My Top 5 Store Pick Bourbons (And Why You Should Hunt for Picks Too)

When it comes to bourbon, there’s something thrilling about hunting down the perfect bottle. But there’s one category that continues to surprise, impress, and completely change the game for me: store picks.

These aren’t just off-the-shelf bottles. They’re hand-selected, often by individuals or groups with great palates and experience — and when you find a good one, it’s like striking gold.

Over the years, I’ve tried hundreds of bourbons, but there are a few store picks that still stand out. These are the ones I’d buy again in a heartbeat — the bottles that made me fall deeper in love with whiskey. So here they are: my top 5 store picks of all time.

What Is a Store Pick Bourbon?

Before diving into my list, let’s get clear on what a store pick actually is.

A store pick — sometimes called a single barrel pick — is a bottle selected by a retailer, club, or individual from a distillery’s lineup of single barrels. These barrels are sampled, judged, and chosen specifically for their unique character. That chosen barrel is then bottled exclusively for that store or group, often with a custom sticker or label.

That means you can get wildly different flavor experiences from the same brand depending on the barrel. It’s a personalized, often rare chance to taste something that only a few people in the world will ever own.

Why Store Picks Matter

The beauty of store picks is in the variety and unpredictability. Two barrels of the same bourbon can taste completely different depending on where they aged, how long they aged, and how the distillate interacted with the wood.

That means:

• You can find hidden gems that far outperform their retail price.
• You get access to limited, exclusive bottles you won’t find anywhere else.
• You build a connection to the people who picked the barrel.

Now let’s get into the five picks that left a lasting impression on me.

1. Elijah Craig Single Barrel Store Pick – The One That Started It All

This was the bottle that pulled me into the rabbit hole. I still remember the moment: a rich nose of vanilla and caramel, a wave of baking spice, and a long oak-forward finish that made me think — “Whoa, this is something different.”

Why it’s special:

• Nostalgia & Impact: This was my first store pick ever, and it ignited my passion for bourbon.
• Rich Flavor Profile: Elijah Craig is already a solid value at retail, but this particular single barrel had so much more depth. The profile included dark cherry, toffee, and a hit of toasted oak that gave it serious complexity.
• Finish: The finish was long and warming, with a perfect balance of sweet vanilla and oak. Even after all the bottles I’ve had since, this one sticks in my mind as the moment everything changed.

2. Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson C – The “Camp Russell” Pick

This pick, often referred to as the “Camp Russell” pick, is actually the Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson C release. It’s a standout in the bourbon world for several reasons.

Why it’s special:

• Historical Significance: Camp Nelson C was a historic rickhouse built in 1946 and decommissioned in 2021. Situated atop a hill near the Kentucky River, its unique construction—with timber and tin—allowed for natural temperature regulation and air circulation, contributing to the bourbon’s distinctive aging process.
• Aging and Proof: The barrels selected for this release came from the center-cut floors (3 and 4), considered the “sweet spot” for aging. The result? A non-chill filtered bourbon aged over 10 years and bottled at 112.4 proof.
• Flavor Explosion: This release is a non-chill filtered bourbon aged over 10 years and bottled at 112.4 proof. The tasting notes include sweet vanilla, caramel, fresh and dried fruit, brown sugar, oak, and char. On the palate, you’ll experience toffee, coconut, vanilla, apple, dried fruit, toasted pecan, chocolate, and baking spices.

Tasting Notes:

• Aroma: Sweet vanilla, caramel, and cream transitioning to fresh and dried fruit, brown sugar, oak, and char.
• Palate: Rich notes of toffee, coconut, vanilla, apple, dried fruit, toasted pecan, chocolate, and baking spices.
• Finish: Long, silky, and sweet mouth-coating that balances oak, baking spices, and rich sweetness.

3. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve – 13-Year Pick

This one was leather, fruit, and heaven in a glass.

Why it’s special:

• Age Matters: Knob Creek’s standard single barrels are usually around 9 years old, but this particular pick hit 13 years — and you could taste every minute of that extra time in the barrel.
• Aromatics & Flavor: The rich flavors of leather, old books, and dark cherries greeted me with each sniff. The palate exploded with a medley of roasted nuts, plum, black pepper, and oak — reminiscent of a spiced fruitcake soaked in bourbon.
• Finish: The finish was long and evolving — it kept changing with each sip, showing new layers of flavor.

Tasting Notes:

• Aromatics: Leather, old book, and dark cherries.
• Flavor Explosion: Roasted nuts, plum, black pepper, and oak — like a spiced fruitcake soaked in bourbon.
• Finish: Long, evolving, and full of spice.

4. Four Roses OESK Private Selection

You can’t talk store picks without bringing up Four Roses Private Selections. With 10 different recipes and barrel strength options, every bottle is its own unique experience.

Why it’s special:

• Variety: The Four Roses Single Barrel lineup is one of the most diverse you’ll find. With multiple yeast strains and different mash bills, every pick brings something new to the table.
• Signature Yeast Spice: The OESK pick I had hit all the right notes — ripe peach, citrus zest, cinnamon, and clove. The K yeast strain lends a signature spiciness that balances perfectly with the fruit-forward profile.
• Complex and Refreshing: This bourbon finishes clean, dry, and refreshing, making it a bottle that begs for another sip.

Tasting Notes:

• Aromatics: Ripe peach, citrus zest, and floral notes.
• Complex Spice: Signature K yeast spice comes through with cinnamon and clove.
• Finish: Clean, dry, and refreshing.

5. Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Store Pick

Old Forester brings the heat — literally. Their barrel strength single barrels are unapologetically bold, and this pick came out swinging.

Why it’s special:

• High Proof Heat: This pick came in hot with nearly 130 proof, but it opened up beautifully after a few minutes in the glass.
• Full-Bodied Flavor: Dark chocolate, peanut brittle, banana bread, oak, and toffee — it’s a rollercoaster of rich flavors that makes this pick unforgettable.
• Not for Beginners: The bold proof and complexity make this bourbon more suitable for the experienced drinker who appreciates high-proof flavor bombs.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Dark chocolate, peanut brittle, banana bread.
• Palate: A rollercoaster of rich oak, toffee, cinnamon, and dark fruit.
• Finish: Balanced, layered, and long.

The Importance of a Good Picker

Let’s be honest — not every store pick is a banger. Some can be underwhelming or even downright disappointing. But the best way to improve your odds?

Trust the picker.

Some individuals and groups have built a rock-solid reputation for choosing barrels that consistently deliver. When you see their name attached to a bottle, you know you’re probably in for something special.

A Few People Whose Picks I Trust Without Hesitation:

*Jason from The Mash and Drum: Jason has an incredible palate, and his reviews are always thoughtful, transparent, and dead-on. He’s known for his attention to detail and for picking barrels that offer complexity and balance. When I see a pick with Mash and Drum attached, I’m buying it.

*The Bourbon Junkies (Dan and Sean): Dan Shook and Sean Paisley, known collectively as the Bourbon Junkies, have cultivated one of the most loyal followings in the bourbon community. Their picks are bold, flavor-forward, and often venture off the beaten path, showcasing their keen palate for barrels with distinctive character. Their selections consistently surprise and delight enthusiasts, making them highly sought after.

Building on their passion for whiskey, Dan and Sean co-founded EverNorth Spirits Co., a Northern Michigan-based distillery. Their mission is to create community-driven whiskeys that reflect their commitment to transparency and quality. As true lovers of whiskey, they aim to craft expressions that resonate with consumers, offering a taste of their dedication and expertise.

Though I haven’t had the chance to try EverNorth’s products yet, knowing Dan and Sean, I’m confident these bottles will be excellent. Their deep understanding of flavor profiles and their clear vision for their company make it clear that EverNorth Spirits Co. is destined to produce exceptional, delicious bourbons that will be well worth the hunt for collectors and aficionados alike.

* Matt Porter (ADHD Whiskey): Matt’s expertise in picking bourbons comes with a deep understanding of what makes a bottle truly remarkable. His expertise is now also tied to Barrel King, where he works directly with the brand. I know that any pick from Matt, whether from ADHD Whiskey or Barrel King, will always deliver a unique and balanced flavor profile. Being a former “World’s Top Whiskey Taster,” Matt is a trusted figure in the world of whiskey, and I can guarantee his picks will impress.

Tips for Hunting Great Store Picks

If you’re just getting into the store pick game, here are a few tips to help you find bottles like the ones on my list:

1. Build Relationships With Local Stores: Find out which local retailers have a good reputation for store picks. These stores often have their own email lists or social media accounts that will notify you of exclusive picks as soon as they become available.
2. Be Quick: Store picks don’t last long, and they’re often limited. If you see one you’re interested in, don’t wait too long to grab it.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: The best store picks come from people who are passionate about bourbon. Ask the store employees about their picks and any upcoming releases they may have — you might just get an insider tip on the next big thing.
4. Join Bourbon Groups: Many bourbon enthusiasts congregate on Facebook, Reddit, and other forums. These groups can be invaluable resources for discovering new picks and hearing about rare finds.

Conclusion

If you haven’t ventured into the world of store pick bourbons, I highly recommend you start. The experience of tasting something truly unique and knowing that it’s a bottle chosen just for its excellence is unmatched. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon connoisseur or a newcomer, store picks offer an opportunity to explore new dimensions of flavor that go beyond what you’ll find on the standard shelves.

Start hunting, and let the hunt for these exceptional bottles guide your next bourbon adventure.