10 Best Cherry Bourbons Tasted & Ranked (2023 Edition)
Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Bourbon whiskeys aren’t just vanilla and caramel; there are a variety of flavors, like peach, orange, peanut butter, and apple, among the popular ones.
But did you know that there are also cherry-forward expressions? If you like the flavors of cherries, then the bottles we’ll feature today will surely leave you wanting more.
Let’s get straight to it– here are the best cherry bourbons you should try now.
Top 10 Cherry-Forward Bourbons To Try (Ranked)
10. Ugly Dog Michigan Cherry Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: approx. $25 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: This blend of whiskey and Michigan cherries is unique as it’s made with a small batch of whiskey.
We like the vibrant and sweet cherries, as well as the hints of spice and alcohol.
Just a quick piece of info, Ugly Dog has a history of blending different types of fruit juice before Prohibition.
9. Blue Spirits Cherry Whisky
Average Price: approx. $61 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This unique blend of cherry bourbon has a pleasant nose and a well-rounded overtone.
We prefer it as a mix to any cocktail or drink, especially when paired with a maraschino cherry. The finish is filled with caramel and vanilla with a hint of citrus. This whisky is lively.
And if you want to pass on cocktails, this cherry whisky is excellent on the rocks, too.
But what’s the best bourbon cherries?
8. Jeremiah Weed Cherry Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $18 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This Jeremiah Weed Cherry Bourbon blends herbs and spices infused with a cherry flavor.
This one stands out due to its cherry flavor and high ABV compared to low-proof liqueurs. So expect this drink to be boozy yet very fruity.
7. Red Stag Bourbon Black Cherry
Average Price: approx. $19 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Jim Beam’s Red Stag [1] is a blend of black cherry and Kentucky Straight Bourbon with dark and soft cherry aromas.
“Red Stag is not your father’s bourbon. It provides a fresh, contemporary taste that appeals to both longtime Jim Beam fans and new consumers who may not have previously considered the bourbon category.”
— Brian Gallagher, Sponsorship Marketing Manager for Beam Global
This drink is versatile, and you can enjoy it as a shot, mixed with other spirits, or as a cocktail.
6. Cleveland Underground Black Cherry Wood Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: approx. $50 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: We describe this cherry bourbon as a well-rounded and rich drink. It’s made with black cherry wood, so the flavor is light (as expected).
Though we can’t be sure if there are no artificial preservatives or sugar added to this spirit, it’s apparent in the flavor profile.
However, the lighter the flavor, the more intense the alcohol (94-proof). Overall, this is a good pour, though it’s not budget friendly (lol!)
5. Rebel Reserve Cherry Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $20 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: Rebel Reserve is the Rebel Yell’s older version, made with wheat, representing the spirit of the South.
The sweet and tangy flavors enhance by the bourbon’s warm and comforting taste.
These flavor combos make for an incredibly flavorful and refreshing drink. We highly recommend this cherry bourbon over ice or in Manhattans.
4. Hayes Parker Cherry Kentucky Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $13 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This Hayes Parker Cherry Bourbon is an excellent example of how Kentucky whiskey is known for its smooth and refreshing characteristics.
We like the mellow flavors enhanced with a splash of cherry. It’s a good cherry and bourbon treat that gives the fruity yet boozy feel.
3. Traverse City Cherry Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $38 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: This smooth whiskey is infused with real cherries with a hint of sweetness—making it a perfect drink to enjoy on its own or as a Manhattan mix.
The cherry flavors complement the cinnamon and brown sugar notes. Besides, there’s a rich note of vanilla in this spirit, which linger up to the finish.
2. Evan Williams Cherry Reserve
Average Price: approx. $14.99 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: If you like the traditional Evan Williams Bourbon, you should also try their Cherry Reserve—made from the same recipe.
What’s interesting is the apparent flavors of cherry in this spirit, which is even more, tastier due to the addition of spicy cinnamon, fruit, and caramel.
The finish is packed with cherry marzipan–simply satisfying.
1. Warrior Cherry Bomb Bourbon
Average Price: approx. $33 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 35% ABV
Why We Like It: If the cherry flavors from other bottles are already satisfying and rich, you’ll be surprised that this Warrior Cherry Bomb Bourbon can defeat the best with its flavorsome spirit.
It has the usual alcohol content, but the flavors are robust, with cherry and oak dominating the profile.
Despite the intensity, the flavors are perfectly balanced. Overall, it’s smooth and delicious.
FAQs
Are cherry bourbons rare?
Cherry bourbons aren’t that rare. But it is often mistakenly rare since few brands produce cherry-forward bourbon whiskeys.
Are cherry bourbons expensive?
It depends on the brand. There are budget-friendly bottles, like the Hayes Parker Cherry Bourbon, and expensive ones, like the Blue Spirits Cherry Whisky.
Final Thoughts
If you want something beyond the usual vanilla and caramel flavors of bourbon whiskeys [2], we suggest trying any of the cherry-forward expressions above.
The spice of cherries is evident in these bottles, along with the low or high alcohol content.
But if you ask us about the best one so far, try the Warrior Cherry Bomb Bourbon.
It has the usual ABV of flavored liqueurs, but it gives satisfaction much like any other quality and traditional bourbon.
References:
- https://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/jim-beam-taps-mobile-introduce-red-stag-bourbon
- https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/things-you-never-realized-about-bourbon-whiskey
