14 Secret Bourbons You Need to Try

14 Secret Bourbons You Need to Try

In the world of bourbon, hidden gems await discovery among the ranks of lesser-known and uncharted labels. These undiscovered bourbons, tucked away from the limelight, offer a realm of untapped flavors and distinct profiles waiting to be explored by adventurous enthusiasts. These hidden treasures, often crafted by passionate and innovative distillers, bring a sense of mystery and anticipation, promising a unique journey for those willing to venture beyond the well-trodden paths of widely recognized brands. Shop bourbons now!

Hirsch The Horizon Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Hotaling & Co., bearing the name of a 19th-century San Francisco Spirits pioneer, traces its roots back to the distilling arm of Anchor Steam Brewery. Over time, a series of acquisitions, mergers, and rebranding efforts have shaped it into the diverse distiller and importer it is today, offering more than three dozen fine adult beverages from its base in the City by the Bay. Among its reintroduced and revitalized brands is Hirsch "The Horizon," crafted from two MGP Spirits. A majority, 94%, is composed of a high-corn Spirit (75% corn, 21% Rye, and 4% malted barley) aged over five years. The remaining 6% is a high-rye mash (60% corn, 38% rye, and 4% malted barley) aged more than six years. This unique blend is bottled at a perfect 46% ABV, housed in a flask-shaped bottle adorned with a wood stopper, showcasing the evolution and craftsmanship of Hotaling & Co. Buy it now!

Blood Oath Pact No. 9 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Enter John Rempe, the maverick of the whiskey world. Unfettered by tradition, his mission is straightforward: craft the most extraordinary Bourbons imaginable. As the sole architect at Blood Oath, he is beholden to no distillery, follows no set philosophy, and relentlessly pursues rare, exquisite Bourbons. Rempe's creations defy expectations, each batch presenting an unforeseen limited edition revelation. Blood Oath Pact No. 9 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey exemplifies his artistry—a harmonious fusion of 16-year-old oak-infused Bourbon, a luscious 12-year-old, and a 7-year-old aged in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks. The outcome? A captivating bouquet of sweet sherry and a palate exploding with notes of dark fruit, molasses, chocolate, and tobacco. Consider it a liquid oath to savor unparalleled flavor with every indulgent sip. Buy it now!

Saint Cloud X Series Abstrakt Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Few experiences rival the excitement and pleasure of discovering a new Bourbon to enhance your collection. The Saint Cloud X Series Abstrakt Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon promises not just a delightful addition but an exciting journey for your palate. Renowned for its distinctive flavor profile, this Bourbon stands apart from the rest, offering a genuine taste tailored for Spirits connoisseurs. Don't be misled—this isn't your typical Bourbon. It delivers a true and unique flavor experience, making it a must-try for those seeking adventure in every sip. Carefully distilled in the United States and bottled at 50.0, this well-rounded Bourbon is crafted to be savored by both seasoned Spirits enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Buy it now!

Hand Barrel Single Barrel Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Standing on the edge of a sprawling 100-acre farm site in Bardstown, Kentucky, the founders of Bardstown Bourbon Company embraced a "go big or go home" mentality, and it paid off. Established in 2013 and reaching full production in 2015, their facility swiftly became one of the world's largest and most innovative distilleries, producing an impressive 7 million gallons of Spirit and 110,000 barrels annually. Serving as the central production hub for numerous renowned brands such as Jefferson’s, High West, and James E. Pepper, Bardstown Bourbon Company is a powerhouse in the whiskey industry. Among their notable projects is Hand Barrel, a small-batch barrel-to-bottle endeavor that prioritizes protecting the golden juice from UV light harm. Their Single Barrel Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted from a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley, represents the pinnacle of this dedication. Bottled at 52.5% ABV and non-chill filtered, it promises a unique sipping experience, unveiling notes of oaky caramel, cinnamon spice, and winter clove. Buy it now!

Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Clyde May, a WWII hero and local legend, transitioned into a post-war life as an Alabama moonshiner. Despite his eight-month stint in federal prison for aging moonshine into whiskey, he resolutely resumed his craft upon release. In 2001, Clyde's son legally revived the legacy, and Clyde May's Whiskey, now the Official State Spirit of Alabama, was born. Their Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a departure from the "Alabama-style" whiskies, boasts a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% rye, and 10% malted barley. Aged for four to five years in new American oak and bottled at 46% ABV, it made its debut in September 2016, coinciding with National Bourbon Month and Clyde's birthday. Beyond its sentimental value, this dram has garnered numerous Gold Medals and consistent mid-90s ratings, establishing itself as a remarkable bourbon. Buy it now!

Broken Barrel California Oak Bourbon Whiskey

Infuse Spirits, founded by Seth Benhaim, gained acclaim in 2012 when the young entrepreneur became the youngest brand owner to secure Best-In-Show and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Renowned for infusing natural spices and fruits into their Vodkas and Bitters, the brand also innovatively infuses their Whiskies with staves from various barrel types, including exotic woods like Mizunara and French oak. One standout creation is the Broken Barrel California Oak Bourbon Whiskey, distilled in Kentucky with a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. Finished with 80% Central Coast Cabernet barrel staves and 20% French Oak staves, this Gold Medal winner at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition offers a unique character, blending wine-like nuances with sweet dark fruit flavors, and is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Buy it now!

Far North Spirits Bødalen Bourbon Whiskey

Founded by Michael Swanson and Cheri Reese, Far North Spirits emerged as a pursuit of a simpler life upon returning to their family farm in the Red River Valley, now in its fourth generation of Swansons. Nestled in the northernmost distillery in the US, just 25 miles from the Canadian border, the farm benefits from super-fertile soil in a former wheat field. Far North Spirits is known for its craft Gin, Rum, Vodka, and Whiskey, all made from grains grown on-site. Their focus on distinct Spirits involves utilizing various grain varieties. In addition to the four Rye Whiskeys under the Roknar label, they offer the Bødalen Bourbon Whiskey, a single-estate Bourbon featuring 60% heirloom corn, 30% Hazlet winter rye, and 10% malted barley. Aged for 18 months in Minnesota-made oak barrels, it's bottled at 90 proof and hand-numbered. The name pays homage to the picturesque Norwegian valley, Bødalen, known for its beautiful glacier. Buy it now!

Amador Double Barrel Bourbon

Established over seventy years ago by Italian immigrants Mario Trinchero and his brother John, Trinchero Family Estates took root in Napa Valley, California, with the purchase of the Sutter Home Winery. Since its inception, the family business has flourished through adept management, organic growth, acquisitions, and pioneering innovations, notably creating the White Zinfandel Wine category in 1971. Presently, they boast a diverse portfolio of Wine and Spirits brands, including Ménage à Trois, Sutter Home, Napa Cellars, Amador Whiskey Co., Tres Agaves Tequila, and many more. Amador Whiskey Co., a partner in luxury Whiskey production, collaborates with top Kentucky distilleries to craft limited edition releases. The Amador Double Barrel Bourbon is a blend of prime Bourbon aged for three and a half years in new oak, followed by an additional six months of finishing in French oak barrels previously used for Napa Cellars Chardonnay, resulting in a four-year-aged Spirit bottled at 43.4% ABV. Buy it now!

Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon

Nestled in Sonoma County, 3 Badge Beverages, helmed by August Sebastiani, a fourth-generation wine family member, has expanded from its wine roots to delve into spirits. Under their Mixology division, featuring brands like Uncle Val’s Gin and Kirk & Sweeney Rum, the company maintains a commitment to craftsmanship and family heritage, rooted in the same fire station constructed by Sebastiani's grandfather. Their venture into bourbon introduces the Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon, a meticulously crafted spirit distilled in a top-secret Tennessee Distillery, aging for six years in charred American white oak barrels and bottled at a potent 46% ABV. The name "Bib & Tucker," referencing one's finest attire, echoes through the intricately designed bottle, resembling a vintage flask, capturing the essence of yesteryears. This bourbon not only stands out visually but also impresses with a unique and complex flavor profile, making it a noteworthy addition for both bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Buy it now!

Filmland Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Launched in 2020 by Troy Bolotnick, a sci-fi enthusiast, spirits lover, and creative mastermind, Filmland Spirits distillery has a unique approach to crafting its spirits, starting with a captivating story. Much like developing a movie script, the team envisions the characters, plot, and setting before delving into the ingredients and the team to bring the tale to life in liquid form. Once distilled and perfected, the spirits are released to the world, adorned with original B-movie poster labels in pulp-style art. One such creation is Filmlands Moonlight Mayhem Extended Cut Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey—a sweet and robust bourbon with a destined love story to save the planet from werewolves. Comprising 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, this uncut bourbon packs a potent punch at 57.5% ABV, promising a transformative experience akin to Tommy turning a werewolf back into a human in the parallel world narrative. Buy it now!

Frank August Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Few experiences rival the excitement and pleasure of discovering a new bourbon to enrich your collection. Indulging in the Frank August Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a delightful way to expand your spirits repertoire. Celebrated for its distinctive flavor profile, this bourbon stands out among the rest, offering a genuine taste crafted for spirits connoisseurs. Beyond the ordinary, this bottle promises a true adventure for your palate. Carefully distilled in the United States and bottled at 50.0, the result is a well-rounded bourbon designed to be savored by both seasoned spirits enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Buy it now!

Jimmy Red Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Established in 2013 as Charleston's first post-Prohibition distillery, High Wire Distilling Company is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Scott Blackwell and Culinary Institute of America-trained baker Ann Marshall. Their transition from running a successful bakery to crafting spirits proved fruitful, earning them a 2019 James Beard Award nomination in the Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional category. High Wire distinguishes itself by utilizing the rare and endangered Jimmy Red corn, cultivated in collaboration with local universities and seed rescuers. Their Jimmy Red Straight Bourbon, aged for a minimum of two years in char 3.5 American oak barrels, boasts a unique creamy mouthfeel and a nutty-sweet flavor profile, marked by rich graham, cinnamon, and maple notes. Whether enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube, this bourbon offers an exceptional sipping experience. Buy it now!

Hinterhaus Calaveras Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey

Nate and Bonnie Randall, captivated by the charm of Arnold in Sierra Nevada, California, decided to make it their home, founding the Hinterhaus distillery in 2020. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, eco-friendliness, and regional development, the husband-and-wife duo collaborated with local neighbors to source casks, wines, and ingredients. Their family-operated distillery is now known for crafting top-notch spirits, including the Calaveras Cask Finish Bourbon. This exquisite bourbon is a blend of exceptional straight whiskey bourbons, initially aged in new charred American oak at the Hinterhaus distillery. The final touch involves finishing the blend in various local wine casks, imparting an extra layer of flavor and a distinct regional character. With a rich, natural color and a complex flavor profile, this artisanal gem is bottled non-chill filtered at 46% ABV, offering a luscious and unforgettable experience in small batches. Buy it now!

Roxor Botanical Bourbon Whiskey

ROXOR, a play on words signifying its exceptional spirits enjoyed on the rocks, shaken, or stirred, was founded by Robert Del Grande, a biochemist and James Beard Award-winning chef, along with Don Short, a Coca-Cola veteran. Their philosophy centers on the belief that "Real plants make better spirits," reflected in the world's first Botanical Bourbon Whiskey. Crafted by Robert, the bourbon features a mash bill of 74% corn, 21% rye, and 5% malt, aged for two years before being infused with 20 exotic botanicals, including honeysuckle, wild cherry bark, kola nuts, rose petals, fenugreek, cascara root, and valerian root. This fusion creates a velvety, rich taste with a maple and oak blend, embodying complexity and depth akin to a much wiser bourbon, all presented in the iconic Skyline bottle designed by Don Short. Buy it now!