The 10 Best Bourbons of 2026: A Gentleman's Definitive Ranking
We tasted over 100 bottles to find the ten bourbons that define excellence in 2026. Some are old friends; others are new arrivals. All of them earned their place.
Every year the bourbon world grows louder—more brands, more limited releases, more Instagram-fueled hype. Our job is simple: cut through the noise and tell you what actually tastes exceptional. We evaluated over 100 bourbons blind (yes, actually blind) across a six-week tasting panel, scoring aroma, palate, finish, value, and complexity on our 100-point scale. Here are the ten that rose to the top.
1. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof — 94/100
MSRP: $45 | Best For: The bourbon drinker who wants it all
Rare Breed continues its decade-long streak of punching miles above its weight class. This uncut, unfiltered blend of 6, 8, and 12-year barrels delivers a caramel-and-oak symphony at barrel proof without ever veering into hot territory. The value proposition is borderline absurd. If you can only keep one bourbon on your shelf, this is the one.
2. Four Roses Single Barrel — 93/100
MSRP: $50 | Best For: Contemplative sipping
Four Roses' OBSV recipe remains one of the most elegant expressions in Kentucky. Ripe berries, baking spice, and a long caramel finish that practically begs you to slow down. This is bourbon for people who actually sit still.
3. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (C924) — 92/100
MSRP: $65 | Best For: Barrel-proof enthusiasts
The C924 batch hits all the marks: dense dark fruit, seasoned oak, chocolate, and a finish that lasts through your entire evening. Heaven Hill's best-kept (poorly-kept?) secret continues to deliver some of the finest barrel-proof bourbon money can buy.
4. Russell's Reserve 10 Year — 91/100
MSRP: $40 | Best For: Everyday excellence
The unsung hero of the Wild Turkey portfolio. Ten years of aging at a sensible 90 proof creates a bourbon of remarkable finesse—dried cherry, vanilla custard, leather, and just enough oak tannin to keep you interested. An absolute steal at the price.
5. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked — 90/100
MSRP: $55 | Best For: Dessert bourbon lovers
If bourbon were a dessert menu, Double Oaked would be the crème brûlée. That second maturation in heavily toasted barrels adds layers of dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and vanilla that make this dangerously sippable. Sweet-tooth bourbon at its best.
6. Maker's Mark Cellar Aged — 89/100
MSRP: $150 | Best For: Special occasions
Maker's venture into extended aging produces a wheated bourbon of exceptional depth. Red fruit, toffee, and seasoned leather wrapped in a creamy texture that only comes from patient maturation. Pricey, but justified.
7. Wild Turkey 101 — 88/100
MSRP: $25 | Best For: The backbone of every home bar
The most honest bourbon in America. At $25, nothing comes close to delivering this level of caramel richness, spice complexity, and finish length. The Russells have perfected this recipe over decades, and it shows in every single pour.
8. Knob Creek 12 Year — 87/100
MSRP: $65 | Best For: Oak lovers
Twelve years of Kentucky aging at 100 proof produces a bourbon that oak enthusiasts will adore. Deep caramel, dark fruit, leather, and a confident tannic structure. It's muscular bourbon that rewards patience.
9. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon — 86/100
MSRP: $28 | Best For: New bourbon explorers
When you find it at retail, Buffalo Trace remains one of the best gateway bourbons on the market. Smooth caramel, gentle spice, and an approachable finish that never overwhelms. Just don't pay above MSRP.
10. Larceny Barrel Proof (A125) — 85/100
MSRP: $55 | Best For: Wheated bourbon fans
Larceny BP has quietly become one of the most reliable barrel-proof wheaters available. Honey, butterscotch, and baked apple at cask strength with a warm, lingering finish. The A125 batch is particularly well-balanced.
Methodology
All bourbons were evaluated blind by a panel of three tasters over six weeks. Scores reflect a weighted average across five dimensions: Nose (20%), Palate (30%), Finish (20%), Value (15%), and Complexity (15%). Only bourbons widely available at retail during 2025-2026 were eligible. We do not accept samples from brands; all bottles were purchased at retail.
Why Trust Boozemakers
The Boozemakers editorial team brings decades of combined experience in spirits evaluation, having reviewed hundreds of products across all major categories. Our reviewers hold certifications from recognized industry bodies and participate in annual spirits competitions as judges.
Editorial independence notice: Boozemakers maintains full editorial independence. We purchase all products at retail and are never compensated for our reviews. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
How We Test & Rate
Each product was evaluated through blind and open tastings by our editorial team. We assess appearance, nose, palate, finish, value, and complexity using our 100-point scoring system. Products are purchased at retail — we never accept samples for ranked roundups.
Rating Criteria
Overall flavor profile, balance, and complexity
Quality relative to price point
Aroma complexity, appeal, and distinctiveness
Length, evolution, and pleasantness of the finish
Bottle design, labeling, and overall packaging
Update History
Next update planned: March 2026
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