Bourbon guys (3 Viewers)

[[icon]]

100-200 is the range I'm in.  And I think he's generally scotch first, but will go for a change-up.  I think the lower proof is fine.  Appreciate help/advice as always.  

Elijah Craig 18yr Single barrel is a fine bourbon and readily available on the secondary market for $180ish shipped to you. Very smooth drinker with a nice hit of oak without crossing into "sucking on a toothpick" territory. 

Michter's 10yr Single Barrel is a somewhat limited release that can be found around $150 shipped. A bit fuller flavor than the EC18, with a bit more spice. 

Blantons Gold is a 5% / 10 proof stronger (103 proof) edition of the classic Blantons. Not for sale in the US, it carries a bit of cachet for that reason alone. Arguably the best TASTING bourbon from this group, and can be readily purchased from Masters of Malt and shipped over for well within your budget. 

Let me know if any strike your fancy, would like more options, or need help procuring any of these. 

 

[culdeus]

Damn dude, thanks.  

 

[regularguy]

I hear ya. The problem is that it isn't just rare and crazy bourbons. I've been having a heck of a time even finding Eagle Rare which used to be plentiful.

These people need to go back to their Zima or whatever the heck it was before bourbon became hip. 

Have one store around still with ER in stock consistently.  They actually had some handles the other day so I grabbed one of those.

 

[regularguy]

@[icon] My wife just bought me this hand-blown whiskey glass.  As a fellow NOLA lover, I thought you'd like it too.  Very nice heavy feel.  He also does custom stamps on the bottom so these could be nice personal or business gifts too.

http://www.glassblowerben.com/store/hand-stamped-fleur-de-lis-glass

 

[[icon]]

Having a few folks over tonight for a tasting session tonight.  

 

 

[matuski]

@[icon] My wife just bought me this hand-blown whiskey glass.  As a fellow NOLA lover, I thought you'd like it too.  Very nice heavy feel.  He also does custom stamps on the bottom so these could be nice personal or business gifts too.

http://www.glassblowerben.com/store/hand-stamped-fleur-de-lis-glass

What size did you order?

 

[regularguy]

What size did you order?

I think it's the medium. 

 

[[icon]]

If anyone likes Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, I suggest heading over to Masters of malt to sign up for their dram (3cl) lottery today and full bottle lottery tomororow: 

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/buffalo-trace/sazerac-18-year-old-2016-release-whiskey/?srh=1

Search for each bottle independently... 

 

[[icon]]

Still haven't been able to get a taste of the WL Weller 12year

@Megla: Bottling up a sample of W12 for another buddy to ship tomorrow. If you PM me your address I'm happy to load up a sample for you as well, too, GB. lemme know! 

 

[Megla]

@Megla: Bottling up a sample of W12 for another buddy to ship tomorrow. If you PM me your address I'm happy to load up a sample for you as well, too, GB. lemme know! 

OK don't laugh, but how the hell do I PM you

Think I got it

 

[[icon]]

OK don't laugh, but how the hell do I PM you

Think I got it

Gotcha!

Finally got pic and bottle list for the THH > Bookers Trade. Pic of bottles
2015 Bottles: 2015-01 - Big Man Small Batch / 2015-02 - Dot's Batch /  2015-04 - Oven Buster Batch
2016 Bottles: 2016-01 Booker's Bluegrass / 2016-03 Toogie's Invitation /  2016-04 Bluegill Creek

 

[Buzzbait]

Gotcha!

Finally got pic and bottle list for the THH > Bookers Trade. Pic of bottles
2015 Bottles: 2015-01 - Big Man Small Batch / 2015-02 - Dot's Batch /  2015-04 - Oven Buster Batch
2016 Bottles: 2016-01 Booker's Bluegrass / 2016-03 Toogie's Invitation /  2016-04 Bluegill Creek

Speaking of Bookers all the talk here had me thinking "It's been a while since I've had some Bookers. I need to pick some up next trip."

Long story short I was going to get some last night and....nada. Slots on the shelf for Bookers, Elmer T and Eagle Rare all bare as Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Speaking of Bookers all the talk here had me thinking "It's been a while since I've had some Bookers. I need to pick some up next trip."

Long story short I was going to get some last night and....nada. Slots on the shelf for Bookers, Elmer T and Eagle Rare all bare as Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard. 

Where you guys all live? I never have trouble finding any of those.

 

[Ilov80s]

Eagle Rare right now. I usually get one of the "barrel select" bottles where my local liquor store says they picked "the best barrel". I always assumed that was kind of BS. I'm wondering now as I have just a plan old bottle of ER and it tastes kind of light. Is there anything to those select barrel bottles?

 

[[icon]]

Eagle Rare right now. I usually get one of the "barrel select" bottles where my local liquor store says they picked "the best barrel". I always assumed that was kind of BS. I'm wondering now as I have just a plan old bottle of ER and it tastes kind of light. Is there anything to those select barrel bottles?

I have picked a barrel of ER. They are indeed generally "honey" barrels with a bit more age/flavor. The "best" Barrel is only selected from 4 options presented to them... but generally the outcome is good.  

For instance lots of knob creek 120pf "9yr" store pick barrels are 12+ years old. 

 

[AAABatteries]

Yeah this sucks. I love Bookers. I had Thomas H Handy rye from the camp out and last night I got an idea. Posted up on the bourbon boards that I was looking to trade my bottle for a bunch of Bookers.

I got a range of offers with a mix of older and newer bottles but got one that stood out so I took it:
3 different 2015 releases + 3 different 2016 releases + sample of Bookers 10th anniversary for my Thomas H Handy (paid $100).

I'm good on bookers for a while now.  

I just got a Triple B - Bookers Bourbon Boner.  I love Bookers.  That's fantastic icon.  Nice pull.

 

[culdeus]

Between amazon fresh and this bourbon site icon showed me I. Am not sure I'll ever leave the house again. 

 

[[icon]]

Just got word from one of my military buddies who has been mule-ing blantons SFTB Back for our group... he grabbed a 6bot case from the British BX on German base per our order (we text the owners and grab 1 case (the max) every trip). He also said the Canadian BX has a ton too now. 

Also because we are the British BX's top customer, they are looking into how much pappy / BTAC they can get for us to smuggle back in C17s

:ItsBeginningToLookALotLikeChristmas:

 

[DocHolliday]

Elijah Craig 18yr Single barrel is a fine bourbon and readily available on the secondary market for $180ish shipped to you. Very smooth drinker with a nice hit of oak without crossing into "sucking on a toothpick" territory. 

Michter's 10yr Single Barrel is a somewhat limited release that can be found around $150 shipped. A bit fuller flavor than the EC18, with a bit more spice. 

Blantons Gold is a 5% / 10 proof stronger (103 proof) edition of the classic Blantons. Not for sale in the US, it carries a bit of cachet for that reason alone. Arguably the best TASTING bourbon from this group, and can be readily purchased from Masters of Malt and shipped over for well within your budget. 

Let me know if any strike your fancy, would like more options, or need help procuring any of these. 

Consider icon to be the expert of bourbons around here.  I'm sue this is fantastic advice.  

On another note, Bourbon has really become a thing.  I was in Indy this week and ended up at what I believe are bourbon bars.  This could be bad for guys like me that are on a budget and most enjoy the value bourbons such as buffalo trace, 4 roses, or eagle rare.  

I did get to try a few flights of bourbon and found some more really good bourbon.  Of the 5 or 6 I tried, Blantions was tops followed by Backbone.  I know nothing of these except that they tasted good.  I did not like stagg Jr.   

 

[[icon]]

FYI I am in no way an expert, just a drinker who is nerding out a bit and enjoy sharing what I've learned/tried. There are other posters who have been in this game a LOT longer than me  

Intrigued by backbone... about to google that some.   Stagg Jr is a very "in your face" Barrel proofer... definitely not for everyone. I enjoy but don't love it.

 

[DaBeers]

Shopping at Costco and I have been debating the Russell's Reseve.  

Certainly not a high end drink at $27 / bottle but I don't see a downside.  Does anyone here have any thoughts on this particar bourbon?

TIA

BTW - Costco is becoming sort of a go to place nowadays.  Good deals on a few bourbons, scotches, and from what I hear in the Prime Rib thread, that too ?

 

[Ilov80s]

Got 2 great gifts today: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Highwest Midwinter Night's Dram Act 4. Thoughts on these? I never do barrel proof stuff so I'm not sure how much to cut it. I'm more of a neat guy so this will be something I'm not really used to. How much to you guys cut your barrel proof?

 

[[icon]]

Shopping at Costco and I have been debating the Russell's Reseve.  

Certainly not a high end drink at $27 / bottle but I don't see a downside.  Does anyone here have any thoughts on this particar bourbon?

TIA

BTW - Costco is becoming sort of a go to place nowadays.  Good deals on a few bourbons, scotches, and from what I hear in the Prime Rib thread, that too ?

I probably comment excessively in here but I'll chime in:

I'm not a big Turkey guy, but I don't mind Russells reserve 10yr (which I'm guessing you may be referring to here?). Respectable age and 90 proof bottling make for a nice value sipper or great mixer, IMO. 
 

Got 2 great gifts today: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Highwest Midwinter Night's Dram Act 4. Thoughts on these? I never do barrel proof stuff so I'm not sure how much to cut it. I'm more of a neat guy so this will be something I'm not really used to. How much to you guys cut your barrel proof?

ECBP is generally a very good barrel proof value at around $50. I think they're still 12yrs aged and generally are very tasty in my experience. I have a couple different batches and favor release #3 (133.2 proof aka "devil's batch - 66.6%). Have yet to have a bad one though.

MWND is a strong port finish... if that's your thing then you'll love it. IMO it's a bit "much" on the port influence for me. Others love it. 

Regarding cutting Barrel proof.... I generally drink it neat, but I'm an idiot. A handy guide to calculate how much water to add to achieve a desired proof can be found here, or a more complex one can be downloaded here. 

 

[CletiusMaximus]

BTW - Costco is becoming sort of a go to place nowadays.  Good deals on a few bourbons, scotches, and from what I hear in the Prime Rib thread, that too ?

I got a few bottles at Costco this past weekend for gifts, but no bourbon. LaPhroig 10 (x3) for my cigar/scotch buddies at $40/bottle seemed good value, and some Taittinger Brut for co-workers.

The market for Bourbon is tricky these days, with the rising popularity of small batch or "craft" type bourbons.  One of our local distilleries released a bourbon last month that my firm is giving to certain select clients. Only 1001 bottles, priced at $80. Its pretty good bourbon, but not $80 good. Cool bottle though, and a local product so they'll easily sell it out.

http://www.greatlakesdistillery.com/spirits/menomonee-valley-bourbon/

 

[Ted Stickles]

I got a few bottles at Costco this past weekend for gifts, but no bourbon. LaPhroig 10 (x3) for my cigar/scotch buddies at $40/bottle seemed good value, and some Taittinger Brut for co-workers.

The market for Bourbon is tricky these days, with the rising popularity of small batch or "craft" type bourbons.  One of our local distilleries released a bourbon last month that my firm is giving to certain select clients. Only 1001 bottles, priced at $80. Its pretty good bourbon, but not $80 good. Cool bottle though, and a local product so they'll easily sell it out.

http://www.greatlakesdistillery.com/spirits/menomonee-valley-bourbon/

At Costco, I usually grab either the Bulliet or Knob Creek; Today I went with the Larceny at $33.  Buffalo Trace was $43 and I'll grab that the next time.

I'll buy a handle of Evan Williams Black from Safeway today for a mixing bourbon.  

Thank you all for the recommendations. 

 

[[icon]]

At Costco, I usually grab either the Bulliet or Knob Creek;

Quick heads up in case it's not known. Bulliet 10 is distilled by Four Roses and is a blend of 2 or more of their 10 recipes. Younger bulliet producer is hush hush... purported to be a mishmash of juice from several distilleries. Not a bad thing, just info for info-sake. 

 

[mr roboto]

Total noob here. Have tried Jim Beam and Makers Mark. Bought some Woodford and tried it too. 

So far I like MM out of the 3. JB was good. Woodford seems less flavorful and more harsh tasting. 

MM was sweeter with more caramel and woodsy notes. 

Other recos?  I'm not into building an @[icon] style collection just want to keep exploring the style. 

 

[[icon]]

Total noob here. Have tried Jim Beam and Makers Mark. Bought some Woodford and tried it too. 

So far I like MM out of the 3. JB was good. Woodford seems less flavorful and more harsh tasting. 

MM was sweeter with more caramel and woodsy notes. 

Other recos?  I'm not into building an @[icon] style collection just want to keep exploring the style. 

Makers is wheated bourbon (replaces Rye with the sweeter wheat grain as part of the mashbill). I'd start with other wheaters:

makers 46: makers w secondary aging in casks w french oak staves to soften and add a touch more vanilla 

larceny: affordable wheater from heaven hill that's very tasty for the price. 

old Weller antique 107: more of a challenge to find (I can help), but worth it. Higher proof, around 7 years of age, and the signature buffalo trace wheated mashbill make for very flavorful bourbon at a fair price point ($20-30 when you can find it). 

 

[Ted Stickles]

Makers is wheated bourbon (replaces Rye with the sweeter wheat grain as part of the mashbill). I'd start with other wheaters:

makers 46: makers w secondary aging in casks w french oak staves to soften and add a touch more vanilla 

larceny: affordable wheater from heaven hill that's very tasty for the price. 

old Weller antique 107: more of a challenge to find (I can help), but worth it. Higher proof, around 7 years of age, and the signature buffalo trace wheated mashbill make for very flavorful bourbon at a fair price point ($20-30 when you can find it). 

In your opinion, better bang for the buck between Larceny/$33 and Buffalo Trace/$43?

I've seen Buffalo Trace mentioned quite a bit throughout this thread.

 

[[icon]]

In your opinion, better bang for the buck between Larceny/$33 and Buffalo Trace/$43?

I've seen Buffalo Trace mentioned quite a bit throughout this thread.

Two different bourbons really (low rye mashbills vs wheated mashbill.... both are excellent values. Just depends on what you're looking for. Buffalo Trace is light a slightly younger Eagle Rare or EH Taylor (Both excellent values at~$30ish/750ml), whereas Larceny is the younger successor to Heaven Hill's Very Special Old Fitzgerald 12yr line.

Here is a great direct quantitative and qualitative comparison of the two products. I personally prefer BT a bit, though prefer store pick barrels that frequently approach 10yrs in age and tend to have a little more robust flavors. 

I think Buffalo Trace benefits slightly from the "Coors Light" effect.. being somewhat regional initially but now seeing wider distribution. 

Both those prices are pretty damn high though... are those 750ml? If they're 1.75L then that makes much more sense. Those are about 50% higher than what I generally see, and TN has very high liquor taxes. Where are you located? 

 

[mr roboto]

Makers is wheated bourbon (replaces Rye with the sweeter wheat grain as part of the mashbill). I'd start with other wheaters:

makers 46: makers w secondary aging in casks w french oak staves to soften and add a touch more vanilla 

larceny: affordable wheater from heaven hill that's very tasty for the price. 

old Weller antique 107: more of a challenge to find (I can help), but worth it. Higher proof, around 7 years of age, and the signature buffalo trace wheated mashbill make for very flavorful bourbon at a fair price point ($20-30 when you can find it). 

I can get old weller 107 local for 21.99 for 750 ml. http://www.totalwine.com/spirits/bourbon/small-batch-bourbon/old-weller-antique-107/p/97087750?s=1601&igrules=true. Is that a good deal?

 

[DocHolliday]

Quick heads up in case it's not known. Bulliet 10 is distilled by Four Roses and is a blend of 2 or more of their 10 recipes. Younger bulliet producer is hush hush... purported to be a mishmash of juice from several distilleries. Not a bad thing, just info for info-sake. 

I did not know this.  You really are a wealth of knowledge on bourbon.  I have noticed what I think is a pretty large difference in Bulliet and Bulliet 10.  There seems like a really nice step up in taste and smoothness in the 10 making it worth spending the extra $12.  And, it would make sense that I enjoy the 10 so much since it is a blend of Four Roses.  Four Roses has quickly risen to one of my favorite bourbons.  Eagle Rare still holds the top spot but there is some good competition from other value bourbons like Roses.   

Edit/Add:  I forgot to add that I have not tried Bulliet Rye but wonder how it compares to the Frontier and 10?  How smooth?  Is there a better recommended Rye to try? 

 

[[icon]]

I can get old weller 107 local for 21.99 for 750 ml. http://www.totalwine.com/spirits/bourbon/small-batch-bourbon/old-weller-antique-107/p/97087750?s=1601&igrules=true. Is that a good deal?

That is fantastic. you're lucky to not only have that price but to have it in stock. It's tough to find here short of a honeyhole or two that keep it at 29.99. You'll be very hard pressed to find a better $22 bottle... It may be among the best at 2x that price. 

I did not know this.  You really are a wealth of knowledge on bourbon.  I have noticed what I think is a pretty large difference in Bulliet and Bulliet 10.  There seems like a really nice step up in taste and smoothness in the 10 making it worth spending the extra $12.  And, it would make sense that I enjoy the 10 so much since it is a blend of Four Roses.  Four Roses has quickly risen to one of my favorite bourbons.  Eagle Rare still holds the top spot but there is some good competition from other value bourbons like Roses.   

Edit/Add:  I forgot to add that I have not tried Bulliet Rye but wonder how it compares to the Frontier and 10?  How smooth?  Is there a better recommended Rye to try? 

Thanks and very glad to help. Nice to see you can quantify your preference for the 10yr. 

Bulliet Rye is manufactured by MGP of Indiana, IIRC. They a massive outfit who produce MUCH of the sourced rye (see incomplete list below). It's widely regarded to be good prouduct but varies in quality by age and batch as with anything else. 

Rye Brands using MGP Sourced whiskey:

Spoiler

31 N 50 Bourbon (Dry Diggings)4 Spirits Bourbon and American Whiskey (4 Spirits)1888 Bourbon (Diversa Brands)99 Bottles Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Angel’s Envy Rye (Louisville Distilling Co.)Aztec Spirits Whiskey Distilled from Bourbon Mash (Aztec Spirits)Backbone Bourbon (Crossroads Vitners/Strong Spirits)Batchers’ Bourbon (Litchfield Distillery)Bearded Lady Bourbon (Vok Beverages)Belle Meade Bourbon (Nelson’s Greenbriar)Big ### Bourbon (Diversa)Big Bottom Bourbon (Big Bottom)Big House Bourbon (Underdog Spirits)Big Y Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Bone Snapper Rye (Strong Spirits)Bourbon 30 (Glenns Creek Distilling)Bower Hill Rye (Meier’s)Breaker Bourbon (Ascendant Spirits)Bulleit Rye (Diageo)Cadée Bourbon & Rye (Cadée Distillery)Chattanooga Whiskey 1816 Reserve (Chattanooga Whiskey Co.)Clarion Bourbon and Blended Whiskey (Distilled Spirits Epicenter)Cleveland Rye Whiskey (Cleveland Whiskey)Coney Island Carlo Bourbon (Terresentia)Copper City Straight Bourbon (Arizona Distilling Co.)Corn Star Corn Whiskey (Bardstown Barrel Selections)Cougar Bourbon & Rye (Foster’s)Country Smooth American Whiskey (Speakeasy Spirits)Defiance Whiskey (Defiant Spirits)Doubleday Bourbon (Cooperstown Distillery)Eighteen 33 Bourbon (Boone County Distilling Co.)Filibuster Bourbon Rye (M.S. Trading LP)George Dickel Rye (Diageo/George Dickel)George Remus Bourbon & Rye (Queen City Whiskey/Strong Spirits)Henderson Rye (North Texas Distillers)High Liquors Bourbon & Rye (High Liquors)High West (an element of many of their whiskeys blends)Homestead Bourbon (Homestead American whiskey)Hooker’s House (some of their bourbons and their rye; Prohibition Spirits)Iowa Distilling Company Caribbean Cask RyeJ. Green Bourbon and Rye (Shadow Beverage Group)James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon & Rye (James E. Pepper/Strong Spirits)James Oliver Rye (Indio Spirits)J.R. Revelry Bourbon (La Bodega Internacional/Speakeasy Spirits)Joint Bourbon (Temperance Distilling Co.)Joseph Magnus Bourbon (Jos. A. Magnus & Co.)Knotter Bourbon & Rye (Blaum Bros.)Krofters Double Barreled Bourbon (Litchfield Distillery)LeMont Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Lost Republic Bourbon & RyeMosswood American Light Whiskey (Mosswood Distillers)O.K.I. Bourbon and Rye (New Riff Distilling)Old Hickory Bourbon (Meier’s)Old Scenter Bourbon and Rye (Strong Spirits for R. Griesedieck Distilling)Pinhook Bourbon (CJS Beverage Corp.)Prichard’s Rye (Prichard’s)Rebel Yell Rye (Luxco)Rebellion Bourbon (Market Street Spirits – newer batches)Redemption Bourbon & Rye (Bardstown Barrel Selections)Riverboat Rye (Bardstown Barrel Selections)Rough Rider Bourbon & Rye (Long Island Spirits)Sagamore Spirit Rye (Distilled Spirits Epicenter)Seagram’s 7 Blended Whiskey (Diageo) The flagship of this distillerySingle Track Rye (Range and River Distilling)Smokin’ Joe’s Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon, Rye and Corn Whiskey (Smooth Ambler)Smuggler’s Notch RyeSpirit of America Bourbon (Hobson & Roberts)Spring Mill Bourbon (Heartland Distillers)Stoutheart Bourbon (Hobson & Roberts)Taos Lightning (KGB Spirits)Temperance Trader (Bull Run Distilling)Templeton Rye (Templeton)Temptation Bourbon (Bardstown Barrel Selections)The Saloon Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Tin Cup Whiskey (Proximo Spirits)Troubadour Bourbon (The Original Texas Legend Distillery)Untitled No. 1 Whiskey (One Eight Distilling)WH Harrison Bourbon (Tipton Spirits)Whistlepig Old World RyeWhiteHeart Bourbon (Hobson & Roberts)Widow Jane Rye (Cacao Prieto)Willett Rye (Indiana ryes)Winghart’s Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)

 

[=Smackdown=]

You sell that Pappy20 yet icon?

 

[[icon]]

Meant to add: Ryes I like: 

Sazerac Rye (simple cheap and tasty) 
Williett 6-8yr MGP rye (MGP)
Michter's Barrel Proof Rye
Smooth ambler old scout ryes (MGP
Templeton / Pikesville are solid as well. 

 

[DocHolliday]

That is fantastic. you're lucky to not only have that price but to have it in stock. You'll be very hard pressed to find a better $22 bottle... It may be among the best at 2x that price. 

Bulliet Rye is manufactured by MGP of Indiana, IIRC. They a massive outfit who produce MUCH of the sourced rye (see incomplete list below). It's widely regarded to be good prouduct but varies in quality by age and batch as with anything else. 

Rye Brands using MGP Sourced whiskey:


 

Spoiler

31 N 50 Bourbon (Dry Diggings)4 Spirits Bourbon and American Whiskey (4 Spirits)1888 Bourbon (Diversa Brands)99 Bottles Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Angel’s Envy Rye (Louisville Distilling Co.)Aztec Spirits Whiskey Distilled from Bourbon Mash (Aztec Spirits)Backbone Bourbon (Crossroads Vitners/Strong Spirits)Batchers’ Bourbon (Litchfield Distillery)Bearded Lady Bourbon (Vok Beverages)Belle Meade Bourbon (Nelson’s Greenbriar)Big ### Bourbon (Diversa)Big Bottom Bourbon (Big Bottom)Big House Bourbon (Underdog Spirits)Big Y Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Bone Snapper Rye (Strong Spirits)Bourbon 30 (Glenns Creek Distilling)Bower Hill Rye (Meier’s)Breaker Bourbon (Ascendant Spirits)Bulleit Rye (Diageo)Cadée Bourbon & Rye (Cadée Distillery)Chattanooga Whiskey 1816 Reserve (Chattanooga Whiskey Co.)Clarion Bourbon and Blended Whiskey (Distilled Spirits Epicenter)Cleveland Rye Whiskey (Cleveland Whiskey)Coney Island Carlo Bourbon (Terresentia)Copper City Straight Bourbon (Arizona Distilling Co.)Corn Star Corn Whiskey (Bardstown Barrel Selections)Cougar Bourbon & Rye (Foster’s)Country Smooth American Whiskey (Speakeasy Spirits)Defiance Whiskey (Defiant Spirits)Doubleday Bourbon (Cooperstown Distillery)Eighteen 33 Bourbon (Boone County Distilling Co.)Filibuster Bourbon Rye (M.S. Trading LP)George Dickel Rye (Diageo/George Dickel)George Remus Bourbon & Rye (Queen City Whiskey/Strong Spirits)Henderson Rye (North Texas Distillers)High Liquors Bourbon & Rye (High Liquors)High West (an element of many of their whiskeys blends)Homestead Bourbon (Homestead American whiskey)Hooker’s House (some of their bourbons and their rye; Prohibition Spirits)Iowa Distilling Company Caribbean Cask RyeJ. Green Bourbon and Rye (Shadow Beverage Group)James E. Pepper 1776 Bourbon & Rye (James E. Pepper/Strong Spirits)James Oliver Rye (Indio Spirits)J.R. Revelry Bourbon (La Bodega Internacional/Speakeasy Spirits)Joint Bourbon (Temperance Distilling Co.)Joseph Magnus Bourbon (Jos. A. Magnus & Co.)Knotter Bourbon & Rye (Blaum Bros.)Krofters Double Barreled Bourbon (Litchfield Distillery)LeMont Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Lost Republic Bourbon & RyeMosswood American Light Whiskey (Mosswood Distillers)O.K.I. Bourbon and Rye (New Riff Distilling)Old Hickory Bourbon (Meier’s)Old Scenter Bourbon and Rye (Strong Spirits for R. Griesedieck Distilling)Pinhook Bourbon (CJS Beverage Corp.)Prichard’s Rye (Prichard’s)Rebel Yell Rye (Luxco)Rebellion Bourbon (Market Street Spirits – newer batches)Redemption Bourbon & Rye (Bardstown Barrel Selections)Riverboat Rye (Bardstown Barrel Selections)Rough Rider Bourbon & Rye (Long Island Spirits)Sagamore Spirit Rye (Distilled Spirits Epicenter)Seagram’s 7 Blended Whiskey (Diageo) The flagship of this distillerySingle Track Rye (Range and River Distilling)Smokin’ Joe’s Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon, Rye and Corn Whiskey (Smooth Ambler)Smuggler’s Notch RyeSpirit of America Bourbon (Hobson & Roberts)Spring Mill Bourbon (Heartland Distillers)Stoutheart Bourbon (Hobson & Roberts)Taos Lightning (KGB Spirits)Temperance Trader (Bull Run Distilling)Templeton Rye (Templeton)Temptation Bourbon (Bardstown Barrel Selections)The Saloon Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)Tin Cup Whiskey (Proximo Spirits)Troubadour Bourbon (The Original Texas Legend Distillery)Untitled No. 1 Whiskey (One Eight Distilling)WH Harrison Bourbon (Tipton Spirits)Whistlepig Old World RyeWhiteHeart Bourbon (Hobson & Roberts)Widow Jane Rye (Cacao Prieto)Willett Rye (Indiana ryes)Winghart’s Bourbon & Rye (PA Private Label Spirits)

Wow.  Huge list.  I have been buying 375 ml bottles to try these products and found a small Bulleit Rye in the cabinet.  I thought it was Bulleit Frontier so this was a pleasant surprise.  There is going to be some taste testing going on over the Holidays.  I will let you know how the Bulleit Rye tastes to me.   

 

[top dog]

Wow.  Huge list.  I have been buying 375 ml bottles to try these products and found a small Bulleit Rye in the cabinet.  I thought it was Bulleit Frontier so this was a pleasant surprise.  There is going to be some taste testing going on over the Holidays.  I will let you know how the Bulleit Rye tastes to me.   

Bulleit Rye is probably my favorite "go to" drink right now.  It's not too expensive and pretty awesome.  I don't feel regret if I end up driniking a little too much and end up with an empy bottle of it.  Unlike when I thought the Indians were going to win the world series after Davis tied it up in game 7.  I was already lit and grabbed my bottle of E. H. Taylor SIngle Barrel and was drinking it straight from the bottle in celebration.  Not only did the Indians end up losing, but I was drinking bourbon that I can't find locally out the bottle.  

 

[Ted Stickles]

Two different bourbons really (low rye mashbills vs wheated mashbill.... both are excellent values. Just depends on what you're looking for. Buffalo Trace is light a slightly younger Eagle Rare or EH Taylor (Both excellent values at~$30ish/750ml), whereas Larceny is the younger successor to Heaven Hill's Very Special Old Fitzgerald 12yr line.

Here is a great direct quantitative and qualitative comparison of the two products. I personally prefer BT a bit, though prefer store pick barrels that frequently approach 10yrs in age and tend to have a little more robust flavors. 

I think Buffalo Trace benefits slightly from the "Coors Light" effect.. being somewhat regional initially but now seeing wider distribution. 

Both those prices are pretty damn high though... are those 750ml? If they're 1.75L then that makes much more sense. Those are about 50% higher than what I generally see, and TN has very high liquor taxes. Where are you located? 

Costco has both of these in 1.75L handles for this price in the Bay Area, CA ... 

 

[DocHolliday]

I hear great things about EH Taylor. Need to remember to add to this to the shopping list. 

 

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You sell that Pappy20 yet icon?

Yep! Got $1100 for it, $400 for the 12yr Lot B, and $275 for the 10yr Old Rip Van Winkle from a distributor who was buying for another client. Traded the 15yr for a William Larue Weller with a buddy who got it at retail but wanted a 15yr. Cash goes in my "bourbon fund" so the GF doesn't ##### when I come home with bottles. 

I hear great things about EH Taylor. Need to remember to add to this to the shopping list. 

EH Taylor Single Barrel gets a lot of love, but it's around $70 here vs $35ish for the small batch. Honestly I taste very limited difference between the two, and don't see much value in the added cost of single barrel. Definitely try Small Batch as an entry point to the brand, IMO.

Gun to my head, I'd grade the EHT bottles I've tried as around the following:

Spoiler

EHT Small batch 7.5
EHT Single Barrell 7.5
EHT Barrel Proof 8.5 (general rating having tried several proof/batches) 
EHT Seasoned Wood 9.0
EHT Cured Oak 9.0
EHT Straight Rye 9.0

 

[DocHolliday]

Yep! Got $1100 for it, $400 for the 12yr Lot B, and $275 for the 10yr Old Rip Van Winkle from a distributor who was buying for another client. Traded the 15yr for a William Larue Weller with a buddy who got it at retail but wanted a 15yr. Cash goes in my "bourbon fund" so the GF doesn't ##### when I come home with bottles. 

EH Taylor Single Barrel gets a lot of love, but it's around $70 here vs $35ish for the small batch. Honestly I taste very limited difference between the two, and don't see much value in the added cost of single barrel. Definitely try Small Batch as an entry point to the brand, IMO.

Gun to my head, I'd grade the EHT bottles I've tried as around the following:

Spoiler

EHT Small batch 7.5
EHT Single Barrell 7.5
EHT Barrel Proof 8.5 (general rating having tried several proof/batches) 
EHT Seasoned Wood 9.0
EHT Cured Oak 9.0
EHT Straight Rye 9.0

Thank you for the EHT grades.  Looks like the small batch is on the list to try. 

 

[=Smackdown=]

Wow @ $1,100 for the Pappy20

 

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Wow @ $1,100 for the Pappy20

Yep. It's insane. Pic i snapped while i had the bottles.  Secondary is actually $1250 now. I have "flipped" 1 bottle previously in my life ($25 superbowl squares for prizes that included a 2009 23yr Pappy I had traded for). Basically those two big bottles have mostly covered my bourbon "habit/hobby".

On one hand I'm not a big fan of the "flippers" (we had a team of guys from oxford hit tons of stores offering $300ea for all Antique Collection bottles and $X for all Pappy to stock up and flip into the secondary market).... but I've internally justified moving a bottle or so a year to fund my collection. Fair or not, I'm not sure. I can't justify opening a bottle worth $1200-2000 though. 
 

 

[doowain]

Anyone had Basil Hayden?  Almost picked it up the other day and went with my go-to instead (Woodford).

 

[Ilov80s]

Anyone had Basil Hayden?  Almost picked it up the other day and went with my go-to instead (Woodford).

It's a classic. Lower proof than most bourbons, but it's fantastic. 

 

[Ilov80s]

ECBP is generally a very good barrel proof value at around $50. I think they're still 12yrs aged and generally are very tasty in my experience. I have a couple different batches and favor release #3 (133.2 proof aka "devil's batch - 66.6%). Have yet to have a bad one though.

MWND is a strong port finish... if that's your thing then you'll love it. IMO it's a bit "much" on the port influence for me. Others love it. 

Regarding cutting Barrel proof.... I generally drink it neat, but I'm an idiot. A handy guide to calculate how much water to add to achieve a desired proof can be found here, or a more complex one can be downloaded here. 

The bottle I have is 12 years and is 136 proof. Thats too fast for me, gonna need to slow it down a tad. Thanks for the links and advice. 

 

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Two bottles of Blanton's Straight From The Barrel arrived yesterday via my C17 Bootleg Express from Germany  My current bottle was running low (1/3 left or so)... so will be cracking one for the holidays. Sooo tasty.

The other one is going to my favorite liquor store buddy who has been taking great care of me holding killer bottles and selling them to me at retail for a  couple years now.  Scratch the back of those who scratch yours. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Grabbed a bottle of 2 James Grass Widow Bourbon and ended up a bar serving 2016 Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon on the cheap. Good night. 

 

[top dog]

Thank you for the EHT grades.  Looks like the small batch is on the list to try. 

I also agree that the diference between the small batch and single barrel is not worth the price difference.  It is great bourbon though.  Definitely worth a try.

 

[top dog]

Anyone had Basil Hayden?  Almost picked it up the other day and went with my go-to instead (Woodford).

I bought a bottle of that last year and didn't love it at first.  It is different.  But it grew on me quite a bit and I was sad when the bottle was empty.  I need to grab another bottle at some point....