If you thought bourbon was a tipple primarily reserved for older men, think again. Whether you're looking for an after meal sipper, or the heat for that fiery cocktail - a good bourbon is well worth considering.
Despite what it says on the bottle, it's not actually considered a real bourbon unless it meets a few requirements. One of them being its contents, it's only bourbon if it's made up of at least 51% corn, different fermented grains like wheat and rye can also make up the ingredients.
It's also not bourbon if it hasn't been distilled in the USA, although whiskey can be made across the globe, bourbon is recognised as distinctive product of the US. It's popularly produced in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Now you know what you're looking for, we've rounded up ten of the best below.
Best bourbons worth trying out for 2021
1. Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Maker's Mark is a great bourbon to try if you're looking for something smooth and sweet on the palette.
It's flavoured using red winter wheat, which goes against the usual flavouring grain of rye, the results however are noticeably smoother allowing for the perfect slow sipper.
2. Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Another Kentucky Straight Bourbon, this one packs a bit more of a spicier note to contrast the sweet taste beautifully.
The well balanced whiskey will make a great addition to a cocktail, with something zesty; alternatively you could easily sip this slowly on a chilled evening.
The producers are also one of the few that can say they use non-GMO corn in their production, which is a huge plus too.
3. Bourbon Tasting Set
If you're not sure what kind of bourbon you like, the best way to find out is to try a few.
This tasting set from Master of Malt contains five 3cl bottles containing tasty bourbons from small and recognised producers in the US including Few bourbon and Hudson Baby bourbon.
Buy now from Master of Malt ( £24.95 )
4. Jim Beam Single Barrel Craft Bourbon Whiskey
Jim Beam's a popular name in the whiskey community, the family run producers have been successfully making the stuff for 200 years, so it's bound to be good.
Each barrel is carefully selected for a Jim Beam Single Barrel, ensuring maximum quality and refined taste.
If you like your whiskies full-bodied with hints of spice and smooth palette, this is the perfect after dinner slow-sipper to indulge in.
5. Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Looking for something a little fruiter with notes of dark berries? Eagle Rare's 10 year old bourbon has a classic creamy texture with distinct oak notes you'll want to sip slowly and and savour.
For a 10 year old whiskey it's actually pretty good value for money too.
6. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
If you're looking for the perfect gift for the bourbon lover in your life, this is pretty perfect, from bottle to flavour Woodford Reserve has it all.
The small-batch, straight bourbon is made on one of the oldest distillery sites in Kentucky, so comes with a rich history as well an indulgent rich flavour.
Enjoy fruity notes with hints of and tobacco spice, the result is a warming heat that goes down smoothly on its own, or in a fiery cocktail.
7. Willett's Pot Still Reserve
Speaking of gifts, if you're going to gift a bourbon - at least let the bottle be as cool as this one from Willett's Pot.
If you're a fan of bourbons with a kick you'll love this, indulge in complex notes of pepper and clove with a caramel, buttery finish.
The bottle is almost too darling to drink out of, but we love the pot resemblance to fit its name.
Buy now from Master of Malt ( £67.99 )
8. Few Bourbon
Sweet, spice and a little bit of everything nice, Few bourbon has all of the complex notes of a high end bourbon, with the easy to drink palette of the budget options out there.
It's presented in a beautiful bottle that depicts a little bit of the heritage of the brand, which is always a nice touch.
It'll go great in a cocktail mixed with sharp flavours like cherry, lime and oranges.
9. Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Kentucky
If you are looking for an authentic bourbon experience, look no further than Wild Turkey 101.
It's aged between five and eight years in charred oak barrels, plus the high rye content, gives this bourbon a really authentic bold, spicy flavour.
The bourbon is great for sipping neat on the rocks or for creating the perfect Old Fashioned at home.
10. Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
If you can't resist a full-bodied rich and sublimely smooth bourbon, then this one's for you. With lots of rich, toasty oak showing as toffee crème anglaise and sweet spice with hints of resin, it really delivers an unforgettable taste sensation.
You'll also taste notes of stewed fruits (like bramley apple), and fragrant spice reminiscent of nutmeg and anise - perfect for autumn and those colder evenings when you need something warming on your chest.
This bourbon is produced from barrels which have been hand selected by the Master Distillers, and put together to create what can only be described as one of the most complete perfectly balanced Bourbon whiskeys widely available.
Aged to perfection and bottled at a higher strength of 47% - Elijah Craig is rich oaky and round.
11. Jack Daniel’s Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey
There's a strong argument to be made for Jack Daniel's Old No.7 being the most recognisable whiskey on the face of the earth, and you don't get that kind of recognition without good reason - naturally.
Jack Daniel's is made to a recipe dating back more than a century which is filtered through maple charcoal for purity and flavour - it's then matured in charred oak barrels.
The classic JD's sweet and oaky flavour has inspired generations of drinkers to enjoy whiskey and it's a classic to have in your collection for sure.
12. Yellowstone Select Bourbon Whiskey
Limestone Branch, the makers of Yellowstone Select, have called Kentucky home since it became the state for making great bourbons.
Its history starts when Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of corn whiskey. And now? Seven generations later, his family are still distilling spirits from there.
Blended from handpicked four and seven-year-old bourbons, the Yellowstone Select bourbon whisky marries together soft rye spice, with tart leathered cherries with notes of smoked caramel on the palate and a oaky, sugared finish.
Our mouth is watering for this one...
13. Bushmills Bourbon Cask Reserve - Steamship Collection
The Steamship Collection Bourbon Cask Reserve is an Irish single malt that has been matured to perfection over the years.
Char bourbon casks tend to give a honeyed maltiness, and notes of toasted oak, spices and crème brûlée - with a long, rich and smooth finish.
This is the result of a long-standing relationship with master coopers from Louisville, Kentucky who reserve only the finest American white oak, custom-charred bourbon casks to mature this unique whiskey.
Buy now from Master of Malt ( £48.15 )
14. Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon
Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is made from carefully selected ingredients, including the highest quality American corn - and is matured to the peak of perfection.
The US*1 expressions was named to honor Michter’s heritage, harkening back to America’s first whiskey company - consisting of some of the finest single barrel and truly small batch whiskeys available.
Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon tastes of rich caramel with balanced vanilla, stone fruit notes, smoky depth - ending with an oak finish.
Reflecting the spirit of the Bluegrass State, Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is not only mellow, but earthy too.
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