Small-Batch Bourbons You Need To Try Now

Knob Creek Distillery, Claremont, Ky. Price: Around $100 (limited quantities available) This one may be a splurge, but if you’re looking for a truly exclusive bourbon, Booker’s might be just the ticket. Named after Knob Creek founder Booker Noe, Booker’s is a  limited-edition bourbon that’s bottled at barrel strength, 121-130 proof, for a distinctive taste. These bottles come from among the last barrels that Booker Noe set to age before he died in 2004.

Knob Creek Distillery, Claremont, Ky. Price: Around $40 Knob Creek founder Booker Noe certainly has the pedigree for making quality small-batch bourbon: his great-grandfather was legendary distiller Jim Beam. Knob Creek bourbon is 100 proof, aged 9 years and has a rich, sweet taste. Available nationwide, check here for availability in your area.

A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Fredericksburg, Va. Price: Around $40 This 90-proof Virginia bourbon is named after four brothers who fought in the Revolutionary War and led 30 pioneer families to settle in Kentucky in 1779. It is distilled three times to give it a warm, mellow flavor .Bowman Brothers Virginia Straight Bourbon is available in the following states: Colorada, Delaware, Florida Gerogia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,  Pennsylvania, South Caroliina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington, as well as the District Of Columbia. Check with your local liquor store for ordering information.

Breckenridge Distillery, Breckenridge, Co. Price: Around $50 This has the distinction of being the highest-altitude bourbon on the list: it’s brewed at an altitude of 9600 feet (by comparison, Louisville’s elevation is 488 feet.) The distillers use fresh snowmelt water in the process, giving the 86-proof bourbon a deep, unique taste. Available through online retailers or at liquor stores. Click here for a store locator or online distributor.

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Ky. Price: Around $70  Named after one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, 100-proof Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch has a golden amber color with a sweet, caramel taste. Buffalo Trace Distillery also produces the limited-release cult favorite Pappy Van Winkle Whiskey, which made headlines last year when 64 cases of the liquid gold were stolen (worth roughly $26,000). Available everywhere except Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Maine, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah and West Virginia. Check with your local liquor store for ordering information.

Willett Distillery, Bardstown, Ky. Price: Around $45 Noah’s Mill is the second-strongest bourbon on the list, clocking in at 114 proof. Despite its incredible alcohol content, devotees adore it for its smooth, toffee-like taste and rich mahogany color. In addition to Noah’s Mill, Willett’s small[batch bourbon collection includes Kentucky Vintage, Rowan’s Creek, and Pure Kentucky varieties. Click here for a list of stores that carry Noah’s Mill.

Blanton’s Distilling Company, Frankfort, Ky. Price: Around $60 According to Blanton’s, this bourbon was designated for “ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends.” It is 93 proof with a sweet citrusy taste and one of the most unique bottles to boot (collect all eight different bottle stoppers to spell out BLANTONS.) Click here for a list of distributors in your area.

Four Roses Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Ky. Price:  Around $30 What could be more appropriate than Kentucky bourbon named in honor of a Southern belle? The lady in question wore four roses on her dress to accept distillery founder Paul Jones, Jr.’s proposal back in the 1860s, and Four Roses Distillery was born. The 90-proof small-batch bourbon has a mellow, sweet taste, and during 2014 you can also try the Limited Edition Small-Batch Bourbon in honor of the distillery's 125th Anniversary. Available nationwide. Click here to find the distributor near you.

Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, Ky. Price: Around $40 Woodford Reserve’s Distiller’s Select bourbon is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, so if it’s going in their legendary mint juleps you know it has to be good. This 90.4 proof bourbon has a light toffee color and rich, oaky taste. Click here to find Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select in your area.