After spending time in its first charred oak barrel, this bourbon is transferred to a second, deeply toasted, lightly charred barrel where it matures further, gathering an intensity of flavors that include sweet oak and vanilla, with honey and caramel aromas, followed up by a creamy finish. Address: 3501 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States. Traditional bourbon flavors are still present in the spirit, with honey, caramel, and some dried fruits. Here are the 16 best Kentucky bourbons available to drink right now. Address: 105 W. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202. It was started back in 1999 and has been going strong, just like their bourbon, ever since. Its friendly enough for even cask strength neophytes to handle it. One Buffalo Trace brand that often flies under the radar is Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel, and particularly, the 100-year tribute bottle for this line. Quick Description: It is the founding father of the Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail. This is a distillery to put high on your list. Address: 1200 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40504. At a very good price point for a 10-year-old whiskey, a bottle of this wont disappoint. This bourbon might be sharp and intimidating at first (you can blame it on the 100 proof), but it quickly mellows down to reveal tasting notes of sweet corn and spicy rye. Jeffersons Reserve is a big, complex bourbon with a deep finish. Were a bit biased, but we especially loved W.L. Decades before Kentucky earned statehood in 1792, frontiersman like Daniel Boone used the Cumberland Gap to forge through the Wilderness Road. While this next bourbon shares a similar name to a few of the others on this list, its origin is totally unique. Quick Description: It was a family-built distillery using similar recipes since 1967. Address: 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601. Quick Description: It was a fully-renovated automotive garage with state-of-the-art distilling equipment. Maker's Mark's legacy as perhaps the best Kentucky bourbon of all time is about more than just taste, though there's plenty of that, too. Join distillers Caleb Kilburn (Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.) and . Read: Top Places To Stay For The Bourbon Trail. Larceny Small Batch Bourbon 16. The amazing bourbon features notes of vanilla, honey, corn, and nutmeg. W.L. Quick Description: Newly opened distillery is the first carbon-neutral distillery in Lebanon. It's really only available in Kentucky and made mainly to give the state's residents a cheap, solid option for their traditional spirit. Weller 12 Year, and W.L. It features notes of brown sugar and toasted oak, as well as hints of caramel and butterscotch. Kentucky Bourbon Bus is how to do Bourbon Country like a local! "I really love Wild Turkey 101, says Drew Johnson, head bartender at The Musket Room. Collecting the bottlecaps is also a lot of fun get all eight, and youll have spelled B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S, with the equestrian in various forms as he completes the race. Strict tasting rules were applied. Quick Description: It was founded in the 1870s and remains true to its commitments to crafting premium spirits. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Best Splurge: Instead of a typically chill filtration system, this bourbon passes through only a plate and frame filter (via 1792 Bourbon). Kentucky Bourbon List There are many different types of bourbon that come from Kentucky. Each bottle features a code that reveals the blend of bourbons that went into the bottle, along with not only the mash bill within each specific bourbon but also the yeast strains that were used and the minimum age. 1792's name pays a special tribute to the state where it's made, as 1792 was the year that Kentucky became the 15th state. Consequently, each barrel will taste different, although there's usually some consistency that allows the discerning imbiber to identify the brand. The blend is made with four different mash bills ranging from 6 to 15 years old. Quick Description: The distillery is nestled deep in the foothills of the Appalachian and is known to produce handcrafted beverages. Read More. Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown Talbott Tavern. Address: 100 Bourbon Dr, Lebanon, KY 40033. Bourbon is a quintessential part of the Bluegrass State; it isn't just a Kentucky icon, it's an inextricable, fundamental, celebrated part of its culture and identity. Personally, I love whiskey neat or over one rockbut when it's a hot Chicago day, I throw in some lime juice and simple syrup, and shake it up like a Daiquiri.". 50. The high proof will hold up to the bitters and sugar, while the strong, spicy flavor balances the sweetness. This results in a specific flavor profile, dominated by nutty and toasty aromas. A bottle of Pappy Van Winkle might cost more than one months rent, but we know bourbon enthusiasts wouldnt mind spending money on it, considering its quality. Old Fitzgerald is a highly coveted premium bourbon made with a high amount of wheat 20 percent of it, alongside 68 percent corn and 12 percent malted barley. In case you didnt know, cask strength simply means that the bourbon is not diluted with water before it is bottled, so you can only imagine how strong it is! When you want a good bourbon to stock up your liquor cabinet, you can never go wrong with Buffalo Trace. Its then bottled at cask strength and printed with the staves used and proof (which varies by barrel). 1792 Bourbon is steeped in history: the brand name pays homage to the first year Kentucky was recognized as the 15th state, [1] and the Barton 1792 Distillery is the oldest distillery in the state still fully operational. Try it paired with lemon and honey in a Gold Rush, or enjoy it in a frosty, far-too-drinkable Mint Julep. The citrusy aroma pulls you in, and the palate welcomes you with a hit of sweet grass, cola, and leather, all leading to a zesty finish where you might just encounter a hint of mint. $ 12. This full-bodied bourbon offers a delicious plethora of dark chocolate, vanilla, and oak that lazily rests and lingers on your tongue. But if youre willing to pony up a good chunk of change, you can also find bourbons that are nearly 30 years old. Address: 137 Barkers Mill Rd, Pembroke, KY 42266. Some bourbons get bottled up uncut. Quick Description: The distillery produces handcrafted spirits and bourbons from roots to bottles. Maker's Mark 46 earned a score of 92 points out of 100 from Tastings, and earned a Gold Medal Exceptional ranking (via Tastings). For passionate collectors who dream of having their own bottle of "Pappy," there are several to choose from. It's bottled at a whopping 125 barrel entry proof. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It was founded in the late 1700s and has been handed down to seven generations of the Beam family. Despite the barrel strength, this unique bourbon remains gentle and sweet, with maple syrup, walnut, and oak notes. The distilling of bourbon began in Kentucky in the 1700's in Bourbon County. The result is a robust proof, and a rich, bold flavor. Bronze. Address: 3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY. Quick Description: Every bottle of Makers Mark is handcrafted, from grains to packaging. This bottle,a new take on the classic Maker's Mark recipe, was actually the first extension of the line to be produced since the 1950s. Weller Antique 107 (via Breaking Bourbon). We embrace what nature has given us and make the best whiskey we can as a celebration of the year's harvest. Each of the Kentucky Bourbon distilleries on this list, from the craft variety makers to the world's largest producers, invite visitors to stop by to learn about their brands and have a taste. The bottle that this next bourbon comes in is almost as unique as the liquid inside. You just have to know how to read it. Quick Description: It is known to produce different spirits and represents other premium labels like Blantons. Custom and Private Experiences. This barrel-strength bourbon is bottled raw as it is, made from a blend of select oak barrels combined into a single batch. One of Heaven Hill Distillerys most-awarded whiskeys, this reasonably-priced single barrel is big, balanced, spicy and sweet, and enjoys a backbone of honey and citrus.Its straightforward, flavorful, not heavy-handed, and terrific neat, says Jeff Moses, a Charleston-based spirits entrepreneur. Yes. However as in any food and beverage facility there are many complications aside from the raw materials that can render a finished product non-kosher. The spirit inside is super impressive complex yet smooth, with a creamy mouthfeel and plenty of spice. Declared by Congressional Resolution to be Americas Native Spirit, bourbon does have to be made in the US in order to be carry the name (which is so called either after Bourbon Street in New Orleans or Bourbon County in Kentucky). Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, the Buffalo Trace Distillery produces a few popular lines of bourbon like the Van Winkle Collection, Blantons, E.H. Taylor, and their namesake whiskey (via Buffalo Trace). If you haven't tried a wheated bourbon before, pick up a bottle of Larceny: made by Heaven Hill, this bourbon uses one-third more wheat than other similar bourbons, according to the distillery. This short, rounded bottle with a brown label is topped by a horse. "One of my favorite responses on the best way to enjoy bourbon was from Fred Noe of the Jim Beam family," says Lauren Parton, general manager of Devereaux at the Viceroy Chicago. The cask strength heat may be overwhelming at first, but try having it in a classic Old Fashioned or with a pipette of water so you can appreciate it more. Weller Antique 107 mentioned elsewhere on this list, this Weller bottle has become increasingly difficult to find for all but the most dedicated hunters. He is often considered the first distiller to age his whisky in charred oak barrels (via Heaven Hill Distillery). Larceny Small Batch Bourbon, Best in Cocktails: And, if you find it, be prepared to pony up. Buy It, 90 Proof Extremely Limited Bardstown, KY, For every year bourbon matures in the barrel, it goes through a winter and summer where the wood expands and contracts, pushing and pulling the spirit in and out of the staves to impart that oakey goodness. It's a safe budget buy wherever you may find yourself, and the bargain price and ubiquitous availability belie the quality and complexity of this fine spirit. Blanton's Single Barrel 17. I like it best when I have it with a meal like a barbecue or a rotisserie chicken., ABV: 50% |Tasting Notes:Cinnamon, Toffee, Vanilla, Dried fruit. Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Best High Rye: It's bottled at 95 proof and features notes of citrus and oak with hints of vanilla (via Buffalo Trace). $40 AT MASHANDGRAPE.COM. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey EMPTY 1.75L Bottle with Cork. On the palate, expect to encounter textbook bourbon notes of toasted pecan and brled sugar, which then segue into a rich finish of caramel and cream. But in 2020, one in particular stole the show: 1792 Single Barrel. Address: 320 Pleasant St, Paris, KY 40361. Quick Description: It has been a family-owned distillery since 2013 that offers bourbons and moonshine. Its single barrel, not chill filtered (chill filtering makes bourbon less cloudy and some would say, less tasty) and has heavy oak flavors with smoky hints and a dry finish. The aroma is a fine blend of oak, grains, and nuts and the finish is glowing and rich. BOURBON TASTING 101. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Each bottle contains 750ml of Kentucky Straight Bourbon 4Proof (45.2% ABV) https://gearmoose.com/best-kentucky-bourbons/ Quick Description: It was previously the OZ Tyler Distillery and now serves great bourbon and whiskey spirits. Kentucky Spirit is a 101 proof (50.5% ABV), single barrel bourbon made with the neat bourbon lover in mind. Top 20 Kentucky Bourbon Brands You Need To Try 20. So schedule well ahead. Quick Description: It is a small distillery that handcrafts small batch spirits. It is a single-site bourbon distillery with over 1.8 million barrels and 63 warehouses. There are however somewhere in the region of 73 licensed distilleries in the state. He also fought for the passing of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which his namesake bourbon now holds itself to over 100 years later (via Buffalo Trace). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. ABV: 45% Average Price: $40 The Whiskey: While this whiskey is a blend of sourced juice, it really shines as a classic bourbon from a new brand. 107 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown; 502-348-3494; talbotttavern.com. They release stock once a year and retailers lucky enough to carry it hold lotteries to decide who gets to buy a bottle. 15. Bourbon doesn't need to be made in Kentucky, despite a common misconception, but the Bluegrass State is certainly the source of some of the best examples of the category. 1792 Bourbon Full Proof 13. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond bourbon is actually a new edition of an existing liquor. Note that the Jim Beam tours are one of the longest on the trail, at an hour and 30 minutes. What is the best Bourbon? The name comes from the Irish immigrant, Henry McKenna, who adapted his family's traditional whiskey recipe to work with grains grown in Kentucky (via Heaven Hill Distillery). and W.L. Barton 1792 Distillery was created in 1879, making it the oldest distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky that's still fully operational (via Whiskey Consensus). Experience restaurants creating a buzz with bourbon-infused dishes. The brands single barrel bourbon is one of the best and most affordable ones out on the market. The MSRP on this bottle is just $199.99, but don't expect to find it at that price. At last check, owner Bill Thomas had 2,687 different whiskeys on the walls of his establishment, many of which are rare bourbons. Evan Williams Black label is the number 2 selling bourbon next to Jim Beam, but were going to be talking about their Single Barrel bourbon. Larceny Small Batch is a wheated bourbon it uses one-third more than the standard of most bourbons. Woodford Reserve. While the horse stoppers have only been around since 1999, this award-winning bourbon was first introduced in 1984. Best Splurge Bourbon. Woodford Reserve bourbon is easy to spot on the shelf, thanks to its distinctively stout, rounded bottle. history, tradition and innovation often collide on the kentucky bourbon trail, and mint julep can navigate through them all by including stops at a barrel-making cooperage, a look at vendome copper & brassworks which makes distillery equipment for most of the bourbon industry and beyond a working kentucky farm, haunted inns, dive bars, Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That means the bourbon is unique, as every barrel has gone on its own journey, expanding and contracting with the heat in its own specific way. From the fresh ingredients to the slow, careful distilling and aging process, Maker's Mark put bourbon on the map. Not all bourbons will carry an age statement, but for those that do, heres a general rule of what you should expect: a longer aging period means that much of the bourbon has been in contact with the barrel. ABV: 54.5%|Tasting Notes:Orange peel, Cherry, Tobacco, Roasted corn. Kentucky is world-famous for its bourbon, producing nearly 95% of the world's supply of this spicy, sultry spirit. If youre looking to mix your bourbon into a cocktail, this is a good thing: higher proof bourbons can stand up to strong flavors and make themselves known in a drink. One of the newer labels on the block, Town Branch launched in 2012, and was the first new distillery to open in downtown Lexington since Prohibition. Unless its single barrel. It's also accessible in price, with a 750ml bottle retailing for around $24 (via Total Wine). Take a few steps up and you get the distillerys gold standard, their Single Barrel. (2022), Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Bottle Price & Guide (2022). Quick Description: It is a craft distillery in Kentucky that offers tastings of bourbon whiskeys and guided tours. In 2021, Wild Turkey 101 earned 90 points and a gold award from the Beverage Tasting Institute. Her home bar is always stocked with a range of spirits, from the staples (like Kentucky bourbon) to the downright strange, and she has serious opinions about Martinis. Quick Description: The distillery produces a great selection of bourbons and whiskeys from Kentucky and beyond. Vanilla and honey, and at least six weeks, the brand focuses on the list of this. Finish while remaining relatively mellow, George Stagg, and spices opened distillery is similarly.. 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