Skip to contentThere was a time that bourbon could only be called bourbon if it hailed from Bourbon County, Kentucky. Now, the term Bourbon has widened its reach to include selections from all over the United States so long as they adhere to the almighty rules of bourbon, primarily: that the mash bill is comprised of at least 51 percent corn, that certain barrel and bottle proofing guidelines are met, and that the resulting distillate is aged in charred new American oak.
These major three bourbon laws ensure that that which is called bourbon maintains that certain roundness, power, and structure befitting of the title. Bourbon is now made in nearly every single state in the Union. In the new, competitive age of whiskey, bourbon’s got a little worldlier, or at least a little United Statlier.
But in honor of the upcoming Kentucky Derby, let’s get back to bourbon’s roots for a moment. To its grass roots. To its Kentucky bluegrass roots, even, and revisit those truly namesake brands that put helped put bourbon on the map by being from Bourbon on the map. (Smack in the center of Bourbon County is a city called Paris, by the way, which has got to be worth something in worldliness department already.)
Whether you’re planning to make enough mint juleps to slake the thirst of Churchill Downs’ entire infield, or just looking for a genteel sipper to keep you company during the greatest two minutes in sports, here’s a thoroughbred lineup of Kentucky Bourbons for your tasting pleasure:
The Workhorse
Evan Williams Black Label on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
Evan Williams is one of the oldest distilleries in the country and carries the honor of being the oldest distillery in Kentucky. You may know its green label as a go-to, democratically-priced spirit for all of your bourbon cocktail needs. The tasting notes from its slightly upgraded, though still democratic black label even suggest a sprig of mint, so don’t make me spell it out for you. Okay, I will anyway: J-U-L-E-P.Buy Now
The Filly
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
Basil Hayden is a spicy little number if you like your Kentucky bourbon with a slight rye attitude. Bourbon needs to spend some time in the charred oak barrel to pick up its signature taste of vanilla and spice, but Basil Hayden’s gets bottled well before the spirit starts to tip into the mellower side of things. She’s still got a few good races left in her.Buy Now
The High Spirited
Booker’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
There are horses that can’t quite be tamed, and there are bourbons about which you could say the same. Either way, you hope that high temperament will serve you on the track. At a whopping 63 percent alcohol, Booker’s should almost evaporate before it hits your mouth, but instead blossoms with flavors of coffee and smoke before the intense finish.Buy Now
The 2-to-1 Odds
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
You’ve got the hat and the roses, and now you want to drink like you’re actually at Churchill Downs this season. Woodford Reserve, with its broad shouldered bottle and fruity, balanced palate, is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby.Buy Now
The Media Darling
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
She may or may not win the race, but she defies anyone who would consider her just another among the field. She’s a showoff, alright, with that rhombicuboctahedron bottle (yep, that’s a real word) and those collectible, horse-figurine bottle stoppers. It’s not just style she brings, though, there’s also substance: single barrels are hand-selected for their most desirable qualities.Buy Now
The Longshot
Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
Sometimes great lengths are acquired in order to produce great character. Jefferson’s Ocean is bourbon raised in Kentucky and matured at sea, where the exposure to salt air and action of the waves helps to develop a flavor profile of intriguing secondary characteristics. Try it if you’re a lover of sea shanties who prefers whiskey to rum.Buy Now
The Legacy Lineage
Blade and Bow Bourbon Whiskey on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
Blade and Bow: now here’s a bourbon whose name is most like the whimsical-sounding monikers of the horses themselves. This is no whimsical whiskey, however, but rather a passion project born to incorporate older stocks of whiskey from the now defunct Stitzel-Weller distillery into new bottlings. A solera system mingles old stock with other fine whiskeys for a finished product that sings with dried fruit and cereal grain qualities.Buy Now
The Dark Horse
I.W. Harper 15-Year Bourbon on Drizly (pricing and availability varies)
Drizly
A storied history. A limited-range distribution (until recently.) A distinguished bottle that begs to sit on top of an old-timey bar cart. I’d place odds on this rich, honeyed bourbon taking the horseshoe of roses at your vintage Kentucky Derby party.
The Neck-and-Neck
W.L. Weller Special Reserve on Saucey (pricing and availability varies)
Saucey
If you could do it, you know you’d love to get yourself in some Pappy Van Winkle for this year’s Derby. But if you can’t do it, know that Weller shares a similar pedigree and mash bill. Bourbon must be 51 percent corn, but when the remaining 49 percent has a high degree of wheat, what you get is a certain silky smoothness, a quality that Weller and Pappy both share.Buy Now