Early Times Bottled-in-Bond is a whiskey that needs no introduction in devout whiskey circles. For many, it’s the champion of “budget bourbons”, the “bottom shelf queen”, and the “best bang for your buck for under $25”. But what makes this seemingly nondescript bottle - with its old timey label and strange 1-liter size - stand out in an ever-increasing group of budget choices?  

Gone are the days of 15 year old Noah’s Mill and instead Willett has now begun to use their own stocks for new batches and have dropped the age statement altogether. But with a healthy 114.3 proof and an excellent reputation for quality, I am excited to dive back into one of my old favorites.

Not every Blanton’s expression in the same. Above the standard release sits Blanton’s Gold (bottled at 103 proof), and Straight from the Barrel – the only true unadulterated expression of Blanton’s that comes straight from the cask. Now the specifics: it’s barrel number 14, rick number 36, from the famous warehouse H, and is bottled at 125.1 proof.

It’s not unusual to see a lot of hype surrounding a product coming out of Buffalo Trace Distillery. However, you rarely associate that excitement around a product that costs less than $25.

As the bourbon industry has gone through its massive boom, 1783 has always stayed a little bit stuck in the past. However, in 2021 Heaven Hill introduced a revamped 1783 that cranked the age of its barrels to between 6 and 8 years, increased the proof to 90, and bestowed it with a new premium bottle design.

Currently produced by Heaven Hill distillery, Elijah Craig is one of the most recognizable and popular whiskey brands in the world. For years, Elijah Craig was known in its 94 proof small batch form, with variations including rye and single barrels only more recently coming to market. And while its barrel proof limited editions have a cult like following, these 94 proof single barrels of their small batch line remain an interesting and affordable foray into variations on a classic bourbon profile.

Jack Daniel’s is back with their first new addition in years to their core lineup with Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey. This is a bottled-in-bond product that promises that signature JD flavor profile, but cranked up a few notches. Clocking in at the required 100 proof, it rings in hotter than their Single Barrel Select products (at 94 proof), as well as their premium Sinatra Select (at 90 proof).

As part of the Savage & Cooke portfolio, Phinney is releasing a 4-year bourbon finished in Napa Valley red wine barrels. Seems like a match made in heaven, right? But with an unremarkable bottle design that features a dark and ambiguous label many may overlook this bottle while perusing their local whisky shelves. But not to worry! I have secured a bottle and will try and uncover the mysteries of Dave Phinney’s latest experiment.

Whiskey Drummer represents the halo product from Three Chord – a 15 year non-chill filtered bourbon bottled at barrel proof. And with an MSRP of almost $200, will this be the next unicorn, or just another brand playing into the bourbon hype?

The small Ko’olau Distillery is tucked away on the island of Oahu, in a small industrial park at the edge of the jungle. Nestled up against a small mountain, they churn out their Old Pali Road whiskey in incredibly small batches, with bottles filled by hand by those who take the in-person distillery tours.

As I continue to taste through Three Chord’s core expressions, I have finally reached their flagship product: Three Chord 12 Bar Reserve. This “barrel proof” offering rings in anywhere from 12-16 years old (according to the distillery), and clocks a healthy 107 proof.

When I finally stumbled upon this bottle, I initially couldn’t believe my luck. I looked around and wondered how could people be walking by a bottle of 120 proof, non-chill filtered, single barrel Kentucky bourbon for under $30? Why isn’t this sold out?

Maybe Barrel Armida is best experienced without an introduction. It’d be easy to get caught up in the fact Barrell used Tennessee whickey (likely Dickel) to create this blend. It’d be easy to question the reasoning behind Barrell using Jamaican rum casks, peach brandy, and Sicilian Armaro casks on the same whiskey. In many cases even one finishing cask can overpower a whiskey – let alone three.

The story of Three Chord Bourbon’s Strange Collaboration begins with Kentucky sourced 2-6 year bourbon whiskey that is then finished for 3 months in California Pinot Noir barrels sourced from Strange Family Vineyards in Santa Rita, California.

After years of waiting - it’s finally happened. Angel’s Envy finally capitulated to the growing chorus of bourbon fans asking for a single barrel program for AE’s famous port finished bourbon. The single barrel bourbon program finally began in late 2020 and focuses on capturing the essence of Angel’s Envy at high proof.

There isn’t much to say about Jefferson’s Very Small Batch except that its entirely forgettable – maybe the most damning things you can say about a bourbon in this day in age. There isn’t much in the way of complexity, and a disappointing and thin mouthfeel due to its very low proof. This feels like a beginner’s bourbon at a not so beginner’s price.

Kirkland Signature Bottled-in-Bond expression is a 100-proof version that is at least 4 years old, distilled all in the same season, and aged in a federally bonded warehouse. Barton makes their own version of a bottled-in-bond for their 1792 brand, but at a significantly higher price point. So are these the bargain basement leftovers from 1792? Or is this the best new value in bourbon? Let’s dive in to find out.