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Bourbon aficionados know that the big names dominate the shelves, but the real magic lies in the hidden gems that often go unnoticed. These lesser-known bourbon brands pack a punch with unique flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, and a dedication to tradition that rivals the giants.
Whether you’re seeking smooth sippers, bold high-proof options, or complex small-batch blends, these underrated bourbons deserve a place in your collection. Let’s dive into the rich, oaky world of these hidden treasures.
1. New Riff Bourbon
A modern classic with a nod to tradition. New Riff Bourbon may not be as famous as some Kentucky stalwarts, but it delivers bold flavors with every sip.
This craft distillery focuses on bottled-in-bond releases, ensuring a high-quality, authentic bourbon experience. Expect notes of caramel, vanilla, and a subtle spice finish, thanks to their meticulous attention to barrel aging and grain selection.
With a rich mouthfeel and an approachable price, New Riff is an excellent addition to any bourbon lover’s shelf.
2. Wilderness Trail Bourbon
Science meets tradition in this carefully crafted bourbon. Wilderness Trail prides itself on using a unique sweet mash fermentation process, which enhances the natural flavors of the grains without the bitterness of a sour mash.
The result? A smooth, well-balanced bourbon with hints of honey, dried fruit, and toasted oak.
Aged in charred barrels and bottled at cask strength, it offers complexity with every sip. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a rich yet easy-drinking experience with a modern twist.
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3. Kings County Bourbon
Brooklyn-made bourbon with a bold attitude. Hailing from the heart of New York, Kings County distillery proves that great bourbon isn’t exclusive to Kentucky.
This small-batch bourbon is made using New York-grown corn and malted barley, aged in tiny barrels to accelerate flavor development. It features deep chocolate, caramel, and cherry notes with a long, spicy finish.
Kings County’s minimalist packaging and robust character make it a standout addition to any collection looking for something outside the traditional bourbon belt.
4. Penelope Bourbon
A smooth, easy-drinking bourbon with complexity. Penelope Bourbon blends multiple bourbon mash bills to create a uniquely layered experience.
With a focus on balance and drinkability, it offers floral and fruity notes upfront, followed by a soft, vanilla-laden finish. Whether enjoyed neat or in a classic Old Fashioned, Penelope’s velvety texture and intricate flavor profile make it a delightful choice for both beginners and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.
5. Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon
Big, bold flavors straight from Texas. Balcones brings a Texas-sized twist to bourbon with their pot still distillation method.
This results in a robust, full-bodied spirit bursting with dark fruit, spice, and smoky oak flavors. The high corn content, combined with Texas’ intense aging climate, accelerates the maturation process, yielding an exceptional depth of flavor.
If you enjoy a richer, spicier bourbon with a unique profile, Balcones won’t disappoint.
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6. Chattanooga Whiskey 91
A Tennessee gem with a unique high-malt mash bill. Chattanooga Whiskey 91 sets itself apart with its high malt content, creating a bourbon that’s rich and complex.
With flavors of honey, stone fruit, and a touch of spice, it offers a smooth, easy-drinking experience that appeals to both newcomers and connoisseurs alike. Aged in charred oak barrels, it brings out a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it an excellent sipping bourbon or cocktail base.
7. Garrison Brothers Small Batch
Texas-born and bold, with an unforgettable richness. Garrison Brothers crafts their bourbon deep in the heart of Texas, where the climate works wonders on aging.
This small-batch bourbon features notes of caramel, roasted nuts, and baking spices with a hint of smoky oak. Its full-bodied character and long, satisfying finish make it a must-try for those who enjoy a richer, more intense pour.
8. Smooth Ambler Contradiction
A creative blend of sourced and house-made bourbons. Smooth Ambler Contradiction offers a unique take by blending their own West Virginia-made bourbon with select sourced barrels.
The result is a well-balanced whiskey with layers of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, finished with a touch of rye spice. It’s an excellent pick for those who appreciate complexity and innovation in their spirits.
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9. Old Bardstown Bourbon
A historic name that delivers a classic Kentucky experience. Produced by Willett Distillery, Old Bardstown offers a rich and full-bodied bourbon with classic notes of caramel, vanilla, and charred oak.
Whether neat or in a classic cocktail, its smooth profile and affordable price make it a hidden treasure for bourbon enthusiasts seeking traditional flavors without breaking the bank.
10. Redwood Empire Pipe Dream
A bold California bourbon inspired by towering redwoods. Named after a famous California redwood, Pipe Dream brings bold flavors of toasted oak, butterscotch, and dried fruit to the table.
Aged for several years in the region’s unique climate, this bourbon boasts a smooth, warming finish with hints of baking spices. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a bourbon with West Coast flair.
11. Widow Jane 10-Year Bourbon
New York craftsmanship meets Kentucky tradition. Widow Jane sources its bourbon from Kentucky and blends it with limestone-rich water from New York, creating a uniquely smooth spirit.
Rich with cherry, maple, and a touch of spice, its 10-year aging process ensures a well-rounded sip every time. Perfect for slow sipping and savoring on special occasions.
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12. Belle Meade Bourbon
A pre-Prohibition brand revived with modern excellence. Belle Meade Bourbon combines high-rye mash bills to create a spicy, yet smooth whiskey with hints of stone fruit, caramel, and peppery oak.
Aged to perfection and often finished in sherry or Madeira casks, it delivers a nuanced profile that’s sure to impress even the most discerning drinkers.
13. Rabbit Hole Cavehill
A four-grain masterpiece with contemporary flair. Rabbit Hole Cavehill stands out with its four-grain mash bill, including malted barley and honey malt, which gives it a unique sweetness.
Expect flavors of honey, citrus, and toasted almonds with a long, smooth finish. This innovative bourbon is perfect for those seeking something modern yet deeply satisfying.
14. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea
Aged across the world’s oceans for a distinct taste. Jefferson’s Ocean takes bourbon aging to the high seas, where the constant movement and sea air create a uniquely briny yet sweet profile.
Each voyage results in subtle variations, but expect caramel, vanilla, and a touch of salt in every sip. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for adventurous bourbon lovers.
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15. Barrell Bourbon
Blended for complexity, bottled at cask strength. Barrell Bourbon specializes in cask strength releases, blending carefully selected barrels to craft unique batches full of depth and character.
With notes of dark fruit, spice, and smoky oak, every sip packs a flavorful punch. Perfect for those who appreciate the raw power of uncut bourbon.
16. Wilderness Trail Bottled-in-Bond
A balanced, flavorful choice with a focus on quality. As a bottled-in-bond bourbon, Wilderness Trail adheres to strict standards, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful pour.
Expect deep caramel, baking spices, and a touch of dried fruit in every sip. Its focus on locally sourced grains and traditional methods makes it a hidden gem worth seeking out.
17. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
A high-proof favorite for serious bourbon fans. Knob Creek’s Single Barrel Reserve brings bold, robust flavors with a higher proof, making it a favorite among seasoned drinkers.
With deep vanilla, smoky oak, and rich caramel notes, this bourbon is perfect for those who prefer their spirits with a little extra kick.
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18. Russell’s Reserve 10-Year
Aged to perfection with rich, oaky complexity. Crafted under the watchful eye of the legendary Russell family at Wild Turkey, this 10-year bourbon offers a luxurious blend of caramel, baking spices, and toasted oak.
Smooth yet full-bodied, it’s an excellent sipping bourbon with plenty of character.
19. Ezra Brooks 99 Proof
A budget-friendly bourbon with bold flavors. Ezra Brooks 99 Proof delivers high-proof richness without the high price tag.
Its robust profile features notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice, making it a fantastic addition to any collection for both sipping and mixing in cocktails.
20. Peerless Small Batch Bourbon
Crafted with care using a sweet mash process. Peerless Bourbon stands out with its sweet mash fermentation process, which enhances the natural sweetness of the grains.
Rich with caramel, spice, and a hint of citrus, it offers a smooth, full-bodied drinking experience that’s well worth exploring.
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21. New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon
A unique finish in beer barrels for added depth. New Holland’s Beer Barrel Bourbon is aged in barrels that previously held their flagship beer, adding subtle malty undertones to the classic bourbon flavors.
Expect hints of toffee, roasted malt, and vanilla for a one-of-a-kind sip.
22. Four Roses Small Batch Select
A floral, well-balanced bourbon with crowd-pleasing charm. Four Roses Small Batch Select is crafted from a blend of select barrels, each bringing unique flavors to the mix.
Its smooth and floral character, featuring hints of honey, spice, and apricot, makes it a go-to choice for both neat sipping and cocktails.
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