Bourbon guys (4 Viewers)

[Galileo]

Made a drive through north Louisiana over the weekend, stopped at 6 different stores and picked up a couple bottles.

1. Prideful Goat 6 yr Cask Strength bourbon. Never seen anything from PG in my home state but a buddy in Texas raves about them so I picked it up on his recommendation. Haven't cracked it yet, probably will this weekend.
2. New Riff Single Barrel. Man this bottle is great! Another one I can't get in Mississippi...
3. Buffalo Trace store pick for $27 each. Back home the cheapest you can find it is $35-40 and it's always in the back room and hard to get, so I bought two as gifts for my tater buddies that always are hunting it.
4. Early Times BiB. This bottle is so weird because it's rarely ever found back home, and when I do find it it's $40. Got it for $25 Love to have this as an easy go to sipper when I just want something reliable and not too complex, but tasty.
5. Blue Note uncut store pick for $50. This is an auto-buy for me whenever I find it, I love this bottle so much and it's so underrated.
6. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B524. Much better than A124.
7. JT Meleck Cask Strength. This is made in Louisiana, and it's rice whiskey. If you like sweet then this is the bottle for you. It puts Widow Jane Decadence to shame.

Nice haul! The Prideful Goat is MGP juice. I have had a pour of the cask strength bourbon, but only own a bottle of the rye. Both are good. Agree on the New Riff Single barrel. The one I have is great! I never see Early Times BiB in Ohio and I have never tried it. It is one of those examples people refer to when talking great value. I haven't tried the Blue Note, ECBP B524, or JT Meleck yet. ECBP should hit Ohio soon. I have heard mumblings about this week even. I am on the fence about buying it. Love the C923...one of my favorites, but I found the A124 was just OK, nothing great. Not sure I need another ECBP in my cabinet, but FOMO is real!

 

[Ridgeback]

I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.

Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?

That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.

Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.

In Ohio, which is price controlled, Blanton's is now ~85 with tax. Happened fairly recently.

74.99 + tax so closer to 80 than 85, but to the point, yes it is overpriced for what it is.

I have yet to find anything under $100 that compares but have just been made aware of Ancient Ancient Age, so we'll see.

 

[wlwiles]

Made a drive through north Louisiana over the weekend, stopped at 6 different stores and picked up a couple bottles.

1. Prideful Goat 6 yr Cask Strength bourbon. Never seen anything from PG in my home state but a buddy in Texas raves about them so I picked it up on his recommendation. Haven't cracked it yet, probably will this weekend.
2. New Riff Single Barrel. Man this bottle is great! Another one I can't get in Mississippi...
3. Buffalo Trace store pick for $27 each. Back home the cheapest you can find it is $35-40 and it's always in the back room and hard to get, so I bought two as gifts for my tater buddies that always are hunting it.
4. Early Times BiB. This bottle is so weird because it's rarely ever found back home, and when I do find it it's $40. Got it for $25 Love to have this as an easy go to sipper when I just want something reliable and not too complex, but tasty.
5. Blue Note uncut store pick for $50. This is an auto-buy for me whenever I find it, I love this bottle so much and it's so underrated.
6. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B524. Much better than A124.
7. JT Meleck Cask Strength. This is made in Louisiana, and it's rice whiskey. If you like sweet then this is the bottle for you. It puts Widow Jane Decadence to shame.

Nice haul! The Prideful Goat is MGP juice. I have had a pour of the cask strength bourbon, but only own a bottle of the rye. Both are good. Agree on the New Riff Single barrel. The one I have is great! I never see Early Times BiB in Ohio and I have never tried it. It is one of those examples people refer to when talking great value. I haven't tried the Blue Note, ECBP B524, or JT Meleck yet. ECBP should hit Ohio soon. I have heard mumblings about this week even. I am on the fence about buying it. Love the C923...one of my favorites, but I found the A124 was just OK, nothing great. Not sure I need another ECBP in my cabinet, but FOMO is real!

I usually buy every ECBP, I like to go through them all at the end of the year and see the differences, and I keep 4 open at a time. So When I got A124, I compared it to A123, then finished 123. Now I’ve compared B524 to B523 (this years is better imo) so I’ll kill 523 next. Elijah Craig is kind of my paragon of “classic bourbon” because I started out on Small Batch for so many years, so I try to always get each batch of barrel proof. I was lucky to find C923 in a hole in the wall store, and I kick myself for not buying a backup because they had several.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.

Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?

That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.

Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.

In Ohio, which is price controlled, Blanton's is now ~85 with tax. Happened fairly recently.

74.99 + tax so closer to 80 than 85, but to the point, yes it is overpriced for what it is.

I have yet to find anything under $100 that compares but have just been made aware of Ancient Ancient Age, so we'll see.

Ancient Age is available near me, but I've only seen the Ancient Ancient maybe once.

I've heard that Benchmark Bonded is also a reasonable facsimile to Blanton's. Same distillery, same juice(?), a third the price. Not available near me so I've never had it to comment on its quality.

 

[Galileo]

I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.

Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?

That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.

Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.

In Ohio, which is price controlled, Blanton's is now ~85 with tax. Happened fairly recently.

74.99 + tax so closer to 80 than 85, but to the point, yes it is overpriced for what it is.

I have yet to find anything under $100 that compares but have just been made aware of Ancient Ancient Age, so we'll see.

Ancient Age is available near me, but I've only seen the Ancient Ancient maybe once.

I've heard that Benchmark Bonded is also a reasonable facsimile to Blanton's. Same distillery, same juice(?), a third the price. Not available near me so I've never had it to comment on its quality.

Ancient Age and Blanton's utilize Buffalo Trace mash bill #2, while Benchmark is mash bill #1. BT doesn't disclose their mash bill, but #2 reportedly has a higher rye content. I have never tried the Benchmark Bonded, so I have no basis of comparison.

 

[Galileo]

Made a drive through north Louisiana over the weekend, stopped at 6 different stores and picked up a couple bottles.

1. Prideful Goat 6 yr Cask Strength bourbon. Never seen anything from PG in my home state but a buddy in Texas raves about them so I picked it up on his recommendation. Haven't cracked it yet, probably will this weekend.
2. New Riff Single Barrel. Man this bottle is great! Another one I can't get in Mississippi...
3. Buffalo Trace store pick for $27 each. Back home the cheapest you can find it is $35-40 and it's always in the back room and hard to get, so I bought two as gifts for my tater buddies that always are hunting it.
4. Early Times BiB. This bottle is so weird because it's rarely ever found back home, and when I do find it it's $40. Got it for $25 Love to have this as an easy go to sipper when I just want something reliable and not too complex, but tasty.
5. Blue Note uncut store pick for $50. This is an auto-buy for me whenever I find it, I love this bottle so much and it's so underrated.
6. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch B524. Much better than A124.
7. JT Meleck Cask Strength. This is made in Louisiana, and it's rice whiskey. If you like sweet then this is the bottle for you. It puts Widow Jane Decadence to shame.

Nice haul! The Prideful Goat is MGP juice. I have had a pour of the cask strength bourbon, but only own a bottle of the rye. Both are good. Agree on the New Riff Single barrel. The one I have is great! I never see Early Times BiB in Ohio and I have never tried it. It is one of those examples people refer to when talking great value. I haven't tried the Blue Note, ECBP B524, or JT Meleck yet. ECBP should hit Ohio soon. I have heard mumblings about this week even. I am on the fence about buying it. Love the C923...one of my favorites, but I found the A124 was just OK, nothing great. Not sure I need another ECBP in my cabinet, but FOMO is real!

I usually buy every ECBP, I like to go through them all at the end of the year and see the differences, and I keep 4 open at a time. So When I got A124, I compared it to A123, then finished 123. Now I’ve compared B524 to B523 (this years is better imo) so I’ll kill 523 next. Elijah Craig is kind of my paragon of “classic bourbon” because I started out on Small Batch for so many years, so I try to always get each batch of barrel proof. I was lucky to find C923 in a hole in the wall store, and I kick myself for not buying a backup because they had several.

Well, I did it. ECBP B524 hit this week in my area as I suspected, and I grabbed a bottle this morning. I also picked up a bottle of the Pinhook Vertical Series 8yr which I have had my eye on. I watched the 2024 ASCOT awards episode (Fred Minnick's little project) where the Pinhook gave ECBP C923 a run for its money in the Best Straight Bourbon category. There were 9 bourbons in the finals for this category. I am not sure how it was determined which bourbons advanced to the finals because there were some odd options in there, but ECBP C923 garnered 6 votes and the Pinhook got 3 votes from the 9 judges who blinded the samples. So, I figured it is worth a shot.

 

[gruecd]

[*]Blue Note uncut store pick for $50. This is an auto-buy for me whenever I find it, I love this bottle so much and it's so underrated.

I've never had this (not sold up here in Wisco), but I've heard good things.

 

[sho nuff]

Happy to see Evan Williams Single Barrel on the shelf again here in Nashville after a fee years of hiatus.

And with one of my local spots still selling Buffalo Trace at $45 for a fifth…tried out the benchmark small batch. Not a bad pour at all and definitely good value at around $20.

 

[gruecd]

Amazing how much better the allocations are in Illinois versus Wisconsin. Was down there for work yesterday and found some stuff that's near-impossible to find in Wisconsin (Eagle Rare, Knob 12) just sitting on the shelf.

Also managed to snag a bottle of Redwood Empire's limited-release "Screaming Titan" wheater from a store in Racine with the help of a guy in a local Facebook group. Looking forward to trying that one out!

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Up next on the journey: ALL NEW JIM BEAM 7-YEAR BLACK LABEL

First thoughts: Ok, so it's not really 'new', just a bit of a makeover on a bottom feeder. Well, it's new to me; I've only had the 80 proof white label, as well as the Devil's Cut Beam offerings, and if the internet is to be believed, all signs point to this 'new' offering being a plucky underdog that keeps up with more popular/expensive brands; even SLB's Kurt called it a 'Wild Turkey 101 Killer'. As WT101 is my comfort whiskey, challenge accepted.

I've seen it on the shelves at the handful of stores I've visited since its release but something held me back from grabbing a bottle, whether it was my back-to-back purchases of Old Overholt 114 or not feeling even the $25-$30 range of price tags slapped on it. Today, work ended early and I had in mind to get my own Father's Day gift, though I had a different bottle in mind.

For months, my local Total Wine carried Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye in a 375ml bottle, which by volume more expensive than the 750 but at a number that Mrs. Steiner wouldn't object to as much. With the extra time and opportunity, I decided that today was the day, but not only was it not on the shelves, there wasn't even an empty slot where a row of them used to be. I suppose that left me vulnerable to grabbing something, anything on the rebound, though the real clincher was that TOTAL WINE had the Beam Black 7 Year for $21.99, the lowest I had seen to date. That was a price I felt good about, so here we are.

First sniff: It took me a minute, but I got oak and caramel in fuller amounts than one would expect. Just to be clear, the first sniff was from the bottle. The first sniff from the glass spread out the aroma, such that it wasn't as concentrated yet no less pleasant.

First taste: The first taste was much like the nose, and there either some barrel char or burnt caramel that wasn't present in the nose as well as the familiar bitter taste of malt, plus a surprising flash of heat, which may just be my palate at the moment. This is 90 proof and I wouldn't expect it to burn.

Second taste: The second sip was better; no heat and the sour/malt taste didn't seem as pronounced.

Knee-jerk reactions: The price and proof are comparable to Evan Williams 1783, with the main difference being that the Beam is a little brighter. To give it the same chance I gave the 1783, I added a couple drops of water, and like the 1783, the Beam responded well, retaining the good flavor and turning the bad down even lower. While it's not a game-changer, it is a great option for bargain basement cruisers and/or those looking for a very cheap everyday sipper. I still prefer the Wild Turkey 101, but this Jim Beam 7 Year is worth having on your shelf. Even if you have FBG-level money.

 

[MrJimiT]

Up next on the journey: ALL NEW JIM BEAM 7-YEAR BLACK LABEL

First thoughts: Ok, so it's not really 'new', just a bit of a makeover on a bottom feeder. Well, it's new to me; I've only had the 80 proof white label, as well as the Devil's Cut Beam offerings, and if the internet is to be believed, all signs point to this 'new' offering being a plucky underdog that keeps up with more popular/expensive brands; even SLB's Kurt called it a 'Wild Turkey 101 Killer'. As WT101 is my comfort whiskey, challenge accepted.

I've seen it on the shelves at the handful of stores I've visited since its release but something held me back from grabbing a bottle, whether it was my back-to-back purchases of Old Overholt 114 or not feeling even the $25-$30 range of price tags slapped on it. Today, work ended early and I had in mind to get my own Father's Day gift, though I had a different bottle in mind.

For months, my local Total Wine carried Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye in a 375ml bottle, which by volume more expensive than the 750 but at a number that Mrs. Steiner wouldn't object to as much. With the extra time and opportunity, I decided that today was the day, but not only was it not on the shelves, there wasn't even an empty slot where a row of them used to be. I suppose that left me vulnerable to grabbing something, anything on the rebound, though the real clincher was that TOTAL WINE had the Beam Black 7 Year for $21.99, the lowest I had seen to date. That was a price I felt good about, so here we are.

First sniff: It took me a minute, but I got oak and caramel in fuller amounts than one would expect. Just to be clear, the first sniff was from the bottle. The first sniff from the glass spread out the aroma, such that it wasn't as concentrated yet no less pleasant.

First taste: The first taste was much like the nose, and there either some barrel char or burnt caramel that wasn't present in the nose as well as the familiar bitter taste of malt, plus a surprising flash of heat, which may just be my palate at the moment. This is 90 proof and I wouldn't expect it to burn.

Second taste: The second sip was better; no heat and the sour/malt taste didn't seem as pronounced.

Knee-jerk reactions: The price and proof are comparable to Evan Williams 1783, with the main difference being that the Beam is a little brighter. To give it the same chance I gave the 1783, I added a couple drops of water, and like the 1783, the Beam responded well, retaining the good flavor and turning the bad down even lower. While it's not a game-changer, it is a great option for bargain basement cruisers and/or those looking for a very cheap everyday sipper. I still prefer the Wild Turkey 101, but this Jim Beam 7 Year is worth having on your shelf. Even if you have FBG-level money.

First of all, JD BP Rye is incredible! Hopefully you will find soon.

I feel like I have now graduated into a bit of a snobbery-like atmosphere with my bourbon/whiskey purchases. But based on several Bourbon You-Tubers, I gave Jim Beam Black 7-Year a try (cost me $30 in Michigan). I actually really like it, and after sharing it with a friend, dusted off the bottle fairly quickly. In all fairness, I do enjoy Beam's Knob Creek series as well. In fact KC 12 is one of my favorites that I cannot seem to purchase here where I live. To me, it did not taste at all like the other Beam Bottom Shelfers that I have tried in the past. My opinion, very worthy of a try and definitely one that I will keep stocked on my shelf.

For the record, I also like Wild Turkey 101 and the WT mash bill in general. I think it is a great comparison.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Up next on the journey: ALL NEW JIM BEAM 7-YEAR BLACK LABEL

First thoughts: Ok, so it's not really 'new', just a bit of a makeover on a bottom feeder. Well, it's new to me; I've only had the 80 proof white label, as well as the Devil's Cut Beam offerings, and if the internet is to be believed, all signs point to this 'new' offering being a plucky underdog that keeps up with more popular/expensive brands; even SLB's Kurt called it a 'Wild Turkey 101 Killer'. As WT101 is my comfort whiskey, challenge accepted.

I've seen it on the shelves at the handful of stores I've visited since its release but something held me back from grabbing a bottle, whether it was my back-to-back purchases of Old Overholt 114 or not feeling even the $25-$30 range of price tags slapped on it. Today, work ended early and I had in mind to get my own Father's Day gift, though I had a different bottle in mind.

For months, my local Total Wine carried Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye in a 375ml bottle, which by volume more expensive than the 750 but at a number that Mrs. Steiner wouldn't object to as much. With the extra time and opportunity, I decided that today was the day, but not only was it not on the shelves, there wasn't even an empty slot where a row of them used to be. I suppose that left me vulnerable to grabbing something, anything on the rebound, though the real clincher was that TOTAL WINE had the Beam Black 7 Year for $21.99, the lowest I had seen to date. That was a price I felt good about, so here we are.

First sniff: It took me a minute, but I got oak and caramel in fuller amounts than one would expect. Just to be clear, the first sniff was from the bottle. The first sniff from the glass spread out the aroma, such that it wasn't as concentrated yet no less pleasant.

First taste: The first taste was much like the nose, and there either some barrel char or burnt caramel that wasn't present in the nose as well as the familiar bitter taste of malt, plus a surprising flash of heat, which may just be my palate at the moment. This is 90 proof and I wouldn't expect it to burn.

Second taste: The second sip was better; no heat and the sour/malt taste didn't seem as pronounced.

Knee-jerk reactions: The price and proof are comparable to Evan Williams 1783, with the main difference being that the Beam is a little brighter. To give it the same chance I gave the 1783, I added a couple drops of water, and like the 1783, the Beam responded well, retaining the good flavor and turning the bad down even lower. While it's not a game-changer, it is a great option for bargain basement cruisers and/or those looking for a very cheap everyday sipper. I still prefer the Wild Turkey 101, but this Jim Beam 7 Year is worth having on your shelf. Even if you have FBG-level money.

First of all, JD BP Rye is incredible! Hopefully you will find soon.

I feel like I have now graduated into a bit of a snobbery-like atmosphere with my bourbon/whiskey purchases. But based on several Bourbon You-Tubers, I gave Jim Beam Black 7-Year a try (cost me $30 in Michigan). I actually really like it, and after sharing it with a friend, dusted off the bottle fairly quickly. In all fairness, I do enjoy Beam's Knob Creek series as well. In fact KC 12 is one of my favorites that I cannot seem to purchase here where I live. To me, it did not taste at all like the other Beam Bottom Shelfers that I have tried in the past. My opinion, very worthy of a try and definitely one that I will keep stocked on my shelf.

For the record, I also like Wild Turkey 101 and the WT mash bill in general. I think it is a great comparison.

I can find the JD in the 750 without problem, it's just that the price keeps it in my birthday or special occasion only purchases, and I was hoping to avoid the wait.

As for the Beam 7, I had a feeling I was going to like it, as my only 'complaint' about the white label was that it was 'bland', which comes with the territory at 80 proof. TBH, the bitter/malt note took my by surprise but that's why God created water.

Regarding Wild Turkey 101, I honestly 'found' it on my own a year or so into exploring bourbon. 101 proof intimidated me at the time and even though I didn't like cherry as a flavor, I liked it here and it didn't burn like I was expecting. Even after going through other sub $35 labels I found myself going back to the Wild Turkey before circling back to other brands I had liked and before I knew it, Wild Turkey 101 had become the baseline I compared all other whiskies to. It's the right--not 'best', just 'right'--balance of taste, proof and price; Rare Breed is a top of the mark to me, and Russell's Reserve is nice though I still prefer the 101. In fact, most of the other whiskies I buy are to keep me from draining my 1.75L handle of WT101 too quickly. I also have a handle of Elijah Craig Small Batch that I'll probably swap for Larceny when it's gone.

 

[Galileo]

Up next on the journey: ALL NEW JIM BEAM 7-YEAR BLACK LABEL

First thoughts: Ok, so it's not really 'new', just a bit of a makeover on a bottom feeder. Well, it's new to me; I've only had the 80 proof white label, as well as the Devil's Cut Beam offerings, and if the internet is to be believed, all signs point to this 'new' offering being a plucky underdog that keeps up with more popular/expensive brands; even SLB's Kurt called it a 'Wild Turkey 101 Killer'. As WT101 is my comfort whiskey, challenge accepted.

I've seen it on the shelves at the handful of stores I've visited since its release but something held me back from grabbing a bottle, whether it was my back-to-back purchases of Old Overholt 114 or not feeling even the $25-$30 range of price tags slapped on it. Today, work ended early and I had in mind to get my own Father's Day gift, though I had a different bottle in mind.

For months, my local Total Wine carried Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye in a 375ml bottle, which by volume more expensive than the 750 but at a number that Mrs. Steiner wouldn't object to as much. With the extra time and opportunity, I decided that today was the day, but not only was it not on the shelves, there wasn't even an empty slot where a row of them used to be. I suppose that left me vulnerable to grabbing something, anything on the rebound, though the real clincher was that TOTAL WINE had the Beam Black 7 Year for $21.99, the lowest I had seen to date. That was a price I felt good about, so here we are.

First sniff: It took me a minute, but I got oak and caramel in fuller amounts than one would expect. Just to be clear, the first sniff was from the bottle. The first sniff from the glass spread out the aroma, such that it wasn't as concentrated yet no less pleasant.

First taste: The first taste was much like the nose, and there either some barrel char or burnt caramel that wasn't present in the nose as well as the familiar bitter taste of malt, plus a surprising flash of heat, which may just be my palate at the moment. This is 90 proof and I wouldn't expect it to burn.

Second taste: The second sip was better; no heat and the sour/malt taste didn't seem as pronounced.

Knee-jerk reactions: The price and proof are comparable to Evan Williams 1783, with the main difference being that the Beam is a little brighter. To give it the same chance I gave the 1783, I added a couple drops of water, and like the 1783, the Beam responded well, retaining the good flavor and turning the bad down even lower. While it's not a game-changer, it is a great option for bargain basement cruisers and/or those looking for a very cheap everyday sipper. I still prefer the Wild Turkey 101, but this Jim Beam 7 Year is worth having on your shelf. Even if you have FBG-level money.

First of all, JD BP Rye is incredible! Hopefully you will find soon.

I feel like I have now graduated into a bit of a snobbery-like atmosphere with my bourbon/whiskey purchases. But based on several Bourbon You-Tubers, I gave Jim Beam Black 7-Year a try (cost me $30 in Michigan). I actually really like it, and after sharing it with a friend, dusted off the bottle fairly quickly. In all fairness, I do enjoy Beam's Knob Creek series as well. In fact KC 12 is one of my favorites that I cannot seem to purchase here where I live. To me, it did not taste at all like the other Beam Bottom Shelfers that I have tried in the past. My opinion, very worthy of a try and definitely one that I will keep stocked on my shelf.

For the record, I also like Wild Turkey 101 and the WT mash bill in general. I think it is a great comparison.

I can find the JD in the 750 without problem, it's just that the price keeps it in my birthday or special occasion only purchases, and I was hoping to avoid the wait.

As for the Beam 7, I had a feeling I was going to like it, as my only 'complaint' about the white label was that it was 'bland', which comes with the territory at 80 proof. TBH, the bitter/malt note took my by surprise but that's why God created water.

Regarding Wild Turkey 101, I honestly 'found' it on my own a year or so into exploring bourbon. 101 proof intimidated me at the time and even though I didn't like cherry as a flavor, I liked it here and it didn't burn like I was expecting. Even after going through other sub $35 labels I found myself going back to the Wild Turkey before circling back to other brands I had liked and before I knew it, Wild Turkey 101 had become the baseline I compared all other whiskies to. It's the right--not 'best', just 'right'--balance of taste, proof and price; Rare Breed is a top of the mark to me, and Russell's Reserve is nice though I still prefer the 101. In fact, most of the other whiskies I buy are to keep me from draining my 1.75L handle of WT101 too quickly. I also have a handle of Elijah Craig Small Batch that I'll probably swap for Larceny when it's gone.

WT101 is pretty economical and readily available. You shouldn’t worry too much about draining it.

 

[wlwiles]

Any Manhattan drinkers in the FFA? Been experimenting with them for the first time over this past weekend, after several years of exclusively drinking either neat or in an Old Fashioned. Looking for any tips or recipes or what you guys like. I've found that I really like to use rye in an Old Fashioned to help counter the sweetness, so I started out on a Manhattan with a simple recipe: 2 oz rye, 0.5 oz vermouth, and 1-2 dashes of bitters.

So far the ryes I've tried in it (Pikesville, Crittendens Single Barrel, Michters Single Barrel, WT101 Rye) don't seem to stand out, they all taste the same. This makes me think the vermouth is overpowering it? The taste is pleasant, but the finish/aftertaste is no bueno. Is my ratio off? I'm going to try and cut back or cut out the bitters, and switch from rye to bourbon next.

 

[AAABatteries]

Any Manhattan drinkers in the FFA? Been experimenting with them for the first time over this past weekend, after several years of exclusively drinking either neat or in an Old Fashioned. Looking for any tips or recipes or what you guys like. I've found that I really like to use rye in an Old Fashioned to help counter the sweetness, so I started out on a Manhattan with a simple recipe: 2 oz rye, 0.5 oz vermouth, and 1-2 dashes of bitters.

So far the ryes I've tried in it (Pikesville, Crittendens Single Barrel, Michters Single Barrel, WT101 Rye) don't seem to stand out, they all taste the same. This makes me think the vermouth is overpowering it? The taste is pleasant, but the finish/aftertaste is no bueno. Is my ratio off? I'm going to try and cut back or cut out the bitters, and switch from rye to bourbon next.

Scooby used to be a big Manhattan drinker but think he's cut back some due to health. I drink them frequently enough to give my opinion and that's all this list is, MO. As always, drink what you like.

• You absolutely must use rye in a manhattan - GTFO with bourbon manhattans
• Personally I find the proof range of 100-110 to be the sweet spot in making a fantastic manhattan. Lower and you risk the vermouth overpowering and not letting the rye notes come through. Higher and it's too rye forward
• Your vermouth choice kind of makes or breaks the drink unless you pick a crappy rye
• My favorite vermouth is Antico Carpano but you can get cheaper and really solid vermouths that will be good
• Ratio - well, that's somewhat how your palate is but I think it's safe to say that most would find your 4:1 to be to high on the rye side of things. I think typical is somewhere between 2:1 and 3:1. Mine is usually closer to 2.5:1 but I would find anything in that range I mentioned acceptable.
• Bitters - I just go with Angustora for a classic Manhattan but my favorite is to use Black Walnut bitters. Delicious. And I make sure to always use 2 dashes no matter which bitters I pick.

 

[wlwiles]

Any Manhattan drinkers in the FFA? Been experimenting with them for the first time over this past weekend, after several years of exclusively drinking either neat or in an Old Fashioned. Looking for any tips or recipes or what you guys like. I've found that I really like to use rye in an Old Fashioned to help counter the sweetness, so I started out on a Manhattan with a simple recipe: 2 oz rye, 0.5 oz vermouth, and 1-2 dashes of bitters.

So far the ryes I've tried in it (Pikesville, Crittendens Single Barrel, Michters Single Barrel, WT101 Rye) don't seem to stand out, they all taste the same. This makes me think the vermouth is overpowering it? The taste is pleasant, but the finish/aftertaste is no bueno. Is my ratio off? I'm going to try and cut back or cut out the bitters, and switch from rye to bourbon next.

Scooby used to be a big Manhattan drinker but think he's cut back some due to health. I drink them frequently enough to give my opinion and that's all this list is, MO. As always, drink what you like.

• You absolutely must use rye in a manhattan - GTFO with bourbon manhattans
• Personally I find the proof range of 100-110 to be the sweet spot in making a fantastic manhattan. Lower and you risk the vermouth overpowering and not letting the rye notes come through. Higher and it's too rye forward
• Your vermouth choice kind of makes or breaks the drink unless you pick a crappy rye
• My favorite vermouth is Antico Carpano but you can get cheaper and really solid vermouths that will be good
• Ratio - well, that's somewhat how your palate is but I think it's safe to say that most would find your 4:1 to be to high on the rye side of things. I think typical is somewhere between 2:1 and 3:1. Mine is usually closer to 2.5:1 but I would find anything in that range I mentioned acceptable.
• Bitters - I just go with Angustora for a classic Manhattan but my favorite is to use Black Walnut bitters. Delicious. And I make sure to always use 2 dashes no matter which bitters I pick.

Sounds like I pretty much made what you like, except a tweak to the ratio at 4:1. I'm using Antica Formula vermouth, the Pikesville rye I tried first is 110 proof, and I did two dashes of angostura (maybe was a little heavy-handed; I like bitters in my OF's so muscle memory probably kicked in). I'll tinker some more with the ratio...

Thanks very much for the info!

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Who are our FL peeps in here? How difficult is it to find the more available BT stuff down there? Buffalo Trace? Eagle Rare? I know it varies by locale. Generally available in FL? Tough to get these days?

 

[Galileo]

Who are our FL peeps in here? How difficult is it to find the more available BT stuff down there? Buffalo Trace? Eagle Rare? I know it varies by locale. Generally available in FL? Tough to get these days?

I visited 4 liquor stores while in Tampa last week...The only Buffalo Trace products I saw were at a Luken's behind the glass... an EH Taylor SiB store pick ($200), Stagg store pick ($200) and a Blanton's Gold ($250). That's was it for Buffalo Trace stuff. 4 stores in Tampa area is a small sample though, so don't know how representative it is..

I did come home with a few other bottles I can't get in Ohio...a couple of Still Austin's, a 13th Colony, and a Widow Jane Decadence.

 

[AAABatteries]

Who are our FL peeps in here? How difficult is it to find the more available BT stuff down there? Buffalo Trace? Eagle Rare? I know it varies by locale. Generally available in FL? Tough to get these days?

I visited 4 liquor stores while in Tampa last week...The only Buffalo Trace products I saw were at a Luken's behind the glass... an EH Taylor SiB store pick ($200), Stagg store pick ($200) and a Blanton's Gold ($250). That's was it for Buffalo Trace stuff. 4 stores in Tampa area is a small sample though, so don't know how representative it is..

I did come home with a few other bottles I can't get in Ohio...a couple of Still Austin's, a 13th Colony, and a Widow Jane Decadence.

Did you happen to go to a place called Gaspars? I think that was the name - we went to it while in Tampa and it was a fantastic store with a great selection and a ton of store picks. I don't remember what BT products they had though.

 

[Galileo]

Who are our FL peeps in here? How difficult is it to find the more available BT stuff down there? Buffalo Trace? Eagle Rare? I know it varies by locale. Generally available in FL? Tough to get these days?

I visited 4 liquor stores while in Tampa last week...The only Buffalo Trace products I saw were at a Luken's behind the glass... an EH Taylor SiB store pick ($200), Stagg store pick ($200) and a Blanton's Gold ($250). That's was it for Buffalo Trace stuff. 4 stores in Tampa area is a small sample though, so don't know how representative it is..

I did come home with a few other bottles I can't get in Ohio...a couple of Still Austin's, a 13th Colony, and a Widow Jane Decadence.

Did you happen to go to a place called Gaspars? I think that was the name - we went to it while in Tampa and it was a fantastic store with a great selection and a ton of store picks. I don't remember what BT products they had though.

Heard good things about it, but it was a bit further away from where I was. I never made it there.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Thanks. Staying with friends for a few nights, and they're bourbon drinkers. I'd like to take them something as a thank you. Was leaning ER, but if it's everywhere down there, might go elsewhere.

 

[gruecd]

Doing a small tasting event for some clients next week at a local liquor store. Here's the plan (from the store owner):

Selection Bottlings for Sampling:

• Tattersall BBA Rye Old Fashioned - third use of a pick barrel, chocolate and oak galore
• Yahara Bay Apple Brandy - third use of a pick barrel, like dehydrated apple pie with caramel icing
• Great Lakes bottled in bond Bourbon - Blanton's-quality single barrel from our state's oldest distillery
• Rush Creek Double Oak Bourbon - 4x the time in 'double oak' vs. Woodford, Penelope, Elijah Craig perfect after-dinner or cigar pairing Bourbon!

Then I'll also have samples of Rush Creek's shelf Bourbons & Rye, and Yahara Bay's Vodka and RTD Old Fashioneds.

 

[Galileo]

Doing a small tasting event for some clients next week at a local liquor store. Here's the plan (from the store owner):

Selection Bottlings for Sampling:

• Tattersall BBA Rye Old Fashioned - third use of a pick barrel, chocolate and oak galore
• Yahara Bay Apple Brandy - third use of a pick barrel, like dehydrated apple pie with caramel icing
• Great Lakes bottled in bond Bourbon - Blanton's-quality single barrel from our state's oldest distillery
• Rush Creek Double Oak Bourbon - 4x the time in 'double oak' vs. Woodford, Penelope, Elijah Craig perfect after-dinner or cigar pairing Bourbon!

Then I'll also have samples of Rush Creek's shelf Bourbons & Rye, and Yahara Bay's Vodka and RTD Old Fashioneds.

I can confidently say I have never heard of any of those brands...which makes me curious about them.

 

[bcat01]

Ohio has a special release this morning. Local store has
Blantons Gold - $129
Blantons Straight from Barrel - $160
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel - $50

 

[odin33]

Ohio has a special release this morning. Local store has
Blantons Gold - $129
Blantons Straight from Barrel - $160
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel - $50

In Ohio as well. How did you hear about this if I may ask? OHLQ email?

...And will this jack up the Saturday releases at Kroger

 

[Ron Swanson]

Who are our FL peeps in here? How difficult is it to find the more available BT stuff down there? Buffalo Trace? Eagle Rare? I know it varies by locale. Generally available in FL? Tough to get these days?

Almost impossible except on the secondary market at small liquor stores at inflated prices. There is a large liquor store chain down here called ABC (private, not state run) that has an exclusive relationship on many BT products (Weller and BTAC) but they only sell them through their membership rewards program through their "Vault".

Edit: - sorry, I misread your question. The common BT stuff is widely available but sells out at the larger stores pretty quickly. Check the locals.

 

[bcat01]

Ohio has a special release this morning. Local store has
Blantons Gold - $129
Blantons Straight from Barrel - $160
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel - $50

In Ohio as well. How did you hear about this if I may ask? OHLQ email?

...And will this jack up the Saturday releases at Kroger

Email this morning. I saw people post on Facebook that there were lines before the email was sent out. I guess the delivery guys and anyone else that knows tells all their friends. I don't know about tomorrow. My store posted that they have 114 bottles which seems like a lot for my area. To bad I am working.

 

[Bossman]

Wife gifted me a bottle for Fathers Day.
Something different...
Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch

 

[gruecd]

Ohio has a special release this morning. Local store has
Blantons Gold - $129
Blantons Straight from Barrel - $160
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel - $50

Oh man. SFTB is high on my wish list...

 

[Gawain]

Ohio has a special release this morning. Local store has
Blantons Gold - $129
Blantons Straight from Barrel - $160
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel - $50

Oh man. SFTB is high on my wish list...

That’s a great price on Elmer T Lee as well.

 

[odin33]

Ohio has a special release this morning. Local store has
Blantons Gold - $129
Blantons Straight from Barrel - $160
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel - $50

In Ohio as well. How did you hear about this if I may ask? OHLQ email?

...And will this jack up the Saturday releases at Kroger

Email this morning. I saw people post on Facebook that there were lines before the email was sent out. I guess the delivery guys and anyone else that knows tells all their friends. I don't know about tomorrow. My store posted that they have 114 bottles which seems like a lot for my area. To bad I am working.

Using OHLQ to get that bottles figure? Heard that can be wildly inaccurate, but I guess some info beats nothing. My local Kroger for the past few weeks have actually posted what they got in the morning of well in advance of 9am. Sure as hell beats standing in line for 1.5 hours to pick up a bottle of BT.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Any Manhattan drinkers in the FFA? Been experimenting with them for the first time over this past weekend, after several years of exclusively drinking either neat or in an Old Fashioned. Looking for any tips or recipes or what you guys like. I've found that I really like to use rye in an Old Fashioned to help counter the sweetness, so I started out on a Manhattan with a simple recipe: 2 oz rye, 0.5 oz vermouth, and 1-2 dashes of bitters.

So far the ryes I've tried in it (Pikesville, Crittendens Single Barrel, Michters Single Barrel, WT101 Rye) don't seem to stand out, they all taste the same. This makes me think the vermouth is overpowering it? The taste is pleasant, but the finish/aftertaste is no bueno. Is my ratio off? I'm going to try and cut back or cut out the bitters, and switch from rye to bourbon next.

I like Bulleit. For its price it’s good enough to drink neat but also reasonable enough for a cocktail

I usually just use Dolin or noilly prat or whatever for a manhattan, but I don’t really make them much anymore. Usually have carpano antica and lately punt e mes on hand. Been drinking a lot of Amaro base / vermouth cocktails over crushed ice after dinner, or sometimes just straight amaro

 

[Galileo]

Ohio has a special release this morning. Local store has
Blantons Gold - $129
Blantons Straight from Barrel - $160
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel - $50

In Ohio as well. How did you hear about this if I may ask? OHLQ email?

...And will this jack up the Saturday releases at Kroger

Email this morning. I saw people post on Facebook that there were lines before the email was sent out. I guess the delivery guys and anyone else that knows tells all their friends. I don't know about tomorrow. My store posted that they have 114 bottles which seems like a lot for my area. To bad I am working.

Using OHLQ to get that bottles figure? Heard that can be wildly inaccurate, but I guess some info beats nothing. My local Kroger for the past few weeks have actually posted what they got in the morning of well in advance of 9am. Sure as hell beats standing in line for 1.5 hours to pick up a bottle of BT.

OHLQ is accurate with pricing. What their website reports, all stores must charge. They are not always accurate as to what is in stock at a particular location. This was a massive drop with 100+ bottles at many locations. I was able to get a Straight from the Barrel, 2 Golds, and an Elmer T Lee.

As far as notification, I got an OHLQ email time stamped at 7:16 AM. I actually saw a reference to the drop on Reddit around 7:35 before ever seeing the email. I arrived at a nearby store just after 8 am and was 25th in line. Line was well over 100 by the time sales started at 9 AM. That is where I got the STFB. I made a beeline to another store that I knew typically has smaller crowds. Got there around 9:25 and it was a small crowd. People were cycling through the line for multiple bottles. I got one of the Golds and an Elmer T there. Went to a 3rd store. Just as I got in line, they announced they were out. Went to a 4th store and got my second Gold...just after buying it, about 12 people walked in...looked like they were all coming from the store I had just left. Guess I knew a faster route. Good day hunting yesterday after avoiding the chaos of the lottery the day before...I followed it up with a Weller Antique 107 this morning.

 

[gruecd]

I was able to get a Straight from the Barrel, 2 Golds, and an Elmer T Lee.

Dude.

 

[Galileo]

I was able to get a Straight from the Barrel, 2 Golds, and an Elmer T Lee.

Dude.

I have developed an addiction over the past 6 months...not to drinking alcohol, but rather to wanting to own it. I think it is my version of middle age crisis. My brother in law buys motorcycles...another buys corvettes...I buy whiskey.

 

[gruecd]

I was able to get a Straight from the Barrel, 2 Golds, and an Elmer T Lee.

Dude.

I have developed an addiction over the past 6 months...not to drinking alcohol, but rather to wanting to own it. I think it is my version of middle age crisis. My brother in law buys motorcycles...another buys corvettes...I buy whiskey.

Same.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Any Manhattan drinkers in the FFA? Been experimenting with them for the first time over this past weekend, after several years of exclusively drinking either neat or in an Old Fashioned. Looking for any tips or recipes or what you guys like. I've found that I really like to use rye in an Old Fashioned to help counter the sweetness, so I started out on a Manhattan with a simple recipe: 2 oz rye, 0.5 oz vermouth, and 1-2 dashes of bitters.

So far the ryes I've tried in it (Pikesville, Crittendens Single Barrel, Michters Single Barrel, WT101 Rye) don't seem to stand out, they all taste the same. This makes me think the vermouth is overpowering it? The taste is pleasant, but the finish/aftertaste is no bueno. Is my ratio off? I'm going to try and cut back or cut out the bitters, and switch from rye to bourbon next.

I like Bulleit. For its price it’s good enough to drink neat but also reasonable enough for a cocktail

I usually just use Dolin or noilly prat or whatever for a manhattan, but I don’t really make them much anymore. Usually have carpano antica and lately punt e mes on hand. Been drinking a lot of Amaro base / vermouth cocktails over crushed ice after dinner, or sometimes just straight amaro

I'm the same. It hits the sweet spot for me. I accept I'm not going to be an expert and appreciate the more expensive stuff.

FWIW, the Bulleit tasting tour is excellent. I became more of a fan after visiting the distillery. It's not pretentious or precious and feels just write. Excellent bar area for after the tasting and just a general cool vibe without being too over the top.

 

[AAABatteries]

https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/1dm25c7/almost_missed_it_knob_creek_bourbon_x_rye_bourye/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

I can’t find anything else out about this. Assuming this is real then I’ll be getting multiple bottles at that price without trying it. I’m a big fan of KC bourbon and rye and I’m a sucker for a bourye.

 

[Galileo]

https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/1dm25c7/almost_missed_it_knob_creek_bourbon_x_rye_bourye/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

I can’t find anything else out about this. Assuming this is real then I’ll be getting multiple bottles at that price without trying it. I’m a big fan of KC bourbon and rye and I’m a sucker for a bourye.

Haven't seen it or heard anything more about it since this report by Drums and Drams back at the end of February

 

[Dezbelief]

World’s Best Bourbon Named at 2024 International Whisky Competition

The annual International Whisky Competition just wrapped up, with the 2024 event taking place on both the Isle of Raasay in Scotland and Louisville, KY in the United States. Every year, judges double-blind taste test whiskeys from around the world, with no categories or ABV provided, to ...

www.yahoo.com

 

[Joe Bryant]

Are prices dropping? Was talking to a good friend recently who has a friend that has a giant collection and he said he felt the bottom was falling out of the high end stuff and had sold a lot.

 

[Joe Schmo]

Are prices dropping? Was talking to a good friend recently who has a friend that has a giant collection and he said he felt the bottom was falling out of the high end stuff and had sold a lot.

Good question, Joe, and I can only speak from my experience working at the store but it seems like a saturation point may have been reached by both the buyer and the distillers. Starting to see more of the allocated stuff appear more frequently while the clamor for certain store picks isn't quite what it was a year or two ago. Bourbon can be an expensive hobby and FOMO can lead to some oversized collections. Eventually you have to pull back. At least some do, there are others that will never stop hunting and buying.

 

[Joe Schmo]

As far as secondary pricing, people still over pay mostly cuz they don't know they don't have to, you can find decent MSRP if you look around and don't base your buying off what you read on the internet.

 

[wlwiles]

Are prices dropping? Was talking to a good friend recently who has a friend that has a giant collection and he said he felt the bottom was falling out of the high end stuff and had sold a lot.

If we're talking about allocated bottles that are listed above MSRP or at secondary prices, I haven't seen any dropping prices yet. My local store still has a dozen different bottles that I want and everytime I go in there I ask them if they're willing to negotiate on the price yet (nope). Another store I sometimes frequent, they have just about any bottle you could ask for in the back room, and I always ask if they've got a Michter's 10 yr. The price has been $350 for over two years now.

 

[Galileo]

https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/1dm25c7/almost_missed_it_knob_creek_bourbon_x_rye_bourye/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

I can’t find anything else out about this. Assuming this is real then I’ll be getting multiple bottles at that price without trying it. I’m a big fan of KC bourbon and rye and I’m a sucker for a bourye.

Haven't seen it or heard anything more about it since this report by Drums and Drams back at the end of February

Well, I just stumbled across this video review of it... Drams for Dummies. I am not at all familiar with this reviewer, but he doesn't seem overly impressed by it.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Has anyone had any of the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass line?

Grain to Glass

Discover the people, places, and stories behind every step of our most adventurous whiskey production ever.

heavenhilldistillery.com

 

[Rustoleum]

Saw Eagle Rare on the shelf in Denver for $77. Was flying back home the next day without a checked bag so wouldn’t have considered it even at a normal price, but you definintely don’t see that on the shelf here in Ky anymore.

If I had seen that on the first day of the trip I might’ve paid that inflated price knowing I had a whole week to enjoy it and it was a vacation after all.

Jealous of the recent Elmer T. Lee scores up thread though. That one was my favorite back when you could buy it off the shelf for under $30 and then it just became unobtainable for the amount of effort and $$ I’m willing to expend for it.

 

[AAABatteries]

Saw Eagle Rare on the shelf in Denver for $77. Was flying back home the next day without a checked bag so wouldn’t have considered it even at a normal price, but you definintely don’t see that on the shelf here in Ky anymore.

If I had seen that on the first day of the trip I might’ve paid that inflated price knowing I had a whole week to enjoy it and it was a vacation after all.

Jealous of the recent Elmer T. Lee scores up thread though. That one was my favorite back when you could buy it off the shelf for under $30 and then it just became unobtainable for the amount of effort and $$ I’m willing to expend for it.

ER flows like water here in GA.

 

[odin33]

Any North Carolina hunters in the group?

Headed to Charlotte and Asheville in a month or so and figured I'd do some hunting. Looks to be an ABC state, so guessing this is one of those states where the good stuff is in the 'Vault'?

 

[Ilov80s]

Saw Eagle Rare on the shelf in Denver for $77. Was flying back home the next day without a checked bag so wouldn’t have considered it even at a normal price, but you definintely don’t see that on the shelf here in Ky anymore.

If I had seen that on the first day of the trip I might’ve paid that inflated price knowing I had a whole week to enjoy it and it was a vacation after all.

Jealous of the recent Elmer T. Lee scores up thread though. That one was my favorite back when you could buy it off the shelf for under $30 and then it just became unobtainable for the amount of effort and $$ I’m willing to expend for it.

Sucks what happened with bourbon. I swear it was like 5 years ago that all the local party stores had Eagle Rare consistenyl for like $35.