Best Bourbon for a Manhattan in 2026

Buffalo Trace is a top contender in the Kentucky Bourbon world! Owned by the Sazerac Company, it's one of the biggest bourbon producers, churning out an impressive 2.7 million gallons annually.

Buffalo Trace’s flagship, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is considered one of the best Kentucky Bourbons. It’s affordable, packed with flavor, and absolutely worth the price. This well-balanced bourbon offers a classic taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Sip it straight, pour it over ice, or shake it up in your favorite cocktails—it’s that versatile!

In 2016, Wild Turkey Master Distiller Eddie Russell teamed up with Matthew McConaughey to create a bourbon celebrating their shared love of whiskey. The Longbranch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey blends smoky Texan mesquite with classic Kentucky craftsmanship, delivering sweet, bold, and balanced flavors. 

Its flavor profile makes it a fantastic choice for Manhattans, adding depth and a subtle smokiness that takes the cocktail to the next level while staying easy to enjoy on its own.

If you’re a beginner and want to develop a greater appreciation for the taste and depth of whiskey, this is the bottle for you. Bottled at 90.4 proof, this whiskey is twice-barreled for an extra rich and vibrant flavor. 

It matures in separate, charred oak barrels in the oldest bourbon distillery in Kentucky. The next nine months involve maturing the mixture in new, deeply toasted and lightly charred barrels. This process transforms the taste by adding an entirely new layer of depth to the drink’s expression. 

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey is definitely on the more affordable side. It’s a fantastic whiskey for beginners, especially for those who want greater depth and texture in their drinks without breaking the bank completely. 

Elijah Craig’s Small Batch Bourbon is a prime example of the best small batch bourbon. Coming from one of the oldest distilleries in the U.S., Heaven Hill in Kentucky, this bourbon is well-known for its rich smokey oak flavor, which is the result of the unique small-batch process. It has a mellow, full-bodied taste that’s balanced with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.

It’s easy to find at most liquor stores and online, made with a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.

Angel’s Envy is a premium small batch bourbon that’s crafted with care and a little extra flair. What makes it one of the best bourbons is that it’s finished in port wine barrels, which gives it a unique flavor profile with rich, fruity notes and a beautiful red hue. 

This rich, full-bodied whiskey is perfect for sipping neat or over ice. It’s a solid mid-range pick that’ll impress your taste buds without breaking the bank. Whether you're just starting your bourbon journey or you're a seasoned connoisseur, Angel's Envy is a must-try.