5 Bourbons to Try on National Bourbon Day

Happy National Bourbon Day! If you weren’t already aware, National Bourbon Day is celebrated on June 14th. Bourbon is one of the most loved spirits in all of American history. Bourbon, as we’re sure most of you know, is a barrel-aged, distilled liquor made primarily from corn. It was first made by Irish settlers who were living in what is now Kentucky in the mid-1700s. Bourbon is one of the most versatile spirits out there. You can serve bourbon neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails such as the Manhattan, the Bourbon Smash, the Mint Julep, and the Old Fashioned. Bourbon has also been used in cooking, popular for its sweet and rich flavor that complements numerous recipes and food groups. In today’s article, we want to share five bourbons that we highly recommend trying. They’re especially appropriate on the one day of the year that celebrates this spectacular spirit!

1. Evan Williams Single Barrel

For our first bourbon on the list, we decided to pick out one that is still distilled in the state where bourbon was created: Kentucky. Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon is a five-time winner of “Whiskey of the Year.” This special bourbon is distilled and overseen by Evan Williams’ Master Distillers. This 86.6-proof bourbon is a light and delicate amber color. Its mash bill consists of 78 percent corn, 12 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley. It is aged for no less than 7 to 10 years.

You can expect oak on the nose, followed by caramel, cinnamon, and a hint of black pepper on the palate. It has a silky-smooth mouthfeel and a delicious, lingering finish. Read a more detailed review over at Breaking Bourbon.

What makes this wonderful bourbon even better is its price point. A bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel ranges in price from $30-$40. This lush bourbon is a great entry point for beginners who’d like to experience Kentucky-sourced bourbon. We recommend using Evan Williams Single Barrel in Manhattan. Or, try it neat in one of our fabulous glasses.

Evan Williams Single Barrel

2. Makers Mark

If you’re on the hunt for a bourbon that brings all of the versatility and quality of a premium bourbon without the premium price tag, look no further than our number two pick on our list. Coming in at around $18 per bottle, Maker’s Mark is an easy-to-find bourbon that has won the hearts of bourbon fans for years. They state that “Maker’s Mark bourbon is made with soft red winter wheat, instead of the usual rye, for a one-of-a-kind, full-flavored bourbon that's easy to drink.” Its mash bill consists of 70 percent corn, 16 percent wheat, and 14 percent malted barley. The warm, toffee-colored liquid comes in a bottle that’s famously dipped in its signature red wax. Try this bourbon neat or in a whiskey sour for your introduction to this cult classic. Four Roses Single Barrel

Maker's Mark

Looking for bourbon to sip on after a long day out and about? Four Roses Single Barrel has got you covered. This 100-proof single-barrel bourbon has a mash bill of 60 percent corn, 35 percent rye, and 5 percent malted barley. At around $40 per bottle, this amber-colored bourbon is an affordable bottle with a uniquely delicate taste that is sure to impress. A fresh bouquet of florals is first to hit the nose. There are also delightful notes of vanilla, pear, and maple syrup. The palate of this bourbon is surprisingly fruity and moderately complex. There are hints of plum and cherry as well as honey and peaches, all with an overlapping note of oak. The finish is lingering, smooth, and delicately long. This bourbon definitely boasts a lot of flavor in every sip. We recommend enjoying this bourbon from one of our best-selling decanters.

Four Roses Single Barrel

3. Early Times Kentucky Straight Bourbon

If you are searching for bourbon with a unique, almost savory twist, look no further than Early Times Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This bourbon is bottled “In Bond” which means that it has been aged for at least four years, bottled at precisely 100 proof, made in one location during one season, and aged in a bonded warehouse. Those qualifications alone should tell you that this is a bourbon that will exceed expectations. This vintage style, $40 bottle of bourbon is a beautiful, copper brown color. Early Times is made using a mash bill that consists of 79 percent corn, 11 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley. The nose of this bourbon is sweet and light. The palate brings in caramel, citrus, and vanilla, followed by a remarkable finish of rye spice and sweetness. You can read a detailed review from Breaking Bourbon right here.

Early Times Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey

4. Legent Kentucky Bourbon

Our final bourbon on our list is definitely the crowd-pleaser out of the bunch. Legent Kentucky Bourbon is perfect for anyone who loves bourbon, scotch, or a traditionally-made cocktail. This bourbon is made with a mash bill that consists of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley. It is finished in red wine and sherry casks, leading to a bold bourbon with fruity flavors. This bottle comes to around $40, so it’s an absolute steal for this beginner-friendly bourbon. For complete tasting notes, turn to BourbonBanter.

Legent Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Celebrate National Bourbon Day!

We hope that we’ve added a few bourbons to your list to try on National Bourbon Day. Bourbon is a truly unique, American-made spirit that you should try no matter what your preferred beverage is. Follow Prestige Haus on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about bourbon, bourbon accessories, and other spirits, wines, and beers in future articles!