This uncommon approach is what Battles loves about Pinhook and its bourbon, and we think you will, too! Its about 2x the cost of 101, but since 101 is so cheap, its really kinda semantics. "How is it, this wonderful bourbon continues to have this beloved, often storied so-called Turkey funk? When it comes to whiskey, there is a bottle for every occasion. I find it somewhat weak to make great cocktails. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. And if youre looking to taste outside the box, head to Kentucky to find a bottle of the new Distillery Series Toasted Oat Grain Bourbon, which as the name indicates is bourbon made with oat grain thats finished in a toasted barrel. The perfect mix of modern luxury business and lifestyle stories. Barrel: Whiskey is distilled in oak barrels or casks in order to impart the most flavor into the liquid. The Extra Black is an elegant Bourbon with a heavy caramel flavor and a strong nose of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla. One of America's greatest whiskey producers have created a catalog uniquely suited to whiskey self-education. The aging process: Similar to the above, many will assume that the longer the aging process, the better the Bourbon. The latest is a 16-year-old blend of bourbon that will likely set you back about $500. For another great option if you want a great value bourbon with a more modern twist, check our Bulleit bourbon review. Here are our top picks. Each voyage of Jeffersons Ocean typically crosses the equator four times. Woodford Reserve is a really high quality sipping bourbon and an easy entry point for the whiskey newcomer. Its craft whiskey that tastes as good as the big brands (although it should be noted Moet Hennessy now owns the company). The newer Small Batch Select uses six recipes, its non-chill filtered, and its bottled at a higher 104 proof. There are four Small Batch expressions available: Bookers (barrel proof, filtered only for char), Basil Hayden (mild 80-proof, high-rye bourbon), Bakers (relaunched as a single barrel release), and Knob Creek. Oak barrel aroma is evident, but much smoother than the 81. Written by David Jennings, American Spirit provides lush detail on the brand's history, and put me on to this idea (perhaps inadvertently). There are different types of bourbon on the market, depending on how theyre made. . of these ultimate gifts for whiskey lovers. Whiskey can generally be separated into two categories: straight and blended. "Its bold enough to stand apart in delicately layered cocktails, and complex enough to enjoy straight on its own.. There are a few facts worth knowing about the Wild Turkey 101: Wild Turkey's mash bill is comprised of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% barley. What does proof do for flavor? We list them all in our Blantons bottle price list. I also do enjoy Dickel 8yr Bourbon and KC 9yr. Reach for 101 again, but drink a single barrel Kentucky Spirit with it. Whether you enjoy this rich, pungent Scotch whisky by yourself or in the company of esteemed guests, we think Ron says it best: Prepare to experience true freedom and bliss., For mixologist Simon Sebbah of American Bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, Laphroaig Quarter Cask's "buttery, fruity and cigar smoke notes can be exploited in many waysneat, on the rocks or just a few drops in a cocktail.. Aged for three years and boasting a mashbill of 75 percent corn, 15 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley, its no wonder that Jodie Battles, Beverage Director for Boston area restaurants Toro, Coppa, and Little Donkey, and her colleagues chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonette, consistently look forward to the yearly release of Pinhooks Flagship Bourbon. Old Forester is a storied bourbon brand known for making inexpensive whiskey that doesnt sacrifice flavor or quality. But the core lineup has long been full of solid options. But whiskey. Fortunately, the core eponymous expression from Buffalo Trace is a solid workhorse bourbon that plays well with other ingredients in a cocktail and is solid enough to drink on its own. Its a smooth and subtle whiskey with fruity essence throughout. And you can taste a semblance of yesterday's Turkey in today's.". The price: Its understandable that youd rather spend more money on a whiskey to sip rather than one to mix into cocktails or an Old Fashioned. I haven't found a match for that since, and any 100% malted rye out there is pricey and hard to obtain (here in New Hampshire anyway). You will get a bit of oak on the palate here, but nothing that overpowers the classic flavors of vanilla, caramel and dried fruit. So by that token, it should be no surprise that Powersa nearly 230-year-old whiskey makerknows how to make a killer bottle of Irish whiskey. From 101 to its high-end Master's Keep releases, all Wild Turkey bourbon is made with the same mash (unconfirmed, but most believe it's 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley). It's an easy-drinking whiskey that is an excellent gateway malt for the curious vanilla, chocolate, toasty oak, nutty, and just enough heat. Crisp American and French oak notes combine in a bottle that youll save for only the most special of occasions. As our Senior Food Producer June Xies personal favorite, she was quick to sing Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey's praises, saying, the high-proof combined with the pronounced flavors of fruit and spice make this whiskey seemingly melt and evaporate in your mouth while giving you a flash tasting menu experience reminiscent of Willy Wonkas three-course dinner gum in alcohol form.. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 57% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Pepper, Tobacco. The consistency is driven by the Master Distiller father-son duo of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have a combined 100-plus-years at the company. Woodford Reserve Batch Proof Review . We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. $45 / 13 years old / 100 proof, Laws Centennial Straight Wheat Whiskey: The Colorado-based craft distillery focuses on making bonded whiskeys with high-end grains. This combination of factors makes it extremely user-friendly for drinkers who are new to the category., Region: Kentucky | ABV: 47% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Dried Fruit, Spice. Distilled in a traditional style and named after the area in Kentucky where Abraham Lincoln grew up, this nine-year-aged bourbon is a popular choice at a friendly price point. Sporting notes of vanilla, nutmeg, toffee, and rum-soaked raisins, you may not have been a Scotch drinker before, but The Balvenie Caribbean Cask Scotch might make you a convert (unless youre not a rum fan). Known as one of the best evening bourbons, Bulleits taste lingers long after that final sip. Jonah Flicker is an experienced writer who has been covering spirits and traveling the world visiting distilleries to taste and discover for many years. All that being said, you really can't do much better than a humble bottle of 101 (don't waste your time with the 81-proof version). Woodford Reserves Baccarat will forever rightly be a talking point in the bourbon world, a fusion of sophistication and complexity with a brilliant light copper coloring. ELIJAH CRAIG Small Batch Kentuky 14 . Wild Turkey barrels its whiskey at a lower entry-proof, meaning the spirit is a lower . This bottle has a nose of candied pecans, cloves, wet stone, and orange peels, with a palate of tropical fruit and caramel that leads to an almond and cinnamon finish. Soften it even more by adding a splash of water to help appreciate the buttery chocolate, gingerbread, tobacco leaf and toffee flavours. There is no real meaning behind the term small batch, so for many brands it simply means smaller volume than other whiskies they produce. It won several taste competitions over the past decade and works well as a versatile spirit. It also is one of the few to bear a nine-year age statement, not always a mark of quality but in this case indicative of a properly aged bourbon. From the smoothest to the best premium and budget Bourbons, heres everything you need to know when buying your next bottle. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Orange, Honey. found in. The next step differentiates Bourbon from whiskey. The George Dickel distillery is known for chilling its juice before filtering it with sugar maple charcoal, a signature step in the production of Tennessee whiskeys," he said. However, its the term used for whiskey thats been produced in select numbers, on a limited basis.Sour Mash: The most common mixture of crushed malt and grain meal, sour mash means adding some of the already used mash into a fresh batch for fermentation. If you can't find Buffalo Trace in the $30 range or prefer a more bold and spicy profile, go with Wild Turkey 101. If youre looking to spend some dough on your whisky, check out the Gold Label series. Carlos Lopez, bar manager of Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami Beach, recommends trying Four Roses Single Barrel expression. Then, a combination of rye, wheat, and malted barley can also be added. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45.2% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Molasses, Pepper. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Cherry, Vanilla, Caramel, Maker's 46 is a great entry-level bourbon, says Brendan Bartley, head bartender at Bathtub Gin Speakeasy Bar. This week brings a trio of half-size bottles of straight Kentucky bourbon from the Wild Turkey distillery and Woodford Reserve. Try Wild Turkey 81 and Wild Turkey 101 side-by-side; both are made with blends of 6- to 8-year-old juice, and everything but the 20 proof difference is the same. It's insanely good and at a price that is worth celebrating. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50.5% | Tasting Notes: Oak, Spice, Vanilla. The Wild Turkey 101 isone of the best bourbons in terms of value, it goes head to head with much pricier and elite bottles making it a no-brainer. Youll taste caramel most prominently when sipping this bourbon, rounded off with an expert hint of spicy cinnamon and ginger. As our best bourbon for beginners, we picked Wild Turkey 101 for its approachable taste, rich history, and the lesson in traditional American values that this bottle offers. We argue incessantly about it on Twitter and Reddit. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Distillation: A process where a liquid is heated and cooled for purity. Sip 101 and Russell's Reserve 10-year together; the former is more youthful and 11 proof points more stout, but the latter's 10-year minimum shines through clear as day (if you find it at a bar or collecting dust at your liquor store, the 17-year-old Bottled-in-Bond Master's Keep release is an even better comparison). .css-1kgqwta{background:#ffffff;background-color:#ffffff;-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;border:thin solid #FF3A30;border-radius:2rem;color:#000;display:inline-block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.875rem;letter-spacing:0.04rem;line-height:1.3;padding:0.625rem 1.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-transform:uppercase;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;white-space:pre-line;width:auto;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.5rem 0.7rem 0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.6rem 1.125rem 0.3125rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1kgqwta{padding:0.6rem 1.125rem 0.3125rem;}}.css-1kgqwta:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}.css-1kgqwta:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;background-color:#FF3A30;}ReserveBar TotalWine. Small-Batch: There are no legally-defined parameters as to what small-batch actually means. Its bottled at 90 proof, giving it enough structure to stand up in a cocktail without being so boozy that its unpleasant on its own, especially with an ice cube or two. If you are exclusively looking for a mixer stay with the Turkey 101 as it has the right profile to make tasty cocktails. Woodford has always offered a consistent experience, but the Straight Malt might be one of the more unexpected offerings in recent times. Wild Turkey. We spend exorbitant amounts on rare releases, then make fun of people for doing the very same. This process removes the bitter tannins, allowing for a smoother flavor once the mixture has been added. If you like to sip Pappy Van Winkle from a Baccarat crystal tasting glass, thats just fine. There are a few facts worth knowing about the Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon. The finish brings additional sweetness, along oak, and satisfying warmth that lingers. To qualify as Bourbon, the grains must feature at least 51% corn. The Best Whiskey Glasses, According to Experts. Buffalo Trace vs. Wild Turkey 101: The Verdict. Woodinville Straight Bourbon, however, tastes fully developed and mature. Then there are smaller batch releases like the barrel-strength Rare Breed and the single barrel Kentucky Spirit to try. Wild Turkey 101 is bottled at 101-proof, or 55.5 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of about $25 for a 750mL bottle. We may earn a commission from these links. After that, they must age for four years in a state-owned warehouse and be bottled at 100% proof/50 ABV. The Jim Beam distillery has been producing excellent Bourbon since the late 18th Century and has more than a few tricks up its sleeve for creating a range of delicious whiskeys. Sometimes you need a steadfast bottle that isn't going to break the bank, but still has enough character to shine through cocktail formatting," MacInnes shared. Its flagship product, Wild Turkey 101, is a classic bourbon expression, with a typical mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. This much-loved spirit has a distinct flavor profile and a history to match. The style of the Gold Label is called single pot, meaning it's a mixed mash of malted and unmalted barley distilled in a pot still. Dont forget to try Old Forester Rye as well, a 65-percent rye whiskey that is soft and sweet on the palate. If youd prefer something a little lighter on your wallet, Johnnie Walker Black Label is also a favorite of our Director of Motion Graphics, Vineet Sawant. UPC. It leans towards the sweeter end of the spectrum but still appeals to all palates. The liquid needs to be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof. The huge variety of brands, distilleries, proofs, and ages has made the world of whiskey a fascinating one; albeit slightly challenging if youre not sure where to start. Wild Turkey 101. Kentucky, the birthplace of Bourbon, produces 95 percent of the worlds Bourbon supply. It may lack a bit of depth, but if youre the type who can never have too much rye, you just might fall in love with this bottles subtly sweet, slightly spicy flavor. Earned a gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. A winner of many international awards, it features rich butterscotch and caramel flavors with hints of fruit and toffee. A longtime fan of Evan Williams Bourbon, Sullivan says this straight Kentucky bourbon is the best well whiskey for simple cocktails or shots.. Then when you want slightly spoiled, go Four Roses Single Barrel. Date of experience: August 2011. MSRP: $25 (2021) Official Website. Earned gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014. I got my brother [Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey] and he loved it, says Julia Smith, Director of Video here at Delish. The proof: While the general consensus is that a higher proof (or ABV) number results in a better whiskey, this isnt always the case. This whiskey ages for no less than 5 years in heavily charred casks. Nowadays, the brand is a staple for Bourbon-loving Americans who enjoy it neat or on the rocks for the ultimate experience. Its affordable, and has all the classic bourbon flavors you want, from vanilla to spice to oak and caramel. Turkey makes their own yeast, have their own yeast cultures and have used the same yeast for 65 years," Minnick told me. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. In a review of Wild Turkey 101, Mike Veach, Kentucky whiskey history expert, affirmed this: "For those wanting to taste whiskey that tastes the way it did in their grandfathers time, Wild Turkey 101 is as close as you can find in the market today. . This is strong, but not undrinkableadd a little water if you want to tamp it down, or mix it up in a cocktail if youre looking to go big. Bulleit Bourbon is a little sharper than most, thanks to its high rye content. Attention all self-respecting .css-1es3cx1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#004685;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#004685;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1es3cx1:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}whiskey drinkers: You dont have to be a velvet jacket-wearing, cigar-smoking, library-lounging cad to be knowledgeable about the brown stuff. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Bourbon Is Becoming Stupid Expensive. The barrel begins to crack and peel in a rough, shiny pattern that looks like alligator skin. . The Old Forester brand is more than 150 years old and its classic 86 Bourbon is proof that with time comes expertise. The perfection option? The bourbon is made from a mash bill of four grainscorn, wheat, rye, and barleyall grown locally. Wild Turkey 12 Year Bourbon 2022 . Consistently good. The distilling team also experiments with mash bills and maturation with Woodfords Masters Collection and Distillery Series, as well as the annual Batch Proof Seriesthe current release takes the proof up from Woodfords standard 90.4 to 118.4. Wild Turkey 101 whiskey comes in a gorgeous, dark copper color. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you. Thank kychilehead . There are, however, some other really good expressions to try besides the classic Black Label. Black pepper and summer fruit are up front, with notes of caramel and warming spices in the middle, and vanilla and butterscotch on the back end. Bottled-In-Bond: The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 identifies one class of spirits based upon a specific set of requirements. There are a lot of expensive, difficult to find bottles of bourbon that come out of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The result is a deep color and spicy flavor profile to the bourbon. If you prefer to read about Bourbon before opening the bottle, jump to our sections below to learn more about Bourbon. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But were not the only ones: Sergio Campos, general manager at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen in Scottsdale, Arizona, swears by this stuff. However, this liquor is made specifically in Tennessee (hence the name) and must go through what's called the Lincoln County Process, which includes a filtering process using sugar maple charcoal. If it isnt already, Four Roses Yellow Label should be your go-to budget bourbon (though the label isnt actually yellow anymore). Wild Turkey is a classic for a reason, and while the brand has many other expressions to try, we recommend starting with the 101. Everyone has a calling card except Wild Turkey. Expect tastes of cherry pie, raisins, and nuts, with an intense finish of tropical fruit. Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Apple, Spice, Oak. Given its higher proof and low price, Wild Turkey 101 is an excellent budget entry into the bourbon category. Go with Buffalo Trace if you find it for ~$30 and like a sweeter, more mellow flavor profile. With a relatively low . Haven't had OF1910 yet, but it's definitely on my list. For the sake of focusing on the important bits which Bourbon we recommend buying or drinking for every occasion youll find the common terminology further down. Its a brand that knows exactly whats what when it comes to distilling: its master distiller is Jimmy Russell, the worlds longest-tenured active distiller. . Well, my belief is it's the yeast, our most underrated ingredient in bourbon. Wild Turkey 101 strikes a solid balance between oak spice, old leatherand sweet notes, it is complex but yet easy to drink with quite a pleasant finish. . These days, we take bourbon .css-umdwtv{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#FF3A30;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #d5dbe3 50%, #d5dbe3);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-umdwtv:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}way too seriously. With a great mix of rye spiciness, nuttiness and some vanilla sweetness, it's lovely to sip on its own or mix into an old fashioned or Manhattan.. ", Have Apple's AirPods Max? It isn't sweet, but rather is more cherry essence instead. 4 alligator char to help deepen the flavor as the whiskey ages. With a gentle and sweet flavor thats nicely complemented by some complex spiciness, Rittenhouse Rye is the go-to for many a bartender thanks to its versatility. Jim Beam was awarded the International Wine & Spirits Competitions Bourbon Trophy back in 2016 and little has changed since. But its not just fruity flavors thatll come through: alongside its sea air saltiness comes milky coffee, strong dark chocolate, and a hint of bitterness. Best Splurge Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey. The Classic 86 Proof clocks in with slightly higher alcohol content (and more flavor) than your average baseline bourbon, while the Signature 100 Proof is a bartenders best friend. Woodford Reserve is pleasant and subtle on the nose, with hints of wood, mint, vanilla and caramel. Wild Turkey uses non-GMOs to make whiskey. Tennessee whiskey is also sweet, aged in oak barrels for at least two years, and contains at least 51 percent corn. There are also some higher-end releases like Masters Keep, the most recent of which was called One and was finished in toasted oak barrels (the new edition is due out this fall). Straight out of Bloomington, Indiana, this inexpensive bottle offers a unique taste similar to a wheated bourbon, but is relatively weak in terms of spice (despite the label touting its smooth and spicy flavor). And if flavored whiskey is your thing, dont let anyone shame youtheres even a Smoked Maple expression of Knob Creek for you to try. Old Forester 100 Proof Signature Bourbon delivers richness and good flavor (though you may find theres a slightly bitter aftertaste). It must be made from a mash bill of at least 51 percent corn, aged in new charred oak containers (virtually always barrels), distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. Frey Ranch is a newer craft distillery located in Nevada, making grain-to-bottle whiskey on a family farm. When she's not sharing her passion for the Oxford comma with anyone who will listen, she is a proud cat parent, avid yogi, tea enthusiast, and co-host and co-producer of the podcast "Crime Culture". This liquor features an unusually high rye content in the mash, producing a spicy kick. Koval is Yiddish for forges ahead, which was meant to honor the [owner's] grandfather for starting his life over when he immigrated to America. Its good to note, though, that all of Kovals whiskeys are bottled as single-barrel, which may cause slight variations. A favorite among bartenders, this Bourbon offers rich and complex flavors far superior to what you might expect at its price point. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain mash (wheat, rye, barley, and corn) and then aged in wooden barrels. One of the few differences in barrel-to-barrel production is the brand's use of palletized and standard rack aging warehouses, but the vast majority of the bourbon rests in the latter.