The founding fathers of The Bourbon Review have had a blast producing the world’s only bourbon magazine.  This current issue marks the end of our first year bringing you the very best in Bourbon Country coverage.  We are very happy with the responses people have given us from our past issues and encourage any reader who does not appreciate our efforts to drink enough bourbon until the magazine reads well.  With that said, the recent status of the economy has forced most of us to reevaluate how we spend our salaries and quite possibly limit our libation habits.   But don’t fret too much bourbon lovers.  Bourbon is considered one of the best values in the land by most spirit experts.  The following recommendations are bourbons which we feel have exceptional value.  We hope you, the taxpayer, find this advice helpful until the government figures out a way to supply us all with mortgage-free homes, shared healthcare, wind-powered BlackBerries, and Bruce Springsteen’s total catalogue furnished by iTunes.

Most Economical Single Barrel: Four Roses Single Barrel and Eagle Rare 10 Yr.

For over 42 years, Master Distiller Jim Rutledge has watched over the bourbons that Four Roses produces.  For around $30, the common man (or woman) can enjoy this rye infused mash bill masterpiece, that is aged just enough to pick up on several characteristics that are commonly found in bourbons aged much longer.  A bottle of Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10 year is 90 proof and also runs for around $30.  This 10 year-old juice is a product of Buffalo Trace Distillery and continues the strong tradition of great bourbons produced there.

Best Values for around $20:  Old Forester Signature and Bulleit Bourbon.

Old Forester Signature packs a lot of punch for the price of an Andrew Jackson.  Since its 2006 launch and distinction from its father bourbon “Old Forester”, this award winning whiskey has always been a bargain.  Its zesty taste and smooth finish make it an easy choice for the money.  Bulleit Bourbon is the brainchild of Tom Bulleit, whose great-great grandfather started the family tradition of distilling.  The bourbon’s extremely high rye content gives it a unique taste that most bourbon veterans can appreciate.

Most Economical Party Pleaser:  Maker’s Mark

Perhaps no other bourbon has such a broad following as Maker’s Mark.  For about $25 this wheated bourbon usually pleases not only the stereotypical male bourbon drinker, but is also a big hit with many female bourbon fans.  Because of its readily acceptance, Maker’s is the easy choice when trying to entertain guests while also avoiding overdraft penalties.

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