The Best Small Batch Bourbon
The 10 Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey to Try in 2025
The 10 Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey to Try in 2025
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Update March 2025
Looking to dive into the finest small batch bourbons? You're in the right place.
Whether you're already experienced or are just starting your spirits journey, small batch bourbon whiskey offers something truly special.
This guide takes you through our top 10 small batch bourbons that stand out for their quality and craftsmanship. Each selection has been carefully curated by our spirit experts at Taster’s Club.
The Top 10 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey to Try
Here’s our carefully curated list of outstanding small batch bourbon, each chosen for its unique story, flavor profile, and craft.
1. 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
Purchase E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
2. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon
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 allows 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
Purchase 1792 Small Batch Bourbon
3. Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Small Batch Bourbon
Bib & Tucker bourbon is crafted with care through a double distillation process in copper stills. It’s then aged for six years in #1 charred American white oak barrels. This creates a rich and smooth profile with notes of vanilla, warm spices, and caramel.
Tasting Notes: This whiskey presents an inviting aroma of vanilla, sweet pecans, and subtle hints of charred oak. Its flavor balances caramelized sweetness with gentle oak and warm spices, leading to a long and mellow finish.
Region: Tennessee, USA | ABV: 46.0% | 750ml
Purchase Bib & Tucker 6 Year Old Small Batch
4. Four Roses Small Batch Select
Four Roses Small Batch Select is a bourbon crafted from six of the brand's ten unique recipes. It’s developed by combining two mash bills and three proprietary yeast strains for a complex blend of spice, fruit, and floral notes. It’s then non-chill filtered and aged for at least six years in carefully selected American white oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: This spirit opens with a rich aroma of ripe berries, warm spices, and vanilla. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, offering flavors of dark fruit and a honey-like sweetness. The finish is long-lasting, leaving you with a warming spice.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 52.0% | 750ml
Purchase Four Roses Small Batch Select
5. Cream of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon
Cream of Kentucky is a bourbon brand with roots in the 1940s, brought back to life by master distiller Jim Rutledge. It’s crafted with a carefully selected mash bill and aged in charred new American oak barrels to develop that rich flavor profile. This small batch bourbon offers its bottles at 100 proof and presents a timeless experience.
Tasting Notes: On the nose it presents a delightful blend of sweet caramel, vanilla, and a light spice. You’ll then experience notes of toffee, charred oak, and subtle baking spices, on the palate. The finish is rich, smooth, and leaves a sophisticated warmth.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Cream of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon
6. Cyrus Noble Small Batch Bourbon
Cyrus Noble, a cherished bourbon since the late 1800s, carries a legacy of authenticity rooted in San Francisco's Gold Rush era. This bourbon is aged for five years in charred American oak barrels, giving it a balanced flavor. Approachable for both seasoned bourbon drinkers and newcomers, Cyrus Noble remains a timeless choice.
Tasting Notes: Cyrus Noble Small Batch provides a nose of vanilla and warm oak, complemented by light floral notes. The flavor is a delicate balance of sweet corn, soft caramel, and a touch of light spice. It finishes smooth and will leave you with a pleasant sweetness.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Cyrus Noble Small Batch
7. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Elijah Craig, known as the father of bourbon, was a leader in whiskey-making with the use of charred oak barrels, which gives bourbon its unique flavor. This small batch bourbon is crafted with a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley, then aged in charred American white oak barrels to develop rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and smokiness. Aged 8 to 12 years, it achieves a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and depth, This leads it to be a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: This drink invites you with an aroma of vanilla bean, caramel, and subtle hints of spice. Its flavor profile is rich and complex with nutmeg features, toasted oak, and hints of sweet brown sugar. The finish is warm with a lasting touch of smoke.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 47.0% | 750ml
Purchase Elijah Craig Small Batch
8. Bowman Brothers Small Batch
Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon honors the legacy of four pioneering siblings and is crafted at the historic A. Smith Bowman Distillery, founded in 1934. It’s distilled three times for smoothness and aged in charred American oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: This whiskey features a nose with hints of vanilla and sweet baking spices, accented by a touch of oak. On the palette, it’s with notes of honey, toasted almonds, and a hint of smokiness. It finishes silky smooth.
Region: Virginia, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Bowman Brothers Small Batch
9. Frank August Small Batch
Frank August is a modern bourbon brand that combines tradition with innovative design and flavor. Each small batch uses carefully selected grains, a precise fermentation process, and aging in premium American white oak barrels to create that complex flavor profile.
Tasting Notes: This whiskey presents a complex aroma of caramel, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. Its flavor is smooth and bold with features of dried fruit, cocoa, and warm spices. The full-bodied finish leaves a memorable end.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Frank August Small Batch
10. Kentucky Owl Batch 12 Bourbon
For those seeking a rare and unforgettable bourbon experience, Kentucky Owl Batch 12 is a must-try. The legacy of the Kentucky Owl brand dates back to the late 1800s before Prohibition forced its closure. Its limited availability, high-proof flavor, and dedication to quality make it a prized gem for collectors and enthusiasts.
Tasting Notes: This dark amber spirit offers a bold aroma of oak, caramel toffee, and subtle hints of cocoa. On the palate, you'll experience a depth of spices balanced with layers of toasted vanilla, and caramel. The finish is warm and long, leaving you with a pleasant spicy kick.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.9% | 750ml
Purchase Kentucky Owl Batch 12 BourbonOur Selection Criteria for the Best Small Batch Whiskey
We tasted an impressive array of bourbon whiskey from today’s top producers. We use our extensive experience at Taster’s Club to provide only the best bourbon whiskey recommendations in our selections.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the criteria we use to identify the best bourbon whiskey:
Quality of Ingredients
Bourbon whiskey is an 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, such as the best bourbon under $100, 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
Discovering the ideal bourbon that matches your taste can be a fun and satisfying journey. One great way to dive into the world of bourbon is by joining the Bourbon Club from Taster's Club.
This subscription service offers members an exceptional range of bourbons, from well-loved classics to rare and small-batch gems.
Each month, members receive a handpicked bottle, complete with detailed tasting notes and insights into the distillery’s story and craftsmanship.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon lover or just beginning to explore, the Membership Club allows you to sample different styles and flavor profiles at your own pace.
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Bourbon Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected bourbons you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Elevate Your Bourbon Journey
Ready to take your bourbon experience to the next level? Head over to Taster’s Club to explore our expertly curated bourbon selections. Discover the finest bottles and bring the spirit of USA Whiskey straight to your glass today!
Or check out our other 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
Is Small Batch Bourbon Better?
Small batch bourbon is made using a limited number of carefully selected barrels. This allows distillers to create unique and consistent flavor profiles with higher quality control.
This handcrafted approach often results in richer, more complex flavors and smoother finishes. Ultimately, providing a more refined drinking experience compared to mass-produced bourbons. Its exclusivity adds to the appeal, too. As fewer bottles showcase the artistry and skill of the distillers.
What Are Other Affordable Bourbon Options?
Looking for quality bourbon under $50? While bourbon is often associated with premium craftsmanship, there are plenty of excellent options that won’t break the bank.
One standout is Buffalo Trace, offering a smooth and well-balanced flavor. Perfect for sipping or mixing at an affordable price point. Another great choice is Evan Williams Single Barrel. It’s known for its rich and oaky character, with hints of honey and apple.
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.
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 Club!
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 Club!
