Men Today: The Top Bourbons Of The Century

The golden-brown elixir is not only delicious, it's also American-made (somehow a significant detail in these troubled times). What's more, it's now pretty easy to get your hands on a bottle that's far tastier than the rotgut you swilled back in college—without busting your budget.
Oh, and by "bourbon," we mean the sweet, sweet nectar distilled and barreled in Kentucky and Kentucky alone.

(Above) Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is the only bourbon still made from old-fashioned pot stills. The distillery is a National Historic Landmark, and—who knew—Woodford is the official bourbon of the Derby. This stuff introduces itself with a fruity, slightly smoky bouquet, and charts a well-traveled course of spice and oak down the gullet. A perfectly pleasant bourbon, but not for those seeking something a little more adventurous.

Eagle Rare 17 Year

Eagle Rare is an impressive offering from the Buffalo Trace distillery, and the 17-year-old bottling is part of the Trace's much-lauded, limited-edition Antique Collection (which also includes the imposing George T. Stagg). The stuff seems to improve with every release, and this version's got a warm, caramelized character, with highlights of dark berries and cinnamon. A creamy, exceedingly agreeable bourbon. Just be prepared to face some competition: As with all the Antique Collection whiskies, the collectors will be gunning for it.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage

Evan Williams, widely considered Kentucky's first distiller, lends his moniker to a popular entry-level bourbon, and this vintage-dated single-barrel is the brand's soft-spoken older brother. The newest offering, distilled in 1999, makes a sharp first impression but quickly mellows. Stick with it, though: Traces of fruit and sweet oak will reward you for trying an additional sip or three.

Old Pogue Master Select

Another branch on bourbon's tangled historical family tree. Apparently, the current crop of Pogues revived their ancestral recipe in 2004 after an 85-year hiatus. Which means that, despite the name, Old Pogue Master Select is actually a relative newcomer to the small-batch market, and one that could certainly supplant some more well-known favorites. It smells terrific (salt and cooked maple) and it's pretty agreeable in the mouth, too: spiced vanilla mellowed with black tea. A welcome addition to the field (and our liquor cabinet).

Parker's Heritage Collection, Second Edition

In bourbon years, Parker's Heritage Collection is an enfeebled retiree. At a ripe 27, it's the oldest bourbon on the market. But this limited-edition whiskey, a tribute to sixth-generation master distiller Parker Beam, is a magnificent elder statesman, brimming with woodsy warmth. There's also rich cocoa, caramelized vanilla, and dark spice that could seduce a Scot (or at least a scotch drinker), and it all goes down with surprising smoothness. Cigars, unfortunately, not included.

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