Bourbons Best Enjoyed While At The Beach
Sun, Sand, and Bourbon: The Perfect Pairing
There's something undeniably right about sipping bourbon with your toes in the sand, salt air in the breeze, and the sound of waves rolling in. While whiskey culture often conjures images of dimly lit bars and leather armchairs, bourbon is remarkably versatile — and the beach setting has a way of unlocking its sweeter, more relaxed qualities. The warmth of the sun tends to draw out the caramel and vanilla notes that make bourbon so approachable, whether you're drinking it neat, over a single large cube, or in a refreshing warm-weather cocktail. When choosing a bourbon for beach drinking, it helps to think about balance — something smooth enough to enjoy casually, but with enough character to hold up against the sensory backdrop of the outdoors. From easy-sipping everyday bottles to more complex expressions worth savoring through a long afternoon, there's a bourbon style suited for just about every kind of beach day.
30a Blue Mountain Beach Bourbon
30A Blue Mountain Beach Bourbon is a delightful small-batch bourbon that captures the essence of coastal living. Its smooth and mellow character is complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and caramel, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a refined taste. This bourbon is perfect for enjoying on a warm evening or sharing with friends at a beachside gathering. Its approachable flavor profile makes it suitable for both seasoned bourbon drinkers and those new to the spirit. Buy it now!
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon is a small-batch bourbon known for its high rye content, which gives it a bold, spicy character. With a smooth, clean finish, it features notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and a hint of smoke. This bourbon is ideal for those who appreciate a robust and complex flavor profile, making it perfect for sipping neat or in classic cocktails. Buy it now!
Best Craft Bourbon: Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon
In the realm of craft distilleries, not all succeed in producing exceptional whiskey, but Frey Ranch in Nevada stands out with both creativity and innovation. Their five-year-old, grain-to-glass bourbon exemplifies the excellence of the old guard. Crafted from a four-grain mashbill featuring corn, rye, wheat, and barley, this bourbon, bottled at 90 proof, showcases the complexity and rich flavors synonymous with top-tier whiskey. Frey Ranch proves that dedication to quality and a commitment to craftsmanship can yield outstanding results in the world of craft distillation. Buy it now!
Best Bourbon Under $50: Old Forester 100 Proof
Old Forester has built a reputation for delivering quality bourbon at an accessible price point, offering two choices under $50: the 86 proof and the 100 proof variants. Opting for the latter is advisable, as the higher alcohol by volume (ABV) translates to more robust flavor and reduced dilution. Representing the essence of classic Kentucky bourbon, it features delightful notes of brown sugar, oak, caramel, and vanilla. Whether enjoyed neat or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned, this offering stands out as a fantastic bargain. Buy it now!
Best High-Rye Bourbon: Redemption Cognac Cask Finish
This bourbon can be considered a cask-finished expression, but its distinction lies in its high-rye mashbill. While the interpretation of "high rye" may vary among distilleries, a mashbill exceeding 20 percent rye is generally deemed high for bourbon. In this instance, the mashbill boasts an impressive 36 percent rye, contributing a delightful layer of spice that complements the flavors of dried fruit, sweet orange, and dark stone fruit acquired during its Cognac cask finish. Buy it now!
BEST IN A MINT JULEP: Bulleit 95 Rye Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
Bulleit 95 has become a staple in bars globally since its introduction in 2011 and is equally prized for home use. Its smooth profile features sweet maple and oak notes, finishing with a delicate blend of wood and hints of dried fruit and smoke. This bourbon's versatility makes it ideal for classic cocktails, while it particularly excels in a mint julep. Buy it now!
Best Non-Kentucky Finished Bourbon: Breckenridge Distillery Port Cask Finish Whiskey
Indulge in the regal elegance of this Bourbon Whiskey, which receives a luxurious finish in 59-gallon Tawny Port casks. The aging process imbues the whiskey with a distinctive smoothness and flavor profile, characterized by notes of sultana raisin and maple syrup from start to finish. At 45 proof (ABV 90%), it offers a refined drinking experience fit for royalty. Buy it now!
Best Single-Barrel Bourbon: Four Roses Single Barrel
Single barrel bourbons inherently exhibit flavor variations based on their cask of origin. However, this characteristic adds to the pleasure of enjoying whiskey sourced from an individual barrel rather than a blend from multiple casks. Kentucky's Four Roses distinguishes itself by crafting ten different recipes utilizing two mashbills and five yeast strains. The single barrel release highlights a chosen recipe, typically aged for seven to nine years, and is bottled at 100 proof. This bourbon consistently delivers excellence, regardless of the specific barrel selected. Buy it now!
Best Cask-Finished Bourbon: Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy stands out as one of the most renowned and readily accessible cask-finished American whiskey brands. The primary offering involves a bourbon aged for four to six years, culminating in a finishing period of up to six months in ruby port wine barrels. This process imparts a rich hue and syrupy hints of candied fruit to the whiskey. While numerous cask-finished bourbon options abound, beginning with a brand that boasts over a decade of expertise is a solid choice for enthusiasts. Buy it now!
Best Bourbon Under $100: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Wild Turkey 101 is undeniably among the finest budget-friendly bourbons available. However, for those willing to invest a bit more, exploring Rare Breed, the exceptional cask-strength variant from this esteemed Kentucky distillery, is highly recommended. A masterful blend of six, eight, and 12-year-old bourbons, this offering stands out as one of the top choices under the $100 mark. Just under 113 proof, it boasts formidable strength without overpowering with alcohol, gradually unveiling a spectrum of intricate flavors layer by layer. Buy it now!
TX Bourbon
TX Straight Bourbon embodies the essence of Texas, crafted with locally sourced ingredients including #2 yellow dent Texas corn, Texas soft red winter wheat, and a proprietary yeast strain captured from a Texas pecan tree, known as the "Brazos." With the addition of pure Texas water, this bourbon captures the spirit of the Lone Star State. After maturing for over four years, the first batch was harvested and bottled in December 2016. Each bottle is adorned with stitched black leather at the neck and a black band at the base, topped with a unique black leather cap sourced from local bootmakers. Tasting notes reveal a dark amber color with floral and allspice aromas, leading to flavors of dark fruit, sweet spice, and caramel, culminating in a balanced, warm oak finish. With a proof of 90, TX Straight Bourbon promises a memorable and enjoyable drinking experience. Buy it now!
Penelope Bourbon
Our famous four-grain straight bourbon whiskey, Penelope Bourbon, is made by combining three different bourbon mash bills. For your pleasure, each barrel is hand-picked and combined into a single batch. Buy it now!
5. Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series High Wheat Bourbon
This 53% ABV high-wheat bourbon’s only $50, and it’s freakin’ amazing. Strawberries and creamy custard hit you hard, with a long, oaky finish. I brought it to a game night, and my pals wouldn’t shut up about how good it was—no hype, just quality. It’s proof you don’t need to drop big bucks for a killer pour. Buy it now!
Best Bourbon For Cocktails: Maker’s Mark 46
Infusing a touch of French sophistication into the classic Maker's Mark recipe, this innovative expression marks the first new recipe from the distillery in more than fifty years. It undergoes a unique aging process, where custom-charred French oak staves impart distinct flavors and complexities to the bourbon, creating a captivating fusion of Kentucky tradition and French flair. Buy it now!
Breckenridge Bourbon
Breckenridge Bourbon is a high-altitude spirit, crafted with a blend of corn, rye, and barley. Its rich amber color and notes of caramel and vanilla make it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. This 1.75L bottle is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying over time. Buy it now!
Barrell Bourbon 12 Year French Oak Cask Finish Straight Bourbon
Barrell Bourbon 12 Year French Oak Cask Finish is a sophisticated bourbon that offers a unique tasting experience. Aged for 12 years, it is finished in French oak casks, imparting a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, spice, and oak. This bourbon is perfect for connoisseurs who appreciate a well-rounded and mature spirit. Buy it now!
Fistful of Bourbon
With almost 140 years of history, William Grant & Sons remains a family-owned business boasting a portfolio of distinguished Scotch brands. Their inaugural venture into the world of Bourbon, Fistful of Bourbon, is led by the accomplished Master Blender Kelsey McKechnie. McKechnie and her team traversed America to source exceptional Whiskey, resulting in a super-smooth, expertly balanced, and deliciously flavorful 90-proof blend. The name "Fistful of Bourbon" is a nod to spaghetti westerns, with each finger representing a different Whiskey in the blend—five fingers, five distinct juices. The blend includes sweet & smooth, green & floral, warm & spicy, creamy toffee, and cinnamon & licorice elements, all comprising proper Straight Bourbons. Whether enjoyed neat or mixed, William Grant & Sons gives its blessing either way, and enthusiasts hope for more installments in this promising trilogy. Buy it now!
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