Perfect for cocktails, different story neat

I use Bourbon primarily in cocktails and it excels in that role — the smooth aftertaste comes through in a mixed drink in ways that complement rather than dominate. Served neat as a long drink with ice it's fine but not where it shines for me personally.

If you're building a home bar, having a quality Bourbon is essential. Just think about whether you're buying it for mixing or sipping — the best choices for each aren't always the same bottle.