2016 Bourbonr Whiskey Of The Year
Voting ends Friday (1/13/17) at 5:00 PM EST
Discuss your pick in the Bourbonr Facebook group
It’s that time of year again. 2016 was a crazy year for bourbon. While there are plenty of things to be frustrated with there are also a lot of bright spots. I found myself disagreeing with a lot of the whiskey’s that were chosen by other books/sites for “Whiskey of the Year”. That’s why we do it a little different at Bourbonr. We open the voting up to you, the drinkers. What whiskey did you love this year?
There are no official guidelines for voting. But, if you haven’t tried at least 4-5 whiskeys on the list it’s hard support a favorite. This is whiskey of the year. Not best value. Not easiest to find. Not even most popular. Whiskey of the year means that the whiskey was the best thing you tasted all year. It was great and is worth purchasing at (almost) any price.
It’s time to vote on the Bourbonr Whiskey Of The Year. What was your favorite release of 2016?
33 comments
Favorite by far. Not even close
It’s hot, but with a little water and ice, it mellows out nicely and has a wonderful bouquet.
Bourbon will survive!
WLW easily my favorite pour this year.
Occurred right at that indescribable essence of whiskey that rarely comes along.
I know Pikesville isn’t a new release, but what a great sipper.
Absolutely
Ec18
Been a lot of 5s when it comes to OFBB releases. The ’16 is a 9! Nose is beautiful. Perfect balance of classic Bourbon taste and age. These intense flavors keep heat in check. Only issue keeping my it from a 10 for me is a short finish.
Couldn’t agree more. OFBB ’16 is amazing! And I was actually able to find some bottles of it, unlike most of the others.
Not just the best rye, one of the best whiskeys i have ever had.
Michters didn’t have a 2016 Toasted Barrel release . . .
for everyday bourbon,just can’t beat the Weller Family Reserve
The worse part about this list… Ive only been able to try one of them 🙁
Personally I’m only interested in true bourbons. I don’t believe we should be adding ryes into the forum. Ryes r ryes and not bourbons. Just my way of seeing things.
Parkers Heritage 24. The nose is fine, but the palate is amazing- my father in law says it has just the right amount of smack to it- warm but never hot. A long, strong finish. Best Parker’s Heritage since 6th edition imho.
Elliott’s select didn’t even make the list?
Bourbon/Rye/Whisky
Black Button
Little Barrel 375 ml
Bartons 1792/Sazarac
1792 Full Proof
1792 Single Barrel
Very Old Barton 86 Proof
Very Old Barton 100 Proof
Breckenridge Distillery
Breckenridge
Buffalo Trace/Sazarac
Blanton’s Single Barrel
Buffalo Trace
Colonel E H Taylor Small Batch
Colonel E H Taylor Single Barrel
Colonel E H taylor Barrel Proof
Colonel E H Taylor Seasoned Wood
Colonel E H Taylor Straight Rye
Eagle Rare 10 yr
Elmer T Lee
Sazarac Rye
Stagg Jr
W L Weller Special Reserve 1.75 L
White Dog Mash #1
White Dog Wheated Mash
Four Roses
Four Roses Single Barrel
Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength
Heaven Hill
Elijah Craig Small Batch
Henry McKenna
Rittenhouse Rye
Jim Beam
Booker’s
Knob Creek 120 Proof
Louisville Distilling Co
Angel’s Envy
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Maker’s 46
Maker’s 46 Cask Strength 375 ml
Wild Turkey
Forgiven Batch #302
Forgiven Batch #303
Kentucky Spirit
Master’s Keep
Rare Breed
Russel Reserve
Russel Reserve Single Barrel
Russel Reserve Single Barrel Rye
Stinger
Willett
Small Batch 3 Yr Rye
Pot Still Reserve
Canadian
Alberta Rye Whisky Dark Batch
Crown Royal Canadian Rye
Lot #40 Rye
W P Wiser Canadian Whisky 18 Yr
Irish
Midelton
This is my collection. I’ve only have a couple from your list.. My problem is I enjoy each and everyone for their individuality.
You really need to try woodfords reserve, another good bourbon not on the list. You do have an outstanding collection that you’ve tried.
I’ve only had one bottle but this rebel yell had a really great taste.
It was a toss up so I had to try over and over again ( which was my favorite part ) the Four Roses SB Limited Edition and the OF Birthday Bourbon. In my opinion the OFBB has amazing flavors with just the right amount of heat so that’s who I chose.
Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch by far was the best bourbon released this year of the 10 on the list that I tasted. Wonderful nose and finish on it and great depth of flavor. Great start to Elliot running the ship. Fortunately tried: Angel’s Envy, Stagg, WLW(2nd), Gifted Horse, Michter’s 10, Seasoned Wood (Favorite Nose), Knob 2001 Batch 2, Old Forester 1920, Rebel 10
Blanton”s not on the list? It’s way too good not to be considered!
I’d vote for the Rebel Yell 10 year, wheated bourbon, age stated not too hard to find, and at a respectable proof. Hard to beat in today’s bourbon market.
Four Roses obviously. How can you deny the complex mingling of 10 different recipes. Thats serious effort that shows.
WLW is fantastic. Difficult to get your hands on but oh so worth it if you do. If you do happen to get a bottle share it someone special. If you don’t have anyone special to share it with….please give me a call.
Bookers Rye/ WLW
William Larue all the freaking way !
2016 WLW is one of the best WLW’s ever!
New to market, wheated single barrel with an age statement? In 2016? Seems too good to be true! RY10 is my winner. It’s better than Weller 12.
OF 1920!! Best bang for you buck!
I’ve had five or so bourbons from the list, and for me, RY10 floored me with how well it hit the sweet spot of value, flavor, and availability (without being too available, if you know what I mean). Getting it was a stroke of luck for me – I happened across a newly opened case laying on the floor while my local store was restocking. Picked up two bottles before they even got the price tags on them, and now that they’re sold out, I wish I had snatched up the whole case.
Between the quality and price, as well as the serendipity involved in getting a few bottles in the first place, it’s definitely my bourbon of 2016.
Blanton’s single barrel. great taste and still reasonably priced.
Oh just a side note to everyone… Bourbon Outfitters, don’t buy from these guys, I got taken and they didn’t fulfill my order. Never got a response after multiple emails..