Bourbon is not the most common scent in colognes, so finding the best bourbon cologne for your taste can be challenging.
Some are warm and spicy, while others are soft and subtle, so this list rounded up the top 11 bourbon colognes you should check out.
Our favorite bourbon scents fly under the radar and may just be the idyllic one for you.
Our Top 11 Picks
Check out these bourbon cologne reviews to find the right scent for your personality and style.
Best Bourbon Scent
The Mistral Men's Bourbon Vanilla Cologne is a delicious fragrance and gets the top spot as the best bourbon cologne, thanks to the irresistible and balanced scent.
It has spicy and warm black patchouli plus oud wood notes, with bright citrus scents to elevate the aromas. It also comes from a collection featuring shaving creams and body washes.
PROS: Romantic, sweet, masculine, layered, bold bourbon smell
CONS: Too sweet for some men
- Sillage: Mild
- Longevity: 10+ hours
- Appropriate for: Office to evening
- Price: $$
Best for Budget Pick
The Bourbon Cologne from Bath and Body Works has a sexy and sensational bourbon aroma that is subtle but notable.
This woody fragrance has bold spices and soothing warmth, making it ideal for autumn and winter as a daytime fragrance. Launched in 2017, it’s one of the most affordable and bold bourbon colognes for men.
PROS: Spicy, bold, excellent bourbon scent, affordable
CONS: Too warm for summer and spring
- Sillage: Mild
- Longevity: 8+ hours
- Appropriate for: Cold weather daytime wear
- Price: $
Best Subtle Bourbon Scent
One of our favorite bourbon fragrances is the Cremo Cologne Bourbon and Oak cologne, which delivers a light and refined bourbon aroma.
The woody notes of white oak create an earthy but ethereal fragrance that keeps the smell delicate but still masculine. With layers of titillating spices and smoked bourbon, it’s rich without being heavy.
PROS: Sophisticated, airy, refined, affordable
CONS: Too subtle for some
- Sillage: Weak
- Longevity: 2 hours
- Appropriate for: Office and daytime wear
- Price: $
Best Fresh Bourbon Scent
Marina De Bourbon Rouge Royal for men is a dramatic and decadent cologne with an unforgettable scent.
It’s been a popular bourbon cologne since 2006 and delivers potent top notes of honey, cinnamon, cedar, and sandalwood with a sweet lemon foundation. It’s one of the fresher and light bourbon scents available.
PROS: Excellent for fall and winter, refreshing, rich, masculine
CONS: Doesn’t mix well with all body chemistries
- Sillage: Mild
- Longevity: 6+ hours
- Appropriate for: Office to evening
- Price: $
Best Elegant Cologne
The Monsieur Le Prince Elegant cologne has a subtle and romantic bourbon scent that is unique and unexpected.
You get the sweeter notes of bourbon, similar to maple or vanilla. However, the fragrance is refined and sophisticated, offering a well-rounded smell.
PROS: Balanced, elegant, sweet, affordable
CONS: Not super bourbon-y
- Sillage: Weak
- Longevity: 4+ hours
- Appropriate for: Office to evening
- Price: $
Best Woody Bourbon
The Sandalwood Bourbon Solid Cologne from Oak City Beard Company is a stellar bourbon cologne with a sandalwood and mahogany scent that is earthy and cozy.
The top notes of bourbon add a smoky punch to the solid cologne for a masculine and bold aroma.
PROS: Woody, earthy, masculine, affordable
CONS: Some people don’t like solid
- Sillage: Weak
- Longevity: 6+ hours
- Appropriate for: Any occasion
- Price: $
Best Masculine Cologne
The Gambler Bourbon-InspiredCologne is a well-rounded and super manly scent with all the richest smells.
It features bourbon, tobacco, and leather notes, creating a super potent and deep aroma. It’s ideal for guys who want to exude masculinity and natural musk.
PROS: Super masculine, rugged, well-rounded, bold
CONS: Too pungent for some
- Sillage: Strong
- Longevity: 10+ hours
- Appropriate for: Day or nighttime outings
- Price: $$
Best Warm Bourbon Scent
The Art of Shaving’s Bourbon Amer Cologne Intense delivers on its promise of a warm and familiar scent that is intense and unapologetic.
This bourbon amber cologne is decadent and elegant, with bold and undeniable masculinity. Its subtle sweetness and honeyed aroma are alluring and sensual.
PROS: Balanced, sexy, romantic, refined, high-end
CONS: Small bottle
- Sillage: Strong
- Longevity: 8+ hours
- Appropriate for: All occasions
- Price: $$
Best Smoky Scent
The Yellowstone Ride Men's Cologne by Tru Western is a smoky and potent bourbon scent with a rugged and manly aroma.
It has notes of smoked whisky and sweet vanilla. It’s one of the best bourbon colognes but is a bit of a hidden gem.
PROS: Bold, smoky, masculine, long-lasting
CONS: Too pungent for some
- Sillage: Strong
- Longevity: 12+ hours
- Appropriate for: Weekends and evenings
- Price: $
Best Solid Cologne
The Solid Bourbon and Sandalwood Cologne from Occo Bobbo is one of the easiest and most comfortable bourbon colognes to use.
It has a long-lasting and rich bourbon scent with woody notes and distinct spiciness. It can moisturize your skin while delivering an alluring and manly fragrance.
PROS: Long-lasting, spicy, rich, moisturizing, easy to use, masculine
CONS: Some people do not like solid colognes
- Sillage: Mild
- Longevity: 12+ hours
- Appropriate for: Any occasion
- Price: $
Best for Evenings
Kentucky Mash Sandalwood and Bourbon Solid Cologne has a masculine and memorable bourbon scent.
With light citrus notes, it smells like a delicious Kentucky smash cocktail or your favorite whisky. It features natural ingredients and is comfortable to apply and wear.
PROS: Easy to use, soft, spicy, long-lasting, potent
CONS: Small amount
- Sillage: Weak
- Longevity: 10+ hours
- Appropriate for: Evenings
- Price: $
What Does Bourbon Smell Like?
The scent of bourbon can vary depending on the brand, but it’s generally a sweet and warm scent with delicious notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel.
It may have a hint of spice like black pepper or cloves and commonly has tobacco, wood, and citrus scents. Some bourbons can be smoky, while others are sweeter and velvety.
Final Thoughts
The best bourbon cologne for you will be the one that makes you feel alluring and confident.
Bourbon is a bold smell worn by audacious men, so if you have a daring and cheeky personality, the right cologne will capture and exude your spirit.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.
