In Defense of Bottom-Shelf Bourbon

There are no bad bourbons and whiskeys, only better bourbons and whiskeys. Bourbon is America's spirit. Usually known for making its drinkers look classy (brands like Pappy Van Winkle can go for literally thousands of dollars per bottle) most of your more common brands like Jim Beam, Knob Creek and Maker's Mark range anywhere from $20-50. However, while these are right at eye level on the liquor store shelves, if you drop to a squat you will see the stuff most people forget about: At the bar, they call them wells. Some of the more pretentious people will say it's "the shitty stuff." But I say, this is the stuff that will give you the best bang for your buck. Behold, Evan Williams and the Bourbon of Kings, (or at least presidents and famous writers) the one and only Old Crow.

I will unapologetically tell anyone who asks that Maker's Mark is my favorite bourbon. Always has been, always will be. But I had my first experience with Evan Williams at the ripe age of 19. (Sorry, mom and dad!) While most people will only think you're cheap when they see you drinking it (you can find it at your local liquor store for about $12 a bottle and the label looks like a Wal-Mart Jack Daniel's knock-off) this stuff has a smoother burn than Jim Beam at barely half the price. I have drank it neat and while I wouldn't go so far as to call it palatable, it's at least tolerable and is one of the best to mix, especially with Coke or ginger ale. Be careful with this stuff though, as one too many with it will make you wake up face down in front of your kitchen cupboards with no recollection of how you got there on the Fourth of July (again, sorry mom and dad.) As for the embarrassment of drinking a Jack Daniel's wannabe, spend another small sum of money and get                                                          

If you've never heard of Old Crow, you're not alone: this stuff has been around for over 180 years and is the best cheap whiskey you've probably never heard of. Not only is it a party starter, but it's a conversation starter. This is the drink of legends. Seriously: it was a favorite of both Mark Twain and 18th President/Yankee Badass Ulysses S. Grant. Last time I went to my corner store, I copped a bottle of Old Crow for just $8.99. Despite being the original sour mash whiskey, Old Crow has a flavor sweeter than most of its more expensive counterparts, and definitely packs more of a punch than its unbelievably low price would suggest.

There are very few spirits as versatile as bourbon, and none as good. But when you're short on cash and looking to catch a buzz, the major names in bourbon aren't always an option. Luckily, that's where the cheap ones come in. Next time you're getting ready to roll to a party and find yourself in this situation, reach for one of these low-budget classics. When someone asks, "What are you drinking?" you can reply, "America" and ride away on a bald eagle.

Thanks for reading and be sure to follow me on Twitter (@SrMashSweetAds) and always drink responsibly.

Photos: Evan Williams - http://whiskey.underthelabel.com/l/801/Evan-Williams-Kentucky-Straight-Bourbon-Whiskey

Old Crow - http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/02/drinking-the-bottom-shelf-old-crow.html