Judging by how utterly unpalatable the Kentucky Straight Bourbon is on its own, maybe the company should stick to beer. Bourbon can take a number of forms with vastly different personalities, but most critics and casual tasters agree that no matter what the brand or expression, a good bourbon should have a few fundamental characteristics: A caramel sweetness, a distinct taste of oak in the background, a flavor that matches and complements its initial aroma while balancing out the potentially overwhelming burn from the alcohol, and a pleasant mouthfeel and finish. However, taste is subjective andRedditreviewscomparethe flavor to "bitter rubber," while a consumer on Distiller reports "hints of Redman chew spit and unsweet tea fermented in a styrofoam cup in mid July.". On each bottle of Blade and Bow is a collector's key, and if you collect all five keys, you'll become a member of the executive club. Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Instead, this venerable budget brand (which you may have last seen in your grumpy great-uncle's pantry) is known for its unapologetic kick. Its just so watery. Unfortunately, you can't make a wish and ask for your $50 back. 90. But they'll also (begrudgingly) be the first to admit that they still end up learning through experience. Old Forester 1910 memorializes a fortuitous accident: In 1910, a fire on a bottling line forced the distillery to store the bourbon it had planned to bottle in a barrel. Beyond these basics, the details of bourbon's history are murky. Maybe it's a sign that this bourbon needs to be locked away. So if you've ever enjoyed bourbon from Maker's Mark or Jim Beam, know that you've experienced a taste of early American history. You're better than that. Distilled in Tennessee and aged in Kentucky, it's a 112-proof flavor bomb, offering everything from tropical fruit to thick clotted cream. greasy meal the next morning to help you with that hangover, Knob Creek's Kentucky Straight Smoked Maple. Theres a bit of steeliness to the nose that mellows hints of dried florals, apple, and a touch of honey and spice. One note: All the prices listed were accurate as of April 2022, but the price may be different in your area. Bourbon, by definition, has to be at least 51% corn and most distillers we've seen hug that fairly closely. The Best Bourbon Under $100 There's nothing wrong with cheaper bourbons, but you definitely get what you pay for if you expand your budget a bit. But should it be there in the first place? Bulleit 2. It's not memorable. Officially defined as American-made corn-based whiskey aged in new charred oak barrels, bourbon first emerged in the 1780s in Kentucky, where settlers from Scotland and Ireland adapted their whiskey-making skills to local ingredients, as explained byThe Spruce Eats. According to itswebsite, in 2012 Jefferson's Bourbon teamed up with OCEARCH (an internationally recognized nonprofit that tracks and studies keystone marine creatures) to test out a new bourbon-related theory. But it successfully managed to earn both public acceptance and respect, even becoming the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. "There's some vanilla and brown sugar in the beginning, but it's immediately replaced by an overwhelming flavor of oak. This bourbon from Lux Row is a wheated bourbon mash thats contract distilled partially off-site and partially made at the distillery. Despite its roots in Kentucky, Four Roses was not sold in the United States for some time, but instead became popular in Europe and Asia, according toThe Spruce Eats. Micher's 10-Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon The 10 years in the barrel were more than enough for Micher's to mature and develop a rich flavor profile. Its stellar whiskey, albeit from Tennessee and not Kentucky. The oak aging gives this Bourbon dry and spicy character. Bourbon, that caramel-colored brown liquor, with the unmistakable nose and palate of smoke, vanilla, caramel and molasses, is a bona fide crowd pleaser. Flavor is sweet at first, with a hint of old leather although it has some oak char bitterness, but nothing too severe. It's one of the most complex bourbons on this list, so it makes for a great buy if you like high-rye bourbons. While some craft bourbon can read a bit young and woody on the palate, this whiskey tastes fully mature and carefully produced. Jesse James Bourbon 5. These aren't the cheapest bottles you can find, but they are some of the best. Over two centuries, the icon has churned out incredible releases, been named the best distillery in the world and even managed to create its own line of cigars.Sure, the distillery is known for producing legendary drams like Pappy Van Winkle and WL Weller, the stock standard release is . . If you can stomach it, the juice is best in a pickleback. Still, any bourbon worth a day's drive is worth noticing and worth the top honor on our list. But Old Forester, which got its start in 1870, is unusual in that it's stayed in the hands of a single family since its founder, a pharmaceutical salesman, decided to dive into distilling, according toMalt. "My new favorite sipper, and one of the best bourbons I have ever tasted, hands down," says Anthony Vitacca, an award-winning bartender based in California. Sadly, it's also rated two stars by many reviewers on Distiller(as one taster laments, it was $20 down the drain). Old Fitzgerald Prime (80 proof, $14) Old Fitzgerald is a wheated bourbon, with a soft, smooth, mildly sweet flavor. Sipped or mixed, these star-studded faves are bar cart essentials. Critical consensus seems to put it in the middle of the curve as well not a terrible place to be at a time when even budget brands are turning out good-quality products. This bourbon is aged six to eight years and has won multiple awards, including Whiskey of the Year by Whiskey Advocate in 2020 (via Kentucky Bourbon Trail). Taste your way through the best of the best of America's native spirit. When someone says that the "cherry flavor is way too loud. This gives Maker's Mark a softer, richer flavor than rye-forward bourbons, with lots of caramel and fruit on the nose, and a pleasant hint of oak, according toBreaking Bourbon. Winchester Extra Smooth Bourbon 2. Its producer, Heaven Hill Distillery, wasn't founded until 1935, according toMalt. The bottle is spectacular, with an intricately etched label that compliments the amber hue of the bourbon itself. Beyond these basics, the details of bourbon's history are murky. Hayes Parker Reserve: Terre Pure bourbon aged at least six months. As The Bourbon Bard noted, "It's versatile with the fruit notes lending themselves to summer drinking and the spice coming through for colder winter nights." The verdict is that should you choose to drink this spirit, you're going to want to use it as a mixer. The company has been distilling for 200 years, so it has really racked up quite an impressive reputation, with its Cask Strength release in 2013 dubbed Best Spirit in the World. They claimed that the bourbon is poor quality for the price you pay and that it "doesn't even come close to holding its own against cheaper competition." Whiskey Thief Uncut Unfiltered may sound like it's coming to a theater near you, but it's actually a bourbon brought to you by Three Boys Farm Distillery. . It's aged for more than six years in American oak barrels, giving it what Ohanneson says are "notes of caramel, peanut brittle, and a thread of delicate, early summer fruit." It has a spicy, peppery finish with some heat. Old Foresters 86 Proof is a very straightforward whisky. Like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig is a Heaven Hill distillery brand named for a legendary figure in bourbon history. The following list deals with domestic whiskies that are either officially bourbon or very bourbon-like and cost less than $15 per 750mL bottle in my expensive city. So how does it taste? Willet Pot Still is considered a Kentucky straight bourbon, meaning it has been aged a minimum of two years in brand new charred oak barrels, per New Riff Distilling. That's why we're sharing the following selection of regrettable bourbons, to save you from falling victim to shiny object syndrome because no one likes buyer's remorse. No liquor speaks to American history, folklore, and tradition like bourbon. As in, there's not much going on, and it's overwhelmingly reminiscent of potpourri lots of wood and lots of bad vanilla. The Whiskey Reviewer described its 12-year-old bourbon as having a nose of "brown sugar, cinnamon graham crackers and vanilla, accented by toasty oak." While its not mind-blowingly better, its miles ahead of Kentucky Tavern and that watered-down nature is gone allowing the flavor profile to shine through. As noted byThe Whiskey Wash, their flagship expression, Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon, offers vanilla and spice on the nose and palate without being overly sweet or cloying. Have you ever heard of the Kentucky Chew? 10. The nose is sweet, with notes of honey, caramel, vanilla and just a whiff of ethanol. Redditors echoed this sentiment, saying that it tastes artificially sweet and bitter, and is more "like watered down bourbon mixed with watered down wine.". Thirty One Whiskey writes that the name is supposed to represent the two stars on the Louisville city flag. Thirty One Whiskey says that using it as a mixer doesn't really help much, so if you're shopping for affordable, bottom-shelf bourbon, do yourself a favor and don't be a rebel. $52 at ReserveBar. Literally tastes like dirt." 11 min read. Others point out that it's bitter, astringent, and reminiscent of cherry NyQuil. This bourbon possesses a familiar warmth, like a. And that something is offering up decent bottles at affordable prices. Imagine Kentucky Chewing on that. In short, Barton 1792 is nothing to write home about, but it offers solidly made bourbon that hits the right notes for those with traditional tastes. The flavor profile of the US1. While experimenting is cool and all, it's not cool to try and act like the bourbon that has been aging for 24 hours is going to taste just as good as the whiskey that's been aging for five or more years. Until recently, this bourbon was known as Rebel Yell, but it recently dropped the "Yell," perhaps because the old name was associated with the Confederacy (via Reddit). Apparently not, because it's also pretty thin. This is the first bottle of whiskey I ever considered pouring down the drain. I think you can skip Old Forester 100 (which is fine for cocktails) and go straight to Old Forester 1897 Bottled-in-Bond. As a wheater, it tastes similar to Maker's or W. L. Weller: mellow, with hints of citrus and tree fruit. Tasting Notes: Spice, sweet tobacco, orange, mint. Another Distiller commentereven noted that it reminded them of a breath mint or menthol cigarettes, sans tobacco. This expression was devised as a lower-proof bourbon thats a pure workhorse whiskey. Weller 12. That's what the folks at Jim Beam call it when you take a big gulp of bourbon and move it around your mouth to get all the flavor nuances (via The Bourbon Room). This touch results in a tasty-enough prototypical bourbon that "has left so much on the table due to being diluted down," according to Whiskey Consensus. Why the sub-par reviews? It stands to reason then that just as there are the best bourbons from particular distilleries, there are also the worst bourbons from those same distilleries. Mojo Old City BBQ. The hint of oak connects and balances the flavors of fruit and spice. On the palate, its candied notes are balanced by oak, char, and spice. My 5 Worst American Whiskies. Read More. The Whiskey Reviewer described its Original Bourbon as having a nose "like a thin, sweet vanilla syrup" and a finish that's "sweet, but not especially long or deep." Buffalo Trace. For the price, Kentucky Bourbon seems to fall flat, and tasters would probably agree with the Reddit user who wrote "I am pretty sure whatever is in this bottle came out of that horse.". Sounds tasty, doesn't it? So what makes Old Grand-Dad distinctive? But all things considered, it's a . This whiskey was also rated 95 points in 2012 by The Tasting Paneland won a silver medalat the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2016. The juice is a bourbon blend thats a minimum of four years old. It's all good when you're drinking the best bourbon under $100: 6. This is an entry point whiskey from Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, commonly known as Willett. Generally, I log those and move on without slagging them off because its pretty obvious that a $7 plastic bottle of bourbon isnt going to be something anyone is going to line up to buy. Jim Beam is not only one of the biggest-selling bourbon brands, but it is one of the oldest. To that end, Im naming ten bottles of Kentucky bourbon that I think you should avoid. This suggests their tried-and-true middle-shelf expressions may be a safer bet for most tastes than their limited-edition experiments. Tasters on Distiller claim that this bourbon is flavorless, hard to get down, and incredibly bland and boring. Its perfectly fine but not the best representation of Wild Turkey by any stretch. The problem is that, as one taster states, this bourbon is excessively sweet, without much complexity (via Distiller). Why such harsh words? Its a really good mixing bourbon that also works fine in a highball or even on the rocks. Breaking Bourbon further noted that its smoothness, sweetness, and complexity make it easy and enjoyable to drink for both experienced and novice bourbon tasters. Imagine the taste of Kentucky bourbon whiskey with the essence and spice of fermented peppers, garlic, and vinegar. In total, this whiskey has been aged between eight and 10 years and has actually won a Double Gold Medal for the bottle design, which is supposed to resemble the historic pot still that the distillery used for generations (via Caskers). And this is where brands like Evan Williams come in handy. To start, Jim Beam is not bad. Review Summary: Rare Breed is really spicy at first but has a sweet, long finish. Bourbon aficionados will tell you that when purchasing a worthwhile whiskey, you should never be swayed by appearance and you should alwaysdo your research. $38.49. Woodford Reserve may have done almost too good a job at making premium bourbon acceptable today, with hundreds of craft distillers creating their own premium blends, Woodford Reserve now falls near the middle of the curve in terms of price and status. Given Bulleits dismal history with the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities, Im not going to recommend any other expression from the brand. The Barton 1792 Distiller produces one of the best bottom shelf bourbons in the world today. Basil Hayden's is such a case. Best Budget Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Koval Bourbon Best Splurge Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey Best Bourbon and Rye Whiskey Hybrid: Redemption Straight. Whiskey Warehouse reviewed this spirit on YouTube, pointing out that it's thin and really has nothing going for it, other than smelling (and tasting) like watered-down bourbon. The taste delivers on that and expands into peach cobbler territory with mild hints of vanilla and brown sugar syrup with baking spices. It was neither founded by anyone named Barton nor was it founded in 1792 (rather, that date refers to the year of Kentucky's statehood, according to Malt). But don't think of these unusual expressions as mere gimmicks Whiskey Reviewer gave Old Forester's 150th Anniversary Bourbon a grade of A for its intensely fruity nose, reminiscent of cherries and bananas, as well as a lush mouthfeel. The artificial and chemical taste was also a source of disgust on Distiller, with samplers commenting that it was heavy on the ethanol. The term "Bottled-In-Bond" means that the liquor must be the product of one. If super flavorful, bold, and bright bourbon is your calling, then you'll probably want to steer clear of Basil Hayden'sKentucky Straight Bourbon. Officially defined as American-made corn-based whiskey aged in new charred oak barrels, bourbon first emerged in the 1780s in Kentucky, where settlers from Scotland and Ireland adapted their whiskey-making skills to local ingredients, as explained by The Spruce Eats. Sneaky. Paste Magazine reports that dissatisfaction with pricing is a universal consumer woe regardless of the bourbon. Bourbon makers can play this game too, producing both unpretentious mass-market bottles and more refined, smaller-batch expressions. "The Weller 12 YO is an outstanding whiskey. Its also a pretty good shooter without too much burn but not much else. This alcoholic beverage has only been in existence since 2011. On the palate, the Evan Williams has a decent body as it has some texture. This is the same mash thats used for bigger hitting brands like Eagle Rare, Stagg, and E.H. Taylor. They also say it tastes rough and is cheap for a reason (it goes for around ten dollars for a 750-milliliter bottle). Whoever Old Grand-Dad was, he didn't pull his punches. Art of the Spirits Whiskey Cask Strength "Frogman" Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Quite frankly, Cascade Hollow Distillery jumped the shark on this one. Until then, it was famed for being the drink of choice of President Grant, back in the 1870s which gave it a lot to hang its hat on as a brand. This is just a cheap and easy bourbon thats good for mixing with Coke and not much else. Health & Fitness. The Whiskey: A.D. Laws out in Colorado is renowned for its award-winning four-grain bourbons. Ouch. Ultimately, the whiskeys produced at this distillery tend to taste incredibly young or like "chewing on a yew branch" (via YouTube). Smoother finish, more complex flavors, smaller batches. The brand has even purchased its first warehouse for storage and is well on their way to filling it all up. It goes without saying when a bourbon provokes a description like "vomit inducing turpentine," you should probably think twice before investing $50 for a bottle. The first Booker's Bourbon batch of 2023, Charlie's Batch, is an intense and extra-caramelized delight, one of the best Booker's batches. It mixes well, and it's a decent sipper. They usually disappear into cocktails or mixed drinks. George Dickel Bourbon. According to reviews on Distiller, this bourbon tastes cheap and burns going down. Best bourbon for an old fashioned: Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky straight bourbon, 23.40 19.89 Best bourbon whisky with caramel notes: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky straight bourbon, 74.99 Best spicy bourbon: Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Kentucky straight bourbon, 35.95 29.95 W. L. Weller, 12-Year-Old Bourbon. Produced by Western Spirits Beverage Company, a bottle of Lexington Bourbon will run you around $42, as sold on Caskers. Blade and Bow is a 91 proof, $50 blended bourbon that has no age statement on the bottle. (That's a good thing.). As Malt Review shared, it's "mouth-puckeringly tart at first" with an "iron-like stiffness from the beginning to the end of the mouth" and "the spiciness of Big Red chewing gum." Instead of watery muted notes, this suffers from a bit of a burn that overpowers whats in the whiskey. AsThirty One Whiskey writes, "Aging happens for a reason namely to give the spirit some depth and complexity that otherwise is missing. The Willet family lineage and distilling experience extend back multiple centuries, but it was only in 1936 that theWillet Distillery was established on the family's property, three years after the end of prohibition. All that's known about this whiskey is that the liquid parties involved are aged for a minimum of four years, and that a proportion of the Stitzel-Weller bourbon distilled prior to 1992 is also mixed in. Buffalo Trace is like that brilliant, beautiful, and disgustingly successful girl from school that you wanted to hate but just couldn't because she was so very nice. What tastes like creamed corn blended with scorched plastic, but comes in a really cool genie bottle? Every other aspect nose, palate, and finish was horrible because the bourbon had an "overwhelming taste of leather and tobacco and a lot of bitterness." His friends loved it and kept begging him for more "wild turkey bourbon" and the rest is history. The distillery closed in 1992 but was resurrected in 2014 by Diageo, a company based out of London that specializes in a broad range of spirits. A "small-batch bourbon" is a bourbon that's an amalgamation of a number of barrels, anywhere from 10-100. Like all bourbon, its mash bill is mostly corn with a touch of malted barley. $10 first deposit required. As one commenter on The Whiskey Jug says, it "tastes like someone spilled vinegar in sweet whiskey." This 95% New York-grown corn bourbon holds the distinction of being the first (legal) whiskey produced in the state since Prohibition . Knob Creek. Winchester Straight Bourbon is the product of individuals who are probably more interested in the money side of the distilling world than the crafting process and end product. Per American Whiskey Trail, early American whiskey was mostly made by amateurs and sold while it was still young and fiery, so it probably didn't taste all that great. It absolutely nails the classic Wild Turkey flavor profile and perhaps more importantly, finds the perfect balance between its fruity and sweet notes against its aged oak flavors. Best Overall Bourbon: Knob Creek 12 Best Wheated Bourbon: Garrison Brothers Small Batch Best Barrel-Proof Bourbon: Larceny Barrel Proof Best Cask-Finished Bourbon: Bardstown Bourbon. In other words, it's easy to drink with all the expected bourbon flavors and aromas, with plenty of depth for serious sippers to appreciate. The juice spends four years in barrels before its blended out into this expression and proofed way down to 80 proof. Unless youre looking for a run-of-mill bourbon. Reddit users say point-blank that Garrison Brothers is stupidly overpriced. Its aged two more years and only proofed down to 100 proof. Knob Creek offers all of these, making it a model for what well-balanced bourbon is supposed to taste like. Old Grand-Dad is actually quite memorable, but not in the way little Raymond was hoping. It'll be interesting to see how Widow Jane evolves once its own distilled products start to enter the picture. And while blended whiskies are fairly common, Four Roses is unusual in that almost all of its expressions are blends: the distillery "uses five proprietary yeast strains and two separate mashbills to develop 10 whiskey recipes." The distillery's website states that this bourbon is aged a minimum of three years and has a mash bill consisting of 95% corn (100% from New York) and 5% malted barley. You can purchase a bottle for as little as $40 (or upwards of $4,000). It's a mainstream list, for sure. Dating back to the 1880s, Four Roses boasts both an unusual history and an unusual way of making its bourbons.
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