Daniel Davis
Bourbon: A Journey Through the Premium and Super-Premium
Over the past few years, the world of bourbon and American whiskey has undergone a remarkable transformation. Fueled by a surge in demand for premium and super-premium products, the category has expanded and evolved in unprecedented ways.
The Rise of High-End Bourbons
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), “High End Premium and Super-Premium brands drove growth” in the American whiskey market between 2003 and 2022. This trend has been driven by the increased interest in premium spirits and the discerning palates of consumers seeking exceptional whiskey experiences.
Bourbon’s Dominance
Despite the growth of other American whiskey categories, such as rye whiskey and Tennessee whiskey, bourbon remains the flagship spirit of the domestic whiskey market. Its widespread familiarity and iconic status have made it synonymous with American whiskey.
Creativity and Innovation
The bourbon category has witnessed a burst of creativity and innovation. Distillers are experimenting with heirloom grains, unique mash bills, barrel aging techniques, and innovative finishing methods. This has resulted in a wide range of bourbons with distinct flavor profiles and characteristics.
The Top 27 Bourbons
In today’s vibrant bourbon landscape, it can be challenging to choose the best. Here’s a list of 27 exceptional bourbons that represent the pinnacle of the category, arranged alphabetically:
- Angel’s Envy: Known for its innovative barrel-finishing techniques.
- Blanton’s Single Barrel: A beloved classic, considered the first commercially available single-barrel bourbon.
- Booker’s: A benchmark among barrel-proof whiskeys, known for its high octane and robust flavor.
- Buffalo Trace Experimental Series: A limited-edition series showcasing unique barrel experiments and mash bills.
- Bulleit: A widely recognized brand known for its high-rye mash bill and spicy character.
- Eaves Blind: A subscription-based service offering blind tastings of unique, unbranded bourbons.
- Elijah Craig: A well-balanced and affordable bourbon, available in various expressions.
- Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel: An elusive and highly sought-after single-barrel bourbon.
- Evan Williams Single Barrel: A consistently excellent and value-driven bourbon, available with vintage designations.
- Four Roses: A versatile bourbon known for its use of two mash bills and five yeast strains.
- George T. Stagg: A cult classic, aged for a minimum of 15 years and bottled unfiltered and uncut.
- Hudson Baby Bourbon: A distinctive bourbon from New York State, finished in ex-maple syrup barrels.
- Jefferson’s: Known for its unorthodox blends and the innovative Ocean Series, which explores the impact of sea voyages on whiskey aging.
- Jim Beam: A top-selling bourbon worldwide, offering a range of expressions, including Legent and Basil Hayden’s.
- Knob Creek: Crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery, known for its 9-year bourbon, single-barrel expressions, and 18-year bourbon.
- Lost Lantern: A bottler that sources unique and expressive whiskeys from distillers across the United States.
- Maker’s Mark: A classic and approachable bourbon, known for its iconic red wax seal and sweet, balanced character.
- Michter’s Line: A reputable brand offering a range of well-aged and single-barrel bourbons.
- Old Forester: A historic brand known for its sealed bottles, 100 proof bourbon, and Whiskey Row Series.
- Old Grand-Dad Bonded and 114: High-rye mash bill bourbons known for their value and cocktail-enhancing qualities.
- Pappy Van Winkle: An iconic and highly sought-after wheated bourbon, available in various age statements.
- Russell’s Reserve: A cult classic from the Russell family, known for its 10-year bourbon and limited-release expressions.
- Uncle Nearest: The most successful Black-owned spirits brand in American history, named after the master distiller who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey.
- Weller Line: A wheated bourbon often referred to as “Baby Pappy,” known for its affordability and availability.
- Widow Jane: A Brooklyn-based brand known for its unique bourbons and ryes, aged in New York State.
- Wild Turkey 101: A classic and affordable bourbon, known for its high proof and versatility.
- Woodford Reserve: A highly regarded bourbon, known for its consistent quality and value, offering a range of expressions.
Exploring the Bourbon Landscape
Beyond the top 27, the world of bourbon continues to expand and surprise. From emerging distilleries in Texas, Utah, and Nevada to established brands in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, the bourbon landscape is rich and diverse.
Within Kentucky, the spiritual home of bourbon, innovative distilleries like New Riff, Barrel Craft Spirits, and Castle & Key are pushing the boundaries of the category. The moral of the story is simple: Explore the breadth and depth of bourbon’s geographic diversity to discover the full spectrum of flavors and experiences.
