The BEST & WORST Bottles From Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries

We pick three major Bourbon Distilleries and vote on what is our favorite and least favorite expression that they offer! Do you agree with our list? If not, what would you change?
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[@marclucas5100]

Nothing Sara does is illegal.

[@RVWhiskey]

Oh wow! I really really enjoy 1910. Very interesting.

[@drewfuerstenberger4675]

Sarah’s choice is on the line for MM, but it’s allowable. The real crime was not putting MM 46 CS as the best, which it is.

[@edwardmobley7126]

Probably the best Bourbon series idea ever!!!!!!

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Thank you!

[@Condor987]

It’s so wild how much taste varies! I’ve not met a person who didn’t agree 1910 is one of the best low proofer’s out there, so finding someone who even expected it to be their least favorite is shocking to me! Loved this episode, looking forward to more!

[@isaacholstein6530]

You guys inspired me to create a KZbin channel with my girlfriend, so thank you for being a joy to watch.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Awesome! Happy to provide some inspiration!

[@brandonstraczek3398]

I always agree with Sarah I love private select

[@Vortex1988]

I think Maker's Private Select is common enough to qualify for this round. They may be custom stave profiles that won't have the same flavor profile from bottle to bottle, but the same can be said for most single barrel bourbons that are readily available. Private Select can be found in just about any liquor store. The next three distilleries should definitely be Heaven Hill, Four Roses, and Jim Beam.

[@jeffwinbush5039]

Nice episode, guys. I rock with the Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Old Forester 1920 and Maker's Mark 46. I know the 46 isn't considered a top-flight bourbon, but I like it, so there! Next up you should do Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve and Four Roses.

[@jarvis109]

Heaven hill also

[@tim9324]

Nice video Bardstown Buffalo Trace Jim Beam

[@Slo-Mode]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't love the 1910. So many channels love it but it's just not for me. Oh and Chad definitely won beccause of those extra points. Though Sarah really had him on the ropes with that private select.

[@saa15353]

Chad I think I will have to give you the the point on this one. Proof Hound Card needs to be a thing i love it lol

[@gordonclaxton8916]

I blended the 1920 and the 1910 and it was great....

[@IJustGotHere]

Nice! Would love to hear the Four Roses and Buffalo Trace.

[@greircrabtree6940]

If Chad would of brought up Private Select definitely thrown out!

[@bbyllma]

Really enjoyed this episode! Great concept and very well executed!

[@tonymercuri2945]

Great episode!! Love the new idea.

[@Jared40]

I love Makers Mark 46 my go to bourbon 😋🥃

[@TheMNbassHunter]

Favorites from those three distilleries are Russell's Single Barrel, 1920, and Maker's 46 Cask Strength.

[@curanderoverde]

Markers Mark cask strength is where it's at...I haven't have any of the Private Select but if it has a base like the cask strength with more nuanced flavors and more to it then I'd probably like it even more...But straight up the Cask Strength jumps at you and grabs your tongue it's sort of how I imagined Pappy 15 would taste even though it probably tastes nothing like that...It's just how I imagined a Pappy would taste...It's my new favorite

[@jeffbenzing9815]

Barton 1792, Heaven Hill, Four Roses

[@Richie.Z]

Next 3 distilleries: Lux Row-Co, Heaven Hill and Barton😊🥃

[@kennystephens1165]

DQ, Sara. I agree with the WT options. Not a fan of any OF and Makers 46 CS is my fav MM.

[@kurtludington5986]

Loved the format and the relaxed vibe! Great job!

[@michelleglab3578]

Next: Heaven Hill (might be too many to choose from), Bardstown and Jack Daniels. 🙂 Bardstown might be tough, though because I think their offerings change quite a bit to make them limited.

[@J_D_B4379]

I doubt Jack Daniels will be on a list of Kentucky distilleries

[@ThelifeofKingfish]

Next 3: Heaven Hill, Jim Beam and Buffalo Trace.

[@MrDobberdude]

I really enjoy the concept of this video...more please

[@ItsBourbonNight]

You got it! Next one coming up soon.

[@dnugent9648]

Next time y'all should do Four Roses, Jim Beam/Knob Creek, Buffalo Trace..

[@Tommyjet18]

Very entertaining, but could you please instead use black chalkboard with bright neon chalk? Cheers!

[@ericrich9111]

Great video guys!!!

[@markmaioli4]

Lost me at Private Select. WE don't get to go to the distillery, only the liquor store

[@dustinstober9647]

Definitely loved this type of content! The good and the bad but where is the ugly?

[@BigChill73]

Review MGP bourbon

[@rogerpingleton9199]

Good idea Rodney! So many awesome MGP's to choose from. Some (like Smoke Wagon) do have various releases within their line of MGP based bourbons. Or it could be favorite 5 MGPs vs the least favorite 5 MGPs.

[@michaelnichols5973]

I can find the MMCS and MMPS next to each other at the same stores... so in total fairness, all things are equal... Private Select is NOT disqualified. I agree, that in my tastings I felt that the PS was similar to the CS but with the added staves. Indeed MM's website says of the PS, "Beginning as fully matured Maker's Mark® at cask strength".

[@hammert0es]

Private Select is a totally valid choice, would have been mine too. Every store I've been in has a bunch of them, and I've never had a bad one.

[@jamescochran5363]

When it comes to Old Forester, I have to side that 86 Proof is the worst, since $2-$3 dollars more can get your their 100 Proof bottle and it's so much better. The Statesmen is decisive between the crowd, but it's different. My picks (Worst: 86; Best - 1910) Wild Turkey - I want to like Longbranch, but you nailed it. It's too thin. So that gets last place, with Rare Bread on the top for me....but I now need to blind that against a RR Single Barrel. While not horrible, regular Makers is on the bottom of the list and Cask on top. (Sorry Sara - While their Private Selections are indeed tasty, they should be excluded from the list.) Next trio - Jim Beam, Four Roses, Heaven Hill/Evan Williams. Great start to a cool new series!

[@rogerpingleton9199]

Don't fight mom and dad! It's a tricky thing on the Single Barrel vs Private Select argument. Both are unique releases, but when it comes down to it there can be consistent releases of both, and also I've had REALLY weird/off-brand batched bourbon's too. I agree with Rodney's MGP suggestion. SO many MGP's to choose from! Great episode!!

[@AndrewFifield]

Private Selects are great, but for a staple, 46 CS would be the stand in for sure.

[@teddyvarin5534]

That argument at the end made me uncomfortable. Counseling. 😂🤣

[@marcs.whiskey9053]

Loved the content Great fun to watch the back and forth and game show style presentation and comparisons. Plus I liked last weeks Distillery editions in depth looks

[@mttech1995]

Chad is right...Private select-DQ. Jim Beam. Heaven Hill, Barton....

[@paladonis]

The More you Know or....The Pour You Know! 😋 I like that you added in the bottles that you guessed too. I think that adds a little extra fun. If this goes well, and you have run through distilleries or need a shake up, maybe add in Best and Worst budget blend for the Distillery or something along those lines. Maybe, budget stuff is thrown out for these rounds too. Because the Old Forester 86 and 90 Proof Maker's Mark felt like an easy "Worst" to be able to pick. Yes, I tend to be able to afford budget vs all the fancy, so I guess that's why I tend to toss suggestions like that out there as I know there are people just like me in that situation. Just trying to think of extra stuff for the game.....er series. I look forward to seeing where this series goes!

[@nfc3po]

I tend to pretty much agree. For me: WT fav- RR SiB WT least - standard 81 OF fav - 1920 OF least - 1910 MM fav - Private selects as a whole MM least - standard 90

[@Bourboneros]

great video guys--- greatest Bourbon Tshirt ever.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Thank you!!

[@ejbsee6081]

A great new idea I enjoyed the episode very much. I have noticed since my 1st discovery of the 1920, 4 years ago?? wow, time flies, that the price has been creeping up-and-up so I hope this episode doesn't push it up another 5 bucks a bottle If it does that's OK too, I am looking forward to the next 3 distilleries house choice & Chad picks since he won the game

[@ericamiles2641]

This is great. I love the back and forth. Keep it up!

[@tobyhayes611]

Least favorites: Longbranch, 86 proof Old Forester and Makers 90. Most favorites: Rare Breed, Old Forester 100 proof, Makers 46. I love the format for this review. It seems unfair to include limited releases or hard to find bourbons in your selections. Keep up the good work!

[@bigzach322]

I agree on choosing Private Select. They're basically everywhere and actually just as easy to find as cask strength in NC because they're $20 more. If that pick wasn't allowed I would've chosen Maker's 46 Cask Strength.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

But doesn’t 46 Cask Strength come out once a year now? I think it’s a limited release.

[@bigzach322]

@@ItsBourbonNight Very likely true. It kind of sits on shelves here so it doesn't feel like a limited release compared to the Wood Finishing Series which flies off the shelves. There's this 375 ml pack of Maker's 46 CS and Master Distiller Private Select for $60 that I'm pretty sure has been on display in Durham stores for a year.

[@edbutler3]

I was going to say the same about Private Select. Here in MN almost every liquor store has their own pick of it, and while I've had a few that were clear standouts, I'd say the quality is consistent enough that it's a safe buy for me, even going in blind.

[@rhino22186]

And if it’s available in NC, then it should be “widely available”. Love watching all the different channels that review and talk Bourbon but hate knowing I’ll have little shot of drinking what’s in the video. 😅

[@GirlDad_cards]

Would love to see Heaven Hill, Woodford and Four Roses next. Great video BTW

[@ltwhiterice]

Admittedly, I'm a bourbon newbie. I haven't had a lot of the Old Forester line, but the one bottle I have is the Statesman. I really like it, but I will definitely try the 1920 next. Please do 4 roses next. I have had 3 different bottles, loved each, and would love to see your thoughts.

[@stevetraxler3858]

Fun new content to the show. Love the discussions. Stay safe. Heaven Hill, JD and 4Roses would be good

[@austinmartin2927]

Definitely my favorite from Maker's is the 46 Cask Strength.

[@michaelwoody2111]

Private Select is so readily available; no two are the same but I have around 6 bottles of PS that are all fantastic.

[@TravisG88]

I have a Makers private select that is sooooo good, probably in my top 5 all time whiskeys. My local Woodmans called it their “Chocolate Confection Perfection”, and rightly so.

[@dustincannarella8077]

Amazing concept. Definitely can see how RRSB can top RB, but it would be so close. Don’t understand how 1910 is anywhere near bottom (it is my favorite from OF), especially considering how pointless Statesmen is. The best MM could honestly go either way, but the Private Selects are wonderful (not going to weigh in on if that choice should be disqualified). Would love to see Heaven Hill on the next one.

[@DMBVR4]

The Longbranch video of yours was the first Bourbon video i ever watched, from anyone.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

You’ve been with us for a while then!

[@DMBVR4]

@@ItsBourbonNight absolutely have! I got a bottle of Longbranch as a gift and I looked up a review and it was your video which was really new at the time. That stupid bottle has turned into a collection very similar to yours lol and i still like it 😂

[@jdub3999]

Really enjoyed this video and volume 2!

[@charliecomer2133]

Keep these coming. Definitely got me thinking about what I like and don’t like. I think Chad nailed it my likes and don’t likes, although I was torn on the Russel’s and rare breed.

[@bootska]

Makers CS is by far my favorite available whiskey.

[@bourbonbill]

Great video! Do Jack Daniels and Dickel as well as buffalo trace next. Also we don’t align haha. For best I would have gone 1910 for OF and for Makers while cask strength is really good it’s makers 46 cask is better as well as the private selects. And Rare Breed wins over regular shelf RRSB for me I did that video as a blind not long ago

[@Duckhunter5175]

Well played on the series - do them all.

[@ckeats2]

This was just tons of fun. Was MM 46 cask strength in the game. Think I sided more with Sara. How about Heaven Hill, Bean and Michter's next

[@brentross9233]

In Ohio, they release Private Select every year. OHLQ has recipes they have released multiple times, like Milkshake.

[@barracas1985]

I have to say I prefer the 46 cask over the regular cask strength but I have also never had a bad private select so maybe Sarah is right anyway…

[@primaltone]

Totally agree with 1920 as best OF, never had Statesman. Rare Breed is awesome, can't find RRSB :(. Agree that both MM CS and MM PS are awesome, but the PS's I've had are on another level of awesome. I've been able to find them often enough that I think PS should get the win. Next: give Jim Beam some love, lots of good juice there!

[@xmikewallace17]

I think all should be included. What’s your favorite, creates something nice. Maybe give people an insight if it’s worth it or not. Also, can always do two favorites!

[@darrentoy8654]

Proof Hound Challenge Coin! Gotta have one!

[@scottbennett6200]

Great show!! HOWEVER< I have to go with Chad on this, If you can't get it in Wine and More or BevMo or your local ABC store, it's illegal.. *throw the flag... :-) Buffalo Trace and Beam picks??

[@lorenwegele4250]

Really like the content! I thought Longbranch might be better too if it was at least 101 proof.

[@therileyobrien]

Private select fits if rrsib does. All the ones I've tried are just various levels of good...none even remotely bad.

[@markwanner3633]

Great episode, a lot of fun. I'm on board with your picks except for MM Private Select. They can be quite different in my experience. I've had really good ones and a couple that tasted like chewing on wood, so I would DQ it 😛

[@mikezupancic2182]

That's why you get obesity that have similar stave profiles. They tell you right on the front what the recipe is.

[@davidlittle6621]

Got one of the custom candles. Very nice. Definitely worth it.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Glad you like it!

[@poopsicle45]

rrsb “jimmy picks” better than rb when I’ve done side by sides I agree

[@1313ryanchatfield]

You should do woodford, Jim beam and 1792 next!

[@randallhimes3379]

Heaven Hill next!

[@micro777-7]

Agree with Sara. MM PS is allowable.

[@DarrellHudson12]

Since the new labels came out, I switched my most fav from 1920 to 1910. 1920 used to be my daily, but I don't know if I even have a bottle in the house anymore. Such a letdown.

[@challenja]

Barton, Willett, New Riff, and High West. Rank those bad boys. And maybe best MGP by year. 4 year, 5 year, all the way to 15.

[@codyhutchison7330]

Even the thought of 1910 being the worst OF is blasphemy. lol easily my favorite bourbon right now.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

I knew it would turn some heads if it ended up being my least favorite. Turns out it's only my 3rd to least favorite! :)

[@877-MASH-NOW]

TEAM SARA 😎😎😎😎

[@curtboxley7678]

Sara, I prefer the Rare Breed over the Russell's Reserve

[@davidlittle6621]

Sara is correct this time. You can basically always find the private select at Total Wine.

[@hunter4683]

I don't think I've ever seen makers private select around me. Only regular, 46, 101, and cask

[@-RONNIE]

Thanks so much for the video 🥃

[@TheOnion12]

I can’t wait for Heaven Hill.

[@NathanielEssex]

Sara can't use that Makers, every single offering has a different stave profile. I call double dribble and a flagrant/fragrant foul

[@michaelsilva7176]

I like most things OF and I prefer MM Cask Strength. The next 3could be Jack Daniel's, Jim Beam, Evan Williams.

[@kvmedman6217]

Hold up! Why is NO ONE mentioning that Maker's Mark has a 46 in CASK STRENGTH!! (Thank you comment section!) It is the best Maker's that is readily available by a margin. Also, any 46 makes a mean Old Fashioned!

[@1nolaguy30]

Nice episode and interesting subject. That said, as bourbon nubbie I find most of the distillery marketing quite confusing. For example EC Small Batch vs EC single Barrel vs EC Barrel Strength or Knob Creek 9yr vs Knob Creek 9yr single barrell or Russel Reserver 10 yr vs Russell Reserve 10yr single barrel. And all the packaging is deceptively similar within a brand. I can not find a youtube blind tasting or comparing these within brands. Perhaps you can help me out or use this for a future episode.

[@billslone242]

Sorry Sara DQ!!

[@jamesstreet1144]

Addressing your favorites. Wild turkey, both choices are great, so it’s a coin flip. Old Forrester, I really like the 1920, but its complexity throws me off. Strangely, I prefer the Old Forrester 100. Makers. For off the shelf, it’s makers 46 cask strength for me, but it can’t beat the private select

[@JasonScottCarter]

Old Forrester 100 is my everyday.

[@boydmasonlake1995]

100 is straight forward good. Don't be afraid to get lost in the complexity of the 1920. Sooo good#

[@trishlovesme]

RR single barrell is awesome.🥃

[@davidcolgan3268]

WT 101 Rye is almost always in my cabinet. Need to compare Russell’s & Rare Breed side by side to decide. OF 1920 is great; my daily drinker is OF 100 @ $28! Turned off by Maker’s as I have only had the basic.

[@vikes7384]

Gotta go with Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, and Jack Daniels for one of your next challenges.

[@KillCoMentalMusings]

I was guessing along with the video and as far as WT and MM go I it was of course Rare Breed and Maker's Cask Strength for me. Dislikes were the same too Longbranch & standard Maker's (however I did use Maker's for a maple iced tea cocktail as my first steps into whiskey). Old Forester hasn't been on my radar due to the price, at best I've had a pour of their Birthday bottle at a whiskey bar. Next distilleries I'd like to see... Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses. Tackle those two HUGE distilleries and of course one of my personal favorites smaller ones 🌹🌹🌹🌹.

[@jennifert8224]

Let’s do Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Penelope! Great Video Guys! Much Love From Canada! Dear Lord do you guys know where we could find Blantons straight from the Barrel?! My Husband LOVES Blantons, among others.. and this would be amazing.

[@ItsBourbonNight]

Best bet is to contact Justins’ House of Bourbon in either Lexington or Louisville Kentucky. They’ll have it. Tell ‘em we sent ya. :)

[@austinmartin2927]

@@ItsBourbonNight I did that myself and they want $500 a bottle for it, which is insane. Yeah it's hard to find, but the accepted secondary prices that people normally pay are about $250...

[@ItsBourbonNight]

@@austinmartin2927 Yeah pretty much all the Buffalo Trace stuff that is there is on consignment so it will be over secondary. That’s really the only place we know that is guaranteed to have it. Unfortunately we don’t know of anywhere else to suggest to look :( We hope you find one, though!

[@timbuma3693]

Next id like to see Buffalo Trace, Four Roses and Knob Creek

[@877-MASH-NOW]

WHISKEY CHEERS 😎😎😎😎

[@patriciawalker3087]

Private select is definitely a legal submission!

[@jimlayton8642]

heaven hill, Bardstown and Buffalo Trace.

[@Jimndarrow]

I really like this comparison. Heaven Hill, Willet, and Buffalo Trace for the next one. Keep up on the concepts but I think one has legs.