🥃Best Bourbon Brands Ranked

Woodford Reserve▲ Rising

Brown-Forman's flagship small-batch bourbon revived interest in premium Kentucky whiskey during the 1990s craft revival. Its triple-distilled, high-rye profile stands out in blind tastings. It ranks here for polished presentation and reliable flavor.

Founded: 1996Proof: 90.4 %Avg Price: $40Rating: 8.7/10Style: small batch

added by IJRin 2 rankingsWoodford Reserve

Blanton's▲ Rising

The first single-barrel bourbon to gain national attention in the 1980s, Blanton's set the template for premium single-barrel releases. Its signature horse stopper and warehouse-specific picks created lasting collector demand. It ranks high for reliable flavor variation and approachability.

Founded: 1984Proof: 93 %Avg Price: $65Rating: 9.2/10Style: single barrel

added by IJRBlanton's

Maker's Mark▲ Rising

Maker's pioneered the wheated bourbon style that became a modern classic after its 1950s launch by the Samuels family. The red-wax seal and hand-dipped bottles created instant brand recognition. It holds its ranking for approachable sweetness and consistent quality control.

Founded: 1953Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $30Rating: 8.4/10Style: wheated bourbon

added by IJRin 2 rankingsMaker's Mark

Bulleit Bourbon▲ Rising

Diageo's high-rye bourbon launched in the 1990s and quickly became a staple behind bars. Its frontier branding and consistent profile drove broad recognition. It ranks for reliable spice and mixability.

Founded: 1987Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $25Rating: 8.1/10Style: straight bourbon

added by IJRBulleit Bourbon

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve

The 23-year-old expression became the benchmark for ultra-aged bourbon after decades of patient aging in the Van Winkle family warehouses. Its 2013 release cemented legendary status when secondary prices exploded. The brand earns the top spot for unmatched smoothness and scarcity.

Founded: 1893Proof: 95.6 %Avg Price: $2,500Rating: 9.7/10Style: aged bourbon

added by IJRPappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve

Wild Turkey 101

Jimmy Russell's high-rye, high-proof bourbon has remained a bartender favorite since the 1970s. Its no-nonsense profile survived multiple ownership changes. The brand earns its place for delivering serious flavor at a workingman's price.

Founded: 1940Proof: 101 %Avg Price: $22Rating: 8.6/10Style: straight bourbon

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Knob Creek▲ Rising

Beam's 9-year small-batch bourbon was created in the 1990s to showcase older stock. Its rich, oaky profile helped define the small-batch category. It ranks for delivering Beam character with extra depth.

Founded: 1992Proof: 100 %Avg Price: $32Rating: 8.5/10Style: small batch

added by IJRin 2 rankingsKnob Creek

Russell's Reserve 10 Year▲ Rising

Wild Turkey's 10-year expression highlights Jimmy Russell's preference for higher rye and longer aging. Its 2000s launch filled the gap between 101 and rare releases. It earns its spot for balanced power.

Founded: 2007Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $35Rating: 8.7/10Style: straight bourbon

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W.L. Weller Special Reserve▲ Rising

The wheated entry point to the Weller/Pappy line delivers approachable sweetness at a price that used to be reasonable. Its 2010s allocation frenzy made it a benchmark for hype. It earns its ranking for classic wheated character.

Founded: 1990Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $50Rating: 8.5/10Style: wheated bourbon

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Angel's Envy▲ Rising

The Lincoln Henderson-founded brand brought port-cask finishing to mainstream bourbon in the 2010s. Its sweet, dessert-like profile won new drinkers. It earns its spot for accessible innovation.

Founded: 2010Proof: 86.6 %Avg Price: $50Rating: 8/10Style: finished bourbon

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Basil Hayden

Beam's 8-year, high-rye small-batch bourbon was positioned as a lighter, elegant option in the 1990s. Its tall, slender bottle became a gift staple. It earns its ranking for approachable entry into premium bourbon.

Founded: 1992Proof: 80 %Avg Price: $45Rating: 7.9/10Style: small batch

added by IJRBasil Hayden

Evan Williams

Heaven Hill's flagship bonded expression delivers classic bourbon at a budget price that has stayed steady for decades. Its 2010s surge came from value-conscious drinkers. It ranks for honest, no-frills quality.

Founded: 1840Proof: 100 %Avg Price: $15Rating: 8/10Style: bonded bourbon

added by IJREvan Williams

Elijah Craig Small Batch

Heaven Hill's 12-year small-batch expression honors the minister credited with early bourbon innovation. Its 2010s surge came from delivering barrel-proof character at a fair price. The brand earns its spot for delivering big oak without pretension.

Founded: 1989Proof: 94 %Avg Price: $35Rating: 8.8/10Style: small batch

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Four Roses Single Barrel▲ Rising

Four Roses' single-barrel program showcases one of ten possible recipes, giving buyers real variety. Its Japanese ownership since 2000 drove renewed focus on quality. It ranks for distinctive floral and spice notes that stand apart.

Founded: 1888Proof: 100 %Avg Price: $55Rating: 8.9/10Style: single barrel

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Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace's namesake bourbon showcases the distillery's core mash bill at an everyday price point that has stayed remarkably stable. Its 2010s surge in popularity came from consistent awards and broad appeal. The brand earns its place for delivering character without gimmicks.

Founded: 1775Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $25Rating: 8.9/10Style: straight bourbon

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Eagle Rare 10

Buffalo Trace's 10-year single-barrel bourbon became a cult favorite for its cherry and oak notes at a reasonable price. Its allocation status in the 2010s only boosted its reputation. It ranks for consistent excellence.

Founded: 1995Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $40Rating: 8.8/10Style: single barrel

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Booker's Bourbon

Beam's barrel-proof, unfiltered release honors Booker Noe and showcases raw bourbon character. Its 1980s launch helped spark the small-batch revolution. It ranks for uncompromised intensity.

Founded: 1988Proof: 125 %Avg Price: $80Rating: 8.8/10Style: barrel proof

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Willett Pot Still Reserve

Willett's signature bottle and high-rye, pot-still character made it a craft favorite in the 2000s. Its distinctive packaging and family ownership drive appeal. It ranks for bold, unique personality.

Founded: 1936Proof: 94 %Avg Price: $55Rating: 8.4/10Style: straight bourbon

added by IJRWillett Pot Still Reserve

Old Grand-Dad 114

Beam's high-rye bonded expression delivers intense spice that has earned a loyal following among rye lovers. Its recent revival brought back a classic profile. It earns its ranking for unapologetic character.

Founded: 1882Proof: 114 %Avg Price: $30Rating: 8.5/10Style: bonded bourbon

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Old Forester

America's first bottled bourbon, revived in the 1990s with strong expressions that highlight Brown-Forman heritage. The 1920 and 1924 releases brought modern attention. It earns its spot for classic, straightforward bourbon character.

Founded: 1870Proof: 86 %Avg Price: $28Rating: 8.3/10Style: straight bourbon

added by IJROld Forester

Jim Beam

The world's best-selling bourbon maintains its core identity through massive scale while still offering character in the white-label expression. Its 1795 roots give it unmatched heritage. It earns its place for reliable everyday drinking.

Founded: 1795Proof: 80 %Avg Price: $15Rating: 7.6/10Style: straight bourbon

added by IJRin 2 rankingsJim Beam

Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch

Buffalo Trace's tribute to the bourbon pioneer delivers classic, high-rye character in a bonded expression. Its 2010s releases fueled the Taylor hype cycle. It earns its spot for historic authenticity.

Founded: 2011Proof: 100 %Avg Price: $60Rating: 8.9/10Style: bonded bourbon

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Sazerac Rye

Buffalo Trace's straight rye (often grouped with bourbon discussions) delivers classic rye spice at a fair price. Its 2000s re-release filled a gap. It earns its spot for reliable, spicy character.

Founded: 2002Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $25Rating: 8.2/10Style: straight rye

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Benchmark No. 8

Buffalo Trace's budget bonded bourbon offers surprising quality at a price that makes it a daily driver. Its 2010s resurgence proved value can still exist. It ranks for honest, solid drinking.

Founded: 1960Proof: 90 %Avg Price: $12Rating: 7.8/10Style: bonded bourbon

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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

Heaven Hill's variable barrel-proof releases deliver intense oak and proof at a value price. Its 2010s batches earned top scores. It ranks for consistent intensity.

Founded: 2013Proof: 120 %Avg Price: $70Rating: 9.1/10Style: barrel proof

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Jefferson's Reserve

The brand's small-batch, sometimes finished expressions brought innovation to the 2000s bourbon scene. Its ocean-aged releases created conversation. It ranks for creative approach within tradition.

Founded: 1997Proof: 90.2 %Avg Price: $50Rating: 8.3/10Style: small batch

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Fighting Cock

Heaven Hill's high-proof, no-age-statement bourbon delivers bold character at a rock-bottom price. Its rooster branding and strength made it a cult mixer. It ranks for delivering power affordably.

Founded: 1990Proof: 103 %Avg Price: $18Rating: 7.7/10Style: straight bourbon

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Baker's Bourbon

Beam's 7-year small-batch release honors Baker Beam with rich, oaky depth. Its 1990s launch complemented Booker's. It ranks for delivering mature Beam character.

Founded: 1992Proof: 107 %Avg Price: $60Rating: 8.6/10Style: small batch

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George T. Stagg

Buffalo Trace's annual Antique Collection release pushes barrel-proof, long-aged bourbon to extremes. Its 2000s releases set records for intensity. It ranks for delivering unmatched power and depth.

Founded: 2002Proof: 130 %Avg Price: $300Rating: 9.5/10Style: barrel proof

added by IJRGeorge T. Stagg

Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof

The barrel-proof version of Taylor delivers intense, unfiltered character from Buffalo Trace. Its annual releases are highly sought. It earns its spot for raw power.

Founded: 2013Proof: 130 %Avg Price: $80Rating: 9/10Style: barrel proof

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Michter's US*1 Bourbon

Michter's revived its historic name with sourced and now distilled bourbon that emphasizes small-batch attention. Its 2000s resurgence brought premium positioning. It earns its ranking for polished, elegant profile.

Founded: 1990Proof: 91.4 %Avg Price: $55Rating: 8.6/10Style: small batch

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Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond▼ Falling

Heaven Hill's bonded 7-year bourbon showcases the distillery's own production at a price that punches above its weight. Its recent awards highlight its classic profile. It ranks for delivering bonded authenticity affordably.

Founded: 1935Proof: 100 %Avg Price: $20Rating: 8.2/10Style: bonded bourbon

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Stagg Jr.

Buffalo Trace's younger Stagg expression delivers Antique Collection intensity at a more accessible price. Its 2010s releases became instant hits. It earns its ranking for near-legendary power.

Founded: 2013Proof: 130 %Avg Price: $60Rating: 9/10Style: barrel proof

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Rebel Yell

The wheated bourbon long popular in the South offers approachable sweetness at a budget price. Its 2010s revamp brought new attention. It earns its ranking for classic wheated value.

Founded: 1980Proof: 80 %Avg Price: $15Rating: 7.5/10Style: wheated bourbon

added by IJRRebel Yell