Evan Williams Bottled in Bond

At round $17 a bottle, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond is likely one of the finest “bang-for-your-buck” selections in whiskey. This whiskey is made by the Heaven Hill distillery, following strict bottled-in-bond laws. That signifies that it’s aged for at the least 4 years, produced by a single distillery in a single distillation season, and bottled at 100 proof. 

“The flavour profile is wealthy with caramel, vanilla, and oak, accompanied by a touch of spice on the end,” says Kirk. “Its excessive proof makes it best for cocktails, including depth to an Previous Customary or Manhattan with out overpowering the drink.” 

Previous Forester 100 Proof

Based in 1870, Previous Forester is the oldest constantly produced bourbon model in the USA. Greater than 150 years after George Garvin Brown based the model, it nonetheless makes high quality, reasonably priced whiskeys. Previous Forester 100 Proof has grow to be a favourite amongst mixologists as a consequence of its greater proof, full-bodied taste, and affordability. 

“Previous Forester 100 proof is a wealthy and spicy whiskey, and holds as much as cocktails such because the Manhattan,” says Lynnette Marrero, co-founder of Velocity Rack and companion and chief mixologist at Delola. “This one is surprisingly refined for the ABV and provides a fantastic taste and aroma to combined cocktails, whereas being nice in normal whiskey-stirred cocktails.”

Wild Turkey 101

Wild Turkey 101 is a cult basic amongst bourbon drinkers. Throughout bourbon’s lean years, from the Nineteen Seventies via the ’90s, grasp distiller Jimmy Russell insisted that Wild Turkey 101 be made in the identical means it had been since earlier than Prohibition. Wild Turkey 101 stays one of many purest expressions of Kentucky bourbon out there, and for less than about $23.

“It captures extra barrel character, which shines via within the toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla notes, with a touch of spice from the excessive rye content material,” says Kirk. “At 101 proof, it holds up effectively in cocktails, however can also be pleasurable neat or on the rocks. Its strong character pairs particularly effectively in a Whiskey Bitter or Boulevardier.”

Benchmark Full Proof

From the storied Buffalo Hint Distillery comes Benchmark Full Proof. Sometimes underneath $25, this bourbon packs a punch. At 125 proof, this expression is as full-bodied, sturdy, and flavorful as many bourbons that recurrently value as much as 3 times as a lot. 

“This bourbon presents exceptional depth for the worth, with flavors of darkish fruit, brown sugar, and a peppery spice end,” says Kirk. “The upper proof makes it versatile for daring cocktails, just like the Boulevardier, or it may be loved with a splash of water to open up its advanced layers.”

Previous Grand-Dad Bonded

One other bottled-in-bond bourbon, this providing from James B. Beam Distilling packs a ton of basic bourbon taste into an reasonably priced and accessible bottle. 

“Previous Grand-Dad is a whiskey that surprisingly skews candy, regardless of its proof,” says Marrero. 

Sweetness isn’t the one factor happening with Previous Grand-Dad Bonded. “This whiskey delivers flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus peel, balanced with caramel and vanilla sweetness,” says Kirk. “Its intense flavors and proof make it best for cocktails just like the Previous Customary or Whiskey Smash, standing as much as mixers with out shedding its character.” 

4 Roses

Lengthy missed within the U.S., 4 Roses has grow to be a favourite amongst bourbon fanatics and bartenders over the previous couple of a long time. The distillery makes use of two completely different mash payments and 5 yeast strains to create 10 distinctive “recipes,” or completely different bourbons, from which to mix. The core expression, also known as “yellow label,” blends all 10 recipes to create a balanced, 80-proof whiskey that shows the trademark 4 Roses profile.

4 Roses has a gentler, floral, fruity aroma that’s backed up by a balanced palate filled with basic bourbon flavors like vanilla, caramel, pink apple, and a light-weight baking spice. At 80 proof, it won’t be stiff sufficient to face up in sure cocktails, however as the bottom for an Previous Customary or poured neat, it’s assured to supply a simple, fulfilling sip.

Jim Beam Double Oak Twice Barreled

It’s onerous to match the stature of Jim Beam’s basic white label — it’s the best-selling bourbon on the earth, in any case. However the black-labeled Jim Beam Double Oak Twice Barreled offers its sibling a run for its cash on taste. This variation, priced round $23, goes via a secondary growing old course of in numerous barrels, which doubles down on toasty notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice.

“The flavour profile leans towards candy caramel, vanilla, and a contact of smokiness, with hints of toasted wooden,” says Kirk. “At 86 proof, it’s easy and balanced, best for sipping or for cocktails the place a contact of sweetness and wooden affect is desired, like a Mint Julep or Manhattan.”