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.

[@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? 😄

[@beaudwayful]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@trekkingteerex]

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

[@TheMNScoutDaD]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Matt_Bykowski]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheFakePenguin]

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

[@lawdawg194]

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

[@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.

[@davevogelsang6791]

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

[@dougsowell]

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

[@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.

[@leftygtrplr6184]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@russellbranton5602]

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

[@carlmschwarber259]

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

[@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.

[@babaoriley124]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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. 🙂

[@bloodCount8895]

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

[@beauxboudreaux]

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

[@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!

[@angeloauriemma3537]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@adamafseth4675]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@scottburgo9778]

Great line up as usual guys!!!!

[@johng5710]

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

[@enocq]

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

[@jimtalbott1350]

During the holiday's, I needed to replenish my Rare Breed. I found a store that still had an old label (like in this video) and of course I bought it. Is there any merit at all in looking for the older labels OR are they still the same as usual? Great video gang! I love talking about get-a-ble bourbons!!

[@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

[@honker1307]

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

[@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.

[@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! :-)

[@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...

[@Neilpatel414]

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

[@TheReal_DeanD]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@jimbird1985]

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

[@squeak4242]

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

[@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.

[@EnTitledTown]

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

[@BourbonJawnt]

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

[@mstong59]

Ok, this is sort of off topic, but does Trenton pick the jazz tracks for your background music? Hard to believe a young guy picks such good riffs.

[@UltimateArts13]

Can y'all do a video on drinking habits?

[@marybelle0428]

Newbie here… what does store picked mean?

[@batboy242]

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

[@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…

[@Jwbrady37]

What does SLB stand for again? My wife asked, and I forgot. Love your channel

[@trentparker5223]

Strong like a bull.

[@Jwbrady37]

That's right thanks bud

[@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.

[@curtlondon]

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

[@xJoey2213x]

“Stole a lot of those from Walmart as a kid” He truly is one of us 😂😂😂

[@deago1297]

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

[@Dara-de4pt]

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

[@rwm87]

I’ve been able to buy Rare Breed at my Costco for $39 for over a year now. Finishing my 5th or 6th bottle.

[@garytanton6782]

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

[@TimTamSlam2]

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

[@ralphwatten2426]

I think most of those labels are available here in the "heart of the rust belt". I've waited for some of the allocated bourbons and when they finally got here there was kind of a let down as for taste. I think I'll go the way of the SLB here next purchase. Thanks SLB for the suggestions.

[@BuddyGecko]

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

[@PourFolks1920]

We tried TJ Barrel Entry and we were not that impressed. I heard it might be 1792 Small Batch, not for sure on that.

[@russellnentwich8745]

For the cold sores put a tums on it like twice a day and let it dissolve slowly. It will go away in a day or two but stop hurting in 24 hours.

[@Cactus1-1Victor3]

Love Rare Breed, not a fan of the Michter's or Old Forester. Going to look for the Maker's and the Russel's. Tried the Trevor's store pick Russel's and would have bought it in a heartbeat if they had any left. 😢

[@Keith-de7xb]

Love me some Old 55!!!

[@jasonwalk4257]

I've only ever hunted 2 bottles, neither of which is allocated but can be a bit hit or miss in my area; old grandad BiB and mellow corn.

[@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 😢

[@IcarusFallz]

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