Before you read on to find out the ranking of top bourbon brands, it is important to know what bourbon is. Believed to have been started in the late 18th century in America, bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made from a combination of grains that have been aged in charred oak barrels. Comprised of a fermented mash of grains, yeast, and water, of which at least 51% is corn, bourbon is an American whiskey produced in Kentucky and when bottled, has a minimum of 80 proof.
Produced in six different styles, bourbon can be found in cask strength, high corn, high rye, small batch, single barrel, and wheated. It can be either straight or blended and this style of whiskey can only be made in the United States, where as of 2023, there are more than 700 whiskey & bourbon distilleries throughout the country. To check out some of the best, visit the best distilleries on the Kentucky bourbon trail.
Many of the brands listed here strike a balance between time-tested traditional brands and newer players. Founded names like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bring decades of expertise, delivering reliable quality. New brands like Uncle Nearest and Barrell add their twists, offering fresh flavors and perspectives. The combination of old-school reliability and innovative newcomers creates a diverse range of bourbons, perfect for those who thirst for flavor beyond the ordinary.
It is important to note that individual tastes vary, and what we may like may be different than what you like. With nearly 100 brands of bourbon being produced in Kentucky alone, whittling down the list is bound to chop off a decent contender or two. Keeping that in mind, here is 24/7 Tempo’s ranking of the top bourbon brands.
Ranking of the Top Bourbon Brands: Bourbon Defined
To touch upon what was mentioned earlier, there are certain criteria that a whiskey must meet in order to be called bourbon.
- Bourbon must be produced in the United States, including Puerto Rico.
- The mix of grains used in the production, called mash, must contain at least 51% corn.
- Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% alcohol by volume) and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume).
- Bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels.
- Straight bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years.
- If bourbon is aged for fewer than four years, the age must be stated on the label.
- Bourbon must not contain any additives, except for water to reduce proof when appropriate.
21. Evan Williams
- Owned by: Heaven Hill
- Founded: 1957
- Average price: 25 USD/750 ml
Considered a mid-tier label throughout the 20th century, Heaven Hill has recently upped its marketing game and has added single-barrel and small-batch varieties to its Evan Williams line. Sip for sip this exceptionally palatable bourbon is way more affordable than many of the brands that made this list.
20. Jim Beam
- Owned by: Beam Suntory
- Founded: 1795 /1943
- Average price: 20 USD/750 ml
Except for a brief hiatus during prohibition, seven generations of the Beam family have produced bourbon for over 200 years. A leader in worldwide sales, Jim Bean continues to redefine its brand. In the spring of 2023, Beam Suntory launched a global marketing campaign for Jim Beam featuring the Neil Diamond classic “Sweet Caroline” and the slogan “People are good for you”.
19. Maker’s Mark
- Owned by: Beam Suntory
- Founded: 1953
- Average price: 24 USD/750 ml
Maker’s Mark is the world’s best-selling wheated bourbon. Its status as a long-term favorite is a result of the smooth, sweet, delicate flavor that wheat imparts. To maintain its place at the top, the brand launched its “Make Your Mark” global marketing campaign in the spring of 2023.
18. Booker’s
- Owned by: Beam Suntory
- Founded: 1988
- Average price: 80 USD/750 ml
Marketed as a small-batch bourbon, Booker’s bourbon is named for Jim Beam’s grandson, esteemed distiller Booker Noe. Originally only gifted to family and friends of Noe, the brand has become synonymous with quality.
17. Weller
- Owned by: Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac
- Founded: 1849
- Average price: 75 USD/750 ml
Named for the distiller who first used wheat in his mash, William Larue Weller was a true pioneering bourbon distiller, adding wheat to his mash before anyone else. The result was nothing less than world-changing and whether you prefer mixing it or sipping it, Weller is a smooth drink.
16. Barrell
- Owned by: Joe Beatrice
- Founded: 2013
- Average price: 90 USD/750 ml
One of the newer additions to the bourbon market, Barrell has forged its way into the craft market. Barrell sources its bourbon from distillers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, to create their signature blend. Though Barrell can be a little pricy, bourbon connoisseurs argue that it’s worth every penny.
15. Old Forester 1920
- Owned by: Brown-Forman Corporation
- Founded: 1870
- Average price: 60 USD/750 ml
Old Forester is the oldest continuously distilled bourbon in the United States. During Prohibition, Old Forester was produced as medical whiskey, licensed by the government. In today’s world, Old Forester 1920, the higher-proof uncle of Old Forester 1910, is considered a top-shelf bourbon and an acceptable gift.
14. Four Roses Small Batch Select
- Owned by: Kirin Holdings
- Founded: 1888
- Average price: 60 USD/750 ml
Kirin Holdings purchased the brand in 2002 and ceased production on the Four Roses blended bourbons, opting to focus on single-barrel and small-batch bourbons. This has made Four Roses a sought-after brand that is difficult to find.
13. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
- Owned by: Brown-Forman Corporation
- Founded: 1996
- Average price: 55 USD/750 ml
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked has the distinct honor of having the first female distiller in the state of Kentucky and the history of bourbon. Marianne Barnes was fresh out of college with a degree in chemical engineering when Brown-Foreman offered her a job, and soon fast-tracked her apprenticeship as a master distiller.
12. Knob Creek Single Barrel
- Owned by: Beam Suntory
- Founded: 1992
- Average price: 50 USD/750ml
This single-barrel bourbon has a surprisingly agreeable flavor and an even more agreeable price tag. The Old Knob Single Barrel Program personalizes the experience by allowing retailers to claim their own barrel. Participants may claim their barrels in person at the distillery, or remotely. The final product comes with an engraved plate and the story of the barrel, including its location in the warehouse as it aged.
11. Elijah Craig
- Owned by: Heaven Hill
- Founded: 1986
- Average price: 35 USD/750 ml
This bourbon may have been introduced in the mid 1980s, but Heaven Hill recently gave it a little push with new packaging and a marketing campaign that saw its sales increase significantly. Elijah Craig boasts several aged varieties, that are somewhat pricey, but worth it to those who appreciate and savor their bourbon.
10. Blanton’s
- Owned by: Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac
- Founded: 1881
- Average price: 130 USD/750 ml
Blanton may have been founded more than 100 years ago, but its original single-barrel bourbon was introduced in 1984. Since then Blanton’s has won several industry awards and an appreciative fan base. The biggest issue with Blanton’s is its accessibility – it’s not very easy to find. Bourbon takes years to mature, and Blanton’s supply hasn’t quite caught up with the demand.
9. Henry McKenna 10-Year Single Barrel
- Owned by: Heaven Hill
- Founded: 1855
- Average price: 65 USD/750 ml
Named for the Irish immigrant who fashioned his bourbon recipe after his family’s Irish whisky recipe, Henry McKenna’s is traditionally thought of as a mid-level bourbon, but has gained favor in recent years for its smooth delivery and bold aftertaste. Kudos to Heaven Hill for keeping this heritage brand in their repertoire.
8. Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr.
- Owned by: Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac
- Founded: 2013
- Average price: 120 USD/750 ml
This small-batch bourbon ages for 7 years and is a relatively new offering from Buffalo Trace that has been a winner from the start. The velvety texture, followed by a warm afterglow has Bourbon enthusiasts enamored with the multiple award-winning Colonel.
7. Remus Repeal Reserve
- Owned by: MGP Ingredients
- Founded: 2017
- Average price: 120 USD/750 ml
This fairly new bourbon was named to honor notorious bootlegger George Remus and it already turning heads with its rich aroma and classic flavor notes. R³ is a blended bourbon, a welcome player in the single-barrel-dominated game.
6. Wild Turkey Master’s Keep
- Owned by: Campari Group
- Founded: 1940
- Average price: 150 USD/750 ml
At one point in its history, Wild Turkey was considered bottom-shelf booze and was fairly inexpensive. It was referred to as gut rot, a mid-20th-century euphemism for poor-quality liquor. Throughout said time, Wild Turkey was a sourced bourbon. In the ensuing years, the brand began to distill its own spirits. Today’s Wild Turkey is a top-shelf liquor, more likely to be found in your father’s private reserve than in a game of spin the bottle.
5. Eagle Rare
- Owned by: Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac
- Founded: 1975
- Average price: 90 USD/750 ml
For its cost point, Eagle Rare is one of the best affordable bourbons on the market. It is also one of the more celebrated bourbons, a five-time winner of the double gold medal, the highest honor awarded at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Eagle Rare trophy case contains 22 other awards as well. So, don’t allow its affordable price tag to fool you – Eagle Rare is a rare treat.
4. Stagg
- Owned by: Buffalo Trace Distillery/Sazerac
- Founded: 2002
- Average price: 150 USD/750 ml
Named in honor of 19th-century whiskey pioneer, George T. Stagg, and introduced by Buffalo Trace in 2002, Stagg has acquired a large and dedicated following. The marketing strategy of this award-winning bourbon, from its labeling to its promotional verbiage, focuses on its image as the avid outdoorsman’s bourbon of choice. However, this favorable bourbon deservedly has a much wider fan base.
3. Old Rip Van Winkle
- Owned by: Buffalo Trace/Sazerac
- Founded: 1935
- Average price: 900 USD/750 ml
Originally produced by Stitzel Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, Pappy Van Winkle’s motto was “We make fine bourbon- at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon”. Third-generation Julian P. Van Winkle III, and his son, fourth-generation Preston Van Winkle oversee the production of the Van Winkle brands and you couldn’t ask for a finer, fuller-bodied bourbon than Old Rip Van Winkle.
2. Garrison Brothers, Lady Bird
- Owned by: Dan Garrison
- Founded: 2005 / introduced 2010
- Average price: 350 USD/750 ml
Named for former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, Garrison Brothers produced wheated bourbon at the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas. Garrison quips that this also makes Garrison Brothers the oldest legal distillery in Texas. We’re bound to hear more from the newcomer, with marketing savvy like that, and award-winning flavor
1. Uncle Nearest, Single Barrel Whiskey
- Owned by: Fawn Weaver
- Founded: 2017
- Average price: 100 USD/750 ml
One of the newest bourbons on the market, there is a lot to love about Uncle Nearest. Produced in Shelbyville, Tennessee, Uncle Nearest honors the memory of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first Black American master distiller. It’s a minority-owned and independently operated enterprise and since its introduction, Uncle Nearest has won multiple awards, most recently securing a platinum award at the 2023 Las Vegas Global Spirit Awards (LVGSA).