Best Bourbon to Give as a Gift
Not to mention, bourbon is a great gift so finding the ideal one can be a fun experience, especially with an enthusiast of fine spirits. Bourbon, the gift of thoughtfulness by means of appreciating its wide-ranging historical importance and flavors. Read on to see our guide to selecting the top bourbon gift.
Understanding Bourbon
Bourbon is an American whiskey that has certain legal requirements like any other whiskey. According to the official regulations, in order to be classified as bourbon, the spirit needs to be made within US borders and contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill, it must also be aged in new charred oak barrels and distilled not exceeding a proof of 160. These dictate the flavor profile that bourbon needs to have, and it can span from something sweet and fruity to rich and spicy.
Factors to Consider
Recipient’s Tastes
Think of the taste of the person that receives your gift. Do they like a sweet, soft bourbon or are they more partial to something spicy and fiery? Knowing what they like can help you choose.
Occasion and Presentation
The event itself may dictate your decision. Consider something like a high-end bottle of rare or premium bourbon for a special occasion. Think if the presentation is suitable to match the event or person.
Brand Reputation
Reputable brands often guarantee quality. Old distilleries and ancient bourbon heritage are a good start. That said, the exploration of craft distilleries also leads to some unique and remarkable bourbons as well.
Recommended Bourbons
Classic Favorites
- Buffalo Trace: With a rich and powerful taste that is well balanced with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and just enough spice. A good pick up for beginners and established bourbon fans.
- Woodford Reserve: Oak, lightly spicy with notes of dried fruit, vanilla and chocolate- A more sophisticated twist the connoisseurs’ favorite for obvious reasons due to The complexity.
- Maker’s Mark: This bourbon is famous for being smooth and has the sweetness of vanilla, wheat. The legendary red wax seal gives it an air of sophistication.
Premium Selections
- Blanton Single Barrel: One of the first single-barrel bourbons and known for its full-bodied flavor. The unique bottle design really sets this bottle apart when given as a gift.
- Booker’s: Get the full robust flavors of oak and spice which is perfect for any bourbon enthusiast that likes a little more punch. A great option for seasoned Bourbon fans.
- Knob Creek 12 Year: The additional age, over a decade in length, provides this Bourbon with a richer and more detailed host of flavors. The caramel, oak, and spice notes certainly give it the touch of elegance.
Craft Distilleries
- Four Roses Single Barrel: Four Roses is probably best known for its unique yeast strains and the heavy floral notes in their bourbon, which create a complex spirit. Every barrel carries its own unique flavor profile making this a custom gift every time.
- Willett Family Estate: This small-batch bourbon has a cult following, and rich flavors to match their distinctive bottle sciatica. It is a fantastic selection for individuals who take pleasure in much less conventional drinks.
- Angel Envy (port wine barrel finish): The port wine barrels used to age Angel’s Envy lend a smoother sweeter flavor with fruit and vanilla notes. This conversation-piece was also manufactured in an innovative manner.
Pairing and Presentation
Pairing Suggestions
Pairing the bourbon with things that go well with it will only add to the gift. Whiskey stones, a good looking decanter or some nice crystal glasses can help you step your presentation game up a notch. You could even add some gourmet chocolates, or some nuts that complement the flavor profile of the bourbon.
Gift Presentation
An elegant wrapper can increase the effectiveness of your gift. You could also pack that bottle of bourbon in a wooden box or other type of novelty gift packaging. If you want to get really fancy, you can also include a little note or short paragraph which tells the recipient a bit about the history of bourbon and what type of meal pairs well with that specific drink.
Conclusion
When selecting the top bourbon as a present to give away, bear in mind on what sort of taste that individual would typically appreciate and also your event and also the name of the brand. Whether going with a tried and true favorite, a top-shelf choice, or a premium craft distillery find; bourbon is almost always the right answer for those ‘eh whiskey fans on your gift list. And by pondering pairing possibilities and presentation, you will construct a gift that is beautiful, intellectual, and pays homage to the fine art of bourbon-making.
