We love Bourbon at all times of the year, but September holds a special place in our hearts as its National Bourbon Heritage Month. We asked some of our favorite bartenders in Florida what their top bourbon at the moment is, and we did our homework, you can find it locally as well. As you can see below some bartenders chose the same one. Great minds drink alike!
Here are their picks:
Cesar Diaz
Co-founder Oddbirds (St. Augustine), Founder at Cocktail Capital
St. Augustine Distillery‘s Florida D0uble Cask 46.9% ABV / 93.8 PROOF
“St. Augustine Distillery is proud to present Florida Double Cask Bourbon. This bourbon is made from a mash bill of 60% regional corn, 22% malted barley and 18% regional wheat. The grains are milled and mashed on site, and fermented with proprietary yeast strains in closed-top fermenters. To really round out the spirit, the team decided to finish 7% of the spirit in port barrels.”
Cesar’s take: St. Augustine Distillery is the first to make a Bourbon in Florida after prohibition. It’s versatility to recreate the classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, or even just enjoying neat or on the rocks, makes this Bourbon an easy option. From beginners to the most sophisticated palate, Florida Double Cask can be enjoyed by all.
TJ Palmieri
Custodian at Madrina’s (Gainesville), Fine Rum Specialist SPIRIBAM
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Chris Funk
Bartenders at Stripsteak, Fontainebleau (Miami Beach), Brand Ambassador at Rhum Clément
Wild Turkey 101
“For more than 60 years, legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has been crafting Wild Turkey 101 the right way. With a high rye content, this iconic bourbon is perfectly aged in American White Oak barrels with the deepest char for more character.”
TJ’s take: Wild Turkey 101 is just an awesome Bourbon. Not too pricey, drinks really well on its own, and is assertive enough to make great cocktails with.
Chris’ Take: The Wild Turkey 101, because I’ve always believed Bourbon is supposed to be hot, sharp, and rustic.
Josue Gonzalez
Bar Manager at DÔA Miami Beach, Hendrick’s Gin Associate Brand Ambassador
Michter’s US 1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Michter’s US 1 Bourbon is made from a carefully selected mashbill that features the highest quality American corn. It is then matured to the peak of perfection, with barrels often aging in excess of eight years.
Josue’s take: They make quality juice and they have a toasted barrel finish which I love.
William Rivas
Head Barman, Macchialina (Miami Beach)
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon
“Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon is finished in port wine casks for an award-winning spirit. We guide each batch’s conditioning, blending our handcrafted bourbon in small batches of 8 to 12 barrels at a time.
It’s typically aged for up to 6 years. While we lose about 5% of the spirit each year to evaporation, or “the Angel’s Share,” what’s left behind after we’re done is truly worthy of envy.”
Will’s take: I like how the port barrels round out the finish on the bourbon.
Will Thompson
Manager at Better Days (Miami)
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Kabir Akbani
Barman at Lolo’s Surf Cantina (Miami)
Russell’s Reserve
“Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is matured in only the deepest No. 4 “alligator” char, American White Oak barrels handpicked by our master distillers. Individually bottled at 110 proof and non-chill filtered to guarantee maximum flavor, each barrel has its own unique personality yet still captures our signature rich, creamy toffee and vanilla taste.”
Will’s take: Lately, it’s the one and only one at home.
Kabir’s take: It’s got a smooth, creamy, and rich flavor. Good as is or with one ice cube.
Ron Lopez
Barman at The Anderson Bar (Miami)
High West’s American Prairie Bourbon
“For each bottle of American Prairie Bourbon sold, High West donates 10% of its after-tax profits to the American Prairie Reserve. Learn More at www.americanprairie.org
American Prairie Bourbon is a complex blend of straight bourbons producing an aromatic whiskey that helps preserve the West.”
Ron’s take: The perfect whiskey to drink neat. Love the subtle spice and the aroma doesn’t kill your palette. It’s like adding the perfect amount of honey to a dish but in the form of whiskey.
Tyler Ridgeway
Barman at Repour Bar (Miami Beach), Brand Ambassador Mezcal Viejo Indecente
E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch
“Made by hand, this Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey has been aged inside century old warehouses constructed by E.H. Taylor, Jr. Barrels are evaluated and selected to create a perfect blend of distinctive character that is like no other. This bourbon is a true sipping bourbon that honors the uncompromising legacy of E.H. Taylor, Jr.”
Tyler’s take: Bold, kick of spice, savory oak notes, and stand out well in any cocktail.
Get out there and visit these awesome bartenders for their Bourbon cocktails during the month of September and visit your local liquor stores to pick up some of these recommendations. Happy drinking!