The Most Underrated Bourbons, According to Bartenders
bourbon is among the most popular spirits in the United States, and as its popularity has risen, the options have become increasingly vast. It can be hard to distinguish true quality among the trends in the market. Which bottles are truly delicious? Which ones just offer hype? It’s tough to keep up with the constant evolution of Whiskey, especially if you don’t have an unlimited budget. That’s where the whiskey world’s most underrated bourbons come in.
Highlighting Underrated Bourbons
To cut through the noise, we turned to bartenders across the country to highlight bottles they think are underrated, whether that means a forgotten classic they reach for over and over or a new product they are excited to see more guests enjoy. In general, underrated bourbons tend to over-perform in their price points, and several of the bottles recommended are easy to find at most liquor stores. The recommendations the pros offered run the gamut from classics like Four Roses to a collaboration of Eastern and Western Bourbon-making techniques. These are the most underrated bourbons, according to bartenders across the country.
Underrated Bourbons List
- Old Dominick Huling Station Straight Bourbon
- Old Grand-Dad Bonded
- Eagle Rare 10-Year Single Barrel
- Sweetens Cove Kennessee
- Medley Bros. Bourbon 102 Proof
- Michter’s US 1
- Old Charter 8
- Four Roses Single Barrel
- Del Bac Normandie
- Ezra Banks 99 Proof Bourbon
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon
- W.L. Weller Special Reserve
- Four Roses
- Resurgent Young American
- High West Bourbon
- Buffalo Trace
- J Rieger’s Bottled in Bond Bourbon
- Legent Bourbon
Why These Bourbons Stand Out
Old Dominick Huling Station Straight bourbon is definitely underrated. This Memphis bourbon is very smooth and is great for an Old-Fashioned or even Sazeracs. It has a distinctive profile that can be sipped slowly over a whiskey ball ice cube.
At Mother Pizzeria, their house bourbon is Old Grand-Dad Bonded. This versatile bottle is prized for its high rye mash, making it an excellent cocktail whiskey. It’s a bottle worth having on hand at all times.
Eagle Rare 10-Year Single Barrel offers exceptional value for money. Although it’s not cheap, it’s affordable for a single-barrel bourbon and well worth the investment.
Bourbon Recommendations by Experts
Sweetens Cove Kennessee has won the hearts of many through consumer blind taste tests. This mixable whiskey, with nearly 111 proof, is perfect for a Black Manhattan.
The Medley Bros. Bourbon 102 Proof brings a 75-year family tradition into every sip, featuring notes of vanilla, milk chocolate, roasted corn, and caramelized pineapple. It’s a favorite at Philadelphia’s Bar Lesieur.
Michter’s US 1 and Old Charter 8 are solid choices, thanks to their remarkable blend of flavors and affordability. Four Roses Single Barrel is another go-to, appreciated for its complexity and high proof, making it ideal for both sipping and cocktails.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Affordable Bourbons
Weller Special Reserve is a wheated bourbon known for its smooth and approachable flavor, thanks to the substitution of wheat for rye. Similarly, High West Bourbon excels in classic cocktails and regional touches provide additional charm.
| Underrated Bourbon | Key Features | Suggested Use |
|---|---|---|
| Old Dominick Huling Station Straight Bourbon | Smooth, great for cocktails | Sipping, Old-Fashioned |
| Old Grand-Dad Bonded | High rye mash, versatile | Cocktails, sipping |
| Eagle Rare 10-Year Single Barrel | Affordable for single barrel | Sipping |
| Sweetens Cove Kennessee | Mixable, 111 proof | Black Manhattan |
Final Thoughts on Underrated Bourbons
Buffalo Trace and J Rieger’s Bottled in Bond Bourbon are other excellent examples of underrated bourbons. They offer complexity, depth, and a pleasing price point, ensuring that both casual drinkers and connoisseurs can enjoy their unique flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your bourbon journey, these bartender recommended bourbons promise to deliver exceptional experiences without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for these hidden gems on your next liquor store visit!
