Bourbon is an alcoholic beverage with rich flavour, taste and history. It is loved by connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and old-fashioned bourbon drinkers alike and this is why it is one of the most flourishing industries for a very long time.
Table of Contents
Top 20 Bourbon Brands in the world in 2024
1. Evan Williams
- Origin Country: Kentucky U.S.
- Founder: Evan Williams
- Introduced: 1957
- Manufacturer: Heaven Hill
- Proof: 86
- ABV: 43%
Evan Williams Bourbon is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by the Heaven Hill company. It is named after Evan Williams, who opened Kentucky’s first distillery in 1783. The bourbon is aged for a minimum of four years, which is more than the two-year minimum required to be called ‘straight’ bourbon.
Evan Williams is one of the best bourbon brands in the world of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskies. The spirit is distilled at the Heaven Hill distillery in Louisville and bottled in Bardstown. The bourbon is described as a medium-bodied, well-rounded spirit that is smooth, rich and full of character and is also available in flavours and aromas.
The “standard issue” Evan Williams bourbon is sold as the mass-market “Black Label” variety. The company also bottles several other varieties, including a “White Label” that is bottled in bond, an “Evan Williams 1783” bourbon that is produced in more limited quantities, and a 7-8 year old single barrel bourbon sold in vintage-dated bottles sealed with black wax.
Evan Williams Bourbon is known for its character, smoothness, and rich flavor. It has been ranked as one of the world’s best-selling whiskey brands. The bourbon is made using traditional methods and the same time-honored recipes that have been used for generations. It is charcoal filtered and aged far longer than required by law, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable bourbon.
Product Portfolio:
- EVAN WILLIAMS PEACH
- EVAN WILLIAMS BOTTLED IN BOND
- EVAN WILLIAMS SMOOTH BOURBON CHERRY ZING
2. Old Forester
- Origin Country: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- Founder: George Garvin Brown
- Manufacturer: Brown-Forman
- Founded: 1850
- Bottled and Marketed: 1870
- Proof: 60 – 120
- ABV: 30.00% – 60.00%
Old Forester is associated with the alcoholic beverage industry and produces Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It was the first bourbon whiskey to be sold in sealed bottles and is currently produced at Brown-Forman distillery. Described as the best value bourbon by the old fashioned bourbon drinkers it is also a favourite of the bartenders.
Old Forester has been on the market continuously for longer than any other bourbon, approximately 150 years as of 2020
The bourbon is made of 10% malted barley, 18% rye and 70% corn which gives it a rich aroma, complex flavours and a light finish with just a tinge of apple, banana or any other classic favour
Product Portfolio:
- OLD FORESTER STATESMAN BOURBON
- OLD FORESTER RYE WHISKEY
- OLD FORESTER 1920 – PROHIBITION-STYLE
3. Four Roses
- Origin Country: United States
- Manufacturer: Kirin Brewery Company of Japan
- Introduced: 1888
- Proof: 80, 90, 100 and 104
- ABV: 40%, 45%, 50% and 52%
- Master Distiller: Brent Elliot
Four Roses is one of the best bourbons company that manufactures Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey at its Lawrenceburg distillery. The bottling and ageing operations are conducted at Cox’s Creek. One can drink the whiskey straight or neat on the rocks and also in cocktails.
The company uses five type of yeast strains and two mash bills for producing 10 recipes of bourbon amongst which four are for a small batch. The bourbon has a hint of new charred oak and notes of vanilla, caramel and raisins with a medium colour, woody, spicy, floral and fruity aroma and lingering finish. The versatile spirit is the recipient of numerous awards over the years.
Product Portfolio:
- FOUR ROSES SINGLE BARREL BOURBON
- FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH SELECT
- FOUR ROSES LIMITED EDITION BOURBONS
4. Woodford Reserve
- Origin Country: U.S.
- Manufacturer: Brown-Forman
- Launched: 1996
- Proof: 90.4
- ABV: 45.29%
If you are an avid bourbon whiskey lover and are looking for an ultimate experience then opt for Woodford Reserve, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Woodford Reserve is made from a mixture of copper pot still spirits produced at the company’s Woodford Reserve Distillery. Each 45.2% alcohol by volume (90.4 US Proof) bottle bears a unique batch and bottle number.
The flagship bourbon is sweet, smooth, woody and a bit spicy with notes of fruit and vanilla. The Double oak bourbon is aged in lightly new charred oak barrels accompanied by wheat, rye and malt whiskey to bring out the caramel notes with a smooth start and sweet finish.
Woodford Reserve has received solid scores from international spirit ratings organizations and liquor review bodies. It is also associated with the Kentucky Derby and can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Product Portfolio:
- WOODFORD RESERVE DOUBLE OAKED
- WOODFORD RESERVE STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY
- WOODFORD RESERVE STRAIGHT MALT WHISKEY
5. 1792 Bourbon
- Origin Country: U.S.
- Manufacturer: The Sazerac Company ( since 2009)
- Founded: 2002
- Proof: 93.7
- ABV: 46.85%
1792 Bourbon is another example of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey which is produced at the Barton 1792 distillery. The small-batch bourbons of the premium brand are aimed at the luxury market. The brand and distillery have been owned by the Sazerac Company since 2009. It is part of a line of small-batch bourbons aimed at the high-end liquor market and is sold at 93.7 U.S. proof (46.85% alcohol by volume). The name of the bourbon is a reference to the year Kentucky became a state. It is positioned as a premium brand and is priced similarly to Knob Creek or Woodford Reserve
The bourbon is made with a simple recipe that uses high rye content and hand-selected barrels for ageing. The bourbon has a smooth and rich caramel and butterscotch flavour with a hint of toffee and fruit giving it a distinct advantage in the bourbon industry
Product Portfolio:
- 1792 SINGLE BARREL RESERVE
- 1792 SMALL-BATCH BOURBON
- 1792 HIGH RYE
6. Wild Turkey
- Origin Country: Lawrenceburg, U.S.
- Manufacturer Wild Turkey distilling Company (a subsidiary of Campari Group)
- Introduced:1940
- Proof: 80, 81, 108.2, 101, 86.8
- ABV: 58.4%
- Creative Director: Mathew McConaughey
- Master Distiller: Jimmy Russell
- Production volume: Nine million proof gallons
Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co, a division of Campari Group. It was introduced in 1940 and is produced in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, United States.
The Wild Turkey Distillery offers tours and is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. It has a spicy edge that gives it a distinct character. The whiskey composition is 12% barley, 13% rye and 75% corn and is aged for a minimum of six years in the specially selected sherry barrels to deepen the flavour. The Wild Turkey Distillery Expansion, which is set to open in 2023, will be designed to produce 5 million additional proof gallons of Wild Turkey bourbon annually.
Wild Turkey is a perfect choice for beverage lovers looking for a complicated, finished as well as affordable spirit. It is also a good option for mixed drinks. Wild Turkey Bourbon is known for its quality and has different variants with varying proofs, including 80, 81, 86.8, 101, and 108.2.
Product Portfolio:
- WILD TURKEY MASTER’S KEEP REVIVAL
- WILD TURKEY RARE BREED BOURBON
- WILD TURKEY 101 PROOF
7. Blanton’s
- Origin Country: U.S
- Produced and Marketed: Sazerac Company
- Owned: Age International Inc.
- Introduced: 1984
- Proof: 93, 103, 80
- ABV: 46.50% (variable)
Blanton’s is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced and marketed by the Sazerac Company. It was introduced in 1984 and was the first ever Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially. Blanton’s bourbon was named in honor of one of the distillery’s early leaders, Albert B. Blanton, who spent most of his life preserving the tradition of handcrafted bourbon. The taste profile of Blanton’s Bourbon is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak, and a creamy vanilla nose.
Blanton worked at the facility now known as the Buffalo Trace Distillery for approximately 55 years. The whiskey is marketed as a high-end bourbon which is aged 6 to 8 years and distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The company produces multiple expressions with a different proof.
The product is easily recognizable because of the unique shape of the bottle. There is also a collector’s set with eight variety of bottle stoppers featuring a jockey and a horse.
Product Portfolio:
- BLANTON’S SINGLE BARREL BOURBON
- BLANTON’S SPECIAL RESERVE
- BLANTON’S GOLD EDITION
8. Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon
- Origin Country: Kentucky, U.S.
- Manufacturer: Castle Brands
- Distributor: Castle Brands
- Founder: Trey Zoeller
- Introduced: 1997
- Proof: 90
- ABV: 45%
Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon is a bourbon whiskey brand that takes the help of experimental blending and a unique concept of ageing the whiskey at sea. This results in dark and thick bourbon with complex and fruity flavours because of the moisture in the salty water and temperature fluctuations.
The rich amber colour along with the red apple aroma has helped to create a special and awesome blend that is loved by connoisseurs and beverage lovers alike.
Product Portfolio:
- JEFFERSON’s SMALL BATCH BOURBON
- JEFFERSON’S RESERVE
- JEFFERSON’S OCEAN AGED AT SEA
9. Maker’s Mark
- Origin Country: Loretto, U.S.
- Manufacturer: Beam Suntory
- Distillery: Marker’s Mark
- Introduced: 1958
- Proof: 90%
- ABV: 45%
Maker’s Mark is a small-batch bourbon whisky produced in Loretto, Kentucky, by Beam Suntory. It is bottled at 90 U.S. proof (45% alcohol by volume) and sold in squarish bottles sealed with red wax. The distillery offers tours and is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Maker’s Mark has a deliciously smooth finish and is made slowly in small batches at the historic distillery in Loretto, Kentucky.
Maker’s Mark is one of the best bourbon whiskey brands in the world in 2021. The small-batch bourbon has red wax seals and is sold in distinct square bottles.
One of the main changes that the company has implemented in its bourbon production is the use of red winter wheat at 16% instead of the usual rye along with malted barley at 14% and corn at 16%. The whiskey is aged for nearly six years and the barrels are rotated from upper decks to the lower ones during the ageing process.
Product Portfolio:
- MAKER’S MARK WOOD FINISHING SERIES 2021 RELEASE
- MAKER’S MARK PRIVATE COLLECTION
- MAKER’S MARK 46”
10. Old Grand Dad
- Origin Country: U.S.
- Owned and Manufactured: Beam Suntory
- Introduced: 1840
- Distillery: Jim Beam Plant
- Founder: Raymond B Haydon
- Proof: 114, 100, 86, 80
- ABV:57%, 50%, 43%, 40%
Old Grand-Dad is a brand of bourbon whiskey that has been around since 1840. It is distilled at the Jim Beam Plant in Clermont, Kentucky, and is owned and produced by Beam Suntory. The brand was created by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather, Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., who was a well-known distiller during his lifetime. Old Grand-Dad is specifically formulated with more rye for a lighter, spicier flavor. The proof range for Old Grand-Dad runs from 80 to 100 for the bottled-in-bond version, to 114. The bourbon has a very traditional old-style flavor.
Old Grand-Dad is for people who love a strong spirit as the beverage has a high content of rye that gives it a spicy kick. It can be enjoyed straight and also mixed as cocktails.
In the current market, it is one of the top-selling straight whiskies in the world. The main ingredients used in the whiskey are 63% corn, 10% malted barley and 27% rye.
Product Portfolio:
- OLD GRAND-DAD KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
- OLD GRAND-DAD BONDED BOURBON
- OLD GRAND-DAD BOURBON 80 PROOF
11. Jim Beam
- Origin Country: U.S.
- Manufacturer: Beam Suntory ( since 2014)
- Introduced: 1795
- Reintroduced as Jim Beam: 1943
- Proof: 100, 86, 80
Jim Beam is an American brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky, by Beam Suntory.
Jim Beam has the distinction of being one of the highest sellers of bourbon whiskies in the world. It is manufactured at the Jim Beam distillery and offers a unique product that is an integration of beer and whiskey. The brand name became “Jim Beam” in 1943 in honor of James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended.
The original mash bill includes 12% malted barley, 13% rye and 75% corn and the full-flavoured bourbon has an easy and sweet taste and a satisfying and smooth finish.
Product Portfolio:
- JIM BEAM WHITE
- JIM BEAM DEVIL’S CUT
- JIM BEAM EXTRA-AGED
12. Widow Jane
- Origin Country: United States
- Manufacturer: Widow Jane Distillery
- Introduced: 2012
- Proof: 49.5% ABV
Widow Jane is a brand of bourbon whiskey that is produced by the Widow Jane Distillery in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York City. The brand offers a range of bourbons, including the Widow Jane Straight Bourbon Whiskey 10 Yr, which is aged for 10 years and has deep cherry notes and a light tannic finish.
The Widow Jane: the Vaults is a limited release of the brand’s rarest and oldest bourbons, which were finished in casks from the Adirondacks in New York. The bourbons produced by Widow Jane Distillery are known for their intensity and complexity
Widow Jane is a favourite beverage of the bartenders because of its delicious taste. The name is not because of some widowed lady but from the Widow Jane mines located at Rosendale. The whiskey is aged 8 years minimum in American oak casks to develop its actual flavour.
One of its spirit the 10-year old is a classic bourbon with hints of vanilla, char, corn and oak. The whiskey is aged to achieve a perfect blend
Product Portfolio:
- WIDOW JANE DECADENCE
- WIDOW JANE 12 YEAR BOURBON
- WIDOW JANE 10 YEAR STRAIGHT BOURBON
13. William Laure Weller
- Origin Country: U.S.
- Manufacturer: Sazerac Company ( since 1999)
- Created by: Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company
- Introduced: 1849
- Proof: 90, 107
- ABV: 45.99%, 53.50%
William Laure Weller is one of the best bourbon brands of wheat whiskey. It is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery. William Larue Weller was a distiller in the early days of Kentucky who was supposedly the first to produce straight bourbon using wheat instead of rye in the mashbill.
The alcoholic beverage is produced from a mash with ingredients of at least 51% corn and wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye.
Product Portfolio:
- WELLER SPECIAL RESERVE – GREEN ABEL, BOTTLED AT 90 PROOF
- WELLER FULL PROOF – BLUE LABEL, BOTTLED AT 90 PROOF
- WELLER ANTIQUE 107 – RED LABEL BOTTLED AT 97 PROOF
14. Michter’s
- Origin Country: Louisville, U.S.
- Manufacturer: Chatham Imports
- Introduced:1753
- Founder: John Shenk
- Reintroduced: 1997
- Master Distiller: Dan McKee’s
Michter’s has been a part of distilling some of the finest bourbon and rye whiskey for a long time. Currently, the main facility is Shively distillery and also the Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery.
Michter’s US1 Bourbon is a small-batch bourbon whiskey that is aged for 5-7 years and has a proof of 91.4. The brand is known for its commitment to small-batch production, with each batch consisting of only 20 barrels. Michter’s whiskeys are made from carefully selected mash bills that feature the highest quality American corn.
The product portfolio includes American whiskey, rye, bourbon and sour mash whiskey. The Kentucky bourbon is an ultra-premium spirit with flavours that range from pineapple, cloves to the dark chocolate truffle.
Product Portfolio:
- MICHTER’S CELEBRATION SOUR MASH
- MICHTER’S KENTUCKY STRAIGHT RYE
- MICHTER’S AMERICAN WHISKEY
15. Pappy Van Winkle
- Origin Country: U.S.
- Manufacturer: Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Introduced: 1990
- Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Pappy Van Winkle is considered the finest bourbon by beverage lovers. The products are highly popular and rare hence connoisseurs have created a Pappy Hunting team to find a bottle for them.
Pappy Van Winkle is the flagship brand of bourbon whiskey owned by the “Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery” company. It is distilled and bottled by the Sazerac Company at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
The bourbon is of very superior quality with dark flavours, early aromas of cream and caramel, soft notes of leather, nuts and oak and a distinct sweetness and finishes to it. The average price of a bottle is 2,500 dollars and this makes it one of the premium bourbon whiskey brands in the world.
Product Portfolio:
- PAPPY VAN WINKLE 15 YEAR
- PAPPY VAN WINKLE 20 YEAR
- PAPPY VAN WINKLE 23 YEAR
16. Knob Creek
- Origin Country: United States
- Manufacturer: Beam Suntory
- Introduced: 1992
- Proof: 100
- ABV: 50.00%
Knob Creek manufactures Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey at the Jim Beam distillery.It is one of the four Jim Beam small batch bourbon brands targeted for the high-end liquor market, with siblings in the line including Booker’s, Baker’s, and Basil Hayden’s.
The primary expression of the brand is aged for 9 years and bottled at 100 proof, which is higher than the typical 2 years and 80 proof that are the minimums required by U.S. Federal labeling requirements. The brand boasts of a fine quality bourbon and targets the luxury high-end premium market. The spirit is available in rectangle bottles with a corked cap and sealed wax top.
Knob Creek bourbons have a woody, full-bodied, rich and sweet flavour along with aromas of oak, grain and toasted nuts and notes of brown sugar. The dark golden brown colour of the whiskies is because of the long ageing process. The brand has been the recipient of several awards and recognition over the years like various gold, double gold and silver at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Product Portfolio:
- KNOB CREEK RYE
- KNOB CREEK 2001 LIMITED EDITION
- KNOB CREEK SMOKED MAPLE BOURBON
17. Basil Hayden’s
- Origin Country: Kentucky, United States
- Manufacturer: Beam Suntory
- Introduced: 1992
- Proof: 80
- ABV: 40.00%
Basil Hayden’s is a bourbon whiskey produced by Beam Suntory. Basil Hayden’s is known for producing the lightest-bodied whiskies in the world. The bourbon is a premium spirit with a higher rye content in the mash bill. It has a light golden colour, citrus scent and apple cider flavour on the front and a butterscotch flavour with a little punch of pepper at the finish.
Basil Hayden’s is a small-batch, rye-heavy bourbon that is light and delicately spicy, steering far away from harsh tasting notes and assertive tannins
Earlier Basil Hayden’s bourbon was aged 8 years in new charred American oak but since 2014 the brand has removed the age statement.
Product Portfolio:
- BASIL HAYDEN’S RYE WHISKEY
- BASIL HAYDEN’S 10 YEAR BOURBON
- BASIL HAYDEN’S LIMITED EDITION CARIBBEAN RESERVE RYE
18. Bulleit Bourbon
- Origin Country:
- Manufacturer: Diageo
- Introduced: 1830 and again in 1999
- Founder: Augustus Bulleit
- Proof: 90
- ABV: 45%
Bulleit Bourbon is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced at the Bulleit Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky and the Bulleit Distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, for the Diageo beverage conglomerate. It can be enjoyed straight and is also mixed in other drinks to make a refreshing cocktail.
It is bottled at 45% abv (90 proof) for the US, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Mexican markets. For Australian and Danish markets, it is bottled at 40% abv.
Bulleit whiskies have a high content of rye at 28%, 4% barley and 68% corn and are aged for a minimum of six years.
Product Portfolio:
- BULLEIT BOURBON 10 YEARS
- BULLEIT BOURBON BARREL STRENGTH
- BULLEIT RYE
19. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- Origin Country: Frankfort, Kentucky, U.S.
- Manufacturer: Sazerac Company
- Introduced: 1999
- Proof: 90
- ABV: 45%
- Production Volume: 60,000 gallons of whiskey a day
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that has been made the same way for over 200 years. It is owned by the Sazerac Company and is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is popular as a range of exceptional whiskies in the world. It is manufactured at its namesake distillery which is one of the oldest operating distilleries in the world. The bourbon whisky was the recipient of a 2020 gold medal at the World Whiskies Awards.
The straight whiskies brand has a complex aroma, notes of brown sugar and spice, sweet taste, serious depth and a long finish. The spirit is aged in new charred oak barrels for years until they reach their maturity.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is an excellent choice for those who prefer a gently spicy and not too sweet bourbon.
Product Portfolio:
- BUFFALO TRACE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
20. Elijah Craig
- Origin Country: U.S.
- Manufacturer: Heaven Hill
- Introduced: 1986
- Headquarters: Bardstown
- Production volume: 100,000 bottles (2023)
Elijah Craig Bourbon Whiskey is a premium and super-premium brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Kentucky by Heaven Hill Distilleries. It is available in a small-batch version with 47% ABV and Barrel Select expression in 200 ml bottles.
The whiskies are made with 78% corn, 10% to 12% rye and the rest malted barley and aged in new charred oak American barrels to achieve a deep, smoky, caramel spirit.
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon has a warm spice and subtle smoke flavor, and is often used in cocktails.
Product Portfolio:
- ELIJAH CRAIG 18-YEAR-OLD SINGLE BARREL
- ELIJAH CRAIG 12-YEAR-OLD SMALL-BATCH BARREL
- ELIJAH CRAIG 23-YEAR-OLD SINGLE BARREL
Some of the popular brands that must be mentioned along with the above 20 best bourbon brands are
- Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr
- Barrell
- Uncle Nearest
- Majesty
- Saint Liberty
- Shadow Ridge
- Saint Cloud
- Fresh
Conclusion
Bourbon is the native spirit of America that has to be made with at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. It has been made since the eighteenth century and the demand for the beverage is still going strong in almost all the nooks and corners of the world.
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I guess being an old red neck, my only real comment is. Real bourbon comes from Kentucky – period. The yankee snow flakes might make vodka or other stuff, but not bourbon. . Also, being a proud Texan, but totally honest. The crap we make hear in Texas is an insult, it ain’t fit to drink. It is 3 times the price, but 10 times worse than the the alcohal they blend with gasoline.. It ain’t fit to drink, I bet it wouldn’t run in my Ford truck or my wife’s Mercedes either. Bourbon is Buffalo Trace, Makers Mark, Jim Bean, & W. L Weller, just to name a few. Each and every comes from Kentucky. If you don’t believe me- try some real bourbon or gag on that other garbage.