Have you ever found yourself wandering up and down the aisles of your local liquor store wondering what brand of bourbon you should buy? I know how it feels! There are many things to consider, and I am here to help you sort it out…
You want to stock your bar, and maybe you’re new to this bourbon adventure. Which bourbon should you purchase?
The Bourbon Zone says ALL THE BOURBON!
Truly though, I do have five recommendations for you. There are many others, but you will not be disappointed that you grabbed these off the shelf. As you walk down the bourbon/whiskey aisle, there will be many bottles that draw your eye and peak your interest. Don’t think you must purchase the most expensive because there are great tasting bourbons at every price point. Here are my five solid bourbon picks you will enjoy and appreciate each and every time you return to it.
#1 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon:
This delicious bourbon comes from the Wild Turkey Distillery. It has their signature No. 4 alligator chair which delivers tons of oak and that deep rich color. It’s bottled perfectly at 110 proof with notes of toffee, tobacco, and vanilla shining through. One of my favorites.
#2 Baker’s 107 Single Barrel:
This is from Jim Beam, a distillery with a rich and storied history. This single barrel is 107 proof and most recently with the new bottle look has an age statement of 7 yrs. The sweet vanilla and oak allows one to savor each tasty sip.
#3 Knob Creek 12yr:
Another Jim Beam distillery gem.
# 1 Whiskey of 2020, and you’ll know why when you taste it. 12yrs of oak barrel infusion, vanilla, and for me the peanut brittle notes makes this extremely enjoyable. Bottled at a very manageable 100 proof I would suggest any new bourbon drinker give this a try. You will not be disappointed.
#4 Buffalo Trace:
Buffalo Trace Distillery is pumping out some gems and highly allocated bottles.
I’ve started to see this on the shelf more often, so wanted to add it to this list. Buffalo Trace is a flagship bourbon with an award winning mash bill. A great entry for all bourbon drinkers. Bottled at 90 proof, a lighter bourbon, offering sweet notes of fruit and oak. Very easy drinking.
#5 Eagle Rare:
Another Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon.
This is an allocated bottle and is “rarely” seen on the shelf. Bottled at 90 proof with an age statement of 10 years. Light oak, honey and toasted brown sugar make this a delightful dram. If you see it on the shelf I recommend you pick it up and give it a try.
Either one of these selections will get you started off in the right direction. We have discovered that certain areas just don’t have great bourbon selections available to the public. In our circle we have come to enjoy the term “honey hole” in reference to finding a liquor store or supplier that usually has a large selection of great bourbon available.
Hopefully you will be able to find these five bourbon’s and many more at your local liquor store.
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