10 Best Bourbon Picks in 2026

10 Best Bourbon Picks in 2026

On the search for your perfect bottle of bourbon? Let us help you elevate your collection with our curated lineup of the best bourbon in 2026.

Step into the vibrant world of American Whiskey, where each sip is a journey through tradition and craftsmanship. From fiery and bold to rich and floral, our selection of the best-rated bourbons caters to every palate.

Bourbon whiskey is a classic, sophisticated drink. Its deep golden colour reflects tradition and refinement. Every bottle listed below is available on Flaviar, ready to be explored and enjoyed.

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The Top 10 Bourbon Picks in 2026 Best Bourbon Options

We curated our list of the best 10 bourbons based on quality, craftsmanship, and reputation. Whether you are after a full-bodied sipper, a versatile option for cocktails, or a high-proof choice, these picks cater to all preferences. Each bourbon includes tasting notes and explains what makes it worth trying.



· 700ml · 45% ABV

About Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL)

Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey is THE original family recipe that built the Bulleit name.  Tom Bulleit comes from a family steeped in distilling fine Spirits. He set out to make his own mark in 1987 when he launched Bulleit Frontier Whiskey by reviving the old family recipe — Bulleit Bourbon — with a high-rye mash bill...

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£43.99
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Medium Amber

Nose / Aroma / Smell 
The nose is rich and thick with warm spices, toasted oak, and toffee.

Flavor / Taste / Palate 
The palate is smooth and assertive at the same time with notes of vanilla, baking spices, english toffee, and a dash of pepper.

Finish
The finish is smooth and drying with lingering toffee notes.



· 700ml · 40% ABV

About Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL)

This flagship Bourbon has history in every sip. There has been Whiskey made on the site of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, for more than two hundred years. The first distillery operation that can be continuously traced to Buffalo Trace was started in 1812 by Harrison Blanton (yes, that Blanton). He...

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£31.12
Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL) Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Medium amber

Nose / Aroma / Smell 
Caramel, plenty of butter, warm mixed nuts, pumpkin spices.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Butter toffee, mint, fruit cake.

Finish 
Medium length with lingering sweet and spice.


About Bowsaw Extra American Small Batch Bourbon (700mL)

A small batch Bourbon that does Kentucky justice. Ah, Kentucky. It’s the birthplace of one of the greatest distilling traditions in the world and the lads at Bowsaw Whiskey are on a mission to do right by it. Making a truly...

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£30.61
Bowsaw Extra American Small Batch Bourbon (700mL) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Deep brown

Nose / Aroma / Smell
Toasted oak, vanilla and a hint of toffee.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Rich vanilla, caramel, black pepper, liquorice

Finish
Smooth with more vanilla and caramel.



About Corn Trooper United Craft Bourbon

We’ve wanted to create our very own Bourbon from the first day of Flaviar. When we went on a road trip through America, we realized that a great Bourbon must be truly American - a union of diverse wild Spirits that come together for something greater than their...

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Regular
£69.52
Flaviar black
£62.57 (−10%)
Corn Trooper United Craft Bourbon Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color

Dark Amber

Nose / Aroma / Smell

Corn Trooper exudes a powerful nose with notes of maple syrup, oak, vanilla, banana, and green olive.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

The aroma is underlined by the spicy character of cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, dark cherry, and apple peels, all translating perfectly to the palate. A sensory grand tour of America.

Finish

The finish is pleasantly long and spiced with rich warmth.



About Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700mL)

The Maker’s Mark Bourbon that started it all and still stands tall today. The original “Burk’s Distillery” was built in 1885 just outside of Loretto, Kentucky. T. William “Bill” Samuels bought the operation in 1953 for $35,000. Samuels wanted to make quality, so he used the sales of...

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£42.82
Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700mL) Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Warm Maple

Nose / Aroma / Smell
The aroma opens sweet, then grows into a rich fruit and grain fragrance.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
The palate leans toward warm roasted nuts with balanced notes of caramel, spice cake, and cobbler.

Finish
The finish is medium length and very smooth with a hint of cinnamon.

How to Choose the Best Bourbon?

When choosing the best bourbon, it all comes down to your taste and a few important factors. Age plays a role, as older bourbons (10-12 years) tend to have deeper, more complex flavours, while younger ones are lively and spicy. Look at the mash bill and tasting notes, and pick the one that will make each sip an experience to remember.

Best Bourbon for Cocktails

Many premium bourbons are brilliant to enjoy neat, but several on our list also make fantastic cocktail bases, balancing flavour and strength perfectly. For classic bourbon cocktails, try these options:

  • Buffalo Trace: A well-rounded Kentucky Bourbon that works wonderfully in an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour.
  • Bowsaw Extra American: A small-batch Kentucky bourbon with rich vanilla and caramel, high-rye mash, and a smooth 86-proof finish.
  • W. L. Weller Special Reserve: A wheated bourbon with gentle caramel notes, excellent in a Mint Julep or Paper Plane.

Best Bourbon for Drinking Straight

Go for high-proof, well-aged bourbons when enjoying them neat or over ice. Widow Jane Decadence, for example, offers a rich maple finish with hints of vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon that transform every sip into a flavourful experience. Small-batch bourbons are also a reliable choice for those who enjoy a full-flavoured pour.

Other top picks for straight drinking include Henry McKenna 10-Year, Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch. Each of these offers a distinct character that makes savouring bourbon a proper treat.

How Much Does the Best Bourbon Cost?

Bourbon caters to every budget. Affordable options like Buffalo Trace let you enjoy quality without spending a fortune. Mid-range whiskies such as Knob Creek 12-Year and Henry McKenna 10-Year offer a refined experience at a reasonable price, perfect for those looking to explore more.

If you want to go all out, premium choices like Kentucky Owl and Blanton bring complex flavours and memorable finishes.