The Best Kentucky Bourbon: Our Top Choices in 2025

The Best Kentucky Bourbon: Our Top Choices in 2025

Kentucky Bourbon is the heart and soul of American Whiskey, and it’s a favorite for people all over the world. To call it true Kentucky Bourbon, though, it’s got to be made in Kentucky and meet a few specific rules.

For instance, Kentucky Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in its mashbill, with the rest often made up of malted rye, barley, or wheat. It should have a warm amber to deep golden color, which it gets naturally from the charred oak barrels during aging. The longer it sits, the darker and richer it gets—just like a fine bourbon should!

In this article, we’re diving into some of the best Kentucky Bourbon options out there and giving you a handy guide to help you find the perfect bottle for your taste.

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Other Best Bourbon Collections

Top 5 Kentucky Bourbon Picks in 2025 Best Kentucky Bourbon Options

Here are the top five Kentucky Bourbons and an overview of each product to highlight why they deserve a spot on our list.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace
About Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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!

View more about Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$26.99
Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

A medium amber color with a warm, inviting hue.

Nose / Aroma

Caramel, butter, pumpkin spices, and warm mixed nuts.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Fairly sweet with fruit cake and butter toffee but balanced with some mint on the palate.

Finish

Medium-length finish with lingering sweetness and spices.

Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

2.

Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton's
About Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton’s is the gold standard for premium single-barrel Kentucky Straight Whiskey. Aged to perfection at Buffalo Trace Distillery, it offers a gorgeous deep amber color and a rich aroma of vanilla, orange peel, and warm spices.

At $139.99 for a 750ml bottle, it’s the ultimate choice if you’re looking for a full-bodied bourbon that’s perfect for sipping.

View more about Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$135.99
Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Red, amber color.

Nose / Aroma

A creamy vanilla nose features hints of orange peel, nutmeg, caramel, and light spices.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

A soft but rich flavor of burnt sugar and cloves in harmony with strong caramel and corn sensations.

Finish

A strong and lasting finish that brings back nutmeg and corn above everything else.

W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

3.

W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

W.L. Weller
About W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

​​W.L. Weller Special Reserve, aka the Green Label, is a sweet, easy-drinking Kentucky Bourbon that brings all the classic bourbon vibes with a twist. You’ll get rich, full flavors on the palate, with a finish that lingers with floral notes. It’s perfectly balanced for sipping, whether you’re drinking alone or toasting with friends and family. It’s the kind of bourbon that makes every moment feel a little extra special!

W.L. Weller Special Reserve stands out as one of the best bourbons for sipping, and the best part? It’s super affordable for the quality it offers!

View more about W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$41.99
W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Warm, inviting amber color.

Nose / Aroma

Strong notes of caramel and sourdough bread.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Rich dessert tones of butterscotch, nutmeg, toffee, and toasted wood.

Finish

A classic bourbon finish with lingering floral notes.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375mL)
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375mL)

4.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375mL)

Woodford Reserve
About Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375mL)

We can't talk about the best Kentucky Bourbons without mentioning Woodford Reserve! Made at the iconic Woodford Reserve Distillery, this bourbon goes through a unique double-barrel aging process, giving it a rich, complex flavor that's hard to beat. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a must-have for anyone who loves sipping...

View more about Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375mL) >>
$42.99
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375mL) Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color

Deep, dark amber color.

Nose / Aroma / Smell

Direct aromas of chocolate, oak, and cherry.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Dark caramel and vanilla flavors accompanied by cinnamon.

Finish

An easy finish that's long and slow.

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

5.

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Eagle Rare
About Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

If you’re looking for a bourbon that feels like a treat every time you pour a glass, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey might just be your new favorite. Aged for a solid decade, it’s got this smooth, rich flavor that’s hard to forget.

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old is one of those rare finds that manages to stay both premium and affordable—how often does that happen with good bourbon? Eagle Rare 10 Year Old is one of the best Kentucky Bourbons, offering rich, layered flavors and a smooth, polished finish. Honestly, if you’re into Kentucky Bourbon, this one’s a no-brainer. 

View more about Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey >>
$66.99
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Honey gold color.

Nose / Aroma

Complex toffee aromas with subtle hints of honey, orange peel, and stewed fruits.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Spicy vanilla candied almonds, sweet char, and leather with an oily texture.

Finish

Medium-length lingering and spicy finish.

How to Choose the Best Kentucky Bourbon?

First things first, think about what kind of flavors you like! If you're new to Kentucky Bourbon, don't be shy, try different styles until you find one that hits the spot. Some bourbons are sweet, others pack a spicy punch, or have fruity, smoky vibes, especially the ones that have been aged a little longer. 

Once you know what you like, picking the best Kentucky Bourbon is all about taking a sip and considering things like price, presentation, and the occasion.

Best Kentucky Bourbon for Cocktails

Finding the perfect Kentucky Bourbon for cocktails is easy if you know what you're mixing! For a sweet twist, go for a bourbon like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked in an Old Fashioned, it’s a match made in heaven. If you’re craving a spicy kick, grab a bourbon with bold, spicy notes for a killer Manhattan.

We wouldn’t recommend splurging on an expensive bourbon for cocktails; save those premium bottles for sipping! When it comes to mixing, bourbons with a higher ABV are your best bet, especially for stirred drinks. For lighter cocktails like a Whiskey Sour, go for a bourbon with a lower ABV for the perfect balance.

Best Kentucky Bourbon for Drinking Straight

For many bourbon enthusiasts, whiskey with complexity and a depth of flavor is what makes the best Kentucky Bourbon for drinking straight. Older bourbons, like Eagle Rare, tend to be the best choices here because they’ve had more time to develop those amazing, layered flavors. The result?

A full-bodied bourbon that keeps surprising you sip after sip, making you want more each time. These bourbons are perfect for sipping whiskey lovers who enjoy a rich, smooth experience.

Don’t just stick to the premium bottles, though. Get out there and try a variety of Kentucky Bourbons to find the perfect one for sipping straight. The best bourbon for you might just surprise you!

How Much Does Kentucky Bourbon Cost?

You can snag the Kentucky Bourbons we mentioned in this article for anywhere between $27.99 and $94.99. Sure, there are some fancy ones that can set you back a lot more, but this price range is what you’ll pay for a quality bottle from a solid distillery using premium ingredients.

When you compare it to other premium liquors, Kentucky Bourbon is a pretty sweet deal! But be warned, there are rare and limited editions that can cost just as much, or even more, than those other premium whiskeys.

More Top Kentucky Bourbon Options