The best bourbon whiskey brands: Top 5

Bourbon whiskey has been around in the USA since the late eighteenth century and has strong associations with The South in general and Kentucky in particular. It takes its name from an area that was known as Old Bourbon in Kentucky. The heart of bourbon production is Bardstown, where the largest concentration of bourbon brands and distilleries are based and where they hold the Bourbon Festival every September.

Bourbon is made from a grain mix that consists mainly of corn. It is aged in charred oak barrels, which give bourbon its distinctive color and contribute to its taste. Bourbon that is aged over 2 years can be called ‘straight bourbon’ on the label. If it has been aged less than 4 years, however, it must be labeled with the number of years that it has been aged. The majority of bourbon has been aged for over 4 years, however, and the premium ones usually considerably longer.

I hope that you enjoy my top 5 list of the best bourbon whiskey brands and find it useful.

The distinctive Maker’s Mark bottle, sealed with red wax, has been a symbol of quality since production of this bourbon brand began in 1950s, when Bill Samuels Sr. bought the "Burks' Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky. Maker's Mark straight bourbon whiskey is usually aged for at least 6 years and not bottled for market until the company’s tasters are confident that it is ready.

Evan Williams is one of the most popular straight bourbon whiskey brands. Evan Williams arrived in Kentucky after emigrating from Wales and began distilling whiskey in 1783. Besides their modestly priced, but very drinkable “Black Label”, Evan Williams also produce limited quantities of high premium whiskey, including a nine-year-old single barrel bourbon.

Jim Beam is the world's biggest bestselling bourbon. Multiple generations of the Beam family have been producing bourbon since 1795, with only prohibition interrupting them. The name "Jim Beam" comes from James B. Beam who revived the family business after prohibition ended.

Wild Turkey is distilled near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Although bourbon has been brewed in the location since 1869, the name "Wild Turkey" wasn't used until 1940. There are 6 different varieties of the straight bourbon available in the USA: 80 proof, 101 proof, Kentucky Spirit, Rare Breed, American Honey, and Russell's Reserve.

Woodford Reserve is a premium quality Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that has received multiple awards, including gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Woodford Reserve Distillery forms part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and you can tour this National Historic Landmark, erected in 1838, should you ever find yourself in WoodfordCounty, Central Kentucky.