The Best Bourbons for Mint Juleps

Previously only available to select export markets, Wild Turkey 101 8 Year is now a permanent offering in the US. It will be available alongside the classic Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon which is aged between 6-8 years. This 8 year version is not only aged longer than the no-age statement bottling, but it is made from a smaller batch of barrels. Available at US retailers beginning April 2025. (SRP $45)

Green River Full Proof Wheated Bourbon is made using the brand’s wheated mash bill of 70% local corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley. It is created from a selection of 5–7 year-old barrels, which are blended and bottled at the proof of each batch, typically ranging from 109 to 116 proof. The first release clocks in at 109.3 proof (54.65% ABV). Available beginning February 13, 2026 in 25 markets. (SRP $49.99)

First introduced in 2018, this is New Riff’s flagship Kentucky straight bourbon and a core expression in the distillery’s lineup. It’s made with a high-rye mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, using non-GMO grains throughout. Aged for at least four years in 53-gallon new American oak barrels that are both toasted and charred, the bourbon is bottled in bond at 100 proof and released without chill filtration.

Old Forester 100 Proof Bourbon is part of Brown-Forman’s historic lineup, a brand first introduced in 1870 as one of the first bourbons sold exclusively in sealed bottles. The name is often linked to a doctor who prescribed whiskey for medicinal purposes, though the signature on each bottle belongs to founder George Garvin Brown. It is bottled at 100 proof and is also available in an 86 proof version.

Released by Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon (~200 barrels per batch) is comprised of selected bourbon whiskeys 8-12 years of age. This no-age statement product was introduced in early 2016 to replace the brand's 12-year bourbon bottling. Barrels charred to a level 3 are used in its production and it's bottled at 94 proof.

This Kentucky straight small batch bourbon from Michter’s is truly a “small batch,” with each batch made from a maximum of 20 barrels. The whiskey enters the barrel at 103 proof, lower than the industry standard of 125 proof, before aging in toasted and charred new American oak barrels. It is bottled at 91.4 proof.

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon was first released in 1992 as part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection with a 9 year age statement. In 2016, the age statement was removed, though the brand aimed to maintain a similar flavor profile. It returned in April 2020 and has remained in place since. The bourbon is bottled at 100 proof.

Four Roses Small Batch is a Kentucky straight bourbon made by blending four of the distillery's ten proprietary recipes. It combines both of their mash bills — one with 60% corn, 35% rye, and 5% malted barley, and another with 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley. The selected recipes use yeast strains designed to highlight a balance of light spice, richness, and fruit-forward character. Bottled at 90 proof.

Part of the core lineup at Bardstown Bourbon Co. in Bardstown, Kentucky, this estate-distilled bourbon is made from locally sourced grains with a mash bill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Aged six years and bottled at 100 proof in accordance with bottled-in-bond regulations. Previously released under the Origin Series name, it was rebranded with updated packaging beginning spring 2026. (SRP $49.99)

This limited edition bottling of Woodford Reserve Bourbon commemorates the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, held in 2026. The label features original artwork by Chicago-based artist Anna Murphy, known for her blue-and-white porcelain-inspired style. Entitled “Dress to Impress, 152,” the design highlights Derby fashion alongside the race’s iconic red roses and other symbolic florals, including speedwell. Available globally, this limited edition is sold in liter-sized bottles. (SRP $49.99/1L)