Asking us to choose between whiskey (we’re talking bourbon here, made primarily with corn and aged in charred oak barrels) and whisky (single malt scotch) is like posing the question, “Would you prefer to drive a C2 Corvette Split Window or a Jaguar E-Type?” The answer is always “both and yes”. But if you’re a single malt devotee, you’d do right to expand your taste horizons, and the best way to experiment with bourbon is to go small batch — the complexities are pleasing, and you’ll find yourself a worshiper in many different temples. Small batch bourbons are, essentially, the cream of the crop, having emerged from a relatively low number of oak aging barrels. Though there’s no hard and fast rule about what that number is, small batch bourbons typically consist of no more than about 10-20 barrels and are aged for as few as 5 years and as many as 23.
Of course, age doesn’t always equate to great — our individual palates respond differently. But cue the ceremonial horns when a good small batch with rich amber hues and fragrant notes makes it to your glass. You’re getting something exclusive, something doted over by loving makers. The variety available now is impressive, and the flavors and drinking experiences (mixed, as well as straight) run the gamut. There’s a lot to love. Here are tasting notes on five small batch bourbons we recommend to warm your palate (and maybe a share with a few lucky friends).
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Blanton’s Single Barrel
Best Bourbon for the Traditionalist: Considered the first real single barrel bourbon ever made, Blanton’s is a wonderful experience — visually, as well as by way of mouth. The bottle is unlike anything we’ve ever seen; it’s an angular orb with Blanton’s signature horse and jockey stopper (collect all eight types to spell “BLANTONS”, even more motivation to consume). You’ll be distracted by both the bottle and the rich amber coloring, but that delay is only temporary. Once you crack it open, you’ll get vanilla, orange, chocolate and a faint nutty scent on the nose. It’s a pleasurable whiff. Not as impactful as others on this list at 93 proof, Blanton’s is nevertheless a cornucopia of various flavors — sugar, orange peel, caramel, vanilla and even some cloves. The initial palate is medium- to full-bodied and the finish tapers off in enjoyable mildness. We even conducted our own mini horse race after several “samples”.
Four Roses Single Barrel
Best Bourbon for the Outdoorsman: Four Roses’ array of bourbons seems to know no limits, and their Single Barrel iteration sits at the top of the heap for full-bodied flavor and potency. Even more than the complex nose filled with spice, fruit, chocolate and a slight floral air, the initial hit to the palate is huge, warm, and rich, welcoming you to the spirit with big open arms full of spice and fruit. You can surely cut it, but we’d recommend taking it neat first: the long, mellow finish belies its bold start. Four Roses Single Barrel is 100 proof but imparts power like it’s a few rungs up. Imagine a bitter cold day doing all manner of manly stuff in the frozen outdoors, capped off with this soothing elixir in a heavy lowball glass. The thought is almost reward enough.
