The Best Everyday Bourbons, According to Bartenders

The Best Everyday Bourbons, According to Bartenders

When it comes to bourbon, there's a world of flavors and complexities to explore, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and bartenders alike. The allure of bourbon lies in its versatility; it can be savored neat, on the rocks, or as a foundational element in countless cocktails. For those delving into the world of bourbon, understanding what constitutes a quality everyday pour is essential. Bartenders, with their refined palates and extensive experience, offer invaluable insights into which bourbons strike the perfect balance between taste, accessibility, and price.

Old Forester 86 Bourbon

The only whiskey that was consistently produced and sold by the founding family prior to, throughout, and following Prohibition is Old Forester Kentucky Straight whiskey Whisky. The long, warm aftertaste softens the crisp, sweet Kentucky bourbon whiskey. Savor it plain or in mixed drinks. Available at stores and online retailers like Total Wine.

Stagg Bourbon

The strong rye spice blends well with rich, sweet, chocolate, and brown sugar flavors. Hints of cherries, cloves, and smokiness linger in the lengthy finish. Have fun, neat! Buy it now!

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This classic from one of Kentucky's most reliable distilleries brings a welcoming aroma of vanilla, mint, and a touch of molasses right off the bat. On the sip, it opens up with sweet corn goodness that flows straight into prominent brown sugar layers, balanced by subtle spice, toffee, and oak that keep things from getting too cloying – the finish lingers with dark fruit and anise for a smooth, satisfying close that's perfect neat or over a big rock. Buy it now!

Michter’s US*1 Bourbon

Voted the world’s coolest whiskey maker, Michter’s nails it with this affordable, mellow banger. It’s smooth as water, coating your mouth with flavors that make every sip a win. Buy it now!

Best Single-Barrel Bourbon: Four Roses Single Barrel

Single barrel bourbons inherently exhibit flavor variations based on their cask of origin. However, this characteristic adds to the pleasure of enjoying whiskey sourced from an individual barrel rather than a blend from multiple casks. Kentucky's Four Roses distinguishes itself by crafting ten different recipes utilizing two mashbills and five yeast strains. The single barrel release highlights a chosen recipe, typically aged for seven to nine years, and is bottled at 100 proof. This bourbon consistently delivers excellence, regardless of the specific barrel selected. Buy it now!

Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon

Out of Nevada, this farm-to-glass craft bourbon from Frey Ranch surprises with its smooth delivery of brown sugar and butterscotch, backed by estate-grown grains that bring out clean corn sweetness and a touch of rye pepper. It's got a full-bodied feel with hints of dried fruit and oak rounding things out, ending nice and long – a standout for guys looking to branch out from Kentucky stuff while keeping that rich, sweet profile intact. Buy it now!

Taconic Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Taconic Distillery found its roots on the historic Laured Beef Farms in 2010. The Coughlin family's commitment to preserving the rich Bourbon Whiskey tradition aligns with the area's culinary and historical significance. Embracing a non-chill filtered and unadulterated approach, Taconic produces their spirits below 160 proof, aging them in charred new oak barrels. The Taconic Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands out as a testament to their craft, initially aged in American oak barrels and finished in premium Mizunara casks. With notes of sweet vanilla, caramel, and baking spices, this bourbon offers a sublime and versatile addition to any home bar, suitable for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail. Cheers to the spirit of Taconic and the enduring legacy of Bourbon. Buy it now!

Elijah Craig Small Batch

This one's got a little more sophistication going on without crossing into pretentious territory. It's a Kentucky straight bourbon that's aged for 8-12 years, which is longer than a lot of bottles twice the price. You get rich flavors of butterscotch, dark fruit, and charred oak that make it taste way more expensive than it actually is. The mouthfeel is thicker and oilier than most budget options, which gives it that premium quality you're looking for. It typically runs between $30-35, and for that price point, it's hard to find something that compares. Whether you're drinking it straight or using it as the base for a cocktail, it elevates everything it touches. It's the bottle you bring to someone's house when you want to look like you know what you're doing. Buy it now!

Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon

Garrison Brothers, founded in 2006 (though production may have begun earlier), is one of the first distilleries outside of Kentucky to produce authentic, handmade bourbon. Each bourbon expression is made from a sweet mash bill and aged in the Texas heat, which results in multiple aging seasons per year, and a bourbon that is darker, richer, fuller, and bolder than most others on the market.The bourbon itself is amber-crimson, handcrafted from a sweet mash of premium, #1 food-grade corn, soft red winter wheat from local farms, and two-row barley. Garrison Brothers doesn't source whiskey from elsewhere and never will. This bourbon is made – from corn-to-cork – in Hye, Texas, one barrel at a time. Buy it now!

Angel’s Envy Bourbon

Port wine casks give this bad boy a smooth, wine-like twist that’s kinda dope. It’s soft and sweet, perfect for folks dipping their toes into bourbon or just wanting something mellow to sip on. Buy it now!

Old Forester 100 Proof

Old Forester doesn't get the attention it deserves, which honestly works in your favor because it means the price stays reasonable. The 100 proof version brings bold flavors of chocolate, cherry, and spice that really coat your palate. It's got character and depth that makes you want to sit with it for a while instead of just throwing it back. The proof point is perfect - high enough to stand up in cocktails but not so high that it's harsh on its own. You're looking at about $23-28 depending on where you live, and it's worth every cent. This is the kind of whiskey that makes you realize you don't need to impress anyone with fancy bottles when something this good exists at this price. Buy it now!

J. Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey

J. Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged a minimum of four years in their Kansas City rickhouse and offers a layered flavor profile: Aromas of candied citrus and baked bread. Tasting notes of orange marmalade, cracked pepper, and toasted coconut. A long finish with hints of mild tobacco and toffee-like sweetness. Buy it now!

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