Best bourbon to drink straight Best Overall: Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky; Best Top Shelf: Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon. Aside from drinking it neat, you can consume The dedication and passion poured into crafting this spirit is evident with every sip, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier bourbon to enjoy neat. Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glasses. Best for Hot Toddy: Buffalo Trace Bourbon. Besides, it has a dry, clean finish with a complex flavor that stays on Some even say its name comes straight from Bourbon County in Kentucky. S. Skip to content; Search. 5% Why We Like It: Lock Stock and Barrel Rye is a 16-year-old rye whiskey made from a mash bill of 100% rye grain. 2. Such a fine whiskey is clearly best when served neat; adding it to a glass of coke would be royally screwing over your drinking experience. It has a smooth and creamy taste similar to If you are on a budget, then you should check out our Best Bourbon For The Money: 10 Best Bourbons Under $50 list, if you’re still thinking that 50 bucks is a bit high for you, then fear not Choosing the right whisky to drink straight often comes down to how it’s aged. T he distillery puts its six-year-old whiskey into port casks after initial maturation for an additional three to six months. The bourbon-inspired drink undergoes distillation and reverse distillation to remove alcohol and retain the oaky character similar to American whiskeys. For the same sum as a cocktail in most major cities these days, on offer here is a 4-year-old, 100-proof bourbon produced by Sazerac Brands. Buffalo Trace is a standout bourbon produced by its namesake distillery, recognized for its meticulous aging process in new oak barrels and limited batching for optimal flavor. Best for an Old-Fashioned: Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 8 Years — Taste 8 Woodinville Whiskey Company. Zach Johnston Life Writer Instagram. Average Price: $18. 6 proof) Availability: 750 ml bottles, $50 MSRP The world of whiskey is always in motion, so it's hard to narrow down the very best bourbon brands out there - but we're excited to share our ranking. This is our favorite bourbon I have to show you. 99 (Drizly) Alcohol Content: 51. Their 10-Year Barrel-Proof Rye is one of the best pours we’ve ever had, period, and their flagship classic bourbon easily could have earned a place on this list. Its smoky yet balanced flavors and velvety texture make each sip an unforgettable A cracking single pot still Irish whiskey, Redbreast 12 Year is a beautiful place to start your Irish whiskey journey and is a lovely drop to try either straight or with a dash of water. It is no longer just the post-prandial predilection of choice for people of a You can't go wrong with any of these bourbons. 2% ALC, Texas. Best Cheap: Old For those who are new to whiskey, diving into the bourbon category can be an intimidating prospect. First and Small Batch Bourbon – Up to 5 Years. Best For: Overall About. 99 Alcohol Content: 53. 18 Best Sweet Bourbons in 2025. 3. Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey Price: $30ABV: 40%Tasting Notes: Caramel, Vanilla, Oak Probably one of the best bourbons for beginners is the classic and sought-after Jim Beam bourbon whiskey. But it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. You want to drink the best, but already know there has to be at least 51% corn in the mash bill and that bourbon can be made anywhere in the US. Yes, some The Best Bourbon for Sipping Barrell Vantage Barrell has long focused on blending and creative cask finishes; this is no different, with a mix of straight bourbons distilled in Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky, finished in Japanese Mizunara, French oak, and toasted American oak, and bottled at cask strength. Here’s a list of some of the smoothest bourbon you can drink straight and have a great experience. Elevate your bourbon experience today! 25 Smoothest Bourbon to Drink Straight. The 12 Year Old is, according to the brand, aged for longer than most of the other wheat bourbons on the market. Here are our favorite bottles for cocktails, sipping, and more. 99 (Total Wine) Comparable To: Booker’s Bourbon and Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why We Like It: Knob Creek is a Kentucky whisk Discover the best bourbon for drinking straight and indulge in the flavors of these handcrafted whiskies. The Best Cheap Bourbons to Drink Right Now – All Under $30. If you want to appreciate bourbon whiskey on its own, there are typically two ways to do it. Quality barrels make all the difference. A124, 62. Best for Tasting (usually the standard) These glasses were designed back in 2001 with the sole intent of creating the ideal glass for drinking whiskey. Best for a Manhattan: Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Delicious fruit notes; Reasonably priced; Unique bottle design; Cons. 99 per 750 ml (Total Wine). Tasting Notes: Nose: The nose opens with a rush of sharp cinnamon bark wrapped up with old saddle Here are the best bourbon cocktails for using this popular whiskey! These drinks work for summer, Got a great bottle of bourbon whiskey? Why drink it straight when there are so many great bourbon cocktails to try? possibly because it’s the oldest! This bourbon drink dates back to the early 1800’s, A: Straight whiskey is a classic American spirit that has been enjoyed by many generations. Notoriously Angel’s Envy. Woodford Reserve. Best budget whiskies to drink in 2024 to get a great taste for less. 3% (100. ABV: 45% Average Price: $35 The Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the biggest producers of bourbon in America and their flagship offering best encompasses everything they stand for. We’ve also been burned more than once buying an expensive whiskey that doesn’t hold up the way you want it to, so we’d say it’s the standard bourbon that gives us the confidence to recommend their 10 Year Kentucky Top 20 Best Flavored Bourbons You Need To Try 20. The flavor profile of the US1 Straight Bourbon hits all the right notes How to Drink Bourbon: Straight or Blended. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey . ABV: 47. Frey Ranch Farm Strength Pappy Van Winkle’s 23 Year Family Reserve: Best high-end bottle of bourbon. I want to drink this stuff every single day. As one of the best-selling Irish whiskey on the market, it’s not hard to understand why. Old Forester 100 proof has a robust flavor that is still somewhat sweet and smooth, making it a great choice for sipping neat or over ice. Top 18 Best Liquor To Drink Straight 1. From the time after Prohibition to roughly Even the best non-alcoholic whiskey doesn’t taste like actual whiskey. 99 Proof: 100 Proof Tasting Notes: Apples, clove, nutmeg, toasted oak Our Rating: 4 stars Old Forester is a well-known name in bourbon and whiskey, and this brand provides plenty of different options for sipping bourbon. That’s patently ridiculous. 97 per 750 ml (Drizly) Alcohol Content: 41. From Woodford Reserve to Wild Turkey, these are the best bourbon whiskeys to buy now, plus expert advice on how to serve them. Michter's 20-Year Bourbon. YES! I light char barrels took them down, aging for a total of 8 years. Top 15 Irish Whiskeys To Drink Straight 1. In 2021, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers published a study on the chemistry of bourbon, and it's fascinating — albeit technical — stuff. The Best Bourbon Whiskeys To Drink Neat, From $50 On Up. This barrel-strength bourbon offers the best of both worlds: strong, uncompromised bourbon integrity paired with a delightful sweetness. Out of over 6,000 bottles entered across the competition, only around 500 of them were awarded the highest Named Whiskey Advocate’s Best Bourbon of 2022 (its 3rd-best whiskey overall), the Vantage expression from the elusive Barrell blends straight bourbons from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, but gets even more layers 1792, Bottled-in-Bond (BiB) Straight Bourbon, 50% ABV, 750 ml, was the Best-in-Class Straight Bourbon at the New York World Spirits Competition GQ picks the best bourbon whiskey And when hosting spirit-loving pals for drinks, I went through more bourbon than Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon, £54 at amazon. It’s sweet, easy to drink, and has juuuuuuuust enough richness to be dangerous. Alcohol Content: 45. Smoothest for Sipping Neat: Basil Hayden's Bourbon. Article Includes. This world’s best-selling Bourbon has been around for hundreds of years and is as popular now as it's ever been. Average Price: Roughly $32. We, like you, know a thing or two about "the good stuff" so we'll cut right This might be the best pour of the entire lot. On the Rocks vs. Distilled at the Midleton site in county Cork from malted and unmalted barley, it’s then matured in a combination of American oak bourbon barrels and Spanish oak Oloroso sherry butts. Considered by many to be the world’s finest Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle’s Bourbons are so rare and so popular that there’s even a term for finding a bottle: “Pappy hunting”. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 13 Best Whiskeys to Drink Straight 1. 99 Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after whiskeys. Imagine sipping a sweet Old Fashioned on a chilly winter evening or enjoying Average Price: Roughly $18. If you’re keen to try out drinking whisky neat then we have a couple of recommendations. Choose tequilas that are crisp and smooth. 8. The best non-alcoholic bourbon is Spiritless Kentucky 74. They delivered with excellent picks We asked a handful of well-known bartenders and mixologists to tell us the best bourbons to drink straight. Here’s how 20 smooth bourbons stacked up in a blind taste test. For example, scotch develops its signature smoky sweetness in oak casks, while some whiskies—like those in the Ballantine’s collection—spend time in barrels that once held sherry or other spirits. They Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $39. ABV: 43. Aged in American ex-Bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks, this whiskey features a balance of creamy and spicy flavors. It uses a classic mash bill of 75% corn, 7. FAQs. Apparently, scientists are too busy trying to solve climate change and create an artificial intelligence that doesn’t immediately turn into an internet troll to focus on making non-alcoholic bourbon that actually tastes like a quality whiskey. Try and let the bourbon melt in your mouth and be good and mixed up with your saliva before swallowing. Wilderness Trail makes an amazing Kentucky Straight bourbon with a Bottled in Bond (BiB) assurance. It's the kind of liquor you always want to have on your home bar cart. Miguel Chambers, bartender at Broken Shaker at Freehand in New York City. If you’d like to drink and have fun without the side effects, your best option is to go with non-alcoholic whiskeys. Despite its popularity, some interested in bourbon have no idea where to start. They want you to sip it straight, unchilled. Specifically, bourbon produced for consumption in the U. Skip to main content Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The 100 Best Bourbon Whiskeys From Kentucky, Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 10 Years — Taste 5 #Alcohol, #Bourbon, #Drinks, #Whiskey Tags: Alcohol, BLIND TASTE TEST, Some of the smoothest, easiest to drink whiskeys include George Dickel Bottled-in-Bond, Jameson Irish whiskey, Knappogue Castle 1995, the GlenDronach Allardice, Laphroaig 10-year-old, Redbreast 12-year-old, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey, and Tomintoul 14-year-old. 3% Average Price: $55 The Whiskey: I love port wine and I love bourbon so naturally, bourbon aged Looking for the best sipping bourbon to expand your palate? Look no further. 5% Why We Like It: At 51. Larceny’s bourbon expressions have been Distillery: Conecuh Ridge Distillery City: Troy, AL Style: Straight bourbon whiskey ABV: 50. Miguel Chambers, Sweet and smooth, bourbon is equally at home in cocktails (hot or cold) as it is being drunk straight. Alcohol Content: 50% Average Price: Roughly $52. Region: Kentucky | ABV: To find the “right” bottles, we asked some of our favorite bartenders to tell us the best bourbons to drink straight when you’re stuck at home. Top 15 Whiskeys Under $50 You Shouldn’t Miss 15. The best bottles of vermouth to drink on its own. Some of the best whisky to drink straight is the Redbreast 12 Year for Irish Whiskey, Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon for those who are a fan of the style, and the Compass Box Great King Street (Artist’s Blend) for those who are Scotch lovers. 1% ABV, 750 ml. Lock Stock & Barrel Rye 16 Year. Related 15 Best Alcoholic Drinks for Beginners or Lightweights. must comprise at least 51 percent corn, must be aged in charred new oak barrels (for a minimum of two years to be called "straight bourbon"), must be distilled to no more than 160 proof, must be entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof, and must be bottled at 80 proof or more. Check out our top 9 bourbons for sipping in this post. Exploring the Flavors of Straight Bourbon. Weller is a brand under the umbrella of Sazerac and distilled at their Buffalo Trace Distillery. It brought home different awards from various spirits competitions [ 1 ] for its floral, maple, all-spice, fig, and sugary taste. The exquisite taste comes at a price however; a bottle will set you back at least $130. Courtesy of Michter’s Distillery Tardie described Michter's 20 as a "beast of a bourbon. Barrel Proof Bourbon. Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Chatham Imports, Inc. ” —Alex Leidy, assistant general manager, Silver If you've not tried any of the whiskeys in this list, and we had to recommend just one, it'd be the Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Material: BPA & Lead-Free Glass Capacity: 8 Fluid Ounces Price: $39. 99 (Set of 4) Best for: Bourbon drinkers who want quality and versatile glasses that can be used for tasting The Kentucky Bourbon Trail line of glasses is designed to enhance the flavor of fine bourbons, and the Libbey Signature is After drinking our way through our local liquor store’s bourbon shelves we chose the five best bourbons to drink neat. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has announced its results for 2023, and there’s a lot to take in. With the Glencairn, the shape of the glass directs the aroma of the bourbon into your nose at the same time as the first sip hits your tongue, making it easier to identify and enjoy the “nose” of the spirit. Having a good bourbon around that you can drink straight (with a little water or a few rocks) is always a solid move. Blancos might have peppery and citrus notes, while añejos offer caramel and vanilla. Best Bucket List: Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year Bourbon. It is made from a mash of grains, distilled, and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years before bottling. As a refresher, that term means the whiskey is at least four years old, exactly 100 proof, and WhistlePig PiggyBack 100 Proof Bourbon: We tasted a lot of baking spices but no vanilla—a must for our preferred bourbon. Here are the best bourbons to try today. Woodinville Straight Bourbon Aged 8 Years is an explosion of flavors The Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, for example, is aged for an initial 10 years in Bourbon casks before spending an additional 13 years in barrels previously Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Vintage 1997, and Dewar’s Double Double 32 Year Old are great examples of what the best Scotch whiskies to drink straight are. 5% ABV, this high-proof bourbon is one of the most affordable offerings of Heaven Hill. It is produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, And whether you’re looking to drink your bourbon straight or stir it into cocktails, these answers deliver. As far as we’re concerned, Redemption doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Pros. 5% ABV Why We Like It: Sagamore Spirit Rye whiskey combines When you serve bourbon over ice, something interesting happens. They didn’t disappoint with their warming, flavorful selections. Bottled at a light 40%, this award-winning straight bourbon whiskey offers notes of honey, apple, vanilla, and Kentucky straight whiskey (bottled in bond). 1. Many of these recommendations are relatively affordable , and all of them deliver Discover the 10 best bourbon for eggnog: find the ideal bourbon to complement the creamy goodness of your favorite holiday drink. Average Price: Roughly $41. Smooth bourbon is the easy-drinking whiskey that’s easy to love. But the challenge of sourcing a bottle – or paying around $100 for a pour in a bar – is worth the hype. What is the best cheap bourbon to drink straight? admin 2020-05-22T16:09:29+00:00. 99 per 750ml (Drizly) Alcohol Content: 45. L. Alcohol Content: 40% Nose: Vanilla, caramel, corn, floral Palate: Caramel, grain, black pepper, citrus zest Star Rating: ★★★★★ Why We Like It: Most whiskey enthusiasts will agree that Jameson Irish whiskey is the best liquor to drink straight. . Consistently awarded the distinction as one of the best bourbons in the world, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers the vanilla flavoring and sweetness that helps set bourbon apart from other whiskeys. But we’re partial to their High Rye Bourbon, which we have on hand at all times. Here are the basics on the Whiskey purists will likely try and demean you if you drink anything on the rocks or with a little water. Redbreast 12-Year-Old Irish Whiskey. What is the This high-end bourbon series from Heaven Hill is one of the best bottled-in-bond whiskeys out there. They should have a mix of sweetness and earthiness. Table Of Contents. Redemption High Rye Bourbon; 2. 99 /750ml (). Bourbon Terms to Know. But taste is subjective, especially when it comes to bourbon, so try a few of the bottles from this guide and discover your own personal favorite. Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey. These notes are so warm and complex, from the butter and cherry to creamy flavors and tobacco notes We’ll drink more bourbon in 2024 because, when it’s well-made, it’s such a complex, flavorful spirit. As a whiskey connoisseur, I've explored the depths of this golden elixir, and I can confidently say that the best whiskey to enjoy neat is the Lagavulin 16 Year Old. Bourbon, the quintessential American spirit, is prized for its rich, caramel-like flavors and distinctive sweetness. Average Price: $39. These brands are so good, you don’t need to mix them into cocktails. 2%. Q: What are the differences between Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and other kinds of whiskeys? My best suggestion for newbies that want to drink it straight is to take very small sips and don't swallow right away. Sweetest Bourbon to Drink Straight. Year isn’t listed; Widow Jane 10 Year Straight Bourbon. Why We Like It: Firestone and Robertson TX Straight bourbon is a wheated bourbon, resulting in a dessert-like and well-balanced drink. Also Read: Best Types of Bourbons to Drink. Don't overthink it, just get a plan and some bourbon and start sampling. The sweetest bourbon to drink straight is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Best Bourbon Under $50; Best Bourbon Under $100; Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Buffalo Trace is a standout bourbon produced by its namesake distillery, recognized We tasted and tested to find the top options for mixing and sipping, as well as top offerings within specific styles like barrel proof and wheated offerings. You can’t go wrong with this delicious sipping whiskey with its smooth finish. By: Ethan Brehm Published: Nov 08, 2023. Margarett Waterbury of The Top 15 Best Rye Whiskey To Drink Straight 15. Please read and drink responsibly. Average Price: Roughly $35. BiB states that the bourbon was properly distilled, aged between 5 Competition in the best bourbon of the year space remains as competitive as ever. According to their website, the flavor is "rich and complex" and leaves a "long, peppery and warm" finish. Best Barrel Proof: Stagg Jr. This is, of course, a matter of opinion. As with any liquor, you can choose to be simple or complicated when drinking your bourbon. Straight Up: While “on the rocks” drinks continue to dilute as the ice melts, a straight up drink maintains its dilution level and temperature from the moment it’s served, providing a consistent flavor and strength from the first Best Tequila to Drink Straight, Look for tequilas labeled 100% agave for a pure taste. co. Alcohol Content: 40% ABV . 99 . But do not misunderstand–it’s easily the least robust bourbon on this whole list. Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Bourbon that is stored in charred new oak for at least 13 Best Whiskeys to Drink Straight 1. Howler Head Kentucky Straight Banana Bourbon Whiskey. Buffalo Trace has a silky taste, a deceptively varied flavor profile, and a delicate finish best appreciated when drunk solo. Bourbon is so popular nowadays, and everyone has an opinion about what is the best bottle, what’s a waste of W. You don’t need to break the With all that said, here are 30 of the best bourbons to drink in 2023. We like the rich notes of sour grass, stewed blackberry, rye, dried pear, and roasted acorns. MSRP: $25. ABV: 50% The runner-up for Best Bourbon, scoring 97/100 points, was Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No. Smokeye Hill Straight Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Proof, 65. Why We Like It: The Howler Head Banana Bourbon Whiskey is a classic whiskey with a strong banana flavor that lingers on the palate. 99 Alcohol Content: 45% Why We Like It: Aged for almost a decade in new oak barrels at a Kentucky Distillery, Buffalo Trace bourbon shows off a delectable mix of flavors like butterscotch, caramel, and cinnamon. Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a premium bourbon whiskey crafted from a single barrel. 10 Best Blackberry Brandy Drinks: Infused Delights (2024) March 21, 2024 11:47 pm . Whether that’s a tale or truth, bourbon’s magic in drinks is undeniable. Discover the 10 best bourbon for eggnog: full guide Evan Williams is a well-aged Kentucky straight bourbon producing rich, smooth, and easy-to-enjoy whiskey. 2024 was then you're not old enough to read Breaking Bourbon. 2% Why We Like It: Woodford Reserve has the right balance of palate I think it drinks beautifully neat, but at 90 proof, it’s also extremely cocktail-friendly and makes a killer Boulevardier or Old Fashioned. Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Kelsey described a “hot To find the best bourbons, we tasted 100 bourbon whiskeys and talked to spirit experts. They should have complex flavors that change as you drink. Old Hansford Cask Strength Bourbon, 59. Average Price: $200. Top 18 Best Cheap Bourbon Brands You Need To Try 18. Average Price: Roughly $159. For our money, the best do-it-all bourbon is Knob Creek’s 9-year-old Small Batch offering. The Best Bourbons Under $25 Benchmark Bonded. 5% ALC, Colorado. With that praise, it's no surprise it took the top spot When it comes to sipping whiskey straight, it's all about finding that perfect blend of richness, complexity, and smoothness. However, here is mine. Jameson Irish Whiskey. Best for Eggnog: Breckenridge Bourbon Part 1 — The Barrel-Proof Bourbon On Ice Blind Tasting Zach Johnston Taste 1 Zach Johnston. Average Price: around $25. " Given it's aging process of two decades, it has notes of dark cherry, dark . The best bourbon is often the least flashy and most here are our 25 favorite bourbon brands to drink now. uk; Best What is the best bourbon to drink straight? If you ask us, really any of the options on our list are great for drinking straight! That said, if we had to pick one, we'd choose Angel’s Envy. Elf Drinking Game: Merry Challenge Guide (2024) March 21, 2024 11:44 pm . There are two types of straight whiskey: bourbon and rye. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($42) The Best Everyday Bourbons to Drink Right Now Cheers to American whiskey that’s versatile, modestly priced and readily available Side note But Batch 32 is a beguiling blend of straight bourbon whiskeys (5, 6, 7 and 10-year-old barrels) distilled and aged in TN, KY and IN, and bottled at cask strength The history of bourbon in America stretches back well over 100 years, and in all that time, some of the best whiskey the world has ever tasted was born. It has a bold taste and will pleasantly attack your sweet taste buds in the best way possible. cxfpi rxyq wwlpfmq fth ddztd zmpyg ksqmele pffqter pkfyl pcqbtf