Small-batch bourbon is making a comeback in a big. way.
Knob Creek Distillery, Claremont, KY
Price: around $100 per bottle, in limited quantities
This one may be a splurge, but if you’re looking for a truly exclusive bourbon Booker’s might be just the ticket. Named after the aforementioned Knob Creek founder Booker Noe, Booker’s is a limited-edition bourbon that’s bottled at barrel strength, 121-130 proof, for a distinctive taste. These bottles come from among the last barrels that Booker Noe set to age before he passed away.
Knob Creek Distillery, Claremont, KY
Price: around $40 per bottle
Knob Creek founder Booker Noe certainly has the pedigree for making quality small-batch bourbon: his great-grandfather was legendary distiller Jim Beam. Knob Creek bourbon is 100 proof, aged 9 years and has a rich, sweet taste. Available nationwide, check here for availability in your area.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Fredericksburg, VA
Price: around $40 per bottle
This 90 proof Virginia bourbon is named after 4 brothers who fought in the Revolutionary War and led 30 pioneer families to settle in Kentucky in 1779. It is distilled 3 times to give it a warm, mellow flavor.Bowman Brothers Virginia Straight Bourbon is available in the following states: CO, DE, Washington, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA and WA. Check with your local liquor store for ordering information.
Breckenridge Distillery, Breckenridge, CO
Price: around $50 per bottle
This has the distinction of being the highest-altitude bourbon on the list: it’s brewed in Breckenridge, CO at an altitude of 9600 feet (for comparison, Louisville’s elevation is 488 feet.) The distillers use fresh snowmelt water in the process, giving the 86-proof bourbon a deep, unique taste. Available through online retailers or at liquor stores in your area. Click here for a store locator or online distributor.
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
Price: around $70 per bottle
Named after one of the “founding father” of the bourbon industry, the 100-proof Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch has a golden amber color with a sweet, caramel taste. Buffalo Trace Distillery also produces the limited-release cult favorite Pappy Van Winkle Whiskey, which made headlines last year when 64 cases of it were stolen (worth roughly $26,000). Available everywhere in the US except AK, DE, ID, ME, ND, OK, UT and WV. Check with your local liquor store for ordering information.
