Best bourbons to impress your friends at your next gathering
Right around the holiday season is when bourbon enthusiasts begin to realize just how much the scene has exploded with new members.
The newcomers are easy to recognize because they’re usually loitering more than usual in whiskey aisles across the nation.
Sometimes they will flag down a person who looks like they know what they’re doing to help guide them on what to look for.
Seasoned drinkers are sometimes loathe to help these people out because that would require an hours-long conversation that requires equal parts finding out what the person likes and what bottles the person has experienced. I know because I’ve been in both person’s shoes.
I often look back at my budding days as an enthusiast when I was trying to experience it all by buying it all. Only later would I find out that the whiskey I had selected was not good.
All that money went literally down the drain. So in order to prevent you from falling into the same trap that I did, I sat down to create a list of 10 bourbons that I personally would choose to buy if I had to start all over again.
Bourbon is the exact opposite of craft beer scene
The 10 best bourbons we found after tasting over 100 bourbon whiskeys
If you're new to bourbon, learning what to drink and how to drink it can be intimidating. Fortunately, there's no wrong way to enjoy it. "The most important thing is that they have a good time," said Jeremy Johnson, owner of Meta cocktail bar in Louisville, Kentucky. "Bourbon's all about having a good time."
To find the best bourbons, I traveled the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, toured eight distilleries, talked to countless experts, and tried over 100 bourbons. While our picks are based on expert recommendations and several tastings, preferences are subjective and personal. "Everybody's palate is different," said Henry Kwok, owner of Henry's Place, a bourbon bar in Okemos, Michigan. "It's really subjective."
We curated our list so that the bourbons below will appeal to most drinkers. This is an excellent place to start if you want to get into bourbon — we also recommend checking out our beginner's guide to drinking bourbon.
Our top picks for the best bourbon
Best bourbon overall: Russell's Reserve 10 Year Bourbon - See at Total Wine
Best under $20: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - See at
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by Heather Wibbels
Updated 11/5/23 —Let’s talk about the best bourbons for cocktails at home. As a self-professed whiskey enthusiast and cocktail nerd, I spend much of my time researching, playing with, and creating bourbon cocktails. The number of whiskies and bourbons available now on the market can be utterly intimidating to someone new to bourbon cocktails or whiskey tipples.
So, from my home bar to yours, I want to deliver you a leg up on selecting some solid bourbons to start your bourbon cocktail journey.
Have you ever stood in front of a wall of bourbon bottles (this happens a lot in liquor stores around Kentucky and Tennessee) wondering which bourbon to choose for a particular cocktail or tasting?
As a member of Bourbon Women (an group dedicated to women exploring bourbon culture) and an Executive Bourbon Steward (from Moonshine University), I can tell you that selecting a bourbon cocktail can direct to an existential crisis when you first start mixing at home. There are so, many, bourbons.
Some experts say to employ bottom-shelf or bourbons you don’t like, others advocate using only the pricies
Best Bourbon Options for Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned cocktail is a timeless classic that highlights the rich, complex flavors of bourbon whiskey. Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a casual drinker, finding the right bourbon to create an authentic and delicious Old Fashioned can elevate your cocktail experience. This article explores budget-friendly premade bourbon cocktails, highlights a popular premixed Old Fashioned option, and shares expert tips on how to craft the perfect Old Fashioned from scratch.
Understanding the Query Intent
The main intent behind the question “best bourbon brands for Old Fashioned” is to identify quality bourbon options—both premade and traditional—that suit the Old Fashioned cocktail. The focus is on affordability, convenience, and taste, catering to those who want to enjoy this classic cocktail without breaking the bank or spending excessive time on preparation.
Outline
Introduction to premade bourbon cocktails and their benefits
Review of a popular premixed Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail
Overview of making the perfect Old Fashioned at home with quality bourbon
Tips for enhancing your Old Fashioned experience
C
Top 10 Bourbons Guaranteed to Impress at a Gathering
Alright, y’all, let’s talk impressive whiskey! I’ve been sipping on whiskey since my buddy dragged me to a tasting a few years back—started with the cheap stuff and now I’m hooked on the good stuff. This list has some heavy hitters that will be sure to impress, so grab a glass, kick back, and let’s dive into these bad boys.
10. Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon
This Nevada gem packs a punch at 62.15% ABV, and it’s straight farm-to-glass goodness. I tried this at a buddy’s BBQ last summer, and it hit me with big cinnamon and leather vibes right off the bat. It’s got this buttery, sweet kick—like custard with a splash of tropical fruit—that makes every sip feel like a party in your mouth. Totally worth snagging for $80 if you wanna flex some unique flavor. Buy it now!
9. Ben Holladay Bottled In Bond Soft Red Wheat Bourbon
Coming outta Missouri, this 50% ABV bourbon is smooth as heck for just $52. It’s got this creamy, fruity thing going on—think pears and honey with a spicy clove twist. I cracked a bottle open during a chill night with my crew, and we couldn’t get over how it lingers with vanilla and oak. Perfect