1:00 Cleveland 1 month.... 2:27 Basil Hayden's(overpriced, not great) 3:45 Jefferson's ocean(overpriced, not bad) 5:42 Woodford Reserve masters collection(overpriced, inconsistent quality) 8:25 Booker's(overpriced). Basically gimmicky, money making, experimental "whiskey"

If you close your eyes...its just David Schwimmer and Steve Buscemi complaining about over priced whiskey.

Another plea for: 1) Close-ups of the bottles as they’re being discussed 2) Slower & more precisely enunciated delivery *without cross-talk* 3) Graphic showing the bottles reviewed at the end

I am happy with Evan Williams'. I once read a review of it, which was "Cheap, and doesn't taste awful." Good enough for me! I have a laugh every time I pour it. "Cheap and doesn't taste awful". So why not.

Now, lets list 5 under $30. thats the best bang for the buck.

Old Forester is an undervalued bourbon.

This is what happens when an industry figures out that people will run out and buy anything and everything that they put out,.. just as long as they put a high enough price tag on it. Once again, obsessive collectors with deep pockets ruin a good old fashioned hobby for everyone else.

Bourbon and tequila are now like wine in that it is all story, marketing, and influencers. Need a solid price point list.

Elijah Craig Small Batch. I really wish it was still certified 12 year old, but for the money it remains one of the best bourbons available.

Any chance y’all can flash the name of the bourbon on the screen when you present the bottle? It’s a selfish request I know, but I was watching on my phone and couldn’t read the labels. And the inside of a crane is kind of loud. 🤷🏻‍♂️

The most important rule of bourbon. Don't let anyone tell you what bourbon to drink or how to drink it. What these guys hate, you may love.

Plenty of good bourbon under $40 a bottle.

Im a bar manager in the heart of Downtown Louisville, KY. We don't carry Bookers for all the above reasons you stated & more!

I work in a liquor store selling booze all day, and I agree with everything. People spend so much time chasing unicorn bottles (Customers assume that since we are a huge store that we must have the unobtianium bourbon) that they ignore the good stuff right on the shelf.

I grew up 20 miles from Maker's Mark. It tastes the best to me.

These two are too young to know but at one time Booker's was priced in the upper $30 dollar range, always much closer to 8 years old and often a bit over and it was the best bourbon on the market by far. Granted, this was 20+ years ago, but it was once an enormous whiskey that had no peer!

Awesome content! Don't be afraid to put it out there. You guys back up each pick with informed and realistic explanations. Keep it up, looking forward to more videos. We need more of this.

Buffalo Trace by a wide margin is the best value. It tastes just like my favorite, Woodford Reserve.

I gotta say I really like the standard line of Woodford Reserve. Pretty smooth for a $30 bourbon.

Lmao these are ALL bottles I've looked at in a liquor store and just went "ehhhhh" and got something way better for way less lol

Jefferson's Reserve Voyage 14 and 19 is some of the best stuff I've ever had. I actually enjoy everything off their line. To discriminate a whiskey based off value isn't fair when it's quality. 14 in my own personal opinion is the best I've had other than for WLW.

Maybe put a closeup of each bottle you’re talking about so schmucks like me on a phone don’t have to back it up?

I'll stick with Bullet Bourbon, Tullamore Dew, and Jameson's Caskmates, thank you very much.

I picked up a few bottles of Booker’s just before they announced the upcoming price increase. It was originally going to jump from $60 straight to $100, so I panicked a little. They ended up only increasing it $10-$15 or so. Glad I still have a $60 one

never been a fan of "It has my name on it, so I can charge more, and people will buy it."

My corner store sells regular basil for 35. It was my first and I have no regrets.

I'm glad I'm too poor to get disappointed by most of this whiskey

Shouldn't Pappy automatically be on this list if we're going by most over priced whiskey?

Love this. I wish more people were talking about inflated value in bourbon/rye. We currently have access to some pretty amazing hooch, but there's a lot of overpriced garbage and marketing shenanigans out there. I'd submit Hudson's and everything Whistle Pig has ever put out. Hudson's = trick whiskey that tastes like horse spit. Whistle Pig = Dressed up Canadian Rye that charges you crazy money for the dress.

Honestly, I've never understood the value of Pappy Van Winkle. I got a bottle of it a long time ago for $80, and it is really awesome, probably the best I've had...but I wouldn't spend thousands on that bottle like most people seem to nowadays.

First time here...subscribed. I have to say, I agreed with every one of the bottles you put up "for the reasons". I used to be a huge Bookers fan, but not paying over $80 for the regular stuff and having a REAL hard time considering the Little Book release 4 this year (even though I have one of each year put away) since it's rumored to be $140. Nuts. One you totally missed...Rogue Spirits Dead Guy Whiskey. The cool pewter top is basically what you get for your $50...dump the whiskey. If you haven't tried it...DON'T. :-)

That bottle of Old Forrester runs me 17.99 at my Trader Joe’s, less a discount cause I also work there. It is a wonderful bottle. We also sell BH on occasion, and I never buy it. Nuff said.

Good assessment, even though I like Woodford, but not at that price.

i have 3 go to's. Blanton's, Buffalo Trace & Bulleit. Just went through a bottle of Knob Creek 10 yr. Good stuff.

Please show readable close ups of the labels. Your background has definitely improved.

Using charred oak inside a container to “condition” the distillate isn’t a new thing. The practice goes back to prohibition and probably further. No one would risk having a warehouse full of barrels of whiskey so they would put in vats with the charred oak and seal it up for a month or two. It wasn’t good but it was better than the the clear stuff and they could charge more for “whiskey” a lot of home distillers do this also because many don’t have anywhere to store barrels and just like then in many states it isn’t exactly legal to do.

Agree 100% on Bookers......bought 3 bottles several years ago....before they started jacking the price.....It's insanely overpriced now

Glenfiddich is MY slow drinking choice. A 12 year old Old Highland 750ml bottle is 63$ Canadian in my local liquor store.

"we're not huge booger fans" yeah me too

I was a big bookers drinker until they shot the price up, now I buy knob creek and I’m just as damn happy

The first Booker's that I ever bought was in California and was in sale for 45 dollars. It was okay at that price. You guys hit it on the head with that one. Haven't had the others

I enjoyed 1792 recently, it was surprisingly smooth for around $25

Great job guys! Really enjoyed the list and agree with you on most, but having only tried one Master's Collection (this year's 2021 Batch A), I actually loved it! It comes in a 128.3 , their highest yet (not to mention the new bottle is a beaut, Clark), and it's outstanding IMHO. That said, if you're going on consistency over time it's hard to argue with ya (although I'm now worried about opening my only other bottle of WR Master's Collection you love so much (the chocolate malted rye) 😄 If you missed one I'd have to say it's the Willette Pot Still. Cool bottle, but drain pour. Love what Willette does overall, great stuff, but that's not one of them. Anyway, great job and Cheers! ~Andy

Basil Hayden's bourbon for 32$bat Costco is a solid deal in my opinion. It's a little sweet but not bad at that price point.

I own a liquor store, distributors are GIVING away basil haydens garbage Canadian blends. Big props to the old forester, I recommend that to people all the time that dont want to spend more than 25 bucks. The 1920 prohibition is probably my go to.

One of the best bourbons at a great value: Eagle Rare from Buffalo Trace.

Makes me think of Whiskey Tribe as youngsters, like when you see the first episodes of GMM where Rhett and Link were super young

Try Canadian Club 12 year reserve..if it's actually 12 years is debatable but for $30 CDN it'll give most rye whiskeys a run for their money

Generally agree with the the inclusion of Basil Hayden, but I thoroughly enjoyed the rye finished in rum casks.

I tried a lot of whiskey trying to find "the one" and once I was honest with myself and what I liked it turns out Wild Turkey 101 is my favorite. I get 750s for around $20. There may be better, more tasteful choices, but I finish every glass of this stuff no matter what.

The deal with having the barrels on the ship so more of the whiskey inside is coming into contact with the barrel seen so very short sited. Just create a process that slowly rotates the barrels. It would no doubt be less expensive then putting them on a ship.

Well done. no real complaints there, although, I do like some Bookers, my situation is different. At one point, I received near 20 samples of different Bookers, tested them against each other, to determine the one I preferred. And then, I bought that one. No chance am I buying every new one they come out with, and definitely not for 100 bucks.

“Science isn’t real.” Daniel Shook circa 2020 after a 9 day binge on EHT Barrel Proof. Also Jeptha Creed, you’re welcome.

The value of good whiskey is a less severe hangover.

I found it really hard to read the labels of the bottles you put on the bar!

Big time agree with this video, gents. I do like Booker’s but I think the price is crazy! With Knobs being so good, there is no reason to go after Booker’s anymore

I have never dumped a bottle of bourbon before. Might not have liked some, but figure I should finish it and see what time and air might improve for final evaluation.. The one exception is that Spirits of the Apocalypse. Horrid stuff. Gave it a 2 glass try and then down the sink.

Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 28 is so far THE BEST bourbon I’ve had. I’d love to know which bourbons you say are better for half or less the price! (With a similar flavor profile). I am relatively new to bourbon, but so far I’ve had : New Riff Bottled in Bond, Four Roses original, Small Batch, and Small Batch Select, Wild Turkey 101 and Rare Breed, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Larceny, Old Forester 86 proof, Makers Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 28 (but I’ve heard the voyages are inconsistent so this could be totally different than the one you guys had). And thus far, the Jefferson’s Ocean is BY FAR my favorite. Blew me away. So smooth, so delicious, very unique flavor profile. Good mouthfeel and didn’t feel watered down at all at that 90 proof. Drank like a higher proof than it is (100-ish?). I sure wish I could find something similar for less. So if you know WHICH those are, that’d be great to know! I’m in Michigan, too, btw! 😃

As you fellas mentioned, some of the bottles are pricey based on a story. Some are priced high hoping the maker can dupe us. In the case of Pappy’s and several others, it’s due to the small batch & the bottle itself. I’ve heard empty bottles of Pappy’s sell for a pretty penny. The highest priced whiskey I am willing to buy is Michters Bourbon, but it’s also my favorite and currently priced at $45-$50. That said, I do like Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek & Knob Creek Maple, and all can be had for $30-$40. Nothing worse than dropping your hard earned money and finding you’ve been had. Larceny is one such example. My buddy let me try his and I teased the bottle was aptly named as he was robbed. I almost picked up a bottle at Costco earlier that day but was so glad I didn’t after trying his that evening.

Thank you for including Cleveland Whiskey. I am from Cleveland, and it is the worst whiskey I have ever had. It is straight ethanol!

I bought a 15$ whisky and now youtube decided that it musst educate me.

You guys nailed these. There are a ton of great bourbons under 40 bucks, even in Tennessee where our "sin" taxes are outrageous. Can't wait to watch more of your stuff.

Absolutely agree. As much as I love Booker's, for the price I'd rather drink Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Rare Breed, or Jack cask strength (which I personally think is quite underrated). Booker's 25th anniversary was damn delicious though.

I’ve never bought any of these bottles and have had every chance to. This video just saved me time and money. Thank you sirs.

As presenters, please state what the whiskey name is you are showing. Can’t read the bottle from camera distance.

Old Grandad 114 David Nicholson Special Reserve Eagle Rare Weller Antique 107 Old Forester 86 Buffalo Trace Ridgemont 1792 Blanton's Knob Creek Heaven Hill green label E.H. Taylor Four Roses Single Barrel All fantastic bourbons at different price points. Some are very affordable, but I'm also in Louisville KY, so I save some coin because local.

Again, spot on about Booker's. It's aesthetically fine, and as a working class guy I felt a neat way to treat myself on special occasions, celebrating good times, etc. Strong and tasty. But I'm never buying it again probably, and they show no responsibility to their fans with their pricing.

Tho I agree with this list, keep in mind that the best whiskey is your favorite whiskey

"Cowboy little barrel American blended whiskey" is the worst whiskey I've ever tried. I've watched people pouring down the sink on the internet. Great video guys!

I took a shot of whiskey every time Daniel pulled up his jeans. Did not end well 😮

I'm so glad you mentioned Booker's because I thought Granny's Batch tasted like a $90 Evan BiB

Buffalo Trace is a fantastic buy. Also love Elijah Craig and Russel's Reserve.

Difficult to get the names of most of the brands you mention - disappointing. You could list them somewhere, maybe go back and make this video again.

I built and helped install two controll panels for Cleveland Whiskey. Interesting concept, nice people.

Wow... I 100% agree with absolutely every one of these. This is nearly identical to my personal list of “whiskeys I will not buy”. If you’re ever in the Lansing area, I’ll get you some stellar pours.

Man seeing Barrell and Whistlepig in the thumbnail gave me whiplash

I really like Jeffersons Ocean Cask Strength, its just so overpriced, as for where it comes from my understanding is that Bardstown Bourbon Company does all the contract distilling for Jeffersons now. Also fuck the entire Basil Haydens line.

Bought a bottle of Peerless Rye…on sale for $90. Wowzers…what a deal down from $99. Saw the cool bottle, figured the price has to justify the quality right? Nope!

I tried ONE bottle of Booker’s. I tried to drink it neat and felt like it might burn a hold in my esophagus. With a splash or rocks, it was drinkable, but not nearly good enough to justify the price.

Absolutely agree. The creeping prices on lots of bourbons like Booker's is awful. My son brought home a Jefferson's Ocean to celebrate his promotion at work. Huge disappointment for the price. Many better options for under $50.

Ol’Fo 100 or Old Bardstown Estate beats all of those at under $30/bottle. While OB is the better whiskey, Ol’Fo comes in 1000mL. That’s why I just get both. Great content!

Totally agree with all of these and I watched the video thinking I would disagree with you guys! Great options across the board! Keep up the good videos! 🥃

Hi guys, many people don’t realize the importance of value. I like Jefferson’s Ocean, but it’s not worth the $$ they charge for it. It is greatly lacking in value. Thanks for keeping us informed.

1792 is great value. Forester Bonded is great value for the proof. My wife is a Woodford woman.

Blanton's and Basil Hayden were my starter bourbons (migrating from Scotch). That said, this was back when Blanton's was $50 and readily available (and most likely aged longer than it is these days), and I was only paying $25 at my Class Six for Basil. At that price ($25) I still don't hate Basil, but it's relatively bland. I equate it to being a beer enthusiast (which I am) and enjoying a nice pilsner now and then as a break from IPAs or porters. That said, I haven't consumed a real pour of Basil in 9 months and my bottle is collecting dust. I also used to like Booker's at $65. At $90 I won't touch it when I can easily get ECBP or Jack SB BP, both of which are better and cheaper.

Got a bottle of Knob Creek 120 single barrel for $40 here in Michigan. Outstanding bourbon at that price point.

I had a double of Bookers at a bar last week. Asked the Bartender about it and he said they just got it in. When ordering he said there would be an additional charge of $2 over the well drink price. The best $2 I ever spent!

Bookers is the only bourbon I can buy and consistently love but sadly yea it is waaaaaay over priced.

I just bought a bottle of Miller Highlife for two dollars. I feel like it wasn’t overpriced and I was quite satisfied.

Ok, you guys just popped up in my KZfaq feed for some reason? And I'm happy ya did. I'm not a crazy Bourbon/Whiskey connoisseur. And yes... I'll watch every one of your videos now. But in an effort to save time, because I'm going shopping this week to stock up my new home bar, give your opinion on Basil Hayden and your #1 pick for under $50.

Thxs for listing it, wasn't sure which basil you were talking about it.

Not sure where you two are buying your whiskey...but I get Basil for under $30.00...and it tastes very nice at that price!

Bookers was good a few years ago at $50-55. I’ll stick with the 100 proof stuff at $18-$30.

My favorite is my uncle Zacks, hidden holler 30. Goes for $100 a gallon @ 180 +/- proof. Family recipe for 200 years

Good video. 1st one I’ve watched of you cats. I would replace Bookers (which I love and actually consider to be a good value, as I get at Costco for about $60 in Norcal) with Jack Daniels Single Barrel. Seems like that used to go for $60+. Came in a fancy box I think. I got a couple as gifts, so I was spared the high cost, but I noted at the time it seemed severely overpriced. Cheers.

Kinda weird watching these two guys who look like live in there parents basement talking about whiskey.

Picked up a bottle of Walking Stick...Buffalo Trace line..I like it. Would like to hear what these two think, and I don't know why.

I didn't know Bill Hader was a whiskey connoisseur.

I know I’ve bought that many bottles in the last 8 years but they have all been drunk. If I was a collector and not a drinker I’d sure have a nice selection like yours. I may need to AA meetings after thinking about this one.

Titles on the screen would be cool but I'm following you guys. Good stuff you got.