Top 10 Bourbons for 2023: Expert Picks from PourMore’s Exclusive Collection

1. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year

1. Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year

When it comes to bourbon royalty, Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 Year sits comfortably on the throne. This liquid gold is often whispered about in hushed tones among connoisseurs and hunted by bourbon enthusiasts like a treasure at the end of a rainbow.

  • Aged for 15 years, a rarity in itself.
  • Boasts a complex flavor profile with hints of dark fruits, caramel, and oak.
  • Limited availability makes it a collector's dream.
Its exclusivity isn't just a marketing ploy; the bourbon genuinely lives up to the hype with a taste that's as rich as its backstory.

Finding a bottle can be a quest worthy of a knight-errant, but those who succeed are rewarded with a sip that's both a nod to the past and a toast to the future. Just remember, if you're lucky enough to get your hands on it, savor each drop; this isn't a bourbon you rush.

2. George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon

2. George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon

When it comes to bourbon, a unique American spirit, George T. Stagg stands tall with the giants. Aged in new charred oak barrels, this bourbon is not just a drink; it's a full sensory experience. Bold flavors of dark chocolate, black coffee, and rich tobacco dance on the palate, with a finish that's as long as a winter's night.

Proof is often a measure of a bourbon's character, and George T. Stagg has it in spades. With a high proof that can make a seasoned drinker's eyes water, it's not for the faint of heart. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

  • Intense aroma with hints of dark fruit
  • A robust body that coats the mouth
  • A finish that lingers, inviting contemplation
George T. Stagg is a testament to the art of bourbon making, a beacon for those who seek the profound in their glass.

3. William Larue Weller Antique Collection

3. William Larue Weller Antique Collection

When it comes to the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the William Larue Weller is the uncut, unfiltered wheated bourbon that aficionados whisper about in hushed, reverent tones. It's like capturing lightning in a bottle, if that lightning was aged to perfection and had notes of dark chocolate and cherries.

  • Uncut and unfiltered
  • Wheated bourbon profile
  • Aged to perfection
The William Larue Weller is not just a bourbon; it's a testament to the art of American whiskey-making.

With a proof that can make a seasoned drinker's eyes water, this bourbon is not for the faint of heart. It's a full-bodied experience that commands attention and respect. The annual release is eagerly anticipated, and securing a bottle is akin to winning the whiskey lottery. The hype is real, and yes, it's absolutely worth it.

4. Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

4. Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is the kind of drink that whispers sweet nothings of caramel and vanilla to your palate before surprising you with a spicy rye kick. Each bottle is a unique expression of the master distiller's craft, drawn from a single cask, making every sip a personal experience.

Blanton's is often credited with beginning the single barrel bourbon trend, and it's not hard to see why. With its distinctive bottle and horse-and-jockey stopper, it's as much a collector's piece as it is a fine spirit.

  • Nose: A symphony of citrus and oak
  • Palate: A perfect balance of sweetness and spice
  • Finish: Long, with hints of pepper and dried fruit
Remember, the beauty of a single barrel is that no two bottles are exactly alike; each one is as individual as the bourbon enthusiast savoring it.

5. Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

5. Eagle Rare 17 Year Old

The Eagle Rare 17 Year Old is a testament to the complexity and richness that can only be achieved through extended aging. This venerable bourbon is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and it's not just rare by name; finding a bottle can be akin to spotting an eagle in the wild.

  • Aged for 17 years, it offers a symphony of flavors.
  • Notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a hint of leather.
  • A long, oaky finish that's as smooth as it is memorable.
The Eagle Rare 17 Year Old is a bourbon that commands respect. Its deep amber color and intricate flavor profile are a nod to the craftsmanship behind its creation.

For those looking to explore different brands of single barrel bourbon with unique flavors, the Eagle Rare 17 Year Old should be high on the list. Tips for savoring this exquisite spirit include taking time to appreciate its nuances, trying it in different glassware to unlock new aspects of its character, and pairing it with food to enhance the experience. And if you're truly passionate about discovering the breadth of bourbon, consider joining a Bourbon of the Month Club for a continuous bourbon adventure.

6. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch

6. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch

When it comes to the Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch, connoisseurs know they're in for a treat. This bourbon is a testament to the masterful blending of art and science, a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate. Each release is a unique expression, capturing the essence of the distillery's craft.

  • The nose: A bouquet of floral notes, ripe fruits, and subtle spices.
  • The palate: A harmonious blend of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak.
  • The finish: Long, smooth, and satisfyingly complex.
In the world of bourbon, innovation is key, and Four Roses doesn't shy away from experimenting with their mash bills and yeast strains to create something truly special.

This bourbon not only pleases the taste buds but also tells a story with each sip, a narrative woven from the rich history of Kentucky's bourbon heritage. It's a limited edition, so savoring it feels like being part of an exclusive club - one that appreciates the finer things in life, like a well-aged spirit that's as rare as it is delightful.

7. W.L. Weller 12 Year Old

7. W.L. Weller 12 Year Old

Often hailed as the affordable Pappy, W.L. Weller 12 Year Old is the insider's favorite for those who want a taste of the high life without auctioning off their prized possessions. A beautifully scripted bourbon, it dances on the palate with a symphony of flavors that are both excellent and delightfully balanced, ensuring an extremely satisfying sip every time.

  • Nose: Vanilla, caramel, and a hint of oak
  • Palate: Sweet, with a smooth, buttery mouthfeel
  • Finish: Long and warm with a subtle spice
This bourbon is a testament to the craft of fine whiskey-making, where age and patience reward those who wait.

While it may not have the same cult status as some of its older siblings, W.L. Weller 12 Year Old holds its own with a complexity and richness that belies its price tag. It's the sleeper hit of the bourbon world, ready to surprise and delight even the most discerning of whiskey enthusiasts.

8. Booker's Bourbon

8. Booker's Bourbon

Booker's Bourbon, often hailed as the uncut beast of the bourbon world, packs a punch that can knock the socks off the uninitiated. With its robust flavors and high proof, it's a favorite among those who like their whiskey with a bit of a wild side. The third release Booker's of 2023 is the brand's best in years.

Booker's Bourbon is not for the faint of heart. It's a full-bodied experience that commands attention from the first sip.

The Mighty Fine Batch 2023-03, priced at a reasonable $89.99, is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality. It's a symphony of vanilla, oak, and spice that dances on the palate, leaving a long, satisfying finish. Here's what you need to know:

  • Proof: Bold and high
  • Age: No-nonsense aging process
  • Taste: Vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice

This Bourbon from the United States comes highly recommended by experts, and it's easy to see why. It's a bottle that tells a story with every pour, and that story is one of tradition, craft, and a little bit of rebellion.

9. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

9. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

Celebrating another year of excellence, the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has made it to our top 10 list, and it's no surprise why. This bourbon is like the life of the party, bringing a burst of honey and toffee sweetness that's sure to delight any palate. It's the kind of drink that whispers sweet nothings of classic bourbon tradition into your ear.

With each sip, you're taken on a journey through a flavor profile that's as rich and complex as the history of bourbon itself. It's a true testament to the craftsmanship of the distillers at Old Forester, who seem to have a knack for bottling celebrations.

The Birthday Bourbon is a limited release that's eagerly anticipated each year. Its exclusivity adds to the allure, making each bottle a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

For those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle, here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

  • A nose that greets you with a warm welcome of honey.
  • A palate coated with the smooth richness of toffee.
  • A finish that leaves you reminiscing about the best birthday party you've ever attended.

10. Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

10. Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

Rounding off our top-shelf tour is the Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon, a dram that's as elusive as a compliment from a mother-in-law. This bourbon is a testament to patience, aged a full decade to achieve a complexity that's worth the wait. Its rich caramel and vanilla notes dance with hints of fruit and spice, creating a symphony of flavors that linger on the palate like a good joke at a party.

  • Nose: A bouquet of caramel, dark fruit, and oak.
  • Palate: Vanilla, cherry, and a whisper of smoke.
  • Finish: Long, with a touch of leather and pepper.
In the world of bourbon, Michter's 10 Year stands out for its balance and depth. It's the kind of bottle that makes you want to build a display case around it—or at least clear some front-row space on the shelf.

Discover the rich and complex flavors of Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon, a true connoisseur's choice. This meticulously aged spirit is a testament to the art of bourbon making. Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in this exquisite selection. Visit our website now to learn more and secure your bottle of this exceptional bourbon.