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The Best Bourbon Whiskies to Buy in 2023, According to Experts
Looking to add a bottle of bourbon to your bar cart? These are top rated drams for sipping and sharing, according to experts
Perennially popular across the pond, Brits are quickly developing a thirst for bourbon. Though intrinsically linked to the “Bluegrass State’ of Kentucky” – where 95% of the world’s supply is produced – unlike scotch whisky, there are no geographical restrictions as to where bourbon can be made, with new distilleries cropping up across America every year.
While you can invest in rare releases from the likes of George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare and William Larue Weller, there are a lot of exceptional options at a more affordable price point if you’re planning on experimenting with bourbon-based cocktails or seeking a weeknight sipper.
Best bourbon to buy in 2023
What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon... you follow? Simply put, what distinguishes bourbon from other whiskeys is the way it’s produced and matured. To be classified as bourbon, its mash (that is, the mixture of grains to be distilled) must contain at least 51% corn, which gives it its distinctive sweet aroma. Any other grains can be used in the other 49%, and those are usually a combination of wheat, rye, and malted barley.
Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels and bottled at no less than 40% ABV. There isn’t a minimum ageing requirement, however bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years to be labelled as “straight bourbon” and a minimum of three to be recognised as whiskey in the EU.
What does bourbon taste like?
Strict laws dictate that no flavourings, colourings or additives can be added to bourbon. What you taste is all natural and typically characterised by aromas of vanilla, oak, caramel and spice.
How to drink bourbon
Take your lead from scotch whisky drinking protocols and enjoy bourbon from a Glencairn glass. The curved vessel enhances the aromas and overall imbibing experience.
Most bourbons benefit from some dilution to temper the alcohol and spice, allowing the sweetness to shine through, so don’t be afraid to add a dash of water to your dram. Bourbon is a mainstay in many classic cocktails, too, including manhattans, mint juleps, and boulevardiers.
How we test bourbon
We recruited a panel of spirits experts and bourbon enthusiasts to put a selection of leading brands to the test. Each was tested blind; first neat, then diluted with a dash of water to soften the alcohol and allow the underlying aromas to shine through.
Their criteria? Well-integrated aromas of caramel, vanilla, oak and spice, with a smooth mouthfeel and enough versatility to work hard on your bar cart.
These are the seven bottles that ticked all the boxes.
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