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Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin
From small batches to single-barrel, bourbon whiskey greatly contributes to market sales in the liquor industry. It is the most popular American whiskey variation, and many remarkable brands sell quality bourbons.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best-selling bourbon in the world. Check and find out if your favorite bourbon is on the list.
Top 10 Bourbon Best-Sellers (Worldwide)
10. Old Forester
Average Price: Around $24 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
Old Forester offers a genuine bourbon experience. Since 1870, it has been continuously distilled and sold and thriving in the bourbon market.
It has a rich, full flavor profile with a smooth texture ideal for drinking straight, on the rocks, or even on cocktails.
Old Forester is a versatile bourbon known for its prohibition style that isn’t expensive yet doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality.
9. Basil Hayden’s
Average Price: Around $46 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Basil Hayden is high-rye premium bourbon but still extremely approachable to the palate. It came from the family of Jim Beam small-batch bourbons.
Basil Hayden’s cool and light refreshing notes make it a smooth, drinkable bourbon despite the high-rye spice.
Basil Hayden continues to expand their expressions, and its latest brown-rice bourbon becomes part of its core bourbon—Toast. [1]
8. Knob Creek
Average Price: Around $37 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Knob Creek is consistently having a good stand in the bourbon market. It is a high-quality bourbon aged nine years and bottled at high proof.
Knob Creek’s high-end expression is surprisingly affordable and is regarded for its full-bodied taste.
Its brand releases its newest expression, the Knob Creek 18-Year Bourbon. It is a limited-edition collection in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Knob Creek brand. [2]
7. Buffalo Trace
Average Price: $25 MSRP for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Buffalo Trace straight bourbon whiskey makes a classy bourbon enjoyable enough to sip or even as a mixer on cocktails. It is made by the well-known Sazerac company, which owns the famous Pappy Van Winkle.
It’s a versatile, well-rounded drink with pleasant notes and a lovely long finish. Buffalo Trace makes an outstanding product with a balanced spirit at an excellent price value.
6. Four Roses
Average Price: Around $24 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Four Roses bourbon is both enjoyable and well-balanced and is one of the most affordable bourbons. It is always a great pour that’s very approachable, even to bourbon newbies.
For many years, Four Roses kept its reputation for giving high-quality bourbons. Even though it’s a bargain from other bourbons, it has a complex profile yet has an unpredictably smooth texture.
5. Maker’s Mark
Average Price: Around $31 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Maker’s Mark bourbon offers a sweeter and smoother bourbon. Although it is a wheated bourbon, it still has the bourbon spice every bourbon connoisseur is looking for.
It is a top-shelf bourbon with a rich and mellow flavor that is great for sipping.
Also, Maker’s Mark is one of the most iconic bourbon whiskeys because of its handmade production and hand-dipped red wax.
4. Bulleit
Average Price: Around $32 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character that comes from its unique blend of rye in its mash. But its toffee and sweet notes balance the spiciness of the drink.
Bulleit Bourbon comes from a long-standing family recipe and only uses the highest quality ingredients. Its robust flavor is ideal for making cocktails and other mixed drinks like Old Fashioned.
3. Woodford Reserve
Average Price: Around $39 for 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.2%
Why We Like It:
Woodford Reserve is a premium small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that is not expensive. It’s one of the most well-known brands owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation.
Woodford Reserve produces a perfectly balanced taste from the oak and bold grains. It is a high-quality bourbon that continuously excels in the bourbon market. Its balanced profile is best to enjoy neat.
2. Jim Beam
Average Price: Around $24 for 1L (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
It’s one of the most famous bourbon brands with a strong sense of family values. Jim Beam has been crafted by the Beam family since 1795 and is still flourishing in the bourbon industry.
Jim Beam is a top-shelf Kentucky straight bourbon that’s a core bourbon at many stores and bars. It’s a complex and versatile spirit great for sipping, over ice, or as a mixer in different cocktails.
1. Evan Williams
Average Price: Around $18 for 1L (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45.3%
Why We Like It:
Evan Williams is one of the top-selling bourbon brands in the world. Judging by its price, Evan Williams’ black label is the most affordable bourbon to find that has a high proof.
It has a balanced of bolder notes and rich flavor. Given its affordable price and flavor, Evan Williams is a great entry for drinkers who want to indulge in bourbon for the first time.
FAQs
What is the most popular bourbon in the United States?
Jim Beam is the most popular bourbon in the United States. Evan Williams and Maker’s Mark are Jim Beam’s nearest competitors regarding popularity and sales in the bourbon category.
What’s the best-selling bourbon in the world in 2021?
In 2021, Jim Beam was the best-selling bourbon in the world. Even though it topped as the second best-selling American whiskey brand next to Jack Daniels, it got the first spot in the best-selling bourbon position.
Final Thoughts
Bourbon is a kind of drink that many people enjoy because of its unique craftsmanship. The good news is the best-selling quality bourbons in the world don’t come too expensive.
It is approachable to the palate and your wallet. These bourbons listed above will not break the bank.
So, the next time you’re heading to a liquor store, you might want to look for these best-selling bourbons and give them a try.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/joemicallef/2021/08/03/toast-basil-haydens-latest-innovation-is-a-brown-rice-based-bourbon
- https://www.pastemagazine.com/drink/whiskey/knob-creek-18-bourbon-release-price-flavors-bottles-specs/
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
