Overrated Bourbons

Over the years we (Dan & Ryan) have drank numerous bourbons, whiskeys and other spirits out there. And what we have come to learn is that just because it is allocated or just because it is higher price point, does NOT promise the juice in the bottle is going to be worth squeezing your bank account to obtain. SO, in an effort to save you all some money and heartache we came up with a list of bourbons that we think you should avoid and alternatives you should try in their place!

Van Winkle 12 year lot B, was not worth the price point of $800-1200. This tastes more like a $45-60 bourbon with so much hype behind it that it just kind of fell flat for us. We even brought in outsider perspective to ensure we didn't miss anything. And before you accuse of confirmation bias Dan loves BTAC products. 

What to get instead? Why not try Kentucky Owl Confiscated. You can routinely find it from $80-150 and it tastes and smells delightful. Plus your bank account will thank you for not spending your months rent on some dreadfully overhyped juice in a bottle. 

Blantons (any variety) again another Buffalo Trace Distillery product with some overhype to it. When it used to cost $45 it was worth the buy. Now that these are over $100, we say leave it to collect dust. The nose and complexity of the juice is not worth the hype. Y

What to get instead? Eagle Rare 10yr. For roughly $35 you can have a daily drinking bourbon that has a better nose and flavor and you aren't going to be overly upset when you buy this in comparison. 

Angel's Envy: While we do enjoy this one, it just is over hyped for what you get. Especially with many varieties being cask finished why not branch out into other bourbons that bring you more bang for buck? Especially when some of these soar over $100 range. 

What to get instead? If you want a finished style bourbon give 1792 a try. They have a bit more complexity and bartenders won't roll their eyes at you for being trendy like if you ask for Angel's Envy. 

Basil Hayden (any variety) While these are decent, they are overhyped for sure. You would be better off trying a variety of other brands. These do pack a bit of a rye punch to them so be warned if you get them to expect a spicy note. 

What to get instead? Heck, you could get Old Grand Dad, Knob Creek or even a straight rye. Which is why we would recommend Bulleit 12yr Rye. Give you that spicy note and your bartender won't snear at you when you ask for this one. 

These are just our recommendations. But we would love to know what you think are overrated/over hyped bourbons and which types you would substitute instead. So why not head to our YouTube and watch our reviews while there leave us a comment?! Or visit our Facebook page and ask us questions. Find our Instagram and see some pictures of bottles we have tried. Seek out our TikTok for our weekly lives, which is honestly a really easy way to engage us in conversation if you hate text or email. 

Until next time, drink your favorite beverage and get sauced! However, please do drink responsibly.