If you're on the hunt for the best bourbons to try in 2025, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just starting your whiskey journey, this list has something to impress your palate—without needing to decode a dozen obscure tasting notes like “essence of nutmeg in a hayfield.”
Let’s be real: bourbon tasting is highly subjective. Everyone’s palate is shaped by their unique experiences. One person’s nutmeg is another’s vanilla bomb. That said, good bourbon is just good bourbon—and I’ve got four standout bottles that recently earned a permanent spot on my whiskey wish list.
Yes, I’m borrowing Guy Fieri’s catchphrase—because these bourbons bring the flavor. Each one has been cracked open in the past month in my garage speakeasy (aka the neighbor’s favorite hangout), and they’ve all been crowd-pleasers. A few are easy to find online, while one may require some hunting—but trust me, they’re worth it.
This cask strength wheated bourbon from Ohio-based Middle West Spirits punches well above its age. Rich, flavorful, and smooth, it’s a great entry for anyone who loves full-bodied bourbon without the burn. Bonus: It’s affordable and accessible. If you’re building out a collection, this bottle is a smart pick.
Yes, it’s over the hazmat line, but don’t let the high proof scare you. This bourbon is surprisingly smooth with a rich, toasted profile that’s complex but balanced. It’s not a flavor explosion in a bad way—more like a perfectly blended medley. Expect to put in some work to find it or pay a little premium on the secondary market. According to the Bourbon Blue Book® you’re looking at $165 currently to grab one of these off the secondary, which isn’t terribly far off from retail pricing.
This legendary bourbon went fast—and for good reason. Deep oak, mature sweetness, and layers of spice make this a bottle that disappeared from my shelf in record time. If you come across one, snag it. These “Buff Turkey” bottles have a cult following thanks to their origin story and killer flavor. A must-have for serious bourbon collectors. Expect to pay around $330 according to the Bourbon Blue Book® to be able to add this to your shelf (even if it does disappear down the hatch by the next day).
K. Luke is a brand I didn’t expect to get obsessed with—but here we are, five bottles deep. Batch 4 of their toasted barrel series offers a great balance of sweet and oak with a smooth, lingering finish. It's approachable but bold, and still easy to find online if you're quick. You’ll also find several K. Luke expressions in the Bourbon Blue Book® ranging from $110 to $250.
These four bottles are more than just good—they’re memorable. Whether you’re chasing the next great toasted barrel bourbon, looking for value at cask strength, or hunting for rare unicorns, these picks offer something for every type of bourbon enthusiast.
If you’re buying, selling, or trading bourbon—especially rare or allocated bottles—real-time data is everything. The bourbon secondary market is constantly shifting and staying informed means knowing what bottles are really worth right now.
That’s where the Bourbon Blue Book® as recently featured in Forbes comes in.
Powered by the Bourboneur App (available for iOS and Android), the Blue Book provides verified secondary market pricing for over 6,500 bottles and counting. Whether you’re checking a newly released drop or tracking market trends, this tool helps you avoid overpaying or underselling your collection.
📈 Bourbon Pricing Backed by Real Sales Data
• Regular updates based on actual sales—not guesswork
• Over 6,500 bottles with real-time values
• Accurate secondary market valuations (not just MSRP or retail pricing)
• Reflects economic shifts—like the 11.2% dip in the market over the last 14 months
The app requires a subscription—but at just $3/month or $25/year, it pays for itself the first time you avoid overpaying for that hot bottle.
👉 Download the Bourboneur App today and start making smarter bourbon decisions.
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