There are a lot of bourbon brands out there and many of these unique brands are distilled by the same folks. Check out my official list of the best bourbon brands so far in 2023!
As you know, I’ve been reviewing major bourbon brands around here since 2014 and consider myself an aficionado on all sorts of brands. Without further ado, here are a a few of my favorite bourbon brands, their distillers and some of their best products.
1. Pappy Van Winkle
The hype has officially got out of control on all of the Pappy products. I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen a bottle of their rye. That being said the entire family of products are delicious.
Distilled By: Buffalo Trace
Price Point: So hard to find does it matter?
2. Buffalo Trace – (BTAC)
Buffalo Trace, as you look a this list, distills a lot of wonderful bourbons. Once a year they also release the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). It is an amazing collection of wonderfully crafted bourbons and ryes.
Distilled By: Buffalo Trace
Price Point: Reasonable if you can find it.
3. Michters (Any 10 Year or 25 Year and the US*1 Barrel Strength Rye)
Michters is a solid brand of bourbons and ryes, that are reasonably easy to track down. It has become increasingly difficult to track down any of their longer aged product so jump at the chance if you can find a bottle.
Distilled By: Michters
Price Point: Expensive if you can find it.
4. Four Roses (Limited Edition Small Batch or Single Barrel)
Four Roses makes great bourbon, track down any of their limited runs for something extra special.
Distilled By: Four Roses
Price Point: A little expensive but well worth it.
5. Parker’s Heritage
Parker’s Heritage 13 Year Wheat Whiskey is tossed around as a good substitute for the hard to find Pappy Van Winkle. I recommend buying it because it is a great product, especially if you like those wheated notes.
Distilled By: Heaven Hill
Price Point: A little expensive but well worth it.
6. Old Forester (Birthday Bourbon)
Released every September 2nd on its founder’s birthday, the Birthday Bourbon is worth marking your calendar for the release date.
Distilled By: Brown-Forman
Price Point: Reasonable if you can find it.
7. Willett (10 Year or Older Bourbon)
Willet is the better known name of the Kentucky Bourbon Distillery (KBD). The knock on them is that they source a lot of their juice. I don’t think that means that their products, especially the longer aged varieties are any less delicious.
Distilled By: Kentucky Bourbon Distillery (KBD) better known as Willett
Price Point: Reasonable if you can find it.
8. W.L. Weller (12 Year)
Anything with the Weller name on it is going to be tasty and cheap for quality of the product that they produce. The winner of the group is the 12 Year variety, pick up a bottle and enjoy.
Distilled By: Buffalo Trace
Price Point: Cheap
9. Elijah Craig (Barrel Proof)
Aged 12 years and bottled directly from the barrel; this packs a big taste at a high proof.
Distilled By: Heaven Hill
Price Point: Reasonably priced
10. Elmer T. Lee (Single Barrel)
Another solid product from Buffalo Trace if you like a rye kick to your bourbon, reach out for a bottle of the single barrel variety.
Distilled By: Buffalo Trace
Price Point: Reasonably priced
11. Bulleit
A relative newcomer in the world of bourbon as they started to distill the modern recipe in 1987. A great bourbon to order at a bar – they all have it and it tastes good.
Distilled By: Bulleit Distilling Company
Price Point: Reasonably priced
12. High West
A baby in the bourbon world, started in 2007, High West is distilling quite a few good products out of Park City, Utah.
Distilled By: High West
Price Point: Reasonably priced
13. Johnny Drum (Private Stock)
If you haven’t heard of Jonny Drum, get to know their Private Stock bourbon. A personal favorite for an after-work glass with a rock.
Distilled By: Kentucky Bourbon Distillery (KBD) better known as Willett
Price Point: Cheap
14. Old Bardsdale (Estate Bottled)
Rounding out the list is Old Bardstown, a very reasonably priced bourbon distilled by the folks at Willett.
Distilled By: Kentucky Bourbon Distillery (KBD) better known as Willett
Price Point: Cheap
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