10 Best Bourbons in the Country
What does it feel like being an American? Just a sip of bourbon will explain the feeling. It is country’s national spirit! The delicious brown liquor has turned out to be a huge business in the country that accounts for more than $8.5 billion in revenue in the state of Kentucky. About 95% of all bourbon is made here.
What is bourbon?
Bourbon holds the pride of being America’s favorite style of whiskey and its origin traces back to the late 1700’s. It has a distinct make and undergoes series of processes that are different from several other liquors. Initially, the corn (51%) and other wheat are combined and mashed. They are fermented, followed by a series of distillation process of tubs and vats. It eventually becomes “white dog”. This is then aged in new American oak barrels for subsequent years. The rate and taste of bourbon vary with age.
- Bourbon aged 2 years, called straight bourbon (Hudson Whiskeys)
- Bourbon aged more than a decade (Pappy Van – 23 years)
The increasing demand for bourbon shows no signs of slowing down, owing to the drinking palates around the world. You must be wondering what to buy when it comes to bourbon. Check out the details given below for an idea about the 10 best bourbons in the country.
Buffalo Trace
You may find exciting experimental bourbons in this brand. Their recent innovation is the E.H. Taylor four grain. This is a combo of corn, rye, wheat, and barley. Four grain tastes earthy and spicy with an intense flavor. The cost of this starts from $60 approximately, but fetching a single barrel (aged 10 years) bottle would be a real treat for the bourbon connoisseur.
Pappy Van Winkle
It holds the pride of being called one of the finest bourbons in the world, thereby making it extremely rare. This is manufactured at the Buffalo Trace Distillery with varying ages of 15, 20 or 23 years. You can now imagine the cost, which is several thousand dollars per bottle, is justified.
Evan Williams
Kentucky’s oldest distillers have won the test of time for their robust flavors and reasonable prices of around $30. Evan Williams comes with different variants, wherein a bottle of Evan Williams, a single barrel has the punch of caramel and vanilla in it.
Jim Beam
If you are looking for something warm on a cold winter night, then a bottle of Jim Beam white label is the best bourbon for you. They age for four years carrying some hints of spice in it and adding another feather to Kentucky bourbon industry.
Angel’s Envy
The fine etched and engraved bottles of Angel’s Envy make you fall in love at its first sight and you would fall further for its award-winning taste. It belongs to the higher end bourbons, aged less than 8 years.
Four Roses
Four Roses Al Young suffixed to honor the work of Al Young. It is a blend of vintage bourbons, which has become a collector’s item and is expensive. It can be alternated by yellow label bottle aged 5 years, having fruit and floral flavors such as apple and pear.
Woodford Reserve
Looking for a perfect gift to celebrate happiness? Then you must consider a good bottle of Woodford Reserve Double special. These are manufactured in small batches to render them distinct flavors. They can be bought for $60 approximately.
George T. Stagg
Another feather in the hat of Buffalo Trace Distillery is high proof uncut and unfiltered bourbon, George T. Stagg. It is very rare and distributed only twice a year. It’s aged for 15 years and worth $700 approximately.
Willet Pot
Willet pot gained popularity recently, but its roots trace ages back. They are one of the best bourbons aged 8 years and are worth $40 approximately.
Eagle Rare
A very rare bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Eagle Rare, carries a dark fruit flavor and orange peel to aid in the tasting. This product spends a decade in the charred oak, making it smooth enough to drink straight and end up getting a sweet or light spice finish.
Apart from the above list, you may also consider these bottles that deserve a spot on a shelf in your home bar:
- Hudson Baby Bourbon
- Blanton’s
- Booker’s
- Noah’s mill
- W.L. Weller
- Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
- Old Ripy
- Black Maple Hill
Every bourbon you come across deserves a sip. All the information furnished above could come in handy on a perfect occasion. Whether it be straight or on rocks with a splash of water or cocktail, bourbons are just the best anytime. So what are you waiting for? Make up your mind and make a special toast!