
With bottled in bond whiskey making a comeback, there’s more reason than ever to put some of this bangin’ bourbon (and rye, and corn whiskey) in your glass. Here are 10 recommendations from the Whisky Advocate Buying Guide.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch—90 points
Slightly hot on the nose. On the tongue it’s bright and spicy, with hints of teaberry and licorice developing into the finish. Quite enjoyable.
Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled in Bond 10 year old—90 points
One of the few remaining aged-stated bourbons. Sweet and savory with a long, pleasant finish. Balance is the point of this sipper.
Tom’s Foolery Bonded—89 points
One of the first non-Kentucky bonded bourbons since the 1950s. Apricot meets dark chocolate, mint, and smoked corn; a long chicory-coffee finish. Definitely not Kentucky bourbon, but is delicious.
Think butterscotch and caramel dripping over popcorn. Not complex or complicated. Maybe it could benefit from two more years in the barrel, but that would mean a higher price.
Rittenhouse Rye Bottled in Bond—88 points
Packs lots of corn. Ripe in flavor: slight mint from the rye and a complex voyage of herbs with a touch of chocolate here and walnut shell there. Good for cocktails, on the rocks, and straight.
Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 6 year old—86 points
Hot rush of corn, solidly oak-edged, sizzles with allspice and cinnamon, and backed by leather; a sweet, glowing finish. Bridges the gap between young and old bourbon.
On the nose this is focused, dry, and integrated. Lively and light in the mouth. If you mix it, go light. One cube, a small splash; then enjoy the delicacy.
Very Old Barton Bottled in Bond—82 points
This could use another year or two in the barrel, but the grains, caramel, and fruit (with a hint of spice) are delicious on their own. Want a house bourbon for cocktails? This is a fine pick.
Mellow Corn Bottled in Bond—78 points
Mellow Corn is the corn whiskey category leader. As expected, corn expresses itself throughout. This is a sipper if you really like corn, but you can’t drink this and think bourbon.
Old Forester 1897 Bottled in Bond—77 points
Screaming oak nose. Hot entry; not subtle or quiet on the tongue. Water brings out sweet corn, mint, and rye oil, but the oak dominates. No balance.