13 Top Smooth American Whiskeys

13 Top Smooth American Whiskeys

If you're in search of top-notch American bourbon that won't dent your wallet, you're in luck. There's a plethora of options available that don't require splurging on pricey wooden box sets of whiskey. Here, we present 10 of the finest American whiskeys that offer exceptional quality without breaking the bank.

Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Savoring a bottle of Small Batch from Garrison Brothers is an unparalleled experience. This Texas Straight Bourbon boasts a rich, amber-crimson hue reminiscent of a Texas sunset, setting it apart as darker, richer, and fuller-bodied compared to its counterparts. Garrison Brothers proudly crafts their bourbon entirely in Hye, Texas, eschewing any sourced whiskey and ensuring each barrel is meticulously produced from corn-to-cork. Handcrafted from a sweet mash of premium, #1 food-grade corn, locally sourced soft red winter wheat, and two-row barley, Garrison Brothers Small Batch epitomizes the essence of Texan craftsmanship and quality. Buy it now!

Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bourbon

Fermentation experts Shane Baker and Pat Heist, with decades of experience in the spirits industry, joined forces in 2012 to create their own venture. Despite being newcomers, their wealth of knowledge quickly translated into acclaim for their commitment to quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Their small batch bourbon, a culmination of up to 12 barrels from a shared fermenter, showcases a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley. This well-balanced blend offers a delightful interplay of spice and malt, both on the nose and the palate, solidifying their reputation for exceptional spirits. Buy it now for $58.99.

W.L. Weller Bourbon 12 Year Old

Belonging to the distinguished wheated bourbon family, the twelve-year-old W.L. Weller stands out by undergoing an extended aging process uncommon among most wheated bourbons. The result is a smooth, approachable, and well-balanced bourbon, distinguished by its beautiful deep bronze color. This expression reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to quality synonymous with the W.L. Weller brand. Buy it now!

Larceny Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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!

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.

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

This bottle of Knob Creek, which is a distinguished bourbon brand under the Jim Beam umbrella, is celebrated for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and robust flavor. Named after Abraham Lincoln's childhood home, this small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon is aged for a patient nine years, longer than most counterparts, in charred American oak barrels. With a proof of 100, Knob Creek delivers a rich and full-bodied taste characterized by deep caramel, vanilla, and nutty undertones, embodying a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Recognized for its consistency and bold character, Knob Creek has carved a niche as a go-to choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a hearty and well-aged whiskey experience. Buy it now!

Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon

Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon is a testament to our commitment to bold and robust flavors, characteristic of our esteemed Texas whiskies. Crafted using a traditional pot still distillation method, this bourbon embodies a rich and viscous spirit that harmoniously ages in new charred American oak barrels while retaining its distinctive essence. Our unique blend of Texas-grown roasted blue corn, rye, wheat, and Scottish Golden Promise malted barley results in a truly one-of-a-kind expression that encapsulates the essence of Balcones. With each sip, expect an aromatic entry followed by a full-bodied character and a soft finish, delivering a memorable and approachable whiskey experience. Bottled at 46% ABV or 92 Proof, our Texas Pot Still Bourbon remains unaltered, never chill-filtered or colored, ensuring an authentic and unparalleled taste. Buy it now!

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!

Booker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Prepare to indulge in a truly unique bourbon experience with Booker's, a remarkable spirit unlike any other. It stands out as one of the few bourbons that remains uncut, unfiltered, and directly drawn from the barrel. With a natural proof ranging between 121 and 127, and an aging period of six to eight years, Booker's captivates the palate with an array of intense flavors. From the bold presence of oak tannin and smoky vanilla to the subtler notes of mocha and coffee, each sip unveils a spectrum of complexity. To tailor the taste and finish to your liking, consider adding a touch of spring water. Booker's Bourbon is an unparalleled, straight-from-the-barrel gem, ensuring a bourbon experience that stands as the epitome of rarity and excellence. Buy it now!

Old Grand-Dad 114

Old Grand-Dad is one of the oldest and most storied brands, yet it receives little attention from Bourbon enthusiasts or marketing effort from the brand’s current owner, Beam Suntory. This might be simply due to the fact that it is a legacy brand offered at a head-scratching low price point that likely has little room for anything other than simply fulfilling the existing supply chain and keeping existing consumers happy, and potentially drawing them deeper into Beam’s other brands. Unbelievably underrated and smooth for a spirit of this strength, the Old Grand-Dad 114 will put hair on your chest. Buy it now!

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!

Old Forester 1920

Old Forester holds a distinctive position as one of the select distilleries granted a special permit to continue production during Prohibition. In the 1920s, Owsley Brown I, then the company president, laid down a barrel sample that had been batched at the onset of this historical period. This expression is a tribute to that specific barrel sample, crafted to celebrate the uninterrupted legacy of whiskey distillation by the company. Bottled at a robust 115 proof, the whiskey reveals a nose characterized by potent notes of cherry jam and oak spice. The palate offers a delightful interplay of caramel, malty nutty flavors, and spices interwoven with cedar undertones. The finish is elegantly prolonged, leaving a lingering hint of campfire marshmallows—a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and heritage of Old Forester. Buy it now!

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon undergoes a unique maturation process, where the award-winning Distiller's Select Bourbon is matured a second time in deeply toasted, lightly charred bourbon barrels. This double-barreling technique extracts additional soft, sweet oak character, resulting in a rich and vibrant flavor profile distinct from other Kentucky whiskeys. Master Distiller Chris Morris emphasizes the significance of "double the maturation, double the wood exposure" in achieving the Double Oaked character. Aromas of dark fruit and marzipan lead to flavors of vanilla, dark caramel, and hazelnut, culminating in a long, creamy finish. Recognized for its exceptional quality, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon was honored as a Double Gold Medal Winner at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Buy it now!