BEST VALUE, MOST AVAILABLE BOURBONS of 2023 (Top 25) - 7 Category Ranking System Used!
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- Опубліковано 20 тра 2024
- You asked for it last year, so here it is! These are our Top 10 Best Value, Most Available, Best Scored Bourbons of 2023! To figure in value and availability, we factored in 3 new categories: availability, retail value, and secondary value. You can use the chapter markers to skip around if you like. What was your favorite value and available Bourbon of 2023?
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Chapters:
0:00 Here We Go!
0:47 Chapter Marks so you can jump around
1:01 How this list is different from the last
3:01 Our scoring
4:36 One last thing (What is value?)
5:36 No. 25 - 11
7:30 Number 10
8:47 Number 9
9:49 Number 8
10:41 Announcements, our new cocktail syrup now available!
11:29 A little warning
12:27 Number 7
13:22 Number 6
14:24 Number 5
15:57 Number 4
17:02 Number 3
18:05 Number 2
19:50 Number 1 The Best Value, Most Available, Best Scored Bourbon of 2023
21:18 You may be wondering
23:05 How did we do?
23:21 The Wrap Up
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
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Thank you for including bourbons that the average person can find. So many channels review expensive, hard to find bottles that are far out of my league. With only a couple exceptions, this list was very attainable for someone like me.
Great Video. The only tweak i might make is that while all you categories are equally weighted, i think it might be better to lessen the impact of certain criteria. I just don't think things like palate and availability should be equal. Maybe Nose, Palate, etc. keep the 25 point value and availability, etc. get like 10-15 points. Just a suggestion though - keep up the great videos.
Great effort, great job, thank you for putting this together. I am sure it can make your heads spin. Sooo many variables. Thanks again, here's to 2024!
Like the new system! Thanks and cheers!
Great new rating formula producing some very interesting and helpful picks. We're missing quite a few of these in Idaho.. including anything from Bardstown at all. But we had quite a few of the rest so that's progress.
Bardstown sounds great, however i don’t see it here in Oregon. You mentioned some that were distributed to all 50, which ones on the list would have that?
I like the best value list because livening in PA most of the ones on your best of list either I can’t find or just don’t get here. I do have most of the ones on this list so it is nice to see what you think are the best of the mostly available bourbons. I like all of your videos you guys do a great job of being honest and objective on your reviews.
I like this. Great way to figure out best of the year.
Like you list a lot, many of my favorites of the year are on it. Last night I got a really heavy peanut and dusty peanut note on Disco 10 which I haven’t gotten before.
I'd be very curious where the Benchmark FP would have stacked up against this list. It's new to my area this year and I keep singing its praises. I always make sure to have a backup.
Enjoyed it! Like the scoring system.
Great video, I would take the Disco 11 over 10 everyday. And I believe the 10 came out in 2022.
Appreciate your ranking of Bardstown products. There are always solid in my opinion and more importantly available regardless of price at least in NC
Really like this new weighted ranking. I think people often get too caught up in chasing whatever bourbon tubers hype, not to mention they're very hard to find (so what's the point?) and the undue stress of thinking you have to find them (the FOMO). In reality, palates are all different, and there are a lot of great values out there. Although I can't find any of the Discovery 10s and 11s anywhere, I do think the Origin (white label) is one of the best values in bourbon right now.
I love this scoring system!
That just speaks to the consistency with which you evaluate the. Our on…TY
You have to get your hands on a Ben Holladay Rickhouse proof bourbon. Absolutely delightful pour.
Definitely like the thought process behind this one. A lot of the bottles you put in the top 10 are ones I’ll be looking for in 2024. Cheers guys!
Very nice! I would suggest weighting categories differently next year. For example, I don't think secondary value should count as much as palette toward the final score. I'm not saying they have the right weight on categories (eg: I wouldn't even include appearance), but Curiosity Public is a good example of a weighted scoring system.
Great scoring system....love the out of the box thinking....oh and can you do a video on rare breed "slippage" seems compari are starting to get greedy
The BBC rye based Origins bourbon typically beats out Blantons pretty regularly when I give these two in blinds to friends.
Well done. Thanks for taking the time to put that video together. I hope 2024 is a great year for you.
IBN= It’s Bardstown Night! Great video!
I love me some Ben Holladay! I live about 30min from the distillery and most of the local shops have picks so I have the opportunity to try a lot from them. They just dropped a 7yr not to long ago as well so be on the look out.
Sadly, Bardstown Bourbon does not get well distributed if at all in Oregon and Washington so as one that lives in the bourbon ghetto that is the Pacific Northwest, the video was, well, 50% irrelevant for my area though it was still valuable for when I travel. That's not your fault. Washington State has a 20% liquor tax on top of the regular federal tax and the normal sales tax so a lot of stuff just doesn't get sold up here. Oregon's liquor control has a habit of letting its employees have first pick at bottles and then selling them on the secondary market. Bottom line, this part of the country sucks for finding a lot of stuff. All that said...I did like the scoring methodology and you gave me some good bottles to keep an eye out for. Also there's a local distillery in Vancouver Washington called Quartz Mountain that is putting out some amazing stuff. Worth checking out if you ever get up here. Cheers, David
It’s a fantastic system you guys came up with. Your hard work really shows. You two do your thing. How you go about the score doesn’t mean that much to me. You’re always fair and watching you guys talk about whiskey is why I click on your videos. Cheers!
For me, palette matters much more than price or availability. But by adding three new scores (equally weighted) around price, secondary price, and availability, you are triple-weighting that compared to taste. May want to give those a lower max (15-20 points) to allow quality to have an equal voice in your rankings.
We also value palate the most, and that’s why we put more importance and value on last Friday’s episode.
Yup, I was going to say the same.
@ItsBourbonNight yeah three additional categories sounds like a lot, but after seeing the list it kind of works somehow haha
I hear ya, but what does it matter if you can't find it anywhere (stares intently an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923)
@@AdAce21 Unfortunately that’s a product of your location. ECBP sits on the shelves in some places. So it matters for those you can find it, or for those who might want to get a pour of it at a bar.
Wow, it's obvious how much effort went into these 2 videos, great job.
I would prefer for more consistency on pricing - maybe for top 10, list the retail and secondary market $'s. It would have been great to also hear $'s on those that got blown out of top 25 because of price 😉
Thank you Both
Thank you!
$80 seems a little high for the James E. Pepper BP in your area. Liquor City Uncorked and The Party Source both had it on the shelves for $55 towards the end of 2023. I do agree on the rating, it's a surprisingly good bottle.
I know everyone is obsessed with Disco 11 because of the components but I did a blind myself and put 10 (and 9 and 7…) over 11. Also, good call on Larceny BP, they are almost always available and are very good quality.
In FL, Larceny BP is MUCH harder to find than ECBP. Much less is made and LBP is priced higher than ECBP here (at marked up stores). I have never tasted a Larceny BP that was better than ECBP, but I am not much of a wheater fan in general (I'll take rye over wheat any day).
Remus VI was every where around here last year and most places had it for a long time in MA. Still see it around. Vii, i think i maybe seen once or twice. Surprising it was opposite for you guys
Not really sure why I'm torturing myself by watching your excellent videos while mastering a "Dry January." But I am REALLY looking forward to February 1st. I've not had much of Bardstown's product, but I think that's about the change. 😋
I like the new series. What about the Bardstown BiB? Had a bottle in November but the one I bought last week was not as good. Any ideas?
Same situation. Got the BiB and loved it. Second time...not as much. Still like the White Label and Rye though.
would you score Rare breed differently if you found it for $43? I found a place where I get it for that price (rather than $55-60 in most places around here)
I always love your videos but very disappointed in this one. Bardstown is not available in my state of Connecticut and in only 23 states. That should have made for terrible availability scores that knocked them out of contention.
If you can get whiskey shipped to your state, we would recommend you try some of Bardstown BC's products. As they continue to grow each yeah and with how popular and well-reviewed they are, I would expect them to be everywhere fairly soon.
@@ItsBourbonNightya, they arent available at all in MA either. Also, no shipping to MA. But im not going to complain and say it shouldnt be on your list. If you got it, and like it that much, it should be on your list.
Yeah not so sure the “availability” statement is very accurate, at least for us in Oregon. About the only one available from the list are the Holladay bottles. The others aren’t sold here, but appreciate the reviews of stuff to look for when I’m out of state.
Could you make your scores spreadsheet available? Transparency... Maybe it's in the video later
Love yall, dont apologize for using your own standard and value propositions. You do you, thats why were here. Keep up the good work.
I actually like this type of list more than the others
First! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Don!
Maybe adjust your main 4 cats but definitely agree with your 3 add ons cuz I have wondered about that too. And yes, these scores are based on your budget but for those with unlimited funds then the last 3 cats probably dont apply. :) I might love a bourbon but no way in hades am I paying $$$$$ for it on 2ndry cuz now it just is not that good anymore when there are plenty out there same level but a tenth of the price. Collectability is also a factor in 2ndry costs cuz if there are not many bottles left then that bottle is worth the money sealed.
This video makes me realize how horrid distribution must be for Oregon. Pretty much only thing available I could get is ECBP and Larceny. I really want to try Bardstown but no idea where to find those, so here is to hoping shipping to other states ramps up!
Hey. Been binch watching your Channel. Where did you get that sick wu tang looking whiskey shirt? I searched the comments to see if you or someone mentioned it. Couldn’t find anything.
We sell it on our site! WhiskeyAmbitions.com
I'll start on your top 10 then work into the others. I have KC9, love it. Didn't like OF100. Rarebreed is a bit pricey and reviews say 101 is much better considering your ranking system. 4roses regular is decent. I think my brain has been working like your system in general. I'm not a big spender, but if the flavor profile of reviews matches my preference I'll go for it. Ralphy for scotch is my go to. If he says buy, i buy even higher than normal, just savor it that much more. There's not a quality everyday scotch that i can get easily for a good price. 101 is everywhere and matches my tongue.
So what’s the lowdown on this years Wild Turkey Rare Breed and your brief mention that it’s not the same quality as 2022s? Please elaborate.
I liked this video much better then the allocated can’t get any BTAC video
Russel's 13 and Jack 12 year are available? I need to go where you guys shop. 😅. And come on Benchmark and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Please distribute your stuff into New England.
This for me is the way…affordable shareable a good profile of the pour…all in …TY
I don’t doubt the list, however I’m 74 and I’ve never seen one of them on the shelf. Makes them all irrelevant to me. I live in Northwest Arkansas a vibrant large rapidly growing community. Could you make a list of bourbon that is actually available.
Pursuit!
Great vid……. But the bardstown has been vendor revoked where i live
How the heck did that happen?
Would love to send you a buffalo trance bought in Sweden (80proof) to compare to a US buffalo trance(90proof). Would be interesting to see if there is a difference.
Excellent video!
You answered the question; Where was Discovery #10 on the first list of the best bourbons of 2023.You said it wasn't in the competition. But, where was Discovery #11 on that best bourbon of 2023 list since it was in the running?
Thank you
It kinda went against our rules. We would to have picked up a single barrel in 2023 and declare that it was a 2023 batch, ya know? And even if you can determine by the dump date (if listed, I can't remember right now) it's still a single barrel, so we would be rating our particular single barrel but talking as if it's representative of all JD single barrels out there. It's a little too sticky of a point for us. But agreed, they are great, but very hard to find in our hometown.
I am asking about the Bardstown Bourbon Co Discovery Series #11.@@ItsBourbonNight
@@michaelarsers9304 Oh, sorry, I thought I was replying to a question about Jack Daniels single barrel, how weird! Guess I was typing in a different place than I thought I was haha!
Hey you two! Of course you know we love you! And I loved this show! But NOW I cannot stop wondering……what if you took at 25 & JUST did a show on TASTE & SMELL! PLEASE DO THIS ONE!
Available in Kentucky is Much different than availability in Mississippi
I actually prefer the rye mash bill bourbon on the Bardstown Origin and the Green River. If you like the Green River you will like the Wheelhorse. Distilled at Green River with the same rye mash bill and 101 proof
Oh My , shills for the Bardstown Bourbon Company. Day it ain’t so!!!😅🥃
So, Bardstown Bourbon Company Chateau Doisy Daene is unavailable as it's a distillery release...how did it make the list?
Just a by product of this list being our best overall reworked with the new categories I guess. Didn’t realize it was no longer at the distillery.
Bardstown puts out so many different bottles that when I’m in the store I can’t keep them straight and end up buying none. I am pretty good at remembering things, but Bardstown tilts me. It’s sort of like craft beer. Too many choices mean no choice. This video will help (a little) but I’m going to have to write these down someplace… 😅
TBVMAB of 2023. Rolls of the tongue.
Not sure what’s going on with Discovery 10 and 11 out here in Southern California. I have seen neither on a shelf at any price. That would include visits to 6 - 10 stores on a fairly regular basis. All places that have 8 still available.
Bardstown only has distribution channels in half the states. So, you are lucky to get anything. We can't even get Green River and Origin.
Perhaps they decided to drop California? Even Total Wine and K&L. It was always available up to 8 and 9.
@@jamessocal8946California gets Bardstown distribution through Republic. Disco 8 and 9 were nowhere near as good as 10 and 11 so they were not bought up as soon as they hit the shelves.
Well it is a Pritzker family business, you know the anti gun, anti jew, Epstein associated family. I wont touch the stuff, but to each their own.
On what planet is Russel's 13 available anywhere?
Not to mention it’s $150 now. I’ll take ECBP C923 at half the price all day. And saying that as someone who has drank and owns multiple bottles of both. (Got 2 RR13 at 80 and 2 at 105 in earlier batches).
I knew the second I saw this video the people who complain about the regular top 10 would still complain about this video. Really what more could you people want? I mean that seriously. If trying to be as fair with this past years releases isnt what you wanted then what is? There are plenty of videos for on the shelf items. You get what you get for the year if its the best its the best its not that difficult. If you want rare breed to top every list contact Wild Turkey and ask to speak to Jimmy and tell him to put out a better product. Ill wait.
Rare breed def taste different nowadays. Was wondering if I was crazy, I knew 101 was different for sure
I got some Russell's reserve 10 ,2023 and it's definitely off profile. I'm getting a malt note which completely puts me off since I don't like scotch. Both 2023 rare breed and RR10 should have 2011 distillate in them. That's the year they switched to a new distillery
Oh no!!! I loved Rare Breed...it was the only Turkey I liked
I've been watching you two for a long time, you're both well versed and knowledgeable. It doesn't hurt that Sarah is adorable.
Hard list to make. I actually prefer the list leaving in your 5 benchmarks. Gonna have to try that 4 roses, never had it.
Interested in your future coming thoughts on rare breed.
WHISKEY CHEERS 😎
ahh really prefer the 11 over the 10
Considering who has partnered with Bardstown ITS ACTUALLY THE MOST EXPENSIVE AND DANGEROUS WHISKEY IN AMERICA.
What does that even mean
@@LeatherDaddy97 When you buy the product, your money is going to a family doing some really weird stuff one of which is violence against women acording to recently released court docs. So the product has a high social-economic cost not immediately recognized by the products face value shelf "price."
@@Roodmfg that doesnt really answer the question
stoked to see the Ben Holladay offerings on your list. I agree that the Soft Red Wheat is amazing especially for the money.
Bardstown has distribution in less than 30 states. So, availability isn't great.
since when is JD12 "most available". It's almost never on a shelf, and if it is, it's got some insane price on it
Straight facts. If I see it it's 3-400 price tag. If you have a high bourbon budget then cool but for the rest of us....
Yeah that's why it's at the bottom of the list genius
It shouldn't have MADE this list at all genius@@kamahhl
@@kamahhldon't jump to the insults. Idk their scale but the availability score should still be way lower than how they graded. They after all sit on ivory tower getting media samples so how they perceive may be different than us plebs 😂
Yeah it was an honorable mention. It's more for context than anything else. And you clearly didn't watch the entire video.
Where can i find belief in its entirety
I swear people complain in your comments them any other channel I watch! I’m here to appreciate your content. This is a weird list but I appreciate it, I’m always down to watch a video from you two. Happy new year!
It's most likely cause one can't appease everyone but they're trying to do just that by saying they're accounting for "value" and "availability". Many others just rank and bash the "availability" of top bottles, or lack there of. No one can hate on that. But trying to take the "availability" into account when it's so varied by region/distribution system is a set up for failure (if it's measured by how many complains in the comments), because only select percentage of consumers get their hands on the allocated and this angle borders on sounding patronizing, even w good work.
Curiosity Public vibes
What, no Jack SBBP Tenn whiskey. I don't know how anything beats that for quality to price ratio, plus being pretty easy to find. ...and yes, it's a bourbon. lol
Really liked Holladay. Bourbon Kingdom just crapped all over it tho...
Not even complaining, but i do find it very funny that all of the top 3 on this list arent even distributed in my state
Kind of a bummer BBC is not in my market. I've gotten only one bottle of theirs while I was traveling.
Are you sure there isn’t any? The banner ads always tell me there’s lots locally
@@kawasakifinnja not in Minnesota.
@@kawasakifinnjaPretty sure they only distribute to 26 states.
@@0529mpb That's why you have to click where it says "Find local BBC near you!"
I enjoy your videos greatly and think your evaluations are usually spot on; however, 7 categories to evaluate is just cumbersome. Keep it simple - how does it taste? It’s pretty easy for us to determine value. I’m not saying you shouldn’t comment on value, because we’re all looking for the best bang for our buck, just keep the reviews simple. 20-30 minute videos are too long!
Normally our videos are never longer then 20 minutes, but once a year for the best of stuff isn't so bad, right?
I am sorry James e peppers is not in all 50 states. I have never seen it in Hawaii…😂
Sara was looking remarkably good in this video which has zero relevance to the video but of note nonetheless. Lucky you Chad.
I'm confused...
Asking the community…is the MM BEP 2023 @ $70 a decent price?
I always say yes to the special releases at close to MSRP since they are barrel proof and that is the same price as any private selection. Think of it as a distillery private selection.
Yes, the BEP at $70 is good value IMHO.
Yes
Spec's released a 6 year single barrel of the Bardstown ryed bourbon at barrel proof and it's...not very good for twice the cost of the regular release. Super disappointing.
I had a discussion with my local store owner about Specs and store picks since my local store has such better picks on average. Specs lets employees help pick regardless of their spirits profile. My local store only has his bourbon drinkers help pick.
Seems like they are getting $ from Bardstown
Seems like if we were we have put them high in both of our top 10 episodes. But no, we don’t accept $ for rankings / reviews.
I like your assessment of Bourbons, but I am partial to straight bourbon's and not Ryes or Wheated Bourbons and would like the assessment to be pure, in that putting true cost vs value rather than your value based on flavor. This would clear be a more beneficial assessment of the cost to drink quality bourbon. Also geometric analysis of your scoring would allow a WEIGHTED Value to also be applied such that if both agreed on the OAKINESS as an example, the number would be doubled. Many additional ways to assessment opinion on Bourbon Whiskey to help those assess which bourbons to drink!!!! I like the start of this method though, so keep it up!!
Ill be honest, i have no idea what you are trying to say here. What do wheat and rye have to do with whether or not a bourbon says straight? And what about oakiness?
While I do commend you guys on the effort after last years comments, I'm not really happy with this list. This still doesn't reflect the normal bourbon fan / everyday consumer. Availability should mean that I have the chance to walk into a store and buy a just buy a bottle at any given point. Eventhough your explanation of "value" does sound valid at first, there should be a maximum limit. Otherwise, "value" just becomes "worth it". Thats not the same. Please consider this for your 2024 list. Thank you and cheers to you both!
At that point though, what are you discussing other than products that are always available like Rare Breed, 1792 Small Batch, the other staples that IBN already include, or new produces that are intended to become always available products, like BBC’s Origin series?
@@rrkaminski9bbcs origins are available in less than half the states currently
I don't think you are BBC homers. Their offerings are just fantastic!
The $ per year should not be linear. $5/ year, maybe $6-7 with inflation to 12 years. Then moving to $10/year after 12 years. I will hold out ER10 as the example. Low $40s for 10 year. I have never paid more than $45 for it.
Had never heard before that the dollars per year should not be linear but something to think about.
Additionally, what about "proof level"? A 12-year at 90 proof is okay at $10 per year?
And another thing ... Does old legacy brand as compared to craft producer matter? I have heard it said that the $10 per year is for craft but not legacy such as Jim Beam.
What *exactly* is the $10/year rule?
@@bethereagainproductions6534 it costs very little per year to age whiskey. The cost issue is the Angel’s Share. As it gets older and older, there is much less remaining in the barrel meaning you have to charge more per bottle just to recover your costs.
Taxes are also an expense. Each year in KY, a distillery has to pay taxes on a barrel, and they are charged as if the barrel still has 53 gallons in it! Imagine paying taxes each year for 10 or 12 years on a barrel at 53 gallons and when you finally dump it, 20 to 25 gallons comes out due to angel's share haha.
@@ItsBourbonNight yep, all the more reason years should get more expensive on older whiskey.
I see what you tried to do but too confusing. I have no clue how 4roses smalll batch select was #14 blind….but then doesn’t hit top 10 when considering value. You didn’t tell us the taste scores so this was very confusing. Ie James peppers wasn’t top 20 …I’ve never seen one or heard of it and it’s top 5 when 4roses sbs is everywhere. What am I missing? I’m not a rocket scientist but I totally missed it…and didn’t jump around. Love your content…but #dazedandconfused
Four Roses Small Batch Select was one of the 5 "staples", so a well-reviewed, mostly loved bourbon put into the running as a measuring stick to all the other new bourbons. 4RSmB Select doesn't have a yearly batch so it doesn't qualify to be a best bourbon of 2023 - another reason why it and the other 4 staples were put in. All of the staples did really well and were in the top 10, but we removed them from the running after acknowledging this fact in the video because the point of this particular video was to talk about new bourbons that came about in 2023. Hope that helps to clear it!
That's why you said watch the entire video😅
Like the scoring .
It seems that some people think that if something isn't available right next door, it's not available at all. Americans are so self centered, and I'm sick unto death of it. Instead of whining about y'all's list, maybe these characters could get off their behinds and do it better.
14:37 I'm a big Knob Creek fan. I've not had this one, but if I ever get the chance I'll snap this one up just 'cause it's Knob Creek. 🥃
Where I live in Texas, I can’t find many of the sought after bottles such as Eagle Rare, McKenna, and ECBP, but when I go see family in GA, seems like they are all in every store.
Sorry guys, but this list makes NO sense to me. Expensive whiskies at the top (Disco 10 $140, KC18 $170, Remus $130) that got little love anywhere else. How is a $200+ FourGate a "value" whiskey no matter how good? It's available because not many people think it's worth it. JD12 has no business being on the list based on availability alone. The Origin series and Green River make sense. To me, ECBP C923 is a tremendous value, only $25 more than Origins and MUCH better quality, proof, age, etc. Also about half the price of the 3 mentioned above in the Top 10. May not be as available as Origins, but I was able to get 3 bottles at retail from three different stores just by checking their inventory on the internet. I know you tried to revamp how you did your lists vs last year, but I think you missed the mark, by a lot. ☹️
I haven’t watched your videos since last year’s ridiculous top 10 of the year. Somehow you two have become more insufferable. Maybe 2025 will be better.
Way too much chit chat and explanation at the start. So tedious! And it's still going on as I keep typing. Sounds like you REALLY like to hear yourselves talk.
That’s what the chapter makers are for. You can skip all of that, if you like. We try to make it easy for everyone, ya know?
Little boring