Americans love their whiskey. This shouldn’t be too much of a surprise: each brand, type, and batch has something unique to offer the drinker. When it came to be known that our co-CEOs were both whiskey fans, we knew we had a fun opportunity for a uniquely BOSS Top 10. With the help of Simply Gifts, Mission Bar in Oceanside, and some local whiskey enthusiasts, our first tasting event was a success. We proudly present to you our favorite American whiskeys. But don’t worry, they may change enough for us to do another list next year.
10. Few Bourbon Whiskey
Aroma: Strong notes of cinnamon and clove, with a sweetness from anise, caramel, nutmeg, butterscotch, resinous pine mix, and a hit of citrus peels
Taste: Corn is dominant, with cinnamon and caramel hitting notes as well
Finish: Very herbal, with cinnamon making another reappearance
“It’s rather gin-like in character, but more round and rich than the majority of gins I’ve had with the bourbon characteristics making a strong enough showing to keep everything in check.” – Josh Peters of The Whiskey Jug
9. Michter’s US-1 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Aroma: Creamy caramel and butterscotch mixed with cinnamon, fig, and spice with definite notes of rye
Taste: A perfect blend of smooth oaky wood, corn, brown sugar, and tart fruit that is warm and sweet on the palate
Finish: Lingers only a little with a nice warm finish and no unpleasant aftertaste
“There is an earthy and deep semi-sweetness about this bourbon, which is complemented by the spiciness of cinnamon, cloves and black pepper to bring about a distinctive and enjoyable taste. If, like me, you enjoy Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Knob Creek, you will likely appreciate this bourbon as well.” – Dave Black, professional poker player and local whiskey enthusiast
8. Stagg Jr Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Aroma: Strong and sweet vapors of corn and caramelized sugar mixed with a mocha, rye, and smoked oak scent that is not for the faint of heart
Taste: Deliciously intense on the palate, combining heavy corn and caramel sweetness with charred oak and clove that begs to be sipped slowly and delicately
Finish: Complex and extremely warm
“This is not a whiskey that you end the night with, but rather one that you sip slowly and delicately, and maybe add a little water to dilute.” – www.whiskey-reviews.com
7. E.H Taylor Single Barrel Bourbon
Aroma: There is a lot of fruit on the nose, sweet berry, apple fig, and a hint of mint spice
Taste: Fruit is a dominant flavor entwined with toffee, vanilla, cocoa, and a soft wood taste
Finish: Smooth, balanced finish that goes down easily to prepare the palette for another sip
“A very sound whiskey that ably demonstrates the small Bottled-in-Bond sector of American whiskey making.” – Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal
6. Straight Edge Bourbon Whiskey
Aroma: Inviting nose of smoky wood and citrus fruits with a touch of caramelized sugar
Taste: A balanced silky mouthful of smoke and dried fruits with a slight hint of smooth, rich honey
Finish: A spicy extended finish.
Straight Edge Bourbon is the first spirit to be released by Splinter Group Spirits, a new spirits company based in Napa Valley founded by Dave Phinney who also owns Orin Swift Cellars. Many wine enthusiasts consider the Orin Swift Cellars wine collection to be amongst the most appreciated on the market, wines such as Famous Labels Prisoner, Papillon, and Abstract.
5. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
Aroma: There are notes of leather and oaked spice with slightly burnt caramel
Taste: Winter spices and rye with an oaked smoked taste complimented by the sweet lingering of vanilla and butterscotch
Finish: The finish is long and lingering, very smooth
“This Bourbon is dangerously drinkable! Deep taste, smooth and lingers long in the mouth. I actually woke up yearning for a taste of this one. Perfect sipping whiskey after a long day.” – Aaron Wells, Co-CEO, BOSS Magazine
4. Bib and Tucker Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Aroma: Scents of strong vanilla and butterscotch with a touch of dried herb
Taste: A nutty vanilla taste with a hint of apricot sweetness and a little ginger spice
Finish: Delightfully smooth and balanced, this one lingers in the mouth
In the antebellum United States, the term “bib & tucker” was used to describe the finest attire a man owned
3. Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
Aroma: Initial nosings of flowery scents followed by dominant aromas of fruity sweet cherry and some great notes of smoky char and spice.
Taste: More of a woody bourbon, starting out with tastes of caramel, oak, and vanilla; also, a hint of paprika and pepper fused with sweet cherries.
Finish: Soft and mellow, easy and warming and on the sweeter side
“I love how the floral notes and light spice complement the inherent sweetness of the fruit flavors.” – James Holland, veteran and local Whiskey enthusiast
2. Barterhouse 20 Year Bourbon
Aroma: Toffee, oak, and vanilla, perfect for those with a sweet tooth
Taste: Starts slightly sweet and creamy with a hint of caramel and honey vanilla followed by a nutty, smoky flavor
Finish: Soft and mellow and on the sweeter side
“It finishes remarkably long, with gentle vanilla sweetness.” – Expert Reviewer Kara Newman
1. Blanton’s Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Aroma: A great combination of toffee and fruit; a sweet and spicy aroma of peppers and dried citrus with a hint of caramel and vanilla
Taste: Full-bodied and soft, with a mix of orange, cloves, and caramel
Finish: Muted, well balanced, and smooth
“The balance of spice and honey makes this a Bourbon that suits all tastes. Beyond the aroma and taste, the spherical bottle and trophy-like race horse stopper are so eye-catching that you could be drawn to this whiskey just for the packaging alone!” – Nick Ledue – Co-CEO, BOSS Magazine
