Dustin Gandoff
1. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20-year bourbon
If you are a serious bourbon enthusiast, you have definitely heard of or maybe even tasted Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve. This bourbon is made using a special recipe of corn, wheat, and barley and aged for twenty years. It is hard to forget the first time you taste this bourbon because of its fancy flavor of caramel, truffle, and chocolate cake. It might be expensive but is worth the price.
2. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
This is a double oaked bourbon which means after aging, it is transferred to a second barrel for another period of aging. The result is a bourbon that has a rich, deep flavor and probably the smoothest finish you have ever experienced. It’s filled with flavors like caramel, hazelnut, and apple that blend together in the mouth to create a wonderfully smooth experience that leaves you eager for the next sip.
3. Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Angel’s Envy is another crowd favorite among bourbon lovers. This bourbon is aged for up to 6 years and offers a great balance of spice and sweetness. It is then finished in port wine barrels which gives it a distinct taste. The hints of vanilla, ripe fruit, and caramel are certain to make your mouth water.
4. Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Small Batch is a blend of four different bourbon recipes, each aged for a minimum of five years and carefully selected by the master distiller. This bourbon stands out due to its exceptional smoothness and balanced flavor profile. It offers notes of sweet oak, caramel, and ripe red berries with a long and pleasant finish.
5. Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is a popular bourbon not just due to its distinct dripping red wax seal, but also its rich and smooth taste. The brand uses red winter wheat instead of rye in their recipe which leads to its distinctly sweet and smooth taste. This bourbon offers flavors of vanilla and nutmeg with a dry, clean finish.
6. Blanton’s Single Barrel
Blanton’s Single Barrel is a premium bourbon that is known for its delicate flavor and smooth drinking experience. This bourbon is aged in a single barrel, which means every bottle offers a unique taste. With flavors like vanilla, honey, and orange, sipping on Blanton’s Single Barrel is a treat to the senses.
7. Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace is a well-respected name in the bourbon industry. This bourbon is not just smooth but also offers a rich and complex flavor. Expect tastes of caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla with a hint of spice for a little kick. The finish is long, lingering, and extremely smooth.
8. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a blend of 8 to 12-year-old bourbons chosen for their taste, balance, and consistency. The end result is a smooth, rich bourbon filled with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and vanilla. The bourbon finishes with a hint of caramel and butterscotch, making it a perfect after-dinner treat.
9. Knob Creek
Knob Creek is known for its full-bodied, rich flavor and smoothness. This bourbon is aged nine years and has deep flavors of vanilla, nut, oak, and caramel. There’s a good amount of rye in the mix, so expect some spicy kick but it’s all balanced out with a smooth, sweet finish.
10. Bulleit Bourbon
Finishing off our list is Bulleit Bourbon. The bourbon has a high rye content which delivers a bold, spicy character. Flavors like vanilla, honey, and oak fill your palate and it all ends with a long, smooth, and mellow finish. Bulleit Bourbon might be last on this list, but its flavorful and smooth profile certainly deserves recognition.
Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur or new to the world of bourbons, these ten bourbons offer a unique experience of smoothness and balanced flavors that are sure to captivate your palate.
