Celebrity-backed bourbon brands are everywhere right now—but are they actually any good? We put that question to the test by tasting two high-profile releases: Row 94 Kentucky Straight Bourbon, created by country superstar Dierks Bentley in partnership with Green River Distilling Co., and Brothers Bond Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, founded by actors Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.

We break down Row 94’s Kentucky roots, including its 4+ year age statement and mash bill featuring Kentucky-grown corn, rye, and malted barley, and whether it delivers at its $50+ price point. We also dive into Brothers Bond Bottled-in-Bond, a 7-year, 100-proof release sourced from MGP with a high-rye mash bill—and discuss how it stacks up in today’s crowded bourbon market.