9 Bourbons You Should Skip to Avoid Wasting Money

Bourbon has a loyal following, but not every bottle justifies its price tag. Some rely more on hype, packaging, or marketing than actual taste. Others sit on shelves at inflated prices because of scarcity, leaving drinkers with little more than regret. The truth is, you can enjoy incredible bourbon without overspending on names that fail to deliver. Here’s a clear guide to nine bourbons you’re better off skipping so your money goes toward bottles that truly reward every sip.

1. Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Blade and Bow gets attention thanks to its tie to the historic Stitzel-Weller distillery, but the bourbon itself doesn’t live up to the story. The bottle design and branding feel luxurious, yet what’s inside is light on depth and complexity. For the price, you’d expect rich layers of oak, caramel, or spice, but many drinkers describe it as thin and forgettable. It’s not terrible, but it’s nowhere near worth its premium price tag. If you want character, you’ll find better options at half the cost.

2. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea

The concept is fun: barrels travel the world on ships, rocked by waves and exposed to salty air. The problem is, the gimmick outweighs the flavor. At retail, you’ll pay a steep price for something that often tastes more like a standard mid-shelf bourbon than a rare find. Most drinkers agree it doesn’t carry enough complexity to justify the cost, and the ocean-aging story feels more like a marketing hook than a meaningful improvement. It’s clever branding, not a smart buy.

3. Hudson Baby Bourbon

Hudson Baby Bourbon helped spark the craft bourbon boom, but it struggles to stand up against its competition today. Made with 100 percent New York corn, it has a distinctly sweet, almost grainy flavor that comes off as young and underdeveloped. The small bottles and premium price make it look special, but you’re paying for novelty rather than quality. If you want depth and maturity, plenty of Kentucky bourbons deliver it for less money. This one is better remembered as a pioneer than a purchase.

4. Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whiskey

Old Forester has a great lineup, but 1910 often gets overhyped. It’s marketed as part of their Whiskey Row series with a unique double-barrel finish, yet the end result doesn’t hit the mark for many bourbon fans. The flavor leans heavy on char and sweetness, but it lacks the balance that makes other Old Forester releases shine. When a bottle costs this much, you expect more harmony and complexity. Save your money for Old Forester 1920 or the classic 100-proof, both of which offer better value.

5. Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

Basil Hayden’s stands out on the shelf with its sleek design, but the bourbon inside is only 80 proof, which leaves it thin and muted compared to stronger, bolder options. While approachable for beginners, it doesn’t offer much for someone who wants a richer pour. Its light body and faint spice profile make it feel underwhelming, especially at the price point. For the same money, you could pick up something with more proof, more flavor, and far more staying power in your collection.

6. Widow Jane 10 Year

Widow Jane is another brand that leans heavily on craft credibility, but the whiskey inside doesn’t always reflect the story. The 10 Year is often sourced from multiple states, blended in New York, and marketed with big claims about mineral-rich water. While the bottle looks artisanal, many drinkers note a flat and inconsistent taste profile that doesn’t justify the premium cost. It’s not a bad bourbon, but for the price, it feels like you’re buying into branding instead of actual flavor performance.

7. Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Angel’s Envy is famous for finishing its bourbon in port wine casks, and while it’s unique, it isn’t necessarily worth the hype. The port finish gives it a sweet, dessert-like note that can come across as syrupy or one-dimensional. For those who prefer classic bourbon flavors like oak, caramel, and spice, Angel’s Envy often feels like a letdown. Add the inflated price and limited availability in some areas, and you’re paying more for novelty than true quality. It’s better as a one-time curiosity than a regular buy.

8. Town Branch Bourbon

Town Branch has the advantage of being distilled in Lexington, but it’s not known for being a standout. The flavor is often described as young, thin, and lacking the richness bourbon fans expect. Even with an attractive price compared to some craft bottles, it feels overpriced for what you get. In blind tastings, it rarely performs well against more established brands at the same price point. If you’re looking to explore Kentucky bourbon, there are plenty of stronger, more rewarding choices.

9. Orphan Barrel Rhetoric Series

The Orphan Barrel series was designed around the idea of releasing rare, lost barrels, but the reality doesn’t always live up to the pitch. Rhetoric, in particular, gained attention as the age statements crept up each year, but the flavor turned increasingly dry, tannic, and unbalanced. The steep prices made collectors grab them, yet most drinkers agree it’s more of a bottle to display than to enjoy. You’re essentially paying for rarity and story, not for an exceptional bourbon experience.