Best Bourbons for 2023: Top 5 Bottles Most Recommended By Expert Websites

[@metalman3274]

I fn love you guys with the barrel proof picks. Keep it up guys your doing great! Cheers!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Cheers!

[@michaelhoffer9172]

Enjoyed the video and like everything on your list. The Heaven Hill 7 year BiB is one that I always enjoy that you don't hear people talk about much. Cheers

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks Michael. We don't see that 7 Year BIB around much. It's not even available in our state of Oregon. But it's a solid, satisfying whiskey that deserves some love.

[@nicholasportonova8275]

Great show. I definitely like your list

[@josiahsimpson8131]

Loved the video, all great bourbons and all attainable and greatly priced. A must watch video for new people wanting or just getting into bourbon. 🥃

[@umami0247]

I find it amazing how people have such different palettes. Have seen many that don’t like wheated bourbon. I just came across a local bourbon that I didn’t like. It is Tom Foolery made in Ohio. My wife liked it but for me it has a off aftertaste. First bourbon I didn’t like and I’m 63 so I have a pretty open palette. What I like about most of these picks you have here are ones I enjoy and are very fair priced and can be had with a little leg work or internet browsing. New sub looking forward to more content.

[@rossgullet4436]

Great Review. Really enjoyed the show 😊

[@Lee62bt]

I miss Belle Meade too. Still have their Sour Mash and the Honey Cask. I did see it when I visited by Brother in Kentucky. Total Wine had it. Got a bottle of Blantons when we visited Buffalo Trace.

[@tommycheshire5508]

An excellent video. Thank you.

[@jamesstreet1144]

Wonderful video, great list. Since they busted some Oregon officials using undue influence to obtain rare and expensive whiskey, maybe you can find more normally unobtainable bottles.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Maybe! We expect that whoever fills that void will probably do the exact same thing since there are actually no legal ramifications aside from losing their jobs.

[@kevinsmith8219]

I now live in Ohio and you will from time to time see Weller SR for sure pretty regularly and Antique occasionally. I remember you saying that you might have a meet up in May at bullrun. If you would like I can keep my eye out and bring you a bottle, my wife and I are going to be out there the first two weeks of May and we’re hoping to come to the meet up if possible. Love you guys and makes us miss Oregon but also feel connected.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Hey Kevin, we'll see what happens. We have had a tough time getting out of the starting blocks this year, but we'll make it known on Instagram if we're going to have a meetup for sure.

[@brianburgess3638]

New to the reviews, great, keep them coming!!

[@bobbriante2385]

Wow. I love Makers 46. Knob Creek, Four Roses Single Barrel and Rare Breed is are staples for me. One of the best pours I’ve ever had was a Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof. Never tried 1920, but want to… I also love OGD 114. We seem to like similar stuff😊

[@TheBourbonVan]

Sounds like we have similar palates, for sure Bob!

[@thickerliquor]

4:50 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a beast !!

[@kathyhughey7350]

All are good bottles. I appreciate the newest CATegory which is Mavis! She jumped right up and joined the show. 🤣 Great video!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Haha, she has her own opinions on these bottles.

[@BassAngler2020]

Hello! New to the channel and fairly new to the bourbon genre. Thanks so much for your content. Enjoyed it so much and absorbed all the information. Larceny 1870 is my current favorite.

[@FrogPondBrewery1]

Fantastic video, can still find Belle Meade at some spots locally. I think I have every one of your recommendations as well.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Belle Meade, it’s so good.

[@Scottishblacksmith61]

My first Old Fashioned , I had/made , was with Four Roses Yellow label , LOVED IT !! That reminds me, I need to buy one. About $28 here in Central Iowa, often on sale for $25

[@nickp5511]

Nice list of different CATegories!

[@philc1884]

Sorry, my ADD kicked in when Norman's replacement appeared and that crazy tail! lol Great list 😹

[@gregmartin1757]

I agree please bring belle meade reserve back ! I still got a couple unopened bottles but i would hate to never be able to replace them unless i go to the distillery. I'm a huge fan of it .

[@TheBourbonVan]

We're not hoarders when it comes to whiskey, but even we bought 2 backup bottles of that one.

[@frankd.506]

You guys are the experts, Rare Breed always and that Heavens Hill BIB was really good , OG 114 I like a little better than the Bonded but I'd take either one all day 🥃

[@debbybrady1246]

In Texas where I am, I can buy one bottle at a time. I have three. My local privately owned liquor store can only get 2-3 at a time.

[@robfrasier9412]

Do you guys have radio careers? You're voices fit the bill Great content!!!

[@TheBourbonVan]

LOL, that’s a very nice complement.

[@stuartrollings602]

Crater Lake and WLW? Now I am jealous! Enjoy!

[@RingerDaClown]

I bought a Knob Creek 9year small batch thinking it was a single barrel. (I'm new to bourbon) Best mistake ever. I like it way more than the Four Roses single barrel I got at the same time. I figured as a newbie I should try a local bourbon as well. So I found a bottle priced around $50 called Driftless Glen. Which is a single barrel. I'll be trying this weekend at a game night with friends.

[@nickp5511]

I really enjoy my Knob Creek’s! I’m fortunate to get the 1920 at Costco for $45.00 dollars!

[@peachcoke]

Fantastic video. Definitely some good alternatives.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Have you had Maker's?

[@peachcoke]

@@TheBourbonVan Good ma’am and sir, this question is preposterous. I am now, as I type, staring at a full shelf of red capped bottles….. Oh wait, that’s all the Weller 107’s…..I’m sure I have a Maker’s around here somewhere, hold on….🤓

[@debbybrady1246]

Right on today. I enjoy them all.

[@davevogelsang6791]

Wish I could find Weller 12 for MSRP to try. Not a big fan of MM, but like the 46. Cannot go wrong with any version ECBP. I agree that Knob Creek Single Barrel Selects are fantastic, but KC 12 year is my favorite. I would pick Old Forester 1910 instead of 1920. I like Widow Jane 10, but agree with your alternatives of HH 7 year BIB and Belle Meade Reserve. My introductory bourbons would be Buffalo Trace and Early Times BIB. Great video!

[@AlexMielnik]

Old Forester 1920 is on my list...tried it the other day at The Old Gold here in Portland along side an Old Forester single barrel (100 proof) release The Old G collaborated with several other bars here in town on. The single barrel had a really nice depth, but you won't find it at any liquor store. I really loved the 1920...great stuff! Had a pour of Wild Turkey RB the week before that was also fantastic. These are two bottles that need to come home with me soon...🙂

[@TheBourbonVan]

How is the Old Gold? Love the name, but never heard of it before.

[@AlexMielnik]

@@TheBourbonVan The Old Gold is in N. Portland on Killingsworth about a half mile west of I-5. We've only been there a couple of times but had great service seated at the bar. Our first visit we were tended to by Kyle...last Thursday it was Colin the bar manager. It's a good idea to arrive before 5pm as it gets super busy especially after a Blazer game. Their whiskey menu is gigantic!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks for the info, Alex!

[@AlexMielnik]

@@TheBourbonVan You bet guys...not sure where in Oregon you are, but if you're ever around, look Sonya and me up. 🙂

[@TheBourbonVan]

We're down in Bend. We're hoping for a PDX area gathering soon.

[@dunny2124]

Great list 🥃❤️

[@garfylunds7301]

Nice video. There were some on the list that are available here in NTX and I do like the MM46. Keep up the good work! And yes, Jack Daniels Whiskey is a bourbon. It checks all the boxes to qualify as a bourbon. Going through the Lincoln County Process doesn't change any of that; so it is in my bourbon collection. No offense intended ... just saying. ... BTW ... my cat is always having to be front and center when I am at my desk! LOL

[@Russ_L]

Awesome picks. I like everyone of them. Rare breed is a great overall bourbon.

[@winstoncup100]

I am so happy that the both of you have found another cat to choose you. I also really enjoyed the review.

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks Fred! We feel very fortunate.

[@rickypastor4070]

Well I thought I would make it through the video having every bottle mentioned. I don’t have the old grand dad bonded. Great review. Cheers

[@TheBourbonVan]

Haha, if the only thing you're missing is the $24 daily sipper, you're doing great, Ricky.

[@ronschmucker504]

Love the Old Foresters

[@Kevin_OKeefe]

2019 WLW is the best bourbon I’ve ever had. Incredible! Cheers 🥃

[@TheBourbonVan]

We definitely enjoyed it!

[@murrayb29]

Beam OF and Wild Turkey - three great legacy distillers offering great value and enough supply out there to be easy to find!

[@iamsofakingdom6980]

Ohio is flooded with Weller special reseve and Weller antique. We see them all most every weekend.

[@TheBloody81]

I have all the ones mentioned except for Weller, it's just too over priced in my area for almost $200. I am still not too sure about Widow Jane as it just doesn't seem to hit good on my pallet and will retry in the next week after letting it sit for a month. Cheers!

[@lezlielockett3461]

Great list!!!!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks Lezlie!

[@Dookhater18]

I really appreciate the approach you both take on whiskey reviews.....not to mention I am trying to get my wife more interested in Bourbon....sooooo....keep up the content!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks very much. We appreciate that!

[@JohnSmith-vt5ry]

Hi I enjoy your show. I am new to whiskey and now have a good beginners collection of 7 bottles. However I am starting to want to sip a pour every night and if I don’t my mouth waters for it. Am I an alcoholic or is this normal?

[@thomasaccuntius9946]

This was a fantastic video. First your new cat, Im sorry I cant remember his name froman earlier video. I do like Makers, I still have 1 of my unopened Ambassadors Bottles left. Their 101 is very good with extra boost I like. I stll have not been able to find any Elijah Craig Barrel Proof here in Ohio or when I go to Ky. I do have a bottle of EJ small batch 12 year old at 129.7 proof that I bought at Heaven Hill Distillery maybe 8 years ago. Its just full of flavor and heat, but Im still at above half way. Then when you popped out the OGD Bonded I laughed out loud. I was just at my Kroger Liquor store today looking for something I dont have ( 1792 Barrel Proof, Buffalo Trace, any Weller or E.J. Barrel proof) they didn't have any so I picked up a OGD Bonded and while at the checkout, I ask if they had any BT. Monday is their stocking day, no, but we got some Weller in , Reserve and Antique. Since I have a few more Antique than Reserve I got a bottle of Reserve. Several years ago, I couldn't get Weller , now its not big difficulity. I like Rarebreed and WT 101 and Old Forester 1920. I truly enjoy your videos, please keep them comming. Thanks

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks a lot, Thomas! Mavis does whatever she wants and she'll definitely show up more and more in the future.

[@chrisb48907]

We have all the Weller special reserve up here in Alberta ..lol

[@rubyheart921]

The further into my bourbon journey I get, the more I realize that the standards, the ones you can get over and over, are some of the tastiest I’ve had. And you gotta love Mavis, who finally gave us some air time on her terms!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Mavis is definitely an independent girl. And you’re right about the standards. Lots of bottles to chase out there, but plenty of good ones sitting around.

[@sharonschmeederjohnson4648]

EH Taylor SiB SP, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Maker's Mark 46, Old Forester 1920, Elijah Craig BP, Old Forester 1910... this is pretty much what you need on your shelf and then merge out from there.

[@josephthomas2226]

I lived in New York for 23 years and loved it, but when I think of the taste of NY I think of urine stench in the subway, or dirty-water hot dog stands. Not sure why they advertise it that way. I love your videos by the way. always fun and educational

[@TheBourbonVan]

Haha, terrific.

[@reaality3860]

I wish the lady had named the Wild Turkey pour she prefers over Rare Breed. I'm guessing 101.

[@superman6338]

JD SB BP deserves to be on this list

[@Haystack777lyle]

A list including Widow Jane, I probably just skip over. A list with 1910 and 1920 on the other hand ...

[@TheBourbonVan]

We're speaking your language!

[@russd2888]

Ironically I think Lux Row's own Erza Brooks Distiller's collection bottles (Store Picks & Cask Strength) are better picks than the Ezra 7. They seem to be everywhere...at least around southeast. I guess to tack onto that the Rebel series of these same collections are good wheater alternatives. Another good 100 proofer maybe for an intro bottle...Early Times BiB. Loved your alternatives to this list...Cheers!

[@TheBourbonVan]

Completely agree on the Distiller's Collection whiskeys. Those are usually great.

[@jameschandler2776]

Old Ezra 7 is one of my wife's favorites

[@boblong834]

The Widow Jane 10 “taste of New York” refers to the limestone caves that they get their water from…minus the NYC alligators. 😉

[@TheBourbonVan]

LOL makes sense. Perhaps we’ve been too harsh on Widow Jane. We’ll make it a priority to return to that one soon and give it a fair shake.

[@Over_Taxed_USA]

Russell's Reserve is way better and also, cheaper

[@nickp5511]

These bourbons are really The Cats Meow!!!

[@Robert.Sheard]

On my way to and from Chicago, I stopped in a number of Ohio shops... not a Weller bottle in sight. 🤷

[@Robert.Sheard]

💯 on your "gettable" list!🥃🎉

[@TheBourbonVan]

We knew all the Ohioans were lying about getting all that Weller!

[@poktangju]

remus repeal v is def top 5 of my all time favs....

[@TheBourbonVan]

We don't talk about it enough, but it's awfully good.

[@robertjason6885]

Funny…my take is slightly different regarding sipping whiskey. It’s easy going down, proof around 90-96 proof… classic caramel, vanilla, etc.

[@MattA-gl1mt]

13th Colony Double Oak needs to be on this list!

[@TheBourbonVan]

We've never seen a bottle and likely never will with as popular as it's getting!

[@miked8236]

Big fan of all of these except Widow Jane. Probably a higher-rated bottle if the price was closer to $45-50. Last I saw, it was approaching $80. I'll drink the Tin Cup 10, Bulleit 10, ER, RR10, and heck even the KC9 at MSRP. Its MGP juice cut with Brooklyn Faucet water ( special apparently) and for that its approacing $80+? meh.......I had my bottle at $60 back when it was getting popular. Gonna stop at that. Cheers!!!

[@DD-xx8wh]

great ep!!...how bout a beginner wheated!?

[@TheBourbonVan]

You could do a lot worse than Maker’s 46. If you can find Wyoming Whiskey 88 proof bourbon at a good price, that’s solid. Larceny’s 92 proof offering is readily available and very easy sipping at a fair price.

[@Josh-th7tm]

I'm in ohio...Weller Special Reserve and Antique 107 are fairly obtainable

[@josephthomas2226]

I have been to 10 stores, and Old Grandad Bonded and 114 are 2 of the bourbons I still have not found. Not sure why they are so hard to find.

[@TheBourbonVan]

The 114 is getting really hard to find, but the Bonded is usually around. We hope you find some soon!

[@josephthomas2226]

@@TheBourbonVan thanks!

[@jessehughes3741]

Have yall had the WT kentucky spirit ? And put it in a blind

[@michdico9591]

Maybe you've already done this, but what do you have on the shelves behind you? Are those your dally bourbons?

[@DBTdad]

JDSBBP rocks

[@josephthomas2226]

my brother in law had a bottle of weller 12 that he shared with me a few years ago. It was really good. So I thought I would buy him a bottle. I found one a year ago at $150 - no thanks. Since then I have not seen it for less than $300. Come on, no bourbon is that good, and I really like bourbon. for $50, it's great. For $300, I would rather have 12 botles of Early Times BIB or Makers, or 15 bottles of Evan Williams BIB.

[@dougtucker1267]

Doesn't it seem like these lists come out every day? I'm always skeptical, thinking that there are commercial interests at play. Regardless, I like your alternatives and additions. I'll never disagree with 4RSB on a list, but they can leave the taste of NY back in NY - I don't want it in my bourbon!

[@TheBourbonVan]

These lists are definitely coming out all the time, and we tend to see repeat items on many of them. Your assumptions are probably correct, which is why we felt like it was a good time to offer our own thoughts. Cheers!

[@bigdave2952]

Love buffalo, but I don’t bother looking for it. Funny how BT has problems getting their core lineup in stores. So now every channel or whiskey article tells people what great or better alternative bottles are. BT better get their act together.

[@stevenjohnson3875]

Try The Dalmore 12 year

[@danm203]

I really like that you show clear images of the bottles you're talking about. The extra effort is appreciated. Some channels don't seem to do it much (cough SLB cough).

[@TheBourbonVan]

Thanks Dan, we don't always do it, but we've tried to make the extra effort recently. It takes more time, but it's worth it.

[@xiamengbaby]

You do not want to watch ADHD's review of OGD BiB! 😆

[@tonysibilla3628]

"...intense taste of New York in each sip..." That would be stale overly charcoaled grilled street pretzels, hot garbage and urine. mmmmmm

[@deangood6682]

weller 12 is watered down way to much

[@rickypastor4070]

I agree. Wish it was at least 105 proof.

[@danielthomason5685]

Jack daniels is bourbon...that iss charcoal filtered....hence making it Tennessee whiskey.....

[@Jared40]

Makers Mark 46😋🟥🥃

[@TheBourbonVan]

It doesn't hit everybody's palate, but it has been a favorite of ours for years.

[@CakeBanditJr]

I love MM46!

[@OldFashionedWays]

hey great list. love all the recommendations. cheers. 🥃

[@TheBourbonVan]

Cheers, thank you.