Basil Hayden’s 8-years old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [RUNNER-UP]
Lowdown: This 80-proof bourbon dating back to 1796 is made with a traditional corn-based approach.
We say: This beeswax-colored elixir is quite floral at first with hints of jasmine. We can detect notes of vanilla with lots of punchy spice. It’s easy-drinking (relatively speaking) with a sweet, long finish.
Advice: Nice on the rocks.
Get it: $28/shot at Bitters & Love.
Booker’s 7-years old Bourbon Whiskey
Lowdown: A strong 127-proof bottle with 63% alcohol, this brand is young but uses a classic barrelled method. It’s bottled straight from the barrel, so it’s unfiltered.
We say: The deep golden brown color and woody maple syrup nose is enticing, but it’s astringent and harder to drink neat, despite the caramel and tobacco notes.
Advice: For newbies, it’s best in a stiff cocktail.
Get it: $17/glass at The Beast.
Knob Creek 9-years old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Lowdown: This distillery is found along the same creek as Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home and is a characteristic turn-of-the-century bourbon.
We say: The copper amber color is attractive but we struggled with the TCM-like first whiff. The taste, though, is caramelized and woody with just a hint of fruit.
Advice: Better mixed in a cocktail. No wonder bartenders use it to make Old Fashioneds.
Get it: $24/shot at Bitters & Love.
Baker’s 7-years old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey [WINNER]
Lowdown: Hand-bottled at 107-proof, this is pretty potent stuff. The distillery named after Baker Beam of the Jim Beam family uses a mix of jug yeast and oak barrels to create its distinct taste.
We say: It’s not the prettiest or deepest color, but the subdued vanilla nose and the syrupy and caramel taste is comforting. It’s rounded and smooth with a pleasantly oily quality.
Advice: Great with orange zest.
Get it: $17/glass at The Beast.
