Not every bourbon needs to be barrel proof, limited edition, or wrapped in a story about hunting down the last bottle on the shelf. Some have earned their place simply by showing up year after year and doing exactly what they're supposed to do.

Four Roses uncorked the oldest bourbon in its history this week — a 21-year-old at $500 a bottle — while Brown-Forman went hunting for a new CEO. The numbers still say the top shelf is the only shelf growing, and down at the pit, beef keeps climbing as a new Food Network showdown lights the burners.