If you check the dictionary definition of underrated, you’ll find it described as “not rated or valued highly enough”. People tend to throw around this term too often and end up diminishing its value. But sometimes, it’s the perfect term. This is especially true when referencing lesser-valued bourbon whiskeys. There are countless bourbon whiskeys on the market that simply don’t get the respect they deserve.
In my years of writing about alcohol, I’ve tried every level of bourbon whiskey from bottom shelf to ridiculously expensive expressions, and I’ve found that sometimes hype is king. There are whiskeys floating around that get a little more love than they deserve, and others that simply don’t.
The most underrated bourbons
To find these hidden gems, we turned to the professionals for help. We asked a handful of well-known bartenders to tell us about their picks for the most underrated bourbons. Keep scrolling to see all of their corn-based responses so you’ll know which bottles to stock up on this year.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
“Wild Turkey Rare Breed is one of the most underrated bourbons because many drinkers judge it based on Wild Turkey’s basic, lower-end bottles and don’t expect anything especially refined from the brand. Wild Turkey Rare Breed is underrated largely because Wild Turkey’s call-level whiskey is often panned, so most people wouldn’t expect its second-tier offering to stand out. It’s not a niche bottle, and it’s not especially cheap, which also keeps it from getting “hidden gem” hype. That said, Rare Breed delivers an unexpected balance: a noticeable mid-palate dryness that keeps it from feeling sweet or heavy, followed by a mellowed honey finish.” – Joseph Spece, Restaurant Supervisor at The Barn Kitchen & Bar in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
$54.99
Noah’s Mill
“Noah’s Mill. From the Willet Distillery. This 114-proof bourbon has been dormant for years and has now returned to reclaim its crown. Small batched with no age, it is incredibly smooth and unbelievably flavorful. Not only does it hold up in cocktails with its proof and flavor, but its notes of walnut, dried fruit, and spice make it a superior nightcap. Best served neat with a splash of distilled water.” – Christian Taibi, Bar Czar at Mahina & Suns at Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Waikiki, Hawaii.
$76.99
Old Forester 100
“From our business side, a workhorse I’ve used for a long time now is Old Forester 100 Proof for both Rye & Bourbon. It’s so easy to use in an old-fashioned, the quality is on point for the price point, and it’s never out of stock, plus it’s served in liter sizing. From a consumer perspective, I love going into bars and seeing Noah’s Mill on the shelf; this is an extremely complex bourbon, with a higher proof, and while it is a ‘premium’ pour, it’s usually in line or cheaper than mainstays like E.H. Taylor, Woodford Reserve, Eagle Rare, etc.” – Jonas Bittencourt, Beverage Director of Class Act + Nightcap in Chicago.
$25.99
Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen
“The most underrated bourbon for me would be Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen. Being that it is from Brooklyn and not Kentucky already makes it not on the radar for most bourbon enthusiasts, but at its price point for a 13-year bourbon is one of the best bangs for your buck.” – Jonathan Adler, Beverage Director, Shinji’s in New York City
$104.99
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
“I am a huge fan of cask strength bourbon. From a Japanese market perspective, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength remains surprisingly underrated, particularly among drinkers who dismiss the brand as too soft or entry-level. At full strength, it delivers genuine depth, texture, and concentration while retaining its signature wheat-driven elegance.” – Dominic Dijkstra, Director of Mixology at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka
$37.99
Old Grand Dad 114
“For me, the most underrated bourbon is Old Grand Dad 114. This is a high-proof spirit that punches above its weight and is respected by bartenders and nerds alike. It has a spicy, caramel taste with a hint of pepper and is an excellent bourbon for making great Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Whiskey Sours.” – Rohit Nambiar, director of food and beverage at CIMA in Rosemont, Illinois
$28.99
Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch
“Wyoming Whiskey is truly exceptional. Made in a small town in Wyoming, they produce amazing single barrels that are high-proof without having overly extracted barrel notes. It is a fantastic rye-free bourbon that lacks pretense, making it perfect for tricking your “Kentucky-only” bourbon friends. This whiskey is killer—there are no gimmicks, crazy branding, or shortcuts involved. I have been a huge fan for over eight years.” – Cherish Varley, beverage manager at Ox Bar & Hearth in Chicago
$44.99
Garrison Brothers Cowboy Bourbon
“One of the most underrated bourbons out there is Garrison Brothers’ Cowboy Bourbon. First released in 2013, it’s become one of those Texas pours that’s very much “if you know, you know.” When people think about bourbon, they immediately think Kentucky, which makes sense, but great bourbon isn’t limited by geography anymore. The Garrison family was true trailblazers as the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas, and they’ve proven that point time and again with the quality of their releases. Cowboy Bourbon, in particular, showcases what Texas aging can do: high proof, unapologetically bold, and intensely expressive. The dry heat creates a dark, concentrated whiskey packed with flavors of molasses, peppery oak, candied raisin, brown sugar, and aged leather. For drinkers looking for something powerful, distinctive, and outside the expected, Cowboy Bourbon is about as authentic and compelling as it gets.” – Elias Ybarra, director of food and beverage at the InterContinental San Antonio, Texas
$249.99
Old Grand-Dad Bonded
“Old Grand-Dad 100 delivers serious character for its price point. With a high-rye mash bill, it brings lively spice alongside caramel, toasted nuts, and orange peel. It competes very well with bourbons sold much above its price point. It’s old-fashioned in the best way and built for both sipping and mixing.” – Lawson Ballinger, Lead Bartender at Four Walls in Nashville, Tennessee.
$21.99
