What’s the Most Overrated Bourbon? Vine Pair Asked 6 Bartenders

What’s the Most Overrated Bourbon?

In a recent inquiry, Vine Pair posed a question to six bartenders: What's the most overrated bourbon? The responses shed light on various factors contributing to a brand's perceived overvaluation. From limited allocations fueling hype to discrepancies between price and quality, bartenders shared their candid perspectives on which bourbons fail to live up to their acclaim. Whether it's skepticism towards gimmicky techniques or simply unimpressive tasting experiences, these insights offer a glimpse into the world of bourbon appreciation from those who know it best.

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old

Indulge in the exceptional flavor of Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year, a bourbon like no other. Skillfully produced with a distinctive wheated-recipe and aged for a remarkable 15 years in deep-charred, heavy oak barrels, this whiskey promises an unparalleled and singular experience. Embrace the opportunity to savor the distinct and highly coveted essence of Kentucky's most sought-after bourbon. Buy it now!

Blanton's The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey maintains its tradition by aging in Warehouse H, just as it did over 50 years ago. Each bottle is sourced from a single barrel, carefully hand-selected based on its unique flavor profile. With a nose of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel, this bourbon offers a sweet palate with hints of peaches, pears, and dried apricots. Finishing with notes of cinnamon, baking spices, maple syrup, and molasses, Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon has earned numerous accolades, including the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Jim Murray's Whisky Bible has even dubbed it "liquid gold." Buy it now!

W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

W.L. Weller Special Reserve, known for its exceptionally smooth taste, substitutes wheat for rye grain, resulting in a distinct burnt orange color. Bottled at 90 proof, its softer flavor notes make it ideal for sipping or crafting cocktails. This special bourbon garnered accolades including a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Silver Medal at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards. Buy it now!

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The origins of Basil Hayden's Bourbon harken back to 1796, a time when Basil Hayden, a master distiller, crafted the recipe. Having been raised in Maryland, where he honed the art of whiskey-making with rye, Hayden's journey to Kentucky saw him adapting his skills to create a distinctive bourbon. Departing from the norm, Hayden incorporated a higher proportion of rye in his bourbon, originally derived from a corn base. The result was a uniquely smooth and mild bourbon that bore the unmistakable imprint of his craft. Buy it now!

Angel's Envy Bourbon

Thai bottle of Angel’s Envy takes pride in its meticulous craftsmanship, producing bourbon in small, artfully curated batches. With a commitment to excellence, only eight to twelve barrels are selected at a time for blending, ensuring a precise flavor profile. Each barrel undergoes a thorough tasting process, guaranteeing that only the finest spirits contribute to the final product. What sets Angel's Envy apart is its unique finishing process; after the initial maturation, the bourbon undergoes a finishing touch in ruby port casks sourced from Spain. This distinctive step adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile. Throughout this entire journey, every detail is carefully overseen by the Master Distiller, Lincoln Henderson, reflecting the brand's dedication to achieving unparalleled quality and taste in every bottle. Buy it now!