What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Bourbon guys (3 Viewers)

:blackdot:

I've finally started to appreciate the subtleties of the good stuff but still have the cost conscious wife like others. Will be glad to read through others' suggestions. 
Imo, 4 Roses makes really quality inexpensive bourbons. Eagle Rare is another bourbon that is really well priced imo. 

 
On a lark, I also picked up a bottle of "Mellow Corn" in their gift shop.  This is an 80% corn mash bill but I'd never seen anything like it and it was cheap and unique.  Researching it some post-purchase it seems to be somewhat trendy now.  Should at least be interesting to try. I also enjoyed Heaven Hill's mini-museum they have set up.  Great for killing time waiting for our tasting.
Distillery I worked in for a day said flavored moonshine (you've described moonshine) is his hottest seller, volume wise, and is the cheapest to make (and requires little to no time in a barrel)

 
Local bar has a blind taste test tonight where you get flights of Maker's Mark, Larceny, Rebel Yell and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year for $35 and try to pick the Pappy. Worth it?

 
Finally bought a bottle of Kirklands small batch - not bad for the price.  Also picked up Breckinridge and Four Roses Single Barrel. 

 
Nailed it! Girlfriend and I figured we should vary our answers for better odds. We eliminated two on first taste and then one. She went with three and me four, and four was right. They ended up being 1. Maker's, 2. Rebel Yell, 3. Larceny, 4. Van Winkle. Pour was predictably small. Less than a pinkie. Took three tiny sips of each.

 
Distillery I worked in for a day said flavored moonshine (you've described moonshine) is his hottest seller, volume wise, and is the cheapest to make (and requires little to no time in a barrel)




 
Not quite the same.  Mellow Corn is aged for a minimum of two years in used bourbon barrels and is only 100 proof.  

 
Got a bottle of Eagle Rare yesterday. It's been quite some time & they only would let me get one. Looking forward to it!  :thumbup:

 
Finally bought a bottle of Kirklands small batch - not bad for the price.  Also picked up Breckinridge and Four Roses Single Barrel. 
I debated whether or not to try the Kirkland small batch when I was at Costco prepping for the weekend.  Is it a decent drink on the rocks,  what would you compare it too?

 
I debated whether or not to try the Kirkland small batch when I was at Costco prepping for the weekend.  Is it a decent drink on the rocks,  what would you compare it too?
It was ok, nothing special - I mainly bought it for when my BIL and FIL come over and try to drink all of my decent bourbon.  :)

As for what I would compare it to - I'm never a good judge of that - maybe something like Knob Creek or Larceny (if you've had those).

 
Been finding ER quite a bit around here (Oklahoma), probably my favorite 'everyday' bourbon.
One of my favs too - I was down in San Diego last weekend and ended up in a random wine and spirits place in the Gaslamp area that had a very impressive selection - a number of Pappy varieties, Wellers, etc., but not being as well versed in exactly what is good or not at what price point, plus with my wife there so I couldn;t spend much, I just admired the stock and made a mental note to find a reason to head back down to SD at some point and find that place.

Anyway, while there, a couple comes in looking to get a bottle as a gift for a friend, willing to spend in the 40-50 range - they asked me my opinion on what to get as I was looking at all the bottles in that area and suggested the Eagle Rare. I guess the guy behind the counter had also suggested the same thing. Hope they enjoyed it.

On that note though - anyone tried the Eagle Rare 17 year? Is it noticeably different from the regular Eagle Rare? It was the bottle they had there that intrigued me the most, but if I recall it was priced a little north of $100, and I didn't have time to look up reviews, etc. to determine if it was worth it.

 
Had some Old Weller Antique 107 last night. It was a little disappointing imo. The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is much better imo.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Had some Old Weller Antique 107 last night. It was a little disappointing imo. The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is much better imo.
Two different flavor profiles for sure.... a 107pf wheated bourbon vs a 125-130pf rye bourbon. The OWA is stellar for what it is... which store single barrel picks generally being a good bit better (to varying degrees), IMO. But I do very much enjoy ECBP as well. I've got about 4-5 bottles of different batches and my fave is "Devils batch" at 66.6% ABV (133.2pf). 

 
On that note though - anyone tried the Eagle Rare 17 year? Is it noticeably different from the regular Eagle Rare? It was the bottle they had there that intrigued me the most, but if I recall it was priced a little north of $100, and I didn't have time to look up reviews, etc. to determine if it was worth it.
It's very smooth/tasty, yes. It's very unlikely you'll find it at retail ($90-100range)... if you do, buy it instantly. More than likely if you see it, it will be priced north of $400 (its current value). Is it worth that? To me... no. Is it worth $100/bottle? To me, yes. 

 
Have been on a bit of a Rye kick lately... falling for MIchters Barrel Proof Rye. At ~$60 it's a great value, IMO. NIce kick. Good full flavor to it. I'm squirreled away a couple. 

Also fell into a source in Italy for old dusty scotches/bourbons. I'm testing the waters by buying these two bottles from him for $70 shipped from Italy. (They are 1/10th pint (1.5oz) Minis): 

1969 Stizel-Weller distlled Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond - Interestingly enough the back label claims 86 proof, but research shows that was purely for tax purposes with this particular whiskey. The tax stamp up top jives with the front BIB label to confirm it's the 100pf variety. Dusty SW Era Old Fitz BIB is considered by many to be one of the best bourbons ever distilled. I've wanted to try it, but haven't dropped the $100-200 per oz it fetches. Getting this 1.5oz nip for $25+ship works for me. 

Early 1970's Michter's Sour Mash Commemorative Jug is intriguing to me as well. I've not had the old Pennsylvania era Michters so I had to splurge and grab this guy as well. The Tax strip is beaten but intact and fill level seems good. 
 

 
Last edited by a moderator:
• 1969 Stizel-Weller distlled Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond - Interestingly enough the back label claims 86 proof, but research shows that was purely for tax purposes with this particular whiskey. The tax stamp up top jives with the front BIB label to confirm it's the 100pf variety. Dusty SW Era Old Fitz BIB is considered by many to be one of the best bourbons ever distilled. I've wanted to try it, but haven't dropped the $100-200 per oz it fetches. Getting this 1.5oz nip for $25+ship works for me. 

That's awesome.  Isn't that the SW that Sean Brock has amassed a large stock of?

 
Sorry to jump in the thread so late like this...but I came across Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel yesterday and tried it for the first time last night....VERY GOOD!! Now as a caveat...I will probably always be in the less than $100 bourbon/whiskey realm. From reading THIS thread and reading other reviews, I kept a list next to my computer and would jot down things to try. Of the ones from my list that I have tried and really liked, the Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel might just be the tops - so far.

Ones I've enjoyed:

*Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel

*Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

*Blantons Single Barrel

*Knob Creek Single Barrel 120

*High West Whiskey Double Rye

*Eagle Rare 10yr

Any other suggestions (if this thread doesn't die) would be awesome!!

 
I got an email today from my bourbon guy who has this for $45 - the single barrel reserve bottled at 12 years. Tempted, but I just can't do 120 and feel it would be a waste for me.
Many of the KC 120 Barrel picks are some of my favorite values right now.  I'd suggest giving one a shot and cutting it with a few splashes of water until it hits the sweet spot for you. 

 
• 1969 Stizel-Weller distlled Old Fitzgerald Bottled In Bond 

That's awesome.  Isn't that the SW that Sean Brock has amassed a large stock of?
I'm not sure to be honest, but it's not easy to come by for a reasonable price. Excited to try. Arrived in good shape and tax stamp is intact. 

Sorry to jump in the thread so late like this...but I came across Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel yesterday and tried it for the first time last night....VERY GOOD!! Now as a caveat...I will probably always be in the less than $100 bourbon/whiskey realm. From reading THIS thread and reading other reviews, I kept a list next to my computer and would jot down things to try. Of the ones from my list that I have tried and really liked, the Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel might just be the tops - so far.

Ones I've enjoyed:

*Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel

*Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

*Blantons Single Barrel

*Knob Creek Single Barrel 120

*High West Whiskey Double Rye

*Eagle Rare 10yr
Welcome! nothing wrong with staying in the sub $100 range. hell there is a TON of fantastic bourbon sub 50 and even sub 30. :thumbup:

After work heading to buddy's house to pick up  two more bottles of Blanton's Straight From the Barrel fresh from Germany, as well as my 6 Bottles from our '17 TN Air Guard Private Barrel selection of Eagle Rare. Eager to pop one tonight with some buddies. 

 
Sorry to jump in the thread so late like this...but I came across Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel yesterday and tried it for the first time last night....VERY GOOD!! Now as a caveat...I will probably always be in the less than $100 bourbon/whiskey realm. From reading THIS thread and reading other reviews, I kept a list next to my computer and would jot down things to try. Of the ones from my list that I have tried and really liked, the Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel might just be the tops - so far.

Ones I've enjoyed:

*Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel

*Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

*Blantons Single Barrel

*Knob Creek Single Barrel 120

*High West Whiskey Double Rye

*Eagle Rare 10yr

Any other suggestions (if this thread doesn't die) would be awesome!!


Noah's Mill, but I think it's a really high proof.  I drank a bunch at a derby party last year and loved it but you have to go slow.

 
Welcome! nothing wrong with staying in the sub $100 range. hell there is a TON of fantastic bourbon sub 50 and even sub 30. :thumbup:
This thread has been highly informative and has much to do with formulating what I look for in the stores (better liquor stores that is). Has your favorites changed or modified since the beginning of this thread?

After work heading to buddy's house to pick up  two more bottles of Blanton's Straight From the Barrel fresh from Germany, as well as my 6 Bottles from our '17 TN Air Guard Private Barrel selection of Eagle Rare. Eager to pop one tonight with some buddies. 
Blanton's Single Barrel is one of my fav's. I am curious as to how your "buddy weekend" tastings went...

 
Sorry to jump in the thread so late like this...but I came across Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel yesterday and tried it for the first time last night....VERY GOOD!! Now as a caveat...I will probably always be in the less than $100 bourbon/whiskey realm. From reading THIS thread and reading other reviews, I kept a list next to my computer and would jot down things to try. Of the ones from my list that I have tried and really liked, the Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel might just be the tops - so far.

Ones I've enjoyed:

*Colonel EH Taylor Single Barrel

*Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

*Blantons Single Barrel

*Knob Creek Single Barrel 120

*High West Whiskey Double Rye

*Eagle Rare 10yr

Any other suggestions (if this thread doesn't die) would be awesome!!
Elmer T Lee (good luck finding some), Angel's Envy and Four Roses Small Batch.

 
Local liqueur store has a few bottles of Elmer T Lee at $100 a pop - seems high. Worth it?
Yikes! Ever since Elmer passed away in 2013 this bourbon has been hard to get. Before that it was my #1 go to at about $40. I found a bottle at the beginning of the year and can't recall the price but I know it wasn't close to $100. So, either the price has rocketed up since I found that bottle at the beginning of the year or this place you mention has an inflated cost.

Regardless, my opinion would be no..it's not worth $100. I don't say that without some hesitation because I love ETL. My love for it though is "bang for buck" where ETL was easily the best in it's price point. If it's up to $100 then I think I'd pass.

I'm interested what the other bourbon drinkers here think about ETL at $100.

 
Elmer T Lee (good luck finding some), Angel's Envy and Four Roses Small Batch.
I will search locally for ETL and check out prices here in SE MI. Of the Four Roses styles...is Small Batch your favorite? I've only had Single Barrel, which is good and it's one of those price break "good" items.

 
I will search locally for ETL and check out prices here in SE MI. Of the Four Roses styles...is Small Batch your favorite? I've only had Single Barrel, which is good and it's one of those price break "good" items.
Yes. I think most people like the single barrel better but I prefer the small batch. Regardless both are great bang for buck bourbons. Hard to go wrong with either one.

 
I had a bottle of Whistle Pig Rye 10 year over the last few weeks. Outstanding! Got a 12 on the shelf too, unopened. No idea the cost of either. They were sent to me by Whistle Pig. 

Another one I just bought was New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon. I think it was around $30. Really good. 

 
I had a bottle of Whistle Pig Rye 10 year over the last few weeks. Outstanding! Got a 12 on the shelf too, unopened. No idea the cost of either. They were sent to me by Whistle Pig. 

Another one I just bought was New Holland Beer Barrel Bourbon. I think it was around $30. Really good. 
Whistle Pig is not cheap.   Did you get that because of the BBQ gig?  If so, I'm gonna go sit in the corner and contemplate all of my life choices again.

 
I've been drinking Larceny in my old fashioned since I went to the tasting at a bar earlier where I had to pick the Van Winkle 12 Year among four bourbons, and narrowed it down to the Larceny and the Van Winkle before picking right. Figured if Larceny is good enough for me to think it might be Van Winkle, it's the perfect $20 bottle for my old fashioneds.

 
I've been drinking Larceny in my old fashioned since I went to the tasting at a bar earlier where I had to pick the Van Winkle 12 Year among four bourbons, and narrowed it down to the Larceny and the Van Winkle before picking right. Figured if Larceny is good enough for me to think it might be Van Winkle, it's the perfect $20 bottle for my old fashioneds.
Well, this decided what I was pouring myself tonight.... nice pour of Larceny it is.... going to need another bottle soon

 
Just entered in last week for the 2017 Ohio Bottle Lottery ran by the Department of Commerce.  Chance to purchase highly-sought types of bourbon that are only available annually in small amounts.

Winners announced beginning Friday.

Pappy is at least one of the options (that's how it was advertised by my local liquor store).

Fingers crossed!  Happy to share a sip with anyone local if I win.

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top