10 BEST Allocated Bourbon Alternatives

[@Robert.Sheard]

I got a handful of allocated bottles this year, but not the BIG ones. The one that I did NOT get but really hoped to find is the Maker's Mark Cellar Aged. Fortunately a great friend gave me a generous sample and it really was delicious. Edit: UNBELIEVABLE. Ten minutes after I posted this I got called for the county lottery and I actually got the last Cellar Aged! 🎉🥃

[@Josh-th7tm]

Spoke it into existence lol. Congrats

[@slbdrinks]

Congrats and enjoy!

[@matthewlenehan3345]

Just stocking your bar with those 10 bottles would be an entirely respectable “collection” for someone who doesn’t want to go full-whiskey-geek.

[@Idiotsincarshere]

That's what I'm looking to do. a handful (or 2) of decent bourbons I can easily find locally or online. Just like any hobby, chasing the unicorn(s) takes a ton of time and money and life is too short to obsess about any one hobby.

[@debbybrady1246]

This is a great video for those of us who aren't going to hunt anything, and have a lower budget. Thanks.

[@tristanjames4963]

Only been a subscriber since 2023 but you both are bye far my favorite and most realistic reviews for most listeners.Thanks for not making me feel stupid for my bourbon journey.

[@ARGONUAT]

I’ve got to admit you two really do a likable and informative show. Well done!

[@borgcutus5780]

I just got my first bottle of OF 1910. It's right in my wheelhouse! I've had 1920, and it's a bit too hot for me, even with a cube. This 1910 is sweet and rich thanks to the double oaked. Substantial body @93proof. Really tasty!

[@jaypritchett17]

Weird to say, but I'm not a bourbon guy at all. I'm all scotch and other malts. But the reason I watch this channel is Kurt. The most humble and polite human being I've ever seen and it's just so interesting to watch.

[@TheMNScoutDaD]

My 6 year tumblin dice is one of my favorites. It's a sleeper on shelves for sure.

[@zudosmg]

Gosh those prices are amazing...I live in BC Canada and that Knob Creek 12 goes for $138 CAD....You said it was 70=80 US range, still puts it at $94-$107 CAD If I could buy it there, of course border taxes after that. That Michters Bourbon - $95 CAD here for it and you guys call it the cheap stuff for $40. We get hosed here. Absolutely love your videos for these kinds of comparisons. Thanks guys!

[@paulmeahan3667]

I was thinking the same thing from Ontario! $90 for the Michter’s US1 Bourbon and $149.25 for the KC12. For 60 bucks, I honestly think the KC9 is just fine for me when I want that flavour profile.

[@calebpatterson5300]

Knob Creek 12 and Rare Breed are out of this world. Absolutely fantastic for the price. Knob Creek 12 can be hard to find but it is much easier to find than other allocated products. I have not had that Makers 46 Cask Strength but I have had a Makers Private Selection “Kentucky Hug” that was unbelievable. It ranked ahead of Weller Full Proof, Antique Weller, and Pappy 10 in a tasting I did recently with some friends.

[@FakingANerve]

That's a hell of a tasting! I'm curious how the 46 CS would have fared. It's a seriously great pour! Hell, the regular Makers CS is hard to beat for its price point too. 🥃

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

I find Knob Creek 12 cheaper than I find Rare Breed.... Crazy!

[@FakingANerve]

@@RobertMichaelStewart That is indeed crazy... Where are you and how can we get in touch? 😄

[@quintonking5089]

My favorite Maker’s Private Pick was a local stave selection that was very reminiscent of Weller Antique 107, but better! Had my first pour of 107 at a restaurant in Blowing Rock, NC earlier that year and thought “this tastes familiar.” Never sleep on Maker’s.

[@beaudwayful]

The only allocated bottle I got in 2023 was Stag 22A via a Lottery. It is really nice. Happy 2024 gents!

[@leftygtrplr6184]

Michters all day, every day! Definitely one of the best.

[@Matt_Bykowski]

Great video. I love the topics about the available bourbons by well known distillerys. Cheers.

[@dougsowell]

I got 2 of those Trader Joes bottles for Christmas. Wow, it's awesome.

[@billscott6819]

After chasing limited bottles for years, available benchmarks like these are my favorites and what make me love bourbon. I get the Michter's by the case, it's so great. Even Turkey 101 is fantastic stuff.

[@trekkingteerex]

The cork pop on the RR single barrel 💥 Great video and always trying to help viewers find available bottles.

[@davevogelsang6791]

Love those Tumblin’ Dice Single Barrels. I will pick one up anytime I find it. 🥃

[@iansammons2730]

Just broke down last week and bought the rare breed based on all the blinds it's been winning... after trying it in a bar and not finding it much/any better than 101 and therefore putting off the purchase several months... and now that I've got my own and I can sip it at my leisure... starting to get it. It's a nice bottle. And the 46 cask was the bottle I bought right before it. The first two mentioned in this video... I'm making some good choices it seems.

[@christinecamley]

In Canada we don't have allocated whisky. I am so glad you got some of what you wanted! I bet there are amazing - hell how about spectacular?!! - Bourbons out there that aren't allocated! Love Rare Breed!! Cheers guys! Have an awesome day everyone!!

[@ryandeeney3597]

This is a great lineup. Rarebreed or Russell's SB are always on my shelf. You can't beat the value.

[@scottmattern482]

Before I found this channel, I knew I enjoyed bourbons and whiskey, but I really only bought bottles based on which looked the best out of the weekly sale selections at the nearest store. I certainly don't have a refined enough palate to justify spending the time or money on especially rare or expensive bottles. So, this list hits the sweet spot for my budget and taste - thanks, fellas.

[@tragic504]

I have a store pick of the tumblin dice it’s a good bottle. It’s one of those I wish I purchased multiples of.

[@iowabassman4701]

You guys have almost convinced me to give rare breed a shot. I'm typically not a Turkey guy, but I'm gonna have to try this one.

[@DavidSmith-ee2yf]

It is awesome juice for the money!

[@Josh-th7tm]

It's terrible. I know I'm in the minority but I absolutely can't stand it. Last pour I had I honestly just didn't want to finish.

[@GeauxRilla]

​@@Josh-th7tm at $50 give it away or throw it out and do yourself a favor, get another bottle! You must have a lemon... rare breed is good sauce

[@Josh-th7tm]

@@GeauxRilla 3 different bottles from 3 different times and locations. I know better than to pass judgment from a 1 off. It's trash

[@GeauxRilla]

@@Josh-th7tm to you surely, I can't tell you what you like. However to many folks it's great. Hell you might like Dickle... We can't argue with your preference bud.

[@TheFakePenguin]

Makers 46 cash strength is what got me into higher proof good bourbons love it! Cheers!

[@marknelson9615]

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is the one that I've bought the most of. I tend to buy one every time I find it. ASW Georgia Heartwood and Rare Breed are also favorites.

[@krischaney9034]

If you guys go after a Tumblin' Dice pick, consider looking into a rye as well. I currently have an 8-year single barrel pick from a local store here in Indy that is spectacular. Cheers!

[@babaoriley124]

I loved the Knob Creek 12 so much I immediately bought another!

[@josefbecker6792]

I have several of these bottles, plus a few other non allocated bottles like widows jane, four roses, WR double oaked, and I feel perfectly content with my collection. I recently was gifted about 1/3 of a bottle of blantons in the original bottle, which was nice. But I find myself consistently opening the old forester 1910 and rare breed. I can go back to those 2 over and over again. I appreciate the SLB channel, and your blinds and reviews have helped me find very reasonable choices that I enjoy over and over again. I agree with Kurt, Rare Breed is an absolutely awesome bottle. $45.99 at my local costco.

[@bendixon1868]

Totally agree with the list but the best Blantons alternative in my opinion is John J Bowman its pretty available and is really good. Its a BT product aged in VA.

[@r2skyvader]

I might have agreed with that until I tried the Bardstown Origins rye based bourbon. Very similar taste profile.

[@bendixon1868]

Good to know, I gotta try it.@@r2skyvader

[@proctorgrayson2349]

love the show guys ... keep them coming. Working on finding gems and this helps a lot. Hard to source around here (Northern VA). I've been trying to find John J Bowman on the shelves but so far no luck. Might just go down to Fredericksburg and check at the source.

[@1095TA]

Another great video. I loved the comment about the allocated chapstick as it was a good laugh. Our Walmarts up here in Alaska sell bourbon and they have the WT Rare Breed for $48.98 last time I looked. I know I scored at least 7 allocated bourbons last year and 5 of them came from the same store. I got lucky that day as I just stopped by when they were unloading their truck. Anyway keep up the good work and thanks for posting some of the best videos out there.

[@brienburke4382]

I get a Maple note with my Michters US-1 Bourbon more on the nose than on the pallet. It’s one of my favorite bottles. Thank you for another great video.

[@ikiruyamamoto1050]

Very solid lineup. I'm not a huge fan of the Fiddler. It was ok, but it had a sharpness I wasn't a fan of. However, it worked well for my infinity bottle and mixing. I was a little surprised not to see some discussion of Wilderness Trail, NULU, or New Riff.

[@beauxboudreaux]

Really validating to see some of my very favorites on this list (Georgia Heartwood, KC12, M46, and OF1920).

[@russellbranton5602]

What a nice lineup!! I can confirm on the Rare Breed, Russell's, KC12, OFs and Fiddler. ALL top notch bottles!!!!

[@spencerjcolling]

I love all of these bottles. Knob 12 is fantastic with lots of dark flavors. Makers46 cask strength is so good. It’s the only makers mark that I consistently like and it’s definitely better than weller. Russell single barrels can sometimes beat anything in a blind. I’ve been holding off on getting the OF 1910 and 1920 because they are always available and I typically lean towards buying bottles that are a little more difficult to find.

[@SoulTrain101]

If you've ever had the Woodford Double Oaked - it and 1910 are almost identical. Woodford is a bit more caramel, Old Forester a bit more fruity to me, both great.

[@adamafseth4675]

These types of videos are the best. I love explanation type lists.

[@chrispeden979]

Fellow hoosier here, I recently tried an Old Hamer single barrel I got for $32 in Mishawaka. It’s distilled in West Field near Indy. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

[@Keith-Z06]

Love me some Old 55!!!

[@scottburgo9778]

Great line up as usual guys!!!!

[@davidnickel9425]

Big fan of Old 55's whiskey, and the guys who run it are great to talk to if you're ever near Newtown, IN for some reason. I believe that is the double-oaked BIB release, age-stated either 7 or 8 years (~$125 since there's only one 55 gallon barrel of the stuff on the planet...). They use smaller barrels for aging most of their stuff, so it drinks older than that since it spent a couple years in new 30 gallon barrels before going into the big boy. 80/20 corn/red winter wheat mashbill, so their stuff (especially the barrel proof ~$80/bottle) is like what Maker's Mark wishes it was - really rich and earthy, with nice hits of darker sweetness and red fruits over the top. Pick up a bottle if you ever see one!

[@honker1307]

Great video guys, really like to see the shelfers get the respect as well.

[@applecrow8]

Tumblin' Dice wax is no joke, but I do love their whiskey. Even the low proof regular offering is pretty tasty. I have a Barrel Proof Rye store pick and its amazing.

[@lawdawg194]

I haven't tried any of them. Knob creek 9yr is good. I'll be trying KC12 and RRSB soon! Great vid! Thanks!

[@603Rydes]

Trent pulled every bottle out of my modest little collection. Kurt only took my Michtner's. The other 4 are not available in NH, so I'm feeling pretty good about my collection. 🙂

[@christianlehew]

Totally agree with you on Michter's lineup being amazing (I like the sour mash) but my whiskey friends and I were really disappointed in the Old Forrester 1910. It smelled great, but the flavor was thin and medicinal and TBH, not really even close to Blanton's. Maybe we got a bad bottle? Really shocked because Trenton and I usually have similar tastes.

[@Subourbon]

i tasted 16 jim beam products over the weekend and my favorite was bookers 2020 Granny's Batch. so flavorful. sistant second was Baker's 7.

[@carlmschwarber259]

Love your content, I've passed on Old55 twice and Tumbling Dice 🎲 many times, will consider them in the near future. Cheers 🍻

[@dbltime]

I thought when the video started that I would not have any of the bourbons showcased. Both the WT RB and SB are fantastic bottles along with MM 46 CS and are currently on my shelf. I have had the OF bottles as well as the KC 9 year. I will have to look for the KC 12. After that, I have not seen any of the other bottles in our area of the country. Thanks guys for another entertaining video. Cheers.

[@johng5710]

Makers 46 cask strength is one of my favorite bottles and one that I will always have in my collection

[@jeffnuzz]

Really like Michter's US1. I consider Tumblin' Dice to be one of my found hidden gems; saw it in a store for the first time a few years ago and thought, "What the hell, why not roll the dice on trying this", and was pleasantly rewarded. Still hoping to grab an ASW Fiddler some day, but too many other bottles keep getting in the way, LOL.

[@paulhendershot111]

Great video! I have all of the first 5 in my bar now, but none of the second 5 currently. I'm driving down to Florida in a few weeks and plan to stop in Atlanta to visit ASW and pick up a bottle or 3.

[@umami0247]

I really don’t hunt if I walk into my local store and they have something good and it’s not over priced I’ll get it. Just picked a Penelope 9 year not super allocated but it doesn’t come around my area much. Great list most of these I have had. Enjoy!!

[@BretSimmons]

Great recommendations. I'd also recommend Blue Note, Unfiltered/Uncut, Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat, and any Frey Ranch barrel proof or farm strength/uncut.

[@007twm]

I've only had two of the ten Bourbons in this video. Michter's and Maker's Mark 46. I prefer the Michter's. Thank you for another nice video. Happy New Year.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Sweet!! Tumbling Dice hit my area and it’s $60.

[@MrHunterbuchanan]

"Bourbon Square Distilling" on the TJ's bottle is the name for Barton products sold under TJ's labels. The 125-proof bottle is basically a budget 1792 Full Proof. I still regret passing on it the last time I saw it! It had run out the next day.

[@tobyhayes611]

Great review! I'm all about Trenton's list, and I'm a big Jim Beam and Wild Turkey fan. I've only had one from Curt's list (Michters), and it's OK for me. I'd love to try some of the others, but never see them in NC.

[@bloodCount8895]

I'm in Northern Illinois. When is the time frame for allocation for our area? It seems Binnys is extremely random and picky.

[@Texas_Red_01]

I'm not surprised to see Michter's in your bourbon lineup! I am surprised that Trenton didn't mention Michter's rye, which is also excellent. Good luck! :-)

[@ShawnCaudill]

So... I have been watching for the better part of a year now and I still don't know whether or not Trenton is Kurt's son. Can someone clarify for me whether or not they are father and son or if they're just family friends? Either way, I absolutely love the channel and their personalities and of course the information they provide in the service they provide with these videos.

[@angeloauriemma3537]

For northwest indiana residents, how can we purchase Fiddler products? Is online the only option or is it distributed to any nearby states?

[@royce3582]

Surprised Double Oak didn’t make the list!

[@Neilpatel414]

Would love to know which store did Fiddler store pick u guys were showing ?

[@jimbird1985]

I need to get on that Tumbin Dice. A few stores in my area have store picks

[@BourbonJawnt]

Does Indiana get fiddler regularly? We don’t have it here in Illinois

[@miked8236]

Love the review, and I can find several of those bottles consistently in stock, in my local stores. I also have a Tumblin Dice store pick and the flavor in it is very good too! Cheers and another great video.

[@tylerb69]

Another Indiana distillery you should check out is cardinal spirits! They're a bit of a newer distillery and have only recently started to get aged whiskeys in. They've put out a really good four grain recently and had a really good single malt about a year or so ago. As a fellow Hoosier would love to see what you guys think of them!

[@larrywade7556]

That RR single barrel is one of my favorite daily drinkers. I wish the KC12 was more readily available in my area especially at that price. It's usually allocated in Oklahoma and typically $75-$100

[@hockeyhalod]

Yea I see so much KC9. 12 is a bit harder to find. Wished I got 2 bottles last I saw it.

[@zacherycampbell7296]

Oklahoma here as well. I see it somewhat often but always 80-90

[@larrywade7556]

@zacherycampbell7296 what part of Oklahoma? I'm in Norman and finally snagged a bottle at an allocated drop.

[@zacherycampbell7296]

@@larrywade7556 closer to Shawnee. I see it pretty regularly in Harrah and Edmond!

[@BB-sc1jv]

Always keep the RR single barrel. Always in my top 5.

[@kirkthorpe5392]

What do y’all think is better the Michters bourbon or their standard rye? I know they’re drastically different but the quality of the respective liquor for the price is more what I’m asking

[@Crashlighting]

Any alternatives to Penpeople Rio?

[@paulbegemann4308]

Appreciate the video. Personally don't have the time or inclination to chase down allocated hard to find Bourbons, more hype than actual enjoyment IMHO. Keep up the good work!

[@enocq]

What are your thoughts on the new Traveler whiskey from Buffalo Trace?

[@gregschauer]

Have you guys ever tried the "travel exclusive" non-chill filtered rare breed? I'm curious about how it compares to Rare Breed and Russell's Reserve Single Barrel...

[@squeak4242]

What are the allocation season dates? I thought allocated was possible year round, just distillery dependent

[@spencerjcolling]

I was able to get an EC C923 and a Larceny C923. I’m sure for a lot of people it’s more available but for my area, these are unicorns.

[@loveandlight8286]

Amazing videos

[@bearsmouth5722]

Love the old 55 I have the, BIB, 100% sweet corn and the white dog 100% corn all good

[@dee13lee]

Anything from Redwood Empire is fabulous. It’s easily available in Texas too. Rare Breed is still mid $40’s here too. Then go to Whiskey Cake for a pour of all the allocated stuff. Hunting is just not worth the time and effort.

[@fortyoneshades]

I never hunt allocated bourbons. Too many good choices on the shelf to enjoy. I like finding bourbons I enjoy that I can actually purchase when I want.

[@davidthompson6702]

Same here! As much as I love BT products and have hunted them in the past, I got sick of playing their game and over-paying for good bourbon when there's PLENTY of excellent stuff that's always available.

[@richdunn9774]

I’m the same. If I get lucky enough to be there at the right time that something hard to find is available I’ll grab it.

[@EnTitledTown]

Which Old 55 is that in this video? I can’t quite read the label.

[@deago1297]

For anyone looking, you can find the Knob Creek 12 at online retailers for sub $60 & in stock

[@curtlondon]

From one Curt to another, Wild Turkey is my favorite distillery.

[@jacksontd7757]

Getting Rare Breed for $46 where I'm at. Love that bottle

[@NeedASammich]

I like a good allocated bottle if I'm luck enough to get one. But my staples that i always go back to are OF 100 and 1910. Maker's 46. JD SBBP and New Riff BiB.

[@andrettski8686]

Never tried New Riff, but the other 4 bottles are one's I always reach for.

[@JordanG_3031]

SLB Classics 0:18 come on Trenton! Know your phrases 0:36 Kurt learns a new Trenton story he wished he didn’t 1:00 Kurt always has good ideas, just #1 of the year 1:20 Trenton doesn’t believe in limiting his bottles to show us 2:24 Trenton has to set aside his pride for the WT 3:55 Several readjustments of the bottles 5:12 Trenton doesn’t mind sharing his issues with us 6:58 little more readjustment 8:01 Kurt is looking out for all of us 8:14 some more readjusting😅 8:41 pop 🍾 and sniff thanks @trekkingteerex 9:34 Trenton is falling apart still 10:13 pop 🍾 and pour 13:17 Trenton needs some safety classes and chain mail 13:45 Kurt claims the 👴🏻is wisdom, Trenton disagrees 15:30 “true bourbon” you know you want to say the Q word 16:22 sorry Michelle 💍 18:21 Trader Joe’s?!? Kurt ages his bourbons in his office not his truck 18:31 Readjustment needed to recenter 19:07 🍾 And pour (weakest of the day) 20:01 Trenton wants to see the world burn 20:16 Trenton even gets allocated chapstick, thanks Harry 21:57 Kurt tries to help Trenton, and give him credit 22:06 holy blind this Friday! 22:32 nice sign off and nod

[@marybelle0428]

Newbie here… what does store picked mean?

[@batboy242]

Rare Breed is $44.99 at New Hampshire State Liquor Stores! They ship!

[@mattd5762]

Trenton and Kurton always keep it real

[@IcarusFallz]

Trenton confessing to every crime we did as a kid 😂😂😂

[@garytanton6782]

Slb what is a few that u wanted that u couldn't get

[@BuddyGecko]

where do i have to go to find KC12 on a regular basis?

[@jporterz2873]

Guys, that Trader Joe's bourbon is awesome! This may be the best bottle I have bought yet, when you factor in the price. I lucked out and they had some in Leweyville last month. Rumor is that it is 1792 Barton bourbon. It is comparable to 1792 Full Proof, and Kirkland Single Barrel, which is labels as being from 1792 Barton.

[@Dara-de4pt]

When is the best season for allocated bottles? I didn’t realize there was a season

[@hdfiuhl]

Btw. there is new Rare Breed bottling I heard, so would be nice to do comparison. Old vs. new bottle, whether the juice is hopefully still the same.... Or not...

[@jasonloraine1674]

They don’t sell the fiddler in Missouri and I want to try it so bad! Total wine has all of ASW stuff but no fiddler 😢

[@GamerNxUSN]

To my pallet, Bakers 7 wins over KC12 for me. Bakers has become really available in my area thankfully.

[@andrettski8686]

I've never tried either but Costco had Bakers 7 for $48, maybe I need to go get it.

[@GamerNxUSN]

@@andrettski8686 that is an outstanding price. Here it is baseline $60. All of the ones I have ever seen are 8.5 years old

[@johng5710]

@@andrettski8686 That's a really good price for Baker's 7

[@andrettski8686]

@@johng5710 I guess so, I just looked up the $ in neighboring state of Oregon, it's $75. I'm def gonna try it, thanks.

[@TimTamSlam2]

Have heard great things about the Trade Joe’s label but sadly not sold in MI.

[@neilpowell1641]

MM 46 really is a great competitor versus Buffalo Trace choices. All these are great pours and are fairly readily available in my area, thankfully.

[@stephenwhite258]

Great video, but where do you find 46 cask strength as a shelfer😂? I've only seen it once, at a binnys, and it was limit 1 per customer. Thankfully, my lovely wife got one for me as a Christmas gift.

[@fishhead680]

In New England it’s pretty much in every liquor store every time ya go in…