12 Essential End-of-World Bourbons

12 Essential End-of-World Bourbons

Surviving the apocalypse might require some robust choices in terms of bourbon. Here are a few options that are known for their quality and could potentially help you endure those trying times: With these selections, you'll have a diverse range of bourbons to enjoy during the apocalypse, whether you prefer something smooth and mellow or bold and intense.

Buffalo Trace

The Buffalo Trace, a venerable name in the bourbon world, hails from the eponymous distillery in Kentucky and is revered for its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship. As a Kentucky straight bourbon, Buffalo Trace is meticulously crafted from a mashbill of corn, rye, and barley and aged in new charred oak barrels. Known for its approachable yet complex profile, this whiskey offers notes of toffee, vanilla, and a hint of spice, creating a well-balanced and smooth sipping experience. What sets Buffalo Trace apart is its reputation for consistency and quality, making it a favorite among both casual drinkers and seasoned bourbon aficionados alike. The distillery's commitment to tradition and innovation has solidified Buffalo Trace as a cornerstone in the world of American whiskey. Buy it now for $28.99.

Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This Michter’s Bourbon is crafted from a meticulously chosen mashbill showcasing top-tier American corn, Michter's US1 Bourbon undergoes a maturation process that extends beyond eight years, reaching optimal perfection. This genuinely small-batch bourbon is meticulously curated, usually consisting of no more than two dozen barrels per batch, eliminating the possibility of blending imperfections and demanding excellence from each barrel. Embodying the essence of Kentucky's Bluegrass State, Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a nuanced, mellow, and earthy profile, capturing the true spirit of its origin. Buy it now for $55.99.

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey

Van Winkle Bourbons honor a whiskey industry pioneer, offering a remarkable experience for enthusiasts of wheated whiskey. Crafted with the revered Van Winkle family recipe, this bourbon is drawn from select barrels aged for 15 years in Kentucky's heart. Rich and full-bodied, it boasts an intense profile of caramel, toffee, spice, and wood notes, embodying the epitome of American whiskey excellence. Buy it now!

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey undergoes a minimum ten-year maturation in new, American oak casks, developing a golden honey hue and enticing aromas of gentle toast, fresh tobacco, and bananas. On the palate, flavors of chocolate, almonds, melons, raisins, and dried fruits are accented by subtle vanilla undertones. The finish is enduring and robust, with lingering hints of roasted nuts and corn. Buy it now!

Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey maintains its tradition by aging in Warehouse H, just as it did over 50 years ago. Each bottle is sourced from a single barrel, carefully hand-selected based on its unique flavor profile. With a nose of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel, this bourbon offers a sweet palate with hints of peaches, pears, and dried apricots. Finishing with notes of cinnamon, baking spices, maple syrup, and molasses, Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon has earned numerous accolades, including the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Jim Murray's Whisky Bible has even dubbed it "liquid gold." Buy it now!

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

This Woodford Reserve Bourbon, has a proof of 90.4, unveils a brilliant honey amber appearance that captivates the senses. The nose is a symphony of rich dried fruit, nuanced hints of mint, and a subtle interplay of oranges coated in a delicate dusting of cocoa. Undertones of faint vanilla and tobacco spice add depth to the aromatic experience. Upon tasting, the bourbon reveals its richness with a chewy, rounded, and remarkably smooth texture. Complex notes of citrus, cinnamon, and cocoa dance on the palate, accompanied by a delightful ensemble of toffee, caramel, chocolate, and spice. The finish is the pièce de résistance – silky smooth and almost creamy at first, leaving a long, warm, and wholly satisfying tail. This exceptional bourbon has garnered numerous accolades, including Gold Medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge, affirming its status as a true connoisseur's choice. Buy it now for $40.00.

Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon pays homage to its namesake with a blend of seven-year-old barrels sourced from Kentucky's brick warehouses. Bottled in Bond at 100 proof, this bourbon offers distinctive oak and dried fruit notes, complemented by hints of salted caramel, butterscotch, and orange. Packaged behind a vintage label and canister reminiscent of bygone eras, each bottle embodies the timeless legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Buy it now!

Elijah Craig Bourbon Small Batch

The Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon stands out as a remarkable value, offering an exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts. The inviting bouquet opens with delightful aromas of honey, sweet corn, vanilla, and brown sugar, setting the stage for what unfolds on the equally luscious palate. This bourbon strikes a perfect balance, combining boldness with smoothness, as flavors of honey, vanilla, and molasses take center stage, complemented by a subtle dry oakiness. Whether savored neat or with a touch of water, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon delivers a memorable and satisfying drinking experience. Buy it now for $22.99.

Angel's Envy Bourbon

Thai bottle of Angel’s Envy takes pride in its meticulous craftsmanship, producing bourbon in small, artfully curated batches. With a commitment to excellence, only eight to twelve barrels are selected at a time for blending, ensuring a precise flavor profile. Each barrel undergoes a thorough tasting process, guaranteeing that only the finest spirits contribute to the final product. What sets Angel's Envy apart is its unique finishing process; after the initial maturation, the bourbon undergoes a finishing touch in ruby port casks sourced from Spain. This distinctive step adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Throughout this entire journey, every detail is carefully overseen by the Master Distiller, Lincoln Henderson, reflecting the brand's dedication to achieving unparalleled quality and taste in every bottle. Buy it now for $45.99.

Larceny Small Batch Bourbon

The Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, steeped in historical legacy, traces its roots back to John E. Fitzgerald, a post-Civil War distiller who founded a distillery along the Kentucky River. Fitzgerald's Old Fitzgerald Bourbon, renowned for its quality, eventually landed in the hands of Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle, sealing its fate as one of the world's most celebrated bourbons. Larceny pays homage to Fitzgerald's discerning taste and the Old Fitzgerald brand, incorporating a unique mash of corn, wheat, malted barley, and rye. Distilled in Kentucky limestone water and fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, Larceny honors tradition by choosing wheat as its secondary grain, creating a distinctive and flavorful bourbon. Buy it now for $30.99.

Wild Turkey 101

The Wild Turkey 101 is a renowned Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey celebrated for its bold and robust character. Distilled by the Wild Turkey Distillery, this 101-proof spirit derives its name from the high alcohol content of 101 proof (50.5% alcohol by volume). With a rich amber hue and a complex flavor profile, Wild Turkey 101 boasts notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, delivering a warm and full-bodied experience. Its distinctive taste is attributed to a longer-than-average maturation process in new charred American oak barrels. This bourbon has garnered a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate its intense and well-balanced flavors, making Wild Turkey 101 a timeless and classic choice for those seeking a hearty bourbon experience. Buy it now for $26.99.

Heaven's Door Straight Tennessee Bourbon

The Heaven’s Door whiskies are a unique collaboration between the iconic musician Bob Dylan and craft spirit veteran Marc Bushala. The partnership extends beyond conventional celebrity endorsements, with Dylan actively contributing to various aspects of the brand. From designing the distinctive gates featured on the label (inspired by Dylan's own metalworking creations) to influencing the flavor profile of the spirit itself, Dylan's artistic vision plays a significant role. The bourbon, a product of this artistic collaboration, boasts an alluring aroma marked by a sweet and spicy nose. Upon tasting, one can expect a harmonious blend of flavors, including notes of cinnamon, cherry, and brown sugar, creating a distinctive and memorable drinking experience. Buy it now for $45.99.