Top 5 Best Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Looking to explore bourbon with balance, depth, and handcrafted quality? Small batch bourbon whiskeys are the sweet spot between craft and consistency. They are crafted in limited quantities for more consistency and complexity than mass-market bottles. In this guide, we reveal the Top 5 Small Batch Bourbons, including classics like Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Michter’s and Knob Creel, that deliver exceptional flavor, smoothness, and character, whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned whiskey fan.
#5
FOUR ROSES SMALL BATCH
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
SPECIFICATION
Distillery: Four Roses Distillery
ABV: 45% (90 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (6-7 Years)
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 35% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Raisins, Caramel, Chocolate, Toffee, Oak, Pepper, Honey
Taste: Red Berries, Vanilla, Dried Spices, Dusty Cinnamon, Peppery, Nutmeg
Aftertaste: Spice, Wet Oak, Caramel, Sweet Corn, Peppery, Honey, Floral
My Thoughts
Four Roses Small Batch is elegance wrapped in approachability. It blends four distinct recipes, and you can feel the harmony…soft fruit, gentle spice, caramel, and a floral touch that sets it apart. There’s balance and complexity without being heavy-handed. It’s the kind of bourbon that impresses both newcomers and seasoned drinkers. Small Batch is a quiet standout in this range.
#4
Knob Creek 9 Small Batch
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
ABV: 50% (100 Proof)
Age: 9 Years
Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Cinnamon, Peanut Butter, Caramel, Oak, Vanilla, Nuttiness, Toasted Nuts
Taste: Toasty Oak, Spice, Nut Oil, Burnt Caramel, Pepper, Nutty
Aftertaste: Spice, Vanilla, Rich Oak, Peanut, Hints of Honey, Grain, Brown Sugar
My Thoughts
Knob Creek 9 Small Batch is a powerhouse of a bourbon that manages to balance boldness with depth. Right from the start, you get a rush of classic flavours rich caramel, toasted oak, roasted peanuts, and a dark sweetness that leans into molasses and vanilla. At 100 proof, it drinks with authority but never feels harsh, carrying a warmth that lingers beautifully with recognisable Jeam Beam nutty character. What I like most is the maturity it shows nine years in the barrel really brings a layered, old-school character that’s becoming harder to find at this price point. A quintessential bourbon for those who appreciate big, traditional flavours with a touch of rugged charm.
#3
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Specification
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (Between 8-12 Years)
Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
Tasting Notes
Nose: Orange Zest, Chestnut, Honey, Cinnamon, Caramel, Raisins, Vanilla
Taste: Warm Spice, Honey, Nutmeg, Raisins, Dried Fruit, Cherry, Hazelnuts, Toffee
Aftertaste: Orange, Nougat, Marzipan, Oak, Vanilla Bean, Sweet Wood
MY THOUGHTS
Father of Bourbon. Elijah Craig.
First to char new oak barrels and age whiskey in it. This mature and rich flavor spirit would become known as a Bourbon!
From this refined process over the centuries modern product as a Small Batch is here today, and it is well crafted bourbon whiskey which I enjoy and recommend highly. Small Batch is one of the most consistent quality product over the years and this is why it so high on list…If you like your bourbon with legacy, a good structure and a bit of old-school charm, this one hits the mark.
#2
1792 SMALL BATCH
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
SPECIFICATION
Distillery: Barton Distillery
ABV: 46.85% (93.7 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (NAS)
Mash Bill: High Rye
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Spice, Orange, Pepper, Cinnamon, Caramel, Vanilla
Taste: Citrus, Vanilla, Rye Spice, Cinnamon, Earthy, Herbal, Anise
Aftertaste: Vanilla, Peppercorn, Clove, Hints of Smoky Oak, Peanut
MY THOUGHTS
1792 Small Batch hits harder than most in its class…it is bold, spicy, and unapologetically full-bodied. There’s a rye-forward punch right up front, followed by waves of dark caramel, cinnamon, and charred oak. It’s not trying to be smooth and friendly — it’s here to make a statement. If you like your bourbon with backbone, structure, and a little bite, this one delivers in spades. A standout for the price, and a bottle that keeps you coming back when you want intensity with purpose.
#1
MICHTER’S SMALL BATCH BOURBON
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
SPECIFICATION
Distillery: Michter’s Distillery
ABV: 45.7% (91.4 Proof)
Age: Non Age Statement (NAS)
Mash Bill: Not available
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Raisins, Dried Fruits, Toffee, Fresh Oak, Caramel, Spice
Taste: Cherries, Oak, Vanilla, Stone Fruits, Toast, Honey Sweetness, Cinnamon
Aftertaste: Earthy Spice, Wet Oak, Caramel, Sweet Corn, Peppery, Dry, Clove
MY THOUGHTS
Michter’s Bourbon is true “small batch” - each batch of US★1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon is batched in a holding tank sized to fit a maximum of twenty full barrels. Michter’s Small Batch is a polished and elegant bourbon that stands out with its smooth, rounded profile. It leans toward the softer side of the spectrum—rich caramel, vanilla, and light spice dominate, with a touch of oak and dried stone fruit in the background, it has some decent proof with oily texture and the balance and finesse are undeniable. A great everyday sipper and a classy choice for bourbon enthusiasts. It is on my first place for Small Batch Bourbons since it is available almost everywhere, it keeps consistent quality and always delivers the flavourful experience.
