The next step differentiates Bourbon from whiskey. The mixture is pumped into a fermentation vat with yeast and, commonly, a sour mash mix. The mash is then distilled – mostly twice – to remove impurities and increase the strength of the liquid.

Blantons Original Bourbon Single Barrel limited edition - Whiskys Blantons Original Bourbon Single Barrel limited edition - Whiskys

Age/Age Statement: Though not required, many distilleries display their whiskey offerings with the amount of time they’ve spent aging. Generally, the more years the liquor has spent in its barrels, the better – although there are some exceptions.

The bourbon here is an absolutely beautiful, dark amber color. It lightens up a little bit when you pour out just a glass, but its still just the perfect shade. Usually, adding a little bit of ice washes out the weaker flavors while toning down the more annoying or richer aspects. For a bitter or overly dark whiskey this can be a good thing, but for something that is already pretty well balanced and delicious when taken neat, it can be a real buzzkill. Bulleit Bourbon is a little sharper than most, thanks to its high rye content. It’s an attention grabber, with a pungent and powerful taste and plenty of contrasting notes. You’ll taste caramel most prominently when sipping this bourbon, rounded off with an expert hint of spicy cinnamon and ginger. If you prefer to read about Bourbon before opening the bottle, jump to our sections below to learn more about Bourbon. Read more about the terms to know when talking about Bourbon or our methodology to select and rank the best Bourbon brands of the year. Four Roses Single Barrel: Overall best bourbon of 2023 Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon has a storied history that ties together many namesakes of the Buffalo Trace distillery. Originally, Colonel Albert B. Blanton was the president of the George T. Stagg Bourbon Distillery, which is now known as the Buffalo Trace Distillery until 1952. During that period Elmer T. Lee worked under Blanton. As Lee was nearing retirement, he decided to bring forth one last product. A year before retiring, Lee brough to market the first commercial single barrel bourbon and named it Blanton’s after the late Colonel.

Blantons Original Bourbon 46.5% 70cl - RMW Blantons Original Bourbon 46.5% 70cl - RMW

Blend: Some whiskey experts may disregard blended whiskey while many others consider it an art. Blended whiskey combines multiple other whiskeys alongside neutral grains, flavorings, and colorings.And let’s not forget the oak casks: the oak used is first stripped and left to weather for six months. This process removes the bitter tannins, allowing for a smoother flavor once the mixture has been added. The aging process: Similar to the above, many will assume that the longer the aging process, the better the Bourbon. But some brands have thrown caution to the wind and either removed their age banner from their bottles or have reduced the length of time their Bourbon matures for. But while this small-batch Bourbon has changed a few things over time, it’s kept its ‘super premium’ holding and taste. Blanton’s claims that it’s “the original single barrel Bourbon whiskey” and is known for its unique bottle shape. Age International was sold in 1992 to the Japanese spirits company Takara Shuzo, who still owns it to today. Product

15 Best Bourbons: Top Whiskeys To Drink (2023) - Luxe Digital 15 Best Bourbons: Top Whiskeys To Drink (2023) - Luxe Digital

Before you start hunting for a bottle of your own, here are 15 things you need to know about Blanton’s. It was the world’s first “single-barrel” bourbon. Another award-winning bourbon, it’s hard to beat this seriously smooth whiskey with its peppery depth and complex creaminess. Known as one of the best evening bourbons, Bulleit’s taste lingers long after that final sip. Thirty-One Whiskey is a blog devoted to the appreciation of good whiskey, fine cigars, and the value of a hard day’s work in the wood shop. The bottle is wrapped with an aged paper wrapper that has some basic information about the contents, including the hand-written details of where and when the whiskey comes from.Whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash (wheat, rye, barley, and corn) and then aged in wooden barrels. Small-Batch: There are no legally-defined parameters as to what “small-batch” actually means. However, it’s the term used for whiskey that’s been produced in select numbers on a limited basis. For years, U.S. Blanton’s lovers pined after two products they couldn’t get their hands on in the states. (Yes, the irony of a distinctly American product not being available in America is not lost on us). But Blanton’s single-barrel Gold Edition and Straight From The Barrel bourbons are now finally available on the American market.