Bottles That Every Bourbon Fan Needs In Their Collection

Bourbon collecting is a seriously fun hobby, whether you’re just getting into the world of whiskey or already have a shelf full of bottles. Sipping on different bourbons helps you uncover unique flavors, cool backstories, and sometimes, even local legends in a glass. Over the years, I’ve found it super rewarding to build a collection that covers every classic style, high proof sipper, and special limited release. Here are the bourbon bottles I think every fan should consider adding to their stash.

Bourbon Basics: Getting Started With a Solid Foundation

If you’re putting together a bourbon collection, grabbing a few everyday drinkers is an easy win. These bottles are easy to find, affordable, and taste great neat, on ice, or in cocktails. Having approachable bottles around means you can host friends or enjoy a quick pour without feeling like you’re breaking into something rare or precious.

Most new bourbon fans start with reliable classics. Labels that have stood the test of time and are available at most liquor stores. I always recommend these when someone asks me where to begin:

• Michter’s US*1 Bourbon: Smooth, balanced, and really easy to drink. This is the bottle I reach for when I want something classic and straightforward.
• Evan Williams Bottled in Bond: Affordable, versatile, and makes a killer Old Fashioned. I keep one on hand for mixing and casual sipping.
• Buffalo Trace: Known for its mellow sweetness and rounded flavor. Super popular for a reason, and works well in just about any situation.

These bottles won’t break the bank or send you on a wild goose chase around town, but they’ll get your collection started on the right foot. If you only stocked these three, you’d still have a solid all-in-one bar for any occasion.

Get Into Affordable High Proof and Bold Flavored Picks

Once you’ve covered the basics, I think it’s worth adding a few bottles that bring a punch of flavor or higher proof. Higher proof bourbons tend to have more intense flavors and fuller bodies. Just make sure you enjoy the warming kick, especially if you’re sharing with friends who are newer to bourbon.

• Old Grand Dad 114: Known for its bold rye spice and wallet friendly price. Pour it neat for a full throttle bourbon experience or add a splash of water to open things up.
• Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Barrel proof, uncut, and rich with spice and vanilla. I’ve found this one turns even casual bourbon drinkers into fans.
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: Each batch packs a different punch, but deep caramel and oak flavors show up every time. Great if you want to taste bourbon close to how it comes out of the barrel.

Adding these gives you options for when you want something with a bit more punch or want to see how bourbon changes when left at full strength. Comparing lower and higher proof bottles side by side is a fun way to track down what suits your palate best. You may even find that a splash of water gives a boost to the flavors in these stronger pours.

Bourbons With Unique Mash Bills and Character

Bourbon isn’t just about corn and charred oak. Plenty of brands put their personal spin on the recipe, creating bottles with standout personalities. I keep a few unique mash bill bottles to mix things up and surprise my taste buds:

• Four Roses Small Batch Select: Uses a blend of six different recipes. It’s complex, floral, and fruity. Kind of the opposite of heavy, oak forward bottles.
• Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: A wheated bourbon, so it’s softer and rounder than most. This one is richer and bolder than regular Makers, with full caramel and baked goods notes. One of my picks for “best bang for the buck” bourbons.
• Weller Special Reserve: Another wheated bourbon, with an easy, smooth flavor profile. A crowd pleaser, if I’ve ever met one.

Mixing up mash bills keeps things fresh, and it’s pretty cool how much variety you can get in bourbon just by changing the grains and yeast. These bottles also make it easy to spot the influence of wheat or rye if you try a tasting flight side by side. The subtle differences can be pretty eye catching, especially if you’re hosting a group of friends.

Single Barrels and Aged Expressions for Extra Wow Factor

Stepping up to single barrel and older bourbons is a great way to add some depth to your collection. These bottles offer unique tasting notes that can’t be totally replicated from barrel to barrel or year to year. I like including a few single barrels and aged expressions because they often provide memorable tasting moments, and the extra years in oak can give a boost to complexity and richness.

• Knob Creek 12 Year Old: Warm, oaky, and seriously rich. An easy choice when I want something with a little more depth and complexity.
• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: A crowd favorite thanks to its mix of caramel, spice, and dried fruits. No two bottles taste quite alike, so it’s fun to compare different picks.
• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old: Subtle, smooth, and slightly fruity with a nice touch of oak. This bottle always impresses guests new to bourbon.
• Henry McKenna Single Barrel: Bottled in bond and aged 10 years, this bottle has developed a cult following for its balance of sweetness and oak.

This tier is where bourbon collecting can start to feel a little like treasure hunting; every pour can be a little different in the best way. Tracking the differences between single barrel selections and special releases is an eye catching part of bourbon culture that keeps many collectors excited year after year.

Rare Bottles and Limited Releases: The Bourbon Hunt

If you’re bitten by the bourbon bug, tracking down ultra rare bottles or limited editions quickly becomes a big part of the hobby. These bottles add excitement to any home bar because every collector knows the thrill of finally spotting something in the wild or winning a lottery to buy. Some picks that are absolutely worth the chase, if you’re lucky enough:

• Blantons Single Barrel: Famous for its horse and jockey bottle topper and consistently smooth, sweet taste. It looks great on a shelf and pours even better.
• Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style: High proof, punchy, and packed with chocolate, caramel, and spice. An enthusiast favorite with a retro vibe.
• Stagg (Formerly known as Stagg Jr).: Barrel proof bourbon with a deep, caramel rich character. Perfect for those who like intense, full bodied flavor.
• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old: If you ever see it at retail price (good luck with that!), don’t hesitate. One of the most coveted bourbons thanks to its deep flavors and silky smooth finish.
• William Larue Weller & George T. Stagg: Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, these heavy hitters deliver high proof and rich, complex flavor if you can find them.
• Old Forester Birthday Bourbon: An annual release prized by collectors for its tasty, nuanced batches and unique shape.

Searching for these ultra rare bottles is part of the fun, whether you’re hunting through online groups, lotteries, or helpful local shop owners. Just remember, don’t pay crazy prices; sometimes the hunt is as satisfying as the pour itself. The sense of anticipation as you check store shelves or wait on lottery results is half the excitement of bourbon collecting.

Quick Tips for Growing Your Bourbon Collection

Building a good bourbon shelf isn’t about collecting dust; it’s about finding bottles you’ll actually reach for and enjoy sharing. I like keeping these things in mind while hunting for new bottles:

• Mix Price Points: A mix of affordable and splurge bottles keeps things accessible and doesn’t empty your wallet all at once.
• Try Before You Buy: Hit up tastings, whiskey bars, or trade pours with friends. It’ll help you find your favorites and avoid buyer’s remorse.
• Watch for Local Store Picks: Some liquor stores do their own barrel picks, and these limited editions can be hidden gems.
• Don’t Skip the Classics: Just because a bottle isn’t hyped up doesn’t mean it won’t become your go to. Sometimes staples like Wild Turkey 101 or Old Forester 100 surprise even serious collectors.

Careful research helps buyers make informed decisions, and connecting with other fans adds to the fun. You could even start ranking your bottles yourself, tracking flavors and favorite batches with a simple notebook or an app. There’s a community aspect to bourbon collecting that brings people together, swapping tips and sharing a pour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best bourbon to start a collection?
I usually suggest something widely available with a solid reputation like Buffalo Trace, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, or Michter’s US*1. They’re well made, affordable, and taste great neat or in a cocktail.

How should I store my bourbon bottles?
Keep them upright, away from direct sunlight and big temperature swings. Bourbon doesn’t really age in the bottle, but steady storage keeps flavors as they should be. If you want to show off your eye catching bottles, consider a closed cabinet with glass doors to protect them from light.

How can I find rare or allocated bourbons?
Build a good relationship with your local store, join bourbon groups online, or check out local lotteries for rare bottles. Sometimes patience and luck pay off. Apps and online tracking sites can give a boost to your search by sending you alerts for new releases in your area.

About the Author

I’m a longtime bourbon hobbyist who’s spent years collecting, tasting, and learning about American whiskey. Between road trips to Kentucky, bottle shares with friends, and plenty of research, I’ve built up a home bar that covers all the bases. I love sharing tips and pointing fellow fans in the right direction. Cheers to finding your next favorite bottle!

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