Emma Jones
Delve Into the Best Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskeys for 2023
As any whiskey connoisseur will tell you, not all bourbons are created equal. The drive for uniqueness and superior flavor profiles often leads whiskey producers to experiment with the idea of Single-Barrel Bourbon. What’s so special about these, you ask? Well, unlike other bourbons, single-barrel selections are bottled from one specific, unblended barrel, providing a unique flavor influenced by that barrel’s specific aging conditions. And since we’re here to help you make the most informed whiskey-drinking decisions, we’ve sieved through countless bourbon offerings and hand-picked the 15 finest single barrel bourbon whiskeys for 2023. Scroll through and let your palate do the deciding!
1. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon
Atop our list is the universally acclaimed Blanton’s Original. Often cited as the pioneer of single barrel bourbons, it offers a masterful blend of vanilla, caramel, and light citrus zest, offering a rich, satisfying finish. A gold standard, if you may.
2. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
Next up is the Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon. This whiskey is a powerhouse of flavors carrying hints of ripe plum, cherries, and robust tobacco. The long, silky finish offers a beautiful cherry blossom and white pepper kick.
3. Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon
This stunning beverage is a testament to the impressive legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor. Produced by Buffalo Trace, this gem showcases a perfect blend of caramel, apple, and oak. Its finish is incredibly smooth, making it a superlative offering for any bourbon enthusiast.
4. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
This bourbon is an uncut, non-chill filtered offering from Master Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell. Known for their meticulous barrel selection, this bourbon is full-bodied, with a laden palate of licorice, vanilla, and toasted oak. It gives you a truly unique tasting experience.
5. Barrell Bourbon Single Barrel Bourbon
Barrell Bourbon’s Single Barrel selection provides a parade of flavors, from buttery fudge and dried fruit richness to the hints of tobacco and cinnamon spice, wrapping up with a long enjoyable finish.
6. Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon
This whisky is well known for the maturity it shows, despite its apparent youth. The complex flavors of vanilla, mint, sweet fruit, and oak ensure a fully rounded tasting experience.
7. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Knob Creek is one of the most praised bourbons for its deep and complex flavors. The Single Barrel Reserve carries an unforgettable flavor of toasted nut grains, oak, and mouthwatering brown sugar.
8. Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon
A prestigious bourbon, this one boasts a taste that is boldly dry, with notes of candied almonds and rich cocoa. Complex, yet balanced – it’s a rare but rewarding find!
9. Evan Williams Single Barrel
A smoother variety of bourbon, this one has a palate that ranges from buttery to nutty with a touch of sweet honey. It’s a lovingly crafted bourbon that deserves to be tasted.
10. Willett’s Pot Still Reserve
This well-balanced and smooth bourbon has a unique bottle shaped like a still. The finish is long, warm, and always leaves a hint of toasted pecan on the palate.
11. Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon
Aged for a minimum of four years, this bourbon carries notes of chocolate, spice, and just the right hint of smoke. It’s a bourbon that thoroughly satisfies.
12. Booker’s “Noe Secret” Single Barrel
A strong, intense bourbon packed with rich layers of molasses, vanilla, and oak – this one is revered as the “whiskey-lover’s whiskey.”
13. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select
From America’s oldest registered distillery, this single barrel selection offers rich toasted oak hints, sweet caramel, and a vanilla touch. It ends with a perfectly balanced, warm, subtle spice finish.
14. Isaac Bowman Straight Bourbon
This one presents an impressive palate spanning from dark cherry, vanilla, and caramel to a drier, more floral side, complete with a long, smooth finish.
15. Henry McKenna Single Barrel
Last but not least, Henry McKenna’s 10-year-old, bottle-in-bond, single-barrel bourbon. It is well known for its bold taste with indications of nutty sweetness, plum, and oak wood.
Regardless of whether you’re a bourbon rookie trying to familiarize yourself with whiskey or an experienced connoisseur looking to spice up your usual suspects, this list of the top 15 single-barrel bourbon whiskeys for 2023 certainly offers a little something for everyone. So, why wait? Let the whiskey adventure begin!
