18 Bartenders Share Their Bourbon Picks

18 Bartenders Share Their Bourbon Picks

VinePair recognizes that some bourbons are reserved for specific occasions, such as unwinding after a hard day, toasting good news, celebrating life events, or enjoying unexpected good weather. These moments compel the imbiber to reach for a unique bottle that matches the moment's spirit. However, there’s also the bourbon that VinePair finds perfect for any occasion; its aromatics, palate entry, and flavor profile deliver satisfaction and comfort that transcend any context. It’s a go-to bourbon simply because it’s an excellent dram, needing no further justification. With the vast bourbon market offering numerous choices, preferences naturally vary. To explore this variance, VinePair asked 18 bartenders which bourbon they choose for pure, consistent joy.

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.

Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Garrison Brothers Distillery holds the distinction of being Texas' inaugural legal whiskey distillery. Their Small Batch Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 94 proof, boasts a sumptuous blend of top-tier ingredients. Crafted from a sweet mash bill, this bourbon undergoes a heat-intensive maturation process under the blazing Texas sun, extracting maximum flavor from new American white oak barrels. The result is a bourbon with a deep, rich, and full-bodied character that sets it apart. Whether savored neat to appreciate its bold complexity or incorporated into a meticulously crafted cocktail, Garrison Brothers Small Batch stands as a testament to Texas whiskey craftsmanship.

Chattanooga Whiskey Cask 111 Straight Bourbon

Chattanooga Whiskey Cask 111 Straight Bourbon embodies the spirit of Tennessee's distilling renaissance, breaking a century-long dry spell in Chattanooga. Pioneered by Tim Piersant and Joe Ledbetter, the distillery, legalized in 2015 after years of legislative efforts, brought forth its inaugural bottles in 2012. Distilled with a mash bill featuring 51% yellow dent corn and a blend of malted rye, caramel malted barley, and honey malted barley, this bourbon shares its roots with the acclaimed Chattanooga Whiskey 91. What sets Cask 111 apart is its near-cask strength of 55.5% ABV, contributing a delightful peanut candy note that enriches the overall flavor profile. Despite its relative newcomer status, this expression has garnered well-deserved recognition, clinching multiple Gold Medals, including prestigious Double Gold honors.

Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask Bourbon Whiskey

Wyoming Whiskey’s Double Cask Bourbon is a standout product. The whiskey is aged for five years in new charred oak barrels before being finished in decades-old Pedro Ximenez casks from Jerez. This process results in a complex, rich bourbon with flavors of candied orange, vanilla cake, and sticky buns. Wyoming Whiskey collaborates with local farmers for raw materials and omits rye from their mash bill, allowing the cask finish to truly shine. Bottled at 50% ABV, this bourbon highlights the whiskey's intricate complexity.

Old Grand-Dad Bonded

Old Grand-Dad Bonded is aged for a minimum of four years before being bottled at 100 proof. Made from Jim Beam’s higher rye Bourbon mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, it is the product of one distillery and one distiller in a single season. Old Grand-Dad Bonded ranks sixth in our List of the Most Underrated Bourbons in 2024.

Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon Whiskey

The Wild Turkey 101 embodies both potency and flavor, showcasing the legacy of the Ripy Brothers who began distilling on Wild Turkey Hill in Kentucky in 1869. Their flagship product, Wild Turkey, soared to become the distillery's best-seller, prompting a name change in recognition of its success. Following various changes in ownership, the Campari Group, based in Italy, now oversees operations, producing a diverse range of Bourbons under the renowned Wild Turkey brand. As one of the world's most recognized Bourbon brands, Wild Turkey 101 stands out as America's #1 selling premium Bourbon. Aged in deeply charred barrels with a #4 "alligator char," it derives its complexity and depth of flavor that has garnered a devoted following across generations. Distinctively bottled at "101 proof" (50.5% ABV), the whiskey's name reflects its remarkable complexity and power, leading to consistent acclaim with numerous gold medals awarded over the years. Notably, Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey became the brand ambassador and art director for Wild Turkey last year.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Buffalo Trace Distillery, nestled in Frankfort, Kentucky, holds a rich history of whiskey-making spanning over two centuries. The site's lineage can be traced back to 1812 when Harrison Blanton, of Blanton fame, established the first distillery operation. Under various ownerships, it eventually became the Old Fire Copper (O. F. C.) Distillery in 1870. Since 1992, Sazerac has stewarded the property, crafting an array of Bourbons and Spirits, with Buffalo Trace emerging as a cherished and reasonably priced signature Bourbon. With a mash bill featuring Corn, Rye, and malted Barley—excluding Wheat—it matures for at least eight years and is presented at 45% ABV. Renowned for its classic Bourbon richness, Buffalo Trace has earned its place as the flagship in the esteemed Sazerac Bourbon lineup, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts for a daily sip. Impressively, Buffalo Trace boasts a production capacity of around 2.7 million gallons per year, equivalent to filling approximately 51,000 barrels, facilitated by a single, 60,000-gallon beer still (wash type).

Heaven Hill 7 Year Old Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heaven Hill introduced their 7-year-old Bottled-in-Bond flagship bourbon in June 2019, following the retirement of their renowned 6-year-old bourbon. This whiskey quickly gained acclaim, earning 92 points and securing the #4 spot on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2019. Described as "explosive, bold, and buttery," it offers a rich array of flavors including honey-roasted peanuts, caramel, chocolate, corn muffins, licorice, and cinnamon. Notes of savory herbs, cloves, white pepper, tobacco, and earthiness add complexity, while well-integrated oak, sweetness, and spice deliver balance and length. Praised for its exceptional quality and approachable price, this bourbon offers pure bliss to whiskey enthusiasts.

Laws Whiskey House Four Grain Bourbon Cask Strength

Dedicated to the discerning palate of our fellow whiskey enthusiasts, we meticulously curate and blend a variety of Four Grain Bourbon barrels with a specific focus on showcasing their remarkable character and intensified flavors. The result is a Cask Strength bottling that allows the distinct qualities of the bourbon to shine through at a higher proof. The mashbill, comprising 60% corn, 20% heirloom wheat, 10% heirloom barley, and 10% heirloom rye, contributes to the unique and well-balanced composition of this exceptional whiskey, ensuring a bold and flavorful experience for the most astute whiskey connoisseurs.

George Dickel Bourbon Whisky Aged 8 Years

While George Dickel is celebrated for its Tennessee Whiskeys, their lesser-known bourbon is equally impressive. With a mash bill comprising 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley, this 90-proof bourbon, aged for a minimum of eight years in charred oak barrels, offers a delightful complexity at an affordable price. Its palate boasts flavors of orange peel, candied cherries, vanilla, caramel, and oak, making it an ideal choice for everyday enjoyment.

FEW Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon

FEW Spirits, a distillery deeply rooted in the history of Evanston, Illinois, the epicenter of the Prohibition and temperance movement. I tried FEW’s Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This bourbon, produced in the same season the grains are harvested, is aged for four years in American oak barrels in a federally bonded warehouse. The result is a smooth and aromatic bourbon with notes of cherry, toasted vanilla, and caramel, perfect for sipping neat or with a large ice cube.

Old Tub Bonded Bourbon

Before the renowned Jim Beam Bourbon, the Beam family laid the foundation with Old Tub, an unfiltered bonded bourbon. This limited edition bottle serves as a heartfelt tribute to the groundbreaking whiskey that paved the way for the world's #1 bourbon. A nod to the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Beams, this release allows enthusiasts to experience a taste of history and appreciate the roots of the iconic Jim Beam legacy.

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.

Kentucky Gentleman

The best go-to bourbon can vary depending on the occasion and how it’s being enjoyed. Growing up in Tennessee, a Whiskey and Coke was an easy drink, and for that, Kentucky Gentleman is a go-to.

Four Roses Bourbon Yellow Label

The Four Roses Bourbon Yellow Label is a timeless classic known for its smooth and approachable character. This bourbon, crafted by the esteemed Four Roses Distillery, boasts a mellow and well-balanced profile that has earned it a permanent place among bourbon enthusiasts. With a blend of ten distinct bourbon recipes, the Yellow Label expression showcases a harmonious combination of sweet, fruity, and spicy notes. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail, Four Roses Bourbon Yellow Label offers a versatile and enjoyable sipping experience, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a reliable and satisfying bourbon.