While some big brands like Budweiser chose to sit on the bench for the Big Game (but did they, really?), there still were plenty of advertisers vying for eyeballs, accolades and buzz. 

Since we’re in Bourbon Country, our critiques of the Super Bowl ads will apply our soon-to-be-trademarked bourbon-review-style rating scale as follows: 

  • Limited Release:  the cream of the crop; a rarity. You will want to camp outside the liquor store for this one.
  • Your Everyday Bottle:  always fits the bill. It’s what you’d expect and that’s pretty darn good.
  • High Proof:  comes in hot. Some like it, some don’t, but highly effective either way.
  • Letdown:  lots of hype. You paid a high price, but it’s just not worth it.
  • Rotgut:  found on the bottom shelf and should stay there.