This whiskey was also rated 95 points in 2012 by The Tasting Paneland won a silver medalat the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2016. Courtesy. Nah. This is getting better, all things considered. Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Whoever Old Grand-Dad was, he didn't pull his punches. The bourbon costs between $40 and $50 per 1 ounce pour. Review Summary: Rare Breed is really spicy at first but has a sweet, long finish. The distillery closed in 1992 but was resurrected in 2014 by Diageo, a company based out of London that specializes in a broad range of spirits. This introductory juice from Four Roses is a blend of all ten of their whiskeys. Woodford is the oldest and smallest distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The 2022 release of Russell's Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon is a standout product for the distillery. Winchester Extra Smooth Bourbon 2. Maybe the folks at Early Times took the whole historical angle a wee bit too far. Best Overall Bourbon: Knob Creek 12 Best Wheated Bourbon: Garrison Brothers Small Batch Best Barrel-Proof Bourbon: Larceny Barrel Proof Best Cask-Finished Bourbon: Bardstown Bourbon. Ranking The Big Bourbon Brands, From Worst To Best. Woodford Reserve. Its palate is sweet with notes of berries and apricot with . Fantastic whether you're sipping neat or mixing into a cocktail, this Barrel Strength Bourbon offers a palate of vanilla, orange peel, maple, and nutmeg, with a long, spice-filled finish. Whether or not this is worth your while depends on your fondness for Old Grand-Dad. Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Bourbon Posts Of The Last Six Months. The Whiskey Reviewer further noted that it doesn't offer those drinking it "any surprises," as "there are no twists or particularly subtle nuances." The soft, creamy mouthfeel makes it an incredibly easy tipple to enjoy, even for newer members of the bourbon drinking collective. One Redditor said, "It's seriously the only bottle I've poured down a drain." But just because something has won medals doesn't mean it's universally adored and beloved. Over on Ranker folks cast a whopping 54,000 votes, and a clear top ten bourbons emerged. As intriguing as that sounds, a whiskey thief is just a simple tool that allows master distillers to sample some of the aging liquid for quality control purposes, according toDistillery Trail. This expression was devised as a lower-proof bourbon thats a pure workhorse whiskey. According to the distillery's tasting notes,this 94 proof bourbon smells of "vanilla lemon cake" and tastes like caramel, vanilla, citrus, and spices. Its a simple ying and yang, Superman and Zod, Rock and Smith, or in bourbon terms Eagle Rare BTAC and Benchmark (more on that below). Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Quite frankly, Cascade Hollow Distillery jumped the shark on this one. From Heaven Hill Distillery, Henry McKenna is a lovely sipping bourbon with slight herbaceous notes and hints of spices and honey. While 95% of all bourbon is made in Kentucky, the spirit can be and is crafted elsewhere. Sounds like this bourbon is stuck up a creek without a paddle. The term "Bottled-In-Bond" means that the liquor must be the product of one. Sadly, it's also rated two stars by many reviewers on Distiller(as one taster laments, it was $20 down the drain). This mixture of grains is known as the mash bill. What makes Elijah Craig a critical favorite is its complexity and balance. Today, the brand produces numerous expressions of bourbon, from its young, sweet Original Bourbon to its Green Label, Black Label, Rye, and other varieties. But Id argue that Benchmark Bonded for $20 is such a big jump in quality and flavor that you should try that first. But all things considered, it's a . When you think of Wild Turkey, do you picture an unshaven guy sitting by himself in a bar, muttering at the TV and nursing a tumbler of the stuff before shuffling off to a depressing studio apartment somewhere? When you hear comments like that, it makes you wonder if this is the same bourbon that won a Silver Medal at the 2020 International Spirits Challenge and a Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Championships (via Liquor.com). It's a classic tasting bourbon with notes of oak, caramel and brown sugar. Now in its 29th year of production, Knob Creek is an unapologetic, full-flavored bourbon long-aged and barreled up at 100 proof. This is easy, Wild Turkey 101 all day its only $20. 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. Was the technique of aging bourbon in charred oak barrels, the signature step responsible for bourbon's unique flavor, invented by Elijah Craig in 1789, the Tarascon brothers in 1807, or, more prosaically, the improvisation of numerous distillers who charred the interiors of used fish barrels to deodorize and sterilize them? Its also an essential cocktail mixing bourbon for any bar cart. Maker's Mark is one of the best-known bourbon brands. Like a moth to the flame, human beings are naturally drawn to loving shiny objects. 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. Aged not less than 15 years, George T. Stagg is a rare bottle found only in high-end whiskey bars. Graham Files, veteran bartender and co-owner of Someday in Portland, stocks Jim Beam in his well and recommends it for the home bar, praising its . To get here, it is a gorgeous drive through horse farms and rolling, bluegrass Kentucky hills. It was intended from the start to be a premium brand a radical idea at the time when bourbon was seen as a working person's drink. Malt described their Very Old Barton Bottled in Bond as having "a solid quality/price ratio" that would make it a potentially "reliable go-to or house bourbon" were it more readily available. Meanwhile,Thirty One Whiskey explains that Jefferson doesn't distill anything the company just receives bourbon from other sources, then labels and sells it. The juice is a bourbon blend thats a minimum of four years old. And just because a bottom shelf bottle is made by, say, Willett or Heaven Hill or even Buffalo Trace does not mean its worth your time or money. The whisky is then blended and proofed down to a very manageable 86 proof. Elijah Craig's Barrel Proof expressions are regularly in the running for best bottle of the year, according to The Bourbon Bard. Arguably the world's best bourbon whiskey, Buffalo Trace is serious value for money. This is an entry point whiskey from Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, commonly known as Willett. This whiskey embraces a high-rye mash bill thats comprised of 68 percent corn, 28 percent rye, and four percent malted barley which Bulleit has been distilling themselves since 2017. Its flagship product, Wild Turkey 101, is a classic bourbon expression, with a typical mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. Winchester Straight Bourbon is the product of individuals who are probably more interested in the money side of the distilling world than the crafting process and end product. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Angel's Envy takes pride in creating small-batch spirits that are finished in one of four different casks: port, rum, sherry, and tawny. $21 at Drizly. But if all you care about is the results, scroll down to see which of the 21 bourbon brands we tried worked the best in an Old-Fashioned cocktail -- and which . The Bonded version basically takes everything thats just a whisper in the above version and lets it shine while layering in deeper flavor notes. I made the mistake of picking up two minis of this. Paying homage to Kentucky is a good start. Nobody wants to go see a two-star movie. Im not mad at it but dont really see the point either. Do you know what happens to mediocre, boring bourbons? In fact, it's just the opposite. Across the web, bourbon reviewers use almost identical adjectives to describe Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It's also known for its distinctive flavor, due to its unusual mash bill. Overall, its fine if youre making a bourbon and Coke or any highball really. Just get an Evan Williams White Label. Imagine the taste of Kentucky bourbon whiskey with the essence and spice of fermented peppers, garlic, and vinegar. Ultimately, Fighting Cock Bourbon is just a boring, blah booze. It stands to reason then that just as there are the best bourbons from particular distilleries, there are also the worst bourbons from those same distilleries. Human beings like to think that an inflated price and a striking bottle means it must be good, right? Apparently, to oneRedditor, it's Willet Pot Still. Produced and distilled at Beam Distillery, Old Crow Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the least expensive option on this list, available at around $10 for a 1.75-liter bottle with a discount (via BevMo.com). greasy meal the next morning to help you with that hangover, Knob Creek's Kentucky Straight Smoked Maple. It's like a story without any real plotline it may be entertaining, but you're bound to get confused and left wondering what just happened. While 101 has been erroneously slagged off by a generation of adults who didnt know how to handle their Turkey in college, this is still one of the most legitimate cheap bourbons on the market. Redditors are more direct: "Old Crow will make you want to quit bourbon.". It must be encoded somewhere in our DNA who doesn't like owning attractive and expensive items? SLB Basement Bourbon Bar goes into detail about this regrettable purchase, saying that it is very grainy, bitter, thin, and young, and the alcohol burn isn't anything to joke about. Fighting Cock Bourbon also called the "kickin' chicken" makes the regrettable bourbons list not because it's overpriced. While the plastic fades away, the wateriness imparts flavors of muted vanilla, banana chip, and maybe a hint of caramel soda. The oak aging gives this Bourbon dry and spicy character. Clearly, such heritage brands have stood the test of time here's how they fare in comparison with newer players in the bourbon game. Some (a lot sometimes) are hot trash. And why be disappointed (or even disgusted) when you can be satisfied for just a few bucks more? Judging by how utterly unpalatable the Kentucky Straight Bourbon is on its own, maybe the company should stick to beer. You can purchase a bottle for as little as $40 (or upwards of $4,000). There have been some new additions to Wild Turkey's rye lineup in recent years, including the high-end Master's Keep Cornerstone Rye, a blend of nine- to 11-year-old whiskey bottled at 109 proof . Those notes almost immediately disappear into the watery nature of the sip with no discernable finish but maybe that Wonder Bread dipped in tepid water. Price: ~$10. Despite whatever institutional turmoil it has endured, Barton 1792 produces low-key, understated expressions. To be fair, not everyone wasted their whole bottle; another commenter on the same thread said that this whiskey is a great ingredient in baked beans. And there are a lot of expressions, from their flagship 80-proof bourbon to their small-batch, single-barrel, and limited releases, offering bourbon geeks numerous options to collect and explore. One Reddit usersums it up nicely by saying "There's nothing 'gentlemanly' about it." Its balance and wide appeal are what puts Knob Creek near the top of our list. George T. Stagg comes in dense and robust-bodied texture. > You can also check out GAYOT's: - Best Bourbons under $40 for budget . So they blend it out into the cheap stuff. Numerous bourbon brands trace their roots to the 1800s or earlier. This is something that other rye whiskey offerings use to their advantage. Weller's 12-Year-Old Bourbon is one of the best money and time can buy. As 31 Whiskey noted, "Basil Hayden's is to Old Grand-Dad as Acura is to Honda." Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon. 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. Shipping is a great deal: $15 flat rate under $200; free shipping for orders over $200. Detailed review . Woodford Reserve may have done almost too good a job at making premium bourbon acceptable today, with hundreds of craft distillers creating their own premium blends, Woodford Reserve now falls near the middle of the curve in terms of price and status. You really don't need any cavities. Flavor is sweet at first, with a hint of old leather although it has some oak char bitterness, but nothing too severe. Still, if you do come across this, it is a great mixer I cant deny that. It has a light mouthfeel and is less sweet than its aroma would suggest. What if you were told that the inspiration for this bourbon comes from a famous racing horse? Perhaps not being able to previously practice the fine art of distilling is what the tasters pick up. Old Grand-Dad is actually quite memorable, but not in the way little Raymond was hoping. A finely balanced whisky that's sweet but not cloying, smooth but still memorable, 1792 Sweet Wheat is lovely enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Its stellar whiskey, albeit from Tennessee and not Kentucky. In the context of . Maybe the calculated and scientific vibe is what some bourbon tasters are picking up on, because as one Redditor put it, "KOVAL tastes like it was made in a lab by scientists that had never tasted whiskey themselves and the flavor was described to them by a guy that loves terrible whiskey." Have you ever heard of the Kentucky Chew? 10. 31 Whiskey called their middle-shelf Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey "a smooth and delicious bourbon" with a balanced mouthfeel and finish. The artificial and chemical taste was also a source of disgust on Distiller, with samplers commenting that it was heavy on the ethanol. Micher's 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon The 10 years in the barrel were more than enough for Micher's to mature and develop a rich flavor profile. Bourbon can take a number of forms with vastly different personalities, but most critics and casual tasters agree that no matter what the brand or expression, a good bourbon should have a few fundamental characteristics: A caramel sweetness, a distinct taste of oak in the background, a flavor that matches and complements its initial aroma while balancing out the potentially overwhelming burn from the alcohol, and a pleasant mouthfeel and finish. Meanwhile, SLB Drinks says that the flavor profile "tastes like someone mixed bourbon and maple syrup and then added some artificial sweetener for the hell of it." In short, if Old Grand-Dad had a life philosophy, it was probably "go big or go home.". Produced and distilled at Beam Distillery, Old Crow Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the least expensive option on this list, available at around $10 for a 1.75-liter bottle with a discount (via BevMo.com ). Naturally, Barrell Craft Bourbon Batch 033 comes bottled at cask strength, 58.3% ABV (116.6 proof). More typically, it goes for $22 to $25 which makes you wonder about the aphorism "You get what you pay for." Breaking Bourbon further noted that its smoothness, sweetness, and complexity make it easy and enjoyable to drink for both experienced and novice bourbon tasters. The juice is aged in a fairly heavily charred oak barrel for an undisclosed amount of time (the youngest barrel is likely older than four years). Four Roses Small Batch is such a small step up in price (only $28) but a huge step up in taste. Health & Fitness. Hard pass. This bourbon is so sweet that it's been likened to a bottle of diabetes, and one reviewer on Flaviar said that the sweetness was bad enough to hurt their teeth. After all, this bourbon isn't really a magic bottle. The low percentage of rye in the mix lowers the spice and focuses on the honey and leather notes. So if you like port wine (or granola) and have a spare $40 to $50, then perhaps this is your new nightcap. Widow Jane's claim to fame and major marketing boast is that its bourbon blends are finished with limestone-filtered water from the nearby Widow Jane mine. The end is warm but not hot. Meanwhile, Reddit users stated that it was bland, tasted like flavored water, and wasn't worth the price. Sounds like most of the finances for this experimental spirit were put to really good use in the marketing and branding department. Somehow, you'll get everything from cherry to ginger to wasabi to brown butter, with a hint of grassiness. Its only $49 and is a great example of the power of this brand/distillery/team. The Whiskey Shelf even compared it to Larceny. George Dickel is actually the flagship spirit from Cascade Hollow Distillery. That's what the folks at Jim Beam call it when you take a big gulp of bourbon and move it around your mouth to get all the flavor nuances (via The Bourbon Room). One Redditor said Town Branch's unpleasant flavor earned it the nickname "hand cleaner." The first Booker's Bourbon batch of 2023, Charlie's Batch, is an intense and extra-caramelized delight, one of the best Booker's batches. The hint of oak connects and balances the flavors of fruit and spice. Nikka Whiskey from the Barrel - Never mind that all whiskey comes from a barrel, this complex Japanese blend is a delightful exploration of fruit, wood, and sweet vanilla. Bourbon aficionados will tell you that when purchasing a worthwhile whiskey, you should never be swayed by appearance and you should alwaysdo your research. $10 first deposit required. Old Fitzgerald Prime Bourbon 4. Best Bourbon Under $100 Best Bourbon Over $100 Bonus: Single Barrel Picks Bourbon FAQ The Best Bourbons Under $50 Larceny Small Batch The entry-level offering of Heaven Hill's wheated mash. These aren't the cheapest bottles you can find, but they are some of the best. Aged for four years and bottled at 46 percent ABV without chill filtration, Clyde May's opens with rich caramel aromas and follows with hints of sweet . A Look at Today's Top 10 By Josh Jackson April 17 . Blade and Bow is a 91 proof, $50 blended bourbon that has no age statement on the bottle. That's so smooth, it's criminal. 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. Willet Pot Still is considered a Kentucky straight bourbon, meaning it has been aged a minimum of two years in brand new charred oak barrels, per New Riff Distilling. This is fine for what it is, a decent cocktail bourbon. Garrison Brothers is the first legal whiskey distillery outside of Kentucky, meaning they've obtained the proper permits from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to lawfully produce and distribute spirits through different businesses, vendors, and retailers (via Cobb & Counsel). But maybe consumers' expectations are simply too high? 10. 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. Distillery: Wild Turkey. Brought to you by the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company (not to be confused with Lexington Bourbon, the ones who brought you the bottle with a horse on it), Town Branch Kentucky Straight can only be described as a waste of money. At least it's only around $15, so you're not killing your wallet. It's from the land of frigid cold and really big lakes (Minnesota). Beyond these basics, the details of bourbon's history are murky. This cocktail mixes Scotch and/or Bourbon with maple syrup and bitters for a smoky-yet-sweet drink. Perhaps being the first at something isn't always a good thing. 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. Cabin Still 1. For more than 50 years, bourbon has been recognized as a reward for hard work and a celebration of individuality. Its probably the best bourbon." more. This 95% New York-grown corn bourbon holds the distinction of being the first (legal) whiskey produced in the state since Prohibition . $38.49. Literally tastes like dirt." Officially defined as American-made corn-based whiskey aged in new charred oak barrels, bourbon first emerged in the 1780s in Kentucky, where settlers from Scotland and Ireland adapted their whiskey-making skills to local ingredients, as explained byThe Spruce Eats. The bottle works wonders in a cocktail and is perfectly fine for an on the rocks sip of whiskey. Are these the worst bourbons ever? On the palate, the Evan Williams has a decent body as it has some texture. The taste has a grilled corn-on-the-cob vibe with a hint of pepper and butter next to small doses of citrus and soft oak thats all a little muted by an alcohol burn. In response to a question about some serious shade being thrown at the company, bourbon fanatics on Reddit chimed in with their two cents. For $13, you can get some Very Old Barton from the same distillery. On the palate, its candied notes are balanced by oak, char, and spice. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The nose is all about the nuts and fruit with a trail mix vibe next to more standard notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Four Roses Single Barrel: Overall best bourbon of 2023 Knob Creek 9 Year Old: Best bourbon under $50 Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Family Reserve: Best high-end bottle of bourbon Elijah Craig Small Batch: Smoothest Bourbon Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon: Best Bourbon for beginners Old Forester Classic 86 Proof: Best value Bourbon Or maybe it does, but not in a good way. On Youtube, someone commented that "It's like bourbon for people who don't like bourbon." While Basil Hayden's tasted watered down and not worth the money, Old Grand-Dad pivots 180 degrees into the land of long-lasting acetone burn devoid of taste (via Distiller). Reddit users say point-blank that Garrison Brothers is stupidly overpriced. To put a finer point on it, Id be lying if I said I loved every bourbon I tasted. The steeliness of this is hard to get past sometimes. Meanwhile, customers vent their frustration for succumbing to shiny object syndrome the bottle looked cool. It could be smoother and its hotness may strike some as excessive but it offers remarkable quality for a budget tipple, which is why it deserves a position in our top five bourbons. Woodford Reserve has a historic, upscale feel to it. 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. Naming your bourbon "Two Stars" doesn't seem like that great of a move. Union Horse White Bourbon Whiskey 3. Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey Check Price Buy now According to reviews on Distiller, this bourbon tastes cheap and burns going down. Because theyre not going to just dump a barrel of whiskey into the gutter, right? Making a drink summery and wintery and pleasant to drink at the same time sounds like a fool's errand but Elijah Craig seems to have figured it out. Simply because the goal of this distillery TerrePURE Spirits, alias Terreesentia is to reduce the aging time a whiskey needs from years to hours (via Thirty One Whiskey). Faint lemon candies and honey lead to an old vanilla wafer on the nose but not much else. While its not mind-blowingly better, its miles ahead of Kentucky Tavern and that watered-down nature is gone allowing the flavor profile to shine through. "They have an extensive selection of bourbons and Buffalo Trace is their house bourbon." more. The Whiskey Shelf noted that it "has some of the quintessential bourbon flavors, but overall there's not a lot going on," and Breaking Bourbon said its "straightforward and approachable flavor profile" makes it a "good base for cocktails.". But while easy to love, Buffalo Trace isn't always easy to find. Malt likewise found pleasantly fruity notes in its Old Forester 1910. If your idea of a perfect bourbon is a smooth sipper, characterized by delicate aromas of nuts and fruit and gentle on the palate, Old Grand-Dad is most definitely not for you. It's a mainstream list, for sure. "The Weller 12 YO is an outstanding whiskey. Ouch. "There's some vanilla and brown sugar in the beginning, but it's immediately replaced by an overwhelming flavor of oak. The Best Bourbon Under $100 There's nothing wrong with cheaper bourbons, but you definitely get what you pay for if you expand your budget a bit.
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