12 Best Smoky Bourbon Bottles Tasted & Ranked (2023)
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Peated flavors? Smoky feel? Not only can you find such in Scotch as there are smoky American spirits that deliver that vibe, too.
Since we don’t want you to run out of bottles to try, we took the time to list down all the best smoky bourbons we’ve tried that’ll surely question your loyalty to Scotch.
Read on.
Top 12 Smoky Bourbons To Try
12. Warbringer Mesquite Smoked Southwest Bourbon
Average Price: roughly $65/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 49% ABV
Why We Like It: Made with rye, and mesquite roasted corn, this smoky spirit from Warbringer gives a heavy oak and smoke flavor.
This is the first bottle we’ve tried from this brand, and we like the experience.
The caramel, spice, and fruit notes linger on the palate with a smoky yet smooth finish. This is an exciting brand, so we look forward to trying again soon.
11. Hard Truth Sipes’ Barrel Smoked Bourbon
Average Price: roughly $60/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This 4-Year-Old bourbon whisky is made with hardwood-smoked barrels, which blends premium bourbons–bottled and non-chill filtered.
It has the right suitable complexity, and we really enjoy it over ice.
It’s also a good sipper, but we suggest adding a few drops of water to tone down the heat. It’s a bit challenging, but it satisfies.
10. Knob Creek Smoked Maple Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $39.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Want a full-bodied drink? We recommend Knob Creek’s Smoked Maple. The rich caramel and vanilla notes complement the smokiness of this spirit.
It welcomes with a smoke maple and hickory wood scent, with some earthy grain hints.
On the finish, it’s slightly sweet but more oaky and smoky—but satisfyingly smooth.
9. Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $49.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: Compared with other smoked bourbons in this list, this has the least intensity, but it packs flavors and notes that’ll keep you sipping for more.
It’s soft and approachable, which suits beginners’ palates.
It has the standard ABV, so it’s not as complex as other robust bottles. This is a good starter bottle to explore smoky and peaty whiskies.
8. Tim Smith Southern Reserve Wood-Fired Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $30/750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: For those looking for a bit more rye and smoky rather than sweet and smoky, Tim Smith Reserve Wood-Fired can be a good choice.
There’s complexity and rich flavors, plus the 90-proof alcohol. Despite the bold character, it’s not harsh and overwhelming.
There’s still a very little sweet hint in the background, which balances the overall flavor profile.
7. Sonoma Cherrywood Smoked Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $44.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: If you like roasted root vegetables, red snapper, and cheesecake, then Sonama Cherrywood Smoke Bourbon is the perfect pairing.
We like the sweet and light flavors, with the vanilla and brown sugars dominating the profile. But on this finish, the smoky character begins with a hint of oak.
6. Skunk Brothers Smoke Jumper Peated Bourbon
Average Price: roughly $39.95/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This unique blend of sweet and smoky bourbon used a grain bill from the local Washington corn, white wheat, and malted barley before adding a bit of rye and peated malt.
It has the right proof, flavor profile, and character. The sweetness isn’t off to the smoky notes in this spirit.
If you’ve tried any Skunk Brother’s bourbons before, this is a unique expression.
5. Smoke Wagon Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $45/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: This small batch from Smoke Wagon delivers a good balance of spiciness, leading to a satisfying sip.
We’re surprised by this spirit, and we’ll surely buy another bottle.
While some of their expressions are slightly overspiced, this one is well-balanced. It’s not overwhelming, and it’s smooth, actually.
4. Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: roughly $46.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: We actually saw Jim Murray’s review about Iron Smoke and thought we needed to try this bottle.
“I just love the fact that the apple smoke contains both tannins and apple… And the grains are allowed the freedom to link with the tannins and form a bourbony undertone… superb. Love it!”
— Jim Murray, Author of the Whisky Bible.
And now we agree with Jim about how Iron Smoke incorporates the slightly acidic hint plus the bourbon notes.
It’s well-balanced, smooth, and full-bodied—so don’t miss this one.
3. Oppidan Smoke + Sea Bourbon
Average Price: roughly $40/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV
Why We Like It: The Oppidan Smoke + Sea blend Solera aged Bourbon and 4-Grain Straight Bourbon, finished in French oak and peated Islay barrels.
What got us the most in this spirit was the combination of dark fruit, smoke, and the sea-like character within the flavor profile.
From the nose to the finish, it’s salty and peaty yet smooth and satisfying.
2. Arby’s Smoked Bourbon
Average Price: roughly $60/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This is an excellent limited offering from Arby’s, and scoring a bottle is hard. But it’s worth the hunting, as it’s one of the unique bottles we’ve tried.
There’s a meaty hint in this spirit– like we’re eating and drinking bbq at once.
The flavor may seem strange, but this is an excellent option for someone looking for a real distinct experience.
1. Elijah Craig Toasted Bourbon
Average Price: roughly $49.99/750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: One of the most popular smoky bourbons is the Elijah Craig Toasted Bourbon. It’s more intense and flavorful than the Small Batch.
It’s a 94-proof bourbon, aged in a flash-charmed barrel, so as expected, the rich and sweet flavors linger in this spirit.
This is the best smoked bourbon we’ve tried so far, and it pairs well with barbecue.
FAQs
Does bourbon have a smoky flavor?
Bourbon may have a smoky flavor, too. There are bourbons with a sweet and smoky flavor profile, like the Elijah Craig Toasted Bourbon and Arby’s Smoked Bourbon, among others.
What does smoked bourbon taste like?
Smoked bourbon has hints of vanilla, caramel, oak, spice, and malt, following a long, sweet, and smoky finish.
Final Words
You won’t have to go for Scotch [1] all the time if you’re craving smoky or peaty spirits (unless you really prefer Scotch over everything else).
American-style spirits also have the smoky vibe signature of Scottish spirits. If you want a temporary shift from the traditional bourbon whiskeys [2], try any bottle in this list.
To start, we highly recommend the Elijah Craig Toasted Bourbon for its perfection regarding smokiness, sweetness, and smoothness.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/scotch-whisky
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey
