Hidden Gem Bourbons You Should Be Drinking

18 Hidden Gem Bourbons

An undiscovered bourbon embodies a treasure trove for whiskey enthusiasts seeking hidden gems within the vast landscape of American spirits. These lesser-known gems, often crafted by boutique distilleries or emerging producers, present a unique and uncharted journey for the palate. Rich in character and authenticity, undiscovered bourbons surprise with their distinctive profiles, showcasing the artistry of passionate distillers experimenting beyond mainstream labels. Exploring these hidden treasures promises an exciting venture into the nuances of craftsmanship, as each sip unveils the untold stories and flavors waiting to be discovered in the world of bourbon. Shop bourbons.

KU National Championship Bourbon

Celebrating a storied legacy of triumphs and a century of victories, the Hail to Old KU is more than just a whiskey—it's a tribute to a history steeped in success. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43.0%, this spirit honors six championships, with the first dating back to 1922 and the most recent marking a centennial achievement in 2022. Hail to Old KU stands as a toast to the 2,357 victories, the highest in history, and proudly commemorates the 2022 National Champions. Raise a glass to this whiskey that embodies the pride, tradition, and enduring excellence of old KU. Buy now!

Hirsch The Horizon Straight Bourbon Whiskey

In 1974, A.H. Hirsch envisioned a bourbon that would set the gold standard for thoughtful American whiskey, and now, Hirsch is reintroducing Hirsch Selected Whiskeys with a new expression: The Horizon Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This exceptional blend combines two straight bourbons distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, with detailed batch specifications provided on each bottle's back label for enthusiasts. The blend comprises 94% from a traditional mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley aged for a minimum of 4 years, while the remaining 6% is from a "high rye" mash aged for 6 years for added complexity. Bottled at 92 proof, The Horizon is meant to be savored neat or on the rocks, continuing the legacy of Hirsch's legendary bourbon. Buy it now!

Smoke Wagon Uncut Bourbon Whiskey

The Smoke Wagon team embraced a gratifying challenge, skillfully blending vintages of their high rye mash bill to achieve a distinctive flavor profile at an impressive 115-116 plus proof. This endeavor involved a delicate balance between creamy mouthfeel, tannins, and sugars, resulting in a magical end product. Older vintages contribute a creamy texture, caramel, and honey goodness due to higher concentrations of fats and sugars per ounce, along with added tannins from prolonged wood contact. The perception of alcohol burn is mitigated by the high concentration of lipid esters. The blend incorporates enough older bourbon for oak flavors and mouthfeel, while younger ones reduce tannins and introduce delicate fruit and caramel notes. This mastery earned Smoke Wagon Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017, 2020, and 2021. Buy it now!

Black Button Distilling Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Introducing our classic Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey blend, now available in a straight-from-the-barrel strength edition. Uncut, this bourbon offers a distinct flavor profile with a nose of citrus and vanilla, a smooth butterscotch palate, and a finish highlighted by a touch of woody spice. Even at cask strength, this whiskey maintains its status as an easy-drinking favorite, staying true to the essence of Black Button Bourbon. Bottled at 55.1% Alc./Vol., and proudly distilled and bottled by Black Button Distilling in Rochester, NY. ABV: 58.0%. Buy it now!

291 Colorado Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Experience America's native spirit, meticulously crafted the Colorado Way® with 291 Colorado Bourbon Whiskey. This single-barrel bourbon offers captivating notes of vanilla, cherry, and spice. Distilled from a bourbon sour mash in copper pot stills, aged in American White Oak deep char barrels, and finished with toasted Aspen Staves, it pays homage to tradition from grain to barrel to bottle. Honored with a San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold and the American Whiskey Master award in 2019, this exceptional whiskey boasts a robust 100 proof or 50% ABV. Buy it now!

Denning's Point Distillery Beacon Bourbon

Introducing our meticulously handcrafted Beacon Bourbon, a medium-rye masterpiece crafted from New York State grains and matured for over four years in premium charred white oak barrels. This timeless spirit begins with enticing notes of vanilla and oaky spice, concluding with subtle hints of cinnamon, maple, and dark fruit. With an impressive ABV of 50.0%, Beacon Bourbon is perfectly enjoyed neat, over ice, or as a key ingredient in artful cocktails. Buy it now!

Rock Town Single Barrel Bourbon

Rock Town Single Barrel Bourbon is a high-quality small batch spirit crafted through double distillation from a mash bill featuring 82% Arkansas corn, 9% Arkansas soft red winter wheat, and 9% malted barley. Distilled, aged, and bottled at the Little Rock, Arkansas distillery, our bourbon boasts a rich and complex flavor developed through aging in air-seasoned, new charred oak barrels. We proudly source our corn and wheat from local Arkansas farmers. This cask-strength bourbon is available for purchase, including options for barrel picks and private bottlings. Buy it now!

Landry Stakes Bourbon

The Landry Stakes Bourbon proudly stands as the first American bourbon to embrace the spirit of the American Quarter Horse. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.0%, this bourbon embodies the essence of American craftsmanship and the equestrian legacy. Crafted with care, Landry Stakes Bourbon is a testament to the rich traditions of both bourbon distillation and the iconic American Quarter Horse, offering enthusiasts a distinctive and spirited drinking experience. Buy now!

Stellum Black Equinox Blend #1

The inaugural release of Stellum Black Equinox, crafted from Stellum Bourbon, is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and the art of blending. The creation process unfolded gradually, layering rare sets of bourbon barrels until the culmination on the evening of the Vernal Equinox, symbolizing the changing seasons. With an impressive alcohol by volume (ABV) of 58.63%, this whiskey presents a beautifully subdued nose, offering notes of ripe cantaloupe, fresh-cut grass, sugar maple, and toffee, accompanied by a distant hint of wood spice and white pepper. The palate unfolds with dried apricot, honey, Saigon cinnamon, bruleed orange, and subtle undertones of grapefruit and jasmine. The finish is exceptionally long, evolving into rich notes of sorghum and wood tannin before gracefully dissipating into the allure of dark chocolate. Adding three drops of water accentuates the fruit-forward qualities, highlighting the previously subtle floral undertones and transitioning the heat from the back of the tongue to the cheekbones. Stellum Black Equinox is a sensory journey that captures the essence of craftsmanship and the magic of seasonal transitions. Buy now!

Asbury Park Distilling Company Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

Crafted with pride from start to finish in New Jersey, this Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is a true testament to local craftsmanship and dedication. Made exclusively from New Jersey-grown corn and grain, this bourbon represents a commitment to quality and supporting local agriculture. The small-batch production ensures attention to detail, and with only 1000 bottles released twice a year, each one is a limited and sought-after expression of the region's rich flavors. Secure your bottle now to experience the distinctive taste of 100% New Jersey-produced bourbon, a unique and limited offering that embodies the spirit of the Garden State. Buy now!

DIGITS Bourbon

Explore DIGITS, a Tennessee-born bourbon whisky aged for five years and boasting a robust 92 proof, stands as a testament to the artistry of American whiskey craftsmanship. The nose is greeted with inviting aromas of vanilla, complemented by the richness of brown sugar, and subtle hints of spice. The palate offers a delightful interplay, starting with a touch of sweetness that gracefully transitions into bold notes of cinnamon and caramel. The finish is a testament to smoothness, delivering an overall elegant and legendary experience. With an impressive 46% alcohol by volume (ABV), DIGITS is a distinguished expression of Tennessee bourbon, embodying years of meticulous aging and flavor development. Buy now!

Walker's Cay Kentucky Straight Bourbon

The Walker's Cay Bourbon, handcrafted in small batches in Owensboro, Kentucky, stands as a tribute to the family's brewing heritage. This meticulously crafted bourbon undergoes a unique aging process in new Missouri oak barrels and is finished on sherry cask staves, resulting in a rich and well-balanced flavor profile highlighted by warm vanilla and sweet caramel undertones. The sensory journey of Walker's Cay Bourbon unveils a harmonious blend of chocolate, fig, toasted oak, and vanilla on the nose, leading to a complex palate featuring toasted oak, grain, fig, vanilla, and a subtle hint of pepper. The warm, smooth finish lingers with notes of toasted oak, chocolate, fig, and delicate spice, offering a versatile bourbon experience that can be savored neat, over ice, or in a carefully crafted cocktail, embodying the essence of Kentucky craftsmanship with a touch of Bahamian inspiration. Buy now!

Boone County Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

The exquisite Boone County Bourbon Whiskey presents a visually stunning display with perfectly balanced hues of copper, chestnut, and caramel. On the nose, delicate notes of aged oak, vanilla, almond, and sugar cookie intermingle, offering a captivating olfactory experience. The palate unfolds with a harmonious blend of these light notes, complemented by the subtle influence of aged rye and a hint of cinnamon, adding layers of complexity. As the journey concludes, the finish is a testament to smoothness, consistency, and overall satisfaction, rounding out this bourbon with a lasting and gratifying impression. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.4%, Boone County Bourbon Whiskey embodies a fine balance of flavors and craftsmanship. Buy now!

Ironweed Bourbon Whiskey

The Ironweed Bourbon Whiskey, matured for a minimum of 4 years, boasts a well-rounded and aged character. The thoughtfully crafted mash bill consists of 60% corn, 25% rye, and 15% malted barley, contributing to the bourbon's distinctive flavor profile. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43.0%, Ironweed Bourbon Whiskey promises a smooth and flavorful drinking experience, making it a delightful choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a balance of grains and a touch of malted richness. Buy now!

Noble Oak Double Oak Bourbon

The Noble Oak is not just an award-winning bourbon; it's a spirit with a noble mission. Crafted in homage to the trees that impart warmth and inviting notes to this whiskey, every bottle of Noble Oak contributes to a greater cause. Through a partnership with One Tree Planted, each bottle savored, shared, or gifted results in the planting of a tree. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 45.0%, Noble Oak not only offers a rich and flavorful bourbon experience but also invites drinkers to raise a toast in support of environmental sustainability and the noble act of tree planting. Cheers to enjoying a fine bourbon with a purpose. Buy now!

Home Base Bourbon

The Home Base Bourbon is a testament to the artistry of grain-forward whiskey, carefully crafted with sustainably grown corn, rye, and a generous portion of malted barley sourced from the west coast. Aged in new American oak barrels at char 3, this bourbon achieves a delicate balance where the influence of high malt content shines through with honey, maple, and nut nuances. These flavors harmoniously intertwine with the classic bourbon notes of caramel, toffee, and vanilla. Released in small batches, Home Base Bourbon exemplifies a commitment to quality, and enthusiasts can explore detailed batch information on homebasespirits.com. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 46.0%, this bourbon invites connoisseurs to savor its nuanced and well-balanced profile. Buy now!

Big Stick Bourbon

The Big Stick Bourbon stands out by using only the finest ingredients, employing a proprietary mash bill, and adhering to traditional distillation methods. What sets this bourbon apart is the innovative addition of a charred new American White Oak Stick placed in each bottle, elevating its uniqueness. While some may draw parallels to "double-oaked" whiskeys, the distinction lies in using new White American oak, enhancing the bourbon's interaction with charred oak twice—first in the barrel and then again in the bottle. This dual charring process imparts continuous complexity to the bourbon, allowing for the development of enhanced and evolved flavors while under seal. Often quipped as making the "angels thirsty," Big Stick Bourbon prides itself on delivering a smooth, delicious, and exceptional whiskey experience. Buy now!

Sourland Mountain Spirits Bourbon

Handcrafted with care in New Jersey, this charming baby bourbon showcases the distinctive smoky char derived from meticulously selected New American Oak barrels. Offering a symphony of flavors, the tasting notes dance with elements of vanilla, caramelized honey, earthy tobacco, star anise, and black pepper. Whether sipped neat or incorporated into your favorite whiskey cocktail, this locally distilled, aged, and bottled bourbon promises a delightful and nuanced experience for aficionados seeking a touch of Jersey craftsmanship in their spirits. Buy now!