Table of Contents

• Introduction
• How the List Was Created
• Top 20 Bourbons (Picks 11-20)
• Top 10 Bourbons (Picks 1-10)
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Introduction

Welcome back, everyone! Today is the day we reveal the top 10 bourbons of the year, and it’s going to be a good one. But before we get into that, I want to mention that we will also be discussing the top 20 bourbons that didn’t quite make the top 10. So, even if your favorite bourbon didn’t make the cut, there’s still a chance it will be mentioned.

2023 was truly an incredible year for bourbon and American whiskey. We saw a plethora of new releases, limited editions, and experimental blends that made it a truly exciting time to be a whiskey enthusiast. The quality and variety of bourbons that came out this year were exceptional, and it was no easy task to narrow it down to just 10.

But enough suspense! I encourage you to continue reading to see the countdown of the top 10 bourbons of 2023. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Before we dive into the list, I want to take a moment to mention our goal for 2024. We are aiming to hit 100,000 subscribers, and with your support, we believe we can achieve it. So, if you enjoy our content, make sure to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow bourbon lovers.

How the List Was Created

Creating the top 10 bourbons of 2023 was no easy task. I wanted to ensure that the list was fair, unbiased, and based solely on my personal experiences and preferences. Here’s how I went about creating the list:

• Criteria: I decided to include only bottles that I personally purchased and tasted. This meant no samples or store picks were included in the rankings. I wanted to ensure that I had a firsthand experience with each bourbon on the list.
• Narrowing down the list: To begin, I tasted over 40 different bourbons throughout the year. This allowed me to get a comprehensive understanding of the bourbons available and their unique qualities. I then conducted blind tastings to eliminate any bias and selected the top 20 bourbons based on their nose, palate, finish, and value.
• Blind tastings: The blind tastings were crucial in selecting the top 10 bourbons. By removing any knowledge of the brand or packaging, I was able to focus solely on the taste and let the whiskey speak for itself.
• The importance of blind tastings: The blind tastings played a significant role in ensuring an unbiased selection process. By not knowing which bourbon I was tasting, I could make a decision solely based on flavor and personal preference.
• Anticipation and excitement: Throughout the entire process, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement for the reveal of the top 10 bourbons of 2023. I couldn’t wait to share my experiences and recommendations with other whiskey enthusiasts.

I hope you find this list valuable and informative. Remember, taste is subjective, and everyone’s preferences may vary. The most important thing is to enjoy the bourbons you drink and share them with fellow bourbon lovers. Cheers!

Top 20 Bourbons (Picks 11-20)

In addition to the top 10 bourbons of 2023, there were several other bourbons that didn’t quite make the cut but are still worth mentioning. Let’s take a look at picks 11-20:

1. Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch American Heroes Blend: This bourbon is priced at $26 and was selected by six veterans. It has a nostalgic dusty note, a butterscotch toffee flavor, and is an easy sipper at 90 proof.
2. Penelope 9-Year Barrel Strength: This bourbon is a 4 grain blend made with corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. It is bottled at 109 proof and offers a rich and complex flavor profile. It is priced around $90 to $100.
3. Old Carter Bourbon Batch 14: This bourbon is priced at $200 and has a proof of 117. It is known for its sweetness, toffee, and butterscotch flavors. Although the finish fell off slightly in blind tastings, it is still considered a great bottle.
4. Kluke Batch 5: This blend of Kentucky and Indiana whiskies is priced at $110 and has a proof of 119.4. It offers a unique and distinct flavor profile, thanks to the expertise of Jonathan Misano.
5. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: This 12-year-old bourbon is a blend of 12 and 11-year-old whiskies. It was aged in a limestone warehouse to avoid overpowering oak flavors. It is bottled at 115.7 proof and is priced at $150.
6. Shanks Homestead Sour Mash American Whiskey: This whiskey, priced around $100, is made with a substantial amount of rye and features malted rye in its recipe. It offers a unique combination of flavors from different cask types and has a proof of 91.2.
7. Barton Bourbon Company Discovery Number 11: This blend of 8-year-old cast strength bourbon with a 20% rye mash bill is double oaked. It has a smoky and spicy flavor profile and is priced at $200.
8. Baker’s Bourbon 13: This Jim Beam single barrel release has a proof of 107 and is priced at $130. It offers deep, rich caramel flavors with a hint of dark fruit and showcases the best of Jim Beam at a high age.
9. Hardin Creek Claremont: This 17-year-old bourbon was aged at three different Jim Beam warehouse locations. The Claremont version stood out with its unique blend of flavors. It is priced at $170 and has a proof of 110.
10. Forged Oak Kelvin 60: This 8-year-old cast strength bourbon with a 20% rye mash bill is double oaked. It offers a smoky and spicy flavor profile and is priced at $200.

Each of these bourbons has its own price, flavor profile, and unique characteristics. While they didn’t make the top 10, they are still exceptional choices for bourbon enthusiasts. It’s worth exploring these picks and finding your personal favorite among them.

Top 10 Bourbons (Picks 1-10)

Introducing the highly anticipated top 10 bourbons of 2023! This year has been truly exceptional for bourbon and American whiskey, with a wide range of new releases, limited editions, and experimental blends. Now, let’s dive into the countdown of the top 10 bourbons of 2023:

1. Russell’s Reserve Single Rick House Camp Nelson F

The number one bourbon of the year is the Russell’s Reserve Single Rick House Camp Nelson F. This bourbon is aged for 14 years in Camp Nelson F Rick houses, known for their unique character and texture. With a proof of 117.5, this bourbon offers a rich and complex flavor profile that makes it worth every penny of its $300 price tag.

2. Elijah Craig C9 23

Coming in at number two is the Elijah Craig C9 23. This small batch blend has a proof of 133 and features bourbons aged for a minimum of 13 years and 7 months. Known for its depth of flavor, richness, and long finish, this bourbon truly captures the essence of a rick house. Despite some controversy surrounding inconsistency issues with different laser codes, the overall quality of this bourbon is undeniable.

3. Four Roses 135th Anniversary Edition

The Four Roses 135th Anniversary Edition takes the number three spot. This blend of 12, 14, 16, and 25-year-old bourbons offers a complex flavor profile with notes of brown sugar, caramel, and dark fruit. Bottled at 108 proof, this bourbon delivers a creamy texture and a truly memorable experience. Despite its $200 price tag, it is a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast.

4. Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel

For the first time ever, the Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel makes it into the top 10. This bourbon, with a proof of 94.4, showcases the blending expertise of the Michter’s team. With a price tag of around $170, it offers a unique flavor profile with a Dusty Rick House Funk and deep, rich oak notes that harken back to bourbons of the past.

5. Jack Daniel’s 12-Year

Jack Daniel’s makes an impressive showing at number five with their 12-Year Tennessee whiskey. Bottled at 107 proof, this release offers a deep, rich flavor profile with notes of butterscotch, toffee, and spice. Priced at around $90, it is an excellent value for a bourbon of this age and quality.

6. Little Book Chapter 7

Little Book Chapter 7 surprises with its unique blend of different whiskies. Despite not being a fan of previous Little Book releases, this particular blend stands out with its richness and depth of flavor. Priced at around $150, it offers a truly unique and enjoyable experience for any whiskey enthusiast.

7. Stagg Jr. Batch 22A

The Stagg Jr. Batch 22A takes the number seven spot with its high proof of 126.4. Known for its long finish and dense flavors, this bourbon delivers a truly memorable drinking experience. Despite its limited availability and price of around $90, it is a must-have for any Stagg Jr. fan.

8. Wild Turkey Generations

Wild Turkey makes its mark with the Generations bourbon, coming in at number eight. This collaboration between Jimmy Russell, Eddie Russell, and Bruce Russell resulted in a blend of bourbons aged for 9, 12, 14, and 15 years. Despite its initial mixed reviews, this bourbon has proved its worth with its incredible depth of flavor and unique character. Priced at $450, it is a splurge-worthy bottle for any Wild Turkey fan.

9. Larsen Barrel Proof C9 23

Larsen Barrel Proof C9 23 secures the number nine spot with its impressive proof of 126.4. This blend of 6 to 8-year-old bourbons offers a range of flavors, including brown sugar, caramel, and dark fruit. Despite its affordable price of around $60, it delivers a premium drinking experience.

10. Bown Bourbon Company Origins Bottled-in-Bond Weeded Bourbon

Rounding out the top 10 is the Bown Bourbon Company Origins Bottled-in-Bond Weeded Bourbon. For a price of $50 to $60, this weeded bourbon offers a rich and flavorful experience with a great mouthfeel and texture. Despite its relatively low price, it stands up against other popular weeded bourbons on the market.

Each of these bourbons brings something unique to the table, whether it’s their age, flavor profile, or overall value. While taste is subjective and everyone’s preferences may vary, these top 10 bourbons of 2023 are definitely worth a try for any bourbon enthusiast.

Conclusion

As we wrap up the year of 2023, it’s time to reflect on the top 10 bourbons that made a lasting impression. From the Russell’s Reserve Single Rick House Camp Nelson F to the Elijah Craig C9 23, these bourbons showcased the incredible quality and variety that the year had to offer. Whether you’re a fan of rich and complex flavors or smooth and easy sippers, there was something for everyone.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of our readers and viewers for their support throughout the year. Your engagement and enthusiasm have been truly motivating, and I’m grateful to have shared this bourbon journey with you.

As always, I encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on the top 10 bourbons list. Did your favorite make the cut? Are there any other bourbons from 2023 that you believe should have been included? I value your input and would love to hear your perspectives.

Looking ahead to 2024, our goal is to reach 100,000 subscribers. With your continued support, I believe we can achieve this milestone. So, if you enjoy our content, please like, subscribe, and share with your fellow bourbon lovers.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of sharing whiskey with others. Bourbon brings people together, sparks conversations, and creates lasting memories. So, grab a bottle, gather your friends and loved ones, and savor the moments that whiskey can bring. Cheers to a fantastic year of bourbon, and here’s to many more to come!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the top 10 bourbons of 2023:

1. How were the top 10 bourbons selected?

The bourbons were selected based on the author’s personal experiences and preferences. Only bottles that were personally purchased and tasted were included in the rankings.

2. What was the criteria for narrowing down the list?

The author tasted over 40 different bourbons throughout the year to get a comprehensive understanding of the available options. Blind tastings were conducted to eliminate bias and select the top 20 bourbons based on their nose, palate, finish, and value.

3. Why were blind tastings important in the selection process?

Blind tastings ensured an unbiased selection process by removing any knowledge of the brand or packaging. This allowed the author to focus solely on the taste and let the whiskey speak for itself.

4. Are these bourbons recommended for readers who want to try them?

Yes, these bourbons are highly recommended for readers who want to explore some of the best bourbons of 2023. Each bourbon offers a unique flavor profile and exceptional quality.

5. What are the plans for bourbon tastings and reviews?

The author’s goal for the future is to continue exploring and reviewing bourbons. They aim to reach 100,000 subscribers and appreciate the support of readers and viewers in achieving this milestone.