No liquor speaks to American history, folklore, and tradition like bourbon.
Beyond these basics, the details of bourbon’s history are murky.
Whoever Old Grand-Dad was, he didn’t pull his punches.
This doesn’t mean it’s necessarily terrible; it’s just not to most drinkers' tastes.
So what makes Old Grand-Dad distinctive?
While one of the most familiar bourbon brands, Jim Beam is not known for its depth or subtlety.
And that something is offering up decent bottles at affordable prices.
Bourbon makers can play this game too, producing both unpretentious mass-market bottles and more refined, smaller-batch expressions.
Basil Hayden’s is such a case.
As 31 Whiskey noted, “Basil Hayden’s is to Old Grand-Dad as Acura is to Honda.”
Whether or not this is worth your while depends on your fondness for Old Grand-Dad.
Widow Jane is a newcomer worth noticing
No, Widow Jane is not Basil Hayden’s elderly aunt.
Rather, Brooklyn, New-York-based Widow Jane is a relative newcomer to the bourbon scene.
In any case, Widow Jane is finished with fresh water from… somewhere.
Barton 1792 is a smooth sipper for traditionalists
Like many distilleries, Barton 1792 has a convoluted history.
Despite whatever institutional turmoil it has endured, Barton 1792 produces low-key, understated expressions.
Maker’s Mark is a simple, dependable favorite
Maker’s Mark is one of the best-known bourbon brands.
It’s also known for its distinctive flavor, due to its unusual mash bill.
Like all bourbon, its mash bill is mostly corn with a touch of malted barley.
It has a light mouthfeel and is less sweet than its aroma would suggest.
And this is where brands like Evan Williams come in handy.
Its producer, Heaven Hill Distillery, wasn’t founded until 1935, according toMalt.
But however spurious its suggested origin story, Evan Williams as a bourbon is the real deal.
ButWhiskey Washcalled their Yellow Label expression “the little black dress of bourbon…appropriate for everything.”
This suggests their tried-and-true middle-shelf expressions may be a safer bet for most tastes than their limited-edition experiments.
Still, Four Roses deserves points for not being afraid to be different.
Well, think again this venerable bottom-shelf brand deserves a lot more respect than it’s been getting.
So how does it taste?
On the palate, its candied notes are balanced by oak, char, and spice.
It has a spicy, peppery finish with some heat.
Today, many of Old Forester’s expressions are formulated and marketed to evoke the brand’s long history.
Malt likewise found pleasantly fruity notes in its Old Forester 1910.
Their Barrel Proof Bourbon wasnamed Whiskey of the Yearby Whisky Advocate in 2017.
What makes Elijah Craig a critical favorite is its complexity and balance.
The hint of oak connects and balances the flavors of fruit and spice.
Its balance and wide appeal are what puts Knob Creek near the top of our list.
Which only made you want to hate her more.
Buffalo Trace earned a reputation as a brand that turns casual drinkers into serious bourbon fans.
But while easy to love, Buffalo Trace isn’t always easy to find.
