Bourbon (if you know, you know)

[90supra]

Eagle Rare is my top choice, Bulliet is the house bourbon. Buffalo trace is what we drink when we run out of Bulliet.

Ever seen either of these :

I'm a big Eagle Rare fan but might like these better. Similar but different to me.

Buffalo is my go to from a cost:taste point. Stagg is one of my favorites. Had a Blantons Gold at one point but probably didn't appreciate enough at the time.

 

[1oddtech]

I wished i liked bourbons and whiskeys but never got the taste for them. I did get a bottle of Climax moonshine and after you get past your nose hairs burning it really has a good flavor.

 

[billdacat]

Dang it peeps... I started collecting the hard stuff for when I get close to kicking the bucket. I have rat-hole away some good scotch.... This burbon thingy does sound interesting.
Any Cliff's notes on some main stream burbon for starters and novice???

 

[M92PV4U]

Dang it peeps... I started collecting the hard stuff for when I get close to kicking the bucket. I have rat-hole away some good scotch.... This burbon thingy does sound interesting.
Any Cliff's notes on some main stream burbon for starters and novice???

I have no tips but, my grandfather drank a lot of crown royal in the months, weeks and days leading up to his loss with the battle of cancer. Your post reminded me of that. I still have some of the empty bottles and bags from it.

 

[Pmedic920]

I have not made it out there yet, but a buddy went a few years ago and brought me some cigars they made. They were fantastic and I wish I could find more.

I have not tried their cigars, probably would if I saw them.

Having said that, I’ve tried Eagle Rare & Buffalo Trace cigars and was very disappointed. I have no clue who actually makes them, or anything about the tobacco or how they are made.

 

[Pmedic920]

Dang it peeps... I started collecting the hard stuff for when I get close to kicking the bucket. I have rat-hole away some good scotch.... This burbon thingy does sound interesting.
Any Cliff's notes on some main stream burbon for starters and novice???

Here’s my 2 cents.

I tend to way overdo shit like this, I had to focus on one aspect of the distilled spirits world, I chose Bourbon because it was my favorite.
I also enjoy a good Scotch, Irish, Japanese, or American whiskey. I like a good Gin or vodka, some Tequila is very good as well.

Fuck a bunch of wine, just no room in my wheelhouse.

If you’re looking for advice on bourbon, I/we need to know what you like. If you’re not sure, my suggestion would be to start figuring out what you like.
Typically the “mash bill” makes a huge difference.
Wheated vs high rye content is a good starting point.

Wheated Bourbon tends to be sweeter, high rye content tends to be a bit spicy or “peppery”.

For my palette, I like the Wheated Bourbons over the high Rye content Bourbons.

IMO the Buffalo Trace mash bill #1 is the best stuff available.

But just like anything it depends on what you like, and there is NO RIGHT ANSWER.

The journey of discovering what you like can be/is amazing.
For me on a personal level, this has nothing to do with getting drunk, I’ve probably only gotten drunk 3 times in the last 20 years.
Hell, if you’re getting drunk, you’re not truly tasting what you’re drinking anyway.

Buying bottles trying to figure out what you like/don’t like can get very expensive. I recommend finding a place that stocks a good selection of higher end spirits and just trying a couple different “pours” in an evening.
If you smoke cigars, many of the cigar lounges also have good whiskey.

Slow down, take your time and enjoy the discoveries ahead.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Mash Bills – Blog

ETA:
The science behind the recipes can get overwhelming, don’t get caught up.

Just try different things, when you find something you like significantly better than something else do a bit of research and look for something similar.
Tons of technical information available.

Also, there are many “YouTubers” with great knowledge on the topic.
I’ve watched hours of videos, and found guys that seem to have similar tastes. When one of them samples something they like and I’ve never tried, I look for an opportunity to try.

If you want some links to YouTube channels let me know, I’ll post a few that I follow.

 

[Pmedic920]

My local liquor store owner is one hell of a nice lady and always squirrels away a bottle of Buffalo Trace for me. Any suggestions on a replacement for when she doesn’t have any?

Weller special reserve (green label).

There are several at that price point that are very good.

It’s important IMO to know what about the Buffalo Trace you like.

Is there a particular tasting note?

Do you drink it “neat” room temperature, no mix, no ice?

Evan Williams White label is awesome for the price.

Old Grandad is great value for the product.


Buffalo Trace products with the same “mash bill” in the price range as “Buffalo Trace” would be Old Chater and the Benchmark line.

Bottom line is, it’s hard to make recommendations without knowing what your palette likes/doesn’t like

 

[Pmedic920]

Ever seen either of these :

I'm a big Eagle Rare fan but might like these better. Similar but different to me.

Buffalo is my go to from a cost:taste point. Stagg is one of my favorites. Had a Blantons Gold at one point but probably didn't appreciate enough at the time.

I’ve got a Blantons “straight from the barrel” that is amazing.

You have to enjoy the high APV stuff but is the best Blantons available IMO/for my taste.

Very hard to find in most places, I think it only gets released once a year.

 

[billdacat]

Here’s my 2 cents.

I tend to way overdo shit like this, I had to focus on one aspect of the distilled spirits world, I chose Bourbon because it was my favorite.
I also enjoy a good Scotch, Irish, Japanese, or American whiskey. I like a good Gin or vodka, some Tequila is very good as well.

Fuck a bunch of wine, just no room in my wheelhouse.

If you’re looking for advice on bourbon, I/we need to know what you like. If you’re not sure, my suggestion would be to start figuring out what you like.
Typically the “mash bill” makes a huge difference.
Wheated vs high rye content is a good starting point.

Wheated Bourbon tends to be sweeter, high rye content tends to be a bit spicy or “peppery”.

For my palette, I like the Wheated Bourbons over the high Rye content Bourbons.

IMO the Buffalo Trace mash bill #1 is the best stuff available.

But just like anything it depends on what you like, and there is NO RIGHT ANSWER.

The journey of discovering what you like can be/is amazing.
For me on a personal level, this has nothing to do with getting drunk, I’ve probably only gotten drunk 3 times in the last 20 years.
Hell, if you’re getting drunk, you’re not truly tasting what you’re drinking anyway.

Buying bottles trying to figure out what you like/don’t like can get very expensive. I recommend finding a place that stocks a good selection of higher end spirits and just trying a couple different “pours” in an evening.
If you smoke cigars, many of the cigar lounges also have good whiskey.

Slow down, take your time and enjoy the discoveries ahead.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Mash Bills – Blog

ETA:
The science behind the recipes can get overwhelming, don’t get caught up.

Just try different things, when you find something you like significantly better than something else do a bit of research and look for something similar.
Tons of technical information available.

Also, there are many “YouTubers” with great knowledge on the topic.
I’ve watched hours of videos, and found guys that seem to have similar tastes. When one of them samples something they like and I’ve never tried, I look for an opportunity to try.

If you want some links to YouTube channels let me know, I’ll post a few that I follow.

Thanks....The wine celler if fucking full! (250+ bottles). Might need some training wheels....
Dang do I have some fucking scotch stories. Twelve cubes of ice in Africa with JW black....

 

[Jscwerve]

One of my current likes.

That shit tasted to me like it was made last week and they just mixed it with liquid smoke and bottled it. It was the best they offered though. I did take their distillery tour when I was in the area. The other offerings they had tasted even newer and very flat. Like those "moonshine" companies selling vodka with cinnamon or spiced apples in it.

It's got potential, but only if they can leave some if it to age more than a few weeks.

 

[spareparts]

Mystic Farm & Distillery

www.whatismystic.com

This place is in Durham NC, they run some pretty cool events and tastings. Their regular stuff is decent, I have not tried their premium stuff($$$). If you go to one of their events, make sure you hang around afterwards, they tend to walk by and "here, try this batch" till you cant walk. BTW, bring a DD. We are planning to do the Kentucky Bourbon trail this spring, my GF has done it before and I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Texas97]

We went through a bottle of Garrison Brothers Balmorhea at deer camp opening weekend. I like it a lot. I just finished a bottle of their small batch.

They make some very good stuff, I think they just won very big blind contest in San Francisco IIRC


Fun time to be had if you ever get a chance to make it to the distillery.

i bought a bottle of that exact garrison bros for a buddies 40th. never got a report on how it was though.

 

[zxkevinxz]

I have one but I wouldn’t mind helping you out.

What are you interested in/ what do you like?

Hell, maybe we could turn this into an exchange thread.

Lots of stuff is regional and maybe we could all benefit from the idea?

Here's my shelf right now. I like all that stuff except the Russell 13. Don't mind the car hood in my breakfast area

 

[Pmedic920]

Here's my shelf right now. I like all that stuff except the Russell 13. Don't mind the car hood in my breakfast area

I’ve got a couple Bookers but probably not one you don’t have.
Last two Little Books I got, I drank.

What do you have into the R13? If you paid MSRP
I’ll try to offer you something comparable, maybe two bottles of something less pricey but still good.

If you are into it @ secondary market and looking to re coup I’m probably out.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I honestly dont see the draw to Eagle Rare. I think Bulleit tastes better. My current favorite is Jeffersons, the Ocean aged is quite fantastic. Normally I'm on Bulleit or Angles Envy Ryes.

 

[61scout80]

When y'all get here to Kentucky check out Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta. "It isn't their focus" is about the best I can say for their bourbon. The moonshine is incredible. It tastes just like the stuff everyone around here seems to have in their freezer from their weird uncle's buddy.

The moonshine is that good because they're the 10th & 11th generation of moonshiners, the first legal ones, and the recipe didn't change. They have a very long presentation about the 'troubles' the family has had for all that time. they like to say that their family has as much illegal history in the state as the Beams have legal. The distillery was founded to tell that history.

Authentic Kentucky Bourbon | Neeley Family Distillery | United States

Authentic Kentucky Bourbon | Neeley Family Distillery |

www.neeleyfamilydistillery.com

 

[Pmedic920]

I honestly dont see the draw to Eagle Rare. I think Bulleit tastes better. My current favorite is Jeffersons, the Ocean aged is quite fantastic. Normally I'm on Bulleit or Angles Envy Ryes.

The Draw is, it’s a 10 y/o and at MARP of $33 or so it’s very good.

It becomes an issue when the distillery limits supply and creates an “allocated” situation as a marketing strategy. Sometimes it’s not the distillery but the distributors, either way the public buys into it.

End result is a supply vs demand climate that drives the price up. Mom and pop stores set prices at whatever the market will hold, those that think they want it bad enough pay the prices.

Eagle rare is great IMO especially at retail, certainly not worth $100 per 750ml but people pay it (and more.

 

[Alpine4x4]

The Draw is, it’s a 10 y/o and at MARP of $33 or so it’s very good.

It becomes an issue when the distillery limits supply and creates an “allocated” situation as a marketing strategy. Sometimes it’s not the distillery but the distributors, either way the public buys into it.

End result is a supply vs demand climate that drives the price up. Mom and pop stores set prices at whatever the market will hold, those that think they want it bad enough pay the prices.

Eagle rare is great IMO especially at retail, certainly not worth $100 per 750ml but people pay it (and more.

I got it for retail in Oregon. Oregon has state run liquor stores that have to update their inventory daily and its a searchable inventory on the state website. Its not bad, but I wont go out of my way to grab another bottle when I can get Jeffersons at any store in town here in WA for the same price.

 

[zxkevinxz]

I’ve got a couple Bookers but probably not one you don’t have.
Last two Little Books I got, I drank.

What do you have into the R13? If you paid MSRP
I’ll try to offer you something comparable, maybe two bottles of something less pricey but still good.

If you are into it @ secondary market and looking to re coup I’m probably out.

I think i paid under 150. I was getting stuff at case price at the time. I've drank a bottle each of the little books. Not the infinite but #6,7,8. They are very good. One of those bookers is the old lumberyard batch. The only thing on that shelf that I paid over msrp. it was so good, when I found another I justified it to myself. The new Master Distillers Batch is pretty damn good. Kentucky Tea was awesome too. I'd trade straight up for a Kentucky Tea or Lumberyard.

I'm a huge fan of the peerless double oak bourbon. Probably my favorite. I keep a few knob creek 12s cause I like em alot as well. I keep the eagle rare and Blantons cause that's what everyone wants when they come over.

 

[Pmedic920]

zxkevinxz

Yea, I don’t have any KT or LY.

Fact is, I’ve got a R13 and just don’t want another bad enough to get you close to your investment.

I’ll keep my eyes open for something you may like in my area and hit you up if I come across something.

I’ve been looking for a Russell’s 15 because I’ve heard nothing but good things. I think it’s at $250 retail though. Unless I’ve got some extra “mad money” in my pocket at the moment I may have to pass. Not many bottles worth that kind of change IMO.

Edit:
I do have some harder to find 1792 bottles.

I’ve got a couple of full proof/cask strength and a couple of BIB single barrel store picks.

I’d be willing to trade one of each of those for the R13 if that interests you.

Just an offer, not trying to bust yer balls

I’ll also look at the Bookers I have, maybe one of mine is something you don’t have.

 

[Pony_Driver]

Some nice whiskeys listed here. Eagle Rare isn't bad at all and I do like a dram of E.H. Taylor Small Batch. Good score on the Weller. It's $70 here and about a 2 year wait for the call. Unless you want to pay secondary market prices. In OH my buddy gets it for $26 a bottle.

 

[zxkevinxz]

zxkevinxz

Yea, I don’t have any KT or LY.

Fact is, I’ve got a R13 and just don’t want another bad enough to get you close to your investment.

I’ll keep my eyes open for something you may like in my area and hit you up if I come across something.

I’ve been looking for a Russell’s 15 because I’ve heard nothing but good things. I think it’s at $250 retail though. Unless I’ve got some extra “mad money” in my pocket at the moment I may have to pass. Not many bottles worth that kind of change IMO.

Edit:
I do have some harder to find 1792 bottles.

I’ve got a couple of full proof/cask strength and a couple of BIB single barrel store picks.

I’d be willing to trade one of each of those for the R13 if that interests you.

Just an offer, not trying to bust yer balls

I’ll also look at the Bookers I have, maybe one of mine is something you don’t have.

I do like the 1792 full proof store picks. Always looking for those. I've run into some great ones.

 

[2JZ]

Dang it peeps... I started collecting the hard stuff for when I get close to kicking the bucket. I have rat-hole away some good scotch.... This burbon thingy does sound interesting.
Any Cliff's notes on some main stream burbon for starters and novice???

This. Out of the fridge or freezer, over ice.

 

[jeeptj19992001]

I like willet
52 a bottle here