Bourbon has always been America’s favorite liquor due to its sweet, smokey notes and full-bodied flavor. There’s nothing more satisfying than this smooth, peppery beverage aged in the finest charred oak barrels.
And while you may think it can’t get any better than plain ol’ bourbon, it definitely can. Add a touch of honey into the mix, and you have an even sweeter brew with overarching notes of wild nectar.
So it’s time to take your bourbon cocktails and bourbon on the rocks to the next level with these 12 deliciously irresistible honey bourbons.
Wild Turkey American Honey Bourbon
When looking for a flavored bourbon of any kind, it’s important not to overshadow the unique taste of the base spirit. Many big-time distillers start to lose sight of the original taste of the alcohol by adding tons of different flavors into their concoctions. While this isn’t always a bad thing, it certainly takes away from those who want a pure bourbon taste.
Wild Turkey American Honey does not disappoint in this department, as it provides a full bourbon flavor with background hints of honey. Like a fine caramel that’s not overly sweet, this is everything you’d want in a bourbon.
Jesse James Honey
Jesse James Honey is aged for three years, which allows its flavors to fully develop and create a genuinely impactful taste. It’s a little harsh (meaning it could go down a bit smoother), but once you get past the sting, this bourbon whiskey is terrific.
The honey helps mellow things out, and we’ve found that this brand goes best in various fruit lemonades. Of course, if you like drinking it plain, it goes just as well on the rocks!
If you’re new to honey bourbon, then this one is at the top of our recommendations. It’ll let you get the full taste of the alcohol without any other additional notes clouding the way.
Evan Williams Honey
Some think all honey bourbons are the same. Not true. Take Evan Williams Honey, for example. Yes, it has that delicate honey taste we all know and love, but it also has hints of citrus and hidden notes of orange and is more aromatic and sweeter than your typical bourbon.
While it may be too sweet for some, we recommend mixing it with Evan Williams 100-proof BiB bourbon for a more balanced flavor.
Bärenjäger Honey Bourbon
Bärenjäger is smooth, sweet, and full of honey flavor. Despite the taste of honey is a prominent player in this spirit, you still get that smoky bourbon taste, and let us tell you; this can still pack a punch. Don’t let those pronounced honey notes convince you this is a mellowed-out bourbon because it isn’t. Yet it still goes down smooth and is ideal for cocktails and other whiskey-based drinks.
Ethan’s Reserve Honey Bourbon-Whiskey
A lesser-known name but still an excellent drink, Ethan’s Reserve is a sweet take on honey bourbon. A subtle bourbon that could be a bit harsher (the honey smooths things out a bit too effectively) but tastes fantastic on the rocks nonetheless.
Of course, this honey bourbon whiskey shines when mixed into hot toddies, which allows its flavors to blend with the citrus and acidic flavors, which all marvelously muddle together.
Black Eagle Honey Bourbon
So far, we’ve mentioned a few sweet brews, but this one takes the cake. The sweetest we could find, this bourbon is not for everyone. Drinking it is almost like juice and is more suited for people who don’t like ‘alcohol flavor.’
So wait, why is this on our list of ‘best bourbons’ if it’s too sweet? We should clarify that it’s too sweet for those who enjoy the taste of pure bourbon. However, Black Eagle Honey Bourbon is the perfect option for anyone looking to expand their bourbon whiskey horizons.
Jim Beam Bourbon Honey
Don’t let the low price deceive you. Jim Beam is cheap but not cheaply made. This distillery does bourbon honey right, both in flavor and value. It provides a lovely syrupy flavor and goes down smoothly with those sweet and smoky notes you love.
There’s no better way to enjoy this than on the rocks- maybe with a little lemon, but that’s it. Its quality taste is all you need.
Oak & Eden Wheat & Honey Bourbon Whiskey
Oak & Eden bourbon whiskey has an exquisite flavor. Here we have a rich blend that hits every note in the book of bourbon; sweet, smoky, oaky, syrupy, and boozy. You can taste the aged-to-perfection honey-soaked oak liquor.
It doesn’t get more pure than this, and we can assure you that you’ll return to this brand after just one sip. Sure, Oak & Eden Wheat & Honey Bourbon Whiskey makes a wonderful hot toddy, but this brew deserves its show.
Bird Dog Honey Flavored Whiskey
So what does Bird Dog have to offer regarding their bourbon whiskey? The ideal breakfast shot, that’s what! Bird Dog Honey Flavored Whiskey has your standard honey and bourbon notes but with a twist: it throws in some maple flavors that go remarkably well alongside some pancakes and greasy bacon. You can even spike up your coffee or hot cocoa.
A highly versatile bourbon whiskey for hot toddies or cocktails, and yes, it tastes just fine on its own as well. It’s a bit sweet, but that’s why I think it works best for your brunch booze fix.
Garrison Brothers Honeydew Bourbon Whiskey
The Garrison Brothers certainly do something right with their Honeydew Bourbon Whiskey. Their brew is slightly bitter, a bit sweet, and smokey and has notes of vanilla that wrap around your tongue with each sip. Pleasant tasting with an equal balance of roughness and smoothness when going down, you get those tiny hints of honey and full rustic flavor when you enjoy it alone. Yet it compliments any other ingredients you add when mixing it into drinks.
Of all the brands listed so far, Garrison is the most balanced in terms of flavor. It’s delicious!
Savannah Bourbon & Honey
Made with a fine blend of sourwood honey and high-quality grain, Savannah Bourbon & Honey is a lesser-known treat. Because it’s a local group distiller, it might be hard to find, but you can still get it online, and it is worth a try at least once (or as many times as you like!)
You get a full-bodied bourbon-whiskey flavor, hints of delicious honey, and an awe-inspiring beverage to enjoy in an icy glass. Furthermore, with each sip comes a smoky blast of bourbon brew and some notes of oaky sweetness to quell the storm.
Whether it’s your first bottle of bourbon or your thousandth, we recommend giving this one a go. We’re confident you’ll fall in love at first sight, or rather, first taste.
Mountain State Hazelnut Honey Bourbon Ratafia
Since honey is the central flavor in these drinks, you’d think this next honey bourbon wouldn’t have much to offer in terms of creativity, but that’s simply not true. Mountain State’s Hazelnut Honey Bourbon is everything you’d want in bourbon and much, much more. Sure, it has your essential “sweet, but not too sweet honey-vanilla notes” and your “smooth n’ smokey” throat feel, but this takes things to the next level with a lovely nuttiness and hints of hazelnut that’ll have you rushing back for another sip.
There’s just something about that charred oak flavor that goes so well with sweet honey and rich hazelnuts. Mountain State Hazelnut Honey Bourbon is the perfect brew and brand to end our list.
Final Thoughts
From obscure local brands to well-known classics, there are a wide array of honey bourbons to choose from. The moral of this bourbon story is: it doesn’t matter if you’re a hardcore bourbon connoisseur or just a wistful soul looking to try something new; honey bourbon has something that everyone can enjoy and is surprisingly versatile in trade. So what are you waiting for? Give these honey bourbon blends a try right now!
