How to Choose the Best Bourbon for Any Occasion

The oldest bottle of bourbon ever sold was a pre-1915 Old Ingledew Bourbon, auctioned for $137,500 in 2021. But bourbon wasn't always a luxury spirit. Early American settlers made it because they couldn't transport their excess corn crops without them spoiling. They discovered that turning corn into whiskey preserved their harvest and also created something worth drinking. From those practical beginnings, bourbon has grown into a $9 billion industry, with new distilleries opening across America every year.

At Union Wine & Liquors, our shelves at 2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY, feature an outstanding collection of bourbons. Keep reading the blog to see our range of bourbons and get to know more about this highly sought-after spirit. 

Federal law mandates that bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at 80 proof or more. The corn base gives bourbon its signature sweetness, while rye or wheat in the mash bill creates complexity.

The percentage of alcohol is classified between 40%-60% of ABV. Low ABV bourbons of about 40-45% are fantastic mixed drinks because they give easy mixing. On the other hand barrel-proof bourbons with 55-60% ABV are generally full of core flavor. If you love drinks without any form of dilution you would enjoy this kind of spirit.

Corn percentage dramatically impacts taste. More corn in the bourbon, around 70-80% gives the bourbon sweeter vanilla and caramel essences. If it's a rye-heavy mash bill, then the bourbon will be very spice heavy. On a wheat based bourbon, breads will be the most common texture flavors that will be experienced.

With bourbons, brands like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, and Wild Turkey are brands that have earned reasonable staking in many generations of distilling bourbons.

Buffalo Trace is a Kentucky distillery with several legendary lines of bourbon. They offer a standard bourbon 45 ABV that has sweet characteristics mixed with vanilla caramel and oak. They are priced on average between $25 – $35. Their history is extremely long and dates back to 1773, when the distillery operated under medical whiskey permits during prohibition.

A bottle of Maker's Mark with a red wax stamped seal is unmistakable. Since they use wheat instead of rye in their mashbill blends, the bourbon’s profile is smoother and softer. Maker’s Mark’s bourbon contains 45 percent alcohol by volume and a host of vanilla, caramel, and softer wheat notes. Furthermore the whiskey has quite reasonable prices of $30 to $40 and has quite reliable branding and claims.

Wild Turkey provides a completely different context and flavor profile. This bourbon with 101 proof (56.5 percent alcohol volume) bottles is considered legendary by serious bourbon enthusiasts. More alcohol equates to more flavor, so expect overpowering spice, heavy notes of oak, and plenty of heat throughout. The pricing is in the $25-$35 range and is perfect for heavy bourbon drinkers.

Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve is, at least told, one of the oldest and most sought-after bourbons that have been appreciated by connoisseurs for years. These extraordinary whiskies spend 15 to 23 years maturing in barrels. This prolonged maturation gives them their coveted layered and premium taste.

It all begins with the right choice of corn, wheat, and rye. The master distillers at Pappy Van Winkle confirmed many years ago that sometimes different combinations in the mash bill mean different flavor profiles; for example, wheat gives a smoother, more palatable bourbon than the rye mixed recipes. Age determines the interactions to many oaks to some bourbons, where so many fail. The barrels age caramel and vanilla notes; however, giving hints of faint wood smoke, an aroma that can't be achieved through artifice.

Sticking with the theme of single barrel maturation is Blanton's Single Barrel. Bottled straight from the barrel, each one of them is guaranteed to have a different flavor experience. Sweet honey and vanilla up front, and a subdued referential oak note shows its presence when you're swallowing.

Four Roses Limited Edition is another unique brand because when they create bourbons they use a blend of multiple bourbon recipes. This creates layered flavor profiles that are completely different from traditional bourbons. This limited edition bourbon has spicy undertones mixed with dark chocolate hints, which makes for a unique sipping experience because you taste a new flavor with every sip.

Whereas Eagle Rare 17 Year is all about patience in bourbon production. Seventeen years of careful barrel aging produces the bourbon’s extraordinary depth. The tasting profile consists of leather and dried fruit notes alongside wood characteristics. The extended aging process concentrates the flavors to create a bourbon that feels more like a fine cognac than a standard whiskey.

Nowadays, many people treat collecting bourbons as an investment rather than just a hobby. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection releases bottles annually in small quantities which makes them highly desirable among collectors. Some bottles have appreciated significantly in value, often selling for double or triple their original retail price within a few years.

Van Winkle editions, priced between $5,000 and $25,000, are among the most coveted. These bourbons are aged for extended periods, often over 15 years, which allows them to develop complex flavors that are difficult to replicate. Limited production and strict aging requirements mean only a small number of bottles are released each year which drives scarcity and increases demand.

Investing in bourbon relies on understanding factors like production volume, age, and the distillery's reputation. For example, bottles from distilleries with a long history of quality craftsmanship, like Buffalo Trace, are seen as reliable investments. Collectors track market trends, compare auction prices, and often buy directly from distilleries or secondary markets to secure bottles that are expected to gain value over time.

Stop by Union Wine & Liquors on Union Road in Cheektowaga, or give us a call at (716) 608-6190 if you want to check our current bourbon selection. We love helping customers find their next favorite bottle both for sipping or adding to their collection. You can also check out our website at unionwineandliquor.com to see what's new on our shelves.