Our expert panel chooses their favourite bourbons — and the cocktails they make with them
Its name might be shrouded in mystery, but bourbon’s unmistakable flavour is anything but uncertain. Some believe it was named after Bourbon County in Kentucky, where early settlers first distilled whiskey using local corn, while others trace it to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a key market for the spirit. Regardless of its name, what’s undeniable is bourbon’s distinctive taste thanks to the strict regulations that define it. By law, bourbon must be made from at least 51 per cent corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. These standards, combined with time-honoured traditions, give bourbon its rich, complex flavour that continues to captivate whisk(e)y lovers worldwide.
We caught up with a panel of industry experts from B.C. and Ontario to uncover their go-to bourbons and the cocktails they love crafting with them. From tried-and-true classics like the Old Fashioned to inventive new creations, these cocktails reflect the versatility and character of bourbon, proving there’s a perfect tipple for every palate. So, grab your glass, and get ready to explore the bourbon picks and cocktails these pros can’t stop sipping.
Lacey Roberts
Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon
45.6% ABV, $95.99 (BC Liquor Stores); $89.95 (LCBO), 750mL
It must be Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon for award-winning bartender Lacey Roberts (@ZommiZelda), who works at Published on Main in Vancouver. “It has those rich caramel notes, but with hints of stone fruits that are perfect for my go-to bourbon cocktail,” she says. Roberts is also fascinated by the “six philosophies” that makeup the unique craftsmanship behind Michter’s, led by Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson. She goes on to note: “The stone fruit presence lends itself to so many variations of my favourite cocktail, allowing you to either amplify or complement its unique flavours.”
Suggested Cocktail: Her go-to bourbon cocktail is the classic Old Fashioned. “I used to work at a ‘Build Your Own Old Fashioned’ bar and fell in love with how switching one ingredient, like a sweetener or bourbon, creates a whole new expression,” she says. For Roberts, the Old Fashioned is the perfect cocktail for introducing newcomers to bourbon, as it’s a versatile classic that can be tailored to any taste.
Beth Havers
Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon
45.6% ABV, $95.99 (BC Liquor Stores); $89.95 (LCBO), 750mL
Beth Havers (@whiskybeth), the owner and self-proclaimed “Dramtastic Innovator” at Kinda Whisky Inc. in Toronto, shares Roberts’s enthusiasm for Michter’s. “I recently had the pleasure of tasting their Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon and Original Small Batch Sour Mash, and they both stood out as exceptional,” she says. Havers appreciates the craftsmanship behind Michter’s, noting how the sour mash process enhances complexity. “It showcases delightful notes of maple and a rich, crème brûlée-like creaminess, with layers of dark, stewed fruits.”
Suggested Cocktail: Like Roberts, Havers’s favourite bourbon-based cocktail to make with Michter’s Bourbon is the Old Fashioned, but with a twist. “It’s simple yet versatile, allowing for endless variations based on seasonal sweetening syrups,” she explains. In the fall, Havers loves crafting an Apple Spiced Old Fashioned, infusing the classic cocktail with warm, autumnal flavours. “I often serve it alongside a piece of Aunt Beth’s famous apple crumble with bourbon caramel,” she adds, creating a delightful pairing that captures the essence of the harvest season.
Jessica Toews
Uncle Nearest 1856 Bourbon
50% ABV, $140+ (B.C., private liquor stores); $138.95 (LCBO), 750mL
Jessica Toews (@TheChickNextDoor), bar manager at PiDGiN in Vancouver, is passionate about Uncle Nearest 1856, a blend of premium aged whiskies between eight and 14 years old. “This beautiful whisky is an homage to Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green, the unsung godfather of Tennessee whiskey,” she says. She’s inspired by the rich history behind the brand, as Nearest, a former slave, perfected the whiskey-making process still used today and notably taught Jack Daniels how to distill. As Toews explains, “Uncle Nearest 1856 offers bold caramel and baking spice notes, with touches of orchard fruit and hay bales, making it a nostalgic nod to the countryside.”
Suggested Cocktail: Toews’ favourite way to enjoy Uncle Nearest is in a Sazerac. “Originally made with Cognac, the Sazerac evolved to whiskey, and I love using Uncle Nearest 1856 for its spice and raisin notes, which add a natural sweetness to this classic sipper,” she says. The cocktail delivers a flavourful mix of cinnamon, vanilla and subtle herbal notes, with a touch of anise for an elegant, spirit-forward experience.
Tabytha Towe
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
40% ABV, $57.99 (BC Liquor Stores), $63.65 (LCBO), 750mL
Tabytha Towe (@tabybooboo), a bartender/server at Brix & Mortar Restaurant in Vancouver, is currently enjoying Basil Hayden. “It’s smooth yet still rich in flavour, making it a great intro whiskey for new tasters,” she says. “I love the charred oak elements along with notes of vanilla and a hint of black pepper and the dried apricot alongside the classic bourbon sweetness. Plus, there is a higher percentage of rye mixed in the mash—the Canadian in me is excited about that.”
Suggested Cocktail: For Towe, the classic Old Fashioned is a go to, but she also loves a Manhattan or Bobby Burns. “You really taste the spirit shine through in a straight stirred cocktail,” she explains. However, she’s particularly excited to share her original creation, The Borealis, inspired by Canada’s North. This cocktail beautifully captures the essence of the bourbon’s signature notes while adding a Canadian forest twist. “It’s savoury, herbaceous and has slight piney and woody essences, well rounded with our star spirit.”
Oliver Leung
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
40% ABV, $57.99 (BC Liquor Stores), $63.65 (LCBO), 750mL
Oliver Leung, co-owner of Suite115 Cocktail Bar in Toronto (@oliver_leung_, @suite115.to), has a deep love for both Basil Hayden and Michter’s bourbon. “Basil Hayden is my favourite bourbon to mix or sip on; it holds a special place in my heart as it was the first bourbon I ever tried,” he says. Leung particularly enjoys the apricot and warming caramel notes in Basil Hayden, which shine through and complement various cocktails beautifully. “Michter’s Bourbon also resonates with me, as I love its complexity and how well it works in cocktails.”
Suggested cocktail: His current go-to bourbon cocktail is The Orchardist, an original on Suite115’s menu that pays homage to the Vieux Carré. “It’s spirit forward and bittersweet, with a touch of chai and herbal flavours,” he says. This cocktail is designed to highlight the bourbon’s characteristics while offering a complex yet approachable experience for guests.
Josh F. Lindley
Wild Turkey 101
50.5% ABV, about $42, 750ml
Maker’s Mark
45% ABV, about $47, 750ml
Co-founder of Bartender Atlas and a bartender in various projects, Josh F. Lindley (@bartenderatlas @josh.f.lindley) has a soft spot for both Wild Turkey 101 and Maker’s Mark bourbon. “Wild Turkey is the bottle that I reach for when I am looking for a neat pour. Some of their rare bottlings are very exciting, but the 101 never leaves my reach,” he says.
“On the other hand, Maker’s Mark has always been my go-to for cocktails. The wheat influence means it plays better with a lot more flavours than some of the wood-forward or rye-spice expressions of bourbon out there.” Lindley particularly loves how Maker’s Mark functions as an introductory bourbon for newcomers, yet still carries a distinct personality that shines in classic cocktails. He notes: “It can fit into almost any classic cocktail and hold its own while fitting in nicely with some more delicate flavours that you might not associate with bourbon off the top of your head.”
Suggested cocktail: Lindley’s current favourite is a twist on the Bourbon Sour, which he has tailored over the years. “It’s a drink I’ve continuously refined to fit the venue and the guest,” he says. Recently, he’s been excited about his original cocktail called The Thief’s Journal, named after the once-banned book by Jean Genet. This drink is a perfect blend of rich flavours and showcases his expertise in creating unique bourbon experiences.
—Compiled by Reece Sims
