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10 Best Bourbons You Can Only Get in Kentucky (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin

As the name suggests, Kentucky is the only place where you can get your hands on true Kentucky bourbon. In fact, 95% of the world’s bourbon supply comes from Kentucky.

Here’s the top list of bourbons you can only get in Kentucky that will not disappoint you.

Top 10 Bourbons You Can Only Find in Kentucky 

1.  Heaven Hill 6-Year-Old Green Label

Heaven Hill 6-Year-Old Green Label on desk

Proof: 90

Price Range: Roughly $33.32 (Drizly)

Tasting Notes:

Heaven Hill 6-Year-Old Green Label is one of the great-tasting whiskeys made by a very known distiller, Heaven Hill distillery.

It is sweet and fruity and it has notes of citrus, oak, vanilla, and caramel. The finish is long and pleasant, with a slight warmth from the alcohol. 

2. Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select

Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse Select on desk

Proof: 100

Price Range: Roughly $45.99 – $70 (Jim Beam)

Tasting Notes:

Jim Beam’s Urban Stillhouse Select is a great bourbon that’s big on the palate and pride of Louisville.

At 100 proof, it’s got a nice kick, but it’s still smooth enough to enjoy neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail.

As for the tasting notes, expect to find plenty of vanilla and oak, with just a hint of sweetness.

3. Old Forester President’s Choice

Old Forester President’s Choice on desk

Proof: 110-120

Price Range: Roughly $164.98 (Drizly)

Tasting Notes:

When it comes to the tasting notes, expect to find subtle vanilla and oak flavors with a hint of caramel.

Tasting notes include a hint of spice on the finish. So if you’re looking for a unique bourbon as a perfect souvenir, give Old Forester President’s Choice a try. 

Read: Places To Buy Brother’s Bond Bourbon Online

4. Bulleit Barrel Strength

Bulleit Barrel Strength on desk with cocktail and cobbler

Proof: 120

Price Range: Roughly $60.99 (Total Wine)

Tasting Notes:

Bulleit Barrel Strength is a high-proof spirit well-aged in an oak barrel and has a strong, full-bodied, rich taste.

The tasting notes for Bulleit Barrel Strength include oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice with a smooth and long finish.

Best to sip neat or on the rocks, but it is also great for making cocktails. 

5. Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength

Four Roses with cocktail and chocolates on table

Proof: 100

Price Range: Roughly $78.99 (Total Wine)

Tasting Notes:

Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength is a bourbon whiskey with a minimum age of seven years.

The brand has high rye mash bill content, and like most bourbons, its tasting notes include caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, and oak.

The whiskey is smooth with a long finish, and it is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

6. Maker’s Mark Private Select

Maker’s Mark Private Select on desk with glass and nuts

Proof:108-114

Price Range: Roughly $72.99 (Drizly)

Tasting Notes:

Maker’s Mark Private Select is proofed at a higher abv than the classic Maker’s Mark cask strength.

The wheated bourbon is matured for five years and nine months for richer and more contact and complex flavorings.

You will notice wheat, vanilla, oak, and fruit flavors when tasting the spirit. It is also smooth and well-balanced, making it enjoyable to drink. 

Read: Maker’s Mark vs Bulleit Bourbon

7. Evan Williams 23-Year

Evan Williams 23-Year on table with glass

Proof: 101

Price Range: Roughly $1,366 (Wine Searcher)

Tasting Notes:

Evan Williams is a bourbon whiskey that has been aged for 23 years.

The tasting notes for this whiskey include oak, vanilla, chocolate, and caramel. The taste of this whiskey is very smooth and mellow, with a deep and rich flavor.

It is a great bourbon for sipping, so bring home one for your home bar.

8. Knob Creek Old Town Barrel Pick

Knob Creek with glass and cheese on desk

Proof:120

Price Range: Roughly $39.99 (Old Town Tequila)

Tasting Notes:

The Knob Creek Old Town Barrel Pick is made with a special blend of new and old-growth oak barrels.

The result is rich and smooth with vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. Just be sure to sip slowly, as this bourbon packs a punch!

9. Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon

Noah’s Mill with glass and oranges on table

Proof: 114

Price Range: Roughly $58.99 (Total Wine)

Tasting Notes:

Noah’s Mill is a small batch of bourbon that has been a cult favorite among whiskey lovers for years.

Bottled at 114 proof, it is a high cask strength bourbon you can buy in Kentucky. The high abv gives a bold flavor perfect for drinking neat or on the rocks.

The tasting notes for Noah’s Mill include caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. 

Read: Our Recommended Kentucky Bourbon Tours 

10. Woodford Reserve Distillery Series

Woodford Reserve Distillery Series on desk with cocktail

Proof: 86 – 100

Price Range: Roughly $300 (Wine Searcher)

Tasting Notes:

The Woodford Reserve Distillery Series is a line of premium bourbons produced at the Woodford Reserve Distillery.

The distillery uses a unique process that involves aging the bourbon in barrels charred on the inside.

Tasting notes for the Woodford Reserve Distillery Series include vanilla, oak, and caramel.

FAQs

Can bourbon be made anywhere besides Kentucky?

Yes, bourbon can be made anywhere besides Kentucky–it can be made anywhere in the United States [1].

Many people think of Kentucky when they think of bourbon, and that’s because 95% of bourbon is produced there.

Small craft distilleries are making excellent bourbon in the whole country. Know more about the Kentucky Bourbon Festival here

Can you buy rare bourbon in Kentucky?

Yes, you can buy rare bourbon in Kentucky. The best place to buy rare bourbon is Kentucky, where bourbon is made. There are a few places in Kentucky that specialize in selling rare bourbons.

Some of the more well-known stores include The Bourbon House in Lexington and Liquor Barn in Louisville. But what’s the best place to buy whiskey online?

Final Thoughts

When it comes to bourbon, Kentucky is the best place to find the spirits. Many manufacturers in the state offer a unique palate of bourbon that you can’t find anywhere else. 

If you are looking for a truly authentic Kentucky experience, then your best bet is to head to one of the many bourbon distilleries located in the state.

Whether you are a fan of the classics or looking for a new bottle of distilled spirit, Kentucky is the place for all your bourbon needs.

Reference:

  1. https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html

Lydia Martin

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.

One thought on “10 Best Bourbons You Can Only Get in Kentucky (2023 Updated)

  • February 12, 2023 10:39 pm at 10:39 pm
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    Heaven Hill 6 Year Old Green Label is not made any more. Now it’s 7 Year Old. Might still able to find buy will be hard too.

    Reply

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