The best Bourbon brands of 2021
Evan Williams – Best budget Bourbon
Old Forester – Best value Bourbon
Woodford Reserve – Best Kentucky Bourbon
Maker’s Mark – Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned
Pappy Van Winkle – The overall best Bourbon of 2021
Blanton’s – Best small batch Bourbon
Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon – Best Bourbon to drink neat
image credited by Evan Williams
Evan Williams Black Bourbon Whiskey (1 x 0.7 l)
Evan Williams is the second best-selling Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey in the US and worldwide, and offers well-rounded, medium-bodied spirits with an ABV of 43%.
The Bourbon was named after Evan Williams who, in 1783, opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery along the Ohio River. it’s aged far longer than required by law.
Despite its budget price, this Bourbon offers a range of aromas and flavours throughout the tasting journey. Expect initial Notes of oak, brown sugar and caramel.
At 86 proof, Evan Williams Bourbon is rich,
full of character, and simply done right.
HIGHBALL
INGREDIENTS
2 oz. Evan Williams Bourbon
Ginger Ale
Lemon Wedge
INSTRUCTIONS
Build over ice in a highball glass and garnish with a lemon wedge.
image credited by Evan Williams
2. Old Forester 86 PROOF
The Old Forester brand is more than 150 years old and its signature Bourbon is proof that with time comes expertise., Old Forester is the only bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during and after Prohibition.
At 86 proof, Old Forester delivers a genuine bourbon experience, with rich, full flavour and a smooth character that is ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water or in a classic cocktail.
A favourite among bartenders, this Bourbon is made up of 70 percent corn, 18 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley.
3. Woodford Reserve
image credited by Woodford Reserve Distiller
Handmade for connoisseurs: Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select is a handcrafted small-batch bourbon that is produced, stored and bottled in County Woodford in Kentucky
The double oak Bourbon brings out vanilla and caramel notes with a smooth start and a slightly sweet finish. As the name suggests, Woodford Reserve distils its Bourbon in Woodford County, Kentucky, in small batches for optimal taste. It’s a sophisticated brand that’s won awards and acclaims internationally.
This innovative approach to ageing whiskey pays off, with a rich and powerful flavour from start to finish.
Taste: soft, round and gentle with complex spices and sweet notes of fruit and mint.
A touch of caramel, apricot and cocoa provide the outstanding taste
Colour: strong, luminous amber, aroma: powerful vanilla, fruit, caramel and the sweetness of cocoa, finish: soft and smooth, with a persistent, spicy warmth
Expect a long-bodied finish with a lingering hint of apple.
4. Maker’s Mark
image credited by Maker's Mark
Maker's Mark Handgemachter Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Every single bottle of Maker's Mark is hand-dipped in red wax and sealed. This seal is the unmistakable, individual trademark of this extraordinary bourbon and makes every Maker's Mark unique.
A wheated Bourbon combined with a large dash of bitters, spicey, While a corn-heavy version will balance well with citrus.
Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
5. Pappy Van Winkle
image credited by Pappy Van Winkle
Pappy Van Winkle`s 1984 23 Years Single Barrel SB # 2 Gold Wax Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 47.8% Vol. From 2007
A vintage 1984 23 Years Pappy Van Winkles Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon, distilled on March 30, 1984, in the old Stitzel-Weller distillery, selected on April 27, 2007, by Barrel
A masterpiece and rarity from the Pappy Van Winkles Family Reserve and one of only 3 known single barrel bottlings of the 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle!
Considered by many to be the world’s finest Bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle’s Bourbons are so rare and so popular that there’s even a term for finding a bottle: “Pappy hunting”
This unique single barrel bourbon was never available in stores and to this day only one copy of this bourbon whiskey, which was only awarded to selected members in the lottery by StraightBourbon.com, has been offered even at renowned auction houses such as Bonhams, Krüger or Christies.
This over 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkles Single Barrel Gold Wax sealed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey can without exaggeration be described as a special masterpiece and whiskey icon by Julian Van Winkl as well as an absolutely unique specimen, is certainly one of the rarest whiskey rarities worldwide and is one Exceptional collector's rarity!
6. Blanton’s
image credited by Blanton's The Original Bourbon Whiskey
Blanton's Original is bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery.
The aroma of the bourbon whiskey is characterized by the typical bourbon scents. The Blanton smells heavenly sweet and full of caramel and vanilla. Fruity tones from dried lemon peel, oranges and also cloves elegantly round off the nosing.
Originally it was only intended for good customers and friends of the family. Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee released Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984, at a time when the Bourbon industry appeared to be on a downward slope.
Today it is available to everyone online and in stationary locations.
The Blanton's Original is bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery and is distilled from the finest grain and the purest water according to the traditional recipe of the inventor, Benjamin Blanton. It matures for at least 10 years in selected Americans
It features powerful vanilla notes combined with hints of honey and a nose of spices and nutmeg. It’s another winner of various national competitions.
7. Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon
Jeffersons Kentucky Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon 0,7 Liter
This bourbon began as an experiment with just three bourbon barrels on Trey's friend Chris Fischer from OCEARCH's ship to find out what would happen if bourbon could withstand the extreme elements: temperature swings, salty air, and the gentle rocking of the ship.
Each voyage of Jefferson’s Ocean typically crosses the equator four times.
Drink it neat while wondering exactly how far your bottle has travelled before it reached you.
This experiment resulted in a thick, dark Bourbon with complex flavours.
The almost black colour and caramel flavours resemble a dark rum when the sugar in the barrels is caramelized.
The salty, hearty taste of the barrels breathing in the sea air is reminiscent of Islay Scotch. and at its core, it's a real bourbon.
Jefferson’s believes that temperature fluctuations, salt air and the gentle rocking of the ship all work together to weather a truly fine Bourbon.
Jefferson’s rich amber Bourbon is known for its red apple, aroma vanilla, brown sugar candy and dried fruit flavour.
Alongside its sea air saltiness comes Salty caramel, clove spices and scorched oak.
