Below is our list of bourbon’s ranked by preference for both use in cocktails and serving neat. Using both scores, we create a net rank that is combined score of the bourbon. The lower the net rank, the better the Bourbon is overall.
We chose to use rankings instead of score because palates are very subjective and tie scores are not helpful. All bourbons receive a binary score of Recommended or not. Those that are Recommended receive a checkmark. Recommended bottles are those believe will best serve you in your enjoyment of either cocktails or booze. Be aware, some bottles work better than others.
In addition, we have included if a bourbon is Allocated, if it is a Store Pick / Limited Time Offer (LTO), and the MSRP. These are all important factors in evaluating if a bottle is right for your bar.
- Allocated – These bottles are controlled by a state liquor authority or distributed in particular volumes to retailers to try to ensure fairness of distribution. These bottles are often difficult if not impossible to find at MSRP.
- Store Pick / LTO – These bottles are produced in limited quantities and may represent a particular blend, barrel, or finish. There could be significant variation compared to the standard offering. These bottles should be considered as expansion bottles to your base offerings.
- MSRP ($) – The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price / State Minimum In Ohio. This is what you should expect to pay. We will periodically update this as things changes. Be aware that allocated bottles may sell for significantly higher on the secondary market.
To sort the table, please click the headers.
Last Updated: 7/31/22
Bourbon Rankings
| Bourbon | Cocktail Rank | Neat Rank | Net Rank | Recommended? | Allocated? | Store Pick / LTO | MSRP ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Roses Single Barrel | 2 | 2 | 2 | ✔ | 45 | ||
| Ezra Brooks Distillers Collection Bourbon – OHLQ #1 | 1 | 4 | 3.5 | ✔ | ✔ | 35 | |
| Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | 3 | 5 | 4 | ✔ | 40 | ||
| Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Bourbon | 5 | 6 | 5.5 | ✔ | 30 | ||
| Eagle Rare 10 | 7 | 3 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | 33 | |
| Wild Turkey 101 | 6 | 8 | 7 | ✔ | 22 | ||
| Little Book Chapter 5: The Invitiation | 4 | 1 | 7.5 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 125 |
| W.L. Weller Antique | 9 | 9 | 10 | ✔ | 50 | ||
| 1792 Small Batch | 8 | 11 | 10.5 | ✔ | ✔ | 30 | |
| Maker’s Mark 46 | 11 | 10 | 10.5 | ✔ | 35 | ||
| Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength | 10 | 7 | 11.5 | ✔ | ✔ | 60 | |
| Old Forester 1897 | 14 | 13 | 13.5 | 50 | |||
| Maker’s Mark | 12 | 16 | 14 | ✔ | 26 | ||
| Elijah Craig Small Batch | 13 | 17 | 15 | ✔ | 30 | ||
| Four Roses Small Batch | 16 | 15 | 15.5 | 35 | |||
| Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | 18 | 12 | 16 | ✔ | 55 | ||
| Bulleit Bourbon | 17 | 18 | 17.5 | ✔ | 26 | ||
| Jim Beam White Label | 15 | 21 | 18 | 19 | |||
| W.L. Weller Special Reserve | 20 | 14 | 18 | ✔ | ✔ | 22 | |
| Jim Beam Bonded | 19 | 20 | 19.5 | 25 | |||
| Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon | 21 | 19 | 20 | 21 | |||
| Ezra Brooks 99 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 25 |