Emma Jones
An Ode to the Classic Bourbons: Celebrating National Bourbon Day in Style
Did you know that bourbon lovers all over the nation come together annually to celebrate America’s ‘native spirit’? Yep, it’s called National Bourbon Day, held on June 14 –mark your calendar! This occasion presents the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to our beloved amber nectar straight from Kentucky’s heartland and other areas of America by highlighting some of our favorite classic bourbons. So, buckle up as we dive deep into a tour de force of the top ten classic bourbons, each earning its dignity to be savored, sipped, and respected.
1. Jim Beam White Label
”The Classic Trustworthy”
If you’re a bourbon beginner, Jim Beam White Label is a perfect starting point. Its rich profile of sweet vanilla, charred oak, and a touch of spice makes it a great bourbon for those who are learning that they have a taste for whiskey. Plus, it’s a solid foundation for mixing if you’re a cocktail enthusiast.
2. Buffalo Trace
“The Flavorful Bargain”
A fantastic bourbon for the price, Buffalo Trace offers a swirl of flavors including toffee, vanilla, and a hint of spice. Despite being budget-friendly, it has a depth of flavor that can be sipped on its own or used as a base for your favorite whiskey cocktail. Its enticing aroma and smooth finish will draw you in time and time again.
3. Maker’s Mark
”The Easy-drinking Staple”
An iconic wax-sealed bottle containing beautifully sweet and silky bourbon, Maker’s Mark is a staple in any bourbon lover’s collection. Its mellow sweetness with notes of caramel and vanilla interlaced with a touch of spice makes it perfect for sipping straight or combining in cocktails.
4. Four Roses Single Barrel
“The Complex Character”
Four Roses Single Barrel shines with a splendid interplay of sweet and spicy flavors. Expect a full-bodied sip loaded with rich fruity flavors and spices, followed by a long and smooth finish. It’s a bourbon to be savored slowly and deliberately, offering multilayered intricacies in every sip.
5. Knob Creek
“The Bold and Robust”
With a bold and full-flavor that is rich in oak, spices, and caramel sweetness, Knob Creek stands as a delightful choice for those who fancy intense bourbons. It’s powerful enough to stand up in cocktails, but it’s bold flavor profile makes it a great sipper as well.
6. Wild Turkey 101
“The High-octane Crowd-pleaser”
Wild Turkey 101 offers an ideal balance of sweetness and spice with a high rye content that imparts a full-bodied and robust flavor. This potent sipper would do well on any bourbon fan’s rack, packing a punch of robust flavors while maintaining an accessible palate.
7. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
“The Sophisticated Harmony”
A renowned straight Bourbon, Woodford Reserve offers an elegant, complex sip well-crafted sugars, spices, fruits, and florals. A sip of this gem feels like a crescendo of flavors that both charm and satisfy bourbon lovers.
8. Bulleit Bourbon
“The Spicy Contender”
Bulleit Bourbon brings a significant rye content delivering a spicy kick and complex taste. Its exciting combination of citrus notes and spices, overlaid with a robust caramel and oak character, makes it an intriguing whiskey for both sipping and mixing.
9. Elijah Craig Small Batch
“The Time-honored Traditionalist”
This Bourbon is loaded with a mellow sweetness supported by toasted oak and fruity undertones that spread in your mouth, ending in a long, warming finish. Elijah Craig Small Batch is a beautiful example of how traditional methods still stand strong.
10. Evan Williams Black Label
“The Satisfying Steal”
A great bang for your buck, Evan Williams Black Label offers a pleasant surprise for its price point. It satisfies with a pleasant mix of sweet and warm, toasted flavors including vanilla, honey, and charred oak. If ever there were a dark horse in the world of bourbon, this would be it.
With countless options on liquor store shelves vying for attention, these classic bourbons lead the pack by offering quality, taste, and heritage. Whether you plan to sip it neat by a cozy fire, mix it into a refreshing mint julep, or simply savor its enticing display of flavors drop by drop, a good bottle of bourbon can’t be beaten. So, let’s raise a glass. Here’s to National Bourbon Day, the bourbon way!
