25 Of The Top American Bourbon Whiskey Brands
As someone who spent many years working in restaurants and bars, I have tasted my fair share of bourbon brands and am often asked for recommendations. While there are definitely brands that are more popular than others, much of what you consider to be “best” will depend on your personal preference.
I wanted to make a list of 25 of the top American bourbon whiskey brands that I think are all good for their own reasons. These brands represent some of the best popular/mainstream bourbon the United States has to offer, and each one has its own unique story and flavor profile. From traditional family-owned distilleries to newer craft distilleries, these brands have all made a name for themselves in the world of bourbon. So, grab a glass and join me on this journey through the top American bourbon whiskey brands.
1. Evan Williams
Let's start with one of the oldest bourbon brands in the country – Evan Williams. This brand has been around since 1783 and is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. It is named after the Welsh immigrant who is said to have opened the first commercial distillery in Kentucky. Evan Williams offers a variety of bourbons, including their signature Black Label, Single Barrel, and Bottled-in-Bond.
2. Basil Hayden
Another brand from the Beam Suntory family, Basil Hayden is known for its high rye content and smooth finish. The brand was named after a famous pioneer who is said to have been one of the first settlers to distill bourbon in Kentucky. Their flagship bourbon, Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is aged for eight years and offers a spicy and slightly sweet taste.
3. Buffalo Trace Distillery
Located on the banks of the Ohio River in Frankfort, Kentucky, Buffalo Trace Distillery is a must-visit for any bourbon lover. This distillery produces a variety of iconic bourbon brands, including the namesake Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Eagle Rare, and Blanton's. The distillery also offers tours and tastings, giving visitors a chance to learn about the history and production of bourbon.
4. Heaven Hill Distillery
Heaven Hill Distillery is the largest family-owned and operated bourbon distillery in the world. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, the distillery produces a wide range of award-winning whiskeys, including Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna. Heaven Hill is also home to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a visitor center that offers tours, tastings, and interactive exhibits.
5. Old Forester
Old Forester is the only bourbon still in existence today that was produced before, during, and after Prohibition by its original founders. The brand is named after Dr. James Crow, a Scottish chemist who is credited with perfecting the sour mash process used in bourbon production. Old Forester's signature bourbon, Old Forester 86 Proof, offers a smooth and balanced flavor profile.
6. Jim Beam
Jim Beam is one of the most well-known bourbon brands in the world and is produced by the Beam Suntory family. The brand was founded in 1795 by Jacob Beam and is currently run by seventh-generation master distiller, Fred Noe. Jim Beam's portfolio includes their flagship bourbon, Jim Beam Original, as well as other popular varieties such as Devil's Cut and Black Label.
7. Four Roses Bourbon
Four Roses Bourbon is known for its unique and complex flavor profile, which is a result of their use of five proprietary yeast strains and two different mash bills. The brand is named after its founder, Paul Jones Jr.'s love interest, and offers a variety of bourbons, including their signature Four Roses Bourbon, Small Batch, and Single Barrel.
8. Maker's Mark
Maker's Mark is a wheated bourbon, which means that wheat is used in the mash bill instead of rye. This gives the bourbon a sweeter and smoother taste. The brand was founded in 1953 and is made with the same recipe and aging process today as it was then. Maker's Mark has a signature wax-dipped bottle and is known for its bold yet approachable flavor.
9. Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is located on the site of the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. The distillery is a National Historic Landmark and offers tours and tastings to visitors. Woodford Reserve is also the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Their signature bourbon, Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, offers a rich and smooth taste with notes of dried fruits and spices.
10. Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey Bourbon has been around since 1855 and is known for its bold rye whiskey flavor. The brand's flagship bourbon, Wild Turkey 101, is aged for at least six years and offers a high rye content for a spicy kick. Wild Turkey also produces other varieties, including their Rare Breed and Kentucky Spirit bourbons.
11. Old Elk
Old Elk is a newer bourbon brand, founded in 2013 by master distiller Greg Metze. The brand's bourbon is made with a unique recipe and aged in new charred American oak barrels. Old Elk's signature bourbon, Old Elk Straight Bourbon Whiskey, offers a smooth and rich taste with notes of caramel and vanilla.
12. Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole is a relatively new bourbon brand, founded in 2012 by Kaveh Zamanian. The brand's distillery is located in downtown Louisville and offers tours and tastings to visitors. Rabbit Hole's signature bourbon, Rabbit Hole Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is aged for at least four years and offers a unique flavor profile with notes of honey, apricot, and oak.
13. Eagle Rare
Eagle Rare is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery and is named after the mighty buffalo that roamed the banks of the Kentucky River. The brand's signature bourbon, Eagle Rare 10 Year, is aged for at least 10 years and offers a smooth and complex taste with notes of toffee and butterscotch.
14. Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown Bourbon Company is a newer distillery, founded in 2014 in Bardstown, Kentucky. The brand is known for its collaborative approach to whiskey-making, working with other distilleries to create unique blends. Bardstown Bourbon Company's signature bourbon, Bardstown Bourbon, offers a smooth and balanced taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
15. New Riff
New Riff is a family-owned bourbon distillery located in Newport, Kentucky. The brand is known for its use of high-quality ingredients and traditional methods of whiskey-making. Their signature bourbon, New Riff Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is aged for at least four years and offers a full-bodied and spicy taste.
16. Lux Row Distillers
Lux Row Distillers is a relatively new distillery, founded in 2018 in Bardstown, Kentucky. The brand is known for its small-batch bourbon made with high-quality grains and pure limestone-filtered water from the nearby Kentucky River. Their signature bourbon, Lux Row Distillers Double Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, offers a smooth and complex taste with notes of caramel and cinnamon.
17. Old Carter
Old Carter is a small family-owned distillery located in Kentucky. The brand is known for its limited release, high-quality bourbons, and rye whiskeys. Old Carter's signature bourbon, Old Carter Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is aged for at least 10 years and offers a rich and complex taste with notes of dried fruits and spices.
18. Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery
Heaven Hill's Bernheim Distillery is the only heritage distillery in the United States that is completely family-owned and operated. The brand is known for its small-batch bourbons, including their signature Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey. This wheated bourbon offers a smooth and sweet taste with notes of honey and vanilla.
19. Knob Creek
Knob Creek is produced by the Beam Suntory family and is named after a small creek that runs through the distillery's property. The brand is known for its small-batch bourbon, aged for at least nine years in new charred American oak barrels. Knob Creek's signature bourbon, Knob Creek Straight Bourbon Whiskey, offers a rich and full-bodied taste.
20. 1792 Bourbon
1792 Bourbon is produced by the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. The brand is named after the year Kentucky became a state and is known for its small-batch bourbons, including their flagship 1792 Small Batch Bourbon. This bourbon offers a balanced and smooth taste with notes of caramel and oak.
21. Pappy Van Winkle
Pappy Van Winkle is produced by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and is known for its highly sought-after and limited release bourbons. The brand's flagship bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year, is aged for 23 years and offers a rich and complex taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
22. Old Grand-Dad
Old Grand-Dad is produced by the Beam Suntory family and is named after Basil Hayden's grandson. The brand is known for its high-rye bourbons, including their signature Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon. This bourbon offers a bold and spicy taste with notes of pepper and oak.
23. Weller Bourbon
Weller Bourbon is produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery and is known for its wheated bourbons. The brand's flagship bourbon, W.L. Weller Special Reserve, is aged for seven years and offers a smooth and sweet taste with notes of caramel and vanilla.
24. Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a blend of six, eight, and 12-year-old bourbons, all aged in new charred American oak barrels. The brand is known for its high-proof and bold flavor profile. Wild Turkey Rare Breed offers a full-bodied and complex taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
25. Blanton's
Last but not least, we have Blanton's – the first single barrel bourbon ever produced. This brand is known for its iconic bottle design with a horse and jockey on top and offers a variety of single barrel bourbons with different flavor profiles. Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon offers a smooth and balanced taste with notes of sweet aromatics and oak.
The world of bourbon is vast and diverse, with many top American brands to choose from. From traditional family-owned distilleries to newer craft distilleries, each brand brings its own unique flavor and rich tradition. Remember to always drink responsibly and enjoy these fine bourbons in the comfort of your own home bar. Cheers to America's native spirit!
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