Welcome, fellow bourbon enthusiasts! It’s that time of the year again when we scour the shelves for the best Kentucky bourbons to sip and savor in 2023. After all, life is too short to drink mediocre whiskey, am I right? So, let’s buckle up and explore the top 12 bourbons that will knock your socks off, starting with my personal favorite, Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon.
Introducing Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon
The Holy Grail of Bourbons If you’re looking for a bourbon that packs a punch, look no further than Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day, with flavors of toffee, vanilla, and cinnamon that linger on your palate. But don’t let its smoothness fool you; this bad boy packs a whopping 114.3 proof, making it a top-shelf contender for serious bourbon drinkers. Plus, its beautiful bottle design will make you feel like a classy AF bourbon connoisseur.
The Smooth Operator – Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a smooth operator that will make you weak in the knees. Its luxurious mouthfeel is complemented by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a hint of toasted nuts on the finish. And if you’re feeling fancy, their Cask Strength edition will knock your socks off with its 122.4 proof. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one.
The Classic – Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Ah, Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It’s the bourbon that started it all, with its iconic red wax seal and smooth, mellow flavor. You can’t go wrong with this classic, whether you’re sipping it neat or mixing it in a cocktail. Its signature flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and oak will never go out of style.
The Wildcard – Old Forester 1920 Prohibition-Style Bourbon
If you’re feeling daring, try Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon. Its bold and spicy flavor profile is reminiscent of the roaring 20s, with notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and clove. At 115 proof, this bourbon is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely worth the risk.
The Affordable Yet Delicious – Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon
Who says you have to break the bank to enjoy a good bourbon? Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon is a steal at under $30 a bottle, with its smooth and balanced flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Its affordability makes it the perfect choice for those on a budget who still want to enjoy a high-quality bourbon.
Exploring More Top Kentucky Bourbons to Try in 2023
The Spicy One – Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
For those who like a little heat in their bourbon, Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon delivers. Its spicy flavor profile is balanced out by hints of vanilla and caramel, making it a unique and flavorful choice. And at a reasonable price point, it’s a great addition to any whiskey collection.
The Smoky One – Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon
If you’re a fan of smoky, peaty scotches, then Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon might be right up your alley. Its bold and complex flavor profile is dominated by smoky notes, with hints of honey and vanilla in the background. At 116.8 proof, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely a bourbon worth trying.
The Single Barrel Beauty – Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon is like finding a needle in a haystack – rare, elusive, and highly sought after. But if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, you won’t be disappointed. Its complex flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and honey is a work of art, and each bottle is hand-bottled, hand-labeled, and hand-numbered. It’s like the Beyoncé of bourbons – flawless and highly coveted.
The Sweet Tooth – Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
If you have a sweet tooth, then Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the bourbon for you. Its smooth and sweet flavor profile is dominated by caramel, toffee, and vanilla, with a hint of spice on the finish. And at a reasonable price point, it’s a great everyday sipper that won’t break the bank.
The High Roller – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Bourbon
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Bourbon isn’t exactly new to the game. But hear me out – this bourbon is still worth the hype. Its complex flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and oak is enhanced by 23 years of aging, making it a true work of art. And if you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, be prepared to shell out some serious dough. But hey, you only live once, right?
And the list goes on…
The Smoother Than Silk – Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon is like silk on your tongue, with a smooth and delicate flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a bourbon that’s easy to drink and won’t overpower your palate.
The Bold and Beautiful – Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2023-01 “Tagalong Batch”
Booker’s Bourbon Batch 2023-01 “Tagalong Batch” is bold, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. Its complex flavor profile is dominated by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a hint of smokiness on the finish. And at 127.6 proof, it’s not for the faint of heart. But if you’re feeling brave, this bourbon is definitely worth a try.
The Smooth Criminal – Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon is a smooth criminal that will steal your heart. Its unique flavor profile is the result of being aged in two different barrels, resulting in a smooth and complex flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a bourbon that’s both smooth and full of character.
The Final Verdict
And there you have it, folks – the 12 best Kentucky bourbons to drink in 2023. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, smoky, sweet, or smooth bourbons, there’s something on this list for everyone. And while Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon may be my personal favorite, I encourage you to try them all and find your own holy grail of bourbons. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s raise a glass and toast to good whiskey and good times!
