When my friend ordered Pappy Van Winkle 23-year-old on the rocks, I cringed. I mean, how could he? Did he hate puppy dogs and kittens, too? As “on the rocks” left his lips, I seriously questioned my friendship with this guy.

You look through the store, and all you see is stuff you wouldn’t normally touch. Some call the brands “value” and others call them “bottom shelf.” Either way, it sure isn’t Blanton’s, Pappy, or even Maker’s Mark. Welcome to Bourbon 2019.