Top Bourbons Every Beginner Should Own

The 9 Best Bourbons to Start Your Collection

Before delving into Food and Wine’s selection of top bourbons for your home bar, it's crucial to understand some key aspects of this quintessential American spirit. Bourbon, by definition, is a type of whiskey primarily made from corn. To be labeled as bourbon whiskey, the mash bill—the mix of grains used in the distillation—must contain at least 51% corn. Additionally, it's essential to distinguish between "straight bourbon" and simply "bourbon." Straight bourbon denotes a whiskey that has been aged for a minimum of two years, while the term "bourbon" itself carries no specific aging requirements. Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate the diverse world of bourbon with confidence.

Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This Michter’s Bourbon is crafted from a meticulously chosen mashbill showcasing top-tier American corn, Michter's US1 Bourbon undergoes a maturation process that extends beyond eight years, reaching optimal perfection. This genuinely small-batch bourbon is meticulously curated, usually consisting of no more than two dozen barrels per batch, eliminating the possibility of blending imperfections and demanding excellence from each barrel. Embodying the essence of Kentucky's Bluegrass State, Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a nuanced, mellow, and earthy profile, capturing the true spirit of its origin. Buy it now for $55.99.

Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey maintains its tradition by aging in Warehouse H, just as it did over 50 years ago. Each bottle is sourced from a single barrel, carefully hand-selected based on its unique flavor profile. With a nose of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel, this bourbon offers a sweet palate with hints of peaches, pears, and dried apricots. Finishing with notes of cinnamon, baking spices, maple syrup, and molasses, Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon has earned numerous accolades, including the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Jim Murray's Whisky Bible has even dubbed it "liquid gold." Buy it now!

Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Foursquare

From Kentucky, the Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Foursquare secures a score of 94, boasting a robust 53.5% ABV and priced at $169.99. This collaboration exemplifies the art of blending and the expertise of Foursquare distillery. A harmonious dance of flavors awaits those who appreciate the complexity of well-crafted bourbon. Buy it now for $169.99.

Willett Pot Still Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Willett Pot Still Reserve continues the family legacy with its exceptional single-barrel Kentucky straight bourbon. Aged for eight to ten years, it received the Gold Medal for taste and the Double Gold Medal for design at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The distinctive bottle shape mirrors the traditional pot still used by the Willett Distilling Company for generations. Soft and refined on the nose, this bourbon offers delicate hints of vanilla, coconut, and cinnamon. Buy it now!

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.

Woodinville Bourbon Port Cask Finish

While this particular bottle may be readily available wherever Woodinville is sold, its distinctive finish sets it apart. Aged initially for five years, it undergoes an additional six months of maturation in ruby port casks—a practice more common in Scotland but gaining traction in the U.S. The result is a bourbon imbued with sweetness, richness, and depth, accentuating the corn base with nuanced flavors of dates, figs, and a hint of Marzipan. The lingering finish leaves a delightful touch of chocolate, completing a truly indulgent experience. Buy it 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!

Barrell Craft Spirits Cask Strength

Hailing from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the Barrell Craft Spirits 6 year old Cask Strength (Batch 035) earns its place with a score of 94 and a robust 58.75% ABV, all for an enticing $117.99. This expression represents the culmination of craft spirits expertise, delivering a symphony of flavors that showcase the artistry of American whiskey-making. Buy it now for $117.99.

Blue Note Premium Small Batch

Blue Note may not be a household name yet, but this emerging Memphis bourbon distillery is making waves in the industry. Established in 2014, it has swiftly expanded its reach across 14 states, earning recognition as the city's oldest distillery. Their Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), offers a delightful sensory experience. Maple syrup and butterscotch notes greet the nose, leading to a palate reminiscent of freshly baked blondie bars. Subtle hints of candied orange add complexity, making this bourbon a standout choice at an attractive price point—a welcome departure from the traditional Kentucky offerings. Buy it now!