Bourbon | Buy/Don't Buy/Try | Comments |
1792 Single Barrel Select | Buy | A step above regular 1792, and a great drink, especially at the price. Smooth. |
Alley 6 Rye Whiskey | Buy | Surprisingly good for a young Rye whiskey. Even Philip didn't mind it. |
Ancient Ancient Age | Don’t Buy | We didn’t particularly enjoy this cinnamon bomb. But it’s cheap, so if you want to give it a shot, go ahead. |
Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey | Try | Interesting dessert whiskey as it's very sweet since finished in port wine casks. |
Barrell Bourbon - Batch 17 | Buy | It’s a moderately expensive barrel proof, but for this batch at least it’s a really solid pour, that we enjoyed. I’d like to see more distribution from this brand. |
Barterhouse - Orphan Barrel Series | Try | Vastly different tastes between different bottles of this, and my bottle was not good. Not nearly good enough for the price. |
Bernheim Wheat - 2017 | Try | An odd wheater that just didn't do it for us. |
Blade and Bow | Buy | An interestingly marketed solera aged bourbon whiskey, on the upper edge of mid-shelf. It’s good, but not great yet. |
Blade Rummer - Resevoir Distillery | Don't Buy | Way too expensive for a young, not very good whiskey. |
Blanton's - 2017 | Buy | Delicious, original single barrel |
Blanton’s - 2018 | Buy | Still remains a fantastic bourbon. Just don’t pay $150 for it. Stupid secondary market. |
Blanton’s - Straight from the Barrel | Buy | If you can get this for anywhere around retail, go for it. It’s a fantastic pour, and can maybe hold up to Buffalo’s Antique lineup. |
Big Deal Rye Whiskey | Try | An interesting offering from West Virginia, and passable, so one to try if you’re a Rye fan looking for something new. |
Blood Oath - Pact 5 | Try | This whiskey has a lot going on with the various bourbons in the blend, and given the price point, it should be shared with experienced bourbon drinkers. Not bad, not fantastic. |
Bondi Bourbon - 2018 | Don’t Buy | It’s an odd corn whiskey that calls itself a bourbon. I’d give it another shot in a couple years. |
Bone Snapper Rye Whiskey | Buy | Jarrod says it's a good Rye, and Philip can understand why. |
Booker's - 2016-06 | Buy | While Booker's has been going up in price, it's still a good pour and and easy to find barrel proof. The various years do have different tastes though. |
Bower Hill Barrel Reserve - 2018 | Don’t buy | For the price there are much better offerings, and it’s weirdly hot and not very pleasant. |
Breckenridge High Proof | Try | We’ve enjoyed other offerings from Breckenridge more, but we’re hoping our bottle needed more time to breathe. Give em a shot and see what you think. |
Buffalo Trace | Buy | Inexpensive offering from Buffalo Trace, and a great mixing bourbon for cocktails. |
Bulleit | Buy | Decent standby, good cocktail mixer |
Bulleit - Barrel Strength | Try | Decent, but not for everyone. Very hot barrel proof. |
Bulleit - 10yr | Try | Good, but for the price, it may not be worth it for everyone versus regular Bulleit. |
Burning Chair | Don’t Buy | This is a really hot, young whiskey, that just didn’t do it for us. But if you like really hot whiskey, it might be for you. |
Cleveland Whiskey | Don’t Buy | While trying innovative ideas and technology is generally a good thing, at least produce decent tasting whiskey in the process. |
Clyde May's Alabama Style Special Reserve | Don't Buy | 110 Proof Hot apple garbage |
Clyde May's Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Try | Not a bad moderately priced bourbon, but much better available for the price. |
Collabor&tion Brandy Finished Bourbon (Bardstown Bourbon Co) | Try | A 10yr bourbon aged another 1.5 years in Brandy barrels, so the brandy taste really comes through. Good, but due to the price tag, try it first. |
Collabor&tion Muscat Mistelle Finished Bourbon (Bardstown Bourbon Co) | Try | A 10yr bourbon aged another 1.5 years in Muscat barrels, so the winey taste is readily apparent, and you need to like that. Interesting, but due to the price tag, try it first. |
Colonel EH Taylor - Barrel Proof | Buy | You can't go wrong with EH Taylor at retail. Smoothest Barrel proof ever. |
Colonel EH Taylor - Barrel Proof - 2018 | Buy | Delicious and dangerous barrel proof. Goes down too easy. |
Colonel EH Taylor - Four Grain | Buy | You can't go wrong with EH Taylor at retail |
Colonel EH Taylor - Rye | Buy | You can't go wrong with EH Taylor at retail |
Colonel EH Taylor - Seasoned Wood | Buy | You can't go wrong with EH Taylor at retail |
Colonel EH Taylor - Single Barrel | Buy | You can't go wrong with EH Taylor at retail |
Colonel EH Taylor - Small Batch | Buy | You can't go wrong with EH Taylor at retail |
Copper Fox Rye | Buy | Jarrod says it's a good Rye. We know how Philip feels about Ryes. |
Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey | Buy | If you like Ryes, you’ll probably like this mid-range offering. Fairly polished for the price. |
Eagle Rare | Buy | A little sweet, but smooth and great for price |
Elijah Craig - Barrel Proof - 2016 | Buy | EC's barrel proofs have set the standard for affordable, delicious barrel proofs |
Elijah Craig - Barrel Proof - 2017 (A) | Buy | EC's barrel proofs have set the standard for affordable, delicious barrel proofs |
Elijah Craig - Barrel Proof - 2017 (B) | Buy | This is the only one that was actually Bourbon of the year. But it is good. |
Elijah Craig - Barrel Proof - 2018 (A) | Buy | EC's barrel proofs have set the standard for affordable, delicious barrel proofs |
Elijah Craig - Barrel Proof - 2018 (B) | Buy | EC's barrel proofs have set the standard for affordable, delicious barrel proofs |
Elijah Craig - Barrel Proof - 2018 (C) | Buy | Yeah, what he said right above. You can just grab one or two every time it’s released. |
Elijah Craig - Small Batch | Buy | Good inexpensive bourbon for parties or decanter |
Elmer T Lee | Buy | Sweet and delicious if you can find it |
Elmer T Lee - 100yr Tribute | Buy | If you can find it at retail, buy all day. 10 more proof added to regular Elmer makes this fantastic. |
Evan Williams - Black | Try | Cheap bottom shelf bourbon |
Evan Williams - Single Barrel | Buy | Inexpensive, but good single barrel |
Evan Williams Single Barrel - 2018 | Buy | A great inexpensive single barrel option. No need to mix this Evan Williams. |
Four Roses - Single Barrel - 2017 | Buy | Great example of a single barrel, delicious oak notes |
Four Roses - Single Barrel - 2019 | Buy | Great example of a single barrel, affordable bourbon, that you can still buy on the shelves. |
Four Roses - Single Barrel Barrel Proof - 2018 OBSF 8yrs | Buy | Pricing can vary on this one, but incredibly smooth barrel proof. Dangerous. Get me another. |
Four Roses - Small Batch | Buy | Inexpensive good bourbon |
Four Roses - Small Batch Select | Buy | It’s a higher proof offering, that is definitely good, but I don’t know if I’d always pick it over the Single barrel since it is more expensive. But definitely pick at least one up. |
Four Roses - Yellow Label | Buy | Cheap good bourbon |
George Dickel - 9yr Single Barrel | Try | Dickels offerings are hit or miss, and while I wouldn’t turn down a glass, I don’t need to buy another bottle after finishing this one. |
George Dickel - Bottled-In-Bond (2019) | Buy | For a 13yr old, 100 proof Tennessee Whiskey, that only costs in the mid-$30’s, this is a surprisingly solid pour. Give it a shot. Just remember, Tennessee whiskey, not bourbon. |
George Dickel No. 12 | Try | The No. 12 definitely doesn’t live up to the BiB Dickel, and while not offensive, it’s just not that pleasant either. |
George T. Stagg - 2018 | Buy | It’s fantastic, and a little sweet, with a spicy finish. Buy it at retail though, because we don’t want to contribute to the secondary market. |
Heaven Hill Old Style | Buy | For a sub-$10 bottle, I’m not sure you’re going to find anything better for the price. |
Heaven’s Door - Straight Bourbon | Don’t Buy | Fool me once Bob Dylan, but I won’t be buying this again. |
Henry McKenna 10 yr - 2017 batch (bottled 2007) | Buy | Surprisingly affordable and good inexpensive 10yr bourbon |
Henry McKenna 10 yr - 2019 batch (bottled 2009) | Buy | Well, this bottle escalated quickly. Still a really good option if found at retail. Do not pay 2-3x retail though. Just walk away. |
Hibiki - Suntory | Try | Fairly mellow, and a good example of a Japanese whiskey. Try it if you haven't had japanese whiskey, if you like japanese whiskey, buy |
High West - American Prairie Bourbon | Try | Expensive for the quality received |
High West - Bourye | Buy | An Interesting take on a Bourbon and Rye mixture. |
High West - MidWinter Night's Dram | Buy | Rye heavy, but delicious |
Holland's Ghost - Resevoir Distillery | Don't Buy | Way too expensive for a young, not very good whiskey. |
Hudson Baby Bourbon | Don't Buy | We really wanted to like this one, but it simply needs to age longer. Way too young. |
I.W. Harper | Try | Inexpensive, but probably better offerings for the money. Definitely try first. |
Jack Daniels | Buy | If you want a jack and Ginger, go for the original. Just remember this isn't a bourbon. |
Jefferson's Reserve | Buy | The lowest level offering from Jefferson's that we can recommend buying. |
Jefferson's Very Small Batch | Don't Buy | Just stay away. If sticking with Jefferson's, the reserve is the lowest you want to go from their offerings. |
Jesse James Outlaw Whiskey | Don't Buy | Don't do it. Back up and slowly walk away. |
Jim Beam | Buy | It's definitely bourbon, but the distillers cut is much better for not much more money. |
Jim Beam Black | Buy | Upgrade to Distillers Cut if available |
Jim Beam Bonded | Buy | Another strong sub-$30 hit from Mr. Beam |
Jim Beam Distillers Cut | Buy | Surprisingly Good. |
Jim Beam Repeal Batch | Buy | Not bad, worth the price. |
John J Bowman | Buy | Sourced bourbon aged by A smith Bowman, but it's good. |
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Try | It’s an expensive, younger, finished whiskey. Please don’t make my mistake and buy a bottle without trying. Also, there are too many finished whiskeys. |
Just Whiskey - Indiana Whiskey | Try | It's an oddly light Whiskey that doesn't have a lot going on. |
Knob Creek - Single Barrel | Buy | Hot and spicy 120 proof single barrel. Add some ice or water and you're set though. |
Kopper Kettle Bourbon Whiskey | Try | Belmont Farm produced an interesting whiskey, and it’s definitely worth a try. Though since it’s inexpensive, maybe just grab a bottle. |
Larceny | Try | Not our cup of tea. Better options at this price |
Legent | Buy | The flavor profile is different, so it may not be for everyone, but for an inexpensive offering that offers this value and taste, I’d buy another. |
Liar’s Bench Rye | Try | An offering from Bear Wallow distillery that isn’t bad, but not our favorite rye by any stretch. |
Longbranch (Wild Turkey) | Try | Not for everyone, but try it to see if it's worth the price to have Matthew McConaughey's bourbon |
Lost Republic Bourbon | Try | Not a bad younger offering, but definitely try before buying. |
Makers Mark | Buy | Decent standby. You know what you're going to get. |
Makers Mark - 46 | Try | Different enough from the original to try before buying for most people. But definitely give it a try. |
Makers Mark - Cask Strength | Buy | If you like the original, you should like this. It’s just going to hit much harder. |
Melky Miller American Whiskey - 8 yr | Buy | It’s an interesting maryland rye whiskey, that’s corn heavy. At least worth a try. |
Mic Drop L19-01 | Buy | It’s a lower age statement than previous versions, but for ~$60, it’s still a solid, pretty delicious, barrel proof bourbon. |
Michter’s Rye Whiskey - Single Barrel | Buy | A mellow Rye whiskey, with enough going to please Rye and non-Rye fans. Ex: Philip just finished the bottle |
Michter's Small Batch Whiskey - Rte 1 | Buy | Inexpensive, decent bourbon for retail. |
Michter’s Toasted Barrel | Buy | It’s low proof, and significantly more expensive than the regular bourbon, but it's got a lot of flavors going on. But only worth it at retail. |
Middle West Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Don't Buy | Stick to the wheat whiskeys. |
Middle West Straight Wheated Whiskey | Buy | Good wheat whiskey from a young distillery. |
New Riff - Straight Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond (2018) | Buy | It’s a little spicy due to the high rye percentage, but balanced nicely and tasty. |
Noah’s Mill | Buy | A young, heavy, delicious whiskey from Willett, that while it may be sourced, still comes out swinging. |
Old Elk Blended Straight Whiskey | Try | We've heard some comments on this one since our tasting, but our bottle was not delicious, way too young and rough. But try it and see for yourself. |
Old Forester - 1910 | Buy | It’s not cheap, and it’s only 93 proof, but it has a lot of stand out flavors for a lower proof whiskey. I’ll take another please. |
Old Forester - 1920 | Buy | 115 proof, and incredibly smooth with delicious vanilla and oak flavors. Why haven’t you already bought a bottle? I’ll wait. |
Old Forester - Bottled in Bond 1897 | Buy | Buttery and smooth, with an interesting bite. |
Old Forester - Original 1870 | Buy | Decent daily drinker, but the bottled in bond at the next higher price offering is slightly better. |
Old Forester - Signature | Buy | A 100 proof bourbon that’s under $25 and tastes this good? Why haven’t you already picked up a bottle. |
Old Grand-Dad 114 | Buy | For $20 this is the highest proof bourbon you can buy and actually enjoy the experience. Solid pour. |
Old Overholt Rye | Try | Decent to pickup for some manhattans. A mixer for sure. |
OYO Oloroso Wheat Whiskey - Middle West | Try | Interesting wheat whiskey finished in sherry casks. Dessert whiskey |
OYO Sherry Finished Bourbon - Middle West | Don't Buy | Stick to the wheat whiskeys. |
Paniolo Blended Hawaiian Whiskey | Try | It was interesting and good to try as the ONLY Hawaiian whiskey |
Pappy Van Winkle’s 20yr - 2018 | Buy | Really, what other option is there if you see a Pappy on the shelf at retail besides “Please sir, May I have another?” |
Parker’s Heritage Orange Curacao | Buy | The 2018 Parker’s Heritage runs a fine line with the addition of orange curacao, but overall we feel they did a fantastic job on it. It will cost you though. |
Peerless 2yr Rye | Try | The price point, age, and quality of this whiskey don’t match well, so give it a shot before buying. But it is a cool bottle. |
Pikesville Rye | Buy | A moderately priced Rye, but not too expensive, that hit's enough good notes to enjoy on it's own or in a cocktail. |
Rabbit Hole Bourbon - 2018 | Try | An interesting mashbill from a new distillery, that’s worth a try. Where is the pepper coming from? There’s no rye. |
Rabbit Hold Heigold - 2019 | Buy | It’s a new high rye offering from Rabbit Hole, but it’s surprisingly good for a 3 year bourbon. Give it a shot. |
Rebel Yell Straight Bourbon | Don’t buy | Yes, it’s really cheap, but even for the price there are better options. Or spend a little more and get the higher price Rebel Yell offerings. |
Rittenhouse Rye | Buy | A solid, inexpensive Rye. Yes, I will have another old fashioned, thank you. |
Rock Hill Farms | Buy | If you can find it at retail, buy it. Slightly below Blanton's in our opinion, but a step above Colonel Taylor |
Russel's Reserve (Wild Turkey) | Try | Mid-shelf deliciousness |
Six and Twenty Five Grain | Try | 5 and 6 grains are always interesting to try, but definitely try first. |
Six and Twenty Oat Whiskey | Try | Not bad offerings from a younger, small distillery, but odd oat taste. |
Smooth Ambler Big Level | Try | Smooth Ambler is trying, just not quite there with all their offerings, but give'em a shot. |
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 107 | Buy | Easy drinking and one of the better Smooth Ambler offerings so far. |
Spring Mill Bourbon | Don't Buy | Nope. Just not pleasant. |
Stagg Jr | Buy | A strong barrel proof offering, so maybe add a little water, but able to be found on shelves and delicious |
The Colonel - West Fork Whiskey | Buy | Decent bourbon offering from a younger distillery. Definitely wheated. |
Toki - Suntory | Try | Definitely not a bourbon, so recognize that going in. Start with an inexpensive Japanese whiskey to see if it's in your flavor profile |
Tom’s Foolery Bourbon Whiskey | Try | It’s not bad for a younger, inexpensive bourbon, so give it a shot. |
Town Branch barrel proof | Buy | Not the cheapest barrel proof, but a solid and tasty offering from a younger KY distillery |
Two Bitch Eureka Gold | Buy | A surprisingly good, easy drinking, two year bourbon from a young distillery. |
Very Old Barton 86 | Try | It’s cheap, and you can get a lot for a little money, but even at the price there’s better things to buy. |
Virgil Kaine Rip-Track Bourbon | Try | It’s a young, rye heavy bourbon out of South Carolina. If they start aging things longer they may even be on to something here, just not yet. |
Wathen’s Single Barrel - 2018 | Try | It’s an oddly hot 94 proof single barrel. Maybe you’ll get a different barrel, but ours was not the most pleasant. |
Weller Antique 107 | Buy | It’s a great $25, higher proof, wheated bourbon. $25. Not $100, or $200. That’s just dumb. |
Weller CYPB (2018) | Buy | Delicious special offering from the Weller line, but damn it’s not a $400+ bourbon. |
Weller Special Reserve | Buy | A good wheated bourbon, but a good $20-25 bourbon. Not a $50 (or more) bourbon at all. |
Whistle Pig Rye - 10yr | Buy | Jarrod and Philip liked this one, so it's definitely a buy on this Rye. (See what I did there) |
Widow Jane - 10 yr bourbon | Try | Sourced bourbon from NY, and they claim the Limestone water makes it special. Expensive, so try it yourself first before buying |
Wigle Wheat Whiskey | Try | Pennsylvania wheat whiskey, that’s a little too sweet and onenote for us, but since it’s inexpensive, give’em a try if you want. |
Wild Turkey - 101 | Buy | Decanter or party bourbon |
Wild Turkey - Kentucky Spirit | Buy | Step up from 101, as it's the single barrel version. |
Wild Turkey - Rare Breed | Buy | Inexpensive barrel proof to dip your feet into the world of higher proof bourbon |
Willet Pot Still | Buy | Good price point, interesting flavor, annoying to pour. |
Willet Rye | Buy | For a younger Rye this is a surprisingly good offering from Willet, which is probably why it shouldn't be as much of a surprise. |
Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey | Try | Our first foray into Irish Whiskey went well, and this one is definitely an easy drinking introduction to the category. |
Woodford Double Oaked | Try | Woodford has fairly reliable options, but this is gimmicky and didn't seem to add much to the flavor |
Yellowstone Limited Edition 101 - 2018 | Try | It’s harder to find and significantly more expensive the the Yellowstone select, give it a try first. Not bad, just maybe not worth it. |
Yellowstone Select 93 (Limestone Branch Distillery) | Buy | Good offering from a younger Kentucky distillery. Decent price and good taste, what more do you want for $40? |
Young and Yonder - Stave Robber Ryed Bourbon | Try | Maybe better in a few years, just too young, but give it a shot if a ryed bourbon sounds good at a bar. |
All suggestions based off MSRP. Last updated 04/03/2020
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