High-end bourbon is a type of bourbon whiskey that’s, well, high-end. It’s more expensive than your average bourbon and meant for sipping, so you should avoid mixing it with other liquors or cocktail mixers.
Due to it being high-end, it’s a touch classier than some other whiskey options, so you might not find it everywhere. It does often have the same flavor profile as your average bourbon, just with more smoothness with every sip.
Unfortunately, distinguishing what separates a high-end bourbon from a traditional bourbon whiskey can be challenging. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Not only do we take you through the best high-end bourbon, but we also show you how to pick them, where you can find them, and much more.
What You Need to Know About High-End Bourbon
High-end bourbon is exactly what you think it is: high-quality bourbon whiskey. Unlike some lower-quality bourbons, you’ll find that high-end bourbon is smooth, spicy, easy to sip, and more expensive.
While many of the other traits are the same, like its color and flavor profile, the use of high-quality ingredients makes it smoother to sip. For this reason, we always recommend enjoying a high-end whiskey neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water to open it up. Anything else can ruin the flavor, this isn’t something you want to mix with Coca-Cola or other cocktail mixers.
High-End Bourbon: An Overview
High-end bourbon is made using a combination of ingredients on the mash bill. That said, the best high-end bourbon will use non-GMO corn, and for it to be bourbon, it has to be made with more than 51% corn. Wheat, barley, and malted barley are common ingredients that are used alongside corn to further enhance the flavor of a high-end bourbon.
High-end bourbons also tend to have a dedication to the craftsmanship that comes with a good bourbon. Many master crafters will make high-end bourbon using multiple barrels for maturation and sometimes blends of bourbon that’s aged for 5-15 years.
How to Choose the Best High-End Bourbon
Choosing the best high-end bourbon isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t know what to look for. First and foremost, you want to consider the age of the bourbon. Age is one of the primary factors that contribute to a bourbon being more high-end than another. This is because the longer a bourbon is aged, the more time it has to absorb flavors from the barrels it’s aged in.
Staying on the topic of barrels, the barrels that a bourbon is aged in can determine if it’s high-end or not. While charred oak barrels are the norm for mid-tier bourbon, using multiple barrels or aging bourbon in something like Chardonnay wine barrels for an additional year can create a sweeter and more complex flavor profile. This level of craftsmanship and maturation is what separates a high-end bourbon from your average $50 bottle of bourbon whiskey.
The ingredients used in bourbon whiskey production also determine the quality. Bourbon whiskey that’s made with non-GMO ingredients will be superior to bourbon used with ingredients that have GMOs. Another indicator of high-end bourbon is that it’s made in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which outlines how to make a uniquely American bourbon.
Another indicator of a bourbon whiskey’s quality is the price. If the price tag makes your jaw drop to the floor, there’s a good chance that it’s a high-end bourbon whiskey. The cost tends to be influenced by factors we covered earlier.
What Does High-End Bourbon Cost?
The cost of a high-end bourbon will vary based on several factors like the manufacturer, ingredients, and aging process. That said, you can expect a bottle of high-end bourbon to start at around $100. However, the sky’s the limit for the upper-end price range with some collector’s editions reaching prices well into the thousands.
When it comes to ordering a bottle of high-end whiskey at a bar or restaurant, expect to pay at least $8-10 per shot. This will vary based on the state and city, but that’s a good place to start for a high-end bourbon whiskey.
Where You Can Buy High-End Bourbon
High-end bourbon is something you can find almost anywhere. You can purchase it at your local liquor store, but you might not find the exact bottle you’re looking for due to the rarity of some high-end bourbon products. For this reason, we recommend shopping with Speakeasyco.com if you have a specific high-end bourbon in mind.
High-end bourbon is also available in bars and restaurants. You’ll have to request it from these places and see what they offer.
The Best High-End Bourbon
High-end bourbon is something you need to experience if you’re a bourbon fan, or even if you’re someone who wants to try a good sipping-whiskey for the first time. That said, you need to make sure you choose the right high-end bourbon, or you can end up wasting your time and money.
Fortunately, we’ve gathered some of our favorite high-end whiskey options and compiled them into a list to help you narrow your options. Learn more about the best-end bourbons below.
1. Four Branches Bourbon
MSRP: $104.99
Proof: 96
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, orange peel, caramel, hints of cinnamon spice
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
Four Branches Bourbon is a high-end Kentucky bourbon. It’s made using a four-grain recipe that includes 65% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley, and 10% wheat. This combination of grains gives the whiskey what Four Branches calls a Kentucky Kiss. Essentially, you get to experience the taste of a traditional Kentucky whiskey.
Four Branches Bourbon is made with mostly corn but we want to make a special shout-out to the wheat in this mash bill because it’s what makes it a high-end bourbon. The use of wheat in the blend makes the flavor much smoother than your average bourbon whiskey, so you can enjoy a high-end sipping experience for half the cost of some other more expensive high-end bourbon products.
The only drawback we can think of for Four Branches Bourbon is that it uses wheat to enhance the smoothness instead of a longer aging process.
Pros
- One of the more affordable high-end bourbon products
- Made in the bourbon capital of the world, Kentucky
- The wheat in the mash bill makes for a smooth and tasty whiskey
Cons
- Not aged for as long as some other high-end bourbon whiskey products
2. Diggs Boys Bourbon
MSRP: $73.99
Proof: 93
Tasting Notes: toasted oak, vanilla, caramel
Our Rating: 4 Stars
Diggs Boys Bourbon is as high-end as they come but for a reasonable price. It’s priced at less than $100 but it still offers smooth, strong, and even sweet flavors. This comes from the mash bill that consists of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Unlike some bourbons that are closer to 99% corn, you get a more nuanced flavor with Diggs Boys Bourbon.
Diggs Boys Bourbon is also well-made and handcrafted by a master distiller using limestone water. This is what makes it high-end because the limestone rainwater gives you a unique taste that you can’t find anywhere else.
We love Diggs Boys Bourbon but it’s not for everyone. The lack of more corn in the mash bill might be a turnoff for people who are passionate about pure bourbon whiskey.
Pros
- Affordable high-end whiskey
- More nuanced flavor than some other bourbons
- Distilled with limestone water
Cons
- Not for everyone due to the mixed mash bill
Two Bitch Small Batch with Bite
MSRP: $89.99
Proof: 100
Tasting Notes: banana, vanilla, nutmeg, light grain, spice
Our Rating: 4 Stars
Two Bitch Small Batch with Bite is a high-end bourbon you don’t want to miss. What makes this bourbon high-end is its small batch release window. Therefore, you’re getting an exclusive bourbon whiskey each time you take a sip.
Another thing that makes this bourbon special is how it’s made. Unlike some other bourbon whiskey, it’s a combination of whiskeys that are blended from across the United States. The result is a bourbon whiskey
We love Two Bitch Small Batch with Bite but it’s not perfect. The biggest issue we have is that the aging process depends on the batch, so it can range from one to nine years.
Pros
- Comes in small batches and is released every year
- Smooth and sweet at the same time
- Unique release each time
Cons
- The age range of the bourbon can vary, which can impact the flavor profile
CODE FOUR 115-PROOF STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
MSRP: $78.99
Proof: 115
Tasting Notes: Sweet corn, mint, tea, honey, toast, smoky, pine, oak
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
High-end bourbon whiskey can also be a unique release, especially if you’re a collector. If you’re someone who loves a classy bottle of bourbon in your liquor cabinet, Code Four 115 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey is exactly that – an award-winning whiskey bottled in a special release bottle.
It’s the same Guardian Bourbon that the company is best known for, so you’re getting a high-quality 99% corn mash bourbon that will knock your socks off with every sip. While it’s strong, it also has a sweet side that keeps you coming back for more after each sip. The release of this bourbon is due to the company recovering from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Code Four symbolizes the All Good message that it means for the police.
The only drawback for this one is that it’s more of a collector’s edition than a high-end bourbon because of the flavor. That said, it’s still a delicious bourbon.
Pros
- Limited edition release bottle
- More affordable than most high-end bourbon
- 99% corn
Cons
- Only high-end due to the special release
Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut
MSRP: $82.99
Proof: 120-132
Tasting Notes: Glazed butter cake, cloves, orange, birthday cake frosting, dried stone fruit, nutmeg, cinnamon
Our Rating: 4 Stars
Frey Ranch is one of the best in the business when it comes to making whiskey. Their take on bourbon whiskey is a welcome one with this cask-strength bourbon whiskey. It’s made with grains sourced from Frey Ranch, so you’re getting the ranch’s premium grains and don’t have to worry about other grains getting into the mash bill.
We love Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut because it’s a cask-strength bourbon. This means that you’re getting the cask strength proof for this bourbon drink. While the exact proof changes, expect to have a lot of spice and a lot of kick with this bourbon whiskey.
The only drawback we can think of for this one is that it might be too potent for some bourbon enthusiasts.
Pros
- Cask Strength whiskey
- Made with all-natural ingredients at Frey Ranch
- Sweet, smooth, and strong; everything you want in a bourbon whiskey
Cons
- Might be too strong for some bourbon enthusiasts
Experience High-End Bourbon Today
There’s nothing quite like a high-end bourbon. In fact, a good one will have you questioning why you haven’t had more of it. There’s something about the smooth taste, subtle spice, and unique flavor notes from each manufacturer that makes you want to try them all.
That said, high-end bourbon doesn’t have to be expensive, and some of the options that we covered are affordable. Whether you’re an avid bourbon fan or someone who hasn’t tried bourbon before, you haven’t had bourbon until you’ve tried the best high-end bourbon whiskey.
