Angel’s Envy

Distiller: Louisville Distilling Co, Louisville, KY Bourbon Type: Small Batch, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged: 4-6 years, finished in Port casks Price Range: $40 – $45 Bourbon Journal Rating: 4.25 out of 5 Stars

This remarkable spirit is one of the smoothest and most unique bourbon’s we have ever rated. Created by one of the most respected Master Distillers in the modern bourbon world, this delicious drink represents a true innovation in the realm of top-shelf whiskey. What truly sets this bourbon apart from others is the polish it receives from the port cask finishing process. The result is a warm, smooth and delicious addition to any bourbon drinkers repertoire.

We recommend enjoying this bourbon straight or over 2-3 cubes of ice. For other recommended preparations and cocktails with Angel’s Envy bourbon, visit the Angel’s Envy website.

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon

Distiller: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY Bourbon Type: Single Barrel Aged: Until it has reached its “optimum age” Price Range: $45 – $55 Bourbon Journal Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Blanton’s is one of our favorite bourbons here at the Bourbon Journal. As a single barrel bourbon, each bottle has its own unique flavors and characteristics that create an impressive bouquet, accompanied by a genuinely smooth and flavorful taste profile. In this bourbon, you can really taste the delicate arrangement of caramel and almonds with a smooth oaky finish that lingers on the palette with true finesse. If you are searching for a world class impressive bourbon that comes from a tradition of fine distilling and careful aging, look no further. We recommend you keep a bottle of Blanton’s on your top shelf for those special occasions when you are looking to impress an audience.

Eagle Rare

Distiller: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY Bourbon Type: Single Barrel Aged: 10 Years Price Range: $23 – $30 Bourbon Journal Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

This bourbon is a fantastic addition to any well rounded collection. Full flavored, smooth finish, and sure to impress even the most critical bourbon connoisseur. This bourbon has earned its place at the top of my “everyday sipping bourbon” list. For the price, I argue that you cannot find a comparable bourbon out there.

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon

Distiller: Four Roses, Lawrenceburg, KY Bourbon Type: Single Barrel Aged: Unknown Price Range: $35 – $39 Bourbon Journal Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

A premium Single Barrel Bourbon with a taste that begs to be savored again and again. Its taste is complex, full bodied and surprisingly smooth with a delicate long finish that is unbelievably mellow. Contains hints of ripe plum and cherry tastes with fruity, spicy aromas including maple syrup and cocoa. Drink straight up or on the rocks.

• Nose: Fruity, spicy, floral, cocoa, maple syrup, moderately woody.
• Palate: Hints of ripe plum & cherries, robust, full body, mellow.
• Finish: Smooth & delicately long.

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

Distiller: Four Roses, Lawrenceburg, KY Bourbon Type: Small Batch Aged: Unknown Price Range: $25 – $29 Bourbon Journal Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Four of the Bourbon recipes have been expertly selected by the Master Distiller at the peak of maturation to create a perfectly balanced small batch Bourbon that offers a mellow symphony of rich, spicy flavors along with sweet, fruity aromas and hints of sweet oak and caramel. Its finish is soft, smooth and pleasantly long. Best enjoyed straight up, on the rocks, or with a splash.

• Nose: Spicy, rich, mellow, fruity, hints of sweet oak & caramel.
• Palate: Creamy, mellow, ripened red berries, rich, spicy, well-balanced, moderately sweet.
• Finish: Soft, smooth & pleasantly long.

Makers Mark

Distiller: Makers Mark, Loretto, KY Bourbon Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Aged: 4-6 Years Price Range: $23 – $30 Bourbon Journal Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Maker’s Mark bourbon is a wonderful and versatile bourbon that makes a handy addition to any collection. While smooth enough to make for a good sipping bourbon, Maker’s Mark boasts a simple and consistent taste profile that makes it a great addition to any bourbon based cocktail recipe. If you like mint juleps, Makers Mark is an absolute must for you to keep around. This year, during the Kentucky Derby, I was sure to keep a full stock of this bourbon on hand for the inevitable demand that always ensues when my guests loosen up enough to ask for another mint julep!

Knob Creek

Distiller: Beam Distillery, Clermont, KY Bourbon Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Aged: 9 Years Price Range: $33 – $40 Bourbon Journal Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Aside from being at the top of my middle shelf, Knob Creek bourbon is almost guaranteed to improve one’s golf game if taken in modest swigs before entering the tee box. This sweet, smooth bourbon hosts a melody of honey and caramel flavors with a hint of almond on the finish that is sure to impress even the most avid connoisseur. The first time I had Knob Creek on the rocks, I couldn’t believe that it was a 100 proof bourbon! I will say that , even though I enjoy this bourbon on the golf course, it is a bit pricey for what you get. If I could find this in the $25 to $30 price range, I would give it a 4 out of 5, but it just doesn’t live up to its slightly higher pricing.