Skip Pricey Bourbons — Unless It's One of These 8

Avoid All Expensive Bourbon Brands, Except These 8

Many people enjoy sipping bourbon after a long day or celebrating with friends for its unique aroma, taste, relaxing effects, and the tradition and craftsmanship involved in creating it. However, the best bourbons are often very expensive. If you're a true bourbon aficionado, there are a few high-priced brands you should try if you get the chance. This list highlights eight exceptional bourbons that should be on every fan's radar, showcasing a variety of flavors such as the vanilla and almonds of W.L. Weller 12-Year Bourbon and the cherries, vanilla, and fudge of Elijah Craig 18-Year Bourbon. Most of these bourbons have a proof of 90 or above, so it's important to drink responsibly. This list was curated by 24/7 Tempo using personal experience and online sources like The Bourbon Finder, Wine Enthusiast, The Whiskey Shelf, and Reddit fan favorites.

8. Widow Jane The Vaults Bourbon

Widow Jane, founded in 2012, offers a whiskey with a proof of 99, originating from Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky. Priced between $200 and $300, this whiskey features a flavor profile with notes of vanilla beans, chocolate fudge, orange peels, and dried cherries, reflecting the diverse and rich distilling heritage of these regions. Buy it now!

7. Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery, established in 1775, offers a Kentucky whiskey with a proof of 90, priced between $350 and $400. This whiskey boasts a flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla beans, dried fruits, honeycomb, toffee, and spices, showcasing the rich tradition and expertise of one of the oldest distilleries in the region. Buy it now!

6. W.L Weller 12-Year Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery, founded in 1775, offers a Kentucky whiskey with a proof of 90, priced between $250 and $350. This whiskey features a flavor profile of charred wood, vanilla, almonds, and caramel corn, reflecting the distillery's long-standing tradition and craftsmanship. Buy it now!

5. George T. Stagg Bourbon

George T. Stagg Bourbon, crafted at Buffalo Trace Distillery founded in 1775, originates from Kentucky and is proofed at 115. Priced between $1,000 and $1,500, this bourbon offers a rich flavor profile featuring notes of coffee, oak, spices, vanilla beans, and chocolate fudge. Buy it now!

4. Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, produced by Heaven Hill Distillery founded in 1935, originates from Kentucky and is proofed at 100. Priced between $500 and $900, this bourbon boasts a flavor profile with notes of nutmeg, walnut, vanilla, butterscotch, and candied orange peels. Buy it now!

3. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, crafted by Old Forester since 1870, hails from Kentucky and has a proof of 96. Priced between $200 and $1600, this bourbon offers a flavor profile with notes of charred oak, dark honey, molasses, and citrus. Buy it now!

2. Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, originating from Kentucky's Buffalo Trace Distillery, established in 1775, is a 93-proof bourbon priced between $150 and $300. Its flavor profile features notes of sweet corn, honey, vanilla, caramel, and wintery spices. Buy it now!

1. Elijah Craig 18-Year Bourbon

Elijah Craig 18-Year Bourbon, from the Elijah Craig Distillery in Kentucky, established in 1789, is a 90-proof bourbon priced between $300 and $550. Its flavor profile includes notes of cherries, vanilla, fudge, pecans, oak, and sweet honey. Buy it now!