Discover the Best Bourbon Made Outside Kentucky
Kentucky is known as bourbon country, but let’s be honest – in 2024, the rest of the country is catching up. In fact, some of the world’s Best Bourbon is now crafted outside of Kentucky. From Brooklyn, New York, to Charleston, South Carolina, and even as far as Seattle, Washington, there are distilleries proving that impressive bourbon doesn’t have to hail from the Bluegrass state. These non-Kentucky bourbons want all the smoke!
Exceptional Bourbon from Other States
It’s time to broaden your horizon and perhaps even change your mind. Here are some standout bourbons from other states that really hold their own against Kentucky‘s finest.
Jimmy Red Bottled in Bond Bourbon
This unique Bourbon from High Wire Distilling in Charleston, South Carolina, uses Jimmy Red corn, a rare variety they helped save from extinction. Expect a fragrant nose with spiced orange peel and cinnamon, and a palate rich with brown sugar and vanilla pod.
Southern Star Paragon Single Barrel Bourbon
From North Carolina, Southern Distilling Company’s Single Barrel Cask Strength Wheated Straight Bourbon is a revelation. With notes of sticky orange marmalade, chocolate truffle, and walnut, this bourbon showcases the state’s potential to produce top-notch whiskey.
McKenzie Bottled in Bond Bourbon
Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes Distilling brings us this superb bourbon with a mash bill featuring 70% corn. Look out for caramel-coated melon on the nose and a finish of mellow baking spices and almond extract.
Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Straight Bourbon
Nevada’s Frey Ranch Distillery leverages 170 years of farming expertise to create this robust bourbon. Enjoy notes of leather and cinnamon bark, with an engaging finish full of dates and black pepper.
Starred Flavors of Non-Kentucky Bourbon
| Bourbon | Origin | Key Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Red Bottled in Bond | South Carolina | Spiced orange peel, brown sugar, vanilla pod |
| Southern Star Paragon | North Carolina | Sticky orange marmalade, chocolate truffle, walnut |
| McKenzie Bottled in Bond | New York | Caramel-coated melon, milk chocolate, almond extract |
| Frey Ranch Farm Strength | Nevada | Leather, cinnamon bark, dates, black pepper |
Unique Techniques in Bourbon from Other States
Distilleries across the country are employing innovative techniques and local ingredients to craft their bourbons, setting their products apart from the traditional Kentucky varieties. This not only diversifies flavor profiles but also supports local agriculture and sustainability.
Why Non-Kentucky Bourbon Deserves Your Attention
While Kentucky still holds a prestigious place in the bourbon world, non-Kentucky bourbon offers exciting new flavors and exceptional craftsmanship. By exploring these bourbons, you support innovative distilleries and discover the amazing potential of bourbon as a category.
Kentucky may be the heartland of bourbon, but the best bourbon made outside Kentucky proves that excellence is not confined to one place. So, give these bottles a try and find your new favorite non-Kentucky bourbon today!
