Beyond Buffalo Trace: Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries Ranked

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Beyond Buffalo Trace: Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries Ranked

American distilling has been creating its own wave of success for decades now. While many distilleries have opened in recent years, bourbon is still king. And where can one find the majority of this bourbon? Kentucky of course!

In fact, distillers in the bluegrass state account for 95% of the world’s bourbon supply!

Kentucky Bourbon

If you haven't read it yet, our comprehensive beginner's guide to bourbon is a great source of information. Technically, any distillery located within the U.S. can produce bourbon. According to a 1964 act by Congress bourbon is considered a "distinctive product of the United States". The conditions

Bourbon sold in the U.S. must be produced in the country from at least 51% corn and stored in a new container of charred oak. Other legal requirements included:

Grain bill of at least 51% maize (corn)
Aged in freshly charred new oak barrels
Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof

Plenty of distillers outside of Kentucky have demonstrated their ability to produce fine and top-shelf bourbon. However, as mentioned above, only about 1 out of 20 bourbons come from outside Kentucky.

One reason for this is history. Some of the oldest bourbon distilleries in existence were based in Kentucky. A lucky few, including Buffalo Trace, were able to continue distilling through and beyond Prohibition.

Much of the folklore surrounding Bourbon also traces back to the bluegrass state. One of these myths is that a Baptist minister invented the idea of aging corn whiskey in charred new oak. You may recognize this man’s name: Elijah Craig.

Beyond the romance of history and American mythology, Kentucky bourbon is world-class due to its terroir. The soil, water, and climate all contribute to a unique character found in the best bourbons in the world.

Buffalo Trace

The Sazerac-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery produces dozens of brands. Many of them are the very ones we frootbat’ers chase to the ends of the earth such as::

These bourbons are such elite procurements that we sometimes get tunnel vision. It’s time to enter the world of whisky with a fresh set of eyes, looking beyond Beyond Buffalo Trace.

Beyond the Bourbon Horizon

Here are our rankings of distilleries outside of the Buffalo Trace shadow.

Heaven Hill

While not as ancient, Heaven Hill has about as much pedigree as any other distillery on this list. That includes the proclaimed king that is Buffalo Trace. The distillery was founded shortly after the repeal of prohibition in 1935 as “Old Heavenhill Springs.”

Today, the brand continues to be family-owned and boasts the second-largest bourbon inventory in the world. While lacking the heavy hitters of the BTAC portfolio, Heaven Hill more than makes up the difference with a long list of reputable bourbon brands.

While lacking the heavy hitters of the BTAC portfolio, Heaven Hill more than makes up the difference with a long list of reputable bourbon brands. Some notable names include Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, and the Heaven Hill name itself.

Elijah Craig

Forged in the folklore surrounding the birth of bourbon, the Elijah Craig brand represents the rich tradition of Kentucky straight bourbon. Both Small Batch and Single Barrel bourbons are regularly released from the Bernheim distillery.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Barrel Proof is consistently among the best bourbons put out every year. Each batch has its quirks and nuances but mostly knows what to expect: uncut, unfiltered Kentucky bourbon aged twelve years and bottled at cask strength (around 130 proof).

For those of you looking for the nearly impossible catch, any of the Single Barrel releases will suit your fancy.

Evan Williams

First introduced in 1957, the Evan Willams brand is distilled by Heaven Hill but bottled in Bardstown. Every release features whiskey with a minimum age of four years. The brand is named after a Welshman thought to be the founder of Kentucky distilled whisky.

Some of our favorites from Evan Williams include:

Single Barrel Vintage- bourbon aged 4-5 years, released annually and bottled around 86 proof

23 Year Old- Kentucky straight bourbon- heavily oaked, highly exclusive, and bottled at 53.5%

12 Year Old 101 Proof- this red label offering features a mash bill of 78% corn, 12% barley, and 10% rye for a spicy complexity

Larceny

Wheated bourbon is all the rage right now. The addition of wheat builds a full-rounded and smooth character that other bourbons lack. You can get your creamy bourbon fix by looking no further than Heaven Hill’s Larceny Small Batch and Barrel Proof bourbons.

Jim Beam Distillery

The Jim Beam Distillery is yet another steeped in the annals of bourbon history. Founded in 1795 by German immigrants, the company is now part of the behemoth that is Beam Suntory.

Jim Beam produces many mid-shelf and near-top shelf brands such as Basil Hayden’s, Jim Beam Single Barrel, and Craft Quarter Cask bourbons. While these are great, it’s other labels that elevate Jim Beam near the top of this list.

Booker’s Small Batch Straight Bourbon

As part of Beam’s Small Batch Bourbon Collection, Booker’s is the shining jewel. Famous for its nose-hair singing proof of 120-129, the whiskey is much more than just a boozer. The legendary bourbon is aged 6-8 years and attacks the senses with wood, leather, and caramel. While not as difficult to get at Stagg or Van Winkle products, Booker’s is well worth the investment.

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

If you’re British you might find stealing a chuckle when first introduced to Knob Creek bourbon—once you taste the small batch releases, you’ll stop laughing and start pouring.

High-value bottlings from the Beam Distillery include Knob Creek Small Batch Limited Edition 18 Year Old and a 15 year old Kentucky straight bourbon. Both of these rarities punch well above their weight!

Kentucky Bourbon Distillers

If you haven’t heard of Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (KBD) before that’s probably because you know them as Willett Distillery. Family-owned since 1936, Willet is well known for producing some of the oldest and rarest bourbons available. The Willett Family Estate brand puts out beautiful single-barrel offerings.

Easier to find in the wild is the affordable Willett Pot Still Reserve. Don’t be fooled by the price—an easy-drinking yet complex bourbon contained in a stunning decanter!

Noah’s Mill

Another top brand from the KBD Bardstown distillery is Noah’s Mill bourbon. This annual release is a perfect everyday small-batch bourbon. Current releases are NAS but the original bottling contained whisky aged no less than 15 years in charred oak barrels—getting your hands on this edition will prove difficult!

Michter’s

Produced initially at Bomberger’s Distillery, Michter’s had gone bust in 1989. Luckily for us, KBD resurrected the brand and has been able to put out some exciting and almost-sacred bottlings of Kentucky bourbon.

Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon is a real powerhouse. Bottled at nearly 95 proof, every whisky harkens back to the early traditions of bourbon production. The result is a dark molasses-like liquid that is bursting with toffee and vanilla. A crowd pleaser that will also impress whisky aficionados.

You can level up the hype in your collection by picking up the recently released 20 year old version instead. Expect more of everything including the alcohol (114.2 proof).

Woodford Reserve

Part of the Brown-Forman Corporation, Woodford Reserve is produced at its Woodford County distillery (what a coincidence). Made from copper pot stills, each release has a unique batch and bottle number.

Everyday favorites include Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Double Oaked, and Woodford Reserve Straight Rye whiskey. But it’s the limited edition releases that get us salivating and digging for our wallets!

The Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection represents a marriage of perfected techniques and innovation. Each year, a small amount of this unique release makes it to the consumer. Some standout releases include:

Four Grain (2006)-a bourbon built on a mash bill of corn, barley, rye, and wheat—good luck getting your hands on one!

Seasoned Oak Finish (2009)- unique flavor imparted to the spirit aging in barrels that had been seasoned for three years.

American Select Oak (2018, Part 1)- bourbon matured for a minimum of 9 years in Ozark oak for a local character.

Cherry Wood Smoked Barley (2017)- a no-age-statement (NAS) whisky built on a mash built of 70% corn to 30% cherry-smoked barley.

Old Forester

Similar to Buffalo Trace, Old Forester is a historical bourbon brand that has been continuously produced since 1870. Its well-rounded portfolio is produced at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. Rare and delectable bottlings include Birthday Bourbon, President’s Choice Bourbon, and the Whisky Row Series.

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is highly anticipated by enthusiasts every year before its release.

By expanding your horizons, you will discover a spicy, sweet-and-sour character that defines the brand. The Single Barrel and 117 Series both offer both bold and memorable bourbons that are worth locking down.

Angel’s Envy

Known as the Louisville Distilling Company, Angel’s Envy has a different story than most bourbon producers. It all began with a single idea: to finish bourbon in Port barrels. Where did this idea come from? The legendary Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson of Brown-Forman fame.

The first batch was released in 2010 and was met with great acclaim. In 2013, Angel’s Envy was named “Best Spirit in the World,” the same year Lincoln passed away. The momentum continued onward and upward.

Last year, as a proud stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Angel’s Envy launched an $8.2 million visitor center expansion—we guess you can say things are going well!

It’s not only about Port barrels anymore. Now you can hunt for Angel’s Envy small batch bourbon finished in Madeira casks, Ice Cider casks, and Tawny Port casks. For the ultimate in rarity and the exotic, collectors will want to get their thirsty hands on a bottle of Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks!

Four Roses

If you’re into small-batch bourbon, then you are familiar with Four Roses out of Lawrenceburg. The “Old Prentice Distillery” puts out a tight portfolio of small-batch and single-barrel premium whiskey.

The distillery has changed hands many times since 1910 and is currently run and operated by the Kirin Brewery Company. Despite this, no plans have been announced to brew hop bourbon or stout-aged whiskey (yet).

While small in output, Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selection is constantly ranked among the best small-batch bourbons in the world. With every bottle, you can expect a unique drinking experience.

Each bottle is coded with four letters that tell about where the whisky comes from and how it was produced. Learn this system and you will find the perfect bottle for you.

Maker’s Mark

We’ve all spent some time with the red-waxed bottle that is liquid fit for the maker. While part of Beam Suntory, the bourbon is produced at the Burks Distillery in Loretto. Maker’s Mark bourbon is great for cocktails or when you want to sip on something that requires less attention.

There are also plenty of rare small-batch releases for those in the know. These include the Black Wax and Gold Wax Seal limited editions for serious collectors. Those looking for new experiences and innovation will want to take a good look at the Private Select and Wood Finishing Series.

All in all, Maker’s Mark has a bit of something for everyone!

Wild Turkey

Similar to a few other well-known brands on this list, we’ve all had our time riding the “Turkey” at one stage in our life or another. You can’t make a proper stupidly-strong bourbon cocktail without chucking in some Wild Turkey 101.

Wild Turkey Distilling Co. traces its roots to the late 19th century. However, the company as it stands today only goes back to 1940. Since then, the Lawrenceburg distillery has been pumping out a healthy portfolio that goes beyond the 101.

The Turkey dons a crown filled with jewels from the Master’s Keep and Russell’s Reserve bourbons series’. Some of our favorites include:

Master’s Keep One- a blend of 9-10 year old and 14 year old whiskey. A perfect marriage of a father’s traditional and a son’s progressive techniques.

Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old- Kentucky straight bourbon named after the legend Jimmy Russell. This whiskey is based on a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley—it packs a punch at nearly 115 proof!

Master’s Keep Decades- keeping to its namesake, this whiskey features a blend of 10 year old and 20 year old bourbons. Released in 2017 and bottled at 104 proof, this bourbon is full of toffee, sweet vanilla, and a crisp citrus character.

Barton 1792 Distillery

Few distilleries in Kentucky go back as far as the Barton—despite the moniker, the brand was founded in 1879 and not 1792! The company was originally named the Tom Moore Distillery and was rumored to be related to a well-known horse trainer of the time.

Based in Bardstown, the Barton 1792 Distillery has changed hands several times in the past century and a half. Most recently, the Constellation Brand’s own company was sold to the Sazerac Company. We guess this makes them cousins of Buffalo Trace but does not disqualify them from this list.

Bourbon brands produced at the 1792 distillery include Very Old Barton, Kentucky Tavern, and Kentucky Gentleman. But as expected, it's the special and rare drams that our hearts desire. The 1792 brand features a range of premium small-batch Kentucky bourbons.

If you are a rye-lover, then you can’t go wrong with grabbing a bottle of 1792 High Rye Bourbon. While the distillery is known for its high-rye mash bill, this bottling turns everything up to 11. Expect all of the spicy-dry goodness but in a heavier package!

Collectors will want to get their diamond hands on the Port Finish And 225th bottlings. While both present unique expressions of the Barton distillery, they are also about as rare as it gets. That means they will help complete your Kentucky Bourbon collection and prove to be fine investments should you wish to cash out one day.

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