The 10 Best Finished Bourbons Of 2024

The 10 Best Finished Bourbons Of 2024

Whiskey finishing isn’t a new trend, but in 2024, finished bourbons are more popular than ever. Despite the surge in these offerings, consumer demand continues to rise. From heritage brands like Wild Turkey and Old Forester to newer players like Bhakta and Bardstown Bourbon Company, nearly every major distiller is now competing in the finished-bourbon space.As we pass the halfway point of 2024 and head into the fall release season, traditionally dominated by classic straight bourbons, it’s the perfect time to spotlight this year’s standout finished bourbons. With that in mind, here are the ten best finished bourbons released in 2024 (so far!).

Ezra Brooks Port Cask Finish Bourbon

Founded in 1957, Ezra Brooks is a well-established bourbon brand, and in 2024, it introduced a port-finished bourbon as its latest offering. While part of a value-focused lineup, this bottle shouldn’t be dismissed as bottom-shelf; it highlights the brand’s reputation for delivering impressive quality at an affordable price, making it a standout in the Ezra Brooks portfolio. Buy it now!

Blood Oath Pact No. 10

Blood Oath, created by Luxco Head Distiller John Rempe, continues its tradition of high-quality releases with Pact 10, marking a decade of the series. This edition features a double cask finish in Cabernet Franc and Merlot barrels, delivering a refined take on the classic finished bourbon profile. Known for experimenting with cask finishes, Blood Oath maintains its reputation for excellence, and Pact 10 is a testament to Rempe’s skill in balancing innovation with tradition. Buy it now!

Bhakta 2014 Armagnac Finish Bourbon Whiskey

Bhakta’s 99% corn bourbon, aged for 9 years and finished for 125 days in French Oak barrels that once held their 1973 Armagnac, delivers a rich and complex flavor profile. Ranked among the top ten whiskeys, the Bhakta 2014 Armagnac Finish Bourbon impresses with its intricate layers that remain clear and balanced, offering a unique yet indulgent experience. It’s a whiskey that stands out while still delivering familiar luxury in every sip. Buy it now!

Jos. A. Magnus Cigar Blend Batch 208

The Jos. A. Magnus Cigar Blend, crafted under the guidance of industry icon Nancy Fraley, is a highly regarded premium bourbon released in limited batches. Batch 208, dubbed “Maduro,” was part of a recent series blending 9-year-old MGP rye bourbons with 16-year-old Barton and 20-year-old MGP bourbons. Known for reviving interest in cask-finished whiskeys, the Cigar Blend is designed to pair seamlessly with a fine cigar, much like a well-aged brandy, making the Maduro batch a tempting experience for enthusiasts. Buy it now!

Peerless Rum Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey

This non-chill filtered, sweet mash barrel-proof bourbon from Peerless features a rum cask finish, blending some of their finest whiskey. Now in its second batch, this expression seems set to become a staple in their lineup. It’s a perfect balance, where both the bourbon and rum cask harmonize without either overpowering the other. Unlike some cask-finished whiskies that let the finish dominate, this one offers smooth, easy sipping—no tropical getaway needed. Buy it now!

Rabbit Hole Mizunara Founder’s Collection 15-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished In Japanese Oak

Rabbit Hole founder Kaveh Zamanian’s latest release is a luxurious exploration of terroir, featuring a 15-year-old bourbon finished for over 11 months in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks. With fewer than 2,200 bottles available, this limited edition showcases the unique flavor profile of Mizunara, an oak so prized that its trees must be aged 200-500 years before harvesting. The result is a whiskey that embodies over two centuries of craftsmanship, making each sip of this exquisite release something to truly savor, even if resisting the urge to indulge too quickly is a challenge. Buy it now!

Seelbach’s Private Reserve Amburana Finished Bourbon Batch 003

Seelbach’s Private Reserve, created by Blake Riber, founder of the craft spirits platform Seelbach’s, returns with its third batch—a nearly 7-year-old bourbon with a 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley mash bill. Finished for just eight days in first-use toasted Amburana barrels, this batch skillfully balances the bold influence of Brazilian casks with a nuanced touch. As Amburana finishes gain popularity, Seelbach’s latest release showcases a refined approach, delivering a distinct and sophisticated flavor profile. Buy it now!

Old Forester 117 Series: Rum Finish Bourbon

Old Forester’s 117 Series, launched in 2021 to showcase the distillery’s experimental whiskey, returns in 2024 with a rum-finished bourbon. Aged for six months in barrels that previously held rum for four years, this release comes in a smaller 375ml format. In tastings, this Rum Finished Bourbon stands out both within the Old Forester lineup and in broader comparisons, earning its spot among the top bourbon releases of the year and solidifying its reputation as one of Old Forester’s finest offerings. Buy it now!

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Port Finished Bourbon

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon, now in its 11th release, is crafted from some of the brand’s finest barrels, finished in port wine casks for up to 14 months. Known for being one of Angel’s Envy’s highest-proof offerings, this expression delivers a luxurious depth of flavor. It opens subtly, then bursts onto the palate with rich notes of syrupy red berries and mature oak. Though pricey, its complexity and layered profile make it a standout among today’s bourbons, offering an indulgent and memorable tasting experience. Buy it now!

15 Stars Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In Sherry Casks

15 Stars’ Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon is a blend of 18, 13, and 10-year-old straight bourbons from Kentucky and Indiana, finished in sherry casks for an undisclosed time. Although 15 Stars is a relatively new name in bourbon, this expression is what solidified its reputation among enthusiasts. While the brand’s entire lineup is impressive, this release stands out as the crown jewel, making it clear why it deserves a top spot on any bourbon list. If you haven’t explored 15 Stars yet, this is the bottle to start with. Buy it now!