Because great whiskey shouldn’t be a secret. We tasted the good, the bad & over hyped to find some of best bourbons at various price points.
We toiled and sipped to find some of the best bourbons at the $25, $50, $80 and $100 price points. (You are welcome) The result? Four fantastic bourbons that are hiding in plan sight, under your nose, at your local liquor store.
Stop chasing unicorns. Start sipping legends!
The Blind Bourbon Buy -
Unveiling Everyday Bottle Champions of 2026
Hosted by Phil Talks Whiskey
🥃 Thursday, May 14th | 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
📍 Deibel Barn at Maple Park |6826 Hwy 22 Crestwood, KY 40014
Link to purchase tickets
We’ve all been there: staring at the liquor store shelf, paralyzed by choice, wondering if that $80 bottle is a "shelf sleeper" or just over-hyped marketing with a cute bottle topper.
It's time to build out your home bar with tremendous bottles you can actually find! We'll share what are, in our humble opinion, the greatest everyday sippers on shelves in 2026. Unfiltered opinions and strong pours are the order of the evening!
World-class whiskey for the everyman.
First and foremost, bourbon should be fun—not a stressful, pretentious scavenger hunt for bottles you're unlikey to find. That’s why we’ve toiled, tasted, and occasionally suffered through the "bad" to find the truly exceptional. We’ve done the heavy lifting (and heavy sipping) so you don't have to. Think of it as World-class whiskey for the everyman
The Mission: Join Phil Kollin for an interactive, high-energy blind tasting designed to help you build the ultimate home bar with bottles you can actually find in 2026. No "allocated" myths here—just "Bourbon for the People."
What’s on the tasting mat? One by one, we'll unveil exceptional pours, reflecting the best at every budget:
The $25 Underdog: The budget-friendly bottle that punches way above its weight.
The $50 Mainstay: The reliable pour every home bar needs.
The $80 Sophisticate: A deeper dive into complexity and craft.
The (just south of ) $100 Champion: The premium "worth the pour" splurge that delivers on its promise.
What to Expect:
Scintillating Stories: Hear the "Legends and Lore" behind the labels—from the bad boys of bourbon history to the new kids on the rick.
Hot Takes & Strong Pours: No boring brand pitches here. Expect wit, wonder, and a few "shattered myths" along the way
No Shushing, Just Sipping: This ain't no library. Expect a lively, interactive session where your palate is the guest of honor. Questions are highly encouraged, opinions are welcome (no matter how hot the take), and we’ll be debating the nuances of every pour together.
The Full Spread: Your tasting station comes fully loaded with everything you need to succeed:light snacks/charcuterie, tasting mats, pens for your "field notes," water to keep the palate pristine. We’re also throwing in some decadent bourbon chocolates, a few giveaways, and maybe even a surprise or two
Whether you're a seasoned sipper or a curious newcomer, come discover your new favorite everyday dram. Every sip tells a story—let’s find out which one speaks to you.
Limited Spots available! Grab your seat today!
About Phil Kollin
Phil has a lot to say about whiskey. Over the last several years, Phil has hosted countless groups on bourbon adventures, tastings, whiskey educations and other ridiculously fun custom experiences. Whether it's hosting groups as small as two bouncing across the bourbon trail or sharing some colorful history to hundreds from a stage, Phil has a fascinating story and a good whiskey for every occasion. You can find him on Instagram @DerbyCityPhil
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The Fine Print:
All Tickets: $40 (All-inclusive)
This is a 21 and over event. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted.
Parking: Free street/lot parking available at Maple Park.
Refund Policy: Full refund (minus Eventbrite fees) up to 48 hours before the event.
#Bourbon #ShelfSleepers #SipSipHooray #WhiskeyTasting #Discoversomething New