18 Best Sweet Bourbons [Taste 2024's Premier Choices]
For those who have savored their fair share of whisky varietals, nothing quite beats the enchanting allure of a perfectly aged sweet bourbon. Its charm lies in its unique profiles; a harmony of sweetness drawn from the heart of Mother Nature. For me, and probably for you too, there's something intensely pleasurable about sitting by the fireside with a boulevardier or an old fashioned crafted from the best sweet bourbon.
These are spins of sugary delight that resonate well beyond the last drop. And as varied as the taste palettes of bourbon lovers might be, this attraction to that velvet sweetness, that smooth burning finish, remains universal. Join me as we delve into my top picks of the best sweet bourbons you could lay your hands on and ignite your palate with.
Also Read: Best Types of Bourbons to Drink
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18 Best Sweet Bourbons in 2024
When it comes to experiencing that rich, warm sensation of the finest sweet bourbons, everyone’s taste is subjective. Nevertheless, there are a few in the market that have consistently won over enthusiasts with their delectable sweetness and top-notch quality. Here’s a rundown of the best bourbons you need to get your hands on:
1. Redemption High Rye Bourbon
Redemption High Rye Bourbon is a staple in the bourbon world and a nod to the pre-prohibition era. With its high-rye content, it's a perfectly balanced mix of sharp, spicy notes and the sweet undertones characteristic of bourbon. It is a product of meticulous crafting, and the master distillers have artfully highlighted the natural sweetness in the rye to make this bourbon surprisingly pleasing for those who typically prefer a sweeter liquor.
The flavor profile includes a blend of sweet caramel, spicy rye, and oak, resulting in a bold yet balanced taste sensation that is rich and robust. So, if you're looking to venture into the world of high-rye bourbon, Redemption High Rye Bourbon is the sweet spot to begin your journey.
2. Double Oaked Woodford Reserve
Next up is the Double Oaked Woodford Reserve. This bourbon is the perfect embodiment of sophistication, highlighting an elaborate dance of sweet and spice. It's a crowd favorite as the distinct double oaking process creates a depth and character that is not seen in traditional bourbons. The sweetness from the richly toasted yet lightly charred barrel penetrates through, balanced by stronger, richer undertones.
The taste offers a full-bodied mix of dried fruits, vanilla, and caramel, appealing to your sweet palate while maintaining that signature bourbon character. Whether you are savoring it neat, on the rocks, or blending it into an elegant cocktail, the Double Oaked Woodford Reserve never disappoints.
3. Early Times Bottled-in-Bond
Early Times Bottled-in-Bond is a bourbon that harks back to a time when whiskey was a product of simplicity and tradition. This old time classic offers a sweet, full-bodied taste, promising the original bourbon experience enjoyed by our forefathers. The aroma exudes rich notes of honey, clove, and cooked fruits while the palette boasts bursts of caramel, oak, and spice. The finish is sweet and lingered, making it one bourbon that's not only easy on the tongue but also on the pocket.
Considered a nostalgic bourbon, Early Times Bottled-in-Bond is a complete package; it brings back traditional bourbon flavors with just the right amount of sweetness, serving as a fine addition to your bourbon collection.
4. Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof
If we're talking about bourbons with a sweet kick that truly stands out, Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof naturally comes to mind. This barrel-strength bourbon offers the best of both worlds: strong, uncompromised bourbon integrity paired with a delightful sweetness. This version of Jack Daniels is truly unique, trading in typical mellower flavors for something deeper, richer, and more intense.
Despite the high proof, the sweet notes of caramel and vanilla truly shine through, rounded off by a powerful oakiness that adds to its overall character. Don't let the proof fool you; this bourbon is surprisingly smooth with a finish that leaves you with a lingering touch of maple and cherry sweetness. From a whiskey sour to an old-fashioned, Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof adds a potency and boldness to your cocktails that are unparalleled.
5. Garrison Brother's Cowboy Bourbon
Keeping the spirit of the wild west alive is the Garrison Brother's Cowboy Bourbon. Bold and complicated, this bourbon carries a substantial proof that screams robustness and complexity. Yet, despite its boozy nature, it masterfully holds onto a unique sweet and smoky profile. On the nose, there is an aromatic introduction of sweet corn, caramel, and toasted marshmallow, followed by a soft body of oak, dried fruit, and a hint of cinnamon spice.
The barrel notes come into play quite dramatically, bringing with it a quiet sweetness that mellows its high spirit content. Sipping on Garrison Brother's Cowboy Bourbon almost feels like you're embarking on an adventurous ride into the wild west, with the bourbon's sweetness acting as your loyal companion.
6. Garrison Brothers Honeydew Bourbon
Summer in a glass, that's Garrison Brothers Honeydew Bourbon for you. This intensely beautiful bourbon is infused with the melon sweetness of honeydew and the traditional caramel flavor found in the base bourbon. What sets it apart from its counterparts is not just its added sweetness, but the heartiness and mellowness that perfectly balances the sweetness with the traditional bourbon burn.
Its creamy, slightly honeyed palate will transport you to an orchard in midsummer, savoring the sun-kissed mellowness of ripe honeydew. The finish is soft, rounded, and delightfully sweet, making this bourbon a singularly refreshing treat on your taste buds.
7. EH Taylor, Jr. Small Batch
Named after the legendary Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr., often referred to as the father of the modern bourbon industry, EH Taylor, Jr. Small Batch is a sweet bourbon that's not only prized for its taste but for the legacy it bears. This is a bourbon of heritage, of tradition, and of exceptional taste.
Starting with a nose of caramel corn, it boasts a layered profile of oats, hay, caramel apples, and spice - a beautiful blend of sweet and robust. The smooth, full-bodied palate reveals a delightful sweetness of toffee and caramel complemented by dried fruit and oak. It finishes rich and warm with a lingering sweetness, serves as a perfect closure to an exquisite sip.
Also Read: Best Bourbons For Manhattan
8. Blanton's Single Barrel
Blanton's Single Barrel establishes an arena of excellence in bourbon production. Each batch is unique yet maintains the signature sweetness enveloped in a profile best described as a myriad of fruit highlights and spices. A delicate balance of white pepper, caramel, and traces of citrus and cloves contribute to Blanton's finishing soft spicy kick. The result? A tailor-made bourbon that is both an exploration in complex flavors and a gently sweetened tip to traditional bourbon.
9. Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Small Batch
Profoundly rich, versatile and overtly sweet, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Small Batch lives up to its prestigious lineage. Built painstakingly through bourbons aged up to 20 years, it's a hint towards a time when bourbons were defined by their character, rather than their age. As you tip the glass, it greets you with a full-bodied, heavily spiced aroma laced with a crux of sweetness. Each sip unfolds to a vibrant dance of vanilla, apples, and honey just before nestling into a mellow finish, underscored by hints of dark chocolate. A testament to time, indeed.
10. Firestone & Robertson TX Blended Whiskey
Firestone & Robertson TX Blended Whiskey, a delightful mix of classic bourbon flavors and Texan boldness. As if embodying the grandeur of Texas itself, it has captured a medley of flavors. It starts with an intriguing blend of honey butter, banana, caramel, and a hint of oak, divulging the inherent sweetness of the Texas corn used in crafting this liquor. The palate offers notes of smoky oak wood, sweet banana, and browned butter that creates a burst of fusion on your taste buds. The finish is long and warm with underlying sweetness, making it a perfect homage to its Texan roots.
11. Angel's Envy
Angel's Envy is another highly acclaimed bourbon with a remarkable sweetness. This award-winning bourbon has a decent proof and unique fusion of flavors that gives it a distinct place in the bourbon world. It is uniquely matured in port wine barrels that render a one-of-a-kind, sweet finish. The result is a bourbon that is deeply layered, balanced, and rich; offering a complex symphony of dry fruit, candy, caramel, and a little bit of spice. The reverse seared technique in the finish makes it one of the smoothest bourbons with lingering sweetness. The hint of dry fruit and oak on the finish accentuates its unique character.
12. Rabbit Hole Dareringer
Among the more distinct bourbons on this list, Rabbit Hole Dareringer is a true piece of mastery. What makes it distinct is its sweet sherry wine note that adds to the sweetness of bourbon, making it a palette pleaser for anyone seeking a sweet upshot. Known for its exceptional quality, it presents a delightful blend of brown sugar, vanilla, oak, and a hint of cinnamon spice, all round off with a sweet hint of sherry. The dedicated craftsmanship involved in producing Rabbit Hole Dareringer translates beautifully into a sip that is both bold and pleasingly sweet.
13. Peerless Small Batch Bourbon
A conversation about the Peerless Small Batch Bourbon often begins with a unique fact: instead of leveraging a sour mash technique like most bourbons, Peerless starts each cook with a sweet mash. The result? A sensory experience that feels both youthful and wisely rounded. The tastefully composed sweet and citrusy notes invite you to a lively palate shuffle amongst ripe apples, sweet cherry syrup, and hints of fruit. Each sip ends with a lingering sweetness that leaves you tucked in comfortably with layers of creamy caramel and dried fruits.
14. Belle Meade Honey Bourbon
Flavorful, versatile and exceptionally sweet, Belle Meade Honey Bourbon is a true Southern delight. If you need a sweet sip with a bourbon backbone, look no further. The sugary notes prominently feature the smell of honey dripping over oak planks, mingling with whiffs of crème brulee. The extra sweetness added by the pure honeycomb doesn't swamp the typical bourbon elements but indeed surrenders to a smooth flow of classic vanilla and caramel, leaving no doubt that this is a well-crafted bourbon.
15. Old Forester: 1910
Old Forester: 1910, the first-ever Whiskey Row Series to be double barreled, is truly a blast from the past. Devised to mimic an incidentally, double-barreled production from the early 20th century, it showcases a mesmerizing confluence of butterscotch, apricot, and dark chocolate. The sweet finish of this rich bourbon is intensely gratifying, making each sip taste like a heart-warming throwback to the roots of bourbon heritage.
16. Widow Jane Decadence
As decadent as it sounds, Widow Jane Decadence is a meticulously crafted bourbon that adds a touch of class to your sipping experience. Rich with New York's finest local ingredients, it stands out with its signature sweet profile. A delightful nose of apple pie and ripe fruits escorts you to a sip of thick, sweet, spicy corn delicacies. It ends on a warm note of sweet buttercream, crowning your sipping experience with a genteel nod to slow living.
17. Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch Bourbon
Ever had a world-class bourbon sip that's both rich and full-bodied? That's Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch Bourbon for you! This bourbon strikes an incredible balance of sweet and spicy notes, rendering it one of the best choices for any bourbon connoisseur. Each sip introduces you to a deep vanilla flavor swiftly followed by hints of clove and nutmeg mingling with sweet corn and honey for an epic finish. By the time you're at the bottom of your glass, you feel happier and richer in the company of this premium bourbon.
18. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Last on this list is the pioneer of taste known as Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon. Embarking on a journey with this bourbon is like flipping through aged pages of a historic book that tells tales of traditional bourbon-making. An initial nose of orchard fruits, caramel popcorn and subtle mint gives way to a sophisticated palate that dances between oak spices, vanilla cream, and notes of honey. Truly, the story behind this bourbon is tasted in every sweet, slightly spicy, and richly flavored sip, a tribute to the ancient sweet bourbon tradition.
Why Choose Sweet Bourbon: Decoding the Allure
Why do we gravitate towards sweet bourbon, you ask? Well, it's a symphony of multiple factors. As I've traveled down the bourbon road, there are a few distinct elements that make this beverage stand out.
Firstly, it's the distinctive character of sweet bourbon that makes it delightful. The sweetness in bourbon comes from the corn used in its distillation and the barrel in which it's aged. The combination of these factors gives bourbon a distinct caramel and vanilla tone. This unique profile, highlighted by a hint of sweetness, makes it a standout amongst whiskey varietals.
Secondly, the range of flavors that sweet bourbon offers make it incredibly attractive. From nutty notes to fruity undertones and mild spices, the spectrum is vast. And it's this remarkable complexity that can turn any ordinary evening into an experience worth cherishing. So, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned veteran in the world of bourbon, there's always something new, something surprising to discover in every sip.
Why Sweet Bourbon Makes the Perfect Cocktail Ingredient?
Now, let's talk about another star quality of sweet bourbon - its versatility in cocktails. You might have heard of whiskey sour, mint julep, and old fashioned - classics in the world of cocktails, where sweet bourbon shines the brightest.
The reason why it works so well is two-fold. In a cocktail, sweet bourbon demonstrates an incredible ability to meld harmoniously with other ingredients, without losing its unique essence. Its robust yet mellow character affords it an unmatched adaptability. Plus, the natural sweetness of bourbon nicely balances the tart or bitter points of most mixed drinks.
Secondly, sweet bourbon brings to the table, what I like to call, the flavor elevation. It can transform any cocktail recipe by introducing a spectrum of flavor profiles, thus elevating the drink to a whole new level. Trust me, once you've had a Manhatten made with some of the finest sweet bourbon, there's no going back.
So in essence, the distinctive character and unparalleled versatility of sweet bourbon make it a timeless favorite - be it for solo sipping or cocktail mixing. If you haven't ventured into the sweet side of bourbon, there's a delightful journey awaiting you!
Why Age Matters in Your Sweet Bourbon?
When it comes to the world of bourbon, age is not just a number; it's a vital descriptor often closely observed to gauge the quality and depth of flavor. The aging process in bourbon develops over time, influencing every sip you take.
The Aging Process
Truthfully, the aging process isn't just about the time a bourbon spends in the barrel; it's an exquisite dance between the raw spirit and the charred interior of the oak barrel in which it matures, absorbing intricate flavors from the wood. Bourbon legally has to be aged at least two years as per the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits. The magic, though, occurs with bourbons aged longer, often bringing a more profound, complex flavor profile and a rich caramel color.
Impact on Bourbon's Sweetness
The longer the bourbon ages, the deeper the extraction of lignin and hemicellulose from the charred oak barrels-- natural sugars present in wood. This process contributes to that sweet, caramel, and vanilla flavor we associate with bourbon. Indeed, it stands true that the older the bourbon, the sweeter the pour.
How to Store Your Sweet Bourbon and Preserve its Flavor?
Once you've acquired that perfect bottle of sweet bourbon, the next step is ensuring that its flavor is preserved. Furthermore, proper storage is key to maximizing your enjoyment. Here are some essential tips on how to keep your sweet bourbon at its prime.
Keep Upright
This tip might seem obvious, but it's paramount that you store your bourbon bottles upright. Contact between the high-proof spirit and the cork can lead to deterioration affecting the flavor of the bourbon. Always ensure that your bourbon is sitting tall in a cool storage space.
Avoid Light and Heat
Exposure to direct sunlight can break down your bourbon, resulting in loss of flavor and color. Similarly, storing your bourbon in a warm environment can lead to evaporation of essential compounds. Keep your bourbon in a cool, dark place.
Seal Properly
Keep your bottle tightly sealed to maintain flavor quality. Oxygen exposure can cause your bourbon to oxidize and lose its essence. If you've opened your bottle and don't plan on finishing it soon, consider transferring it to a smaller glass container to limit oxygen exposure.
These simple steps, often overlooked, are crucial in preserving the distinctive sweet flavor of your bourbon. Age impacts not just the flavor, but also the value of your bourbon. By storing your bourbon properly, you allow it to retain all the sweetness and warmth that the aging process meticulously instills. Both these elements, age and storage, are integral to maintaining the bouquet of flavors that a truly exceptional sweet bourbon brings to the table.
Also Read: Best Rare Bourbons
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a bourbon "sweet"?
The sweetness in bourbon comes from the corn used in the distilling process. The more corn the distillers use, the sweeter the bourbon will taste. Additional layers of sweetness can be added depending on the type of barrels used for aging, which can imbue the bourbon with notes of caramel, honey, or vanilla.
What's the best way to taste the sweetness in bourbon?
To truly appreciate the sweetness in bourbon, try drinking it neat first. Take small sips and let the bourbon spread across your palate, you'll likely pick up on the sweeter notes. You can also try it on the rocks or with a splash of water as the dilution can sometimes bring out more sweetness.
Is sweet bourbon good for cocktails?
Absolutely! Sweet bourbon is perfect for cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, where the bourbon's sweetness balances out the other ingredients.
Is Sweet bourbon suitable for beginners?
Indeed, sweet bourbons are usually an excellent choice for beginners. The sweetness can mellow out the bourbon's stronger, harsher undertones, making it smoother and more palatable to those unaccustomed to spirits.
Can sweet bourbon be used in cooking?
Yes, sweet bourbon is a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes. It can be used in marinades for meat, in sauces, and even in sweets and desserts.
How should sweet bourbon be stored?
Like other bourbons, you should store sweet bourbon upright in a cool, dark place. Make sure it's kept away from heat and sunlight to maintain its taste and aroma.
What food pairs well with sweet bourbon?
Sweet bourbon pairs well with rich, smokey barbecue, game meats, spicy foods, chocolates and desserts with caramel or vanilla flavors.
What is a good sweet bourbon for a gift?
If you're giving sweet bourbon as a gift, something special like the Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof, EH Taylor Jr.Small Batch, or the Garrison Brother's Cowboy Bourbon could be excellent choices. They are renowned for their quality and sweetness, and they come in beautiful packaging.
How can I identify a good sweet bourbon?
Look for descriptions that mention “sweet,” “caramel,” “honey,” or “vanilla” - these words often indicate a sweeter bourbon. Remember, higher quality bourbons also usually have a smoother and more pronounced sweetness than cheaper ones.
Conclusion
These sweet bourbons truly offer a culinary tour of the senses. The charm of their rich profiles, the arresting interplay of sugary delight with traditional bourbon flavors, and the exquisite craftsmanship behind each bottle, all combine to place them at the very top of any bourbon lover's list. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious novice, these best sweet bourbons bring a dash of magic to the tasting table. The next time you reach out for that glass, may your chosen sip be sweet, satisfying, and as memorable as the stories behind the bottle.
Sip slowly, savor, and let the sweet bourbon transport you to places only the finest spirits can. Sweet bourbon lover, here's to the joy of discovery and the endless pursuit of the perfect pour!
