Kentucky Bartenders' Top Bourbons for Mint Juleps

The 7 Best Bourbons for Mint Juleps, According to Kentucky Bartenders

In the heart of Kentucky, the Mint Julep stands as a cherished tradition, especially during the annual Kentucky Derby celebrations at Churchill Downs. Originating in the 1820s, when triumphant jockeys were awarded sterling silver julep cups, this iconic cocktail has become synonymous with Derby festivities. Officially named the Derby's signature drink in 1939, the Mint Juleps allure lies in its simplicity, comprising bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice in a distinctive metal cup. As the 150th Derby approaches, the Mint Juleps legacy is stronger than ever, with its history intertwined with the race's storied past and the enduring elegance of Kentucky bourbon.

Buffalo Trace

The Buffalo Trace, a venerable name in the bourbon world, hails from the eponymous distillery in Kentucky and is revered for its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship. As a Kentucky straight bourbon, Buffalo Trace is meticulously crafted from a mashbill of corn, rye, and barley and aged in new charred oak barrels. Known for its approachable yet complex profile, this whiskey offers notes of toffee, vanilla, and a hint of spice, creating a well-balanced and smooth sipping experience. What sets Buffalo Trace apart is its reputation for consistency and quality, making it a favorite among both casual drinkers and seasoned bourbon aficionados alike. The distillery's commitment to tradition and innovation has solidified Buffalo Trace as a cornerstone in the world of American whiskey. Buy it now!

Larceny Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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. Buy it now!

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve stands out among classic bourbons for its rich and complex flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for cocktails. While it shares the sweet characteristics of other bourbons like Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve boasts deeper, more indulgent notes of dried fruit, toffee, and dark chocolate. Additionally, it offers a unique balance of leathery, tobacco-spice undertones alongside complex citrus flavors of oranges and lemon. While it excels in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve also lends itself to creative twists like the New York Sour, where its mature flavors harmonize beautifully with dry red wine. By selecting a wine that complements either the sweet and fruity or leathery, spicy notes of the bourbon, you can tailor the cocktail to your taste preferences and create a truly memorable drinking experience. Buy it now!

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. Buy it now for $24.99.

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

The Four Roses distinguishes itself in the world of bourbon by producing ten distinct distillate flavors annually. Each flavor undergoes individual aging in new white oak charred barrels, resulting in bourbons characterized by floral and fruity aromas, coupled with smoothness and mellowness. Jim Rutledge, the master distiller, meticulously selects one of these ten flavors for the Four Roses Single Barrel, a treat for bourbon connoisseurs. This particular bourbon exhibits additional flavor nuances, featuring notes of honey, maple syrup, and subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each barrel undergoes careful sampling and selection based on superior quality before being hand-bottled. With each bottle labeled by hand, detailing the warehouse and racking location, this limited inventory of Single Barrel Bourbon offers a unique and exquisite tasting experience, with each bottle containing 100 proof Bourbon and filling approximately 235 bottles per barrel. Buy it now for $48.99.

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

This bottle of Jim Beam's Small Batch Bourbon is a testament to the artistry of aging, having matured in flash-fired white oak barrels. The intense charring process imparts a layer of red caramelized wood, contributing to the deep amber hue and sweet flavor of this 100-proof whiskey. With a moderately full-bodied profile, the palate is graced by notes of marmalade, honey, and maple. It exhibits a rounded and fragrant character, with ample fruitiness harmonizing with rich woody elements. The finish is long, smooth, sweet, and undeniably delicious. Buy it now for $39.99.

Blanton’s Takara Gold

The Kentucky Derby is synonymous with luxury, and few bourbons epitomize extravagance quite like Blanton’s Takara Gold. Adorned with a miniature jockey atop a horse, Blanton’s already shares a close connection with horse racing, but this export-exclusive single-barrel bourbon takes luxury to new heights. While it may seem extravagant to use such a rare and costly bourbon in a cocktail, Wheat, a connoisseur, insists that the results are unparalleled. With 8 years of aging imparting a raisin-like quality reminiscent of Cognac, this expression of Blanton’s elevates a Mint Julep to unparalleled heights. According to Wheat, the addition of mint and a hint of sugar accentuates the bourbon's flavors, while a subtle peppery finish from the rye component ensures a perfectly balanced and captivating cocktail experience. As the ice slowly melts and the Julep tin frosts over, the allure of this extraordinary libation only intensifies. Buy it now! Buy it now!