Americans adore bourbon. Thankfully, it’s truly a great time to be a bourbon drinker, and the selection at your local bottle shop likely reflects this growing demand. While you’ll spot plenty of limited-edition expressions and aged examples that are ideal for savoring neat or on the rocks, other options shine even brighter when shaken or stirred into something special. But with so many styles out there, which bourbon is the best for cocktails?
To help take out the guesswork, we asked bartenders from around the country to share their favorite bourbons for mixed drinks. As the experts can attest, it really depends on the type of cocktail you’re craving. Whether you’re making a spirit-forward Old Fashioned that calls for a high-proof whiskey or you want a lighter, fruitier style for your highball, there’s a bottle below that will complement any mood.
The best bourbon for mixing cocktails, according to bartenders: Knob Creek Wild Turkey 101 Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond Johnny Drum Small Batch Old Forester 100 Proof Four Roses Bourbon George Dickel 8 Year Michter’s Bourbon Laws Whiskey House Four Grain Bourbon Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Maker’s Mark Bulleit Bourbon Great Jones Bourbon Garrison Brothers Small Batch Buffalo Trace Woodinville Bourbon Four Roses Single Barrel High West Bourbon Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon WhistlePig Piggyback 100 Proof Bourbon Old Forester 86 Proof Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year La Crosse Distilleries Downtown Toodeloo Rock and Rye
“For me, Knob Creek Bourbon is a great choice.
