Discover the Best Bourbons: A Monthly Guide to PourMore's Top Picks

1. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year

premium bourbon bottle on rustic wooden table with vintage elements

Tasting Notes

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year offers a nose of sun-dried cherries dipped in honey and a bowl of cinnamon-sprinkled cereal. The palate tastes of a melted Heath bar, vanilla saltwater taffy, and a hint of oak.

Finish

The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of caramel and spice that leave you wanting more.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Dark chocolate
  • Aged cheese
  • Grilled steak

Fun Fact

Did you know? Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year is often considered the holy grail of bourbons, making it a must-try for any serious bourbon enthusiast.

This bourbon is not just a drink; it's an experience that transports you to a world of rich flavors and aromas.

2. Blanton's Single Barrel

bourbon bottle on a rustic wooden table

Blanton's Single Barrel is a bourbon that has earned a legendary status among enthusiasts. Arriving true to Blanton's fashion, this single barrel selection offers a delightful nose but sometimes under delivers with its palate and finish. However, its unique characteristics make it a must-try for any bourbon lover.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Rich and full, with hints of caramel and vanilla.
  • Palate: A mix of sweet and spicy, featuring notes of honey, citrus, and oak.
  • Finish: Smooth and lingering, though some may find it a bit underwhelming.

Why It's Special

Blanton's Single Barrel stands out due to its meticulous production process. Each bottle is handpicked from the best barrels, ensuring a unique experience every time. This attention to detail is what makes Blanton's a staple in any bourbon collection.

Blanton's Single Barrel is a testament to the art of bourbon making, offering a unique and memorable tasting experience.

3. Buffalo Trace

bourbon whiskey bottle with Buffalo Trace label on a rustic wooden table

Buffalo Trace is a staple in the bourbon world, known for its rich history and consistent quality. This bourbon offers a smooth and balanced profile, making it a favorite among both novices and seasoned enthusiasts. Buffalo Trace is aged for at least eight years, which contributes to its deep, complex flavors. The distillery itself is a historic landmark, adding to the allure of this exceptional spirit.

Tasting Notes

Buffalo Trace boasts a delightful mix of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a warm, satisfying aftertaste.

Pairing Suggestions

This versatile bourbon pairs well with a variety of foods. Try it with:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Grilled meats
  • Aged cheeses

Fun Fact

Did you know that Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States? It even kept producing during Prohibition for "medicinal purposes."

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of bourbon, Buffalo Trace offers a comprehensive guide to bourbon tasting, exploring popular terminology and descriptions. Join Bourbon - PourMore for a diverse selection and monthly bourbon club experience.

4. Eagle Rare 10 Year

bottle of Eagle Rare 10 Year bourbon on a rustic wooden table with a background of a cozy bar

Eagle Rare 10 Year is a bourbon that truly lives up to its name. This exceptional spirit is aged for a decade, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile that bourbon enthusiasts adore. Bold and oaky, it offers a delightful mix of toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather, and oak.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: A complex aroma of toffee, hints of orange peel, herbs, honey, leather, and oak.
  • Palate: Bold and oaky with a rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Finish: Long and lingering with a touch of toffee and orange peel.

Why It's Special

Eagle Rare 10 Year stands out in the bourbon world for its meticulous aging process and the unique flavors it develops over time. It's a perfect choice for those looking to explore the world of single barrel bourbon.

Join the bourbon of the month club at PourMore for a unique bourbon experience and discover more exceptional picks like Eagle Rare 10 Year.

5. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

bourbon tasting with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in a cozy bar

Tasting Notes

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a bourbon that takes you on a flavor journey. The first sip reveals a rich, full-bodied profile with notes of vanilla and caramel. As you continue, you'll notice hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak, making each sip more intriguing than the last.

Distillation Process

This bourbon undergoes a unique double-barrel aging process. After the initial aging, it is transferred to a second, heavily toasted, lightly charred barrel. This extra step enhances its complexity and depth, setting it apart from other bourbons.

Price Range

Expect to find Woodford Reserve Double Oaked priced between $60 to $99.99. While it may seem a bit steep, the quality and craftsmanship make it worth every penny.

For those who appreciate a well-crafted bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a must-try. Its unique aging process and rich flavor profile make it a standout choice in any collection.

6. Four Roses Single Barrel

bourbon bottle with single barrel label on rustic wooden table

Four Roses Single Barrel is a bourbon that stands out for its unique flavor profile and exceptional quality. Each bottle is crafted from a single barrel, ensuring a distinct taste that bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate.

Tasting Notes

The tasting experience of Four Roses Single Barrel is nothing short of a perilous journey. The eye is greeted with a dark maple syrup color, complemented by very thin rims with syrupy droplet legs. The nose is delicate yet complex, offering a bouquet of aromas that entice the senses.

Flavor Profile

On the palate, this bourbon delivers a rich and full-bodied flavor. Expect notes of ripe plum, cherries, and a hint of chocolate. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lasting impression that makes you want to savor every drop.

Pairing Suggestions

To fully enjoy Four Roses Single Barrel, consider pairing it with:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Aged cheeses
  • Grilled meats

These pairings enhance the bourbon's complex flavors and make for an unforgettable tasting experience.

Four Roses Single Barrel is a testament to the art of bourbon making, offering a perilous journey through a landscape of rich and varied flavors.

7. Elijah Craig Small Batch

bourbon whiskey bottle with glass on wooden table

Elijah Craig Small Batch is a bourbon that truly stands out in the crowded world of whiskey. Known for its rich and complex flavor profile, this bourbon offers a delightful mix of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice. It's a perfect choice for both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The craftsmanship behind Elijah Craig is evident in every sip, making it a staple in any bourbon collection.

8. Maker's Mark Cask Strength

bourbon tasting event with Maker's Mark Cask Strength bottle

Overview

Maker's Mark Cask Strength is a bourbon that packs a punch, offering a robust and full-bodied experience. Unlike its more mellow siblings, this bourbon is bottled straight from the barrel, giving it a bold and unfiltered character.

Tasting Notes

Expect a symphony of flavors, from rich caramel and vanilla to spicy oak and a hint of cherry. The finish is long and warm, leaving a lasting impression on your palate.

Crafting Process

The secret to Maker's Mark Cask Strength lies in its meticulous crafting process. From the careful barrel selection to the unique mash bill, every step is designed to create a bourbon that's both powerful and smooth. This is where the magic happens, debunking the myth that older bourbon is always better.

Why You Should Try It

  • Unfiltered and straight from the barrel
  • Rich and complex flavor profile
  • Perfect for those who enjoy a stronger bourbon experience
For those who appreciate the art of crafting the perfect bourbon, Maker's Mark Cask Strength is a must-try. It's a testament to the skill and dedication of artisan bourbon makers.

Pairing Suggestions

This bourbon pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like steak or barbecue. It also complements rich desserts such as chocolate cake or pecan pie.

9. Knob Creek 9 Year

bourbon whiskey bottle with aged label on rustic wooden table

Flavor Profile

Knob Creek 9 Year is a bourbon that packs a punch with its robust flavor profile. Expect a symphony of caramel, vanilla, and oak with every sip. The finish is long and warming, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a bold bourbon.

Distillery

Crafted by the renowned Jim Beam distillery, Knob Creek 9 Year is a testament to their expertise in bourbon-making. The distillery's commitment to quality is evident in every bottle.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Rich caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of vanilla.
  • Palate: Full-bodied with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
  • Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying.

Pairing Suggestions

Knob Creek 9 Year pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, dark chocolate, and aged cheeses. Its bold flavors complement hearty dishes, making it a versatile choice for food pairings.

For those who enjoy a bourbon with character and depth, Knob Creek 9 Year is a must-try. Its rich and complex profile makes it a standout in any bourbon collection.

10. Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

premium bourbon bottle on rustic wooden table with Kentucky distillery in background

Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a true gem in the bourbon world. This bourbon is known for its chewy and rich texture, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. On the palate, it comes across as mature and well-balanced, offering a delightful experience with every sip. The flavor profile is complex, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice that lingers pleasantly.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: Sweet caramel, vanilla, and a touch of oak.
  • Palate: Rich and chewy with balanced flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
  • Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying.

Why It's a Top Pick

Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon stands out due to its exceptional balance and maturity. It's a bourbon that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail. Whether you're a seasoned bourbon drinker or a newcomer, this bourbon is sure to impress.

Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is not just a drink; it's an experience that embodies the art of bourbon making.

Discover the rich and smooth flavors of Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a true gem for bourbon enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your whiskey journey, this exquisite bourbon promises a delightful experience with every sip. Don't miss out on this exceptional bottle—order now and elevate your bourbon collection!