Bourbon has a long-standing reputation as a sophisticated and cherished spirit, enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world. In recent years, this type of whiskey has gained popularity in India, with a growing demand for premium brands. If you’re an alcohol enthusiast or looking to explore the world of bourbon, this article will serve as a comprehensive guide to the best bourbon whiskey brands available in India.
Best Bourbon Whiskey Brands In India
- Jim Beam
- Jack Daniel’s
- Wild Turkey
- Maker’s Mark
- Woodford Reserve
- Bulleit
- Buffalo Trace
- Elijah Craig
1. Jim Beam
As one of the most recognizable names in the world of bourbon, Jim Beam is a brand that needs no introduction. Established in 1795, Jim Beam sports a rich heritage and is known for its smooth and mellow taste. It’s made from a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley. The ingredients are then aged in charred oak barrels to impart their distinctive flavors.Â
If you’re thinking about variety, this famous brand offers a range of expressions, including their classic Jim Beam White Label, Jim Beam Black Label, and Jim Beam Double Oak. With its affordable price point and consistent quality, this brand is a great option for both newcomers and seasoned bourbon drinkers alike.
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 2,000 to INR 3,000
Also Read: 7 Best Snacks To Pair With Whiskey
2. Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey that shares many similarities with bourbon and is highly popular in India. Known for its iconic square bottle and black label, Jack Daniel’s is made from a mash of corn, rye, and barley, and is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging in oak barrels. This unique production, known as the Lincoln County Process, gives Jack Daniel’s its distinctly smooth and sweet flavor profile.
Jack Daniel’s offers a range of variations, including their classic Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, Gentleman Jack, and Single Barrel Select. With its smooth taste and storied history, it has become a staple in the Indian whiskey market. Also, this is the type of Jack that you’ll make space on your plank amidst a sinking ship.
ABV: 45%
Price: INR 270 to INR 4,500
Also Read: 7 Best Classic Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
3. Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey is a premium bourbon brand that is known for its bold and robust flavors. Established in 1940, this brand prepares its poison from a mash of corn, rye, and barley, and is aged in newly charred oak barrels for a minimum of 5 years. The longer aging process gives Wild Turkey its deep, rich flavors with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
When it comes to their offerings, Wild Turkey goes wild! It has some of the best including their classic Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and Wild Turkey Longbranch. Since it’s high proof and has a distinctive taste, Wild Turkey is a popular choice for those who enjoy a more intense bourbon experience.
ABV: 40%
Price: INR 3,690 approx
Also Read: How To Drink Whiskey: A Complete Guide
4. Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is a premium bourbon brand that is known for its distinctive red wax-sealed bottles and smooth, approachable taste. Founded in the 1950s, Maker’s Mark is made from a mash of corn, wheat, and barley, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is characterized by its sweetness and softness. Aged in charred oak barrels, this brand is known for its signature “wheated” bourbon recipe, replacing rye with wheat in the mash bill. This results in a smoother, softer bourbon with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices.
Maker’s Mark offers a plethora of options such as Maker’s 46, and Cask Strength. If you’re looking for something distinct that has an eye for detail in production, this bourbon whisky brand will not disappoint.
ABV: 45%
Price: INR 4,490 approx
Also Read: 7 Bourbon Cocktails To Try Right Now
5. Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon brand that is known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. It’s made using traditional methods and is aged in handcrafted oak barrels to develop its unique flavors.
Woodford Reserve offers a range of expressions, including the classic Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select. Have a sip of it and you’ll find that it’s a smooth bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. You will also find a series of limited-edition versions like the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. This version is aged in two separate barrels for added depth and complexity. If you’re in the mood for something experimental, you could check out the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection.
ABV: 45%
Price: INR 4,590 approx
Also Read: Top-shelf Liquors You Must Try At Least Once
6. Bulleit
A popular bourbon brand that is known for its high rye content, Bulleit gives its whiskeys a spicy and bold character. If the bold and the beautiful had an image, this brand would be the face of it.
You can choose a variety of their bourbon expressions, including the classic Bulleit Bourbon, which is a straight bourbon with flavors of toffee, spices, and vanilla. The Bulleit Rye is a straight rye whiskey with a higher rye content. If we talk about the Bulleit Barrel Strength, it’s a cask-strength bourbon that offers a robust and intense flavor profile. If you’re looking for a bourbon whiskey to spice up your cocktails, choose Bulleit and never look back.
ABV: 45%
Price: INR 6,296 approx
Also Read: 5 Methods Of Making Cocktails
7. Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace is a renowned bourbon brand that is known for its craftsmanship and high-quality whiskeys. Its production is top notch and has gone on to produce an impressive range. The classic Buffalo Trace Bourbon will leave you with smooth and approachable bourbon flavors of caramel, toffee, and oak. The Eagle Rare offers a rich and complex flavor profile since it’s aged for ten years. They also have a single-barrel Bourbon known for its unique bottle design and distinctive flavors.
Furthermore, Buffalo Trace takes pride in its commitment to traditional bourbon-making methods, using a mash bill that includes corn, rye, and malted barley. This careful attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every sip of this magical elixir. That’s why it’s a beloved choice among whiskey connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
ABV: 45%
Price: INR 5,000 approx
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8. Elijah Craig
Elijah Craig is a premium bourbon brand that is known for its rich and complex flavors. It’s produced by Heaven Hill Brands, one of the largest independent bourbon distilleries in the world. You can choose among their finest including Elijah Craig Small Batch. It’s aged for 8 to 12 years and offers a well-balanced profile with notes of caramel, and vanilla. Elijah Craig also produces a Barrel Proof expression, which is bottled at a higher proof and offers a more intense and robust flavor profile.
To enjoy an Elijah Craig, pair it with either dark chocolate, smoked salmon, and grilled meats as the alcohol’s sweet tones pop out with these foods. Also, this brand of bourbon whiskey can be added to an Old Fashioned Cocktail for an enhanced experience.
ABV: 47%
Price: INR 8,000 approx
Also Read: 5 Of The Most Expensive Single Malt Whiskeys In India
Summing Up
The brands mentioned represent some of the best bourbon whiskey offerings available in India. Each has its own unique flavors, profiles, and aging techniques. Whether you prefer a smooth bourbon or a complex, aged expression, the world of bourbon whiskey is welcoming. So, raise a glass and toast to the best bourbon whiskey brands in India, and enjoy the rich and distinctive flavors of this beloved American spirit. Cheers!
FAQs
What Is Bourbon Whiskey?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is made primarily from corn, along with other grains such as rye, wheat, or barley, and aged in charred oak barrels. It’s known for its distinctive sweet and caramel-like flavor profile.
Are There Any Bourbon Whiskey Brands Available In India?
Yes, there are several bourbon whiskey brands available in India. Some of the best bourbon whiskey brands in India include Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve, among others.
Where Can I Buy Bourbon Whiskey In India?
Bourbon whiskey can be purchased at various liquor stores, specialty stores, and online retailers that sell alcoholic beverages in India. It is important to ensure that you are purchasing from a reputable and licensed source.
What Is The Price Range Of Bourbon Whiskey Brands In India?
The price of bourbon whiskey brands in India can vary depending on the brand, age, and quality. Generally, bourbon whiskey prices in India range from INR 1,500 to INR 10,000 or more per bottle.
Can I Find Aged Bourbon Whiskey In India?
Yes, some bourbon whiskey brands in India offer aged variants that are aged for several years, which are generally considered to be of higher quality and offer more complex flavors. However, availability may vary depending on the region and store.
How Should I Drink Bourbon Whiskey?
Bourbon whiskey is typically enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or with a splash of water to release its flavors. Some people also enjoy it in cocktails or mixed drinks. It is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find your preferred way of enjoying bourbon whiskey.
Are There Any Food Pairings That Go Well With Bourbon Whiskey?
Yes, bourbon whiskey can be paired with various foods to enhance the tasting experience. Some popular food pairings with bourbon whiskey include grilled meats, smoked foods, dark chocolate, caramel desserts, and cheeses with bold flavors such as blue cheese or aged cheddar.
