Updated April 2026.
There is no official best cherry bourbon. Cherry is a flavoring, not a TTB class. Straight bourbon cannot add flavor. Jim Beam Red Stag prints 32.5% / 65 and is not straight bourbon. Evan Williams Cherry Reserve is a Heaven Hill Kentucky liqueur at 70 proof. A 1.5-ounce pour at 32.5% is about 0.81 drinks.
Related: flavored bourbon, straight bourbon, sweet bourbon.
Flavor vs class
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Straight bourbon | 1.00 at 40% |
| Jim Beam Red Stag | ~0.81 |
| EW Cherry Reserve | 0.88 |
| 100 proof | 1.25 |
A 750 mL 32.5% bottle is about 14 drinks. Four Red Stag pours are about 3.3 drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- jimbeam.com Red Stag: 32.5% ABV (65 proof); not straight bourbon. Heaven Hill Cherry Reserve PR: Kentucky liqueur, 70 proof.
- 27 CFR 5.143 / 5.88. NIAAA December 2025.
- 27 CFR 5.143 — no added flavor
- ≠ bottled-in-bond unless 27 CFR 5.88