Top 5 Best High Proof Bourbons
Discover the Top 5 Best High Proof Bourbons with strong character according to my taste. High proof bourbon bottles turn the volume to the maximum. These are the Ultimate Bourbons for my taste that raise the bar to its peak in my whiskey experience in terms of both complexity and intensity of flavours and richness of the aromas. They unlock highest bourbon experience possible for my senses. Whether you are into barrel proof, barrel strength, cask strength or bourbon that packs a serious punch, this countdown list is great starting point. The most memorable feelings and sensations are sealed in my whisky journey tasting this small group of my best higher proof bourbons.
#5
OLd Ezra 7
Barrel StrengTH
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Lux Row Distillers
ABV: 58.5% (117 Proof)
Age: 7 years
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Raisins, Dark Fruit, Cinnamon, Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Tobacco, Pecan, Dry Pepper, Brown Sugar
Taste: Rich Caramel Syrup, Dark Cherries, Herbal, Sweet Spices, Clove, Oily Sweentes
Aftertaste: Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Candy Corn, Dry Pepper, Spicy Oak, Candied Apple, Wood Char, Cacao
My Thoughts
Old Ezra 7 is a bold, full-throttle bourbon that wears its 117 proof with pride. From the first sip you get an explosion of rich caramel, toasted oak, and dark brown sugar, followed by layers of baking spice, pepper, and a touch of cacao. The age brings a maturity that grounds all that power, giving it depth and structure instead of just heat. It’s unapologetically intense, but with enough balance to make every sip rewarding. A quintessential “big” bourbon which is strong, rich, and built for those who crave flavour at full strength.
#4
OLd Forester 1920
Prohibition Style
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Brown-Forman Distillery
ABV: 57.5% (115 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Cherry Candy, Burnt Brown Sugar, Toasted Oak, Dark Caramel, Banana Bread, Dried Fruits,
Taste: Barrel Char, Oak, Dark Caramel, Pecan, Maple Syrup, Baking Spice, Nougat, Peppercorn, Spice
Aftertaste: Brown Sugar, Dark Chocolate, Nuttiness, Cherries, Dry Wood, Cocoa, Cedar, Smoked Sweetness, Toasted Cookies
My Thoughts
George Garvin Brown was pharmaceutical salesman in 1800's and he was selling medicaments including medicinal whiskey. He revolutionized the whiskey industry by being the first to seal and bottle the Bourbon in a glass bottle instead of selling it in a barrel. He is "The First Bourbon's Bottler" as he seals and signs every whiskey bottle as a personal guarantee of its quality. In 1920 by Volstead Act Prohibition was initiated in USA, and only six distillers was permited to bottle Bourbon for medicinal purposes. Old Forester was one of those six who continued to produce whiskey. During Prohibition, all whiskies had to be bottled at 100 Proof. With a barrel entry proof of 100, and the "angel's share" would have created a 115 proof whiskey after maturation.
To pay homage to this era, Old Forester is producing today 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon at 115 proof to represent the rich flavor profile and full bodied bourbon like more than 100 years ago. It is flavour bomb and very distinctive bottle in Old Forester Whiskey Row lineup that still captures so much attention with layered flavours that express traditional Brown-Forman character.
#3
Blanton’s
STrAigHt From the Barrel
Single Barrel
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
ABV: 60.5-67.5% (121-135 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (6-8 years)
Mash Bill: Mash Bill #2 (High Rye Recipe)
Tasting Notes
Nose: Lemon, Honey, Dark Brown Sugar, Vanilla, Melted Butter, Caramel, Cinnamon, Toasted Orange Peel, Oak, Nutmeg, Clove, Fig
Taste: Cinnamon, Caramel, Honey, Roasted Plums, Toasted Nuts, Buttery Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Spiced Oak, Rich Fruitiness, Cherries
Aftertaste: Dark Caramel, Apple Pie, Cinnamon, Tobacco, Liquid Brown Sugar, Fruity, Leather, Grilled Peaches, Dark Chocolate, Clove
My Thoughts
Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel is Blanton’s unleashed…it is raw, powerful, and full of recognisable Blanton’s character. At full barrel proof it explodes with dark caramel, rich honey flavours, oriental spices, and waves of dark chocolate and sweet fruits, all delivered with unapologetic intensity. Yet beneath the strength there’s elegance, with layers that reveal themselves as you sit with it. It’s the boldest and most complex expression in the Blanton’s lineup, a pour that shows just how exceptional this bourbon can be when left untouched and undiluted.
#2
WIld Turkey
Rare Breed
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
ABV: 58.4% (116.8 Proof)
Age: Blend of 6, 8 and 12 Year-Old Bourbons
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Citrus, Toffee, Caramelised Sugar, Rich Sweet Spice, Vanilla, Ginger, Orange Zest, Cinnamon, Cherry, Pecans, Spiced Wood, Fig
Taste: Burnt Wood, Caramel Sauce, Warm Dusty Spice, Pecans, Oily Vanilla, Dried Fruits, Dark Molasses, Brown Sugar, Toffee, Buttery
Aftertaste: Oak, Sweet Orange, Warm Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Walnut, Charcoal, Black Pepper, Cherry Syrup, Honey, Toasted, Rye
My Thoughts
Rare Breed is Wild Turkey at its purest, a barrel proof bourbon that manages to be both powerful and beautifully drinkable. It hits with bold caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, wrapped in signature Wild Turkey spice and a touch of citrus zest. The proof gives it punch and depth, but the balance is what makes it shine. It is high Rye mash bill and it makes this whiskey really spicy and tasty, and higher strength amplifies the aromas and flavours to the maximum giving the full body mouthfeel of the textures with every sip... rich, warm, and layered without ever feeling harsh. A true classic in the barrel proof category, and a bottle that delivers far above its price point.
#1
Elijah Craig
Barrel Proof
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
ABV: Approx. 60-70% (120-140 Proof)
Age: 12 Year-Old Bourbon
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Mint, Pine Rasin, Toffee, Vanilla, Charred Oak, Caramel, Spice, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Marzipan, Nutmeg, Dark Fruit, Plums
Taste: Burnt Wood, Caramel, Raisins, Dusty Spice, White Pepper, Sweet Toasted Oak, Roasted Almonds, Dry Sweetness, Brown Sugar
Aftertaste: Dried Figs, Thick and Oily Caramel Syrup, Candied Fruit, Cocoa Powder, Warm Spice, Roasted Vanilla Bean, Woodiness
My Thoughts
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is bourbon experience in it's purest form they claim! Uncut, undiluted, straight from the barrel without chill filtration, bottled around 60% ABV depending on each batch... this whiskey expression is absolutely my favorite bourbon that I can find on European market! Probably the most powerful high end American whiskey that money can buy for the reasonable price...
I am very glad that I have few bottles in cabinet and here are my tasting notes for this specific batch. Compared to Small Batch which is also extraordinary bourbon whiskey, Barrel Proof is whole another level, turning the music volume to the max, amplifying the flavors and aromas to the very best that this style of whiskey can offer!
