The Top Bourbons of 2024, Ranked by Men’s Journal

The Top Bourbons of 2024, Ranked by Men’s Journal

According to Men's Journal, the best bourbons of 2024 cater to the discerning tastes of whiskey enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection to suit every budget and palate. With an array of exceptional spirits now available in bars and liquor stores, bourbon aficionados have more options than ever before.

Best Overall Bourbon: William Larue Weller

The William Larue Weller Bourbon 2023 release stands as a pinnacle of bourbon excellence, showcasing the mastery of Islay craftsmanship at a bold 133.6 proof. From its inviting nose, redolent with candied dark brown sugar and vanilla bean, to its full-bodied palate, featuring luscious notes of stewed cherry and brown sugar crumble, every sip is a revelation. The robust finish, layered with baking spice and a hint of maple syrup, lingers long after the glass is empty. As part of the revered Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this bourbon epitomizes Kentucky's storied bourbon tradition, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike an unforgettable tasting experience. Buy it now!

Best Bourbon Under $50: Breckenridge Bourbon

Breckenridge Bourbon stands tall as the flagship of their distinguished spirits lineup, offering a velvety smooth experience crafted from high-rye bourbon aged in new American oak barrels and infused with pure snow-melt water from the Rockies. Its captivating mash bill, combining corn, green rye, and malted barley, delivers a rich palate of dry cacao and brown sugar, culminating in a delightful finish accented by notes of vanilla and white pepper. Buy it now!

Best Bourbon Under $100: Rowan’s Creek

This bourbon, aged for around twelve years in charred American oak casks, has garnered high acclaim, earning an impressive score of 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. Buy it now!

Best Value Bourbon: Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

Evan Williams, a renowned bourbon brand hailing from Kentucky, boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing various bourbons, flavored whiskeys, and liqueurs. Among its esteemed offerings is the Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, affectionately known as the Evan Williams White label, which debuted in 2012. Sharing its mashbill with several other esteemed Heaven Hill brands, this bourbon holds the prestigious designation of Bottled in Bond (BiB). Meeting stringent criteria, BiB bourbon must originate from a single distillation season and distiller at a solitary distillery, undergoing maturation in a federally bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years under government supervision. Bottled precisely at 100 proof, the BiB label mandates clear identification of the distillery and bottling location. Buy it now!

Best Splurge Bourbon: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel

Celebrate the enduring legacy of bourbon craftsmanship with Elmer T Lee Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, named in honor of the esteemed master distiller. This exceptional bourbon epitomizes the essence of single barrel aging, offering a whiskey experience that is truly unparalleled. From the first sip, it captivates with a delightful blend of honeyed oak and smooth vanilla, a testament to its meticulous barrel selection process. With each subsequent taste, intricate layers of rich dark fruits, velvety caramel, and subtle spice nuances unfold, culminating in a luxuriously smooth finish that embodies the pinnacle of bourbon excellence. A tribute to Elmer T. Lee's pioneering contributions to the bourbon industry, this whiskey pays homage to his vision and legacy, earning its place as a cherished addition to any whiskey enthusiast's collection. Buy it now!

Best Bourbon For Cocktails: Maker’s Mark 46

Infusing a touch of French sophistication into the classic Maker's Mark recipe, this innovative expression marks the first new recipe from the distillery in more than fifty years. It undergoes a unique aging process, where custom-charred French oak staves impart distinct flavors and complexities to the bourbon, creating a captivating fusion of Kentucky tradition and French flair. Buy it now!

Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned: Old Grand-Dad 114 Proof

Bottled at an impressive 114 proof, this barrel-proof bourbon stands out with its notably high rye content, resulting in lighter and spicier flavor profiles that captivate the palate with every sip. Buy it now!