My “Best Bourbons” Selections for 2025
As I said above (in “Notes from My Journal”), I’m not a bourbon drinker. This list is based solely on reading a half-dozen articles I found online. If you are a bourbon aficionado, please tell me if you think I’ve erred. (Note: The three at the end were recommended as being “budget bourbons” – i.e., less than $60 a bottle.)
1. Weller 12
Quick Review: “It is very good but not quite as good as the hype. To be fair though it would have to be one of the best bourbons I’ve tasted to live up to the huge hype it seems to get. I think that largely comes from the fact that it is often hard to get hold of…. I can safely say it is one of, if not the very best bourbon in its price range. And that’s the beauty of Weller 12, you are getting an excellent 12-year bourbon for what seems like a ridiculously low price.” Read more here.
2. 1792 Full Proof
Quick Review: “An amazing and ballsy bourbon that lights up the palate with flavor. There’s a lot going on and it all works well together, though it may be a little on the hot side for some. Everything about it is classy, from the eloquently designed bottle to the deep caramel orange hue of the juice to that awesome flavor profile. A class act.” Read more here.
3. Rebel Yell 10
Quick Review: “Rebel Yell has a reputation as quite a cool drink due to having been a favorite drink of Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones. (Apparently, Billy Idol wrote his song ‘Rebel Yell’ after meeting the Stones and seeing them drink it straight from the bottle.) It is a great whiskey with a mature and complex drink with lots of great flavors and depth. I love it and highly recommend picking up a bottle if you get the chance.” Read more here.
4. Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Quick Review: “This is definitely a bourbon that you need to let sit for a few minutes (5-10) and the transformation is exceptional. A brilliant whiskey that packs some serious flavor. There aren’t many better out there at the same price point.” Read more here.
5. Four Roses Small Batch
Quick Review: “An exceptional bourbon with loads of flavor and a perfect balance. It is very smooth despite being a barrel proof. What I really like about it is there is a consistency of the amazing sweetness across the nose, palate, and finish but with lots of different flavors mixed in at each stage. It has a great character, too, and the fact that you can actually pick up one of these bottles reasonably easily and at a relatively reasonable price makes it even more appealing.” Read more here.
6. Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel
Quick Review: “A great cask strength bourbon from Blanton’s which has a ton of classic caramel and vanilla flavors to enjoy as well as deep vanilla and brown sugar. This is the epitome of a ‘flavor bomb.’ Be careful though, due to its high ABV/Proof this one will knock your socks off!”
7. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Quick Review: “A beastly powerhouse of a cask-strength bourbon that packs a punch and has a great flavor profile of caramel, dark fruits, and vanilla. There have been several very good incarnations of this but The Hazmat, in particular, was a personal favorite and was sure to put hairs on your chest.”
8. Four Roses Single Barrel
Quick Review: “This is well known for being a great pour for the money and as one of the best pound for pound bourbons you can buy and I wholeheartedly agree with that. It’s got lots of flavors and enough complexity to keep you happy. It’s a perfect bottle to sit on your shelf as a daily drinker. It’s also a good bourbon to share with friends who may not have as refined a palate.” Read more here.
9. Eagle Rare 10
Quick Review: “It’s just a very well-rounded bourbon and it is very reasonably priced for a 10-year release, meaning it makes a great daily drinker to have on the shelf. It has been known to vary slightly in quality from batch to batch but is generally very dependable.” Read more here.
10. Buffalo Trace
Quick Review: “An accessible, extremely drinkable, well-balanced pour that is easy to keep coming back to. It may not challenge an experienced drinker, but delivers a full enough flavor to satisfy them nonetheless. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a quintessential Kentucky bourbon that holds up in just about every scenario, from sipping neat to cocktails, and can be found at a great price (most of the time).” Read more here.