The Best Bourbons For All Occasions

The ever-popular brown spirit of America, bourbon is starting to really make some waves in the industry and it's time you stocked up your liquor cabinet with the best. Whether you want a premium tipple to enjoy neat at the end of an evening, or as the base of your cocktail, we've rounded up some great, versatile bourbon's that won't let you down.

To guarantee the perfect serve, we pulled together a list of the best whisky glasses and best whisky decanters, to ensure you've got the perfect serve. 

What is bourbon?

Bourbon is the American equivalent of whisky in that it's a barrel-aged, distilled spirit. It requires a minimum of 51% corn-spirit and only new-oak barrels can be used in its maturation in order for it to bear the name. 

Most commonly from the Bluegrass State of Kentucky, bourbon has a smoother, sweeter palate thanks to the new-oak barrels, which also gives it its rich colour. 

Presented in a 1950's inspired bottle, this Old Fitzgerald looks as good as it tastes. This is a collector's favourite that offers a beautiful palate of flavours, from the subtle smoke and pepper, there's cassis, spice and vanilla to bring it nicely into balance. 

£375 from Harvey Nichols

It's not hard to understand why Blanton's original sells out so quickly, as it's a wonderfully approachable bourbon. It may be hard to get hold of a bottle, but it won't be hard getting through it. Wonderfully smooth, with sweet vanilla and subtle toffee, followed by delicately honeyed citrus notes that make it far too easy to enjoy. 

€61 from Maison du Whisky

For an indulgent bottle that only comes out on those rare occasions, Four Roses Elliott's Select is a real treat. It's the first release from the Master Distiller and a short run of just 10,000 bottles. From a nose of dark fruits and rich oak, it carries through to a palate of toasted caramel and apricot jam. 

£800 from Master of Malt

A great gateway to bourbon, Woodford Reserve is the affordable and wonderfully versatile bourbon everyone should have in supply. It's perfect for your Old Fashioned or Seelbach cocktails. The creamy texture combined with the flavours of marzipan and coffee (as well as a bit of spice) makes for an easy-to-drink, everyday bourbon.

£35.75 from Master of Malt 

For another household name, Kentucky Owl is a bourbon worth getting your hands on. A robust and complex bourbon with plenty of depth, this Kentucky Owl is like an apple crumble in a glass. Fruity, spiced and with a bit of sweetness it's got a smooth and indulgent mouthfeel. 

£265 from The Whisky Exchange

This exclusive run for Harvey Nichols launched last year as part of the Maker’s Mark single barrel programme. With only 275 bottles up for grabs, stocks are dwindling quickly. You'll enjoy nutty flavours with maple syrup and hearty notes of wood. 

£95 from Harvey Nichols

Similarly to Woodford, this is another reliable bottle bourbon that's versatile to use and best for cocktails. It's made from a blend of bourbons old and new, lovely and inviting on the nose, with honey and caramel drawing you in. The creamy texture reveals flavours of chocolate and brown sugar with a delicate hit of spice. 

£49.95 from Master of Malt

Some would say we'd left the best to last as Pappy Van Winkle is institutional in the world of Bourbon and it certainly doesn't come cheap. It's one for those really special occasions, where you can savour every drop. The 23 is released sporadically and always snapped up fast, so while we haven't tasted it ourselves (sadly) its reputation precedes it. 

$3,250.00 from Reserve Bar