Last Updated on: 16th April 2024, 07:38 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
With the assistance of whiskey expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer feedback, I have assembled a list of the top 100-proof Bourbons.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing a Top 100 Proof Whiskey
- Benchmark Bonded: An affordable choice delivering a classic Buffalo Trace profile, best served with water.
- Wild Turkey 101: Offers complexity and value, great for sipping on the rocks or in cocktails.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: Notably smooth and versatile, suitable for various drinking methods.
- Knob Creek: A robust, full-bodied bourbon that’s best enjoyed neat for its complex flavors.
- 1792 Bottled in Bond: Unique for its sweet and spicy profile, ideal for a distinct bourbon experience.
- Maker’s Mark 101: Smooth and wheated, it provides a rich Maker’s Mark taste at a better price.
- New Riff: Features a rye spice balance with classic bourbon sweetness, perfect for neat sipping or in cocktails.
- Rowan’s Creek: Offers a smooth experience with a sweet profile, enjoyable neat or with water.
- Rittenhouse Rye: Best budget rye, potent yet smooth, great in cocktails for its spicy kick.
- Henry McKenna: An extra-aged, bottled-in-bond choice, ideal for savoring neat or in bold cocktails.
- Four Roses Single Barrel: High-rye content delivers a spicy yet smooth sipping experience.
- E.H. Taylor Small Batch: A sought-after, complex bourbon from Buffalo Trace, excellent for special occasions or casual sipping.
- Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Quick Look at the Best 100-Proof Bourbons
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
Benchmark Bonded: Classic Buffalo Trace Value
- Nose: Ethanol, orange, cinnamon, toasted nuts
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, oak, brown sugar, baking spice
- Finish: Oak spice, baking spice, orange
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Benchmark delivers a lot of bang for your buck. This 100-proof bourbon boasts a budget-friendly price while offering a classic Buffalo Trace profile.
The nose entices with hints of orange, cinnamon, and toasted nuts. The palate is rich and viscous, overflowing with vanilla, caramel, oak, brown sugar, and baking spices. The finish lingers with a touch of warmth, showcasing oak, baking spice, and a hint of orange peel.
While not overly complex, Benchmark is a fantastic choice for those seeking a delicious and affordable taste of tradition with similar flavors to the Buffalo Trace, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Wild Turkey 101: A Complex Value Champion
- Nose: Caramel, oak, vanilla, citrus
- Palate: Baking spice, caramel, oak char, mint
- Finish: Long, baking spice, oak char
- Alcohol content: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
Wild Turkey 101 packs a punch in both flavor and affordability. Don’t let the 101 proof fool you – the nose is surprisingly sweet with honey, caramel, vanilla, and hints of smoky oak. The smooth entry explodes with flavors of vanilla, brown sugar, baking spice, and even hazelnuts, with a touch of mint for intrigue. The finish is long and warming, dominated by charred oak notes.
Wild Turkey 101 isn’t just approachable, it’s a complex dance of oak spice, sweetness, and aged leather that rivals pricier options. No wonder it’s a favorite among bourbon experts and enthusiasts alike!
Old Forester 100 Proof: Smooth & Versatile at a Great Price
- Nose: Alcohol, oak, caramel
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, mint
- Finish: Spice, tobacco, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, cocktail
Despite a starting ethanol punch on the nose, Old Forester 100 Proof quickly transitions to oak and caramel notes. The medium-bodied palate offers a surprising smoothness considering its 100-proof strength. Expect flavors of oak, caramel, a hint of mint, and a medley of baking spices like cinnamon and chocolate, with a touch of cherry for intrigue. The finish lingers with spice, tobacco, and oak, with a gentle warmth.
This affordable bourbon is surprisingly versatile, holding its own neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. For a smooth and satisfying 100-proof bourbon at an unbeatable price, Old Forester 100 Proof is a strong recommendation.
Knob Creek: A Cherry-Infused Powerhouse
- Nose: Cherry, vanilla, caramel, rye spice, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, cherry, chocolate, peanuts
- Finish: Long, vanilla, banana, baking spices
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Knob Creek explodes with a unique cherry aroma, followed by vanilla, caramel, oak, and a hint of rye spice. The palate is a revelation – buttery, creamy, and warming with flavors of vanilla, oak, rich chocolate, pops of cherry, and a surprising peanut note. Don’t let the 100-proof rating fool you – Knob Creek finishes long and warm, yet remarkably smooth.
This is a robust, full-bodied bourbon that’s surprisingly approachable despite its intensity. Enjoy it neat to fully appreciate its complexity, or add a few drops of water to unlock additional floral notes. Knob Creek is a must-try for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a bold and distinctive experience.
1792 Bottled in Bond: A Sweet & Spicy Delight
- Nose: Charred oak, banana, rye spice
- Palate: Cinnamon, oak, banana, ripe fruit
- Finish: Medium-length, cinnamon, pepper, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
1792 Bottled in Bond offers a unique nose of fruity notes, warm cinnamon raisin bread, and a surprising touch of bubblegum. This sweetness carries over to the palate, mingling with rye spice, vanilla, and hints of cherry and oak. Green apple joins the party for a touch of complexity. The finish is deep and satisfying, with a creamy texture that belies its higher proof.
Living up to its name, this bourbon is bottled in bond, following strict regulations that ensure quality and consistency. This translates to a well-rounded and flavorful experience, making it a great choice for those seeking a unique and satisfying bourbon.
Maker’s Mark 101: A Smooth & Affordable Wheated Delight
- Nose: Toasted bread, caramel, orange peel
- Palate: Fruity, mint, caramel, vanilla, oak
- Finish: Medium to long, fruity, oak
- Alcohol content: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Maker’s Mark 101 offers a welcoming nose of toasted bread, caramel, and a hint of citrus, all with minimal alcohol bite. The palate is pleasingly textured, bursting with fruity notes and a touch of mint, before transitioning to familiar flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The medium-to-long finish combines fruit, oak, and a touch of pepper for a satisfying conclusion.
While not quite a Weller (another wheated bourbon known for smoothness), Maker’s Mark 101 comes surprisingly close in flavor profile at a more attractive price point. This higher-proof version offers a delightful upgrade on the classic Maker’s Mark, boasting enhanced flavors and texture while maintaining exceptional smoothness.
The low heat for a 101-proof bourbon makes it a fantastic choice for sipping neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its nuances.
New Riff: Rye Spice Meets Smoothness
- Nose: Oak, rye spice, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, rye spice, mint
- Finish: Oak spice, rye spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
New Riff takes a fresh approach to Kentucky bourbon. The aroma offers a mix of young oak, rye spice, and classic bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice. The creamy palate brings the rye to the forefront with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and a pronounced kick of rye spice, balanced by peppermint and black pepper. The finish is satisfyingly warm with lingering rye spice, bitter oak, and a hint of caramel.
Compared to Bulleit Bourbon, New Riff offers a similar rye punch but with more nuance and complexity. Enjoy it neat or with a touch of water to experience the interplay of rye spice, sweetness, and subtle oak. This well-balanced bourbon is a great choice for those seeking a flavorful and exciting take on the classic spirit.
Rowan’s Creek: Sweet & Easy Does It
- Nose: Caramel, brown sugar, oak
- Palate: Dark fruit, vanilla, rye spice, brown sugar, oak
- Finish: Dry, oak, apple peel
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Rowan’s Creek charms with a gentle sweetness of caramel and brown sugar, accented by a touch of oak. The taste leans into fruit and vanilla, with a whisper of rye spice for balance. It finishes with a dry warmth, hinting at oak and apple peel.
Rowan’s Creek offers a substantial mouthfeel thanks to its high proof, all while maintaining a smooth and easy-sipping character. For those seeking a pleasant and straightforward bourbon experience, Rowan’s Creek delivers.
Rittenhouse Rye: Best Budget Rye for a Reason
- Nose: Rye spice, vanilla, oak
- Palate: Ripe fruit, roasted nuts, citrus
- Finish: Long, citrus, pecan
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
This rye whiskey boasts a light nose with hints of vanilla, oak, and spice, with subtle citrus and alcohol notes. The rye influence shines on the palate, offering fruitiness, mild spice, nutty undertones, and baking spice flavors. The finish is surprisingly long and features a buttery texture with a consistent warmth.
Rittenhouse Rye prioritizes flavor over smoothness, offering a spicy kick you might not find in bourbons. Don’t be afraid to add water for a smoother sipping experience.
However, its 100-proof muscle also makes it a fantastic choice for cocktails, adding a satisfying rye punch to your drink.
Henry McKenna: A Rare and Flavorful Treasure
- Nose: Ethanol, vanilla, caramel, citrus, clove, nutmeg
- Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, oak, baking spice
- Finish: Caramel, vanilla, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Henry McKenna stands out as the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond, single-barrel bourbon on this list, making it a unique and coveted find.
While the initial aroma presents a touch of alcohol, it quickly unfolds into a symphony of sweet scents – vanilla, caramel, clove, and nutmeg. The palate delivers a burst of warmth followed by a wave of sweetness. Rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar mingle with a hint of menthol, showcasing surprising restraint from the oak despite its age. The finish echoes the initial notes, lingering with ethanol, rye spice, vanilla, caramel, and subtle oak.
A touch of water helps tame the initial heat, allowing you to fully appreciate the complexity of this bourbon. Enjoy it neat to savor its nuances, or use it in bold cocktails for a truly special drink.
Four Roses Single Barrel: The King of Rye Spice (and Value)
- Nose: Baking spice, cherry, vanilla, honey
- Palate: Cinnamon, rye spice, vanilla, honey
- Finish: Medium, caramel, baking spice, cinnamon
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Four Roses Single Barrel wears its rye content proudly. The nose entices with delicate hints of baking spice, cherry, and honeyed vanilla. Spice takes center stage on the palate at first, a burst of rye complemented by cinnamon. Don’t worry, sweetness soon joins the party, offering a delightful mix of fruit, honey, vanilla, and a touch of oak, all wrapped in a creamy texture. The finish is warm and inviting, lingering with sweetness and a touch of cinnamon.
This high-rye bourbon is more than just a spicy kick. It evolves into a complex and satisfying journey, making it a fantastic sipping experience. Despite its 100-proof strength, the layers of flavor ensure a smooth and enjoyable drink. Four Roses Single Barrel stands out not only as the top bottle from this distillery but as one of the finest Single Barrel bourbons available, especially considering its remarkable value under $50.
E.H. Taylor Small Batch: A Sought-After Treasure from Buffalo Trace
- Nose: Cherry, tobacco, chocolate, cinnamon, caramel
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, spice, oak
- Finish: Charred oak, black pepper, vanilla, cherry
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
E.H. Taylor Small Batch, my personal favorite from Buffalo Trace, takes their core mash bill and elevates it to new heights. Sharing the same DNA as Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Benchmark, it distinguishes itself through bottled-in-bond status and a minimum of seven years of aging.
The enticing aroma offers hints of cherry, chocolate, and tobacco, with a whisper of ethanol warmth. The palate is thick and oily, initially presenting a burst of heat and bitterness that quickly transitions into a delightful dance of sweet vanilla, fruit flavors, baking spice, and oak. The finish showcases charred oak and a touch of black pepper, before circling back to lingering notes of vanilla and cherry.
Highly sought after for good reason, E.H. Taylor Small Batch offers a complex and satisfying experience. Think of it as a slightly more assertive and budget-friendly version of Blanton’s, with a focus on sweetness balanced by warming spice and oaky undertones. This bourbon is a true crowd-pleaser, making it a highly regarded choice for both casual sipping and special occasions.
Choosing a Good 100-Proof Bourbon
- Flavor and Balance: Chosen for their ability to deliver robust flavors at 100 proof without overwhelming the palate.
- Affordability: Ensuring quality within a reasonable price range.
- Expert and Customer Reviews: Considered feedback from a wide range of bourbon lovers.
- Versatility: Suitable for sipping neat, with water, or as a base in cocktails.
- Serving Suggestion: Enhance their flavors with a giant ice ball or a few drops of water, depending on personal preference.