Flight Fight No. In the mid-palate you’ll notice the tannins creeping in. Tasting Notes: A soft nose featuring caramel & honey, rye, subtle baking spices, oak, driftwood; bit of funk, & vanilla. Bourbon makes for a great ingredient to cook with, too, especially wintery foods. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Average price: … Specifications. Four Roses has two mashbills, one with 60% corn and one with 75% corn. Availability: Allocated | Moderate to significant searching required, Approach-ability: Advanced | Get ready to get spanked. On the cheaper side, the black label will be tempting you back for more and more, and with no alcohol burn, a true winner. Tasting Notes: The nose reveals caramel swimming in honey with barrel spice and its oakiness right around the corner. Tasting Notes: Nose thru finish - this is a peanut butter & honey party. Savor bourbon’s sweet side that give these desserts a kick . And the basics begin here: All bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream. Many of these bourbons are single barrel releases or bourbons that are released by batches every year, so mileage may vary, but what these best bourbons under $100 have proven is that they consistently produce gold-ranked bourbon. Description: Loud & proud, but a bit unrefined. The vanilla grows considerably in the finish followed by caramel, honey, brown sugar, & a nice salted caramel-filled milk chocolate. Wild Turkey only uses one mashbill - the variance in character & profile from expression to expression are created using barrels from different rickhouses, as well as, different levels & sections within the rickhouses. Putting hysteria aside, a 10 year old bourbon for 30-ish bucks is a deal! Tasting Notes: Vanilla & creamy oranges spearhead the nose, followed by rye bread, buttered white toast; doughy, slight allspice & cinnamon, charred oak. Bourbon kicks up these candied sweet potatoes, making them an extra special side dish to serve for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. You guys it really doesn’t get much better than this. Those lucky ducklings have it good, for the rest of us, this isn’t a bad place to start. Certainly on the sweet side, Dant provides a decent bit of depth uncharacteristic of budget bourbons. Availability: Intermediate to moderate searching required | Talk with your local store(s), Approach-ability: Advanced | Varies, but generally loud. On the flip side, Bulleit Bourbon's mashbill includes 17 percent rye (high for bourbon standards), making it one of the spicier bourbons you'll find. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Buffalo Trace or Colonel EH Taylor Small Batch. From a pick I own - Aroma heavy bourbon, cinnamon and brown sugar are noticeable well before your nose reaches the glencairn. Approachable in every sense of the word (well, maybe the nose takes a second to get used to), and minimal Kentucky Hug for being 100 proof. This is perhaps the budget bourbon. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Press J to jump to the feed. I'm looking for something which has a nice balance. Similar to Wild Turkey in a lot of ways, but the rye & barrel spice are turned down a little bit. Out of my personal muse of searching for the best values, I’ve compiled, what I think is a comprehensive list of bourbons that are a good bang for your buck at several different price brackets. The Bourbon Bucket List: The 20 Best Bourbons You Need to Try at Least Once No other drink is as American as bourbon. Description: Many folks, including me, are still heartbroken about the loss of Elijah Craig Small Batch’s age statement. These brown sugar candied sweet potatoes are another excellent option or try this delicious sweet potato casserole with coconut pecan topping . The recent return of the 9 year age statement really solidifies this bourbon as a great value. For as good as the nose is, it does not prepare you for the cacophony of what the palate offers: dark fruit and oak, perhaps sherry oak, lead, followed by brown sugar and syrup. If you are using bourbon, remove the above mixture from heat and add the bourbon. Nice oily mouthfeel, but a bit hot. Evans’ Black label has a sweet side, especially when going down and a favorite among the working men. It is so familiar, yet provides a little glimpse into the range bourbon can offer. Old Forester: This brand has the classic bourbon flavor that is sweet… Description: A standard at many bars, for good reason. 27, which the official tasting notes say includes a blend of bourbons aged 12 to 20 years. Is it there original label designs, peoples obsessions with MGP, or perhaps people just can’t get enough of horses on whiskey bottles? Susan Palmer | Food Fanatic Description: Dearly wish this one had broader distribution. Palate has a rich oily mouthfeel, cherry & vanilla cola, citrus, caramel & allspice, the spice blossoms; a confection of tannic rye & barrel spice, a touch of baking spices, very little oak, but undoubtedly sweet, caramel, brown sugar, orange slice candies. Description: Don’t let the age or the term craft cause you to turn your nose up on this cask strength charmer. From batch 10 - sweet aromas leap out of the glass. I was left with the feeling that this is a bourbon I would like to have around for those chilly fall and winter evenings when you just want to sit down with a nice book and a fire. Availability: Minimal to moderate searching required. It's got a lot of the sweetness and the big taste, but is still very much a Bourbon. This special annual release features Rebel’s wheated bourbon mashbill, placing it on the sweeter side of the spectrum, with the wheat enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn (compared to a traditional rye bourbon mashbill, which is spicier and less sweet). Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. When I first started getting into whiskey every trip to the liquor store was filled with decision paralysis; I often left feeling disappointed. Old Grand-Dad I took a dive into Georgia’s only Rye single barrel store pick to find out! There are a wide range of bourbons that are perfect for creating a great manhattan. Sweet potato casserole is great as a Thanksgiving side or any time of year dessert. If you like sweet bourbon then this is your pour #russellsreserve #russellsreserve10 #wildturkey #wildturkeydistillery #bourbon A post shared by @ bourbonnut on Jun 30, 2018 at 2:50pm PDT Sweet coffee laced with chocolate, creamy vanilla and rich warmed oak take you right into the barrelhouse. Cinnamon resonates in the background, but only as an echo. You’d swear there are some botanicals in there, but, no—as with all bourbons, the flavors come only from the grain, yeast, barrel, and time. Bourbon, legally defined and regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, is required to be 51% corn, which can tip the flavor to the sweet side. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel store picks allows drinkers to explore those differences first hand. Soft and sweet with notes of bourbon spice, vanilla, caramel, dark fruit, honey, and citrus peel with a touch of anise and fruit compote. They’re fine bourbons particularly for their prices, and have just enough sweetness to them. Penelope Bourbon Review. The bottle we opened that December day on the side of the river is batch no. entertainment complex in Downtown Louisville, Kentucky.In addition to serving Maker's Mark it features bourbons from each of Kentucky's distilleries. Most notably: Beginner’s and Intermediate Guide to Bourbon. Its sweet, mildly smoky presence has an inherent cozy vibe that pairs well with woody, earthy, spicy flavors. Really surprised no one mentioned a Wheater besides Makers. Tasting Notes: It’s a little bit on the sweet side, but not a straight-up sugary, candy sweet. Score: 3.5/5 Pretty friggin' good for the price as well. Out of my personal muse of searching for the best values, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of bourbons that are a good bang for your buck at several different price brackets. If you’re looking for something on the sweet side at a decent proof (two different proofs are available) that tastes more natural than a liquorer, Traverse City American Cherry Edition and Traverse City Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey are a very fun place to start. Four Roses has 10 different recipes, two mashbills & 5 different yeast strains which you can read more about on their website. Let’s start with the basics. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. Thankfully, we can all relive the glory days through store picks, many of which hit that 12 year mark. We invite friends, family, and perfect strangers to gather and enjoy delicious southern inspired food, craft cocktails, craft beer and wine in a chic environment. Near cask strength and many picks being 14+ years old, often readily available (depending on market), what more could you possibly ask for? Availability: TN, GA, SC, AL, FL, CO, KY, MI, & SeelBach’s.com, Approach-ability: Beginner/Intermediate | Surprising approachable for the proof. The sauce is extremely sweet and sticky and I couldn't taste the bourbon. Thanks for reading, cheers! Sweet Bourbons — Sweet bourbons feature a sweet lead with flavors of custard, vanilla, caramel, marzipan, honey, chocolate, maple, and/or butterscotch. Return the mixture to the heat in order to allow the alcohol to burn off. There is almost no heat on Peerless at all. Programmable Slow Cooker. Description: A bourbon enthusiast fan favorite that’s been right under your nose the whole time. Similar notes from the palate move into the finish. Everyone likes a good deal, but it’s hard to know what’s what in an industry filled with so much marketing smoke & mirrors. Description: Surprisingly rich for the price, this is about the only bottom shelfer with an age statement. If you like a sticky sweet coating you won't be disappointed but next time I will have to diminish the sugar increase the cocktail sauce and perhaps order a side of bourbon - in a glass! pepper jack, street corn with finely chopped jalapeño & cilantro, cotija cheese (add: chicken $5 / chorizo $5 / candied bacon $4 / regular chopped bacon $4 / crispy pork belly $5 / steak $10 / avocado $3 / fresh jalapeños $2 / side of salsa verde $3 / side pico de gallo $3) $ 16 The notes from the palate seep through effortlessly. The palate is spice forward, caramel galore, cinnamon, rye, dill, & subtle vanilla. There are some minor variances in quality, so I’d recommend starting with a store you trust. chorizo, sweet potato, pepperjack, salsa verde $ 9. Palate: Sweet vanilla pudding with caramel and some slight baking spice flavors all serve up more of that traditional bourbon profile that I found on the nose. The finish is very dry, which is pleasing considering a lot of lower price point bourbons lean on the sweet corn notes. Staring at a seemingly insurmountable wall of bourbon can be very intimidating. Bartender Colin Longstaff of Wolf & Long notes, “If you’re a bourbon drinker like me, someone who likes a drink that is sweet, smoky, and flavorful but that could also strip paint off the side of your house, I would go with a glass (or bottle) of Booker’s. It’s great, but so intense. Try some Bulleit, it's a great value for mixing that's not difficult or offensive. Past that, a light oak with toasted caramel begins to form with a slight hint of a perfume note which masks the ethanol to an extent. What better what to test that hype than to pin it against many people’s favorite cask strength giants! “[It] has huge notes of roasted peanuts with a slight hint of vanilla, and a bold, sweet, and … Click here for full review. This is definitely a complex bourbon, as the palate includes dark cherries and spice, as well as delicious, rich caramel and oak. The nose offers sweet corn, bubblegum, bananas, and fresh flowers. Nachos. As I dove further in, the richness and heat of the distillation came forth. The level of char goes a long way in determining the type of flavors it portrays at the end of the aging process. I highly recommend you let this one breathe, it’s neck pour is harsh at best. Nose: sour apple, caramel corn, grainy, musty. A little hot for the proof, but an otherwise good, no frills example of what is “bourbon”. It’s particularly heavy on the rye, which helps make it less intensely sweet and more punchy than some other entry-level bourbons. However, you mustn’t confuse some factors with premium quality. I can’t really have more than 1 pour in a typical session. Woodford and Eagle Rare have a nice level of sweetness and in the price range. All you have to do is look for wheat. Tasting Notes: Doughy cinnamon bun with rye spice sprinkled about. If you don’t dig sweet bourbons, go for this spicy, oaky delight. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. Almost like a cordial. With few wheat based bourbons on the market and even fewer released at a high proof, it’s hard to pass this up. Evan Williams, especially the 1783 or single barrel variety. Tasting Notes: Nose: loads of cherry, followed by vanilla, caramel & oak lay underneath, freshly cut wood & old dusty wooden closet mix, rye, dill, slightly sourness, rye spice. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. See how this bourbon stacks up against both Stagg Jr. & Rare Breed in a blind Flight Fight. This list is a living thing, I’ll be updating periodically as the market shifts & changes. Most bourbons (and most whiskeys generally for that matter), are brought down to proof when they come out of the barrel, ending up at 40-50 percent ABV. Bourbon-Glazed Carrots (serves 2-3) Description: Perhaps the best value in bourbon right now. The palate is big, loud, wonderfully spicy, & nicely balanced. The finish is medium-long & mildly tannic and provides similar notes as the palate. The Best Bourbon Desserts This Side Of Kentucky. From Batch B519 - A sweet & rich nose filled with brown sugar, rich cinnamon, chocolate covered cherries, caramel, vanilla frosting, very creamy. And I saved my very favorite and best for last. Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Wyoming Whiskey Wheated Bourbon. The palate leans toward stone fruit and melon, with herbal and spicy notes—parsley, star anise, and white pepper. Minor ethanol burn. Booker’s Bourbon, Stagg Jr., Elijah Craig Barrel Proof against what is perhaps the sleeper from Tennessee. You’ll probably have to pay a few dollars more, but you’ll actually be able to find it on shelves. The aroma of this bourbon includes vanilla, oak, brown sugar, and caramel, with some dried cherry. Also expect caramel, brown sugar, a touch of orange zest, light oak, & cinnamon. Availability: Kentucky | Limited, not in every state, searching required. Prime example of a wheated bourbon is Maker's Mark. Pick up one of these great American whiskeys to start off your cocktails (and keep some to sip when the derby is done) for as little as $11 a bottle. Elijah Craig has a strong caramel sweetness to my taste anyhow. The bourbon is a blend of eight to 12-year-old bourbons from Heaven Hill’s rickhouses, each hand-selected. It is also a reasonably priced bargain. ... "Penelope is a sweet" Story. Availability: Prevalent, some searching required | Talk with your local store(s) to see if/when they have picked scheduled. ), and Basil Hayden are all sweet. Bold, spicy, classic Kentucky Bourbon that’s always there for you. This process is made even easier with the additional sticker on the back providing a slew of information. Bourbon adds extra depth and warmth without overpowering the sweet potato. I know this one! But, it adds some really great flavor to the sweet glaze. “Beam has plenty of high-profile products—Jim Beam, Booker’s, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden… Baker’s is the unsung hero. Compared to Evan Williams Black Label, the volume is obviously turned up with the proof increase, but the profile shifts a little sweeter. Press Release. Check out their tips that can be found below our best bourbon suggestions. These Are the 21 Best Whiskey Bourbons You Can Buy "Best Whiskey Bourbons You Can Buy" Story. If aging goes too long, it will become almost undrinkable. On the back end there is a hint of vanilla and sweet fruits. I'm looking to keep the price within the $35-$40 range. Heat in the mouth lingers, minimal hug. posted by briank at 1:34 PM on March 29, 2012 [ 1 favorite] Bourbon is typically on the sweeter side. The finish is long, tannic, a bit hot, oily and thick. Reduce heat and add drained Bruce’s Yams Cut Sweet Potatoes, gently turning to coat evenly. Description: Simple & one dimensional? Sarah Gish Saturday Sep 24, 2016 at 12:01 AM Sep 25, 2018 at 12:42 PM. The expression is a 90-proof blend of five bourbons from spirits juggernaut William Grant & Sons, so a hunk of ice isn’t an issue. TASTE 1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon The first wheated bourbon to come out of the 1792 lineup, this particular expression, as you might have guessed from its name, is a bit on the sweeter side of the spectrum — marked by notes of vanilla and caramel with subtle flavors of dried fruit. While the original cocktail was made to be a bit on the spicy side, many feel that it is better when made with bourbon so that it is slightly sweet. Well, there are a few Kentucky only bourbons in this price group, that for about a dollar more, kick Black Label’s butt. It evolves into black pepper and Earl Grey tea, but never really mellows into the sweet bourbon notes you’d like to find. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. Reviews and discussions are encouraged, check out the stuff we've compiled in the sidebar and our review archive! If only they would bring back that eight year age statement... Tasting Notes: Cherry, almonds, and vanilla with a little bit of funk reveal themselves in the nose, though it takes some work to get past the ethanol to discern those notes. The barrel proof is a different beast all together. Tell us: which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed, where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region), if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure. 04/25/2017 12:12 am ET. 8 - The Sleeper From Tennessee, Review No. The trick is … It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey. The finish is long and astringent. There are a wide range of bourbons that are perfect for creating a great manhattan. I especially hope to include more craft bourbons as their respective distillers grow & the products become more economic. Everyone likes a good deal, but it’s hard to know what’s what in an industry filled with so much marketing smoke & mirrors. ... Penelope shows us the softer side of the whiskey world "Smells like toffee and strawberries" Story. I got a bottle as a Christmas gift and I’m still working my way through it. Recently, I did that with the Diageo releases named for bourbon personalities and found that I'd missed some really good releases because I don't care for how Diageo promotes their … That's what's going to be the sweetest. Either way, if you think I’ve left something out, share your thoughts! Story. I'd echo what others have said - Eagle Rare or EH Taylor Small Batch. Sweet & simple. Hopefully, the same fate of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond won’t befall this expression. These include bourbons like Maker’s Mark. It has a uniquely sweet and smoky flavor that mixes a hint of fruit and vanilla throughout the body. Tasting Notes: Caramel & toffee, sweet; lots of brown sugar & baking spices stand out on the nose. I’m including both the standard retail expression & store barrel pricks because you’ll win either way. Whiskey Sour - 1 1⁄2 oz bourbon, 3⁄4 oz fresh lemon juice, 3⁄4 oz simple syrup (1 part water, 1 part sugar) - A drink more on the sweet side, but very tasty. This bourbon can be a bit polarizing, but for those that love it - they love it! You never hear anybody going on about it, but it’s the smoothest product they make. An oily mouthfeel, notes of cherry, vanilla cola, brown sugar, creamy vanilla, mild oak, mild tannins. From a pick I own - The slight subtle nose of caramel, light roasted coffee, rye & dill, gooey marshmallow, mild oak, brown sugar & cinnamon sugar, slight milk chocolate. It is so familiar, yet provides a little glimpse into the range bourbon can offer. It’s current iteration is reportedly a blend of 6, 8, & 12 year old bourbon (source). Age: NAS (Typically a blend of 6, 7, & 8 year). The sauce is extremely sweet and sticky and I couldn't taste the bourbon. Maybe I think that bourbon sucks, or maybe I haven’t had the pleasure of trying it.