Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Autumn is here, and Thanksgiving is now fast approaching. What better way to celebrate the holiday than with a glass of bourbon?
Whether you’re celebrating this special holiday with your loved ones and colleagues, even one bourbon bottle can make the moments more special.
We’ve compiled the best bourbons for Thanksgiving to level up your special dinner.
Top 15 Best Bourbon For Thanksgiving Dinner
15. Jim Beam Double Oak: Perfect For Welcoming Guests
Average Price: around $22 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: What you’ll love about Jim Beam Double Oak is its matured in newly charred American Oak barrels. It is then transferred to another freshly charred white oak barrel to mature for a second time.
The interaction with the oak results in a spirit with an intense and smokey flavor and a smooth taste.
This spirit makes a perfect drink for welcoming your guests for the Thanksgiving meal.
14. Kings County Straight Bourbon: For Warming Up
Average Price: around $69 per 750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Before the night deepens, make sure to have something as a warm-up. And that’s when you need the Kings County straight bourbon as a start-up.
Made with malted barley and organic corn from the UK –matured in new charred oak barrels– who would not love this spirit?
Keep the conversation of your guests going with this spirit on the side.
13. Angel’s Envy Finished In Port Wine Barrels Cask Strength: Reminiscing Moments
Average Price: around $258 per 750ml
Alcohol Content: 61.2% ABV
Why We Like It: Angel’s Envy is a perfect spirit for a midwinter night’s dram while reminiscing special moments with your loved ones.
On the side, it matches well with your favorite pumpkin pie or even apple pie and any other pies and dishes.
Like High West Campfire, Angel’s Envy is a perfect treat for Thanksgiving due to its sweet honey rich and spice notes. The rye is aged in rum casks with the sweetness required for a dessert whiskey.
12. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel: Laughing Out Loud Moments
Average Price: around $199 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 46.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Start telling your laugh-out-loud moments with a side of Blanton’s Original Single Barrel. This is a real conversation starter, bottled in one of the most distinctive Bourbon bottles on the market.
This spirit on the side will not break any of your story-stelling moments as the creamy tones of vanilla, caramel, nutmeg, orange peel, gravy, and spice combined will surely trigger more memories to share.
11. Elijah Craig 12yo Barrel Proof: Grandpop’s Story Time
Average Price: around $87 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 60% ABV
Why We Like It: What we especially like about Elijah Craig is its classic flavor – a perfect whiskey for every grandpop’s story time.
You can take your grandpa’s moments to the next level by having this spirit with creamy and rich caramel. The sweetness of butterscotch and cinnamon in this Elijah Craig 10-year age statement is what bourbon drinkers eye for in this whiskey.
Elijah Craig is a great whiskey that matches well with food, especially dishes with gravy or apple pies.
Tip: Aside from the Barrel Proof, you can also try the Small Batch.
10. Stellum Bourbon: Cheers & Clap
Average Price: around $54 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 57.49% ABV
Why We Like It: This 115 Proof spirit is complex and packed with classic tones of vanilla, burnt marshmallow, and oak – balanced with the more unusual notes of mint, berries, and cayenne pepper.
Everyone has a story to tell before Thanksgiving day ends, right? So make it special with Stellum Bourbon on the side to accompany the loud cheering and clapping.
9. Bulleit 10 Year: Perfect For A Toast
Average Price: around $49 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.6% ABV
Why We Like It: What’s impressive in Bulleit 10-year bourbon is its additional age, creating a mellow sweet and rye spice to deliver a smooth oaky flavor. This is a great sipper and a perfect spirit to raise a toast before and after dinner.
Besides, you can reuse its elegant empty bottle, making it into a water bottle while serving food and entertaining your dinner guests.
8. Evan Williams Bottle-In-Bond 100 Proof: Who Wants A Pie?
Average Price: around $18 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: This whiskey, from Heaven Hill, with your favorite meal or pie, feels like heaven on earth. Evan Williams is high-proof but definitely a must-have at every meal.
It has caramel aromas with hints of brown sugar, vanilla, oak, barley flavor, a citrus taste, and black pepper notes. This also makes a great substitute for Maker’s Mark.
7. Wild Turkey 101: It’s Time For Turkey!
Average Price: around $26 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50.5% ABV
Why We Like It: If you can’t think of any bourbon brand best for Thanksgiving, we think it’s time for turkey.
Wild Turkey 101 is a classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that gains additional complexity and depth from being aged in #4 “alligator char” barrels.
Wild Turkey 101 is a sweet yet spicy and bold yet smooth drink with an orange peel finish. Additionally, this Wild Turkey is perfect if you expect to celebrate with your cousin’s wild and bold personality.
Tip: You can also try the High West Campfire as an alternative for Wild Turkey.
Read: Wild Turkey 101 vs Buffalo Trace Bourbon
6. Corn Trooper United Craft Bourbon: Time For Round Two
Average Price: around $71 per 750ml
Alcohol Content: 50.5% ABV
Why We Like It: As the conversation gets deep after the dinner, one round is not enough to share all moments and stories. So, with that in mind, prepare Corn Tropper United craft bourbon for the second round.
With notes of maple syrup, rye spice, oak, cinnamon, brown sugar, dark cherry, citrus, and apple peel, this blend has a powerful nose and a spicy personality.
5. W.L. Weller Special Reserve “Green Label”: Sharing Special Moments
Average Price: around $72 per 750ml
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This bourbon is unlike any other because wheat, NOT RYE, is used as the secondary grain in its mash bill.
The resulting flavor is mild and pleasant, making this bourbon perfect for sipping or using in your go-to cocktail recipe.
Have a perfect sip with your family and friends at the Thanksgiving dinner to make the special moment memorable. Check out some popular bourbons for a wedding here.
4. Brother’s Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Tales Of Brothers
Average Price: around $40 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Brother’s Bond whiskey is a blend of four MGP mash bills combining to form a true four-grain spirit that’s copper column-distilled and aged in new oak barrels for four years at the minimum.
As its name suggests, this whiskey is perfect for bonding moments with your brothers (and sisters, of course).
The notes of rich honey, rye spices, citrus, and walnut-banana bread are definitely worthy, along with a balanced palate of sweet notes of apricot, granola, apricot, spices, and black tea tannin.
3. Belle Meade Single Barrel Bourbon: Gram’s Spotlight
Average Price:
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It: Although this bourbon is a bit higher-priced than any others on this list, the 6-9 years aging process justifies its price point.
The casks used to create this spirit are not any wine, but Malmsey Madeira – the best of the world – fortified wine [1] casks. Everyone will surely love its sweet and fruity flavors.
Having a bottle of Belle Meade as your special treat after giving your gratitude gram to your family and friends is a perfect moment. Check out our top bourbon cocktails for Christmas here.
2. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon: Getting Cozy
Average Price: around $49 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon is a great way to start if you want to get cozy. The dried spice, cocoa, vanilla, maple syrup, ripe plums, and pear notes make a full-bodied, complex, and long mellow finish.
All these flavors are enough to achieve the coziness you want and enjoy the rest of Thanksgiving.
1. Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Goodnight Dram
Average Price: around $39 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2% ABV
Why We Like It: Who would forget the all-time favorite Woodford Reserve at their Thanksgiving dinner? Specifically, the Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Double Oaked (a Kentucky Straight bourbon) can always be one of the highlights at every dinner table.
It has no age statement, but the caramel and big notes of sweet dessert flavors are perfect to finish the meal and a goodnight’s dram– ending the special day.
FAQs
What kind of bourbon makes a good gift for Thanksgiving?
The kind of bourbon that makes a good gift for Thanksgiving is the Woodford Reserve.
It is a well-loved whiskey because of its extraordinary charm, an excellent drink for any occasion. Its perfectly blended flavor and smooth finish make everyone fall in love with every sip.
How should you drink bourbon at Thanksgiving parties?
There’s no definite way how should you drink bourbon at a Thanksgiving party. You can drink it before, during, and after the party.
Also, you can drink it neat [2], straight, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, depending on your preference.
What makes a bourbon ideal for Thanksgiving?
A bourbon suited for Thanksgiving typically features warm, inviting flavors that complement traditional holiday dishes, such as rich caramel, vanilla, and spice notes.
Is there a specific bourbon brand recommended for Thanksgiving?
While preferences vary, some bourbon brands known for their versatility and ability to pair well with Thanksgiving fare include Wild Turkey, Four Roses, and Woodford Reserve.
What flavor profile should I look for in a bourbon for Thanksgiving?
Look for bourbons with a balanced flavor profile that includes notes of oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruit, as these flavors can complement the savory and sweet elements of a Thanksgiving meal.
Can I use bourbon in Thanksgiving recipes?
Absolutely! Bourbon can enhance the flavor of dishes like turkey glazes, cranberry sauces, and pumpkin pies, adding depth and complexity to traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
Should I choose a straight bourbon or a bourbon cocktail for Thanksgiving?
Both options can be enjoyable! Straight bourbon is perfect for sipping on its own or with a splash of water, while bourbon cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Bourbon Mules can add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving gathering.
Are there any bourbon-based Thanksgiving cocktails I can try?
Yes! Consider serving classics like Bourbon Apple Cider, Bourbon Cranberry Punch, or Maple Bourbon Sour to complement your Thanksgiving spread.
What’s the best way to serve bourbon at Thanksgiving?
Serve bourbon neat, on the rocks, or as part of a carefully crafted cocktail to allow its flavors to shine and enhance the dining experience.
Should I pair different bourbons with specific Thanksgiving dishes?
Experimenting with different bourbons can be fun! Consider lighter, more delicate bourbons to pair with appetizers and desserts, while fuller-bodied bourbons can stand up to heartier main courses.
Final Thoughts
Now you can plan the Thanksgiving meal easier considering any of the bourbons above. Bourbons will surely accompany any food on the table– making every moment livelier.
Whether you’re celebrating with your friends and family (or both), it’s time to make everyone feel special with the best bourbon for Thanksgiving.
So, head to the liquor store now and fill up your shelves in time for the holiday. Cheers!
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fortified-wine
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/is-it-neat-up-or-straight-up-759945
