When it comes to bourbon, there are many different flavors and styles to choose from. However, if you have a sweet tooth, you may be looking for something with a little extra sweetness. Our list includes bourbons that are known for their sweet and smooth taste, making them perfect for sipping on their own or mixing into a delicious cocktail. So, whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting to explore the world of whiskey, our list has something for everyone.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Bourbon Sweet?
When it comes to bourbon, the sweetness can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the key ingredients, aging process, and distillation techniques used. In this section, we’ll explore each of these factors in more detail.
Key Ingredients
Bourbon is made from a combination of grains, including corn, rye, barley, and wheat. The amount of each grain used can vary, but the most important ingredient is corn. The higher the percentage of corn in the mash bill, the sweeter the bourbon will be. This is because corn has a natural sweetness that is imparted into the bourbon during the distillation process.
Aging Process
The aging process is another important factor in determining the sweetness of a bourbon. As bourbon ages in oak barrels, it takes on flavors and aromas from the wood. This includes a subtle sweetness from the caramelized sugars in the charred oak. The longer the bourbon is aged, the more pronounced this sweetness becomes.
Distillation Techniques
The distillation process can also affect the sweetness of a bourbon. Some distilleries use a sour mash process, which involves using a portion of the previous batch’s mash to start the fermentation process. This can create a more consistent flavor profile and a sweeter taste. Additionally, some distilleries use a pot still instead of a column still, which can also result in a sweeter bourbon.
Top 10 Sweet Bourbons
photo credit: www.buffalotrace.com
1. Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace is a smooth and sweet bourbon that is perfect for sipping. It has a rich, complex flavor with notes of vanilla, molasses, and spice. This bourbon is aged for at least 8 years, which gives it a mellow, well-rounded flavor. Buffalo Trace is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a sweet bourbon without breaking the bank.
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2. Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy is a premium bourbon that is known for its sweet and smooth flavor. This bourbon is aged for at least 4 years in American oak barrels and finished in port wine barrels, which gives it a unique flavor profile. Angel’s Envy has notes of vanilla, caramel, and dark fruit, which make it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet bourbons.
photo credit: www.woodfordreserve.com
3. Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a classic bourbon that is known for its smooth and sweet flavor. This bourbon is aged for at least 6 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Woodford Reserve has notes of vanilla, spice, and buttserscotch, which make it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet bourbons.
photo credit: www.makersmark.com
4. Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is a smooth and sweet bourbon that is perfect for sipping. This bourbon is aged for at least 6 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Maker’s Mark has notes of vanilla, oak, and fruit, which make it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet bourbons.
photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com
5. Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 is a bold and sweet bourbon that is perfect for anyone who wants a little more kick in their drink. This bourbon is aged for at least 6 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Wild Turkey 101 has notes of vanilla, caramel, and toffee, as well as a spicy kick that makes it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet and spicy bourbons.
photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com
6. Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Small Batch is a smooth and sweet bourbon that is perfect for anyone who wants a high-quality bourbon without breaking the bank. This bourbon is aged for at least 6 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Four Roses Small Batch has notes of berries, honey, and winter spice, which make it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet bourbons.
photo credit: www.bulleit.com
7. Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon is a bold and sweet bourbon that is perfect for anyone who wants a little more kick in their drink. This bourbon is aged for at least 6 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Bulleit Bourbon has notes of vanilla, maple, and oak, as well as a spicy kick that makes it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet and spicy bourbons.
photo credit: elijahcraig.com
8. Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig is a premium bourbon that is known for its sweet and smooth flavor. This bourbon is aged for at least 12 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Elijah Craig has notes of vanilla, honey, and marzipan, which make it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet bourbons.
photo credit: www.beamdistilling.com
9. Knob Creek
Knob Creek is a bold and sweet bourbon that is perfect for anyone who wants a little more kick in their drink. This bourbon is aged for at least 9 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Knob Creek has notes of vanilla, chocolate, and brown sugar, as well as a spicy kick that makes it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet and spicy bourbons.
photo credit: www.basilhaydenbourbon.com
10. Basil Hayden’s
Basil Hayden’s is a smooth and sweet bourbon that is perfect for sipping. This bourbon is aged for at least 8 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor. Basil Hayden’s has notes of vanilla, fruit, and oak, which make it a great choice for anyone who loves sweet bourbons.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best sweet bourbon, there are plenty of options available to you. It all comes down to personal preference and taste. It’s worth noting that the best way to enjoy sweet bourbon is to sip it slowly and savor the flavors. You can also pair it with your favorite food to enhance the taste experience.
We hope that this list helps you choose the best sweet Bourbon for your taste. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your Bourbon in moderation. Cheers!
Related Posts
If you are a fan of sweet bourbon, you might also be interested in exploring other types of whiskies. Here are a few related posts that might pique your interest:
- 10 rum-cask finished whiskies you need to try: If you want to try something different from bourbon, rum-cask finished whiskies might be right up your alley. This post lists ten different whiskies that have been finished in rum casks, giving them a unique flavor profile.
- 5 Exciting Irish Whiskeys you need to try: Irish whiskey is known for its smoothness and approachability, making it a great choice for those who are new to whiskey or prefer a milder flavor. This post lists five different Irish whiskies that are worth trying.
- 3 great books for whisky newcomers: If you are new to the world of whiskey and want to learn more, this post lists three great books that can help you get started.
- 10 must-try Port-finished whiskies: Like rum-cask finished whiskies, Port-finished whiskies have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from other types of whiskey. This post lists ten different Port-finished whiskies that are worth trying.
- 10 Facts you may not know about Japanese Whisky: If you are interested in exploring whiskies from other countries, Japanese whisky might be a good place to start. This post lists ten interesting facts about Japanese whisky that you might not have known before.
