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10 Underrated Bourbons Every Enthusiast Should Try Before They’re Gone
1. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon (115 proof)
Tasting Profile
Nose: Cherry preserves, drippy caramel, dark chocolate, thickened maple syrup, and oak spice.
Palate: Dark caramel, malt nuttiness, sweet graham cracker, warmed by green peppercorn and coriander spice, with a hint of cedar.
Finish: Tart apple crispness that gives way to a long smoky finish with toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker sweetness.
Why It’s Underrated
Despite its bold proof and richness, “1920” flies under many radars compared to more hyped limited editions. It delivers a lot of depth and character — dark dessert-like flavors, strong oak, and history — while still being (relatively) accessible.
Price & Availability
Approx US $55-$65 (varies by state) for a 750ml bottle. Widely available in bourbon-friendly markets.
2. Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Small Batch Bourbon (90 proof)
Tasting Profile
Color: Amber-copper hue.
Nose: Orange peel, citrus, butterscotch, maple, oak, vanilla.
Palate: Rich spicy caramel, vanilla, fruit & nut trail mix, toasted honey, cherry cordial, citrus spice.
Finish: Smooth, sweet; lingering toffee and spice with mild warming.
It holds a double edge: decent age statement (10 years) and good flavor complexity, yet it lacks the flash & hype of higher-proof or limited-release bottles. Many overlook RR10 because they chase bold proof, but this one delivers in a more balanced, refined way. Also, in recent batches some fans note a shift in profile — less oak, more fruit & sweetness — which gives you reason to pay attention.
Price & Availability
Generally $35-$50 depending on region. Widely available in many U.S. states.
3. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon (94 proof, NAS ~8-12 years)
Tasting Profile
Nose: Vanilla bean, sweet fruit, fresh mint.
Palate: Rich oak, baking spice, sweet corn & caramel, subtle smoke. (Note: details may vary by bottle/batch)
Why It’s Underrated
Elijah Craig Small Batch gives a lot of character for the price: deep oak influence, solid aging, and smooth balance. It’s often overshadowed by more extreme bourbons, but many purists love it for its drinkability and depth.
Price & Availability
Typically US $25-$40 range. Usually easy to find.
4. Four Roses Small Batch Select (104 proof, ~6-7 years)
Tasting Profile
Nose: Raspberries, cloves, nutmeg, fruit & oak.
Palate: Vanilla, caramel, cherry/pomegranate tones, light oak, mint & spice.
Why It’s Underrated
Offers a very layered flavor profile (multi-recipe blend) without demanding a high premium. Enthusiasts who chase “strong proof” sometimes skip it, which is a miss, because it reveals nuances that many stronger but rougher bourbons don’t.
Price & Availability
Around US $50-$60 in many places, though can run higher depending on state taxes and markups.
5. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof (≈116.8 proof)
Tasting Profile
Nose & Palate: Bold caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, spice, floral and fruit notes, possibly almond / leather.
Finish: Warm, lingering, strong oak/spice presence.
Why It’s Underrated
Being barrel proof gives it serious character, but it doesn’t always make the “most hyped” lists because it’s not limited-edition or ultra rare — or some people avoid high proof. But for those who want flavor intensity, it delivers excellent value.
Price & Availability
Typically in the US $50-$70 range for recent batches. Availability moderate to good depending on region.
6. Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (91.4 proof)
Tasting Profile
Nose: Rich caramel, vanilla, stone fruit, smoky / oak depth.
Palate: Brown sugar, toasty oak, spice (cinnamon), dried fruit hints, warm finish.
Why It’s Underrated
It’s smoother, more nuanced, and less about high proof, more about refinement. Because it’s not screaming in proof or rarity, it sometimes gets passed over in favor of “flashier” bottles — but true bourbon lovers appreciate what it brings.
Price & Availability
Usually in the US $45-$60 range. More limited than highly distributed brands, but still regularly found.
7. Store-Pick Bourbons (Various Brands)
(You might pick one or two specific bottles here; examples like store-select Old Forester, Four Roses, etc.)
Tasting Profile
Varies by selection; often more intense oak flavor, sometimes higher proof, and sometimes unique flavor due to barrel selection.
Why It’s Underrated
Because store-picks are limited in distribution and less talked about, but they often offer excellent bang-for-buck or special twist on a core brand. A great way to score something unique.
Price & Availability
Usually similar to the brand’s standard price + small premium. Only available at specific local retailers.
8. Old Grand-Dad 114 (114 proof)
Tasting Profile
Nose: Strong rye spice, vanilla, oak, sweet corn.
Palate & Finish: Baked goods, caramel, peppery finish, lingering heat, oak.
Why It’s Underrated
Because it’s old-school, punchy, and sometimes rough around the edges — not subtle. But for those who like bold bourbon with personality, this one delivers hard. And it often gets less attention because it’s not “boutique.”
Price & Availability
Often US $30-$45 depending on market; pretty available depending on your state.
9. New Riff Bottled-in-Bond (100 proof )
Tasting Profile
Nose: Grainy sweetness, vanilla, citrus & oak.
Palate: Rich caramel, some spice, oak tannins, fruit hints.
Why It’s Underrated
Craft distilleries like New Riff are newer and don’t always have big distribution or huge marketing budgets. A Bottled-in-Bond expression adds trust / consistency, so this is a gem for people who care both about craftsmanship and flavor.
Price & Availability
Typically around US $40-$55, depending on location. More limited but increasingly available.
10. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (100 proof)
Tasting Profile
Nose: Sweet vanilla, oak, maybe a little yeast / grain.
Palate: Caramel, oak, spice; smooth but with backbone.
Finish: Medium-long, warm, oak / spice lingering.
Why It’s Underrated
Because it’s affordable but still delivers proof and flavor; many people skip lower-cost bottles in favor of hype, but this one gives a strong return per dollar. Perfect for sipping or introducing someone who wants more than the basics.
Price & Availability
Often US $25-$35, one of the best values. Widely available.
Which of these have you tried? If you spot one on your shelf or at your store, grab it, it might become your “desert-island bourbon.” And if you think one’s missing, drop it in the comments below. Let’s build the list together.
