Best Sipping Bourbon: Our Top 9 Bourbons for Sipping in 2023

Find yourself getting interested in the subtle complexities of bourbon? Are you wanting to being actually tasting bourbon instead of just buying Jim Beam for old fashioneds?

Now is the perfect time to explore the best sipping bourbons.

Because there’s a world of exceptional bourbons with rich and diverse flavor profiles.

And in this article, I’ll give you my top picks based on trying 100s of bottles over the past several years.

The Best Sipping Bourbon: My #1 Pick

The best sipping bourbon, in my opinion, for the average person getting into this complex and deep world is Knob Creek 12 Year.

Distillery: Jim Beam

Proof: 100

MSRP: ~$60 (realistically $100)

Why Knob Creek 12?

Because it’s sweet AND rich. There’s enough complexity, proof, and character in the flavor profile without being hard to drink.

It’s the perfect gateway sipping bourbon in my opinion.

Now, is it the literal “best” sipping bourbon? Of course not.

In fact, claiming one bourbon is the best is ridiculous. There are so many flavor profiles and taste preferences that it’s impossible for anyone to say there’s a “best” bourbon–they can just say they have a “favorite” bourbon.

But Knob Creek 12 is a great high-end bottle most people can sip on and appreciate. And if you enjoy that, then you can move into several different flavor profiles and quality ranges. I’ve outlined some options all along the spectrum for you below.

8 More Great Sipping Bourbons

1. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon

Distillery: Wild Turkey 

Proof: 116

MSRP: ~$60

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a great mid-shelf sipping bourbon for those who like a bit more kick.

It’s much hotter than Knob Creek 12 (16 more proof AND has more rye in the mash bill) and has a more complex palate. Not to mention, it’s cheaper.

But be warned–it’s definitely not for the feint of heart.

Many bourbon beginners don’t like it because it’s hot and spicy. But once you move past that, it’s a really really good bourbon with a ton of flavors to explore.

Here’s our detailed review for more information.

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2. Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon

Distillery: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Proof: 90.4

MSRP: ~$60

Belle Meade is an often overlooked bourbon that is rich, affordable, and heavy on caramel and apple pie notes.

Its lower proof (90.4) makes it one of the most approachable bottles on this whole list and it honestly can stand toe-to-toe with just about any bourbon in the $50-$100 range. 

The main potential downsides here are the proof (some people want 100+ proof for a bottle its price) and the fact that it’s not often available nationwide. 

Since it’s made in middle Tennessee, I’ve only seen it in the south east thus far.

Here’s our detailed review for more information.

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3. Baker’s 7-Year Bourbon

Distillery: Jim Beam

Proof: 107

MSRP: ~$50

Baker’s might be the perfect middle ground between Knob Creek 12 and Belle Meade Reserve. It has a rich and traditional bourbon flavor profile with a surprising amount of depth for the price.

At 107 proof, it gives you a nice punch that isn’t too much (like Wild Turkey Rare Breed can be) and adds more complexity to the palate. 

I’m a huge fan of Baker’s and I think you are hardpressed to find many other bourbons in its price range that can beat it if you’re into the traditional bourbon flavor profile.

Here’s our detailed review for more information.

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4. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel

Distillery: Wild Turkey

Proof: 110

MSRP: ~$55

The exact proof and flavor notes will vary depending on the barrel, but Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel tends to be a lot like Wild Turkey Rare Breed but with a tad less spice.

This makes it one of the best, in my opinion, spicier sipping bourbons to start out with. 

It does a great job of balancing spice with caramel sweetness and even throws in some unique notes like toffee and dark fruit–making it a complex and satisfying pour to sip on.

Here’s our detailed review for more information.

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5. Barrel Bourbon Cask Strength

Distillery: Barrel Craft Spirits

Proof: Varies (often 110+)

MSRP: ~$90

Barrell Bourbon is known for its blending prowess. They do a phenomenal job of making slight tweaks to already great bourbons through their blending and finishing experiments.

Pick just about any bottle from Barrell and you’ll have yourself a great sipping bourbon.

These tend to be on the sweeter side, but have a lot of heat from the proof (since they are cask strength).

In different bottles, I’ve tasted heavy notes of everything from cherry to watermelon. It’s bizarre and also amazing. The uniqueness and quality make Barrell a great choice.

Here’s a detailed review of one of Barrell’s bottles for more information.

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6. Old Forester 1920

Distillery: Old Forester

Proof: 115

MSRP: ~$60

Old Forester 1920, a tribute to the Prohibition era, captures the essence of history in every sip. At 115 proof, this powerhouse of taste unfolds like a journey through time, immersing you in a symphony of deep, full-bodied flavors.

Dark chocolate, burnt orange, and luscious caramel delight the senses, while a well-balanced spiciness adds a delightful kick, reminiscent of the era’s adventurous spirit.

It’s on the hotter end of the spectrum but it’s a quality pour with a unique profile you won’t see in many other bottles.

Here’s our detailed review for more information.

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Eagle Rare

Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Proof: 90

MSRP: ~$50

Eagle Rare is one of the weaker bourbons on the list, but makes for a great sipping bourbon for beginners. It’s generally cheaper than Knob Creek 12 (unless people are price jacking) but it’s also much harder to find.

It’s a great sipper to pick if you want something that’s easy to drink with just a touch of complexity. It’s a lot like Buffalo Trace but with a tad more character and more interesting notes (like licorice, heavier oak, and leather).

Here’s our detailed review for more information.

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Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Proof: 90

MSRP: ~$30

No list of sipping bourbons would be complete without one of the most approachable bourbons on the market.

Buffalo Trace is cheap (relative to the other bourbons on this list), easier to find than Eagle Rare, and high-quality.

It doesn’t have much character, but that’s the point. While it’s the last on my personal list, I know it’s #1 for many bourbon lovers across the country.

It’s sweet, easy to drink, and has juuuuuuuust enough richness to be dangerous. But do not misunderstand–it’s easily the least robust bourbon on this whole list.

So, if you want to sip it, it’s because you want one of the easiest bourbons to sip possible. Not because you want to really taste a complex bourbon.

Here’s our detailed review for more information.

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What Makes for a Great Sipping Bourbon?

Before we dive into our list of the best sipping bourbons, let’s first understand what makes a bourbon ideal for sipping. 

In order to be considered as an exceptional sipping bourbon, the bourbon should possess a distinct and captivating flavor profile, going beyond a singular note. It should showcase complexity, leaving a lasting impression with every sip. 

The aromatic notes, the taste experience, and the lingering finish should harmoniously intertwine, enhancing one another in a delightful progression.

So, does this imply that a higher proof and a higher price point are necessary? Not exactly. 

In fact, if you’re new to the bourbon scene, you’ll be pleased to discover that our selection includes reasonably priced bourbons, some of which boast sweet and smooth profiles – making them exceptional choices for your everyday sipping pleasure.

Pick The Right Sipping Bourbon For You

Sipping bourbon is all about taking the time to appreciate the craftsmanship and flavors of the spirit. As you explore our list of the best sipping bourbons, we encourage you to keep an open mind and embrace the journey of discovering your personal preferences. 

Your taste profile may evolve over time, and what you enjoy today may differ from what you prefer in the future. And if you haven’t already, be sure to give Eagle Rare 10 Year a try as it proudly claims its well-deserved spot atop our carefully curated list. 

Embrace the diversity of flavors and aromas that the world of bourbon has to offer, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. You can explore more exquisite bourbons under $100 by clicking here.