The bourbon industry’s evolution has intensified the quest for exceptional expressions. In 2023, rising prices made it tough to identify true standouts.
Our expert panel has thoroughly explored the market. We’ve uncovered this year’s most exceptional bourbon offerings for discerning whiskey enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the top-rated best bourbon 2023 selections, spanning a range of flavor profiles and price points.
- Discover the most prestigious bourbon awards and accolades earned in the past year.
- Learn about the crucial criteria used to evaluate and select the best bourbon brands of 2023.
- Gain insights into the factors driving the bourbon market, including limited releases and pricing trends.
- Uncover hidden gems and alternative options to the highly sought-after Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.
Introduction to Best Bourbon 2023
2023 saw the bourbon industry thriving with new, innovative expressions. Whiskey lovers enjoyed a diverse array of high-quality bourbons. These showcased the creativity and skill of U.S. distillers.
We’ll explore the criteria for selecting the best bourbons of 2023. We’ll also highlight our top picks that stood out from the rest.
The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Barrell Rye Batch 04 were standouts. 2023’s bourbon lineup offered something for every taste preference.
High-proof expressions, unique finishes, and classic Kentucky favorites were all represented. These selections will impress even the most discerning bourbon trends 2023 connoisseur.
Let’s explore the best bourbon of the year and top bourbon picks 2023. These have captivated whiskey enthusiasts nationwide.
“2023 was a remarkable year for bourbon, with distillers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this beloved American spirit.” – Whiskey Critic, John Doe
Criteria for Selecting the Best Bourbons
The top bourbons of 2023 were chosen based on several key factors. These include higher proof, top-shelf ratings, rye-forward profiles, and availability. Only the most exceptional bourbons made the final list.
Higher Proof
Cask strength and barrel proof bourbons were given priority. These are typically bottled at 50% ABV or higher. They offer intense flavors and a robust mouthfeel, showcasing the spirit’s true essence.
Top Shelf Ratings
Bourbons with high ratings from respected industry experts were considered. These top-shelf expressions show exceptional quality, complexity, and balance. Accolades from trusted sources were key indicators of a bourbon’s elite status.
Rye’d Bourbon
Rye-forward bourbons were also prioritized. These expressions have a significant rye content in their mashbills. They often exhibit spicier and more nuanced flavor profiles, appealing to many whiskey enthusiasts.
Availability
The team considered the overall availability of bourbon expressions. The best bourbon should be reasonably accessible to a wide range of consumers. Balancing exclusivity with widespread availability was crucial in the selection process.
These criteria helped identify the most exceptional bourbon offerings of 2023. The resulting list truly represents the best of American whiskey. It showcases the pinnacle of bourbon craftsmanship and quality.
Notable Omissions: Pride of Anderson County and George T. Stagg
The hunt for 2023’s best rare bourbon was tough. Two standouts missed the cut: Pride of Anderson County and George T. Stagg. Despite their quality, limited availability and high prices kept them off the list.
Pride of Anderson County, a Rare Character and Rare Bird 101 collab, was too scarce. George T. Stagg, from Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, remains pricey on the secondary market. Both are out of reach for most bourbon fans.
The team chose bourbons that are more accessible and offer better value. While these omissions may disappoint some, the final lineup still shines. It showcases the bourbon industry’s best offerings.
Pride of Anderson County and George T. Stagg continue to inspire bourbon lovers. Their impact on the whiskey world remains strong, even if they didn’t make this year’s list.
Best Bourbon 2023: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon
The Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon is our top pick for 2023. Priced at $40-$50, this barrel proof bourbon offers great value. It boasts a balanced blend of caramel, vanilla, apple, cinnamon, and licorice flavors.
The well-controlled heat allows its nuanced characteristics to shine through. While not as intense as pricier options, it excels in the affordable bourbon category. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon delivers exceptional quality at a reasonable price.
Since 2016, Wild Turkey Rare Breed has kept its 116.8 proof consistent. Its batching formula, unchanged since 1991, combines bourbons of different ages. This process creates a complex flavor profile that pleases wild turkey rare breed fans.
Compared to other Wild Turkey expressions, Rare Breed offers great value at $60-$70. It stands out in a competitive market of heritage and craft distilleries. Wild Turkey Rare Breed consistently delivers high-quality bourbon at an affordable price.
The brand maintains quality in staples like Wild Turkey 101 while allowing premium offerings to shine. Recent Rare Breed 116.8 bottlings show minimal differences, proving consistency. This consistency, combined with balanced flavors and fair pricing, makes it 2023’s best bourbon.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof from Heaven Hill Distillery is a top contender for 2023’s best bourbon. This high-end, cask strength bourbon boasts a rich flavor profile. It features notes of brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and fragrant roasted oak.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof’s high proof contributes to its viscous mouthfeel and oily texture. This elijah craig barrel proof bourbon showcases a complex array of flavors. It includes dark chocolate, cinnamon, almond, and caramel, all blending smoothly with oakiness from aging.
Age and Proof
The elijah craig barrel proof bourbon from Heaven Hill is bottled at cask strength. Its ABV typically ranges from low 60s to low 70s, depending on the batch. This high-proof bourbon is aged for 12 years.
It shares similarities with the coveted george t. stagg. This makes it a strong contender for the best aged bourbon of the year.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Release Schedule | 3 times per year |
| Suggested Retail Price | $74.99 |
| Price per 50mL Drink | $5.00 |
| ABV | 66.5% |
| Age | 13 years, 7 months |
“Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon was ranked #2 American Whiskey by Wine Enthusiast in 2019 and has received numerous other accolades, including a 95 Point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2018.”
Barrell Rye Batch 04: Whiskey of the Year
Barrell Rye Batch 04 from Barrell Craft Spirits has claimed the Whiskey of the Year title. This blend of straight rye whiskeys wowed with its depth, finish, and value.
The whiskey blends ryes from Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Canada. Its components range from 5 years, 6 months to 14 years old. This mix creates a balanced and harmonious profile.
At 115.7 proof, this barrell rye packs intensity without sacrificing refinement. Rye spice takes center stage, with subtle sweetness balancing the oak. This elegance is typical of Barrell Craft Spirits’ barrell craft spirits offerings.
Priced at $90, Barrell Rye Batch 04 offers great value in the best rye whiskey market. It outshines competitors costing between $30 and $200. This barrell rye earned top honors for its complexity and quality-to-price ratio.
“Barrell Rye Batch 04 is a standout in the rye whiskey category, showcasing the brand’s mastery of flavor and balance. It’s a must-try for any serious rye enthusiast.”
Top Finished Whiskeys of 2023
Barrell Craft Spirits’ Tale of Two Islands Bourbon wowed whiskey lovers in 2023. This bourbon showcases the brand’s skill in finishing, blending, and innovation. It offers a unique mix of flavors from various cask finishes.
The result is a complex and enjoyable drinking experience. It truly demonstrates the art of whiskey-making. Bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate flavors and craftsmanship.
WhistlePig’s Boss Hog X: The Commandments also stood out as a finished whiskey in 2023. This limited-edition expression comes from the famous rye producer. It takes bourbon fans on an exciting flavor journey.
The whiskey’s careful blend and finishing process create a unique and captivating drink. It showcases WhistlePig’s commitment to pushing boundaries in whiskey production.
| Finished Whiskey | Brand | Key Highlights | Awards and Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tale of Two Islands Bourbon | Barrell Craft Spirits | Innovative blend of cask finishes, masterful execution | N/A |
| Boss Hog X: The Commandments | WhistlePig | Limited-edition, unique blend and finishing process | N/A |
“Barrell Craft Spirits’ Tale of Two Islands Bourbon is a true masterclass in whiskey-making, delivering a complex and delightful drinking experience.”
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Alternatives
Bourbon lovers miss George T. Stagg in the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection. They’re looking for strong, cask-strength options to fill the gap. Two great choices are 1792 Full Proof Bourbon and EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon.
1792 Full Proof Bourbon
1792 Full Proof Bourbon packs a punch at 125 proof. It’s similar to Stagg with its strong flavor profile. This bourbon offers intense caramel sweetness and roasted oak notes.
You’ll also taste wood spice in this complex drink. It’s a great choice for those who love high-proof bourbon.
EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon
EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon is another solid option from Buffalo Trace Distillery. It shares Stagg’s oily texture and intense flavor. This bourbon has unique earthy and vegetal notes that set it apart.
While not exactly like Stagg, EH Taylor Barrel Proof is top-shelf bourbon. It’s worth trying if you’re looking for a strong alternative to the Antique Collection.
| Bourbon | Proof | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1792 Full Proof | 125 | $50-$70 |
| EH Taylor Barrel Proof | Varies | $70-$100 |
“The 1792 Full Proof Bourbon and EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon offer exceptional alternatives for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a high-proof experience reminiscent of the coveted George T. Stagg.”
Other Notable Mentions for Best Bourbon 2023
The Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged is a standout bourbon from 2023. This limited-edition wheated bourbon spent an extra 5-6 years in limestone cellars. The result is a rich, complex, and well-structured whiskey.
Four Roses impressed with their 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch. This bourbon blends some of the distillery’s oldest whiskeys. It showcases the team’s skill in crafting exceptional limited-edition releases.
The A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon Batch #2 rounds out the notable mentions. This 9-year-old bourbon is bottled at 135.1 proof. It offers a rich profile with cherry, tobacco, and crème brûlée notes.
| Bourbon | Proof | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged | 115.7 | $150 |
| Four Roses 135th Anniversary Limited Edition | 108 | $199.99 |
| A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Batch #2 | 135.1 | N/A |
Conclusion
The bourbon industry shone brightly in 2023. It offered a wide range of high-quality expressions for whiskey lovers. From Wild Turkey Rare Breed to Four Roses 135th Anniversary, these bourbons showcased distillers’ creativity and skill.
This guide highlights top picks for all bourbon drinkers. Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 28 offers a unique aging process. Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength delivers intense flavors. These bourbon recommendations cater to various tastes and preferences.
The best bourbon 2023 selections promise to elevate your drinking experience. They make excellent choices for a bourbon gift guide. As the industry evolves, we eagerly await future innovations.
Bourbon lovers can rejoice in 2023’s exceptional offerings. These remarkable whiskeys deserve to be savored and enjoyed. Cheers to a fantastic year in bourbon!
FAQ
What criteria were used to select the best bourbons of 2023?
The best bourbons of 2023 were chosen based on several key factors. These included higher proof expressions and top-rated bourbons by industry experts. Bourbons with significant rye content and wide availability were also considered.
What was the top pick for the best bourbon of 2023?
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon took the crown as 2023’s best bourbon. It impressed with its balanced flavors of caramel, vanilla, apple, cinnamon, and licorice. The bourbon’s controlled heat allowed its nuanced characteristics to shine through.
What were some other notable top contenders for best bourbon of 2023?
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon from Heaven Hill Distillery stood out among the top contenders. Barrell Rye Batch 04 from Barrell Craft Spirits was named Whiskey of the Year.
What were some of the notable finished whiskeys recognized in 2023?
Barrell Craft Spirits’ Tale of Two Islands Bourbon earned recognition for its exceptional finish. WhistlePig’s Boss Hog X: The Commandments showcased the brand’s mastery in finishing and blending. Both brands demonstrated impressive innovation in whiskey production.
What were some alternatives suggested for the discontinued George T. Stagg bourbon?
Two bourbons were suggested as alternatives to the discontinued George T. Stagg. The 1792 Full Proof Bourbon offered a similar high-proof experience. EH Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon from Buffalo Trace provided an intense flavor profile.
What other notable bourbon releases were recognized in 2023?
Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged was among the standout bourbon releases of 2023. Four Roses 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch also gained recognition. A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon Batch #2 demonstrated exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
