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Best Bourbon Releases of 2024: A Guide to Blind Tasting Picks

Best Bourbon Releases of 2024: A Guide to Blind Tasting Picks

The Best Bourbon Releases of 2024 So Far

We’re almost at the halfway mark for 2024 and if you haven’t been paying attention, it’s been a fantastic year for bourbon. As the American whiskey landscape continues to expand, we’ve seen stellar new bourbon releases from heritage brands and young upstarts alike. The bourbon boom shows no signs of slowing, with an abundance of great bourbons being produced despite some stagnation in production and conservative sales reports.

Why 2024 is a Standout Year for Bourbon

With the ongoing bourbon boom, enthusiasts have been treated to some of the best bourbons in decades. The quality of bourbon has steadily increased amid marketplace competition and technological advances. We’ve also seen a rapid expansion in parity within the bourbon game, with premium products continually hitting liquor store shelves.

Keeping Track of the Best Bourbon Releases

In 2024, it seems as though every week brings another must-buy bottle. So how can Bourbon lovers keep track of all these new releases? This is where blind tasting bourbon becomes crucial. By sampling pours without knowing their identity, one can truly dispense with subconscious biases, making 2024 the perfect year for such tastings.

Highlights from Blind Tasting Bourbon

To help you navigate the crowded market, we rounded up 24 of the Best Bourbon bottles of 2024 and blind tasted them. Here are some standout entries from our blind tasting:

  • Jeptha Creed Wheated Bourbon: Distinct apple notes with a cider-like profile.
  • Booker’s 2024-01 “Springfield Batch”: Floral and citrus-forward palate with a rich, lengthy finish.
  • Old Stubborn Batch 2: A rye-recipe bourbon with classic notes of honey and black pepper.
  • Milam & Greene Bottled in Bond Bourbon: Robust clove and cinnamon bark flavors from Blanco, Texas.

Standout Bourbon Releases and Their Characteristics

Bourbon ABV Average Price Key Tasting Notes
Jeptha Creed Wheated Bourbon 46.5% $66 Red apple, wheatgrass, peanut brittle
Booker’s 2024-01 “Springfield Batch” 62.25% $125 Nutmeg, spiced orange peel, hazelnut
Old Stubborn Batch 2 61.9% $250 Malted chocolate, unsweetened Apple Jacks, black pepper
Milam & Greene Bottled in Bond Bourbon 50% $65 Stewed raspberries, bubblegum, dark chocolate

The Value of Blind Tasting Bourbon

By blind tasting bourbon, enthusiasts can challenge their preconceived notions and discover new favorites without label bias. It’s a practice that brings clarity to the overwhelming number of new bourbon releases. This year, the range of flavors and the quality of new bourbons are unprecedented, making blind tasting an essential part of the bourbon experience.

Anticipating More Exciting Releases

As 2024 progresses, we can look forward to even more exciting bourbon releases. From classic Kentucky distilleries to unexpected gems from places like Missouri and Texas, the variety and richness of bourbon offerings ensure that every enthusiast can find something to savor. So, keep your glasses ready and your taste buds primed for what’s yet to come in this remarkable year for bourbon.

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Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith is a renowned bourbon connoisseur and author, whose passion for the amber spirit has taken him on a journey through America's distilleries, discovering the rich history and complex flavors that define bourbon. With more than a decade of first-hand experience and research, Dylan's expertise is unmatched, offering insights into the art of bourbon tasting, production, and collecting. His writings not only enlighten enthusiasts but also guide newcomers through the intricacies of this celebrated American whisky, making him a revered voice in the bourbon community.