7 Bourbons That Aren't Worth the Price
7 Bourbons That Aren't Worth the Price
Look, bourbon prices have gone through the roof these days, and it's easy to get sucked into the hype thinking that shelling out more dough means better taste. But let me tell ya, that's not always the case. I remember back a few years ago, I got all excited and dropped a chunk of change on this supposedly top-shelf bottle after hearing my poker buddies rave about it nonstop. We cracked it open during a backyard barbecue, expecting fireworks in our glasses, but honestly, it was just meh – kinda smooth but nothing that knocked my socks off. Could've bought a couple solid everyday sippers and still had cash left for some new lures for the lake. Anyway, if you're like me and want real value without getting ripped off, here's a list of seven bourbons that just aren't worth chasing down or paying premium for.
Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year
This one's got a reputation bigger than Texas, but man, the price tag is insane – we're talking hundreds or even thousands on the secondary market. Sure, it's aged a long time and has some nice vanilla and caramel notes, but it ain't delivering that much more punch than way cheaper options out there. Folks go nuts trying to score a bottle, flipping 'em like hotcakes, which drives the cost sky high for no good reason. You end up paying for the name and the story more than the actual sip. Save your bucks and grab something like a regular Buffalo Trace instead – it'll hit similar sweet spots without emptying your wallet.
Blanton's Original Single Barrel
Blanton's comes in that cool horse stopper bottle that looks great on the shelf, but don't let the packaging fool ya. It's decent bourbon with some fruity and spicy vibes, but the hype has jacked up the price to where it's often over a hundred bucks, and that's just not justified. People collect those stoppers like baseball cards, which makes it hard to find at retail and pushes folks to pay stupid money online. In reality, it's solid but nothing special that you can't find in other single barrels for half the cost. Skip the chase and go for a Knob Creek single barrel – same idea, better deal.
Weller 12 Year Old
Weller's got that wheated thing going on, making it smooth and easy drinking, but the 12-year version gets treated like gold dust. You'll see it marked up to crazy levels because it's from the same folks as Pappy, and collectors snap it up quick. Taste-wise, it's got honey and oak, but honestly, it doesn't blow away cheaper wheated bourbons out there. The scarcity is artificial half the time, with stores hiding bottles to create buzz. If you're after that soft profile, pick up a Maker's Mark or even the younger Weller Special Reserve – you'll get most of the goodness without feeling like you got hosed.
Angel's Envy Cask Strength
This bourbon finishes in port wine barrels, which gives it a unique twist with some berry and chocolate hints, but the cask strength edition commands a premium that's hard to swallow. It's strong and bold, no doubt, but for the price – often north of 200 bucks – it feels like you're paying extra for the fancy finish more than anything groundbreaking. Lots of folks rave about it online, but in blind tastes, it doesn't always stand out from less expensive finished bourbons. Give it a pass and try something like Woodford Reserve's Double Oaked for that extra layer without the hefty bill.
George T. Stagg
Part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this beast is high proof and packs a wallop with tons of caramel, spice, and heat. But good lord, the release prices are high, and secondary flips make it astronomical. It's great if you love barrel-proof powerhouses, but it ain't miles ahead of other strong bourbons that don't require winning a lottery to buy. The annual hype train turns it into a status symbol rather than just a drink. For that intense kick, reach for a Booker's or even a Wild Turkey Rare Breed – they'll scratch the itch and leave you with change for a steak dinner.
Michter's 10 Year Old
Michter's puts out some fine stuff, and the 10-year bourbon has deep flavors like toffee and dried fruit, but the cost is way out of whack for what you get. It's limited release, so prices soar, often over 150 dollars, and while it's smooth, it doesn't justify being twice as much as similar aged options. The brand's got history and marketing muscle, which pumps up the perceived value. Truth is, you can find comparable depth in an Elijah Craig 12-year or something without the premium markup. Keep your money in your pocket and avoid the disapointment of overpaying.
Eagle Rare 17 Year
Another from the Antique Collection, this 17-year-old is aged nicely with balanced oak and vanilla, but the price – think 2,000 bucks or more on the gray market – is downright nuts. It's rare, sure, but the taste isn't revolutionary compared to younger eagles or other long-aged bourbons. Collectors hoard it, driving costs through the roof for regular guys who just want a pour. If you dig that mature profile, snag an Eagle Rare 10-year or a Four Roses Single Barrel – you'll get plenty of satisfaction without selling a kidney.
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