Straight talk: the best bourbons for mixing

Maker’s Mark 46, Kentucky 1

£35.18-£47/70cl

Amazon UK, Distillers Direct, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World, Waitrose

Rich nose of toasted oak and vanilla from seared French staves; an equally intense palate – here’s a buttery, complex bourbon that can withstand the ice melt of a Mint Julep. Solid abv. Alcohol 47%

Four Roses Single Barrel, Kentucky 2

£39.43-£49.90/70cl

Distillers Direct, Master of Malt,

The Whisky Exchange, Urban Drinks

This high rye content, high-alcohol bourbon really blossoms in a Mint Julep as the ice melts. Honeyed notes keep on giving, along with fruity complexity and enduring cinnamon spice, backed by a long finish. Alc 50%

Woodford Reserve, Kentucky 3

£30.75-£33.50/70cl

Master of Malt, Sainsbury’s, Tesco,

The Drinks Basket, Waitrose

Triple distilled for smooth drinking, this thick honey- and vanilla-noted bourbon is perfect for Old Fashioned newbies. Cocoa, espresso and orange peel hints on the palate, thanks to the moderate rye percentage, add interest. Alc 43.2%

New Riff Distilling Bottled in Bond, 4 Kentucky

£56.95-£62.95/75cl

Master of Malt, The Little Whisky Shop, The Spirit Specialist, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World

Old Fashioneds allow premium bourbons such as New Riff to shine. Made with non-GMO grains, this rye-forward bottling has aromas of clove, dark berries and oak. Alc 50%

Basil Hayden’s, Kentucky 5

£35.70-£47/70cl

Arkwrights, 31Dover, Distillers Direct, Fortnum & Mason, Gerry’s, Loch Fyne Whiskies, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World, Tipples of Manchester

A rye-heavy mash bill gives a spicy, savoury kick, ideal for Boulevardiers. Light, with Christmas pudding spices on the nose and palate; some crystallised ginger and menthol. Alc 40%

6 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch, Kentucky

£85/75cl

Native Spirits Online

Cinnamon, clove, menthol, vanilla and apple. The original is often used in Mint Juleps, but the extra proof, spice and complexity of this bottling make it a great fit for premium Boulevardiers when paired with high-quality vermouth. Alc 45%

Michter’s USH1, Kentucky 7

£49.85-£56.65/70cl

Master of Malt, The Drink Shop,

The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World, Waitrose

Paper Plane recipe creator Sam Ross names this as a favourite, alongside Buffalo Trace: a decent alcohol content adds weight, while a high corn mash bill brings roundness. Caramel, dried fruits and butterscotch on the nose and palate. Alc 45.7%

Knob Creek, Kentucky 8

£29.90-£37/70cl

Asda, Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World

Punchy abv, sweet and hazelnutty corn character – this smallbatch bottling from Jim Beam, made with a unique strain of jug yeast, adds weight to a Paper Plane. Alc 50%