Daniel Davis
Bourbons from Outside Kentucky: A Look at the Best of the Rest
Kentucky may be known as the heart of bourbon country, but in recent years, distilleries across the US have been producing exceptional bourbons that rival, and in some cases even surpass, their Kentucky counterparts.
These bourbons offer a diverse range of flavors and profiles, showcasing the creativity and innovation of distillers outside the Bluegrass State. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or just starting to explore the world of American whiskey, there’s a bourbon from outside Kentucky waiting to impress you.
The Rise of Bourbons from Outside Kentucky
The rise of bourbons from outside Kentucky can be attributed to several factors. First, there has been a growing demand for craft spirits, with consumers seeking unique and high-quality products. Second, the availability of high-quality grains and barrels has increased, allowing distilleries to experiment with different mash bills and aging techniques. Finally, the talent and passion of distillers outside Kentucky have played a key role in the production of exceptional bourbons.
Best Bourbons from Outside Kentucky
Here are 10 of the best bourbons made outside of Kentucky, ranked by ABV:
1. Jimmy Red Bourbon (Charleston, South Carolina)
- ABV: 50%
- Average Price: $300
Jimmy Red Bourbon is made using a unique corn varietal, Jimmy Red, which the brand helped save from the brink of extinction. This bourbon is full of flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It is bottled at 100 proof, giving it a bold and satisfying finish.
2. Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Bourbon (North Carolina)
- ABV: 57.1%
- Average Price: $100
This single barrel bourbon is made with a wheated mash bill and aged for a minimum of 6 years. It has a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, toffee, and cinnamon. The high proof gives it a powerful kick, making it a perfect choice for sipping neat.
3. McKenzie Bottled in Bond Bourbon (New York)
- ABV: 50%
- Average Price: $60
This bourbon is made with a unique mash bill of 70% corn, 20% hard red winter wheat, and 10% malted barley. It is aged for a minimum of 4 years in accordance with the Bottled in Bond Act, which ensures its quality and authenticity.
4. Old Stubborn Barrel Proof Wheated Bourbon (West Virginia)
- ABV: 61.9%
- Average Price: $250
This wheated bourbon is made from a blend of 10, 11, and 13-year-old bourbons. It has a unique and complex flavor profile, with notes of leather, cinnamon, and chocolate. The high proof gives it a powerful kick, making it a perfect choice for experienced bourbon drinkers.
5. Frey Ranch Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Nevada)
- ABV: 62.15%
- Average Price: $80
This bourbon is made with 100% Nevada-grown grains and aged for a minimum of 4 years. It has a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. The high proof gives it a powerful kick, making it a perfect choice for sipping neat.
6. Old 55 100% Sweet Corn Bourbon (Indiana)
- ABV: 62.7%
- Average Price: $300
This unique bourbon is made from 100% sweet corn. It has a sweet and creamy flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and cornbread. The high proof gives it a powerful kick, making it a perfect choice for experienced bourbon drinkers.
7. Wyoming Whiskey 10th Anniversary Bourbon (Wyoming)
- ABV: 51.7%
- Average Price: $190
This high-rye bourbon is made with a 68% rye, 20% corn, and 12% malted barley mash bill. It is aged for a minimum of 10 years, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. Wyoming Whiskey 10th Anniversary Bourbon has notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak.
8. Starlight Distillery Mizunara-Finished Bourbon (Indiana)
- ABV: 58%
- Average Price: $150
This bourbon is finished in Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, giving it a unique and complex flavor profile. Starlight Distillery Mizunara-Finished Bourbon has notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and sandalwood.
9. Holladay Distillery x Bourbon Lore Collaboration Bourbon (Utah)
- ABV: 59.3%
- Average Price: $99
This bourbon is a collaboration between Holladay Distillery and Bourbon Lore. It is made from a blend of 18 barrels and aged for a minimum of 5 years. Holladay Distillery x Bourbon Lore Collaboration Bourbon has notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and oak.
10. Kings County Blender’s Reserve (New York)
- ABV: 64.8%
- Average Price: $185
This bourbon is made from a blend of 7-year-old bourbons aged in 5-gallon barrels. It has a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, spice, and leather. Kings County Blender’s Reserve is a powerful and flavorful bourbon that is perfect for sipping neat.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many exceptional bourbons that are being produced outside of Kentucky. With the continued innovation and dedication of distillers across the US, the future of bourbon looks bright. So next time you’re looking for a great bourbon, don’t be afraid to venture outside of Kentucky. You might be surprised at what you find.
