As connoisseurs know very well, the whisky bourbon is mainly produced in the United States and, specifically, in the state of Kentucky. It comes from an ancient distillation tradition that sees corn as the main protagonist. In fact, in order for it to be called bourbon, the percentage of corn must be at least 51% compared to other cereals (rye, barley and malt) and that the spirit must be aged in barrels for a minimum of two years.

Furthermore, the best bourbons must be strictly aged in American oak barrels to the point of carbonizing the staves. This is one of the secrets that helps to give bourbon its unique flavor.

Although today both the British and the Americans claim their paternity on bourbon, they were actually the first British colonists founding the American colonies, apparently to take the first steps in this drink. There are several legends about the origins of bourbon and among them some very bizarre.

One of these tells that the reverend Elijah Craig (hence the name of one of the most famous distilleries), in an attempt to eliminate the nauseating smell in which he had kept fish from some barrels, set them on fire and then kept the brandy. Hence the discovery of the technique that would later make bourbon famous all over the world for its delicately smoky flavor.

But legends aside, what is today the whisky best bourbon? We'll leave that to you to judge as we bring you our list of what we deem undoubtedly among the best whisky bourbons in the world.

Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Barrel Proof


Buy it now

Speaking of the best whisky bourbon, let's start by mentioning the oldest of all. According to tradition, he would be the first bourbon in the history of the United States. In America this bourbon it is among the best sellers and the most sought after by lovers of this drink.

One of the main characteristics of a bourbon of this kind is that it is bottled without adding any water. It is a whisky truly exclusive and we have the opportunity to taste it also in Italy.

Its color is characterized by amber with mahogany reflections while the aroma is an intriguing blend of maple and vanilla notes and at the same time woody. Velvety but full-bodied flavor with a warm finish.

High West American Prairie Bourbon


Buy it now

This Bourbon is produced in the state of Utah, in a very distinctive area of ​​Park City. The distillery is located inside a complex that resembles an Old West Saloon, where spaces have been created to combine tastings and educational tours of whisky.

Its amber color with ruby ​​reflections make it easily recognizable by bourbon experts. Its aroma with hints of overripe red fruit, vanilla and anise makes it particularly sought after by those who love strong but at the same time soft bourbon.

On the palate, at first glance, its very intense spicy flavor is immediately followed by jam, to close with toasted corn and licorice in the finish.

Jim Beam Single Barrel Bourbon


Buy it now

Below we offer you one of the best whisky bourbon from another of the native distilleries of the new continent. This drink is characterized by its amber color but slightly tending to dark red. Difficult to resist for its aromatic notes of vanilla, hay, dried fruit and aromatic herbsand an whisky decisive but delicate at the same time. Excellent to be enjoyed both with ice and plain.

This too is the product of a distillation done at low temperatures and with the traditional blend that sees corn as the first woman. Rye and barley are masterfully inserted as travel companions of the latter which enhance the flavor making it one of the best American bourbons.

American Eagle 12 Year Old


Buy it now

From this famous American distillery in Tennessee comes this other excellent one whisky bourbon. Obtained from a perfectly studied combination of locally produced maize, rye and malt. Before being bottled at 43% vol., It was aged for 12 years in oak barrels.

Pleasantly fresh flavor with notes of freshly picked lime, dried orange and sweet spices. Wild honey and raisin aftertaste. Brilliant for a gift to a friend, especially if you know that he is a lover of good bourbon. The price / quality ratio is also excellent.

Flavor with a slight touch of menthol combined with molasses and dates. The finish is of spicy wood, dried fruit and chocolate. As always it is not easy to define which is the best whisky bourbon. However, among those selected in this list you will surely find the best one for you.