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All suggestions based off MSRP. Last updated 04/03/2020

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.

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