The 18 Best Bourbon Brands You Should Definitely Stock Up On

After aging for nine years, you can really taste the bold flavors (and high alcohol content) of Knob Creek. But it truly tastes the best when combined with fresh mint and a hint of sugar for a classic julep. Derby hat not included, unfortch. 

You really get a sweet deal here. Not only is the bottle pretty as all hell, but the bourbon is also rounded out with flavors of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and cinnamon. QQ: Can I bake this into a pie too? 

For those nights when you want a cocktail but the idea of any extra steps makes you want to scream. The strong flavors here include peppermint, clove, and cinnamon. I'm very into this.

Allow me to state the obvious: The people over at Stillhouse are on! their! game! with packaging. And they also make a mean black bourbon. This unique variation is aged, then left to “rest and mellow” in roasted coffee beans before it’s bottled. Mmm.

Be one of the first to taste Fresh Bourbon's "First Batch" Bourbon Whiskey. Production literally just ended at the beginning of this year, so you'll be part of a very small group that can say they've savored the oak, vanilla, brown sugar, and nutty qualities of this brand new blend.

This guy is a fave among regular bourbon drinkers—and for good reason. It has a spicy, warming finish that tastes unreal served on the rocks or in an old-fashioned.

If you're the kind of person that trusts anything based on their accolades, then you're about to be obsessed with this brand. Uncle Nearest recently won Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and after one sip of this smooth whiskey, you'll understand why. 

As the name implies, this bourbon is made in super-small batches to guarantee quality, and *chef’s kiss* it lives up to that promise. The blend is a combo of four different Kentucky bourbon whiskeys, which creates a spicy yet sweet and caramel-y flavor. So. Good.

Okay, first off, this packaging is très chic and resembles a wine bottle, so we’re already sold. But appearances aside, this bourbon is also just really effing good. Sip it neat or experiment with a Kentucky mule (psst, just add some ginger beer and lime). Either way, you’ll be hooked.

Want your friends to think you have your shit together? Leave this sleek, sophisticated bottle sitting on top of your bar cart. And offer to pour them a glass too. They’ll dig the smoky flavor and smooth finish.

If you can get your hands on a bottle of this stuff, you’re v lucky. Made in small batches, Angel’s Envy is a rare find. But if you do get a chance to taste it, you’ll love its notes of vanilla, maple syrup, ripe fruit, and bitter chocolate.

No list of bourbons is complete without Maker’s Mark. It’s a barback favorite, and you can’t beat the price point (save that $$$!). Plus, it has an easy finish. Even a bourbon newbie can enjoy it, no prob.

Apologize to your wallet rn, because this pick is gonna set you back a few. But we promise its unique flavor is worth the splurge. After aging in a charred white oak barrel for 10 years, this blend emerges tasting creamy, spicy, and, yup, expensive.

Hit your friends with a fun fact when you pull out this bb: Blanton’s was the world’s first single-barrel bourbon. Obviously, that means they’ve had some time to perfect it. In fact, it’s so good on its own that the brand discourages mixing it with anything.

Looking to chef up some mint juleps or manhattans? Four Roses is perfect for that. This stuff has a mellow, pleasant finish that makes it easy to incorporate into any cocktail your heart desires.

A classic Kentucky bourbon, Bulleit is smooth and packed with hints of clove, lemon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Hi, fall, this is your dream drink calling.