The Bourbon Taste Test
Kentucky is known for two things: Derby and Bourbon. We’ve compiled a list of the best bourbons the state has...
– The grain recipe must be at least 51 percent corn
– Distilled at less than 160 proof from fermented grain mash
– The product must be matured in new, charred, white oak barrels at no more than 125 proof
– Nothing can be added to the final product except pure water
– Must be bottled at 80 proof or higher
Makers Mark
This 90 proof bourbon is distilled in Lorettto, Kentucky and is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It’s easily identified by its unique red wax seal. Comments: “High octane. Nice taste but too harsh”
Baker’s
This is a 7-year-old 107 proof bourbon from the Small Batch Distillery in Kentucky. It’s named after Baker Beam, the grand nephew of Jim Beam. According to the distillery, Baker’s is best served in a sniffer with a splash of spring water. Comments: “Very harsh up front, but nice color.”
Woodford Reserve
Woodford bourbon comes from a small but growing distillery in Kentucky. The bourbon is handcrafted by a small team that reports directly to the Master distiller who selects only the best barrels for bottling. Comments: “This bourbon has some heft to it–really rich and thick.”
Wild Turkey
This Kentucky straight bourbon holds a special place in hunter’s hearts and the country in general; it’s one of the best selling bourbons in the U.S. It was introduced in 1940 and is made in a variety of different proofs. Our sample was 80 proof (personally I prefer the standard 101). Comments: “Buttery smell and taste–smooth.”
Evan Williams
This was the big sleeper of the group. It was by far the cheapest bottle in the mix (you can buy a bottle of Evan Williams for $12 in many parts of the country) but it still finished in the middle of the pack. Comments: “Very nice. Good color, well-balanced.”
Evan Williams Single Barrel
This 86 proof is the standard Evan Williams’ older, classier cousin. It’s more expensive, but it tastes better too. It has been voted Whiskey of the Year five times. Comments: “Smooth and sweet and woods”
Elijah Craig (12 years)
This 12-year-old 94 proof bourbon has some high accolades. It recently won won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named winner in the Premium Bourbon category in Whisky Magazine ‘s bi-annual “Best of the Best” tasting competition. The OL editors liked it too. Comments: “Nice middle-ground flavor”
Elija Craig (18 years)
At 18 years old, this is the oldest single barrel bourbon in the world. Each barrel is hand selected by Parker and Craig Beam (descendants of Jim Beam himself). When the barrels are finally selected about 2/3 of the original contents have evaporated. Comments: “Yummy, vanilla!”
Jack Daniels
OK, before you write an angry comment, we know that Jack Daniels is not actually a bourbon, it’s a Tennessee whiskey. The distinction lies in the way its made. Jack Daniels is dripped slowly through 10 feet of firmly packed charcoal before it goes into charred oak barrels for aging. We couldn’t help but see how Old No. 7 stood up against the competition so we included it. Turns out Jack did pretty well. Comments: “Smooth. Very nice”
Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old
Richer than molasses, this deep, dark bourbon checks in at an easy-sippin’ 107 proof. If you want to respect your elders, there’s no need to add water or ice. Just kick back, put your feet up and let Pappy do the rest.
Price: $80 Outdoor Life Online Editor
The flagship bourbon of the heralded Buffalo Trace distillery starts off with vanilla mint spiciness and mellows on the palate with a deep molasses finish. Keep a bottle of this in your liquor cabinet at all times and call it your ‘house bourbon’ and you’ll be sure to impress your connoisseur friends.
Price: $20 Outdoor Life Online Editor
The official bourbon of the Breeder’s Cup and Kentucky Derby, this 90.4 proof bourbon walks the line between complexity and mixability. You can enjoy its notes of corn, caramel and oak in a rocks glass by itself or you can use it in a mint julep or Manhattan. Price: $30 Outdoor Life Online Editor
Price: $50 Outdoor Life Online Editor
Sweet and rich, this 100-proof bourbon has hints of brown sugar and toasted nuts. It’s aged nine years and was named National Whiskey Champion by Wine Enthusiast.
Price: $40 Outdoor Life Online Editor
This 90-proof well balanced bourbon is brimming with vanilla and toasted nut flavors which garnered it a double gold at the prestigious San Francisco spirits competition. If you’re feeling flush, pick up a bottle of the even rarer Eagle Rare 17-year-old
Price: $30 Outdoor Life Online Editor
Incorporating more rye into its mashbill than most other bourbons, Bulleit gives your palate an added spicy kick. The bottle that houses this 90-proof tipple was designed in tribute to the old-fashioned brown medicine flasks.
Price: $23 Outdoor Life Online Editor
These distinctive wax-dipped bottles are like snowflakes-each one is different. But on the inside, each bottle contains the same smooth signature 90-proof bourbon that starts off with sweet corn and leather notes and sits on the palate with a long, rich caramel finish. ** Price: $21 Outdoor Life Online Editor
The Thunder Chicken got its name after a distillery executive used to bring this bourbon on turkey hunting trips. This 108 proof bourbon is a blend of six, eight and 12-year old barrels that gives it hints of citrus, caramel and sweet tobacco.
Price: $33 Outdoor Life Online Editor
The grand daddy of all bourbons, this 140+ proof bourbon has been nicknamed ‘Hazmat’ because of its high alcohol content. Add a little water to this 15-year old and it will open up the coffee, citrus and oak flavors.
Price: $60 Outdoor Life Online Editor
Kentucky is known for two things: Derby and Bourbon. We’ve compiled a list of the best bourbons the state has to offer.