The 5 Must-Have Bourbon Bottles For Your Home Bar

The Top 5 Bourbon Bottles For Any Home Bar

Bourbon has exploded in popularity over the last decade. What was once seen as an old fashioned after dinner drink is now being enjoyed by generations young and old. With so many great bourbons available on the market, creating your home bar can be overwhelming. Thankfully bourbon enthusiasts on online forums like #bourbontiktok have been discussing the top bottles every bourbon fan should have at home.

Should You Only Have 5 Bourbon Bottles At Home?

The short answer is: it depends. While you can cover a wide range of flavor profiles with 5 thoughtfully chosen bourbons, many enthusiasts prefer variety and enjoying new pours. If you're just starting your bourbon journey or have limited space, focusing on 5 versatile bottles is wise. For seasoned bourbon drinkers with room to grow a collection, the options are endless.

How To Choose Your 5 Bottles

When curating a limited bourbon lineup, the goal is finding bottles that give you an array of flavors to enjoy. Most experts recommend buying these 5 types of bourbon:

• An easy drinking high-rye bourbon
• A high-proof cask strength
• A wheated bourbon
• A high-age statement reserve
• A limited edition special release

This covers the major flavor profiles while giving you some unique offerings in the special releases. Let's look at excellent candidates for each category.

Best High-Rye Bourbon: Old Forester Rye

#OldForester offers an affordable and widely available rye-forward bourbon. With a mash bill of 65% corn, 20% rye, and 15% malted barley, it brings a bolder, spicier flavor. Aged 5-6 years, it's smooth and easy enough to sip neat or mix in cocktails. Expect rich caramel and maple flavors followed by rye spice, nutmeg, and pepper.

Other Great High-Rye Options

If Old Forester Rye isn't your thing, consider these alternatives:

• #BulleitBourbon with its high rye mash bill
• #FourRoses Single Barrel
• #WildTurkey 101

Best Barrel Proof Bourbon: Stagg Jr.

For an uncut and unfiltered barrel proof experience, it's hard to beat #StaggJr. Every batch brings intense flavors ranging from rich brown sugar and baking spices to oak, tobacco, and leather. Bottled at 122-136 proof, it's bold and needs a splash of water to open up. Despite the high alcohol, it remains markedly smooth and full-bodied.

Other Great Barrel Proof Options

• #EHTaylor Barrel Proof
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
• Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof

Best Wheated Bourbon: Maker's Mark

For a sweet and smooth wheated bourbon, it doesn't get much better than #MakersMark. Made with red winter wheat instead of rye in the mash bill, it tastes of caramel apples, honey, and spices. Easy drinking at 90 proof, it's a go-to for enjoying neat, on the rocks, or mixing in cocktails.

Other Excellent Wheated Bourbons

• W.L. Weller Special Reserve
• Larceny
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled in Bond

Best Reserve Bourbon: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

When you want a special high-end pour, #WoodfordReserve Double Oaked delivers elegantly. It takes fully mature Woodford Reserve bourbon and finishes it in a second heavily charred oak barrel. This adds a complex array of flavors like roasted nuts, coffee, peppercorn and tobacco. Pair it with a nice cigar or enjoy it neat.

Other Top Shelf Reserve Bourbons

• Blanton's Special Reserve
• Booker's
• Baker's Single Barrel

Best Limited Release: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

Part of the Whiskey Titans series, #OldForester Birthday Bourbon is a special yearly release. It always delivers a superb sipping experience with sweet flavors of maple candy, orange peel, and baking spices. Finding a bottle takes dedication as only a few thousand are released nationally.

Other Coveted Limited Releases

• Pappy Van Winkle
• George T. Stagg
• Michter's 25 Year

Expand Your Palate With Variety

The beauty of bourbon is finding new flavors as you explore different distilleries, mash bills, ages, and barrel finishes. While the 5 bottle framework covers the basics, consider trying bourbons from micro-distilleries and experimenting with bourbon cocktails. Joining online bourbon enthusiast communities like #bourbontiktok connects you with reviews and inspiration to discover your next perfect pour.

What are your favorite home bar bourbon bottles? Share them with fellow enthusiasts in the comments!

FAQs

What is a "wheated" bourbon?

A wheated bourbon replaces most of the rye in the mash bill with wheat, resulting in a softer, sweeter flavor profile. Popular examples include Maker's Mark and W.L. Weller.

What is a "high rye" bourbon?

A high rye bourbon contains a larger percentage of rye grain in its mash bill. This creates a spicier, bolder flavor profile. Examples include Bulleit Bourbon and Four Roses Single Barrel.

Why choose barrel proof bourbons?

Barrel proof bourbons go straight from the barrel to the bottle uncut. This allows you to experience the full proof and flavors. Popular picks are Stagg Jr. and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.

What makes limited edition bourbons special?

Limited editions have production capped at a set amount of bottles, making them rare. They often use unique mash bills, ages, or finishes, giving distinctive tasting profiles.

How do I store opened bourbon bottles?

Store opened bourbons upright in a cool, dark place. Over time, oxygen and light can degrade flavors. Topping off with argon gas can help prolong shelf life.