Dustin Gandoff
The Beauty of Sourced Bourbon
In the world of whiskey, the term “sourced” can have a bit of a stigma. However, with the changing landscape of bourbon production, being a sourced bourbon is nothing to blush about. In fact, sourced bourbons are some of the best you can find on the market today. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 sourced bourbons you should consider trying.
1. Barrell Craft Spirits
Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Barrell Craft Spirits doesn’t distill its own spirits, instead sourcing them from different distilleries. Their focus is on curating a collection of exceptional barrels and releasing them at cask strength. Each batch is unique and full of flavor.
2. Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit sources its bourbon from the Four Roses Distillery. It’s highly regarded for its high rye content, which imparts a bold, spicy flavor.
3. WhistlePig Rye
WhistlePig is a Vermont-based company that sources its whiskey from Alberta, Canada. Their 10 Year Old Straight Rye is a standout, with complex flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
4. Michter’s US*1
Michter’s foregoes distilling in favor of curating some of the best bourbon in the land. Their US*1 series is testament to their skill, featuring rich, aromatic bourbon flavors.
5. Redemption Bourbon
Redemption Bourbon is a sourced bourbon from the legendary MGP distillery. The high-rye bourbon is a flavorful and worth sipping straight.
6. Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy originally sourced their spirits, but now combine this with their distillation. The bourbon is finished in port wine casks, adding depth and complexity.
7. Smooth Ambler Old Scout
A Worthy Mention
Smooth Ambler is a craft distillery that both sources and distills whiskey. Their Old Scout line is a sourced bourbon that is rich, smooth and flavorful.
8. High West Whiskey
High West is known for their artful blends of sourced whiskies. A particular standout is the Campfire Whiskey, a mix of bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch.
9. Belle Meade Bourbon
Belle Meade sources their bourbon from MGP, using a high-rye mash bill. The bourbon is then aged and bottled in Nashville, with each release having a distinct flavor profile.
10. Willett Family Estate Bottled Bourbon
Although they’ve started distilling their own spirits, Willett has a long history of sourcing excellent bourbon. Their Family Estate series features bourbon from a variety of sources, making each one unique.
11. Blanton’s Single Barrel
Blanton’s single barrel is a sourced bourbon with complexity and smoothness. A gold standard in the world of bourbon, this one’s a must-try.
And the list goes on…
We’ve only scratched the surface of the world of sourced bourbon. Other notable mentions include Jefferson’s Ocean, Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, Four Kings Collaboration, James E. Pepper 1776, and Pinhook bourbon. Each has a unique story and delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur or just a casual dabbler, it’s time to give sourced bourbon the respect it deserves. With exceptional taste and complexity, these bourbons demonstrate that you don’t have to distill to excel in the whiskey world.
