The thrill of the hunt. For whiskey enthusiasts, the allure of single barrel bourbon lies in its unrepeatable character. Each bottle represents a unique journey, a testament to the nuances of aging and the artistry of the distiller. Unlike blended bourbons, which rely on consistency, single barrel releases offer a truly individualized experience – a gamble, certainly, but one with potentially incredible rewards. Here, we spotlight seven standout single barrel bourbons poised to capture attention in 2026, offering a guide to acquiring these prized spirits.
What Makes Single Barrel Bourbon Special?
The practice of blending hundreds, even thousands, of barrels to achieve consistent flavor profiles is common in bourbon production. Single barrel bourbon bypasses this step, delivering a spirit shaped by the specific characteristics of its individual cask. Pioneered by Blanton’s Original in 1984, the first bourbon marketed as such, created by master distiller Elmer T. Lee at Buffalo Trace, it was a tribute to Colonel Albert B. Blanton’s dedication to selecting exceptional barrels – dubbed ‘honey barrels’ – for esteemed guests. Today, the pursuit of these singular expressions remains a core driver of the bourbon market.
Here’s a breakdown of seven sought-after single barrel bourbons:
1.
Four Roses Single Barrel:
Proof: 100, Price: ~$50, Availability: Widely available. “A truly outrageous bottle of bourbon that should be on everyone’s shelf. It, much like most other bottles in the Four Roses core range is affordable, available, consistent, deep in flavour and just does everything you want a 50% Kentucky straight bourbon to do.” – Phil Dwyer
2.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve:
Proof: 120, Price: ~$50, Availability: Regular release, often in stores. “Loved this pick! Raisin, fig and caramel nose. A unique peppery palate taste is well balanced with classic caramel, vanilla and oak bourbon flavours.” – Fred Minnick
3.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel:
Proof: 110, Price: ~$60, Availability: Common but often snapped up quickly. “Rich, layered bourbon with notes of brown sugar, vanilla, nuts, toffee, and warm baking spice. It’s a high-flavor, mid-proof pour that many Wild Turkey fans prefer to the distillery’s limited releases.”
4.
Maker’s Mark Private Selection:
Proof: Varies (typically 108–114), Price: ~$60–$90, Availability: Store picks only, limited by region
5.
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel:
Proof: 93, Price: ~$65 (MSRP), $100 on secondary, Availability: Highly allocated, often sold via lottery
6.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Single Barrel:
Proof: 100 (Bottled in Bond), Price: ~$70 (MSRP), $150+ on secondary, Availability: Highly allocated, rarely seen on shelves
7.
Weller Single Barrel:
Proof: 97, Price: ~$50 (MSRP), $300+ on secondary, Availability: Extremely limited, annual release
How to Actually Find Single Barrel Bourbons:
Acquiring these sought-after expressions demands patience and persistence. Start local. Cultivate a relationship with your neighborhood liquor store. Owners frequently set aside allocated bottles for regular customers or those who demonstrate a genuine interest and ask informed questions. Join mailing lists. Many U.S. stores disseminate stock updates or run bottle lotteries via email. In controlled states, sign up for your ABC board’s release notices. In the U.K., specialist retailers like The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt offer alerts when sought-after bottles land. Follow enthusiast groups. Facebook bourbon groups, Discord servers, and local clubs often share intel on drops, store picks, and distillery releases. Use online stock trackers. Our comparison tool makes searching easier – and faster. Save a search for a specific bottle and get notified when it’s available online. It’s a simple way to catch bottles like Blanton’s the moment they appear.” – Beth Squires
