As a former bartender, I’ve had the pleasure of serving some of the finest bourbons on the market. From rich and complex to smooth and easy drinking, there’s a bourbon for every taste and occasion.
However, with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, I’ve compiled this list of 30 top-shelf bourbons you must try. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or new to the scene, there’s something here for everyone.
So, grab a glass and get ready to indulge in some of the best bourbons around.
30 Top-Shelf Bourbon
As promised, here’s a list of premium bourbon you can try now and thank me later:
1. Bulleit Bourbon
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As someone with experience, I can tell you that Bulleit Bourbon is a must-try for any bourbon lover. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from other bourbons on the market.
The high rye content gives it a spicy kick balanced by sweet vanilla and caramel notes. It’s great for sipping neat or in a cocktail. I’ve used Bulleit Bourbon in various drinks, and it always delivers a bold and flavorful punch.
2. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey
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Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is a classic bourbon I’ve served countless times as a bartender. Its distinct flavor comes from charcoal-mellowed before aging in barrels, giving it a smooth and slightly smoky taste.
It’s a versatile whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. I’ve found that it’s particularly delicious in a Jack and Coke or a Lynchburg Lemonade.
3. Marker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey
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Maker’s Mark is a top-shelf bourbon known for its unique production process. It’s made with a mash bill that includes red winter wheat, which gives it a smooth and mellow flavor profile.
The caramel and vanilla notes are prominent, and the finish has subtle spiciness. I’ve found that Maker’s Mark is great for sipping neat, but it also works well in cocktails. I’ve used it in everything from a Manhattan to an Old Fashioned, and it always adds a rich depth of flavor.
4. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
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Jim Beam is a classic bourbon that’s been around for over 200 years. It has a smooth and mellow flavor profile that’s perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
The caramel and vanilla notes are prominent, and the finish has a subtle hint of oak. It’s a great option for those new to bourbon who want to start with something easy to drink.
I’ve used Jim Beam in many cocktails, from a Mint Julep to a Whiskey Sour, and it always delivers a consistent and delicious flavor.
5. Basil Hayden’s Kentucky
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Basil Hayden’s is a small-batch bourbon known for its unique flavor profile.
It’s made with a high rye mash bill, giving it a spicy kick balanced out by sweet caramel and vanilla notes. It’s a smooth and easy-drinking bourbon that’s great for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
I’ve used Basil Hayden’s in different drinks, from a Boulevardier to a Kentucky Mule, and it always adds a distinctive and delicious flavor.
6. Booker’s Bourbon
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Booker’s Bourbon is a high-proof, small-batch bourbon whiskey in the Jim Beam distillery’s Small Batch Bourbon Collection. It’s named after Booker Noe, who was the Master Distiller at Jim Beam for many years and is credited with creating the small-batch bourbon category.
Booker’s Bourbon is made from a mash bill high in corn, rye, and malted barley. The exact proportions of the mash bill are not disclosed, but it’s known that the bourbon is aged for 6-8 years in new, charred American oak barrels.
Booker’s Bourbon is known for its robust and complex flavor profile, with vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice notes. It has a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a long, warming finish. Because of its high proof and intense flavor, it’s often enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to help open up the flavors.
7. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon made in small batches and aged in custom-crafted barrels. The result is a smooth, complex whiskey with caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak notes.
It has a rich, full-bodied flavor, perfect for sipping neat or cocktails.
I’ve used Woodford Reserve in many drinks, from a Manhattan to a Whiskey Sour, and it always adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
8. Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Knob Creek is a full-bodied bourbon aged nine years to develop its rich and complex flavor profile. It has caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, with a hint of smokiness on the finish.
It’s a great option for sipping neat but works well in cocktails that call for a bold and flavorful bourbon. I’ve used Knob Creek in everything from an Old Fashioned to a Boulevardier, and it always delivers a delicious and memorable taste.
9. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
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Buffalo Trace is a classic bourbon known for its smooth and mellow flavor. It has caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, with a hint of sweetness on the finish.
It’s a versatile whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, making it a staple on any bar. I’ve used Buffalo Trace in various drinks, from a Mint Julep to a Whiskey Sour, and it always adds a consistent and delicious flavor.
10. Evan Williams Bourbon
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Evan Williams is a budget-friendly bourbon that’s perfect for those who’re just getting into the spirit. It has a smooth and mellow flavor profile with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes.
It’s a great option for mixing in cocktails, but it’s also enjoyable neat or on the rocks.
I’ve used Evan Williams in different drinks, from a Kentucky Mule to a Lynchburg Lemonade, and it always delivers a tasty and reliable flavor.
11. Wild Turkey 101
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Wild Turkey 101 is a bold and flavorful bourbon aged for at least six years to develop its complex taste.
It has a long, warming finish with caramel, vanilla, and spice notes. It’s a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a robust flavor.
I’ve used Wild Turkey 101 in many drinks, from a Manhattan to a Mint Julep, and it always adds a delicious and memorable taste.
12. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
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Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is a premium spirit that’s aged for at least eight years to develop its rich and smooth flavor profile. It has caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, with a hint of spice on the finish.
It’s a great option for sipping neat, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon. I’ve used Elijah Craig Small Batch in everything from a Boulevardier to a Whiskey Sour, and it always delivers a delicious and refined taste.
13. Four Roses Bourbon
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Four Roses Bourbon is a classic Kentucky spirit known for its smooth and mellow taste. It has caramel, vanilla, and spice notes, with a hint of fruit on the finish.
It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a subtle and nuanced flavor.
I’ve used Four Roses Bourbon in different drinks, from a Sazerac to a Kentucky Mule, and it always adds a reliable and enjoyable taste.
14. Maker’s 46 Bourbon Whiskey
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Maker’s 46 Bourbon Whiskey is a premium spirit aged for at least six years to develop its complex and flavorful taste. It has caramel, vanilla, and spice notes, with a hint of oak on the finish.
It’s a great option for sipping neat, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon. I’ve used Maker’s 46 in everything from a Manhattan to a Whiskey Sour, and it always adds a distinct and delicious taste.
15. Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon Whiskey
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Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged Bourbon Whiskey is a smooth and flavorful spirit that’s aged for at least eight years to develop its rich and complex taste.
It has caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, with a hint of spice on the finish. It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a strong and full-bodied flavor.
I’ve used Jim Beam Black in many drinks, from an Old Fashioned to a Whiskey Sour, and it always delivers a consistent and delicious taste.
16. Eagle Rare 10yr Bourbon
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Eagle Rare 10yr Bourbon is a premium spirit aged for at least ten years to develop its smooth and complex flavor profile. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a hint of spice on the finish.
It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon.
I’ve used Eagle Rare 10yr in everything from a classic Old Fashioned to a Boulevardier, and it always adds a luxurious and enjoyable taste.
17. Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a unique and flavorful spirit finished in port wine barrels to develop its distinct taste. It has caramel, vanilla, and fruit notes, with a hint of spice on the finish.
It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon. I’ve used Angel’s Envy in everything from a Manhattan to a Whiskey Sour, and it always adds a sophisticated and memorable taste.
18. High West American Prairie Bourbon Whiskey
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High West American Prairie Bourbon Whiskey is a smooth and flavorful spirit blended from bourbons aged between two and thirteen years. It has vanilla, caramel, and spice notes, with a hint of fruit on the finish.
It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a smooth and approachable flavor.
I’ve used High West American Prairie in many drinks, from a simple Whiskey Highball to a complex Boulevardier, and it always adds a delicious and crowd-pleasing taste.
19. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
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Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is a premium spirit blended from select barrels to develop its rich and complex taste.
It has caramel, vanilla, and spice notes, with a hint of fruit on the finish. It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon.
I’ve used Four Roses Small Batch in everything from a classic Old Fashioned to a Mint Julep, and it always adds a reliable and enjoyable taste.
20. Jim Beam Honey Bourbon Whiskey
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Jim Beam Honey Bourbon Whiskey is a sweet and flavorful spirit infused with real honey to develop its distinct taste. It has notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla, with a hint of spice on the finish.
It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a sweet and approachable flavor.
I’ve used Jim Beam Honey in different drinks, from a simple Whiskey Highball to a complex Honey Sour, and it always adds a delicious and crowd-pleasing taste.
21. Jim Beam Apple Bourbon Whiskey
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Jim Beam Apple Bourbon Whiskey is a sweet and flavorful spirit infused with natural apple flavors to develop its unique taste.
It has notes of juicy apples, cinnamon, and caramel, with a hint of vanilla on the finish. It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a sweet and fruity flavor.
I’ve used Jim Beam Apple in many drinks, from a simple Whiskey Highball to a complex Apple Cider Sour, and it always adds a delicious and refreshing taste.
22. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a premium spirit aged in two separate barrels to develop its complex and rich taste.
It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a hint of spice and chocolate on the finish. It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon.
I’ve used Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in everything from a classic Manhattan to a Whiskey Sour, and it always adds a sophisticated and memorable taste.
23. Breckenbridge Bourbon Whiskey
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Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey is a smooth and flavorful spirit with a unique blend of high-quality corn, rye, and barley.
It has vanilla, caramel, and spice notes, with a hint of fruit on the finish. It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a smooth and approachable flavor.
I’ve used Breckenridge Bourbon in different drinks, from a simple Whiskey Highball to a complex Boulevardier, and it always adds a delicious and crowd-pleasing taste.
24. Jim Beam Peach Bourbon Whiskey
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Jim Beam Peach Bourbon Whiskey is a sweet and flavorful spirit infused with natural peach flavors to develop its distinct taste.
It has notes of ripe peaches, caramel, and vanilla, with a hint of spice on the finish. It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a sweet and fruity flavor.
I’ve used Jim Beam Peach in various drinks, from a simple Whiskey Highball to a complex Peach Tea Sour, and it always adds a delicious and refreshing taste.
25. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon
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Weller Special Reserve Bourbon is a premium spirit aged for at least seven years to develop its smooth and complex flavor profile.
It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, with a hint of spice on the finish. It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon.
I’ve used Weller Special Reserve in everything from a classic Old Fashioned to a Boulevardier, and it always adds a luxurious and enjoyable taste.
26. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
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Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon is a premium spirit with high-quality corn, rye, and barley.
It has caramel, vanilla, and fruit notes, with a hint of spice on the finish. It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon.
As a former bartender, I’ve used Four Roses Single Barrel in everything from a classic Manhattan to a Whiskey Sour, and it always adds a sophisticated and memorable taste.
27. E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon
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E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon is a premium spirit aged for at least four years to develop its rich and complex flavor profile.
It has caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, with a hint of spice and fruit on the finish.
It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon.
As a former bartender, I’ve used E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch in everything from a classic Old Fashioned to a Boulevardier, and it always adds a luxurious and enjoyable taste.
28. Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey
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Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon Whiskey is a sweet and flavorful spirit infused with natural black cherry flavors to develop its unique taste.
It has notes of juicy cherries, vanilla, and caramel, with a hint of spice on the finish. It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a sweet and fruity flavor.
I’ve used Jim Beam Red Stag in various drinks, from a simple Whiskey Highball to a complex Black Cherry Sour, and it always adds a delicious and refreshing taste.
29. Larceny Small Batch
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Larceny Small Batch is a smooth and flavorful spirit with a unique blend of high-quality corn, wheat, and malted barley.
It has vanilla, caramel, and spice notes, with a hint of fruit on the finish. It’s a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails, and it’s particularly well-suited for drinks that require a smooth and approachable flavor.
I’ve used Larceny Small Batch in various drinks, from a simple Whiskey Highball to a complex Boulevardier, and it always adds a delicious and crowd-pleasing taste.
30. Legent Bourbon Whiskey
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Legent Bourbon Whiskey is a unique spirit made with a blend of high-quality bourbons, including a traditional Kentucky bourbon and a Japanese-style whiskey.
It has caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, with a hint of spice and fruit on the finish. It’s a great option for sipping neat or on the rocks, but it also works well in cocktails requiring high-quality bourbon.
You can use Legent Bourbon in everything from a classic Old Fashioned to a Boulevardier and get a sophisticated and memorable taste.
What’s Your Pick?
There you have it, 30 top-shelf bourbons that will impress even the most discerning bourbon aficionados. From classic favorites to newer offerings, everyone can enjoy something here.
As a former bartender, I can tell you firsthand that these bourbons are exceptional and worthy of a spot in your home bar.
So, why not pick up a bottle or two and savor the flavors of these exquisite spirits? Your taste buds will thank you.
Cheers!
