Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
I’ve even used Templeton for a mixer
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Bourbon guys (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter top dog
- Start date
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
greedygoat
Footballguy
greedygoat
Footballguy
This straggler would love to throw his name in the hat, thanks @AAABatteries
Edited to apologize for the double post.
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ConstruxBoy
Kate's Daddy
Man, I had my whole "username checks out" post ready too.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
Early Times and Henry McKenna are on my short list, if that gives you an idea of what I mean by 'bargain basement'. Even though I only had a 50ML sample of WT101, I agree with your thoughts on it. I'm not dismissing the others, just saying they are rungs further up the ladder for me at the moment.
As for rye, maybe by the end of the year, much like I did with bourbon this past year.
Gawain
Footballguy
Just as an example for the Bourbon boom. Work at a DC. Cleaning woman comes up to me and says she found this box that looks nice and was wondering if she could take it to use for wrapping a gift. It's the wooden case (empty) of a 6 bottle case of EH Taylor Warehouse C. I don't have any requests to hold these, so I'm fine letting her take it.
The empty shipper/cardboard case are selling for 200-250 on eBay. Some poor night guy is kicking themselves for not remembering to bring this home.
The empty shipper/cardboard case are selling for 200-250 on eBay. Some poor night guy is kicking themselves for not remembering to bring this home.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Here's a list of my liquor. As I mentioned, I don't have the allocated stuff icon does but I have some decent bottles and some things folks may want to try.
AAA Liquor
Plan is to pick a winner tomorrow and let them pick any 3 bottles to get a sample (all are fair game).
Right now we only have 3 folks:
Instinctive
BluesBomber
greedygoat
We will go with just that if we don't get any more.
AAA Liquor
Plan is to pick a winner tomorrow and let them pick any 3 bottles to get a sample (all are fair game).
Right now we only have 3 folks:
Instinctive
BluesBomber
greedygoat
We will go with just that if we don't get any more.
MrJimiT
Footballguy
=Smackdown=
Footballguy
I’d like to enter if it’s not too late.
Was lucky enough to win icon’s give away a few year ago. W.L. Weller 12 year. Really enjoyed it and still haven’t been able to find it here up here on Long Island NY.
![[icon]](/data/avatars/m/5/5167.jpg?1660313464){kind=avatar}
[icon]
Insoxicated
Strong list, dude!
Good luck to all who participate. Definitely some delicious stuff in there.
Boulder Toads
Footballguy
Gawain
Footballguy
I have a bottle of Calumet 15 (because I buy ####ty bourbon based on packaging) which sucks straight but makes a very nice Godfather when mixed.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
@Instinctive wins!
https://imgur.com/a/hdnGXCd
Instinctive - shoot me a PM and we will work out the logistics. Congrats!
https://imgur.com/a/hdnGXCd
Instinctive - shoot me a PM and we will work out the logistics. Congrats!
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Everybody has made some wonderful suggestions (though I'm not sure I saw Old Grand-Dad 100 or 114 proof mentioned, which is great).
My question(s) for you is regarding scotch.
I'm extremely ignorant when it comes to scotch, and your last couple of sentences came as a surprise to me. Part of the reason I'm hesitant to explore scotch more is because I was under the impression that delicious daily sippers couldn't be had in the $20 range.
If it's going to take $50-60 to get a bottle I like then I just won't bother. I simply wouldn't be drinking scotch enough to appreciate it.
One of the things I love about bourbon is it's cheap enough for me to be able to drink it regularly without breaking the bank. I keep the cheaper staples around daily and if there's something more expensive that I want to try fine, but I'm not sweating it either. There's just so much good cheap stuff.
So my question is....is my impression about scotch wrong? I was a bit taken aback to see a scotch drinker say Wild Turkey is outside of their spending comfort zone.
If so, what are some good cheap scotches?
I'm ignorant on scotch. I've tried a few things, but just haven't had enough of it to not find the flavors really off-putting. Had some Glenmorangie 10 the other day, and the only flavor I could pick out was rotting veggies in the fridge, with a hint of vanilla. I know that's me, not the juice.
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Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
Your mindset about bourbon is the same as my mindset about scotch in that I go by price first. Also, I'm glad to hear there are good, inexpensive bourbons around since I'm going to look for a low-cost bourbon go-to like I have with scotch.
Regarding your impression of scotch, I can't really speak to that, since everything is personal preference, but the notes you objected to in the Gleanmorangie might indicate that you may not find something you like, as I believe those notes are probably a by-product of the way the grains are handled during the process, i.e, dried by peat-fueled fire, used by most scotch distilleries. I think there's hope for you, though. Check out this chart I stumbled on last year. It's a great guide for giving you an idea of what tastes you might find through different brands based on their general characteristics. Glenorangie seems to hover toward the center/rich and light section of the chart. You can see on the chart that 3 of the 4 quadrants have 'fruity' in their description, so you could go more into the other quadrant to get away from those notes. Even though only more expensive brands are listed, there usually are cheaper brands that have faint echoes of the more expensive brands.
As for my own personal low-cost favorites, 2 of them are less than $20 but I have a third one that I like more than those and is still less than $25, so I don't know if that one would be too much. The cheaper ones are For Peat's Sake and Sheildaig Highland. I know the Sheildaig is a Total Wine-sponsored brand, and I've never seen the other anywhere else so I'm suspicious of it as well. TBH, it doesn't matter as long as they keep them on their shelves. Both of them have peaty notes to them, and the Sheildaig is more fruity than the Peats' Sake, so the one you'd probably prefer of the two is the Peat's Sake, which does come as close to emulating Lagavulin and even Ardbeg as a $18 brand can get. The third and more expensive one is Hamilton's Islay. Hamilton's specializes in expressions from the different regions of Scotland, but their Islay is my favorite. It's good neat (as smooth as a cheaper brand can get) and a splash of water reveals more smoky and peaty qualities, a real Jekyll and Hyde experience. My experience so far is that the threshold for the bottom end of daily drinker quality hovers between $20-25. The two I listed are definitely the exceptions to the rule but they're there IF your palate is open to them to begin with.
Finally, one thing to me about scotch is there is a broad range of flavors, so the trick is to pick out the notes you like and keep going in that direction until you either find something you like more or realize there's nothing more for you in that direction. Glenmorangie, according to the chart I linked, is fairly middle of the spectrum, so there's still a lot of ways you can go from there, even if it's only 25% of the pie. OTOH, the juice may not be worth the squeezing to you and there's nothing wrong with that, just try to keep your mind and palate open as long as you can, just to avoid becoming a snob if nothing else.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
It could be that my presumption that good sipping $20-25 scotch doesn't exist (in the States) is that I live in an ABC state (VA).Your mindset about bourbon is the same as my mindset about scotch in that I go by price first. Also, I'm glad to hear there are good, inexpensive bourbons around since I'm going to look for a low-cost bourbon go-to like I have with scotch.
Regarding your impression of scotch, I can't really speak to that, since everything is personal preference, but the notes you objected to in the Gleanmorangie might indicate that you may not find something you like, as I believe those notes are probably a by-product of the way the grains are handled during the process, i.e, dried by peat-fueled fire, used by most scotch distilleries. I think there's hope for you, though. Check out this chart I stumbled on last year. It's a great guide for giving you an idea of what tastes you might find through different brands based on their general characteristics. Glenorangie seems to hover toward the center/rich and light section of the chart. You can see on the chart that 3 of the 4 quadrants have 'fruity' in their description, so you could go more into the other quadrant to get away from those notes. Even though only more expensive brands are listed, there usually are cheaper brands that have faint echoes of the more expensive brands.
As for my own personal low-cost favorites, 2 of them are less than $20 but I have a third one that I like more than those and is still less than $25, so I don't know if that one would be too much. The cheaper ones are For Peat's Sake and Sheildaig Highland. I know the Sheildaig is a Total Wine-sponsored brand, and I've never seen the other anywhere else so I'm suspicious of it as well. TBH, it doesn't matter as long as they keep them on their shelves. Both of them have peaty notes to them, and the Sheildaig is more fruity than the Peats' Sake, so the one you'd probably prefer of the two is the Peat's Sake, which does come as close to emulating Lagavulin and even Ardbeg as a $18 brand can get. The third and more expensive one is Hamilton's Islay. Hamilton's specializes in expressions from the different regions of Scotland, but their Islay is my favorite. It's good neat (as smooth as a cheaper brand can get) and a splash of water reveals more smoky and peaty qualities, a real Jekyll and Hyde experience. My experience so far is that the threshold for the bottom end of daily drinker quality hovers between $20-25. The two I listed are definitely the exceptions to the rule but they're there IF your palate is open to them to begin with.
Finally, one thing to me about scotch is there is a broad range of flavors, so the trick is to pick out the notes you like and keep going in that direction until you either find something you like more or realize there's nothing more for you in that direction. Glenmorangie, according to the chart I linked, is fairly middle of the spectrum, so there's still a lot of ways you can go from there, even if it's only 25% of the pie. OTOH, the juice may not be worth the squeezing to you and there's nothing wrong with that, just try to keep your mind and palate open as long as you can, just to avoid becoming a snob if nothing else.
None of the 3 you mention are available in my state, and of course, the gubment likker mafia ain't allowing online sales to be shipped here.
Around here, $25 will get you some Cutty's, Dewar's, or Johnny Red. I'm told Monkey Shoulder is approachable and relatively cheap, but that's still a $40 bottle.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
What about DC? Or are you afraid of getting caught bootlegging? If you're ever bored and want to venture into MD for a $20 bottle of something you may not even like, the Total Wine I frequent is in Laurel, right off the B/W Parkway.
I haven't had Cutty, but I've had Johnny Red and Dewar's. The Dewar's is on the plain side if you like that sort of thing, and a splash of water will make it somewhat less dull, and I know Johnny Walker is ubiquitous, but I'm just not into it. I haven't had Monkey Shoulder and I'd guess it's similar but maybe a little milder than the Johnny Walker, for what that's worth.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Monkey Shoulder is pretty good and this coming from a non-Scotch guy. I’m also not aware of a daily drinking Scotch around $20 that is highly regarded like a WT101. But I’m sure there’s something out there.
Galileo
Footballguy
Question about pours... I am going out to dinner tonight and was previewing the restaurant's menu online. They had a bourbon list which looks pretty decent. They had price listings though that confused me. For each bourbon listed there were 3 prices given listed in increasing order of cost: For example... single $10.00, neat/rock $14.50, and double $16.50. It's the middle one that bottles my mind. Can you more experienced folk give me an explanation?
AAABatteries
Footballguy
That’s a weird one - literally the only thing I can think of is the middle one is a typical 2oz pour and the other is 1.5 and 3oz.
https://home.binwise.com/blog/standard-pours
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Galileo
Footballguy
Well, that article offers an explanation, I guess. So by the logic of this article, if I order a double on the rocks will I get 4 oz? Lol
UPDATE: Well, that was exactly the deal, 1.5, 2, and 3 oz pours. I ordered a double Angel's Envy, the server asked if I wanted it neat or with a large rock. So, the way the middle tier is listed is still awkward. Sadly, it seemed to me my double pour was closer to the 2 oz mark than 3
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Galileo
Footballguy
I have been more of a Scotch guy over the years as my "go to", but have been upping my bourbon game recently. I'm heading to Bardstown over President's Day weekend with a group of guys. We have tours and/or tastings reserved at Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Maker's Mark, and Bardstown. We also have a reservation for The Bar at Willett. Any insightful tips or things I should be on the lookout for?
Sadly, we weren't able to reserve anything at Buffalo Trace. It also appears as though BT gift shop is basically sold out of most things, so I don't think a walk-in stop there would yield much.
Sadly, we weren't able to reserve anything at Buffalo Trace. It also appears as though BT gift shop is basically sold out of most things, so I don't think a walk-in stop there would yield much.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Kroger had a coupon for $10 off Wild Turkey Longbranch so added that to my selection
The Man With No Name
Footballguy
If anyone is in NH
The entry period for the Spring 2022 Limited Release Product Drawing is open! Entries are being accepted now through February 22, 2022.
We are providing you with the chance to purchase the following extremely rare and coveted spirits:
*NEW THIS YEAR* Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
EH Taylor Warehouse C
Elijah Craig 18 Year
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Elmer T Lee Bourbon
Four Roses 2020 Limited Small Batch
George T. Stagg Kentucky Bourbon
High West Am Prairie Barrel Select
High West Double Rye Barrel 17754
Kentucky Owl 10 Year Rye #4
Michter's Barrel Strength Rye
Michter's 10 Year Bourbon
Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
Michter's Toasted Barrel Bourbon
Michter's Toasted Barrel Rye
Michter's 20 Year Bourbon
O.F.C Bourbon 1994
O.F.C Bourbon 1995
Old Fitzgerald 8 Year BIB Decanter
Old Fitzgerald 9 Year BIB Decanter
Old Fitzgerald 14 Year BIB Decanter
Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Decanter
Old Forester Single Barrel Proof
Pappy Van Winkle Reserve 23 Year
Sazerac Rye Whiskey 18 Year
T.T. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Weller CYPB
Weller Full Proof
Weller Single Barrel
W. Larue Weller Kentucky Bourbon
http://view.email.liquorandwineoutlets.com/?qs=ef94afd1ec0bfc7bf84069f33483f29d2253417bbdc82e084cefb44de35e7277bccd78308d6b577eee6c6ab018730d9e25f5ee5b278dc0cece0d7752ccd8970a1bbbf6d7b415fc9f7fff34156e003687
The entry period for the Spring 2022 Limited Release Product Drawing is open! Entries are being accepted now through February 22, 2022.
We are providing you with the chance to purchase the following extremely rare and coveted spirits:
*NEW THIS YEAR* Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon
Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon
EH Taylor Warehouse C
Elijah Craig 18 Year
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
Elmer T Lee Bourbon
Four Roses 2020 Limited Small Batch
George T. Stagg Kentucky Bourbon
High West Am Prairie Barrel Select
High West Double Rye Barrel 17754
Kentucky Owl 10 Year Rye #4
Michter's Barrel Strength Rye
Michter's 10 Year Bourbon
Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey
Michter's Toasted Barrel Bourbon
Michter's Toasted Barrel Rye
Michter's 20 Year Bourbon
O.F.C Bourbon 1994
O.F.C Bourbon 1995
Old Fitzgerald 8 Year BIB Decanter
Old Fitzgerald 9 Year BIB Decanter
Old Fitzgerald 14 Year BIB Decanter
Old Fitzgerald 15 Year Decanter
Old Forester Single Barrel Proof
Pappy Van Winkle Reserve 23 Year
Sazerac Rye Whiskey 18 Year
T.T. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Weller CYPB
Weller Full Proof
Weller Single Barrel
W. Larue Weller Kentucky Bourbon
http://view.email.liquorandwineoutlets.com/?qs=ef94afd1ec0bfc7bf84069f33483f29d2253417bbdc82e084cefb44de35e7277bccd78308d6b577eee6c6ab018730d9e25f5ee5b278dc0cece0d7752ccd8970a1bbbf6d7b415fc9f7fff34156e003687
sho nuff
Footballguy
Allocation drop at my local spot today...nothing special. The jackals were out in numbers to overpay for Blantons and some with the Weller Special Reserve...while I gladly grabbed a bottle of Eagle Rare to replace the bottle my niece's husband and my brother in law drained at Christmas. Though, it was overpriced as well from where it once was. $41.99 today for the ER.
Joe Mammy
Footballguy
Since our Wisconsin trip I have been stuck on Old Fashioneds, Wiscy style.
Bourbon, muddle with Luxardo and small chunk of orange w/peel. Rocks. Fill 70% with bourbon, splash of Bar Mix OF and then top with a sprite zero.
We were using Old Grande Dad because my wife likes it neat. But then I tried Evan Williams and saved $10 a handle. I figured that would not even be mentioned here but sure enough I found it in several posts.
Any other cheapies sub $20 that go well with all those mixers?
Bourbon, muddle with Luxardo and small chunk of orange w/peel. Rocks. Fill 70% with bourbon, splash of Bar Mix OF and then top with a sprite zero.
We were using Old Grande Dad because my wife likes it neat. But then I tried Evan Williams and saved $10 a handle. I figured that would not even be mentioned here but sure enough I found it in several posts.
Any other cheapies sub $20 that go well with all those mixers?
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Which ones? For me
1910 > 1897 > 86 proof > 1920 > 1870. I would assume the 1920 would be more my style but something about it I don't care for - too astringent (at least the one I had).
And big time honorable mentions to their ryes. I love the 100 proof OF Rye - maybe my favorite budget rye. And I had the opportunity to have a barrel strength pour of it last year and it was one of the best new products I had all year.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
I don't know about mixed drinks, but as a scotch guy who's exploring bourbon from the bargain basement up, I found 2 that are sub $20 and aren't disgusting: Early Times (can't find 750ML size but got 375ML for $5.79, 1.75L for $15.99, and a brand I'd never heard of but the price caught my eye at my local Total Wine--Black Eagle at $13.99 for a handle. Neither seemed to have ethanol on the nose or first taste, which is a plus to me, and while they were a little coarser than the few others I've had, I liked them neat but could see them having just enough to them to do their job as a mixer.
ConstruxBoy
Kate's Daddy
I'd go 1920>1910>1897 of the three I've had. I also have a Single Barrel store pick that's probably above 1920. Very underrated brand.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Evan Williams white label or whatever it’s called was recommended in here and it’s definitely a solid budget bourbon in that $20 range
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
BIB, Bottled in Bond. That also means it's 100 proof so a bit stronger than run of the mill 80 proof but not as strong as barrel or full proof bourbons.
berndog
Footballguy
Try a sugar cube instead of syrup. A mixologist said the cube gives a different taste with each drink.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Sugar cube - soak it with bitters and let it sit for a second. Muddle. Not sure I get the idea of different taste - I'd say more different mouth feel depending on how long and aggressive you muddle.
She said some sips will be sweeter than others due to the cube not all dissolving and not being spread uniformly through the drink.
nirad3
Footballguy
I don't recall but it was the bar's cheapest option. I have had a few of their bourbons in the past so I knew it'd be good. I think it may have been the 1920. I will have to grab another bottle at my local store to check it out again.
Old Fashioned is my regular drink. I'm a fan of doing this with the Demerara sugar cubes. Also super easy to make simple syrup with honey instead of sugar. Can also add ginger if you like that flavor profile. I don't ever use just a plain simple syrup when the others are so easy to make.
Also found great ice cubes add a ton of enjoyment. I have this one and it's fantastic. Americas Test Kitchen loved it. Currently not available but I'm sure others like it are good.
MrJimiT
Footballguy
Early Times is actually a VERY good value deal. It is pretty good, even for the mid-range bourbon aficionados and up. I do not believe they offer a 750ml size. The one I have at home is 1L and it was a little more than you paid for the 1.75 here in Michigan.
MrJimiT
Footballguy
I'm curious as to which OF drinks you tried. For me, I really enjoy 1920 Prohibition. I noticed @AAABatteries prefers the 1910 over the 1920. I now want to try 1910 just to see for myself. Regardless, Old Forester has really good products in all kinds of price ranges.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
I bought the 375ml size since I'm still finding my way like I did with scotch. I didn't dislike it and agree that it's a great value. Don't think I like it enough to get the big bottle, though at $15, I can't go wrong, either.
Instinctive
Footballguy
AAABatteries
Footballguy
It is a good deal but Sazarec bought the brand and rumor is that their distillate is now in the new bottles. Bourbon Junkies did a review and blind and they seem pretty down on the new stuff. I went and bought a backup of the old bottle to go with the one I already had because I’m a huge fan. Possibly the biggest value in bourbon if you like the profile (which I do).
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Yeah, I just now noticed that @MrJimiT said 1.75 - are you sure Jimi? That would be the most inane deal I think I’ve ever seen - that would be what, $7 for a 750ml?
MrJimiT
Footballguy
I was just commenting on Charlie Steiner's post. I think I paid $19.95 for 1L bottle of Early Times...in Michigan. I have not seen the 1.75L size but if that is what he paid for that...heck yes it's quite a deal.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Apologies - I was rushing and confused the posts. @Charlie Steiner - if it really was a 1.75 then you need to stock up!
MrJimiT
Footballguy
Hey no worries! Besides, I should have said it was Early Times BiB that I purchased a 1L for $19.95. I have not had the regular Early Times - only the bottled in bond version.