The Most Popular Bourbon in America, Ranked

Choose the Bourbon you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:31
The journey through America's bourbons can often leave enthusiasts both old and new overwhelmed by choice. Each bottle tells a unique story of heritage, craftsmanship, and region. Pinpointing the most appreciated bourbon can guide new aficionados towards quality selections and offer seasoned connoisseurs a snapshot of current preferences. By participating in voting for your preferred bourbon, you contribute to a live ranking that reflects the collective taste of a diverse community. This continuous input helps ensure that the list stays relevant and insightful, providing a reliable resource for anyone interested in exploring or deepening their appreciation of bourbon.

What Is the Most Popular Bourbon in America?

  1. 1
    51
    votes
    Jim Beam
    Felix Stember · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Jim Beam

    Jacob Beam
    One of the most recognizable names in bourbon, Jim Beam has been around since 1795 and is the best-selling bourbon in the world. It is known for its smooth, mellow taste and affordable price point.
    Jim Beam is a popular Bourbon whiskey in America known for its smooth and mellow taste. It is made from a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years to give it a rich flavor. Jim Beam is crafted using traditional methods passed down through seven generations of the Beam family. This bourbon has a golden amber color and a balanced combination of sweet vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. It has a warm and lingering finish, making it a favorite choice for bourbon enthusiasts.
    • Alcohol by volume (ABV): 40%
    • Main ingredients: Corn, rye, malted barley
    • Aging process: Minimum of 4 years in charred oak barrels
    • Color: Golden amber
    • Tasting notes: Sweet vanilla, caramel, oak
  2. 2
    59
    votes
    Jack Daniel's
    Brian Stansberry · CC BY 3.0

    Jack Daniel's

    Jasper Newton Daniel
    While technically not a bourbon (it is a Tennessee whiskey), Jack Daniel's is still one of the most popular spirits in America. Its distinctive taste and marketing campaigns have made it a household name.
    Jack Daniel's is a well-known American bourbon whiskey. It is made from a unique charcoal mellowing process, which gives it a smooth and distinct flavor. Jack Daniel's is aged in new, charred oak barrels, allowing it to develop rich and complex flavors over time. This bourbon is known for its balance of sweetness and smokiness, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
    • Type: Bourbon whiskey
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 40%
    • Proof: 80
    • Mash Bill: 80% corn, 12% barley, 8% rye
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    Wild Turkey
    Jamesthill · Public domain
    With a higher proof than most bourbons, Wild Turkey has a bold, spicy flavor that appeals to many drinkers. It is also known for its distinctive bottle design.
    The Wild Turkey is a large bird native to North America, including North Dakota. It is characterized by its distinctive plumage and impressive size. With a long neck, legs, and a slightly hooked beak, the Wild Turkey has a strong and graceful appearance. It is known for its elusive nature and excellent sense of hearing and vision.
    • Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo
    • Average Weight: 8-18 pounds
    • Wingspan: 4-5 feet
    • Average Lifespan: 3-5 years
    • Feather Colors: Brown, black, and metallic copper or bronze
    Wild Turkey in other rankings
  4. 4
    15
    votes

    Maker's Mark

    Bill Samuels Sr.
    Maker's Mark is known for its smooth, sweet taste and distinctive wax seal on the bottle. It is a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts and has been around since 1958.
    Maker's Mark is a well-known Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey that is cherished for its smooth and rich flavor profile. It is crafted in Loretto, Kentucky using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Maker's Mark is particularly famous for its distinctive red wax-sealed bottle, which has become an iconic symbol of the brand.
    • Type: Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey
    • Alcohol by volume (ABV): 45%
    • Mash bill: 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley
    • Age: Minimum of 6 years
    • Color: Medium amber
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    Knob Creek
    Craiglduncan · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Knob Creek

    Jim Beam Distillery
    A higher-end bourbon, Knob Creek is aged for nine years and has a rich, complex flavor. It is a favorite of many bourbon connoisseurs.
    Knob Creek is a highly regarded bourbon in America that is known for its rich and full flavor profile. It is a single barrel bourbon produced by the Jim Beam distillery, named after the small water source, Knob Creek, located just south of the distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Knob Creek is aged for nine years and bottled at a sturdy 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). It is made using a traditional bourbon recipe with a higher rye content, resulting in a bourbon with a bold and robust character.
    • Proof: 100
    • Age: 9 years
    • Alcohol by Volume: 50%
    • Bottle Size: 750ml
    • Mash Bill: Higher rye content
  6. 6
    21
    votes

    Evan Williams

    Heaven Hill Brands
    Evan Williams is a more affordable bourbon that still packs a lot of flavor. It is made in Kentucky and has been around since 1783.
    Evan Williams is a popular Bourbon whiskey in America known for its rich flavor and smooth finish. It is produced by Heaven Hill Brands, a famous distillery based in Bardstown, Kentucky. Evan Williams is crafted using traditional methods and aged to perfection, resulting in a high-quality bourbon appreciated by whiskey enthusiasts. It offers a balanced combination of caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors, making it a delightful sipping whiskey. The following are ten important specifications:
    • Type: Bourbon
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 43% - 50.5%
    • Age: 4 years, 7 years, or vintage releases
    • Proof: 86-101
    • Ingredients: Corn, malted barley, and rye grains
  7. 7
    9
    votes

    Buffalo Trace

    Buffalo Trace Distillery
    Buffalo Trace is a smooth, easy-drinking bourbon that is popular with both casual and serious drinkers. It has won numerous awards and is known for its high quality.
    Buffalo Trace is a highly regarded Bourbon whiskey in America known for its rich history and exceptional quality. It is crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, located in Frankfurt, Kentucky. The brand takes pride in its traditional production methods and uses only the finest ingredients to create a truly exceptional Bourbon experience.
    • Age: No age statement, but typically aged for 8-12 years
    • Proof: 90 proof (45% alcohol by volume)
    • Mash Bill: Rye, corn, and malted barley
    • Bottle Size: 750 ml
    • Color: Amber
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    Four Roses
    Craiglduncan · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Four Roses

    Paul Jones Jr.
    Four Roses is a bourbon with a unique floral flavor that sets it apart from other brands. It has won many awards and is a favorite of many bourbon enthusiasts.
    Four Roses is a highly popular Bourbon whiskey in America known for its smooth and mellow taste. It is crafted with a blend of high-quality grains and a unique yeast strain resulting in a distinctive flavor profile. This whiskey undergoes a meticulous distillation process and is aged in charred oak barrels, giving it a rich and complex character.
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 40%
    • Mash Bill: 75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley
    • Aging: Minimum of 5 years
    • Bottle Size: 750ml
    • Color: Amber
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    Woodford Reserve
    オカムラ · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Woodford Reserve

    Woodford Reserve Distillery
    Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon that is aged in oak barrels for at least six years. It has a smooth, rich flavor and is a favorite of many bourbon aficionados.
    Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon whiskey known for its balanced and rich flavor profile. It is crafted in small batches and aged in hand-selected oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and luxurious taste. With a strong emphasis on quality and tradition, Woodford Reserve has become one of the most popular bourbons in America.
    • Type: Bourbon whiskey
    • Alcohol by volume (ABV): 45.2%
    • Region: Kentucky, United States
    • Age: Minimum of 6 years
    • Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 18% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    Bulleit Bourbon
    Brandon Mathews · CC BY 3.0

    Bulleit Bourbon

    Bulleit Distilling Company
    Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that has a spicy, bold flavor. It is a favorite of many bartenders and is often used in cocktails.
    Bulleit Bourbon is a popular American bourbon whiskey known for its distinctive character and smooth flavor profile. It is widely recognized for its high rye content, giving it a robust and spicy taste that has made it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.
    • Alcohol by volume (ABV): 45%
    • Type: Straight bourbon whiskey
    • Character: Robust, spicy, and full-bodied
    • Aging: Minimum of 6 years
    • Mash bill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley

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Ranking factors for popular Bourbon

  1. Brand recognition
    Well-known Bourbon brands with a strong presence in the market are more likely to be popular among consumers. Brand recognition can be measured through surveys, social media followings, and media coverage.
  2. Consumer reviews and ratings
    Consumer reviews and ratings can provide insight into the quality and taste of a product. High ratings and positive reviews on various platforms, such as online retailers and review websites, can indicate a popular Bourbon.
  3. Awards and accolades
    Bourbons that have received awards and recognition at spirits competitions and events can be an indicator of popularity.
  4. Price
    Affordability can play a role in a Bourbon's popularity, as consumers may be more inclined to try and purchase a product that is priced reasonably in comparison to competitors. However, price isn't always a determining factor, as some high-priced Bourbons maintain popularity due to their quality and reputation.
  5. Availability
    The accessibility of a Bourbon in terms of widespread distribution and availability in stores can influence its popularity among consumers. A product that is difficult to find may struggle to gain popularity compared to those that are easily accessible.
  6. Taste and quality
    The overall taste, quality, and consistency of a Bourbon can play a significant role in its popularity. Consumers tend to prefer products that deliver an enjoyable drinking experience and meet their expectations in terms of flavor and smoothness.
  7. Marketing and advertising
    Effective marketing and advertising campaigns can help create brand awareness and drive sales, making a Bourbon more popular among consumers.
  8. Celebrity endorsements and collaborations
    Bourbon brands that have endorsements and partnerships with popular celebrities, chefs, or mixologists may see increased popularity due to the added exposure and credibility.
  9. Historical and cultural significance
    Some Bourbon brands have been associated with significant historical events or have gained popularity due to their unique story and heritage. Such factors can contribute to the popularity of a Bourbon in America.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Bourbon in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Bourbon is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3486 views
  • 208 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Bourbon once every 24 hours. The rank of each Bourbon is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular bourbon in america

Bourbon, a type of American whiskey, has been a beloved spirit in the United States for centuries. It is made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The popularity of bourbon has grown exponentially in recent years, with more and more people discovering its unique flavor profile and versatility in cocktails. In fact, bourbon has become so popular that it has even sparked a resurgence in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. But with so many different brands and varieties of bourbon available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular in America. This is where StrawPoll comes in - our platform allows users to vote on their favorite bourbons, giving us valuable insights into which ones are the most beloved by consumers. So, whether you're a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of whiskey, StrawPoll can help you discover the most popular bourbons in America.

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