We asked our readers for their favorite bourbon varieties. Here’s what they recommend

Last week, we issued a poll calling on Herald-Leader readers and bourbon bon vivants to tell us which varieties they most highly recommend.

We took inspiration from Tiktok user Bourbon Beginner.

Now, we’re bringing you the initial results from our readers. But don’t worry – if you missed out on participating, it’s not too late. Check out our poll below (just make sure to disable any adblockers you have enabled and refresh this page).

What readers told us about their taste in bourbon

Here’s a look at what our readers told us about their favorite bourbon varieties, and as a reminder, this poll is not scientific or broadly representative. This is merely for fun. Responses to each poll question are below (we’ve excluded invalid responses).

Question No. 1 – Which bourbon do you most recommend?

• Old Forester - 4 votes

• Blanton’s - 2 votes

• Willett – 1 vote

• Elmer T. Lee - 1 vote

• Russell’s Reserve - 1 vote

• Woodford Reserve - 2 votes (1 vote for Woodford’s Double Oak variety)

• Buffalo Trace - 2 votes

• Elijah Craig - 1 vote

• Maker’s Mark - 1 vote

• Eagle Rare 10 year – 1 vote

• Michter’s - 1 vote

• Yellowstone - 1 vote

Question No. 2 - What bourbon is the best bang for your buck?

• Old Forester - 3 votes

• Woodford Reserve - 3 votes

• Yellowstone - 1 vote

• Wild Turkey - 1 vote

• Evan Williams Single Barrel - 1 vote

• Very Old Barton - 1 vote

• Michter’s Small Batch - 1 vote

• Four Roses Small Batch - 1 vote

• Evan Williams Bottled in Bond - 1 vote

• Makers Mark - 1 vote

Question No. 3 - What’s the last bourbon you opened?

• Four Roses – 4 votes (2 votes for the small batch variety)

• Blanton’s - 1 vote

• Basil Hayden - 1 vote

• Woodford Reserve - 2 votes

• Old Forester - 2 votes (1 vote for the 1910 variety)

• Russell’s Reserve - 1 vote

• Rebel - 1 vote

• Blue Note Crossroads - 1 vote

• Lawrenceburg Bourbon Co. Cask 1 - 1 vote

Question No. 4 - What bourbon do you love to share with friends?

• Blanton’s - 2 votes

• Eagle Rare 10 year - 1 vote

• Woodford Reserve - 1 vote

• Willett - 1 vote

• Elmer T. Lee - 1 vote

• Very Very Old Fitzgerald - 1 vote

• Weller - 1 vote

• Old Forester 1910 variety - 1 vote

• 1792 Ridgemont Reserve - 1 vote

• Lawrence Bourbon Co. Cask Series - 1 vote

Do you have a question about bourbon in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.

Aaron Mudd

Lexington Herald-Leader

Aaron Mudd was a service journalism reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader, Centre Daily Times and Belleville News-Democrat. He was based at the Herald-Leader in Lexington, and left the paper in February 2026. Support my work with a digital subscription