Small Batch Bourbons You May Have Never Heard Of
Small Batch Bourbons You May Have Never Heard Of
Bourbon lovers know the big names get all the attention these days, but there's a bunch of solid small batch stuff out there that's flying under the radar. These aren't the bottles you'll see hyped everywhere or marked up crazy on the secondary market. They're just good, honest pours that deliver big flavor without a lot of fuss. A couple years back, I stumbled on one of these at a little liquor store on a road trip through Kentucky, cracked it open that night by a campfire, and man, it hit just right – smooth, rich, and full of character. Made me realize there's still plenty of gems waiting to be found if you look past the usual suspects.
Wilderness Trail Small Batch
Wilderness Trail out of Kentucky keeps things straightforward with their small batch bourbon, using a sweet mash process that gives it a clean, crisp edge right from the start. It's got that classic high-rye kick but balanced out with plenty of caramel sweetness and vanilla from the oak, plus some nice baking spice notes that linger on the finish. At around 100 proof usually, it drinks easy neat or on the rocks, but holds up great if you're mixing an old fashioned too. Folks who try it often say it's one of those bottles that punches way above its price, smooth enough for everyday sipping but with enough depth to keep you coming back. Buy it now!
New Riff Small Batch
New Riff in Kentucky is turning heads with their bottled-in-bond small batch, made with a high-rye mash that brings out bold spice and pepper right alongside sweet corn and caramel tones. They don't chill-filter it, so you get all the oils and richness coming through, leading to a full mouthfeel with hints of citrus, vanilla, and a touch of oak tannin on the backend. It's got that lively kick at 100 proof, perfect for guys who like a bourbon with some backbone but not overly harsh. Easy to find in most spots and won't break the bank, it's a go-to for anyone wanting something fresh and flavorful off the main path. Buy it now!
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch
Coming from way out in Wyoming, this small batch bourbon uses local grains and mountain water, giving it a unique clean profile with notes of toffee, dried fruit, and a subtle earthy spice that sets it apart from the Kentucky crowd. It's aged in their extreme weather swings, which speeds up the wood interaction for richer vanilla and oak flavors without needing decades in the barrel. Around 88 proof, it goes down real smooth, making it ideal for sipping slow on a chilly evening or pouring over ice with the fellas. Not as common on shelves back east, but if you spot it, grab one – it's proof that great bourbon ain't just a Kentucky thing. Buy it now!
Never Say Die Small Batch
Never Say Die is a cool one with barrels aged in Kentucky then finished across the pond in England for extra complexity, bringing out deep cherry, cola, and dry oak notes with a vanilla sweetness that ties it all together. The transatlantic aging gives it a denser, more layered taste that's still classic bourbon at heart but with a twist you don't get every day. Bottled at a solid proof, it's versatile – shines in cocktails like a whiskey sour but holds its own neat too. It's gaining some buzz among folks in the know, but still feels like a hidden find that's surprisingly approachable and rewarding. Buy it now!
Old Dominick Huling Station
From Memphis, Tennessee, Old Dominick's Huling Station small batch brings southern smoothness with a high-corn mash that delivers buttery caramel, vanilla, and light fruit upfront, backed by gentle spice and oak. It's got that easy-drinking vibe without being too sweet or bland, finishing clean and warm. Proofed around 90-something, it's perfect for casual pours whether you're kicking back watching the game or sharing with buddies. Not your typical Kentucky juice, but that's what makes it stand out – real underrated for how balanced and tasty it is at the price. Buy it now!
Coppercraft Small Batch
Coppercraft out of Michigan blends sourced bourbons in small batches using brandy techniques for proofing, resulting in toasted vanilla, caramelized sugar, and charred oak flavors that feel refined and layered. The slow process gives it a silky texture with hints of dark fruit and spice that build nicely on the palate. At about 90 proof, it's approachable for newer drinkers but has enough going on to satisfy veterans looking for something different. Not everywhere yet, but worth hunting down if you're tired of the same old shelf stuff – it's a solid midwest take on bourbon that's smooth as heck. Buy it now!
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