Gift for Bourbon Lovers
Gifts for Bourbon Lovers
A Guide to the 12 Best Bourbons to Gift to Your Family & Friends
Written by Allison K. | Updated January 2025
With its rich history and complex flavors, bourbon has earned its place not just as a beloved spirit but also as an ideal gift for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone, saying thank you, or simply wanting to treat someone to a fine spirit, gifting bourbon is a classic choice that rarely goes wrong. In this blog, we’ll help you discover the top 12 best bourbons to gift and give tips on choosing great bourbon gifts for your loved ones!
Why Send Bourbon as a Gift for Any Occasion?
Bourbon is a truly exceptional holiday gift choice, offering a unique combination of tradition, versatility, and luxury that makes it suitable for anyone on your gift list. Here’s why bourbon is one of the best gifts you can give this holiday season:
Timeless and Classic
For a gift that will leave a lasting impression, choosing from the best bourbons to gift ensures that your recipient gets a true taste of American tradition that’s rich in history and significance. Whether it’s a classic Kentucky bourbon or a small batch creation, the recipient is getting a great bourbon gift with a unique backstory or method of production, adding to the charm of the gift.
Fits Any Occasion
Bourbon is a drink that’s perfect for toasting during special moments, shared celebrations, or even casual drinks. From a classic toast to a special cocktail with friends or simply unwinding with a glass of bourbon after a long day, this versatile spirit adds a touch of elegance and enjoyment to any occasion.
Classic bourbon cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Gold Rush, or Mint Julep are timeless staples, and choosing the best bourbons to gift guarantees your loved one can enjoy them. With its higher proof and rich flavor, bourbon is a hearty and satisfying choice for any setting.
Wide Variety of Options to Suit Every Taste
The best bourbons to gift are those that reflect the recipient’s taste. And with the wide variety of bourbons available, finding the best bourbon to gift is easy, as there’s something for everyone. For instance, here at Taster’s Club Bottle Shop, we offer a range of great bourbon gifts made from unique mash bills, including wheat bourbon, high rye bourbon, high corn bourbon, and 4-grain bourbon.
If you want to explore the best bourbons to gift across various categories, you can also choose from straight bourbon, blended bourbon, cask strength bourbon, single barrel bourbon, small batch bourbon, and occasionally, a Bottled in Bond. This makes the spirit one of the best options when you want to send bourbon as a gift that feels personal and tailored.
It’s an Indulgence that Feels Luxurious
Bourbon, especially premium bottles, is often considered an indulgence, a little luxury that people might not splurge on for themselves. When you want to get a good bourbon to give as a gift, you're offering someone the opportunity to treat themselves to something they might not buy every day. This sense of luxury makes bourbon a standout gift, especially for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Taster’s Club Top 12 Best Bourbons to Gift for Any Occasion
Choosing great bourbon gifts isn’t just about picking a random bottle off the shelf; it's about understanding the nuances that make each brand unique and desirable. To help you navigate this flavorful landscape, we've curated a list of the top 12 best bourbons to gift that will surely impress your friends, family members, or colleagues. Let’s take a look at them below:
1. Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Small Batch is a rich and flavorful bourbon that offers a smooth and balanced drinking experience. Crafted from a blend of four select bourbon recipes, it showcases a harmonious mix of floral, fruity, and spicy notes with hints of honey, vanilla, and oak.
The complexity of this bourbon is paired with a velvety mouthfeel, making it a great choice for sipping neat or in cocktails. Its unique blend of flavors and exceptional craftsmanship make it a standout in the world of small batch bourbons and the best bourbon to gift for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.
2. Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is an iconic bourbon that offers a smooth and refined taste, making it one of the best bourbons to gift for any occasion. Known for its signature red wax seal and rich flavor profile, it blends sweet vanilla and caramel with a touch of oak, creating a well-balanced and approachable drink. Its versatility makes it ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, ensuring your recipient can enjoy it however they prefer.
3. Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon known for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile, perfect for those looking for the best bourbons to gift. Crafted in small batches, this Kentucky straight bourbon is made using a unique process that combines copper pot stills and a limestone-filtered water source. The result is a smooth and balanced spirit, with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of spice.
Woodford Reserve's deep amber color and luxurious mouthfeel make it a standout choice for those who appreciate quality bourbon. It is a good bourbon to give as a gift as it’s perfect for sipping neat or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
4. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon is a well-balanced and highly regarded whiskey that offers rich, complex flavors at an accessible price point. Aged for a minimum of eight years, it features notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a touch of spice that adds depth to its smooth profile. This spirit is a great bourbon gift for those who appreciate quality without the premium price tag.
Best Bourbon to Gift: Taster’s Club Holiday Crowd Pleasers
If you're looking for a surefire way to impress your bourbon-loving friends this holiday season, consider these crowd-pleasing picks from Taster’s Club:
5. Russell's Reserve 10 Year
Russell's Reserve 10-Year-Old is a refined, well-balanced bourbon that stands out for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile, making it one of the best bourbons to gift. Aged for a decade, this premium bourbon offers a perfect blend of oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice, which delivers a satisfying finish that lingers pleasantly. Created by the legendary father-son duo Jimmy and Eddie Russell, this is a good bourbon to give as a gift as it showcases decades of expertise and craftsmanship from Wild Turkey distillery.
6. Baker’s 7
Baker’s 7-Year-Old Bourbon is considered one of the best bourbons to gift as it is a rich and full-bodied single-barrel bourbon that offers a bold yet smooth drinking experience. Aged for seven years, this bourbon features a robust flavor profile with caramel, vanilla, toasted oak notes, and a hint of spice. Its slightly higher proof delivers a warm, satisfying finish, which is ideal for bourbon enthusiasts who enjoy a bit more complexity in their pours.
7. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a bold, uncut, and unfiltered bourbon showcasing its high-proof profile's rich complexity. Aged for a minimum of 12 years, this premium offering from Elijah Craig delivers robust flavors of caramel, toasted oak, dark chocolate, and baking spices with a warm, spicy finish that lingers. Each batch has unique proof levels, ensuring an exciting tasting experience with every release. Perfect for those who enjoy a higher-proof bourbon that packs a punch, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a great bourbon gift for connoisseurs.
8. Larceny Barrel Proof
Larceny Barrel Proof is a bold, high-proof bourbon that stands out with its deep, rich flavors and full-bodied profile. A nod to the wheated bourbon tradition, this spirit is the best bourbon to gift as it is a limited-edition release that offers complex notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, and oak, with a slight spice that adds warmth and depth. Bottled at barrel proof, it retains all the intensity of its flavors, which is perfect for those who appreciate a strong, robust drink.
9. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a highly regarded, award-winning whiskey with a rich and well-balanced flavor. Known for its smoothness and complexity, it features notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice. The distillery, one of the oldest in the U.S., crafts this bourbon with a mix of traditional techniques and modern innovation, ensuring consistency and quality in every bottle. Affordable yet exceptional, Buffalo Trace is a great bourbon gift that’s perfect for any occasion.
10. Blanton's Single Barrel
Blanton’s Single Barrel is a legendary bourbon that has earned a place at the top of many bourbon enthusiasts’ wish lists for great bourbon gifts. Known for its exceptional quality and rich, full-bodied flavor, each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, ensuring a unique taste profile with every pour.
It offers a smooth, well-balanced flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle hint of spice, rounded off with a long, satisfying finish. The bottle itself, with its distinctive horse-and-jockey stopper, makes it a visually striking good bourbon to give as a gift, while the bourbon inside stands as a testament to craftsmanship and tradition.
11. Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare Bourbon is a premium, award-winning bourbon that stands out for its smooth complexity and rich flavor profile, making it a great bourbon gift. Produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, this bourbon is aged for a minimum of ten years, allowing it to develop deep, nuanced notes of honey, oak, toffee, and a hint of spice. The result is a well-balanced bourbon with a smooth finish. With its exceptional quality and approachable price point, Eagle Rare is the best bourbon to gift for both newcomers and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts alike.
12. E.H. Taylor Small Batch
E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon is a highly regarded offering from Buffalo Trace Distillery, named after the legendary bourbon pioneer Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. This small batch bourbon is crafted using traditional methods, including maturation in warehouse brick floors, which enhance its complexity and smoothness. It boasts a rich profile with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toffee, balanced by a subtle hint of spice and oak, making it a good bourbon to give as a gift.
5 Tips on How to Choose the Best Bourbons to Gift this Holiday Season
Selecting the perfect bourbon can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options available. However, by considering a few key factors, you can easily find a bottle that will make an exceptional gift. Here are five tips to help you choose the best bourbon to gift:
1. Know Their Preferences:
When selecting the best bourbons to gift, consider the recipient’s flavor preferences. Some bourbon drinkers love sweet, smooth profiles with vanilla, caramel, and honey notes, while others prefer bolder, spicier flavors. For a universally appealing choice, consider Maker’s Mark, which is known for its approachable sweetness, or Woodford Reserve, which offers a balanced blend of dried fruit, oak, and spice.
2. Consider Experience Level:
Tailor your choice based on the recipient’s bourbon drinking experience. A seasoned drinker might appreciate the complexity and higher proof of Blanton’s Single Barrel, which delivers a rich, unique taste from each barrel. For someone newer to bourbon, Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig Small Batch offers smooth and accessible flavors that are great for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails, making them great bourbon gifts.
3. Choose Limited Edition or Special Bottles:
To make a bold statement, select limited-edition or rare bottles like Larceny Barrel Proof or Russell’s Reserve 10 Year. These exclusive offerings are among the best bourbons to gift, standing out due to their rich, unique flavor profiles and rarity. They ensure your gift is something truly memorable and highly sought after. Whether it’s a special release or an aged bottle, these choices are perfect for collectors or connoisseurs.
4. Set a Budget and Find the Best Value:
Pick bourbons that match your budget while still offering exceptional quality. The best bourbon options under $50, such as Russel’s Reserve 10-Year, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and Four Roses Small Batch, offer high-end quality and bold flavors. If you want to splurge a bit more, the best bourbons to gift under $100 are Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Eagle Rare 10 Year Old make the great bourbon gifts.
5. Ask for Recommendations:
If you're unsure which bourbon to choose, don't hesitate to consult experts at your local liquor store or online. They can guide you in finding great bourbon gifts based on the recipient’s taste preferences, helping you discover the good bourbon to give as a gift—whether you're looking for something rare, budget-friendly, or a classic bottle.
7 Ways on How to Make Great Bourbon Gifts
When it comes to great bourbon gifts, it’s not just about the bottle; it’s about creating an experience. To elevate your bourbon gift, consider these seven tips that will make your present stand out:
1. Pair with Personalized Glassware or Decanters:
A great way to enhance your best bourbons to gift is to pair them with customized glassware. You can find engraved bourbon glasses, decanters, or even bourbon tumblers etched with the recipient’s name, initials, or a special message. This small personal touch adds a sense of sophistication and makes the gift feel unique.
2. Include Whiskey Stones or Chilling Rocks:
If your recipient enjoys their bourbon chilled but without dilution, whiskey stones or chilling rocks are a perfect complement to great bourbon gifts. These reusable stones cool the drink without watering it down, enhancing your recipient’s sipping experience. Including these items shows that you've thought about how they enjoy their bourbon, making the gift even more thoughtful and practical.
3. Whiskey Tasting Set:
For the serious bourbon lover, a whiskey-tasting set can elevate the gift to the next level. Many whiskey sets include sample-sized bottles from different distilleries, allowing the recipient to explore various flavors and styles. This is a fantastic addition to your best bourbon to gift, especially if you’re giving it to someone who loves to try new things
4. Add Bourbon-Themed Accessories:
To make your gift truly memorable, include some bourbon-related accessories. Items like premium leather coasters, a stylish cocktail shaker, or even a quality bottle opener can add elegance and personality to your great bourbon gifts. A high-end corkscrew, a cocktail mixing set, or even a set of glass whiskey charms could complement the spirit.
5. Gift a Bourbon Subscription Box:
For the person who’s always looking for something new, a bourbon gift club subscription can be an exciting option. These subscriptions typically deliver a curated selection of the best bourbons to gift each month, offering the recipient the chance to try new bourbon varieties they might not have purchased themselves. It’s a great bourbon gift that keeps on giving.
6. Include Bourbon-Infused Treats
If you want to add a creative twist to your great bourbon gifts, consider pairing it with some bourbon-infused treats. Bourbon-infused chocolates, caramel sauces, or coffee beans are delicious ways to complement the drink and give the recipient a true bourbon experience beyond just the bottle. These unique items make for a delightful addition to any good bourbon to give as a gift and show you’ve gone the extra mile to create a comprehensive, indulgent experience.
Get the Best Bourbons to Gift with Taster’s Club!
Take the bourbon enthusiast in your life on a bourbon journey with our best Bourbon Gift Club, featuring a range of curated hidden gems from Kentucky and beyond. With Taster’s Club, you can give a bourbon club experience that lets them explore a range of premium distilleries in the heartland of America, spanning from small-batch to barrel-proof, and even exclusive batches.
Bourbon holds a unique place in the hearts of many, celebrated for its rich flavors and nuances that can elevate any occasion. Yet, selecting the right bottle can be a daunting task, especially with so many brands claiming to offer the “best” bourbon.
To make the selection easier, send bourbon as a gift with a Taster's Club Bourbon of the Month Club subscription, where your recipient will enjoy expertly curated bourbons delivered straight to their door each month. Whether they're a seasoned enthusiast or new to bourbon, this membership offers something special for everyone!
FAQs About the Best Bourbons to Gift
If you want to know more about the best bourbons to gift to your friends and family, we have compiled the FAQs about Taster’s Club Bourbon Gift Club to help you make an informed decision about your gifts. Let’s take a look at them below:
