheat is used instead of rye as the secondary grain (along with malted barley), which gives it a sweeter palate. Maker’s Mark is kind of underappreciated by the bourbon fandom, but those in the know recognize it as being a really high-quality whiskey that doesn’t cost much. Maybe you prefer it in a cocktail or even (sorry about this, purists) with some Coke? Fantastic, go right ahead and drink it that way. Like it neat or with a couple of ice cubes? Great. And lastly, you can drink it any damn way you please - there’s absolutely no right or wrong way to enjoy bourbon. Bourbon doesn’t have to be aged in barrels for a set length of time, but it does indeed need to see the inside of a wooden container. Also, it does not have to be made in Kentucky, although the majority of it is (around 95 percent according to some estimates). Firstly, it was formally recognized by Congress in 1964 as a “distinctive product of the United States,” not “America’s native spirit,” as many claim. Some common misconceptions about bourbon still abound. Still, the best bottles tend to be from distilleries that have been making bourbon for decades, or even centuries in one shape or another. And it’s good to have both in the whiskey world because they provide incentive and inspiration to each other for making a good product and innovating. It’s an exciting time to be a bourbon drinker, as it seems like a new bottle comes out every week from both established and upstart distilleries.

Top rated bourbon 2021