Best Bourbons We've Reviewed — The Liquor Connoisseur's Ranked List
- connoisseurofliquo
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
The Liquor Connoisseur has reviewed bourbon from Kentucky, Texas, New York, and Oklahoma — across every price point, mashbill style, and proof level. This is our definitive ranked list of the best bourbons we've reviewed, updated as we add new episodes. Every bottle on this list has been tasted blind or on-camera by Crystal and Roger with full tasting notes published. No paid placements. No hype. Just the bottles that earned it.
🥇 #1 — Frank August Small Batch Bourbon | 2025 World's Best Bourbon
Named IWSC Whiskey of the Year. Grain-forward, high-rye, non-chill filtered with visible whiskey glitter in the glass. At $70 it delivers complexity and intention that most bottles at twice the price can't match. Read our full review →
🥈 #2 — Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch | The Story Behind the Bottle
The bottle that carries Nathan Nearest Green's restored legacy. Honeyed, smooth, and genuinely moving — it earns its place on every shelf for flavor and for what it represents. One of the best introductions to bourbon available at any price.
🥉 #3 — Wild Turkey 101 vs. Maker's Mark 101 | The Great 101-Proof Debate
Two of the best value bourbons in the world, head-to-head. Wild Turkey 101 wins on complexity and character. Maker's 101 wins on softness and approachability. Both are essential. Neither costs more than $35. Read the full comparison →
#4 — Hochatown Loyal & True Reserve | Oklahoma's Best Bourbon
The Oklahoma craft bourbon that competes with Kentucky. Tasted alongside Fred Minnick, one of the most respected voices in bourbon. Hochatown is building something serious in Broken Bow.
#5 — George Dickel Bottled in Bond | Tennessee's Most Overlooked Whiskey
100 proof, single season, single distillery, minimum 4 years aged — and around $30. George Dickel BiB is one of the most overlooked value bottles in American whiskey. If you haven't tried it, that changes today.
#6 — Still Austin Cask Strength | Texas Grain-to-Glass, Undiluted
Texas terroir at full proof. Non-chill filtered, grain-to-glass, and one of the most honest expressions of what bourbon can be when a distillery controls every step. Read the review →
Also Recommended: Brough Brothers (first Black-owned Kentucky distillery) | Penelope Rosé Cask | Bardstown Small Batch Stave & Finish | New Dawn Distilling 10-Year | Old Forester 1NCE AGAIN Single Barrel
🥃 Want to Taste the Best Bourbons With an Expert?
Crystal and Roger lead private bourbon tasting experiences — the same depth of education you just read about, live and in person. Corporate tastings from $1,500. In-home tastings from $500. Virtual tastings nationwide.
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