15 Best Single-Barrel Bourbons

For those looking for a unique whiskey experience, single barrel bourbons offer something a little different from their traditional counterparts. Instead of being blended from several barrels for a consistent flavor profile, the difference between single and double-barrel bourbon is that single barrels give a distinctive taste shaped substantially by the cask it was drawn from. The appeal of single barrel bourbons is this journey through a one-of-a-kind expression that often has exceptional complexity and depth of flavor.

Many distilleries make single barrel bourbons, but not all are worth making the list. In compiling this selection, we focused on bourbons that are still in regular production, and all of the included expressions have a distinct profile that would be a worthy addition to any collection. Purists or aficionados who sample these whiskies can discover what makes a single barrel bourbon special, while first-time tasters of the category can get a feel for a unique and prolific style of bourbon.  

The Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is one of the more affordable whiskeys showcased here, but that takes nothing away from its quality. Bottled at a high proof of 120, most drinkers will need a drop of water to truly appreciate its flavor. The color is a beautifully deep amber, which gives you an insight into the complexity you'll find within. On the nose, the most dominant smell you'll get is vanilla, accompanied by more faint notes of butterscotch and toasted wood.

The sweet and floral smells unsurprisingly carry on to the palate, where plenty of other flavors join it before a final, warm finish. The sweeter flavors come in as caramel and honey and are complemented by nuts and oak. There are hints of chocolate here, with a touch of dry smokiness. There are plenty of nuanced flavors, which is what you expect from a single barrel offering. 

This Evan Williams expression, a vintage single barrel, is a perfect entry point for those on a budget looking for a great single barrel bourbon. Produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery, it is an excellent offering that gives you exceptional value for money. It's another bottle with a beautiful color, with this being burnt gold. Once poured, you'll get many inviting aromas with plenty of sweet scents hitting your nose. Beyond that, you'll also get some toasted wood. There is nothing unique about its aroma profile, but it still smells fantastic. Where Evan Williams' single barrel stands out is in its unique place: Heaven Hill claims it to be: the only vintage dated single barrel bourbon on the market."

The balance on the palate is impressive, as you get a perfect mix of traditional bourbon flavors. On one side, you have notes of honey, toffee, and dried fruits; on the other, you get some cinnamon, black pepper, and oak. The finish is warm and lingering, with a gentle warmth that tingles on your tongue. At 86.6 proof, it is one of the milder single barrel bourbons and, therefore, is ideal for those not used to drinking high-strength spirits. If you've never had a single barrel bourbon before, you won't regret starting your journey here.

Not only is this bourbon from Henry McKenna a single barrel, but it's also bottled-in-bond and matured for 10 years. It's a special and rich 100-proof bourbon that has become a timeless classic. Coming from the Heaven Hill Distillery, it has a rich flavor and is known for its perfect balance. The ethanol alcohol hits you strongly before you get vanilla, caramel notes, and some black pepper. You get a brilliant combination of sweet and spicy accents upon tasting, especially when cut with water.

Along with the expected sweeter notes on the palate that are hinted at with the nose, some nutmeg and a brown sugar taste come through. There is oak on the palate, but it's a lot smoother and more subtle than you'd imagine from a 10-year whiskey. The finish is long and peppery, with those sweeter flavors continuing throughout. It's excellent value for the quality it offers, and there's no doubt it deserves its high popularity.

It's fair to say that the esteemed Buffalo Trace Distillery knows how to make an exceptional single barrel bourbon. The Eagle Rare is just one of just five of its brands, but all the distillery's expressions have unique qualities. The first feature of this whiskey you'll notice here is the long and slender bottle, with its understated branding giving it an air of sophistication. There is complexity on the nose, including orange, leather, herbs, and the more familiar sweeter notes.

The palate is quite distinctive and bold. It doesn't have the greatest depth in the world, but there is beauty in its simplicity. Honey and brown sugar are the most notable flavors and have a great supporting cast of nuts, fruits, and chocolate. At 90-proof, this is a single barrel bourbon on the lighter side. While many seasoned drinkers love this Eagle Rare, it's also recommended for those who aren't as familiar with single barrel whiskies as casual bourbon drinkers would likely enjoy it too.

The A. Smith Bowman Distillery was founded by Abram Bowman in 1934, and this whiskey is named after his great, great uncle, a pioneer and one of the first to settle in Kentucky in the 1800s. While the family was one of the first to settle in the state, this whiskey is made in Virginia, making it one of the best bourbons not produced in Kentucky. It has a rich history, and even though Sazerac has since taken over the distillery, it still produces excellent whiskey. The nose has a delightful array of aromas ranging from licorice, sweet fruits, and cinnamon to the more common notes of sweetness and charred wood.

The palate of John J. Bowman Pioneer Spirit is exceptional as this bourbon has a luxurious mouthfeel, and even though the taste profile is quite standard, it doesn't disappoint. You get a pleasant balance of spice and sweetness, with a hint of chocolate being the most unique taste, along with the more dominant wood and vanilla. The finish is beautifully long and gives you a warmth all the way through without any harshness. While it may not be as widely known as some bourbons, John J. Bowman Pioneer Spirit offers an exceptional drinking experience.

We may sound like a broken record by now, but there's another Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon named after a whiskey legend. This time, it's the turn of Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr, who was important in the early development of bourbon. Several expressions carry his name, but the single barrel is one of the best. The 100-proof bottle is packed with flavors and aromas. Caramel is strong on the nose and is ably supported by some cinnamon, a hint of leather, and dried figs.

For a higher-proof whiskey, E.H. Taylor's single barrel is exceptionally smooth and offers a clean-tasting experience even without any added water. There is nothing particularly distinctive about the taste profile, but the traditional notes are beautifully counterbalanced by stark baking spice and charred wood. That spice is more subtle than many other expressions and doesn't feature much on the finish. Instead, the long finish is dominated by those classical flavors you have on the palate. For those looking for a well-rounded, smooth, and delicious bourbon, this E.H. Taylor will not disappoint.

We finally reached the last bourbon on this list from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and it's a legendary one. Blanton's and the term 'single barrel' go hand-in-hand, as it's known as the first single barrel bourbon in the world. It set the standard for this type of expression and has kept up those standards throughout its history. Offered in its iconic grenade-style bottle, you get a rich smell of honey and caramel on the nose, which are elegantly grounded by hints of loamy notes, leather, and oak.

The palate is the classic single barrel experience, becoming the flag-bearer for all other single barrels. Sweet flavors of warm sugar and butterscotch are beautifully presented with a smooth mouthfeel. You get some spice here, but it doesn't detract from the exceptionally smooth drinking experience. This bourbon has a remarkable ability to be both easy to drink and still give you depth and complexity. Once you appreciate the long and sweet finish, you'll realize why this single barrel is highly regarded. While it can be challenging to find and is often sold at a premium price, Blanton's Original Single Barrel should be on the bucket list of any whiskey lover.