So, a friend asks you to write an article for Happenings Magazine—you think, well I didn't like writing classes in school way back when, nor did I really enjoy teaching writing as an elementary teacher. With those two points, I was about to hit send on a no thanks reply. Then he sweetens the idea. The article is to be about my top five favorite bourbons.
I quickly delete my text before I accidentally hit send to think through the ask some more. Yes, the previous statements are still true, but I do like drinking whiskey. I rewrite the text, with a simple sure! Now the thinking really begins. I do love bourbon, now. I am fairly new to the game, barely old enough to pass bottle-in-bond status. However I have had the opportunity to taste quite a bit over the years and tour some great distilleries.
My top five as a part of the bourbon review? I began the process of figuring out how I wanted to narrow this list. There are so many Bourbons to choose from! If you're reading this, you too are probably a bourbon drinker, quite possibly an enthusiast.
Evan Williams - Bottle-in-Bond - $14
Now I mentioned that these weren't in any particular order, but this one is probably my go to, especially when the budget is running low! With a low price point, I appreciate the minimal four year requirement a Bottle-in-Bond comes with. Flavor profile is not overpowering and smooth going down. I'm not seasoned enough to really talk about “taste notes", but I know I appreciate the taste of this easy to find bottle. The Bourbon Blind
Four Roses Small Batch - $32
As I was narrowing down this list, I knew that one of the Four Roses bottles would be on the list, I just wasn’t sure which one it would be. I went with the small batch mainly because of the price. If you pick up the Single Barrel by accident, you won't be disappointed either. The Small Batch is a wonderful sipping bourbon. Easy, smooth and little to no burn going down the hatch. I do like the Small Batch Select, but in this drinker's opinion it isn't worth the price upgrade. What’s on the Shelf Wednesday - The Mash & Drum
Very Old Barton 80 Proof - $13
This bourbon almost didn't make the list. Mainly because it isn’t always available. I actually prefer the 100 proof, but that bottle is hard to find, so I put down the 80. I do typically prefer a higher proof, but again for the price point, this little bottle is great to have on hand for others to enjoy. SLB Drinks
Russel’s Reserve 10 - $32
If the Evan Williams BnB is really first, then this bottle is a very close second. If I am with someone who is a “newbie" this is definitely the bottle I pull. High age, low price point and very smooth. Have had many comments about how easy this pour was to handle. This is a wonderful Wild Turkey bottle. Again, like the Four Roses, the Special Reserve is supposedly better, but I disagree. That bottle is twice as expensive, aged four less years and doesn't taste that different. Again, just my humble opinion, share yours if you disagree. The Whiskey Dictionary
Green River - $30
This is a fairly new bottle to our region. It was purchased by Heaven Hill, which is what brought it to our market. If this was a top five best bottles to hold and pour, then this would take the number one spot for sure. It's curved side, makes it so easy to pour that it can be a little dangerous! This new comer is fabulous. Very smooth with a lot of flavor. Because it is pretty new to the market, there might be a visit you don't see it, but there have not been many trips that I have not seen it on the shelf begging me to take it home! It’s Bourbon Night
Alright, there you have it, my first top five bourbon list. Remember the parameters I put in place. I bring this back because I know the first thing a few friends said about my list was, “wow no Buffalo Trace products!" These are not easy to find unfortunately and most are on the allocation list. This is the main reason those bottles didn't make this particular list.
I'll say, this wasn’t easy. Had to take a couple extra trips to Royal Liquors to make some adjustments. There were a couple other bottles that were on, then off the list. The internal/external arguments with myself were fun to listen to! I'm not sure my wife would agree!
Share your list. There are so many to choose from! I cannot wait to build the next top five. A Missouri list will definitely be coming in the future!
Appreciate the read!
Sip WiseLee
Jonathon Lee is a Charlestowne Landing Resident. He is a husband, father of two, educator, tech enthusiast, podcaster. In his free time, he enjoys sitting back with a good bourbon and cigar. Jon is also the proprietor of the St. Charles Bourbon Society