Bailey Loosemore

Louisville Courier Journal

If you live in Kentucky, you're almost expected to know a little about bourbon, says Bernie Lubbers, a global brand ambassador for Heaven Hill.

As a resident of the bourbon capitol, family and friends often feel it's safe to assume you're capable of explaining what you like, scanning a shelf and - most importantly - choosing a good gift.

But we all know not every bourbon lover is as bourbon expert, so the Courier-Journal is here to help you impress. Below you'll find a list of bourbons for several possible gift recipients, as recommended by Lubbers and Old Town Wine & Spirits manager Nick Reifsteck.

MOTHER-IN-LAW

Lubbers's pick: Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, $29.99

Bernheim is light, easy spirit with a soft and sweet taste for a soft and sweet person. "Even if she's not, you want to hand it to her and say 'because you're so soft and sweet,'" Lubbers said. "You have to get points with the mother-in-law."

Reifsteck's pick: Four Roses Small Batch, $34.99

Reifsteck likes Four Roses as a gift for your mother-in-law because of its romantic story. Back in the 19th century, the bourbon's creator was courting a young lady and asked her to respond to his marriage proposal by wearing a rose to an upcoming dance. The night of the dance, the woman entered wearing a corsage of four roses - leading to the distillery's name. "It's a very beautiful bottle and a nice, smooth bourbon with a touch of rye," Reifsteck said.

BOSS

Lubbers's pick: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, $49.99

A boss is someone to impress, so you'll want to make an extra effort by tracking down one of Heaven Hill's allocated items, Lubbers said. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, a 12-year bourbon, is released a couple times a year, and if you manage to grab one, you'd definitely be at the top of your boss's good list.

Reifsteck's pick: Blanton's Bourbon, $65

Like Lubbers, Reifsteck agrees your boss deserve something special. But he's recommended a bourbon that's a little easier to find. Blanton's, a single barrel bourbon, was introduced in the '80s as a product meant to revive bourbon in the marketplace. "Before then, bourbons were blended and not considered special," Reifsteck said. "This is the first single barrel bourbon in modern times."

DAD

Lubbers's pick: Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 6 Year, $9.99

"Dad is sensible," Lubbers said. "I would say that what my dad drank to almost the day he died was Heaven Hill 6 year, 90 proof. ... It's practical, and it's really good, and it's under the radar." It's also available only in Kentucky, so it's a special treat for families out of state.

Reifsteck's pick: Evan Williams Single Barrel, $31.99

"This is probably my favorite bourbon right now," Reifsteck said of the 10-year-old bourbon. "... No two barrels are the same, and no two dad's are the same."

GRANDPARENTS

Lubbers's pick: Evan Williams Eggnog, $9.99, and Old Fitzgerald, $13.99

Since two people are getting this gift, Lubbers recommended purchasing a special holiday drink and another Kentucky-only spirit. "It's old school," Lubbers said of Old Fitzgerald. "It's a really nice bourbon at a really affordable price."

Reifsteck's pick: Willett Pot Still Reserve, $45.99

Willett's pot still bourbon is served in a beautiful decanter that's perfect for the grandparents' home, Reifsteck said. It's a small batch bourbon with a medium body, made mostly of corn.

SIBLING

Lubbers's pick: Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey, $50

If you've got the inside knowledge, go with Pikesville Rye, Lubbers said. Rye whiskeys are the hot new trend, and at six years old, Pikesville is one of the oldest available.

Reifsteck's pick: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, $54.99

A little more special than the normal Woodford Reserve, this bourbon goes through a second aging process that pulls additional flavors from the wood barrels.

BEST FRIEND

Lubbers's pick: Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond, $31.99

You're bonded to your best friend, so why not go with a bottled in bond? The classification of bourbons, known for having stricter regulations, are making a comeback, and Henry McKenna is one of the oldest out there, Lubbers said.

Reifsteck's pick: Booker's, $49.99

Booker's - an uncut and unfiltered bourbon - is as close as going from the barrel to the bottle as you'll get, Reifsteck said. It's a big and gnarly bourbon that's perfect for sharing with a best friend.

HAIR STYLIST

Lubbers's pick: Elijah Craig Small Batch, $29.99

The 12-year-old bourbon is something to marvel at, but it's also available at an affordable price. "I wouldn't think you'd want to give somebody that you really like, that provides a great service for you something that they can't go out and buy," Lubbers said. "Give them something really special that they can still afford."

Reifsteck's pick: Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch, $12.99

Similar to Lubbers's choice, Reifsteck also recommends an affordable small batch bourbon. "For the price, it tastes like a much more expensive bourbon," he said. "... It's arguably the best bourbon you're going to find at that price point."

NEIGHBOR

Lubbers's pick: Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, $24.99

You're regularly over at your neighbor's house, so buy them something you'll enjoy as well. And if you're going with Larceny, don't stop at a fifth. Go ahead and make it a half gallon, Lubbers said.

Reifsteck's pick: Angel's Envy, $49.99

The traditional bourbon is finished in port wine barrels, which adds a wonderful flavor profile, Reifsteck said. "You get these kind of vague fruit notes, a little bit of nuttiness," he said. "I think that would be a wonderful gift."

Remember to drink smart, drink safe. Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at 502-582-4646 or bloosemore@courier-journal.com.