Best Bourbon Whiskey in 2024: A Brutally Honest Guide to What’s Actually Worth Your Money
Want to know which bourbons are actually worth the hype in 2024? Tired of “expert” reviews that sound like they were written by a marketing bot? Grab a glass and settle in – we’re about to get real about the best bourbons for every budget, from steal-of-the-century bargains to “maybe I should start selling plasma” luxury bottles.
Look, I get it. Walking into a liquor store’s bourbon section these days feels like trying to decode ancient hieroglyphics while someone’s actively pickpocketing you. Every bottle claims to be “small batch” (whatever that means), “artisanally crafted” (as opposed to what, accidentally made?), and “perfect for sipping” (show me a bourbon that advertises itself as terrible for sipping, I’ll wait).
After spending way too much money testing literally hundreds of bourbons (tough job, but someone’s got to do it), I’m here to save you from both decision paralysis and buyer’s remorse. Let’s break this down into something actually useful, shall we?
TL;DR: The “Just Tell Me What to Buy” Quick Guide
- Broke but Bougie: Wild Turkey 101 ($25) – Punches way above its weight class
- Solid Middle Ground: Four Roses Single Barrel ($45) – Never disappoints, like your mom’s lasagna
- Fancy Time: Baker’s Single Barrel ($95) – For when you need to impress the in-laws
- Money No Object: William Larue Weller ($999 MSRP) – Like finding a unicorn that makes other unicorns jealous
The “I’m Not Made of Money” All-Stars (Under $30)
Wild Turkey 101 ($25)
Let’s start with the elephant in the room – yes, this is the same bourbon your college self used to abuse in questionable mixed drinks. But here’s the thing: Wild Turkey 101 is legitimately good. Like, “how is this only $25” good. For a deep dive into why this bourbon is basically printing money for Wild Turkey, keep an eye out for my Wild Turkey 101 review in the near future
Old Grand-Dad Bonded ($28)
This is what happens when you ignore the marketing department and just make good bourbon. The label looks like it was designed in 1943 because… well, it probably was. But don’t let that fool you. Want to understand why bourbon nerds hoard this stuff? I will be making a review on this one as well!
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond ($25)
The white label that launched a thousand ships – or at least a thousand bourbon collections. It’s like the gateway drug to good bourbon, except totally legal and won’t make you call your ex at 2 AM. Details will follow when we review it in the daily post
The “I Got a Promotion” Sweet Spot ($31-60)
Four Roses Single Barrel ($45)
If reliability was a bourbon, it would be Four Roses Single Barrel. This is the “black shirt of bourbon” – it just works in every situation. Each barrel tells its own story, which you can read about when it is reviewed in the daily post!
Buffalo Trace ($35)
Yes, it’s become harder to find than a parking spot at Whole Foods. No, that’s not just artificial scarcity (okay, maybe a little). When you do spot it in the wild, grab it. Check out my recent review on it for the journey details.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year ($40)
The Turkey grows up! This is what happens when Wild Turkey decides to get fancy, like when your friend who lived in sweatpants through college suddenly starts wearing tailored suits. Future review to come!
The “I’m Investing in My Happiness” Range ($61-100)
Baker’s Single Barrel 7 Year ($95)
Part of Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection, Baker’s is like the middle child who quietly became the most successful sibling. Review to come!
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel ($75)
What happens when Wild Turkey’s mascot goes to finishing school? This bottle. It’s everything you love about Wild Turkey 101, but wearing a tuxedo. Keep an eye out for the review coming soon.
Knob Creek 12 Year ($65)
Age statements are back, baby! And this one’s not kidding around. It’s like Knob Creek 9 Year went away to grad school and came back with a PhD in being delicious. Dive deeper in my recent review!
The “I Just Got My Bonus” Luxury Pours ($100+)
William Larue Weller ($999 MSRP)
Part of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, this wheated bourbon is what dreams are made of. The MSRP is cute, like when your kid sets up a lemonade stand and charges a quarter. In reality, you’re more likely to find Bigfoot riding a unicorn.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2024 ($150 MSRP)
Some birthdays are better than others, and this annual release proves it. The 2024 edition continues the tradition of making other bourbons feel inadequate.
Little Book Chapter 17 ($125)
Freddie Noe’s ongoing “I’m going to try something crazy and you’re going to like it” experiment continues to push boundaries. It’s like the bourbon equivalent of jazz fusion – weird at first, but mind-blowing once you get it.
Bourbon Hunting Pro Tips (AKA How to Actually Find the Good Stuff)
The Art of the Bourbon Hunt
- Make friends with store employees (but like, actually be friendly, don’t just pretend because you want rare bourbon)
- Join local bourbon groups (yes, they’re full of taters, but sometimes useful taters)
- Learn release schedules (each state is different, like a really frustrating game of whiskey Tetris)
- Follow distilleries on social media (their comments sections are better entertainment than Netflix)
- Sign up for store loyalty programs (sometimes they actually work!)
Red Flags in Bourbon Shopping
- Any store keeping the good stuff “in the back” (unless you’re actually friends with the owner)
- Bottles with suspicious dust (that’s not age, that’s staging)
- “Limited Edition” bottles you’ve never heard of (there’s a reason)
- Anyone trying to sell you bourbon out of their trunk
- Stores that require you to buy three bottles of Fireball to access the “allocated list”
Frequently Asked Questions (Because I’m Tired of Getting DMs About These)
Q: What makes bourbon different from whiskey? A: All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon – kind of like how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. Bourbon has to be made in the USA, use at least 51% corn, and follow a bunch of other rules that bourbon nerds love to recite at parties.
Q: Is older bourbon better bourbon? A: Not necessarily. Sometimes older bourbon is just… older. Like that one uncle who keeps telling the same stories at Thanksgiving – age doesn’t always equal wisdom.
Q: Should I invest in bourbon? A: Do you also invest in Beanie Babies? The answer should be the same. Drink what you buy, folks.
Q: What’s with all the hunting terminology in bourbon? A: Because “desperately searching multiple liquor stores while your partner questions your life choices” doesn’t sound as cool.
The Bottom Line
Here’s the thing about bourbon in 2024: there’s never been more good stuff available, but there’s also never been more overpriced, overhyped nonsense. The key is knowing the difference. And remember – the best bourbon is the one you enjoy drinking. Unless you’re mixing Pappy with Coke. Then we need to have a serious talk.
Last Updated: December 2024
Written by someone who’s spent way too much money on bourbon, so you don’t have to
