Daniel Davis
Explore the Best Bourbons Made Outside of Kentucky
Kentucky is undoubtedly known as bourbon country. However, in 2024, the rest of the country is catching up fast. Some of the world’s best bourbon is now being made outside of Kentucky. Although bourbon is typically not peated, in a matchup of Kentucky versus the world, these bourbons want all the smoke.
Remarkable Distilleries from Various Regions
From cities like Brooklyn in New York, Charleston in South Carolina, and Seattle in Washington, there are distilleries proving that the best bourbon isn’t limited to Kentucky. Give them a taste, and you’ll realize that other regions aren’t just trying to keep up – they are soaring to new heights. In fact, these bourbons are easily some of the finest you’ll find anywhere.
The Unique Bourbon Varieties
Prepare to have your horizon broadened and perhaps even your mind changed. Below are some of the standout bourbons from outside Kentucky:
- Jimmy Red Bottled In Bond Bourbon 10th Anniversary: This Charleston, SC bourbon uses a unique corn varietal, Jimmy Red, and locally sourced ingredients. It has a nutty aroma with notes of spiced orange and brioche. On the palate, expect brown sugar, vanilla, buttered popcorn, and a savory sweetness of honey.
- Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Cask Strength Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Hailing from North Carolina, this bourbon features sticky orange marmalade, nutmeg, and jasmine on the nose, with chocolate truffle and walnut meat on the palate. The finish is sweet with apple skin and clover honey.
- McKenzie Bottled In Bond Bourbon: From upstate New York, this bourbon offers caramel-coated melon, milk chocolate, and dried cranberries. The finish is lengthy with mellow baking spices and almond extract.
- Old Stubborn Straight Wheated Bourbon Batch: Sourced from West Virginia and blended by a Kentucky-based producer, this bourbon has vegetal notes, sticky caramel, and a finish with walnut shell and red chili pepper skin.
Outstanding Bourbon Distilleries Outside Kentucky
Various distilleries outside Kentucky are making a mark with their unique bourbon varieties. For instance, High Wire Distilling in Charleston has brought the unique Jimmy Red corn back to life. Southern Distilling Company in North Carolina is impressing with their wheated bourbons, and Finger Lakes Distilling in New York is showing that their region can be known for whiskey as well as wine.
Savor the Distinctive Flavors
Each region brings its own flair to bourbon making:
- Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This Nevada bourbon uses sustainably grown grains, offering leather and cinnamon on the nose with a palate of tropical fruit, tobacco leaf, and black tea.
- Old 55 Single Barrel 100% Sweet Corn Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey: Indiana’s Old 55 Distillery shines with sweet corn pudding and melon notes, finished with blackberry sweetness and cola nut.
- Wyoming Whiskey 10-Year Anniversary Edition: This high-rye bourbon from Wyoming features apricot, pear, and caramel on the nose, with a palate of citrus and creme brulee.
- Starlight Distillery Mizunara Reserve Bourbon: From Indiana, this bourbon aged in Japanese Mizunara barrels offers fried apple pie aromas and bright cherry on the palate.
Benefit of Diverse Bourbon Locations
These unique bourbon varieties and outstanding distilleries from diverse locations across the country enhance the bourbon experience. By broadening your horizon and embracing these bourbons, you’re opening yourself up to new flavors and exceptional quality that rival even the best from Kentucky. Enjoy these remarkable bourbons made outside of Kentucky and celebrate the rich diversity in bourbon making.
Why Unique Bourbon Varieties Matter
The craftsmanship and innovation in these distilleries demonstrate that while Kentucky is the heart of bourbon country, other regions are ripe with potential and talent. Bourbons made outside of Kentucky bring new and exciting flavors to the market, proving that excellence in bourbon making knows no boundaries.
