The Best Best Bourbon Whiskey
The 12 Best Best Bourbon Whiskey: Small Batch, Wheated, & More
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Update March 2025
Bourbon is more than a drink. It’s a taste deeply rooted in American history and craftsmanship.
Whether you're looking for that next perfect bottle for yourself, or want to find that top-tier gift for the bourbon enthusiast, our curated list of the best bourbon whiskey brands offers something truly special.
Explore our curated list of the best bourbons, complete with tasting notes, histories, and expert picks. New to bourbon or highly experienced? There is a bottle for you. Check it out.
The Best Bourbon Whiskey By Variety
To simplify your search for the best bourbon to try, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide highlighting the best bourbon whiskey selection from various categories. Whether you prefer a bold single barrel, a well-balanced small batch, or a high-standard Bottled in Bond, we have you covered!
Best Small Batch Bourbon
Small batch bourbon refers to a select number of barrels blended to create a bourbon with unique flavor characteristics. Unlike mass-produced whiskey, small batch bourbon is often from a limited quantity of carefully chosen barrels. Here are the best bourbon whiskey in this category:
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
The E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch is aged in historic, century-old warehouses and captures the essence of Kentucky bourbon heritage with every sip. The balance of sweet, spicy, and oaky notes makes it approachable for bourbon newcomers while offering enough depth and nuance to captivate seasoned enthusiasts. Ideal for sipping neat or savoring with a splash of water to unlock its full complexity.
Tasting Notes: It begins with rich caramel corn and warm butterscotch lead with hints of vanilla cream, toasted oak, and dried orchard fruits. The palate balances sweet corn and caramel with butterscotch, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, rounded out by orange zest and cocoa. The finish is long and warming, with lingering caramel sweetness, gentle spice, and touches of leather and tobacco.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
1792 Small Batch
Crafted in the heart of Kentucky, 1792 Small Batch Bourbon is a standout spirit known for its “high rye” recipe and exceptional craftsmanship. This bourbon whiskey underwent a unique filtering process, forgoing the typical chill filtration and passing only through a plate and frame filter. This method allowed the bourbon to maintain a robust proof for bottling, delivering a full, rich, and bold flavor. It’s bottled at its original 125 barrel entry proof, just as it was years ago when the barrels were first filled.
Tasting Notes: The aroma opens with sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and subtle baking spices. On the palate, rich caramel and butterscotch blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of peppery rye spice for balance. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering dried fruit and oak.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 46.85% | 750ml
Best Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey
Cask strength bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey bottled directly from the barrel without being diluted with water. This results in a more intense, robust flavor, showcasing the true essence of the best bourbon whiskey. Here are the best bourbon whiskey in this category:
Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Uncut and unfiltered, Stagg bourbon lives up to its namesake, George T. Stagg, with an intensity and depth that captures the essence of traditional Kentucky bourbon. Aged for nearly a decade, this cask-strength bourbon delivers a full-bodied, robust flavor experience.
Tasting Notes: A bold and complex profile featuring rich black cherry, creamy caramel, and velvety dark chocolate. Subtle hints of toasted oak, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of sweet vanilla emerge as it opens up. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of dried fruit, smoky oak, and a whisper of espresso.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 63.9% | 750ml
Larceny Barrel Proof
Perfect for fans of unfiltered, high-proof bourbon, Larceny Barrel Proof stands out for its balance of bold flavors and smooth texture. Larceny Barrel Proof offers a new opportunity to experience our acclaimed wheated bourbon whiskey mashbill in its purest form: non-chill filtered and bottled at full barrel proof. Released three times per year in January, May, and September, each offering is a bold yet balanced special Small Batch bourbon whiskey rich with depth and distinction.
Tasting Notes: Larceny Barrel Proof delivers a rich flavor profile bourbon lovers will enjoy. Sweet aromas of toasted bread, caramel, and baking spices lead to a palate of honey, oak, vanilla, and dark fruits with a smooth wheated character. The finish is long and warming, with lingering spice, oak, and nuttiness.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 62.6% | 750ml
Best Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Single barrel bourbon is a unique expression of bourbon whiskey, with each bottle coming from an individual barrel rather than a blend. This gives each bottle its own distinct flavor profile, showcasing the nuances of that particular barrel. Here are the best bourbon whiskey in this category:
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Knob Creek Single Barrel is a robust bourbon that truly highlights the unique characteristics of individual barrels. Aged for 9 years, it boasts a deep and complex flavor profile that appeals to both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those exploring the world of single barrels. With its higher proof of 60% ABV, this whiskey strikes the perfect balance between boldness and nuance, making it a standout choice for bourbon enthusiasts.
Tasting notes: The nose features toasted oak, vanilla bean, brown sugar, and a hint of spice. The palate is bold with sweet caramel, creamy vanilla, roasted nuts, and notes of dark chocolate and baking spices. It finishes long and warm with charred oak, spice, and a touch of toffee sweetness.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 60.0% | 750ml
Russell's Reserve Single Barrel
The Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is uniquely crafted at Wild Turkey’s renowned distillery This single barrel bourbon balances boldness with refinement as it’s barrel-selected to highlight its depth and character. It delivers a rich intensity, but never sacrifices the nuanced balance of spice, caramel, and toasted oak that make it so distinctive.
Tasting Notes: Bold cherry notes upfront, complemented by a medley of baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that add warmth and complexity. The toasted oak provides a rich, smoky undertone, with hints of vanilla as it opens up. The finish is long and satisfying, showcasing lingering spice and a subtle sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 55% | 750ml
Best Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
Wheated bourbon is made using wheat as the secondary grain instead of the traditional rye, resulting in a smoother, sweeter flavor profile. This style of bourbon whiskey is known for its soft, mellow character, making it a favorite among those who prefer a less spicy, more approachable taste of a good bourbon whiskey. Here are the best bourbon whiskey in this category:
W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Known as the “Original Wheated Bourbon,” W.L. Weller Special Reserve replaces rye with wheat in its mash bill, resulting in a softer, sweeter flavor profile. This bourbon is an excellent entry point for those new to wheated bourbons, offering a balanced combination of sweetness and depth. Its mellow character and complexity lends itself beautifully to that classic feeling. Crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, W.L. Weller has become a staple for its quality and accessibility.
Tasting Notes: Honey, butterscotch, mild spice, toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of caramelized orange peel. The palate is smooth and approachable, with a delicate warmth that builds gradually, leading to a long, slightly sweet finish with notes of baking spices and a touch of leather.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 47.5% | 750ml
Penelope Wheated Bourbon
Penelope crafts their bourbon with deep attention to detail, producing a whiskey that is both inviting and sophisticated. This expression is approachable enough for newcomers, offering a smooth and easy-drinking profile, yet layered with complexity to engage seasoned whiskey enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and subtle spices greet the nose. The palate is smooth and balanced, with creamy vanilla, warm cinnamon, honey, and a touch of orange zest. It finishes with lingering sweet spice, oak char, and gentle warmth.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 47.5% | 750ml
Best Bottled in Bond
Bottled in Bond refers to a specific designation for bourbon that meets strict criteria set by the U.S. government, including being aged for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. This guarantees a higher quality and consistency in flavor, making it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. Here are the best bourbon whiskey in this category:
Laws Whiskey House Four Grain Bottled in Bond
This bottled-in-bond bourbon, crafted in a small-scale distillery in the heart of Colorado, offers a distinctive twist on classic bourbon.The creation process adheres to the strict standards of bottled-in-bond regulations, meaning it’s distilled in a single season, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof. The result is a rich, satisfying flavor.
Tasting Notes: Warm aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, dark caramel, and dried fruit lead the way. The palate offers rich vanilla, milk chocolate, and baking spices, with touches of honey, roasted nuts, and orange zest. A long, warming finish lingers with oak spice, dark cocoa, and barrel char.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond
Beyond meeting the rigorous standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, it reflects Heaven Hill’s ingrained approach to crafting a bourbon with unmatched depth and character. Distilled in a single season, this bourbon benefits from Heaven Hill’s unique mash bill. It’s a blend of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, which creates a balance of sweetness, spice, and smoothness.
Tasting Notes: Bright aromas of green apple, honey, caramel, and subtle vanilla lead the way. The palate is rich and balanced with toasted oak, sweet caramel, green apple, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is smooth and lingering, with warm spice, charred wood, and a touch of smokiness.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked stands out thanks to its unique double-barrel finishing process. After its initial maturation in charred oak barrels, the bourbon is transferred to a second, heavily toasted and lightly charred barrel. This innovative technique enhances its flavor, creating a richer, more complex profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel blend with hints of dried fruit and orange zest. The palate has a balanced mix of sweetness and spice. A long, warming finish highlights toasted wood, light smokiness, and sweet molasses.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.2% | 750ml
Angel’s Envy Bourbon Port Cask Finish
Finished in port barrels, Angel’s Envy is a bourbon that combines traditional craftsmanship with a unique aging process. After maturing in charred American oak barrels, it undergoes a secondary aging in Portuguese port wine barrels, imparting a rich, complex flavor with hints of vanilla, ripe fruit, and subtle spices. Perfect as a thoughtful gift for whiskey enthusiasts or for celebrating life’s special moments.
Tasting Notes: Angel’s Envy offers a rich and layered flavor profile. On the nose, you'll find sweet vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and subtle notes of dried fruit. The palate is smooth and complex with flavors of ripe stone fruits, maple syrup, baking spices, and a hint of chocolate. The port wine finish adds a velvety texture, making each sip feel luxurious. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of toffee and soft spice.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 43.3% | 750ml
How We Select the Best Bourbon Whiskey
We tasted an impressive array of good bourbon whiskey from today’s top producers, guided by decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to quality, ensuring only the best bourbon whiskey made it to our final picks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the criteria we use to identify the best bourbon whiskey:
Quality of Ingredients and Distillation Methods
Bourbon whiskey is a native American spirit that has strict guidelines to ensure its authenticity. To qualify as bourbon, it must be made from at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. No additives are allowed except water to adjust the proof.
At Taster’s Club, we believe that a good bourbon whiskey starts with great ingredients. We carefully select the best bourbon whiskey, featuring unique mash bills like wheat bourbon, high rye bourbon, high corn bourbon, or 4-grain bourbon. We also prioritize distilleries that go above and beyond using premium, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring a rich and consistent flavor with every bottle.
In addition to high-quality grains, many bourbon whiskey brands enhance their spirits with limestone-filtered water, which is naturally abundant in classic bourbon-producing regions like Kentucky. This water helps improve the fermentation process, contributing to the smooth, clean character of our best bourbon whiskey.
Aging Process and Barrel Quality
The aging process plays a crucial role when selecting the best bourbon whiskey. With this bourbon guide, we prioritize bourbons that have been aged for at least two years, including varieties like small batch bourbon, cask strength bourbon, wheated bourbon, Bottled in Bond, and barrel-finished bourbon. Bourbon whiskey brands typically use new charred oak barrels, which impart rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak while also giving the bourbon its signature amber color.
The climate in which the bourbon matures is equally important, as regions with fluctuating temperatures allow the whiskey to interact more deeply with the wood, resulting in a more complex flavor profile. While longer aging often enhances the richness of the flavors, we recognize that great bourbon whiskey doesn’t always require extended time in the barrel.
Brand Reputation and Legacy
All of the best bourbon whiskey we feature are hand-crafted by award-winning distilleries in the U.S., with a focus on delivering exceptional flavors and experiences. Whether it's a distillery steeped in tradition or one pushing the boundaries of innovation, every spirit in our Bourbon Bottle Shop.
Price-to-Quality Ratio
While some of the best bourbon whiskey commands premium prices, we understand that value matters. Many good bourbon whiskey options offer exceptional quality at an accessible price. Our selection considers a range of budgets, ensuring that every enthusiast can find a bourbon worth savoring.
How to Find the Perfect Bourbon Whiskey
Finding the right bourbon whiskey that perfectly suits your palate doesn’t have to be some difficult or expensive journey.
By joining the Bourbon Membership Club from Taster's Club, this subscription service introduces you to an incredible variety of bourbons, ranging from timeless classics to rare and unique expressions.
Each month, you’ll receive a thoughtfully curated bottle, accompanied by fascinating insights into bourbon, its distillery, and production techniques.
The Membership Club gives you the opportunity to test and try some of the best Bourbon the USA has to offer, at your own pace.
Elevate Your Whisky Journey
If you’re ready to elevate your tasting experience, head over to Taster’s Club to discover our curated Scotch selections. Explore the finest bottles and bring a slice of Scotland to your glass today!
Or check out our other Scotch Whisky resources:
- How to Drink Bourbon: A Beginner’s Guide
- Types of Bourbon and the Best Ways to Enjoy Them
- Bourbon vs Whiskey
- Scotch vs Bourbon
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the smoothest bourbon to drink straight?
Angel's Envy Bourbon Port Cask Finish stands out as a top choice for sipping straight. The meticulous finishing process in port wine casks adds a layer of sophistication, enhancing its velvety texture.
While delivering complex yet balanced notes of ripe fruit, toffee, and toasted oak. This suitful combination makes it an inviting and easy-drinking bourbon perfect for savoring.
What are some budget-friendly bourbon options?
Looking for a specific price range of top or best Scotch Whiskey? We’ve compiled a curated list of the best bourbon under $50, as well as the best bourbon under $100.
How do I choose a Bourbon as a gift?
When choosing a bourbon gift, it’s important to consider the recipient’s preferences and experience level.
If they’re new to bourbon, opt for a smooth, approachable option like a small batch bourbon with a balanced flavor profile. There are many beginner-friendly options with notes of caramel and vanilla listed in our Top 10 Bourbon Gifts.
For experienced bourbon enthusiasts, explore something more distinctive and complex, such as a single barrel bourbon or a limited-edition release.
How should you store your bourbon?
To keep your bourbon fresh, store it in a cool, dark place, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes, as they can affect the flavor and quality.
Stand the bottle upright to prevent the cork from deteriorating, and ensure the lid is tightly sealed to minimize oxidation. A cabinet or pantry away from heat sources like stoves or radiators is a great first storage option.
Discover the Other Best Spirits
Shop the Best Bourbon Whiskey and Savor Excellence with Taster’s Club!
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best bourbon whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, and our list of the best bourbon whiskey will surely guide you toward your next favorite bottle. If you want a more personalized bourbon whiskey experience, join our Bourbon of the Month Club!
