THE BEST AVAILABLE WHISKEYS OF 2021!

[@dunny2124]

One of my favorite suprises, for me was the “Pikesville rye” wow, bought for $35 in IN., didnt see that coming. But my 3 favs of the year: OF1910, REMUS 5 & Seagrass….

[@brianbews5187]

Pikesville rye is delicious! Was a nice find for me as well

[@dylanvickers7953]

Pikesville is like $50-$60 in my area and it’s still worth it.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Remus 5 was such a monster whiskey this year

[@rlax4281]

1) Penelope Toasted Series (selected Bourbon Finds) 2) Old Forester 1910 3) Barstown Discovery #4 4) Kings County 6 yr Blender’s Reserve 5) Woodinville Bourbon

[@phobbes4-zero]

Love the Woodinville Port Finish

[@igogun]

The first time I came across the Bourbon Junkies channel I thought Dan ate too many paint chips as a kid. But I do have to agree with his number pick, Sagamore Rye. Thanks guys! All the best in 2022!

[@BourbonJunkies]

You probably weren't the first to think that and I doubt you'll be the last. Cheers!

[@jjb9739]

I fully agree with the paint chips and Sagamore rye statements.

[@phobbes4-zero]

I think Dan probably still eats paint chips.

[@duffman9908]

Dan is 💯percent on the button. Sagamore Double Oak is a gateway to rye. I never got into ryes in the past because of that dill pickle note you sometimes get. But Sagamore Double Oak kind of fixed that with the sweetness. Since then, I have found several 51% rye whiskeys that I love.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Yesss! We used to not like rye much but when you find the right ones everything falls into place. Sagamore Double Oak is too damn good.

[@jamesallen9325]

One think I like about the spirit of these lists is that it's just a group of bourbon fans just trying to share what they like with other people. It's especially fun for different people to independently discover the same things. I've only been at this for a year and a half or so, so the exploratory process is still ongoing. I'll throw out 10 things I loved this year (no order) that are readily available: Angel's Envy Blade and Bow Green Spot High West Double Rye (must've killed 3 or 4 bottles this year, great rye for the money) Knob Creek 100 Proof Rye Old Forrester 1920 Penelope Bourbon Redbreast 12 Woodford Wheat 1792 Full Proof Looking forward to new discoveries in 22! (Got a Michter's 10 Rye for Christmas, so I'm off to a good start) Cheers folks!

[@BeersHunter]

I’m not sure how widely distributed it is, but New Riff Single Barrel bourbon had me going back to it a few times this year.

[@RocketSauce666]

Yeah, Stuff and Whiskey put me on to the NRSiB and it's dynamite.

[@ggkoutdoors4568]

I agree and since Costco sells it I’m now a alcoholic 😢

[@Kevin_OKeefe]

I’d say my number one is Ezra Brooks: Distillers Collection SiB SP. I’m currently rationing what I have left. It’s just damn good.

[@mendipfox1650]

Greetings from Blighty 🇬🇧 I’m loving everything MB Roland are doing at the minute. Their Bourbons, especially the single barrels are truly fantastic. For me, easily the best available bourbon out there at present and to be honest, will hold up well or surpass most unavailable totem bourbons. 🥃 Happy New Year Bourbon Junkies. Looking forward to seeing how far you both fall down the Scotch Single Malt rabbit hole in 2022!

[@BourbonJunkies]

We have a couple MB Roland here I'll have to go back and try them again!

[@kforeman80]

I have not tried the OF1910 however, I am in love with WR Double Oaked (especially the store picks). Can’t get enough of that buttery Belgian waffle and maple syrup!!! Cheers.

[@blucy10]

I have a hard time choosing between the WR Doubled Oakes and the OF 1910. The Sagamore is something I’m going to try and probably will love.

[@DH-xr5ei]

1910 is awesome

[@Sublime831]

I still think WR Double Oaked blows 1910 out of the water

[@blucy10]

@@Sublime831 I actually like both. I couldn’t give a preference.

[@davidabrams9368]

Love seeing Penelope make the list they have been crushing it with everything they are doing and not to mention great people happy to see them doing well.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Incredible group of people over there putting out awesome stuff!

[@jamesallen9325]

Agree. Penelope is one of my favorite discoveries this year.

[@warrenvoight6445]

Mine is Smokewagon UCUF... Thankfully I live in AZ so it is relativity easy for me to pick up a bottle when needed in the $65 range. Good list though as that OF 1910 is an awesome bottle also.

[@c1eaner659]

I think my #1 for 2021 was Smokewagon Uncut Unfiltered. It was hard to find earlier in the year but I find it everywhere now and it’s delicious.

[@LekanOyefeso]

That Blue Note is definitely good but I'd put Jack Daniels SBBP over that for best available whiskeys this year.

[@drewanderson2401]

JDBP rye is one of my favorites. Best rye I have had since my last bottle of Michters rye barrel strength. But also hard as hell to find

[@murrayb29]

Great list. Agree with the ones I've tried. I would add Remus Repeal Reserve V, it is incredible!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Loveeee Remus V..I'm sure it'll make our top 10 overall for the year.

[@adamb4936]

Agree RR Reserve V is fantastic!

[@NorthWestBourbon]

Very surprised to see the Dry Fly make your list! They put forth a lot of effort back in the day leading the charge to make the laws fair for craft distilleries up here in WA. Love the 1910 and MM 46 CS also, great stuff! Happy new years guys 🍻

[@RuckusOutfitters]

I live here in WA and haven’t tried this yet, Woodinville kinda overshadows the others, recently tried Chambers Bay, Dry Fly is now on my hit list

[@NorthWestBourbon]

@@RuckusOutfitters Dry Fly has a pretty big lineup, lots to choose from. Old Soldier, Oola and 2Bar are ones to check out if you haven't. 🥃👍

[@jwhitehv]

What's the deal with the 8 Year Straight Wheat? Not listed on their site. There's a 3 year 90 proof and a 3 year cask strength.

[@marshallshelton6262]

@@jwhitehv Came here to ask the same question, the 3 year is listed as "Straight Whiskey" but 90 and 3 year, nothing on their site is over 4 years.

[@jwhitehv]

@@marshallshelton6262 I _think_ the Black Bottle is 6 year, but that's a finished expression.

[@toddrosenthal4143]

Stellum Rye is my choice, have been lucky enough to find a store pick, also a store pick of the Bourbon that I just picked up and haven’t tried

[@chrissmith1980]

1792 full proof and Yellowstone are my go toos for regular off the shelf sleepers. 1792 FP is hard to find so I always stock pile back bottles

[@jasono.1629]

Yep love 1792 full proof.

[@Texasreiguy]

Redwood Lost Monarch has become my #1 of this year… 👌🏻

[@theukyankee]

I wish we could get 1910 in London. I really want to try it.

[@jasonreynolds2254]

Been totally in love with my Old Elk Wheated store pick… also love my Old Elk Armagnac cask finished bourbon… and my Old Eld Infinity….. I Love Old Elk!

[@BourbonJunkies]

So much of the old elk stuff is so damn good I love the infinity blend.

[@TRIKushbeachside]

Lol not sure if you were joking but I don’t care for WDO either. It’s sweet right up front but is thin tannic and astringent on the back.

[@greatslade5523]

Definitely Remus RR V. Sam Houston 15 is still around too.

[@joeyyoshizumi]

You know what?!? HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU GUYS!!! Gotta say my favorite bottle of 2021 that I finally had (I know it’s been on the market for a while) was 1792 BiB.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Yesss Love 1792 BiB. I have like 10 picks of them. I buy one everytime I see one!

[@jamesallen9325]

1792 Full Proof is still one of my go to bottles. The BiB is of course, solid. Wish I could find their High Rye or Wheat bottles.

[@joeyyoshizumi]

@@jamesallen9325 I keep finding their wheat bottle around where I live but still haven’t picked one up. Looking for the BiB first. I have the Full proof but I personally don’t like it as much as the bottle of BiB I got to try.

[@jamesallen9325]

I’m in NJ and I can’t even get a sniff that 1792 Wheat even exists. I’m curious what state you’re in and how much they are selling it for. The booze business is so screwed up. I get that the Full Proof isn’t for everyone. When I’m not quite in the mood for 125 proof the BiB is definitely a go to. Cheers, mate!

[@joeyyoshizumi]

@@jamesallen9325 I’m on WI and will let you know next time I see it and what price it is.

[@matthewmeyersr7123]

It continues to be Rare Breed. Year after year just good at the price.

[@enricojaun2880]

Hard to beat it, stellum blue might take the lead by a hair for me tho

[@bo_mccroskey]

The night I feel in love with bourbon (I always liked it before but never found one I was exactly crazy about) we had a couple people over to my friend's house and one was bringing Maker's 46. I was so excited to try it. Maker's regular was the go to on my bar because I never really liked Jack or Beam or Woodford or Bullet. I kinda liked Buffalo Trace, but not as much as everyone said I should. Anyway, I brought an Eagle Rare because I finally found one, one friend brought Maker's 46 Cask Strength, and another came in with Old Forrester 100 and 1920. I of course grabbed a Maker's 46 CS first because I was dying to try it. It was so much better than regular Maker's. Because I have never heard of the brand, I relucantantly tried OF 1920 next..... and WOW. It completely blew me away. I tried everything else including the Maker's 46 CS again, but the 1920 was so delicious and a step above I was hooked.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Hell yeah love the story! OF 1920 is a monster for how available and how reasonably priced it is.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I've seen but never given a second look at Blue Note, but I'll give it a try, based on your recommendation. As for the Old Forrester 1910 vs Woodford Reserve Double-Oaked debate, I drift back and forth between my preference. I prefer the Woodford at the moment.

[@sggjose]

I'm happy the advent crap is done. Glad to be back.

[@jlb9074]

Makers 46 CS is my bottle of the year (not that anyone really cares what I think) and it’s still very available. People are sleeping on it, and that’s just fine with me.

[@richardnewman2446]

I’ve really enjoyed the 2021 Yellowstone LE at 101 proof.

[@jonathandixon8379]

I agree with Dan. Finally saw the Sagamore Double oak in a local store, picked one up and tried it and immediately went back the next day to buy a back up bottle.

[@spenzalii]

Tried that Sagamore Rye on Dan's recommendation. Think I've crushed 2 bottles already. Very good

[@ReverseProof]

Fun video,men! Agreed on the 1910 Might as well add 1920 Elijah Craig small batch. (best bourbon for the money, period) 1792 small batch or (BIB!) Eagle Rare Belle Meade Cask Strength 108.3 Smoke Wagon UCUF Never had a bad batch (2021) ECBP they were all great for (2021) Bonus- New Riff store pick that was amazing!

[@brianbews5187]

Jack Daniels barrel proof, wish I would’ve found out about it before 2021 but I would rather drink out of my local river than drink old no.7 so it took a while

[@BourbonJunkies]

1000% on board with this one! JD BP is a sleeper!

[@markpiersimoni1773]

I think I said how good Sagamore Double Oak was a few months ago and how my wife thought it was bourbon. Glad you agreed how good it was!! Cheers to 2022!!🥃

[@wigmaster7894]

best thing I bought this year was b520. it wasn't around ct last year so I'll count it as a '21 release

[@ChadWoodNC-PiedmontSkyCams]

Love you guys! I have a hard time picking just 1 bottle, but, the one I drink the most is Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey 110 proof! (Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye is my number 2 bottle)

[@chriskerker8952]

I liked all of the Booker’s batches this year. Give them a little time in the bottle…that peanut note drops off a little bit and the sweetness explodes.

[@brandon_sprague]

Sean dropping the golden glen and it not breaking shows the true power of the Savant.

[@BourbonJunkies]

#Truth

[@dylanvickers7953]

They brought back Early Times and every time I crack into it I have a headache the next day and way less Early Times in the bottle that I thought would be left. It’s the only bottle that seems to have this happen a lot.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Early times bottled in bond is so damn good

[@rurugby]

I honestly find Makers Mark Cask Strength and 46 CS very similar. I think I prefer FAE-02 over either. Sagamore Spirit Rye Double Oaked is great too.

[@tsubakichan]

I think the FAEs are not on this list because they're not readily available

[@BourbonJunkies]

I like Makers 46 cask the most of the bunch and it's far easier to find (seemingly) than the fae's. Sean may prefer one of the FAE's but I like the chocolate I get out of the 46 cask more.

[@brandonpeace7469]

I agree. I love the 46 Cask Strength. Probably my current favorite.

[@aaronatkins5520]

I completely agree with the style of this list. For me I have found more store picks and craft whiskeys that are getting better and better in my daily drinker and just overall bar room stock. For me my best bottle for this year is new rifts 6 year malted Ryes . Cheers Boys

[@BourbonJunkies]

Love that bottle!

[@derekthornberry565]

I've always had a thing for Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon. It's so sweet, and easy to drink. Great daily drinker in my opinion.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Crushable whiskey to say the least

[@MrRlutz87]

Awesome call out fellas!! Thank you, and Happy New Year!! Catch up with y'all soon

[@miguelmalave9239]

Thanks BJs as always great regularly available list for us regular people! (No BTAC BS) My favorite 2 new bottles for 2021 is Maker's 46 cask & new WT101 bottle

[@BourbonJunkies]

We'll definitely do a "Best of the year" that's bigger/harder to find bottles but this list feels equally as important to us for sure! Especially with the current state of finding whiskey...

[@smitty0423]

Favorite this year is woodinville port finished out of Washington.

[@RocketSauce666]

Great List... love this content. I'm relatively new to drinking bourbon neat and went from 3 bottles to 70+ this year. My top 5 favorite discoveries that are widely available are: 1) Redwood Empire Lost Monarch 2) New Riff Single Barrel 3) Wild Turkey Rare Breed 4) Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 5) Regular old Maker's Mark (I blinded it with 2 different Private Select picks and it was SOOOOO sweet and delicious)

[@BourbonJunkies]

Lost Monarch is so good! Welcome to the hobby and I hope you're enjoying the journey so far!

[@rolfegatchell9204]

Remus V

[@robbiecox754]

I recently discovered that I can find Evan Williams 12 year around Tokyo for around $35... Easy #1

[@irishsausage6]

I got to do a Sagamore masterclass this summer and the bottle I decided to walk away with was the Double Oak. By far THE BEST option from them. We even got to do a SiB pick and I never bothered to buy it after it came in even though the winning barrel was the one I liked best... haha! With Maker's, the increased availability of 101 takes the cake for me. I really like the Dickel Bourbon and for the price point I can find it for makes it even better. The new 1783 is a pretty surprising option for the increased proof and sub $20 price point. One of my favorite distilleries out there right now is Journeyman. The Silver Cross four grain and the cask strength Corsets, Whips, and Whiskey especially.

[@tim_1522]

Little confused by the Pursuit recommendation. The segment for it was only about 30 seconds and most of that was covering the shape of the bottle and the shape of other bottles. Besides bring able to chuck it like a football, can you expound on why one should lay down $60 -- based on what's actually inside the bottle?

[@nathanwalker848]

Found Penelope black label barrel proof store pick at one of my locals for $65. First time having it and 👌💯. Keep up the awesome work. #drunkensailor

[@kyleslusher4642]

The one bourbon that super surprised me was Heavens Door Cask Strength. It comes at 124.8 proof and has a surprisingly floral note on the nose. The cherry doesn’t hit till it hits the back of the throat. Super smooth and not a heavy burn it’s a very subtle burn. Surprised by how good it is

[@rockcityphoto]

That Maker’s 46 CS is up there for me. Found a bottle at Costco. Still need to get a bottle of the Sagamore Double Oak.

[@matthorn3302]

It's hard to pick just one. But it's either your Penelope blend or Old Ezra 7yr.

[@BourbonJunkies]

If Ezra's profile is your jam the Ezra 7 barrel proof is one of the best values in whiskey.

[@jimmyt1270]

1792 bib opened up about half way down and became outstanding. 1910 and rarebreed always in the mix.

[@robertbooth3367]

3 new ones to look for plus you made up my mind to pull the trigger on the Makers 46 Cask Strength 2022 starting out on the plus side! Thank freekin god!

[@pumakeeper01]

Makers 46 cask is the bottle that turned me around on makers products. Wasn’t a big fan of any of their other products but absolutely love this bottle!

[@Joel_Unbound]

Aint cheap but one of my faves for the year is Rebel 10. Really enjoy that juice.

[@pjg1309]

Michters small batch for me this year. I love it!!

[@AdamShelton007]

Nice list. Only two I don't have on my shelf are the DryFly and Pursuit. Guess I'll check em out. Y'all haven't steered me wrong yet. Cheers!

[@jjb9739]

" I feel like I could crush about 12 of them on a summerday" I literally laughed out loud! Great channel.

[@TheOakRoad]

You guys nailed it! All fantastic pours!!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Thanks

[@JBbenanti]

Totally agree with MM46CS. Biggest surprise of the year for me and it’s my winner for bottle of the year too.

[@goosethe1st481]

1792 or new riff bib would be my bottle.

[@dplunk13]

That Blue Note is so good. I live in Memphis so I have like 2 extra. Also found the 17 year but haven't opened it yet.

[@jason2800]

That Remus Repeal V....just delightful...

[@christopherharris3435]

Nooooo hahaha Sagamore Double oaked is also my favorite bottle. My buddy put me onto this early in the year and I can't put it down. So good, and now I'm not gonna be able to find it because of y'all! Haha guess sharing is caring

[@garypoltonowicz7950]

Not sure if this bottle was available before this year, but I made sure to get plenty of the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C921.

[@DwithBoost]

You can still find bottles of last year's B520 batch on shelves in Michigan and that is my favorite bottle I've tried this year. I preferred it over Weller FP for example. I liked the C921 batch as well. Very good

[@garypoltonowicz7950]

@@DwithBoost over here in pa, I haven’t seen that bottle since it hit the shelves…

[@DwithBoost]

@@garypoltonowicz7950 understandable. Same for Ohio I believe. I don't live in Michigan. Was letting people know where they can find those gems on shelves. Specifically Detroit area.

[@danbarber1984]

Remus Repeal Reserve V is my favorite of the year

[@andrewrice6544]

Happy New Year fellas!!!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Happy new years!

[@linusstick]

One of my favorite channels for whiskey reviews

[@BourbonJunkies]

Cheers!

[@gerhardschote8000]

Hello Junkies Good Job in 2021 Happy New Year Greetings from Germany

[@BourbonJunkies]

Cheers buddy!

[@stoneytg]

Great seeing Dryfly. If you’re looking for other great whiskeys from the Pacific Northwest check out Woodinville and Oregon Spirit

[@teofilstevenson]

Sup fellers, a great Advent BTW. Dan reigns champ in a close one, Sean’s surge a tad too late. My ‘21 fav JD Single Barrel Barrel Proof (just uncorked over Turkey Day holiday). So…yes to Bourbon and yes to available.

[@lonewanderer3603]

My favorite common bottle this year was Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye. The cask strength is hard to get but the 94 is everywhere and I never get tired of it. I killed multiples this year. All my other favorites were picks and have pretty much replaced allocated bottles. I don't even try to find the allocated stuff when awesome picks are readily available and cheaper.

[@BourbonJunkies]

I think picks replaced hunting allocated bottles for a lot of people this year.

[@JGTenkara]

Happy to see craft distilleries on here. Being from WA I can’t wait to try Dry Fly!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Dry fly is doing good stuff over there!

[@markacyr]

The Markers 46 is sadly allocated in certain states. Not widely available, although I wish it was.

[@newedge420]

I know that Sam Houston 14 was last year but I got it a this year and it has to be my #1

[@jamesbates2696]

I keep finding myself buying coopers craft 100. Absolute sleeper on the shelf here in SW Florida.

[@sloppyjoefingle]

I have both bottles of the FAEs one 01 and one 02 and they are really good I love them. But in my opinion FAE02 isnt as good but still worth every penny

[@kevinarmitage6114]

Dude, I have dryfly on the shelves here, I've always passed on it, I'll have to try it out!!

[@BourbonJunkies]

We have a 5 year barrel proof finished whiskey as well that's fantastic

[@paulshogren3650]

Still liking Old Forrester 1920 as the best bourbon I've had in 2021.

[@Mr51Caveman]

I passed over a bottle of WR double oaked today. Got a bottle of Russels 10 yr instead.

[@RocketSauce666]

Those are both great bottles in my opinion. The Russell's 10 yr is so rich and delicious especially after drinking WT101. The WRDO is a whole 'nother level of rich and full. Honestly, you can't go wrong with either.

[@Mr51Caveman]

@@RocketSauce666 I went to 3 different LLS's (local liquor stores) today. Not looking for anything particular....just what I didn't already have. All of them are lacking. One wanted to show me their order invoices. Holy crap...what is not coming in is crazy. Shelves are getting depleted. We are in trouble.

[@garyrebok9]

Penelope black labels my number one of this year

[@BourbonJunkies]

I love the black labels

[@Hylkamania]

Remus Reserve V is my #1 this year.

[@pickleeater3102]

Chattanooga 111 cask strength.

[@rodneybeckstedt6032]

Wild turkey 101 or buffalo trace when its around

[@BourbonJunkies]

Definitely both Staples in the grand scheme

[@LVbibby]

Knob Creek 12 and Smokewagon UFUC

[@edpeter9411]

Dickel? Did NOT see that coming! Fully agree with the OF110. Both your top picks are solid choices in anybody’s book. For the money and availability (VA) it’s Cooper’s Craft 100 for me.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Coopers Craft 100 is SO good! Didn't know availability on that one.

[@edpeter9411]

@@BourbonJunkies pretty available here in Northern VA, luckily for me.

[@markgiffin5938]

I’ve followed for years, but this is my first comment. As a fellow Michigander, I can’t help but wonder why I never hear about Iron Fish? Their Barrel Strength Bourbon finished in Caribbean Rum Cask is really good!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Probably have a lower distribution footprint combined with less marketing

[@zacharycampbell4544]

pinhook is pretty crushable!

[@nickvanalstyne6140]

Any way we could see another wheater blind video? Love to see it include dry fly, Makers 46 cask, larceny BP, etc... I don't believe you guys did a review video of dry fly in the past.

[@ryanjohnson719]

1. Heaven Hill 2. Walking Stick

[@waynemontpetit8181]

Remus V. Hands down. No discussion.

[@tommydude969]

Bardstown Prisoner is hands down the best thing I've had from this year. Also got to try Discovery 5 and its up there with some of my fav bourbons as well. Smoke wagon shout out, their lineup is also pretty 🔥

[@swango1]

My #1 is still Old Forester 1920. Even the new label. Old label is better, though. Full disclosure: I haven't tried the new label 1910 yet.

[@BourbonJunkies]

1920 is a damn classic!

[@jeremyturner7473]

Dan's right about Woodford double oaked. After I drank 1910 and liked it so much I decided to finally try Woodford double oaked after hearing all the hype and it didn't compare at all.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Woodford Double Oak is such a good beginner whiskey but 1910 has more going on

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Keeping it American: 1792 Small Batch ($23 at a grocery store near me) In regards to your "Best Whiskeys"; the only ones available in the stores I frequent are: 1) Sagamore Spirit Double Oak ($48). 2) Maker's Mark 46 Cask ($55).

[@BourbonJunkies]

1792 Small Batch is great. We went with whiskeys that either released this year or change from batch to batch so they'd be different this year

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

@@BourbonJunkies In that case then... Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select ($34) Bottles barrelled in November have a different profile than ones in July. Those were the last two I had.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Yeah definitely agree on the JDSB

[@Theplaymaker1271]

I have never once seen Blue Note anywhere in Chicago or Southern Wisconsin...