As the year comes to an end, the list of best bourbons of 2021 continues to pour in. This list comes from Liquor.com.
Tasting Parameters:
We take our readers and our recommendations very seriously. All of the products in our lists and reviews are carefully chosen by our editors and writers after thorough research, expert consultation and testing.
Best Overall: Henry Mckenna Single Barrel
Aged in oak barrels, this bourbon is the only extra-aged bottled-in-bond single barrel bourbon for a smooth, high-quality taste.
Best Value: Maker’s Mark
Expect to pay no more than around $30 a bottle, which is quite reasonable for something so versatile, complex, and well crafted.
Best for Sipping: Widow Jane 10 Year
The distillery’s signature 10-year-old bourbon presents a nose of nutmeg, cream, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon.
Best Kentucky Bourbon: Evan Williams Single Barrel
This reasonably-priced single barrel is big, balanced, spicy and sweet, and enjoys a backbone of honey and citrus.
Best Tennessee Bourbon: Heaven’s Door
Created in partnership with Bob Dylan, this is an award-winning line of stylish Tennessee straight, double barrel, and straight rye whiskey.
Best Under $50: Four Roses Single Barrel
Straight-up or on the rocks, it carries a delicate and lengthy finish that’s surprisingly nuanced.
Best Under $100: Willett Noah’s Mill
Pops of cinnamon and allspice leap out of this bourbon, flanked by mellow yeast, a little oak, and inviting vanilla.
Best High-Proof: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
The deep char of the barrels and the strong ABV result in an assertive bourbon that has deep notes of fruit, chocolate, and smoke.
Best Barrel Strength: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
It’s a go-to for its versatility (being equally sippable and mixable) and its affordability.
Best Wheated: Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch
It presents a superior value compared to more famous names, is a robust 88-proof, and is versatile with food pairings including beef and dessert.
