Cut the Proof, Not the Taste: 15 of the Best Flavor‑Packed Low Proof Bourbons For Damp January (or Any Time)

Are you Planning a Damp January? These low proof bourbons can help make it more bearable.

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So, you’re ready for a little break from alcohol after a festive December, but you don’t want to do anything too drastic. Forget “Dry January” and opt for “Damp January” instead. With the current available non-alcoholic whiskeys a poor substitute for the real thing, though, what are we bourbon drinkers to do? Instead of cutting out alcohol altogether, how about simply cutting down the amount of alcohol per drink? One option is to mix your bourbon with a high volume mixer, such as club soda or ginger ale. This will help to make each drink last longer, so presumably you’ll consume less alcohol than if you were knocking back more potent cocktails or neat pours. But what if you don’t want to give up your neat pour? Well, I’ve got an idea for you – how about trying some of the best low proof bourbons…neat!

Bourbon Has to be Bottled at 80 Proof or Higher

Bourbon has to be a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV), so that’s as low in alcohol that a pour can go. However, if you are used to drinking whiskeys that are north of 100 proof, you can cut back significantly on the amount of alcohol in each pour by switching to a lower proof bourbon. While that barrel proof single barrel at 135 proof (67.5% ABV) may be delicious, did you consider that you can cut your alcohol consumption by around 41% by sipping on an 80 proof pour instead? Not to mention, as an added bonus you’re cutting quite a few calories, too!

There are calories in bourbon?

Calories from bourbon are almost entirely derived from the ethanol. Therefore, the lower the proof, the lower the calories. For example, a 1.5 oz pour of 80 proof bourbon contains ~14 grams of alcohol, which equates to about 98 calories. Compare that to a 1.5 oz pour of 135 proof bourbon with 23.63 grams of alcohol. That’s 165 calories! So, switching to the lower proof pour doesn’t just cut your alcohol consumption by 41%, it cuts your calories, too! I’m feeling thinner already!

Factors That Influence Bourbon’s Flavor and Body for The Best Low Proof Bourbons for Damp January

So, now that we have a better understanding of just how much alcohol and calories we can save by enjoying lower proof bourbons during our Damp January, let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence bourbon’s flavor.

Pot Stills vs Column Stills

Bourbons distilled in pot stills will usually have more body and viscous flavors than those distilled in column stills, so they may be a good choice when looking for a low proof, high flavor pour. That is because pot still distilled bourbons retain more flavors and oils that are often removed by column stills. Generally, pot still distilled bourbons are going to come from smaller (ie; “craft”) distillers, because pot stills are usually impractical for very high volume operations. Column stills, which can run continuously and have very large outputs, are the only way to yield the kind of volumes produced by a distillery such as Jim Beam. Not that you can’t have very large, or a large number of, pot stills – you can. However, you would need a huge number of pot stills to match the output of a column still, and it would be much less efficient, and much more labor intensive, as well.

Malted Grains

Most bourbons contain malted barley, generally in a small amount. While there is a technical reason for this, which is to provide the enzymes to convert starches to fermentable sugars, malted barley can also contribute to the flavor and body of a bourbon. Some bourbons contain a significantly higher amount of malted barley than the minimum required for starch conversion (generally not less than 5% of the mash bill), and those higher malt bourbons will generally have a bit of a different flavor profile and more body than bourbons with a lower percentage of malted grain in the mash bill.

Although barley is the most common malted grain found in bourbon, it is not the only one. Malted rye, wheat, and even rarely, malted corn, can be found in bourbon mashbills, adding unique flavor profiles and body to the spirit. So, you might look for a spirit with a high amount of malted grains in its mash bill in your quest for a full flavored low proof bourbon.

Barrel Entry Proof

Barrel entry proof is, quite simply, the proof at which the bourbon distillate is put in the barrel. To be a classified as a bourbon, the distillate cannot enter the barrel at greater than 125 proof. However, back in the olden days of not that long ago, barrel entry proof was required to be lower, and today, many distillers will still use a lower barrel entry proof. That’s because the proof of the maturing bourbon affects what flavor components are extracted from the barrel. It’s simply a matter of whether a component is more soluble in water or alcohol. More water soluble compounds are found in bourbons aged at a lower proof, and they can often have “softer”, sweeter, fruitier and richer flavors than those matured at a higher proof.

Putting it all together

Now that we understand some of the factors that influence flavor and body, we can take a look at some of the low proof bourbon options that are available. Since this article is directed towards bourbon drinkers who are looking to lower their alcohol (and calorie) consumption for Damp January, I am going to stick with bourbons that are on the fuller bodied side. At the end, I’ll briefly mention some of the lighter bodied low proof bourbons for those who may simply be interested in finding a lower proof bourbon that they may enjoy.

The Best Medium Bodied Low Proof Bourbons for Damp January

Although this is the bottom of the proof range for bourbon, there are still some fuller bodied and full flavored bourbons that should satisfy the seasoned bourbon drinker looking for a lower proof pour. Bourbons are listed from the lowest to the highest proof.

Milam & Greene Provisions Bourbon – An Excellent Low Proof Bourbon for Damp January

This newcomer from Milam & Greene in Blanco, Texas is a surprisingly full bodied addition at the lowest proof possible for bourbon. It is a blend of pot still distilled bourbon from Blanco, Texas with column still distilled Kentucky bourbon. This whiskey undergoes Milam & Greene’s unique “Texification” process, in which barrels from Kentucky are brought to Texas for additional aging in the Hill Country climate prior to blending. In addition, a mash bill of 70% Corn, 22% Malted Rye and 8% Malted Barley is used. The Texas climate, pot still component and high percentage of malted grain all contribute to flavor and body not often found at this proof point. If you are looking for a bourbon at the lower end of the spirit’s proof range, but still want plenty of flavor and body, this is one to try. SRP: $35.99, 80 proof. Read Review.

Brother’s Bond Bourbon 

Although this bourbon is brought to us by celebrities, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley of The Vampire Diaries fame, it is nonetheless a solid option in this proof range. While its flavors are a little lighter and brighter than Milam & Greene Provisions’, and its body a bit lighter, it still offers plenty to enjoy. It is distilled in Indiana from a 65% Corn, 22% Rye, 13% Wheat & Barley four grain mash bill, that is probably contributing to this bourbons full flavors. SRP: $40.00, 80 proof. Read Review.

Green River 1885 Bourbon

This bourbon is made with an entirely new mash bill, different from Green River’s flagship bourbon. 1885 uses 76% corn, 15% rye and 9% malted barley, and was created with classic cocktails in mind. Its flavors are fairly sweet and bright, with a bit of spice at the end, and a light to medium body. It is enjoyable neat, and held up surprisingly well in an Old Fashioned, in spite of its low proof. Also, get a load of that price for a liter bottle! This low proof bourbon is a great deal and definitely worth a try for your Damp January (or any time)! SRP: $20-22/Liter, 85 proof. Read Review.

Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon – A Surprisingly Full Flavored Low Proof Damp January Pour

This bourbon always surprises me with how much flavor it has for its proof. While its body is on the lighter side, this is made up by its fuller flavors. It is easy to drink and enjoyable with plenty of fruit, including the characteristic banana, as well as classic bourbon notes. Give it a try; you may be surprised by it, too. SRP: $22–$24, 86 proof. Read Review.

Country Smooth American Small Batch Bourbon

(Note that there is a similarly named Tennessee Bourbon, but I am referring to the one labeled “American” Straight Bourbon Whiskey.) There are scant details about this bourbon, other than it is distilled in Indiana and aged 2 years. I am assuming that “Indiana” refers to MGP (Ross & Squibb), in Lawrenceburg. The flavors in this bourbon are fairly bright and sweet, with some spice in the finish, but they are again fairly full for the relatively low proof. There’s not a lot of complexity, but it is nonetheless an enjoyable lower proof pour. SRP: $29 (although the price seems fairly variable online), 86 proof. Read Review.

Old Elk Blended Straight Bourbon – Slow Cut

Slow Cut refers to Old Elk’s process of “proofing down” mature bourbon to its bottling proof. Instead of adding water to the bourbon all at once, they do it over weeks, which they say helps preserve flavor. This is said to be a blend of bourbons, and at least one component of this bourbon has quite a high malt content – 51% corn, 34% malted barley and 15% rye – and is aged 4–7 years. However, it is unclear what other bourbons this is blended with. Nonetheless, the high malt is likely contributing to its fuller flavor and body. It is a flavorful, enjoyable pour, making it another good option at under 90 proof. SRP: $39.99, 88 proof. Read Review.

The Best Light Bodied Low Proof Bourbons For Damp January

The following bourbons fall in our desired proof range, however, they either did not have flavor characteristics that stood out to me as something that would please someone used to drinking higher proof pours or their body was on the thin side. That does not mean that they are bad bourbons; not at all. Most of them are actually quite popular, and this list includes the number 1 and 2 selling bourbons in the world. So, if you are not normally a high proof drinker and are interested in a lower proof pour, by all means, give these a try:

(Click on the whiskey’s name to read our full review. Listed in alphabetical order.)

• Basil Hayden Bourbon, Basil Hayden Toast, Basil Hayden 10 Year – For my palate, these bourbons don’t have the flavors and body that a high proof drinker would be looking for, and they are overpriced for what they are. In addition, the Basil Hayden Toast is a bit controversial – some people love it, others, not so much (that includes me). Nonetheless, they all have a following, and if you enjoy a low proof pour, you’ll want to give them a try. SRP $40–$50–$85, 80 proof.
• Benchmark Top Floor Bourbon – A relatively light bourbon, but with pleasant flavors and a great price point. As it’s name states, it is aged on the warm top floors of the warehouse so that it “develops character more quickly.” SRP: $15, 86 proof.
• Borchetta Small Batch Bourbon – This bourbon from Big Machine Distillery has enjoyable pot still flavors, albeit on the lighter side in the palate and finish. SRP: $40, 80 proof.
• Evan Williams Black Label (Evan Williams Bourbon) – This is the number 2 selling bourbon in the world. It’s a bit on the lighter side, with classic bourbon flavors, without a lot of complexity. But, what were you expecting for 13 bucks? A lot of people swear by the number 2, so give it a try. You may, too! SRP: $13–$15, 86 proof.
• Jim Beam Bourbon (White Label) – This is the number 1 selling bourbon in the world. I’m not going to belittle Number 1, but I’ve always found it a bit lacking. Nonetheless, millions of people disagree with me, and you may, too! SRP: $16–17, 80 proof.
• Remington Reserve Open Season Bourbon – This bourbon was created as a collaboration between Log Still Distillery and Remington. It is a proprietary blend of Kentucky and Tennessee bourbons, bottled at 86 proof in Gethsemane, Kentucky. There is a complexity and depth to the nose that I was not expecting. The taste, however, is fairly light bodied, which feels more in line with its proof. Even so, it has some complexity and makes for a satisfying lower proof pour. SRP: $39.99–$44.99, 86 proof.
• Ship’s Bell Blended Bourbon – If not for its limited distribution, this full bodied low proof blend of bourbon and American single malt would have made it into my top recommendations. If you are in its distribution area (probably Connecticut, Rhode Island and some parts of New York), you’ll want to check it out! SRP: $36.99, 86 proof.

Are You Ready For A Damp January Filled With Low Proof Bourbon?

So, there you have it! 15 low proof bourbons that can help you cut your alcohol and calorie consumption while still enjoying the spirit that we all love! Of course, another option to consider is to drink Irish Whiskey or Scotch for the month. There are countless full-flavored pours below 90 proof in those categories, although those whiskeys do have different flavor profiles from bourbon. Also, now is a good time to continue to drink bourbon rather than foreign spirits, since it will help support the bourbon industry during the tough times that many in it are now enduring. Unfortunately, Dry January will have the opposite effect on distilleries, breweries, wineries and all the related business – bars, liquor stores, etc – that are going through tough times. Of course, I am in no way suggesting that anyone drink alcohol if they don’t want to or shouldn’t for health reasons, but I am pointing out the effect that it has on all the related businesses and their employees.

I hope you have a happy Damp January, if that is the path you choose, and that these low proof bourbons help it pass quickly and enjoyably! Cheers!🥃

Are you done doing Dry January and opting for Damp January (or Wet January) instead? If you went the Damp January route, what was your best low proof bourbon for getting you through the month? I’m interested to know!

Here are some brand links for your reference: Milam & Greene, Old Forester, Green River, Brother’s Bond, Old Elk, Country Smooth

Would you like to learn more about distilleries and bourbon? Are you planning a trip to Kentucky Distilleries? Maybe you would like to live the bourbon life vicariously through us? If any of these are true, then check out BourbonObsessed.com today!