Bourbon is a unique variety of corn whiskey aged in charred white oak barrels. A sour mash mixture of corn and other grains is fermented for several days and then distilled twice to make a clear whiskey called “high wine” (or sometimes “white dog” or “moonshine”). This clear whiskey is cut with natural spring waters down to the right proof and then introduced into a white oak barrel to be aged.
The inside of the white oak barrel has been charred so that the sugars and flavors in the wood become caramelized. Over several years the whiskey expands and contracts within the barrel according to the warmth or coolness of the passing seasons, and seeps up the flavors of the charred wood. This is what gives bourbon its distinctive amber hue and many of its flavors and aromas—the sweetness, the spiciness, and the complex floral notes—that separate it from other whiskeys.
Premium Bourbon Brands
Premium bourbons are a distillery’s best bourbon brands. They have been hand selected by the distillery’s master distiller for their quality and aged for significantly longer periods of time (anywhere from 7 to 23 years total). Premium bourbons are aged under ideal conditions in the most prized locations or rotations in the barrel aging houses.
Inexpensive bourbon brands usually come from an amalgamation of hundreds of different barrels to standardize the quality in each bourbon bottle. But premium bourbon is always small batch or single barrel. Small batch premium bourbon comes from a handful of selected premium bourbon barrels, and single barrel premium bourbon comes from only one of the very best bourbon barrels.
Below is a list of some of the best premium bourbon brands:
Premium Bourbon: Elijah Craig
Named after the revered pioneer of bourbon, Elijah Craig is one of the finest premium bourbon brands on the market. It comes in both a small batch 12-years-aged premium bourbon, and a single barrel 18-years-aged super premium bourbon. The single barrel is considered a super premium bourbon for its incredible smoothness and its complex honey-caramel and floral tastes. It is one of the choicest premium bourbons available from master distillers Parker and Craig Beam (of the Jim Beam family) by the Elijah Craig bourbon distillery at Heaven Hill.
As the fable goes, Elijah Craig was shipping clear moonshine down from Kentucky to New Orleans via the Mississippi river. One day there was a barn fire and the barrels he used to ship his moonshine became charred. Being frugal, he used them anyways, and as the moonshine drifted slowly down the Mississippi, it soaked up that great charred flavor and took on an amber hue. The batch was a huge success in New Orleans. Everyone began calling for corn whiskey aged in charred barrels, and thus the bourbon tradition was born.
Premium Bourbon: Eagle Rare and George T. Stagg
A 10-years-aged premium bourbon distilled, aged, and bottled by the Old Prentice bourbon distillery at Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare is consistently one of the finest premium bourbons available at a very reasonable price. It has a sweet, oaky nose, and a complex, spicy body. There is also a 17-years-aged Antique Collection Eagle Rare super premium bourbon.
Another popular limited production super premium bourbon in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection is George T. Stagg, a 15-years-aged uncut bourbon. George T. Stagg is only available in the fall, and because it is uncut at approximately 140 barrel proof, it is one of the most potent, spirit-forward premium bourbons.
Premium Bourbon: Woodford Reserve
The only bourbon available from the Labrot and Graham bourbon distillery in the pastoral Woodford County, Wood Reserve Distiller’s Select is an exceptionally smooth, full bodied premium bourbon. The Woodford Reserve Distillery, unlike most others, uses climate controlling to enhance and accelerate the aging process, infusing their bourbon even further with the charred barrel flavors.
Though the distillery is the smallest of the main bourbon distilleries in Kentucky, Woodford Reserve premium bourbon is widely available at restaurants and bars across the country. Located in an equestrian county, the distillery also raises prized racing horses which they race under the bourbon brands name.
Premium Bourbon: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit, Russell’s Reserve, and Rare Breed
The famous Wild Turkey bourbon distillery has several premium bourbon selections. Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is a 101-proof single barrel premium bourbon. Russell’s Reserve, named for master distiller Jimmy “The Muscle” Russell, is a 10-years-aged small batch premium bourbon, and the distiller’s favorite. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a premium bourbon made from a select mixture of six, eight, and 12-year-old stocks.
Though each of these premium bourbons has a distinct taste, each also carries the Wild Turkey bourbon brands unique spice and spirit-forward flavor. Each of these premium bourbons is relatively aggressive and hot, full of complex spice and sweet notes. Though harder to find, they are certainly a notch up from the standard Wild Turkey bourbon.
Premium Bourbon: Old Grand Dad 100 Bonded and Old Grand Dad 114
One of the finest premium bourbons from the Jim Beam bourbon distillery, Old Grand Dad 100 proof bottled in bond, and the top-shelf Old Grand Dad 114 proof are two of best, most economical, underdog selections among premium bourbon brands. Exceptionally smooth and potent, these premium bourbons also have rich honey, cinnamon, and fruit notes. Look for the traditional bright orange and gold labeling of the 100 proof premium bourbon Old Grand Dad bottle in the liquor store.
More on Premium Bourbon Brands
The above listed premium bourbon brands are only a small selection of the premium bourbons available. The best bourbon is the bourbon that fits one’s personal tastes. Experiment with many different bourbon brands to find the perfect premium bourbon to fit one’s palate.
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