Jim Beam Original
Jim Beam Original enjoys a reasonably good reputation in the United States, but this may not sit well with some of you. Chris Walster from The Cask Connoisseur suggests leaving it on the shelf. He remarked, "While it's affordable and iconic, many find it too harsh, even after four years in the barrel." To complicate matters, Walster pointed out that Jim Beam Original tends to be somewhat one-dimensional, especially for experienced bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate the spirit's intricate flavors and depth. In essence, it's quite basic, and with so many excellent alternatives available, there's no reason to settle for a bourbon that lacks complexity.
That said, Jim Beam Original does have some redeeming features, which Walster was eager to point out. First and foremost is its affordability; a 750 ml bottle can be found for around $15, while a 1.75 L bottle typically costs about $25. Walster also noted that it serves as a decent mixer, so if you choose to enjoy it, consider using it in a cocktail.
Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a product that Chris Walster doesn't particularly enjoy. He mentioned that many people, including himself, perceive it as "too sweet and lacking in complexity." Additionally, he noted that when compared to higher-quality wheat bourbons, it has a lighter mouthfeel. Since flavor, complexity, and mouthfeel are arguably the three most critical aspects of quality bourbon, this gives Rebel Bourbon three significant drawbacks. The company claims it has an appealing honey and butter aroma, but unfortunately, that isn't enough to win over Walster.
However, similar to Jim Beam, Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey does have some positive attributes. For one, you can find a 750 ml bottle priced between $13 and $18, depending on the retailer. Walster also pointed out that the whiskey received awards in 2016 and 2018. While not all experts share the same opinion, as Walster previously mentioned, it ultimately comes down to personal taste. Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey serves as a prime example of this. Nevertheless, there are superior bottom-shelf bourbons that are truly worth trying. It might be wise to consider one of those before disregarding our expert's advice.
Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
The next contender on the chopping block is Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. You might assume it's a great choice because of its elegant label, but unfortunately, that sophisticated appearance is merely a facade. Priced at around $45 per bottle, it may also be considered overpriced. While it certainly qualifies as a premium option in terms of quality, Chris Walster points out a few drawbacks that could lead you to choose a different whiskey.
Walster's primary concern with Basil Hayden's is its 80-proof strength. While this isn't inherently negative, the combination of lower proof and a premium price tag doesn't sit well with him. He notes that it can leave "some drinkers feeling it's lacking in flavor and depth for the price." So, it’s both lacking in substance and relatively costly? We think we’ll pass. If you enjoy bold flavors and rich complexity, you might want to do the same.
Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is rich in history. Named after Dr. James C. Crow, who perfected the whiskey-making process, it is said to have been favored by iconic figures such as President Ulysses S. Grant and renowned author Mark Twain. However, it might be best to leave this bourbon in the past. Chris Walster notes that it often faces criticism for being overly harsh, bitter, and lacking in sophistication. Not exactly the qualities one hopes for in a bourbon.
Walster does point out that Old Crow Bourbon's redeeming feature is its low price. In fact, this affordability is one of the reasons it remains well-known, alongside its historical significance. A 750 ml bottle typically retails for around $10 to $13. While that's appealing, as with many things, you often get what you pay for. If you can afford it, you might find that spending a little more on a different bourbon will yield a much more enjoyable experience. Trust us, you’ll likely appreciate the extra investment.
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey
It's important to note that Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is classified as a Tennessee whiskey rather than a genuine bourbon. While it shares some regional similarities, it doesn't quite measure up against its competitors—in a negative way, according to Chris Walster. He described Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 as simplistic and excessively sweet, two characteristics he finds unappealing. Additionally, he pointed out that the brand is overhyped, particularly given its widespread popularity. Walster cautions against being misled by its recognizable label and name. The whiskey's lack of depth and off-putting sweetness often leave drinkers feeling unsatisfied—whether they desire more complexity or less sugar, the sentiment remains clear.
Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey is a highly recognized and, for some, cherished American spirit. It boasts impressive global brand recognition and is reasonably priced at around $17 to $22 for a 750 ml bottle, which likely means there are many who disagree with Walster's assessment. Nevertheless, it's hard to argue that it represents the pinnacle of quality and prestige. Walster mentioned that many people prefer to enjoy Jack Daniel's mixed with other beverages, but at The Cask Connoisseur, they believe it is overrated.
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond is another Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that falls short of expectations. The distillery has also released a new seven-year bourbon, but Chris Walster believes you can find better options for your money. He mentioned that while the two products are quite similar, their prices are significantly different. A bottle of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey retails for between $40 and $50, whereas the seven-year bourbon is priced in the low to mid $30s. Consequently, he no longer views the Bottled-in-Bond as a good value, and he suspects other consumers will share his opinion.
Sadly, Walster considers this bourbon to be quite pleasant overall, making it disappointing to label it as one to skip. However, price is a crucial factor when selecting the right bourbon, and this one does not perform well in that regard. If you happen to find it on a great sale, it might be worth a try, but it’s unlikely to become your go-to choice if value is your main concern.
Calumet Farm Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Calumet Farm Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey may not be as widely recognized as brands like Jim Beam, but its higher price tag—around $60 for a 750 ml bottle, or slightly less for savvy shoppers—might lead one to believe it's a quality choice. However, Chris Walster points out that it doesn't quite meet the expectations of a premium bourbon. He notes that it is "often criticized for being excessively oaky and lacking in balance." Given that balance is essential in high-quality spirits, it's understandable why he included Calumet Farm on his list of bourbons to steer clear of.
Interestingly, Walster mentioned that the bourbon's appealing packaging could enhance the overall experience. However, it’s merely decent. While the label showcases beautiful scenery and a horse, a charming image alone isn't enough to impress most, especially in light of the spirit's noted flaws. If you enjoy heavily oaked bourbons, you might have a different opinion, but consider this a fair warning.
Hudson Whiskey Baby Bourbon
Charming in its compact, stout bottle adorned with a sleek minimalist label, Hudson Whiskey Baby Bourbon certainly grabs attention. However, it appears the brand may have focused more on its packaging than on the quality of the spirit itself. Chris Walster notes, "Many consider it overpriced given its youth and overly sweet, corn-dominant flavor." He acknowledges that this craft bourbon divides opinions—some enjoy it while others do not find it appealing—but it doesn't suit his taste, and he suggests looking for alternatives. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that this bourbon isn't produced in Kentucky; it's from a New York distillery.
Priced at around $50, Walster feels this is excessive for the product. Interestingly, he mentioned that it is currently out of stock on the company's website, which could indicate a higher demand than he perceives. Alternatively, as he speculates, its scarcity might reflect a decline in popularity and a less-than-favorable taste.
Bird Dog Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bird Dog Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has faced considerable criticism. While some may appreciate the brand's range of flavored whiskeys, most of these offerings are relatively new to the market. There are also concerns about the accuracy of its labeling—specifically, whether it should be classified as whiskey or a whiskey-based liqueur. Chris Walster pointed out that the label can be misleading and may lack any legal significance.
Regardless of Bird Dog's adherence to traditional alcohol branding, Walster noted that it is "often criticized for being excessively sweet, thin, and lacking genuine bourbon character." If it falls short in delivering authentic bourbon flavor and its legitimacy is already under scrutiny, what more is there to consider? It seems like opting to leave Bird Dog's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on the shelf is a sensible choice. A 750 ml bottle is priced around $15 to $20, possibly a bit more at certain retailers, making it quite affordable. Nevertheless, it might be wise to heed Walster's advice and select a more trustworthy bourbon.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey enjoys a solid reputation in certain circles. Some connoisseurs even argue that it deserves recognition as a top choice for those new to whiskey. However, Chris Walster has a different perspective and believes there are better ways to spend your money. He recalls enjoying it in the past: "I was fortunate to sample a bottle from the first batch during a stay in New Orleans several years ago. It was delightful at that time." Unfortunately, his view has shifted since then. As he shared, "It seems to have lost its uniqueness and no longer stands out."
While Walster admits that his reasons for passing on Woodford Reserve are somewhat personal, he is knowledgeable enough to provide a balanced opinion. He explained, "Many people appreciate it, and if it were offered to me, I would drink it, but I don't think it's worth buying a bottle," at least not for him. If you completely disagree with Walster's viewpoint and are a fan of Woodford Reserve, that's perfectly fine. After all, a 750 ml bottle typically retails for around $30 to $34, which certainly places it above the budget category.
Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon
You might be taken aback to find Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon on Chris Walster's list of bourbons he suggests leaving on the shelf. While it is undoubtedly a high-quality product and highly sought after by enthusiasts, Walster argues that its price is excessive, even when factoring in its quality. He acknowledges that his aversion to it may seem peculiar to some.
If you manage to spot a bottle of Blanton's Bourbon at a local retailer, expect to pay between $80 and $150, unless you're among the fortunate few who find it for around $60 at Costco. Regardless, it’s not inexpensive. However, that’s not the main concern—at least not entirely. Due to its limited availability and high demand, finding a bottle can be quite difficult. In fact, Walster revealed that it often fetches prices exceeding $200 to $300 at secondary market auctions, which has led to complaints. He concedes that this reflects its popularity, but he still believes it isn’t worth that price.
Perhaps the hype surrounding Blanton's is doing it a disservice by making it harder for people to access. Or maybe it truly is worth the effort to seek out. Either way, Walster advises against getting swept up in the frenzy. He does appreciate that it is a collectible whiskey and finds the unique bottle caps, featuring miniature jockey figurines atop horses, to be a fun aspect of collecting.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon
Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon is precisely what its name suggests. As detailed on the company's website, barrels filled with this spirit are placed on ships that sail around the globe. The ocean's constant movement enhances the bourbon's interaction with the barrels, while fluctuating temperatures contribute to its distinctive maturation process, resulting in a truly unique bourbon. This concept is certainly intriguing, but our expert Chris Walster remains skeptical (pun intended).
A 750 ml bottle of Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon generally costs between $50 and $80. While it may occasionally be available for a slightly lower price, don’t count on it. Walster recognizes the brand's innovative idea but notes, "Many believe the steep price doesn't warrant the lackluster and inconsistent flavor profile." He further remarked that while the maturation process is fascinating, "that's not quite enough to make the bourbon enjoyable." Well put, Walster. We likely wouldn’t turn down a chance to try it if offered, but we certainly won’t be on the lookout for it. If you value our expert's opinion, which you should, you probably won’t be either.
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