Best Kentucky Bourbon Brands According to Seasoned Collectors

Kentucky has long been hailed as the heartland of Bourbon, representing the epitome of classic American whiskey. With most bourbon production originating from the bluegrass state, the options for top-rated Kentucky bourbon are virtually limitless. Factors like the region's hard limestone water, optimal climate, and rich history with the spirit contribute to the creation of numerous outstanding bourbon brand names.

Whether your palate leans towards the traditional full-bodied sweetness with hints of vanilla or craves a more robust profile with notes of wheat or rye, Kentucky offers a diverse array of choices. To assist in your bourbon exploration, we've curated a selection of the best Kentucky bourbon bottles from Taster’s Club in 2024, all conveniently available in our bottle shop

Our Selection Criteria: How We Picked the Best Kentucky Bourbons

Choosing the best Kentucky bourbon requires more than just looking at a bottle’s price or popularity. We've examined each bourbon based on key factors to create a well-rounded selection of top-rated Kentucky bourbons that appeal to both newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs. From aging techniques to flavor complexity, we ensure every factor aligns with what makes the best Kentucky bourbon a favorite. Here’s how we evaluate:

Age and Aging Techniques

The aging process is essential for creating the best-selling bourbon whiskey. Bourbon must age a minimum of two years to earn the label “straight bourbon,” but many of the best Kentucky bourbons age much longer, often for a decade or more, in charred oak barrels. Aging allows the bourbon to absorb the wood’s natural compounds, contributing to flavors like caramel, vanilla, and spice.

Additionally, distillers may use specific techniques to influence the aging process, like rotating barrels within the warehouse or using specially charred barrels, creating a more complex flavor profile. Time spent in oak barrels transforms the flavors and smoothens the finish.

Mashbill Composition

The mashbill or grain recipe affects the flavor profile immensely. Corn is the primary grain in all bourbons, but the combination of grains like rye, wheat, and barley can bring out distinct flavors. Bourbons with higher rye content are usually spicier, while those with more wheat tend to be smoother and softer, making mashbill composition a key factor in determining each bourbon’s personality. Our selected bourbons have balanced mashbills, delivering the best complexity whether you prefer sweeter or spicier notes in your pour.

Distillery Heritage

Kentucky has a rich history in distilling, with some bourbon brands dating back centuries. Heritage plays a role in quality assurance because these brands have perfected their craft over time, and their products are less likely to fluctuate in quality.

Proof and Strength

Bourbons come in various proofs, ranging from smoother 80-proof selections to bolder barrel-strength options that pack a punch. Higher-proof bourbons often offer more intense flavors and are ideal for experienced drinkers or those who prefer bourbon on the rocks. Meanwhile, 80 to 100-proof bourbons provide a balanced experience for a broad audience.

Flavor Complexity

One of the hallmarks of great Kentucky bourbon is flavor complexity. A top-rated bourbon offers more than a single taste; it should have layers of flavors that evolve from the first sip to the finish. Standard flavor notes in bourbon brands include spices, caramel, vanilla, and oak.

Availability and Consistency

While rare or limited-edition bourbons have their appeal—availability and consistency are also essential for the best-selling bourbon whiskey. The top-rated Kentucky bourbon brands produce bottles that maintain consistent quality year after year and are easy to find in stores. Consistency also reflects a distillery’s commitment to quality control and reliability, ensuring that you get a top-quality pour every time, even across different batches.

Overall Value

Value is not only about price; it’s about the balance of quality, flavor, and experience relative to the cost. For instance, the best bourbon for a home bar should feel worth the investment, offering a level of enjoyment that meets or exceeds its price. Our picks aim to include affordable bourbon options for everyday enjoyment but also high enough in quality to feel like a treat.

Top Rated Kentucky Bourbons Brand Names You Need to Try Now

Discover the top-rated Kentucky bourbons that every whiskey enthusiast needs to try now! From iconic bourbon brand names to hidden gems, these selections represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and flavor, ensuring you find the best Kentucky bourbon to elevate your home bar experience:

7 Best Ways to Enjoy Kentucky Bourbon

Once you’ve found the best Kentucky bourbon for your home bar collection, there are several ways to enjoy its flavors and aromas. Here are some of the best ways to drink Kentucky bourbon​:

1. Savor Neat to Appreciate the Pure Flavor

One of the best ways to drink Kentucky bourbon is simply enjoying it neat—poured directly into a glass with no ice or water. Drinking it this way highlights its natural flavors, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique character of top-rated Kentucky bourbon, from caramel and vanilla notes to hints of spice and oak.

2. On the Rocks for a Slightly Mellowed Experience

Adding a few ice cubes can subtly dilute and chill your bourbon, mellowing its intensity without losing the flavors. This is a popular choice for high-proof or spicier bourbons, as the ice gently tempers the alcohol, enhancing its smoothness and making it more refreshing.

3. Try it with a Splash of Water to Enhance Aromas

Adding a splash of water to bourbon can open up its aromas and flavors, bringing out subtle notes that might be missed when drinking it neat. This technique is popular with certain bourbon brand names known for their complex profiles, as it can reveal hidden layers of spice, fruit, or floral undertones.

4. Bourbon Flights to Compare Flavors and Profiles

Trying a flight of different bourbons side-by-side lets you appreciate the nuances between the best Kentucky bourbon options. Create a lineup of bourbons with varying ages, mashbills, or proofs to explore how each unique blend influences flavor and mouthfeel.

5. Pair Bourbon with Complementary Foods

For a more immersive experience, pair bourbon with foods that complement its rich flavors. Foods like smoked meats, cheeses, and dark chocolate work well with bourbon’s deep, robust notes, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

6. Cook with Bourbon to Add Depth to Dishes

From marinades to sauces, bourbon adds a rich, smoky sweetness to various dishes. Try cooking with best-selling bourbon whiskey for recipes that need a bold flavor boost, making bourbon a dynamic ingredient in the kitchen.

7. Host a Bourbon Tasting Night with Friends

Share your love of bourbon by hosting a tasting night with friends and a range of top-rated Kentucky bourbons. This fun and social way to enjoy bourbon allows everyone to discover new flavors, debate favorites, and learn the best way to drink Kentucky bourbon together.

10 Must-Try Classic Cocktail Ideas Made with the Best Kentucky Bourbons

Whether you're looking for the best way to drink Kentucky bourbon or searching for top-rated bourbon brand names to elevate your home bar, these bourbon cocktail recipes will showcase the unique flavors of the finest bourbons and delight your taste buds:

1. Old Fashioned with Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Using Wild Turkey Rare Breed for an Old Fashioned brings bold flavor to this timeless cocktail. The higher proof of Rare Breed balances with bitters and a hint of sweetness, making it a standout among best-selling bourbon whiskey choices. To make an Old Fashioned, combine 2 oz of Wild Turkey Rare Breed with a sugar cube and two dashes of Angostura bitters in a glass, muddle, then add a large ice cube and stir. Garnish with an orange twist for a classic cocktail that balances bold flavors and sweetness.

2. Manhattan with Larceny Barrel Proof

Larceny Barrel Proof is an ideal choice for a rich, robust Manhattan. This high-proof bourbon complements the sweet vermouth and bitters, creating a smooth, full-bodied drink perfect for savoring. To make a Manhattan, stir 2 oz of Larceny Barrel Proof with 1 oz of sweet vermouth and two dashes of bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry.

3. Mint Julep with Maker's Mark Private Selection “Chocolate Sundae”

For a unique twist on the classic Mint Julep, try Maker’s Mark Private Selection “Chocolate Sundae.” Its rich, sweet profile adds depth to the minty freshness, making it a top contender for the best way to drink Kentucky bourbon on a warm day. To make a Mint Julep, muddle fresh mint leaves with 1 oz of simple syrup in a glass. Fill it with crushed ice, and add 2 oz of Maker’s Mark Private Selection. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig for a refreshing twist.

4. Boulevardier with Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style shines in a Boulevardier, delivering bold, complex flavors that complement the bitterness of Campari. This bourbon brings just the right amount of spice to balance the cocktail. To make a Boulevardier, combine 1 oz each of Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled coupe glass for a bold, complex cocktail.

5. Whiskey Sour with Jefferson’s Ocean Wheated Bourbon

This Whiskey Sour is smooth and refreshing, with the ocean-aged nuances of Jefferson’s Ocean enhancing the citrusy profile. To make this cocktail, shake 2 oz of Jefferson’s Ocean Wheated Bourbon with 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 oz of simple syrup with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

6. Kentucky Mule with Four Roses Single Barrel

The Kentucky Mule combines spicy ginger beer with the fruity notes of Four Roses, making it a refreshing and zesty cocktail. To make this cocktail, fill a copper mug with ice, then add 2 oz of Four Roses Single Barrel and 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice, topping it off with 4 oz of ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

7. Gold Rush with Noah’s Mill Small Batch

The Gold Rush is sweet and tart, with Noah’s Mill bringing warmth and depth, making it a deliciously balanced drink. To make this cocktail, shake 2 oz of Noah’s Mill Small Batch with 3/4 oz of honey syrup and 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass for a sweet and tart cocktail.

8. Highball with Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel

For a simple yet refreshing bourbon Highball, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers. Paired with soda water, this bourbon’s smooth, caramel notes stand out, making it one of the best bourbons for home bar versatility. To make a Highball, pour 2 oz of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel into a glass filled with ice and top it with 4 oz of soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon twist for a simple, refreshing drink that highlights the bourbon's smooth caramel notes.

9. Brown Derby with Old Grand Dad 114

Old Grand Dad 114’s spiciness and high proof create a lively Brown Derby cocktail, balancing bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey. This cocktail is bold, refreshing, and perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their drink. To make this cocktail, shake 1 1/2 oz of Old Grand Dad 114 with 3/4 oz of fresh grapefruit juice and 1/2 oz of honey syrup, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

10. Hot Toddy with Green River Straight Wheated Bourbon

Green River Straight Wheated Bourbon’s softer, wheat-based profile adds warmth to a classic Hot Toddy, perfect for chilly evenings. To make a Hot Toddy, mix 2 oz of Green River Straight Wheated Bourbon with 1 tbsp of honey and 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice in a mug, then fill with hot water. Stir to dissolve for a warm, soothing cocktail perfect for chilly evenings.

10. Hot Toddy with Green River Straight Wheated Bourbon

Share your love of bourbon by hosting a tasting night with friends and a range of top-rated Kentucky bourbons. This fun and social way to enjoy bourbon allows everyone to discover new flavors, debate favorites, and learn the best way to drink Kentucky bourbon together.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kentucky Bourbon

Want to know more about the best Kentucky bourbon? Dive into our frequently asked questions about Kentucky bourbon to help you deepen your appreciation for this quintessential American beverage:

What is the smoothest bourbon to drink straight?

Based on the list of the best Kentucky bourbon, the smoothest bourbon to drink straight is Maker's Mark Private Selection “Chocolate Sundae,” known for its refined, velvety profile and balanced sweetness from the custom wood-finishing process.

What is smoother, whiskey or bourbon?

Bourbon is generally smoother than other types of whiskey due to its sweeter mash bill and aging in charred oak barrels, which contribute to its mellow flavor profile.

Should you put ice in bourbon?

While some prefer to drink bourbon neat to fully appreciate its flavors, adding a few ice cubes can slightly mellow the taste and enhance the drinking experience without diluting it too much.

Can you drink bourbon every day?

Drinking bourbon every day is acceptable in moderation, but it’s important to be mindful of alcohol consumption and its effects on health.

Is bourbon smoother than Scotch?

Bourbon is typically smoother than Scotch due to its sweeter, corn-based mash and the use of new charred oak barrels, while Scotch often has a more robust and sometimes smoky flavor profile.