Whiskey Experts Say The 11 Most Underrated Bourbons

Whiskey Experts Say The 11 Most Underrated Bourbons

We often get caught up in the hype of popular bourbons, overlooking brands that deserve more recognition. Underrated bourbons, whether underappreciated or just not on enough radars, can offer incredible value and unique flavors. We asked eleven whiskey experts to share their picks for the most underrated bourbons to drink right now, highlighting both well-known names and lesser-known gems that deserve more acclaim.

Joseph Magnus

Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon is aged in oak barrels before being transferred to oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and cognac casks, resulting in a unique and flavorful spirit that deserves more recognition. With sweet, rich, and bold chocolate notes balanced by approachable mellow oak, this bourbon might not be on your radar yet, but it absolutely should be. Buy it now!

Old Ezra Brooks 7 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Old Ezra Brooks 7 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands as a testament to the art of bourbon-making. This Kentucky straight bourbon undergoes a patient aging process in new, charred white oak barrels, maturing gracefully over seven years. What sets it apart is its commitment to authenticity, as it is bottled at barrel strength. The result is a finely crafted bourbon that captures the essence of time, showcasing the rich interplay of flavors and complexity that can only be achieved through meticulous aging. With every sip, the drinker embarks on a journey through seven years of maturation, making seven the truly lucky number for those seeking a genuine bourbon experience. Buy it now!

Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Embarking on a journey into the world of Bourbon is always an exciting endeavor, and Garrison Brothers Single Barrel Cask Strength Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey promises a thrilling and flavorful experience. This distinct bourbon, crafted with care by Garrison Brothers in the United States, stands out with its unique flavor profile. Far from ordinary, it captures the essence of true taste, making it a delight for both seasoned Spirits connoisseurs and those new to the adventure. With careful distillation and a bottling strength of 47.0, this well-rounded Bourbon invites enthusiasts to savor and enjoy the richness of its character. Cheers to the exploration of new and exceptional spirits! Buy it now!

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old

Handcrafted by Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie, this small batch bourbon captivates with a woody, piney aromatic surface layered over dry scents of grain and resin. Initial notes of corny sweetness give way to a subtle hint of butterscotch, culminating in a full-bodied, sweet, and clean flavor profile. Recognized with a Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition, this bourbon exemplifies excellence and craftsmanship. Buy it now!

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!

Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon

Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon is a testament to our commitment to bold and robust flavors, characteristic of our esteemed Texas whiskies. Crafted using a traditional pot still distillation method, this bourbon embodies a rich and viscous spirit that harmoniously ages in new charred American oak barrels while retaining its distinctive essence. Our unique blend of Texas-grown roasted blue corn, rye, wheat, and Scottish Golden Promise malted barley results in a truly one-of-a-kind expression that encapsulates the essence of Balcones. With each sip, expect an aromatic entry followed by a full-bodied character and a soft finish, delivering a memorable and approachable whiskey experience. Bottled at 46% ABV or 92 Proof, our Texas Pot Still Bourbon remains unaltered, never chill-filtered or colored, ensuring an authentic and unparalleled taste. Buy it now!

Kings County Straight Bourbon

Kings County Straight Bourbon, crafted in Brooklyn, offers a grain-to-glass experience and has been in production for over 12 years. As a distiller, I appreciate their use of Forsyth stills from Scotland, which are rare in American craft distilling. Visiting Kings County shortly after they opened inspired me to start my own distillery. This bourbon stands out with its rich brown sugar and chocolate notes, adding depth beyond the traditional bourbon flavors. Buy it now!

Wilderness Trail Small Batch Bourbon

Fermentation experts Shane Baker and Pat Heist, with decades of experience in the spirits industry, joined forces in 2012 to create their own venture. Despite being newcomers, their wealth of knowledge quickly translated into acclaim for their commitment to quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Their small batch bourbon, a culmination of up to 12 barrels from a shared fermenter, showcases a mash bill of 64% corn, 24% rye, and 12% malted barley. This well-balanced blend offers a delightful interplay of spice and malt, both on the nose and the palate, solidifying their reputation for exceptional spirits. Buy it now for $58.99.

Van Brunt Stillhouse Bourbon

Van Brunt Stillhouse Bourbon, a craft bourbon from my local favorite distillery, is definitely underrated. Shopping and supporting local is important to me, and this bourbon exemplifies why. The wheat in its four-grain mash bill contributes to a really soft, long finish, complemented by a lovely oak and vanilla nose. Buy it now!

Hudson Whiskey NY Bright Lights Big Bourbon

Hudson Whiskey's journey began serendipitously in 2001 when Ralph Erenzo, initially planning a rock-climbing ranch, pivoted towards whiskey after facing neighborhood resistance. Seizing the opportunity presented by the acquired grist mill and the surrounding farm, Erenzo, along with his partners, inadvertently established the first distillery in New York since Prohibition. Two decades later, Hudson Whiskey boasts a collection of awards and a refined core lineup featuring the recently updated Bright Lights Big Bourbon. This expression is a testament to traditional craftsmanship, with a high-corn mash bill (95% corn, 5% malted barley), a minimum three-year aging process in new oak barrels, and a bottling strength at the favored 46% ABV. The modern aesthetic of the bottles and labels complements the old-school charm of the whiskey, delivering a warm and sweet profile accentuated by caramel notes. Buy it now!

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!