We’ve all seen that bottle on the shelf with the ridiculously high price tag.
I’m sure you’ve already got at least three bottles in mind. Well, I’ve fallen into the hype of expensive bottles too, but I’m here to share my experiences—and disappointments—so you don’t have to waste your money. Don’t worry, though; I’ll also suggest some replacement bottles that are worth your time and cash.
3. W.L. Weller Antique 107
Weller is arguably one of the most sought-after bottles out there. When I randomly walked into my local liquor store and found a shipment of Weller Antique 107, I couldn’t get home fast enough to open it. To make the moment special, I even waited to share it with a buddy who got me into bourbon.
When we both took our first sip, though, the look of disappointment said it all. For me, the bottle didn’t live up to the hype. It delivered more heat than flavor—nothing more than an expensive letdown in my book.
What to buy instead:
Larceny Barrel Proof
- It’s still a wheated bourbon, still high-proof, but it offers way more flavor.
- The best part? It’s better priced. The Weller 107 cost me upwards of $70, while you can typically find Larceny Barrel Proof for $50–$60.
2. Old Pogue’s Old Maysville Club
It’s not that this bottle was bad—because it wasn’t—but at nearly $100, it didn’t deliver the flavor to justify the price. As someone who’s a big fan of rye whiskey, I found it just… average.
It wasn’t hot, it wasn’t complex, and it wasn’t bad, but for $100, I can name several other bottles I’d rather have on my shelf than this one.
What to buy instead:
New Riff 8-Year Rye
- At half the price (around $50), this bottle offers incredible flavor.
- It’s rich with baking spice, oak, cinnamon, and even chocolate notes. Honestly, it’s so good I’d pay $100 for it without hesitation.
- New Riff clearly knew what they were doing when crafting this rye, and it’s where I’d put my money instead.
1. Heaven Hill Henry McKenna 10-Year Bottled in Bond
This was by far the biggest whiskey disappointment I’ve had in a long time. To me, this bottle tasted more like a $10 sour mash bourbon than the $60 “powerhouse” it’s marketed as.
When I first tried this bottle, I thought I loved it—but looking back, I was young and early in my bourbon journey. I couldn’t pick up on the real flavor notes. Now, all I can taste is pure burn. At $60, there are so many better options.
What to buy instead:
Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7-Year
- Surprisingly, the younger sibling of Henry McKenna is the better choice.
- For the same price, you get beautiful notes of cherry, chocolate, and natural sweetness instead of just heat.
- Both bottles are 100 proof and meet the same standards, but the three extra years of aging in the McKenna seem to have only added more burn.
Final Thoughts
These were my biggest disappointments in the whiskey world. I’m sure you’ve had your own—let me know what they were! Have you tried any of the bottles I mentioned? Do you think I just got a bad pour, or do you agree?
And remember, the answer to life’s many questions is always To Cigar.
Logan Huddleston
Hello, my name is Logan Huddleston. I own and operate To Cigar, which provides cigar and alcohol content on all major social media platforms. My goal is to connect with and engage other Gen Zers to help them fall in love with cigars and cigar culture.
I do reviews, memes, recipes, pairings—pretty much anything that connects with my audience. Most nights, I can be found with a cigar in one hand and a good drink in the other. Life brings us many questions, but I’m fond of saying: The answer is always To Cigar!