The Sweetest Bourbons for Drinkers Who Hate Burn
The Sweetest Bourbons for Drinkers Who Hate Burn
Not every whiskey drinker is chasing heat, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Bourbon's natural sweetness comes from a combination of factors — the required new charred oak barrels, the corn-heavy mash bill, the distillation proof, and the years spent aging in climate-varied warehouses. High-corn recipes and wheated bourbons, which swap rye for wheat as the secondary grain, tend to produce rounder, softer flavor profiles with notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, and baked bread. Understanding what drives sweetness versus burn can help you zero in on bottles that genuinely suit your palate, rather than ones you're just pushing through to seem like a serious drinker.
Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Michter's has a reputation for quality, and their US*1 bourbon lives up to the hype. This is small batch bourbon that's been carefully crafted to maximize smoothness and flavor. You get rich notes of caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, and a touch of spice that's perfectly balanced. What makes it special is the toasted barrel finish - they heat the barrels to a specific char level that brings out sweetness and reduces harshness. At 91.4 proof, it hits that sweet spot where you get full flavor without any bite. It's smooth enough for newcomers but complex enough that bourbon veterans will find plenty to appreciate. The only downside is that it's getting harder to find as word spreads.
Larceny Barrel Proof Wheated Bourbon
Heaven Hill's barrel-strength wheater packs a punch but stays incredibly inviting, bursting with cinnamon, warm brown sugar, and toasted oak that builds into a thick, viscous mouthfeel full of honey and baking spices. The higher proof brings intensity without overwhelming the soft wheat sweetness, leading to a long finish of nutmeg and caramel cream – it's bold yet forgiving, ideal for when you want something with real depth on a cool night. Buy it now!
Wl Weller 12 Year Bourbon
WL Weller 12 Year Bourbon is a distinguished spirit known for its smooth and rich flavor profile. Aged for 12 years, this bourbon offers a complex blend of caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, making it a favorite among connoisseurs. Its full-bodied taste and long, satisfying finish make it ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks. This bourbon is perfect for those who appreciate a well-aged, premium whiskey. Buy it now!
Old Forester 1920 Bourbon
The third expression in the Old Forester Whiskey Row series is Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style. This artistic manifestation honors the persistence of distillation despite prohibition. Buy it now!
Heaven's Door Double Barrel Whiskey
Crafted in collaboration with the legendary Bob Dylan, Heaven’s Door whiskey is a unique expression featuring a label designed by Dylan himself, inspired by iron gates from his metalworking studio. This exceptional spirit is a blend of three distinct whiskeys, each aged separately and then further matured in new American oak barrels for an additional year before reaching a bottling strength of 100 proof. The deep aroma reveals rich notes of cherry and chocolate, while the palate is characterized by the distinct spiciness of rye. Heaven’s Door is a harmonious marriage of artistry and craftsmanship, delivering a sensory journey that reflects the iconic collaboration between Bob Dylan and fine whiskey production. Buy it now for $54.99.
Wilderness Trail Wheated Bourbon
This craft gem from Kentucky's Wilderness Trail uses a wheated recipe and slow aging to bring out creamy, decadent caramel notes that feel almost dessert-like. Expect lush butter caramel blended with corn sweetness and subtle nutty undertones, all smoothed out without any harsh bite. Bottled at higher proof but drinks easy, it's the kinda pour that shines when you're kicking back, highlighting how smaller distilleries can nail that indulgent caramel profile with real finesse. Buy it now!
Bardstown Bourbon Co. Copper & Kings Spanish Oloroso Sherry Finish
12-year-old Indiana bourbon finished in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. Classic sherry notes of raisin and fig are balanced with bursts of candied orange and baking spice. a dry, complex palate of cedar and campfire leads to a balanced finish of ripe dates with subtle spice. Buy it now!
Redemption Wheated Bourbon
Redemption Wheated Bourbon stands out as a hidden gem among bourbon brands, offering exceptional quality at a modest price point. While Redemption typically focuses on spicier rye whiskies, this expression, rich with 45% wheat, presents a smooth and delightful alternative. The nose captivates with prominent vanilla notes complemented by hints of burnt wood, pear, and subtle florals, setting the stage for a truly enjoyable tasting experience. Upon tasting, its sweetness unfolds gracefully, accompanied by a luxurious mouthfeel and a harmonious blend of chocolate, hazelnut, and warming spices like nutmeg and black pepper. With each sip, the finish leaves a lingering desire for more, showcasing the whiskey's depth and allure. While it may fall just short of claiming the top spot, Redemption Wheated Bourbon undoubtedly earns its place as a top-tier choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking something beyond the mainstream. Buy it now!
Maker's Mark 46
This one's a step up from the standard Maker's, finished with French oak staves that crank up the caramel and baking spice vibes without overwhelming your taste buds. It's smooth going down, with hints of vanilla mingling with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg that makes it perfect for sipping neat or mixing into an old fashioned when you're winding down after work. What I like about it is how it balances that sweetness with a subtle heat, clocking in around 94 proof, so it doesn't knock you out but still delivers that warm, inviting feel—like wrapping up in a favorite blanket on a cool evening. Plus, it's widely available, so no need to chase it down like some rare find; just grab it at your local spot and enjoy the straightforward goodness. Buy it now!
Woodinville Port Finished Bourbon
From Washington state, this straight bourbon gets extra time in ruby port barrels from Portugal's Douro Valley, adding a rich, fruity layer to their already solid five-year-old spirit. You pick up jammy berries, candied cherries, dried plums, chocolate-covered fruit, and a touch of spice that makes it thick and cozy, perfect for slow sippin' when the wind's howlin' outside. Buy it now!
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