12 Must-Try Single Barrel Bourbons, per Bartenders

12 Must-Try Single Barrel Bourbons, per Bartenders

Single barrel bourbons are beloved by bartenders and whiskey lovers alike for their bold character and unmatched quality. Unlike standard blends, each bottle comes from a single, carefully chosen barrel, showcasing the distinct flavors and nuances developed during aging. The result? A rich, complex pour with notes that range from caramel and vanilla to oak and spice. These one-of-a-kind expressions are often hand-selected by master distillers, making them a favorite for those who appreciate craftsmanship and individuality in their whiskey. To help you navigate this world of standout pours, we asked bartenders to share 12 single barrel bourbons they consider absolute must-tries.

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

The Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is a revered choice among bourbon enthusiasts globally, stands out for its unique flavor, smooth finish, and elegant design. Crafted with a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, aged for a minimum of six years, it offers a complex palate of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. Best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails, this Kentucky-distilled whiskey guarantees a unique and luxurious drinking experience. Hand-selected grains contribute to its exceptional smoothness, with caramel and toffee sweetness on the palate balanced by a lingering spice and subtle notes of vanilla and oak. Each bottle undergoes meticulous handcrafted processes, from barrel selection by the master distiller to filling, labeling, and sealing, making it a true work of art in every sip. Buy it now on sale for $179.99.

Four Roses Single Barrel

This Single Barrel from Four Roses presents a slightly proofed variation of their renowned OBSV recipe. The OBSV recipe is characterized by a delicate fruit yeast and a high-rye mash bill. Specifically chosen from the north side of Warehouse P—a cherished location for Four Roses' single barrel enthusiasts—this selection highlights the significant impact that barrel position and warehouse conditions can have on the whiskey's flavor profile. Buy it now!

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Named in honor of the legendary Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee, this exceptional whiskey is meticulously hand-selected and bottled to his exacting standards. Crafted from Buffalo Trace's mashbill #2, featuring a higher rye content, it boasts a rich and balanced flavor profile with a slightly spicier character. Highly coveted by aficionados for its superb quality and bold taste, it stands as a testament to Lee's enduring legacy in the world of bourbon. Buy it now!

Evan Williams Single Barrel

Evan Williams Single Barrel has remained an underrated gem since its inception in 1983, offering a vintage-dated selection of the finest barrels from the warehouses. Master distillers Craig Beam and his late father, Parker, meticulously handpick these barrels until only the best remains. Despite being bottled at a lower proof, perhaps deterring some, its quality shines through, especially when enjoyed neat. With recent releases like the 2009 vintage, it's evident that Evan Williams Single Barrel continues to uphold its legacy, a testament to Parker's enduring pride. Buy it now!

Henry McKenna Bottled-in-Bond Single Barrel Bourbon

While some might argue that shining a light on this bottle contradicts our quest for hidden gems, McKenna has quietly remained under the radar for far too long. Offering a bottled-in-bond single barrel is commendable on its own, but Heaven Hill has gone above and beyond by maintaining a 10-year age statement at an incredibly affordable price point. Sharing the same mash bill as Elijah Craig and Evan Williams, McKenna boasts quality that surpasses its recognition. With its value and potential, it's only a matter of time before this hidden treasure gains the attention it deserves, so it's wise to stock up while you can. Buy it now!

Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve

Every barrel of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve undergoes a meticulous hand-picking process and is individually bottled, ensuring a unique and singular expression. Bottled at 120 proof, this variant offers an amplified representation of Knob Creek. Expect more pronounced flavors and a smokier aroma, leading to a smooth and complex finish. Buy it now for $67.99!

New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon

The releases from New Riff are uniquely tailored for different locations, predominantly available through select retailers. The whiskey within the bottle features New Riff's standard bourbon mash, consisting of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley. Aged for a minimum of four years, each bottle is individually filled without cutting or filtration, ensuring a distinctive and unaltered expression. Buy it now for $57.99!

Starlight Distillery Single Barrel Huber’s Rickhouse Select Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The single-barrel releases from Huber Winery’s Starlight Distillery are gaining attention in the craft bourbon scene. Hailing from Indiana, this bourbon embodies a true craft spirit, rooted in a family tradition dating back to the mid-1800s on the same farm—distinct from MGP. The unique mash bill, varying by barrel, comprises 58% corn, 27% rye, and 15% malted barley. Aged for a minimum of four years, the whiskey is deemed ready for single-barrel bottling without any further adjustments. Buy it now for $59.99!

E. H. Taylor, Single Barrel, 50% ABV 

Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey pays homage to the pioneering legacy of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., a revered figure in the bourbon industry. Known as one of the founding fathers of bourbon, Taylor's contributions include advocating for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 and implementing innovative aging techniques such as climate-controlled warehouses, including Warehouse C. Hand-picked and bottled at 100 proof in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act, each barrel of this bourbon is a testament to Taylor's enduring influence and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Buy it now!

Shortbarrel, Single Barrel Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 62.8% ABV

Emerging from its humble origins as a small barrel-picking group in 2016, the Shortbarrel name has become synonymous with exceptional quality on the home bar scene, reserved only for barrels that meet their exacting standards. They extend an invitation to join their club and appreciate the fact that no two barrels are identical. As observed by Lee Diaz, a Topflight Series Panel Member, Shortbarrel has rapidly risen in the ranks, transitioning from a barrel-picking group to a respected brand, supported by a portfolio of multi-award-winning releases. Lee recounts his visit to Atlanta, where he had the privilege of selecting barrels with the remarkable Shortbarrel team, ultimately leading to the discovery of this exceptional Cask Strength Bourbon. Even before you uncork the bottle, you'll be struck by the distinctive 75/13/12 mash bill, a blend you may have grown fond of through recent Booker's releases. Aromas of orange zest, cherry, maple, and oak greet your senses, exuding a welcoming charm. Buy now starting at $92.00.

New England Barrel Company, Single Barrel Select 5 Year Bourbon, 61.9% ABV

Our latest Rye Barrels have undergone over 8 years of maturation in charred new American oak barrels, a process influenced by the natural rhythm of changing seasons. While each barrel possesses its own unique characteristics, they all share common attributes such as a enticing aroma, a rich palate, and a lingering finish that entices you to savor every sip. Buy it now!

Whiskey Thief Distilling, Single Barrel 53.25% ABV

This single-barrel selection offers a truly distinctive Kentucky experience. Located within a barrel house where visitors can sample a variety of whiskey barrels, patrons have the opportunity to purchase either an entire barrel or individual bottles from selected barrels. Situated on a sprawling 172-acre working farm, the location adds an extra layer of charm to the overall experience, making it a memorable journey for whiskey enthusiasts.