The Best Sipping Bourbon
[Expert Picks]

Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Published November 2025

1. W.L. Weller 12 Year

The W.L. Weller 12 Year is a highly sought-after wheated bourbon. This bourbon uses wheat instead of rye in the mash bill for a beautifully smooth and approachable profile. From there, it’s aged for 12 years in charred oak barrels which create a deep complexity and gentle sweetness, perfect for sipping among company. It’s a popular and sought-after choice that has limited availability and is seen as a premium wheated bourbon.

Tasting Notes: The nose begins with almond and vanilla, complemented by creamy corn notes. The palate goes on to offer well-rounded flavors of sweet vanilla, rich caramel, and toasted oak. It concludes with a long finish.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml

2. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon

Elijah Craig Toasted Barre Bourbon takes the brand's award-winning small-batch bourbon and gives it a unique finishing touch. The magnificent creation process begins with their signature small-batch bourbon, crafted through consistent attention to detail. It’s then aged again in a specially made new oak barrel that’s custom-toasted, to unlock deeper and specific flavors. This second barreling technique is what truly distinguishes it as a top sipping bourbon.

Tasting Notes: The nose opens with rich aromas of toasted oak with a touch of cinnamon. From there, the palette presents a blend of warm spices, dark chocolate, and brown sugar. The finish is long and satisfying after every sip.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 47.0% | 750ml

3. Four Roses Small Batch Select

Four Roses Small Batch Select is a blend from six of the distillery’s ten unique bourbon recipes. Each of which is aged for a minimum of six years. This bourbon is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 104 proof for a robust and expansive experience. It’s a true masterclass in blending that delivers a truly balanced profile that makes it a must have for any experienced bourbon enthusiast.

Tasting Notes: The nose opens with inviting raspberries, clove, and nutmeg. The palate goes on to present a harmonious mix of apricot, ripe berries, and vanilla. This sipping bourbon finishes long and strong.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 52.0% | 750ml

4. Eagle Rare 10 Year Old

Another gem from the Buffalo Trace Distillery is the Eagle Rare 10 Year. It’s a true testament to the magic of patient aging. This bourbon is aged for at least a decade in charred oak barrels, leaving the sipper with a complex and smooth bourbon. On top of all that, it’s offered at a price point that makes it one of the best values in premium bourbon.

Tasting Notes: Get ready for a nose that presents a complex blend of toffee orange peel, herbs, and honey. On the palate, you'll discover bold notes of leather, toasted oak, and rich cocoa. Finally, it concludes with a dry and lingering finish.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml

5. 1792 Full Proof

For whiskey enthusiasts that seek a high-proof bourbon, the 1792 Full Proof is an excellent choice below the $100 price point. This bottle is unique as it’s refined at its original 125-proof strength with minimal filtering, which holds that that rich flavor. The result? A deeply full-bodied bourbon with intense character. Despite its high proof, it remains remarkably balanced for impressing that distinguished guest.

Tasting Notes: It has a powerful nose with rich vanilla, caramel, and a hint of smoke. The palate is full-bodied and delivers intense dried fruit and toasted oak. The finish is long and warm.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 62.50% | 750ml

6. Pappy Van Winkle’s 15 Year Family Reserve

Pappy Van Winkle is one of the most sought after bourbons by enthusiasts with its roots dating back to the late 1800s. This bottle’s limited availability stems from deep craftsmanship and a dedication as it’s aged for 15 years. Specifically, this small-batch wheated bourbon uses a higher wheat-to-rye ratio to create that smooth desired sip.

Tasting Notes: This bourbon’s nose offers notes of brown sugar and ripe fruit with a subtle hint of oak. On the palate you'll find a balanced mix of toasted nuts, cinnamon, and caramel. The finish is long and smooth with a touch of baking spices.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 53.50% | 750ml

7. Bhakta 2005 Limited Edition Armagnac Cask Finish Bourbon

This is another sought-after sipping bourbon from Bhakta Spirits that’s a creative fusion of American and French traditions. It’s a 17-year-old bourbon that’s unique because of the special finishing process in Armagnac casks from the Bhakta 50 collection, some dating back over a century. And because it’s a limited-edition release, it’s a fantastic choice for the bourbon lover who has all the other bottles, they won’t have this one!

Tasting Notes: The nose offers an beautiful and deep mix of classic bourbon sweetness with hints of dried apricot and floral notes. The palate is complex with vanilla and caramel that’s complemented by plum and toasted almond. It has a long and sophisticated finish.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 53.70% | 750ml

8. Michter's 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This sipping bourbon is a true show stoppper. Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon is a true testament to the brand's longstanding heritage in American whiskey-making traditions, which dates back to 1753. This rare release is crafted in extremely small quantities, using carefully selected barrels aged for two decades to achieve unmatched complexity and depth. Few bottles compare, but be prepared to spend!

Tasting Notes: This bourbon’s nose opens with elegant aromas of maple syrup, black cherry, and rich oak. You'll receive rich layers of dark chocolate, molasses, and charred oak on the palette. The finish is incredibly smooth with hints of leather.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.10% | 750ml

9. Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

First introduced as a premium bourbon in the early 2000s, Eagle Rare 17 Year is aged for a full 17 years in new charred oak barrels. This allows it to develop those deep and rich notes. Combined with its rarity and limited annual release, it’s a collector's dream. Each bottle reflects Buffalo Trace's commitment to traditional bourbon-making.

Tasting Notes: This rare bourbon begins with gentle hints of oak, and honey, on the nose. The palate is smooth with flavors of butterscotch, orange zest, and almond. It finishes silky. Leaving just a touch of leather to linger.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.50% | 750ml

10. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof

E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof is a tribute to Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., one of the founding fathers of modern bourbon. Crafted without dilution or filtration, this bourbon is drawn straight from the barrel after ageing in hand-selected charred oak barrels. The distiller's commitment to tradition and purity makes it a must-try for true bourbon enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes: This pour greets you with rich aromas of chocolate, nuts, and toasted oak. On the palate, it’s a delightful blend of vanilla, caramel, and warm baked spices. The finish is bold and cozy.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 63.65% | 750ml