20 Underrated Bourbons Worth a Spot on Your Shelf

20 Underrated Bourbons Worth a Spot on Your Shelf

To compile data for this article, Insider Monkey conducted thorough research across various reputable sources, including Liquor, VinePair, Men’s Journal, and Reddit, among others. Their goal was to identify the most underrated bourbons available. They selected whiskeys that were mentioned multiple times across these sources and assigned them scores based on their frequency of appearance. These scores were used to rank the bourbons accordingly. In cases where multiple bourbons received the same score, they further ranked them based on their prices as listed on Wine-Searcher to determine their final placement.

20. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve

Every barrel of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve undergoes a meticulous hand-picking process and is individually bottled, ensuring a unique and singular expression. Bottled at 120 proof, this variant offers an amplified representation of Knob Creek. Expect more pronounced flavors and a smokier aroma, leading to a smooth and complex finish. Buy it now for $67.99!

19. Bulleit Bourbon

The Bulleit Bourbon, a standout in the world of American whiskey, is recognized for its distinct high-rye mashbill and unique frontier-inspired bottle design. Produced by the Bulleit Distilling Company, this Kentucky straight bourbon offers a bold and spicy flavor profile with prominent notes of rye, complemented by hints of vanilla and dried fruit. Aged in charred American oak barrels, Bulleit Bourbon embodies a well-balanced complexity, making it a versatile choice for sipping or crafting classic cocktails. Its smooth finish and character have contributed to Bulleit's popularity among whiskey enthusiasts seeking a robust and flavorful bourbon that pays homage to its Old West heritage. Buy it now for $39.99.

18. Very Old Barton 100 Proof

Very Old Barton is a Kentucky straight Bourbon that has been matured for an average of four to six years in charred, American oak casks before being bottled at 100 proof. As a result, the whiskey has a rich amber color along with an aroma of vanilla beans and chewy leather. Very Old Barton is owned by the New Orleans-based Sazerac Company. Buy it now!

17. Henry Mckenna Single Barrel 

While some might argue that shining a light on this bottle contradicts our quest for hidden gems, McKenna has quietly remained under the radar for far too long. Offering a bottled-in-bond single barrel is commendable on its own, but Heaven Hill has gone above and beyond by maintaining a 10-year age statement at an incredibly affordable price point. Sharing the same mash bill as Elijah Craig and Evan Williams, McKenna boasts quality that surpasses its recognition. With its value and potential, it's only a matter of time before this hidden treasure gains the attention it deserves, so it's wise to stock up while you can. Buy it now!

16. Belle Meade Reserve

Belle Meade Reserve is a bold, high-rye-content, premium expression of the multi-award-winning Belle Meade Bourbon, crafted to meet the growing demand among aficionados for elite, high-proof Bourbon. It's smooth through and through with tastes of caramel, vanilla, and a little bit of oak. Buy it now!

15. Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve 100 Proof 

Crafting great Bourbon starts with the barrel. After all, half of a whiskey’s flavor and all of its color come from the barrel. At Coopers’ Craft they raise their own barrels by hand, then toast and char them to bring out the unique characteristics of their Bourbons. This bold and complex Barrel Reserve whiskey is born from their one-of-a-kind, chiseled, and charred American White Oak barrel.Coopers' Craft was first released in 2016, and was the first new product from the Brown-Forman Corporation since it launched Woodford Reserve in 1996. Buy it now!

14. Early Times Bottled-in-Bond

This genuine American bourbon adheres to strict regulations, being bottled in bond, ensuring its high quality and authenticity. With a robust 50% ABV, it boasts vibrant and fruity notes of peach, raspberry, and dried apricot, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience with every sip. Buy it now!

13. Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight 

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey undergoes a minimum ten-year maturation in new, American oak casks, developing a golden honey hue and enticing aromas of gentle toast, fresh tobacco, and bananas. On the palate, flavors of chocolate, almonds, melons, raisins, and dried fruits are accented by subtle vanilla undertones. The finish is enduring and robust, with lingering hints of roasted nuts and corn. Buy it now!

12. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength

Maker's Mark Cask Strength is a testament to the legacy and innovation of Burk's Distillery, now owned by Beam-Suntory. Established in 1885 and revitalized by T. William "Bill" Samuels in 1953, Maker's Mark emerged as a pioneer in the premium bourbon market. The iconic red sealing wax on the bottles, introduced in 1958, remains a symbol of quality craftsmanship. Unlike its counterparts, Maker's Mark Bourbons prioritize taste over age, leading to the absence of an age statement on the label. Maker's Mark Cask Strength takes this commitment to the next level, presenting the bourbon in its unfiltered and uncut form, delivering an intense, front-row experience for enthusiasts seeking the pure, undiluted essence of this renowned spirit. Buy it now!

11. Jim Beam Bonded 

In 2015, Jim Beam Bonded made a significant splash as one of the first new bottled-in-bond bourbons to hit the market in decades. Responding to the requests of bartenders aiming to faithfully recreate classic cocktails, the Noe family revived this original bonded recipe. Since then, Bonded has largely remained a hidden gem behind the bar. However, once discovered, its appeal is undeniable. Aged for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof, it boasts a livelier profile compared to its black and white Beam counterparts, all at an attractive price point. Buy it now!

10. Larceny Small Batch 

The Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, steeped in historical legacy, traces its roots back to John E. Fitzgerald, a post-Civil War distiller who founded a distillery along the Kentucky River. Fitzgerald's Old Fitzgerald Bourbon, renowned for its quality, eventually landed in the hands of Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle, sealing its fate as one of the world's most celebrated bourbons. Larceny pays homage to Fitzgerald's discerning taste and the Old Fitzgerald brand, incorporating a unique mash of corn, wheat, malted barley, and rye. Distilled in Kentucky limestone water and fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, Larceny honors tradition by choosing wheat as its secondary grain, creating a distinctive and flavorful bourbon. Buy it now for $30.99.

9. Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon

Benchmark Small Batch Bourbon, proudly crafted in Kentucky, embodies the essence of quality bourbon. With an ABV of 45%, this small batch bourbon offers a rich and flavorful experience, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the region. Buy it now for $18.99!

8. Evan Williams Single Barrel

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Evan Williams Single Barrel has remained an underrated gem since its inception in 1983, offering a vintage-dated selection of the finest barrels from the warehouses. Master distillers Craig Beam and his late father, Parker, meticulously handpick these barrels until only the best remains. Despite being bottled at a lower proof, perhaps deterring some, its quality shines through, especially when enjoyed neat. With recent releases like the 2009 vintage, it's evident that Evan Williams Single Barrel continues to uphold its legacy, a testament to Parker's enduring pride. Buy it now!

7. Wild Turkey Rare Breed 

Wild Turkey 101 is undeniably among the finest budget-friendly bourbons available. However, for those willing to invest a bit more, exploring Rare Breed, the exceptional cask-strength variant from this esteemed Kentucky distillery, is highly recommended. A masterful blend of six, eight, and 12-year-old bourbons, this offering stands out as one of the top choices under the $100 mark. Just under 113 proof, it boasts formidable strength without overpowering with alcohol, gradually unveiling a spectrum of intricate flavors layer by layer. Buy it now!

6. Old Grand-Dad Bonded

Old Grand-Dad Bonded is aged for a minimum of four years before being bottled at 100 proof. Made from Jim Beam’s higher rye Bourbon mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, it is the product of one distillery and one distiller in a single season. Old Grand-Dad Bonded ranks sixth in our List of the Most Underrated Bourbons in 2024. Buy it now!

5. Old Forester 100 Proof

Old Forester Bourbon 100 Proof delivers a rich tapestry of robust aromas, including notes of vanilla, dried roses, baking spice, and sweet corn. This expression stands as a solid classic, catering to the discerning palate of bourbon enthusiasts. Its exceptional quality is underscored by several prestigious awards, including the 2020 SF World Spirits Competition Double Gold, the 2019 Whiskies of The World Gold, and the 2019 International Spirits Challenge Gold in the Straight Bourbon, 10 Years and Younger category. This bourbon is a testament to Old Forester's commitment to crafting high-caliber spirits that have garnered recognition and acclaim in the world of whiskey. Buy now for $40.99.

4. Four Roses Single Barrel

This Single Barrel from Four Roses presents a slightly proofed variation of their renowned OBSV recipe. The OBSV recipe is characterized by a delicate fruit yeast and a high-rye mash bill. Specifically chosen from the north side of Warehouse P—a cherished location for Four Roses' single barrel enthusiasts—this selection highlights the significant impact that barrel position and warehouse conditions can have on the whiskey's flavor profile. Buy it now!

3. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond

Evan Williams, a renowned bourbon brand hailing from Kentucky, boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing various bourbons, flavored whiskeys, and liqueurs. Among its esteemed offerings is the Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, affectionately known as the Evan Williams White label, which debuted in 2012. Sharing its mashbill with several other esteemed Heaven Hill brands, this bourbon holds the prestigious designation of Bottled in Bond (BiB). Meeting stringent criteria, BiB bourbon must originate from a single distillation season and distiller at a solitary distillery, undergoing maturation in a federally bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years under government supervision. Bottled precisely at 100 proof, the BiB label mandates clear identification of the distillery and bottling location. Buy it now!

2. Wild Turkey 101

The Wild Turkey 101 is a renowned Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey celebrated for its bold and robust character. Distilled by the Wild Turkey Distillery, this 101-proof spirit derives its name from the high alcohol content of 101 proof (50.5% alcohol by volume). With a rich amber hue and a complex flavor profile, Wild Turkey 101 boasts notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, delivering a warm and full-bodied experience. Its distinctive taste is attributed to a longer-than-average maturation process in new charred American oak barrels. This bourbon has garnered a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate its intense and well-balanced flavors, making Wild Turkey 101 a timeless and classic choice for those seeking a hearty bourbon experience. Buy it now for $26.99.

1. Old Grand-Dad 114

Old Grand-Dad is one of the oldest and most storied brands, yet it receives little attention from Bourbon enthusiasts or marketing effort from the brand’s current owner, Beam Suntory. This might be simply due to the fact that it is a legacy brand offered at a head-scratching low price point that likely has little room for anything other than simply fulfilling the existing supply chain and keeping existing consumers happy, and potentially drawing them deeper into Beam’s other brands. Unbelievably underrated and smooth for a spirit of this strength, the Old Grand-Dad 114 will put hair on your chest. Buy it now!