Favorite Bourbon

[sfox52]

One of the lazy, no time limit trips I dream of for my retirement years is to roam around Kentucky, checking out the different Bourbon makers. I have long enjoyed Evan Williams- the single barrel is really nice- and Elijah Craig 12 year old is another I really like. I lived in Hardin County for a couple years as a kid, but I couldn't do the distillery tours then.I'm in Maryland now, so I may make a weekend trip to Fredericksburg & see the Virginia Gentleman distillery- I used to enjoy that one.

[Grainger49]

Ok, I admit I like the sweet tasting Bourbons, Jack Daniels, Maker's Mark, Rebel Yell.

Did I see a mention of a more reasonably priced sweet Bourbon in the last week or two?

[caddisgeek]

wild turkey

[MitsuMan]

I've been drinking either Woodford Reserve or Bulleit pretty much exclusively of late. Last week I tried some of this..........

http://www.winespecialist.com/ecart/img/productImages/blantons.JPG

......I may have to add this to my liquor cabinet. :yes:

[john_w]

That reminds me - I haven't picked up my Blantons order yet, and it's been weeks! I hope they still have some left. :sigh: I'm running down there pretty shortly.

[john_w]

Ummm....Did I say I was joking about it selling out?

This stuff had better compare well to a single malt scotch - it certainly costs like one!

[MitsuMan]

Ummm....Did I say I was joking about it selling out?

This stuff had better compare well to a single malt scotch - it certainly costs like one!

I don't think you'll be dissapointed. :smoke:

[john_w]

Yes, I know there tends to be an aversion to "a" vs. "b" here, and for some good reasons, although I often find direct comparisons to be revealing. Especially if I'm looking at a $30 difference in price for 750 ml!

Starting w/Blanton's and then switching to Maker's Mark, so far I have to agree with the Blantons fans. Makers still seems to be the King of Smooth, but Blantons had more and better flavor (maybe all of that is just because I started w/Blantons, but I doubt it), and had a great aftertaste from the first sip that hung around for quite a while. Next I'll start w/Makers and then shift to Blantons. Then maybe drink a little more Makers, then a little more Blantons, then a little MORE Makers...all in the interest of science, of course! ;)

[Grainger49]

I bought some George Dickel the other day. It was the equivalent of Jack Green. Boy! Did it taste good with a splash of water ! ! !

The store doesn't have any more. Has anyone else seen it?

[onepixel]

I gots me some Bulleit recently. Very nice!

[tentoze]

I bought some George Dickel the other day. It was the equivalent of Jack Green. Boy! Did it taste good with a splash of water ! ! !

The store doesn't have any more. Has anyone else seen it?

Haven't been in a liquor store around here in 35 years that didn't have a shelf full of it.

I gots me some Bulleit recently. Very nice!

Indeed.

[onepixel]

Haven't been in a liquor store around here in 35 years that didn't have a shelf full of it.



Indeed.

Yup... If I recall correctly, it was your recommendation. :thmbsp:

[JohnVF]

Even our poker buddies preferred the Knob Creek. Keep in mind that this was before their fancy ads, so people were judging on taste alone.
Just found this thread...

I actually did those fancy ads, if you're referring to the Knob Creek ads that started running about a year and half/two years ago. And yes, Knob Creek is one of my preferred bourbons.

As far as the air conditioned rack houses brought up many pages back...it's actually the difference in temperature between summer and winter in Kentucky that makes it perfect for making this stuff. In the very hot summers, the mixture in the barrels expands into the charred wood of the barrel, in the very cold winter it contracts out of it, acquiring much of it's flavor in the process. AC would eliminate this.

I like all of the Beam-family bourbons. I like Bookers with ice cut with a bit of water. The people from Beam actually recommend mixing with water to bring out a lot of the flavor, and I have to say that I enjoy that much more than I do drinking it straight, though I do that occasionally as well. There's a bottle of Beam Black and Bakers sitting in the corner of my office here. I wish it were Basil Hayden. If you go to a Beam tasting, they're pretty entertaining folk, and have a lot of opinions good and bad about other bourbons and non-bourbons (jack..). The Jim Beam wikipedia page has a pretty detailed section about how bourbon (at least their's) is made.

I don't strictly drink Beam, however. A friend of mine just introduced me to Bulleit. That is a fine bourbon.

[onepixel]

I used to think people who added anything (ice, water) to bourbon or scotch were blasphemous. Then "boss" a Sahib Sikh, ex-coronel in HM'sA and proprietor of an awesome liquor store convinced me to do so.

Man... a bit of water does wonders!

[pmsummer]

I put a little splash, or a cube, in my George T. Stagg, but that's because it's Fire Marshal regulations for hazmat liquids.

[JohnVF]

Here's another tip I learned from one of the Beam tastings I went to:

When you drink bourbon, try putting the glass about a half inch to an inch back on your tongue..sort of rest the glass on it as you drink, not drooling on yourself of course. This way, the taste buds on your tongue most most receptive to the flavor of bourbon will get most of the bourbon taste, while the tip of your tongue, where the bite/sting comes from, gets bypassed. It really does alter the taste of the bourbon, for the better.

Bookers is some serious stuff. I had a complimentary bottle at my place during a crazy work party, and this one dude was being an ass (which was easy and normal for this guy) and asking if I had any real alcohol (I think we were all drinking gin & tonics). So I handed him my bottle of bookers with a smile, knowing he had no idea what he was in for. He was, of course, going to show us all how to drink, and downed more than his fair share. About a half hour later he was projectile vomiting off of the balcony and all of our coworkers, who equally disliked this guy, cheered him on.

I realize it was kind of a bad thing to do, but Gin makes me do bad things. And I also paid for it. My cheapy Denon HT receiver essentially blew up at this party right after this, and...the big dude who was throwing up passed out in my guest room and I had to deal with him, the next day. Though, I have to say, he was cool about it, and we got along better after that...I guess he found it a, um, sobering experience. Advertising is a fun profession.

[jimfet]

Nothing like a good drunk story.

[stuartk]

I bought some George Dickel the other day. It was the equivalent of Jack Green. Boy! Did it taste good with a splash of water ! ! !

The store doesn't have any more. Has anyone else seen it?

I really like most bourbon, but for some reason both Dickel and Daniels bother my stomach.

I've looked into how they're made, and they're basically the same as bourbon. I'm not sure what's different, but I just can't drink these.

There are some bourbons that I don't like the taste of, but at least they don't make me feel like I'm going to barf. :)

[stuartk]

I used to think people who added anything (ice, water) to bourbon or scotch were blasphemous. Then "boss" a Sahib Sikh, ex-coronel in HM'sA and proprietor of an awesome liquor store convinced me to do so.

Man... a bit of water does wonders!

I agree. I generally put a splash of water in my bourbon. It still has the same overall flavor, but you taste more of the subtle flavors too.

[sfox52]

Might be because I lived in Kentucky during my youth, but I am partial to the Kentucky whiskies. One day I'll take a week's"Bourbon Tour" of the state's distilleries!(Hope the wife doesn't mind doing the driving! :^)

[Grainger49]

I bought some George Dickel the other day. It was the equivalent of Jack Green. . . . .

Haven't been in a liquor store around here in 35 years that didn't have a shelf full of it. . . .

This was George aged 3 years. Jack has the very green Lem Motlow, Jack Daniel's Green label and Jack Daniel's Black label.

This was not the George Dickel that I see all the time it had a beige label background.

I have never seen that version before. But it is GOOOOOooooooD.

[Grainger49]

Might be because I lived in Kentucky during my youth, but I am partial to the Kentucky whiskies. One day I'll take a week's"Bourbon Tour" of the state's distilleries!(Hope the wife doesn't mind doing the driving! :^)

If you don't mind my asking, how far is Bourbon Country from Knoxville?

[tentoze]

This was George aged 3 years. Jack has the very green Lem Motlow, Jack Daniel's Green label and Jack Daniel's Black label.

This was not the George Dickel that I see all the time it had a beige label background.

I have never seen that version before. But it is GOOOOOooooooD.

Like this?

http://www.whiskeysammlung.de/Bilder%20klein/Dickel%20no%2012.jpg

[Grainger49]

Like this? (Picture removed for easier viewing)

I have to admit, it is all gone, don't have the bottle and that label looks very familiar. But it doesn't say aged 3 years, does it? The label is the right color. And I don't remember what proof the bottle I had was. I just know the store on Kingston Pike (think "Thunder Road") had an empty shelf space where it had been.

Edit: I even downloaded the picture to my desktop and zoomed way in to see what I could read.

Edit: This Bourbon looks darker than what I had, or I don't remember well. Are all GD Bourbon bottles beige now?

I am officially confused. :saywhat:...:saywhat:...:saywhat:...:saywhat:

[tentoze]

I'm no expert on Dickel whisky- probably haven't had any in 25 years, but as far as I know, they make 2 types- #8, which is the black labeled bottle, aged 8 years and 80 proof. and #12 (pictured up there), which is aged 12 years and 90 proof. I've never seen or heard of a Dickel whisky aged only 3 years.

[Grainger49]

Edit: I also remember that the 1.75l bottle only cost ~$22. A real costs saving. A splash of water and it was delicious. But as I said, not as stout as the regular stuff.

Funny, that is the only thing I remember from the label other than Dickel. It was only 3 years old and was amber in color, not brown.

That's why I posted.

[stereocuuple]

Has anyone mentioned Weller's? In my opinion, one of the best. Also, at around 18 dollars a fifth, you don't have to feel bad about drinking it. It has a subtle caramel flavor and just the right amount of woodiness. Outstanding!

Erin

I am drinking it right now BTW.:drunk:

[RussinOhio]

Jim Beam.



Russ

[3dbdown]

Jim Beam

[tentoze]

Funny, that is the only thing I remember from the label other than Dickel. It was only 3 years old and was amber in color, not brown.

That's why I posted.

Well, I can't and won't doubt your memory, but Dickel is a pretty tradition-steeped distiller, and if they sell a 3 year old whisky (which sounds way too young to taste like much to me), I can't find any reference to it anywhere.

[Grainger49]

I'll check with the liquor store guy. Maybe he can tell me what it was.

[cableguy]

Bulleit.....Although tonight it's JD...not my fave, but it was the best they had at the Gas station....

Cheers,



Bill

[tentoze]

Bulleit.....Although tonight it's JD...not my fave, but it was the best they had at the Gas station....

Cheers,



Bill

Jeebus, is it unleaded?

[cableguy]

Jeebus, is it unleaded?

Hey man, I am finally out of the world of ABC/State owned stores and back to where a fella can get a bottle of booze when he wants one.....:banana:
Still I'd a rather had Bulleit or Makers Mark...this is working quite nicely though..:thmbsp:




Bill

[Oerets]

http://www.oldripvanwinkle.com/newbs/vw/website3.nsf/docsbykey/HNEY-5FFLAS?opendocument

Bottled close by,
I don't know if it's readly available else were , but worth checking out if it is.



Barney

[pmsummer]

Since the price of Bulleit blew up around here, Buffalo Trace has been my regular. No complaints.

[stuartk]

http://www.oldripvanwinkle.com/newbs/vw/website3.nsf/docsbykey/HNEY-5FFLAS?opendocument

Bottled close by,
I don't know if it's readly available else were , but worth checking out if it is.


107 proof. I guess you can also use it as rocket fuel. :)

[Grainger49]

107 proof. I guess you can also use it as rocket fuel. :)

I think it is rocket fuel!

:yippy:.:yippy:.:yippy:.:yippy:.:yippy:

[stuartk]

I think it is rocket fuel!


;)


Actually, the stuff I always think of as rocket fuel is slivovitz. I swear that if you drink a shot it evaporates before it hits the back of your mouth and goes straight to your brain.

[Oerets]

107 proof. I guess you can also use it as rocket fuel. :)


It's surprisingly smooth, being as old as it is mellows the bite. When people try it they are taken aback not beliving it to be 107. I will not let anyone ruin it by mixing with coke and such. Ice yes may be a little water or shots but nothing else.
Spoils the drinker, everything else is harsh.
Had a roommate try and get by with drinking up some Rip and replace with G. Dickle while I was at work. Knew right away, man did that cost him, being that it was late Saturday night and the Liquor stores would be closed till Monday!


Never happen again , he left it in the freezer from then on.....



Barney

[JohnVF]

Isn't Bookers 127 proof? I don't have my bottle nearby, and I know it varies, but I think the last bottle I had was 127. It's pretty much straight from the barrel. The bottle of Bakers sitting beside me is 107.

Bookers is for those times when I really want to be reminded that I'm drinking.

[Oerets]

Years ago when I lived In Central KY , Knew a few people who worked at the Makers Bottling plant. From time to time they would have milk jugs of cloudy Bourbon from the bottom of the barrels that should of been poured down the drain . (followed them home)
Straight out of the barrels , man it was tasty! No-way of telling what proof it was or how old but once you tasted it being cloudy didn't matter at all....



Barney

[Grainger49]

Years ago when I lived In Central KY , Knew a few people who worked at the Makers Bottling plant. From time to time they would have milk jugs of cloudy Bourbon from the bottom of the barrels that should of been poured down the drain . (followed them home)
Straight out of the barrels , man it was tasty! No-way of telling what proof it was or how old but once you tasted it being cloudy didn't matter at all....



Barney

I'm not saying that isn't true, but the Feds frown on that.

Wish I had some.

[Oerets]

I'm sure the statues of limitations are long past....

[Grainger49]

Well, I can't and won't doubt your memory, but Dickel is a pretty tradition-steeped distiller, and if they sell a 3 year old whisky (which sounds way too young to taste like much to me), I can't find any reference to it anywhere.

Ok, I admit going to the liquor store and asking. The owner denied it all. Looking at the price and the darkness of the Bourbons I think I slipped into The Twilight Zone. The 1.75l that I bought was ~$22. George Dickel sells for $30 at the same shop. Maybe what I bought was George Dickle. You know, like I bought Old McHenry one night in the 70s instead of Henry McKenna.

I plead insanity.

[stuartk]

Ok, I admit going to the liquor store and asking. The owner denied it all. Looking at the price and the darkness of the Bourbons I think I slipped into The Twilight Zone. The 1.75l that I bought was ~$22. George Dickel sells for $30 at the same shop. Maybe what I bought was George Dickle. You know, like I bought Old McHenry one night in the 70s instead of Henry McKenna.

I plead insanity.

It could have been a 3 year old jar of Gherkin Pickles.

[Dire McCain]

Jose Curevo.
OK, so it's not bourbon. But after three shots, it just doesn't matter.

[onepixel]

Jose Curevo.
OK, so it's not bourbon. But after three shots, it just doesn't matter.

To quote the famous Bill the Cat..."AACK!"

[john_w]

Speaking of rocket fuel...

I've experienced another "import" from kentucky that's a whole lot more clear than any of the above mentioned libations, that I'm absolutely certain would be a little too powerful for any old rocket! Just one very small sip and you instantly get warmer from head to toe. Another sip and you will likely find yourself waking up in unfamiliar surroundings with some articles of clothing where they hadn't aught to be.

I like the marketing of that Rip Van, and it sure seems worth a try if it can be found. Blanton's is great, but I think most really high-end bourbons have an identity crisis. Any American whiskey should be something that you can picture Clint Eastwood sipping in a saloon in an old western, not something the old land barron would have on his fine oak desk, beside some Cubans (which would be mighty tasty too, by the way.)

Finally running low on Blanton's. About time to try the next thing. What will it be? :scratch2:

[metalmando]

Maker's Mark

[Russellc]

107 proof. I guess you can also use it as rocket fuel. :)

that's sissy bourbon....Try a drink of my George Staggs...140+ proof.

Russellc

[Russellc]

Speaking of rocket fuel...

I've experienced another "import" from kentucky that's a whole lot more clear than any of the above mentioned libations, that I'm absolutely certain would be a little too powerful for any old rocket! Just one very small sip and you instantly get warmer from head to toe. Another sip and you will likely find yourself waking up in unfamiliar surroundings with some articles of clothing where they hadn't aught to be.

I like the marketing of that Rip Van, and it sure seems worth a try if it can be found. Blanton's is great, but I think most really high-end bourbons have an identity crisis. Any American whiskey should be something that you can picture Clint Eastwood sipping in a saloon in an old western, not something the old land barron would have on his fine oak desk, beside some Cubans (which would be mighty tasty too, by the way.)

Finally running low on Blanton's. About time to try the next thing. What will it be? :scratch2:

Pappy Van Winkle 20 yr or Van winkle 12 year lot B....superb!:yes:

Russellc

[john_w]

No luck so far with finding the Rip Van around here.

Anyway, we tried Booker's, Basil Hayden's, Knob Creek, and maybe one or two more. The consensus in our group was that KC was the best..

I saw Basil Hayden's 8 year in the liquor store when I picked up the Blanton's. The local guys swore by it, so I just grabbed a bottle.

A quick couple of half-shots of each - starting with BH - and I still have to go with the Blanton's by far. Basil Hayden's is smooth and tasty, but nothing close to the flavor and character of Blanton's.

I see Knob Creek all the time so that one may be next. I will have to order the Rip Van Winkle some time if I still don't see it.

Slightly off topic, some other store recommended a high-end Colorado whiskey called Stranahan's. Yes I know it's not Bourbon and can't possibly compare, but I have to try a local offering some time and this is still whiskey country, after all. :thmbsp:

I may be getting into this just a little too much for my own good, but it is a great listening "tweek" and cheaper than buying new gear all the time. :)

[sfox52]

Stranahans is made by the founder of Flying Dog beer- (the brewery is less than a mile away from me..) I'm gonna have to try that one , too! Hope my Kentucky ancestors will forgive me!

[2long4u]

Yall are going to slap me.
I like Jim Beam and Coke.

[jimfet]

Love Beam myself. Like that Knob Creek too.

[pmsummer]

Yall are going to slap me.
I like Jim Beam and Coke.

Me too, but only on different days.



;)

[Grainger49]

Yall are going to slap me.
I like Jim Beam and Coke.

That is a time honored, not even limited to the South, form of Bourbon drinking.

As a diabetic, I drink most cheap Bourbons with Diet Coke.

[sfox52]

OK- Tell me if I'm nuts! I have this '56 T-bird Decanter thats circa 1976, full of Ezra Brooks 86 proof, made in Frankfort, KY. This was on my dad's bar for the last 32 years. I had boxed it & brought it home a month or so back, & when I unloaded it, the box was a bit damp. I didn't open it till last night & sure enough- it was seeping from the cork. So, I gingerly tried to turn the cork(it's the spare tire on the trunk lid), it wrings in half with almost no effort. I pulled the remainer with a corkscrew, and funneled the contents into a decanter. Of course I tasted it, & it's not bad! I know whiskey doesn't age in glass, but it seems that this stuff didn't suffer too much from all that time! I'm thinking the cork cracked while in transit in that box,otherwise it would have been near gone! I'm not gonna go blind or anything, right?

[tentoze]

I'm not gonna go blind or anything, right?

Before I answer that, is your avatar a recently taken self-portrait?

[whoaru99]

My unedjumicated palate prefers Maker's Mark over Knob Creek but I'm not particularly fond of bourbon in general, and much less even, Tennesee whiskey.

But, hey, if it's your thing. :thmbsp:

[Grainger49]

My unedjumicated palate prefers Maker's Mark over Knob Creek but I'm not particularly fond of bourbon in general, and much less even, Tennesee whiskey.

But, hey, if it's your thing. :thmbsp:

I agree. But it is very much a matter of taste. I like the sweet Bourbons. Maker's Mark is sweet.

[whoaru99]

That would probably explain why I like it better. I tend towards the Canadian whisky blends like Crown Royal, which to me is sweet as well.

[stuartk]

That would probably explain why I like it better. I tend towards the Canadian whisky blends like Crown Royal, which to me is sweet as well.

Have you ever tried rye? That tastes kind of sweet.

[2long4u]

Before I answer that, is your avatar a recently taken self-portrait?

lol Is yours?

[tentoze]

lol Is yours?

Absolutely.

[2long4u]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/images/smilies/shocked.gif
Noooooo.:no:

[onepixel]

:lmao:

I love this place.

Cheers!

[stuartk]

:lmao:

I love this place.

Cheers!


How about your avatar?

[stuartk]

Absolutely.

Mine too. I was having a really bad hair day.

[Grainger49]

Before I answer that, is your avatar a recently taken self-portrait?

lol Is yours?

:banana::D:lmao::beerchug::zoom::yippy:

Well, we all would like to know!

[whoaru99]

Have you ever tried rye? That tastes kind of sweet.

I believe I did try some Jim Beam straight rye once, but it was a long time ago so I don't really remember the taste.

[operaman]

Never had a mint julep to date, but that should change this weekend thanks to all the mint growing in the garden. Of course, a julep requires Bourbon. I would imagine this would be the ideal spirit, but a whiskey might work.
I am not sure how much difference there is between a Scotch and a Bourbon however.

I love a mint julep in the summertime!
Just treated myself to about 40 of em this season.

I put some mint in the simple syrup overnight, then mix that with the bourbon, fresh mint leaves, and crushed ice. I don't like sweet cocktails, but this one is great.

[operaman]

Bookers tastes like diesel fuel - I can't believe anyone would enjoy sipping it.

Maker's Mark is overhyped and constantly gets voted down off its pedastal in tastings and reviews.

I say: spend your good money on good scotch. Bourbon is supposed to be simple. I'm a Jim Beam man!

[whoaru99]

I say: spend your good money on good scotch.

Never acquired the peat taste, but I don't mind some of the Irish whiskies since they typically don't have the peat.

[stuartk]

Never acquired the peat taste, but I don't mind some of the Irish whiskies since they typically don't have the peat.

I agree 100%.

What's funny is that when I bought a bottle of Jamesons and had my wife try some, she thought it was Scotch at first. She said it was missing something though... :D

She basically only drinks Scotch and prefers Johnny Walker Black Label and Haig & Haig Dimple (what we call Pinch in the US).

[stuartk]

Maker's Mark is overhyped and constantly gets voted down off its pedastal in tastings and reviews.

Tastes pretty damn good to me. I guess I'm just lacking in sophistication. :)


I say: spend your good money on good scotch. Bourbon is supposed to be simple. I'm a Jim Beam man!

Beam is pretty good, but keep your nasty 'ol Scotch. ;)

I think there are a number of good bourbons available. It would be really hard to say one is the "best."

[sfox52]

Some would say my avatar is giving my real appearance too much credit! Bought a bottle of Bulleit today, it was that or Weller,and the Bulleit was $5 less- I needed that for beer!:D

[tentoze]

Some would say my avatar is giving my real appearance too much credit! Bought a bottle of Bulleit today, it was that or Weller,and the Bulleit was $5 less- I needed that for beer!:D

Here is a man with his priorities straight.

[Grainger49]

Come on guys, this is personal taste. And if everyone liked the same thing the world would be a really dull place!

Bookers tastes like diesel fuel {just an opinion} - I can't believe anyone would enjoy sipping it. {A personal view}

Maker's Mark is over hyped {just an opinion again} and constantly gets voted down off its pedestal in tastings and reviews. {looking for a reference to prove this unfounded statement}

I say: spend your good money on good scotch {You have GOT TO BE KIDDING HERE ! ! ! }. Bourbon is supposed to be simple. I'm a Jim Beam man! {another opinion heard here}

My wife and I refer to Scotch as "Foot" since it tastes like mold. We also call Jim Beam "Dirt" since it tastes like dirt. {Opinions here}

So everyone gets an opinion. And each is different.

I just bought some Ezra Brooks today. First impression is not to my taste. I'll try again later.

[operaman]

Tastes pretty damn good to me. I guess I'm just lacking in sophistication. :)


Precisely! See, I think Maker's is pretty good too! It also costs $10 more per bottle than Beam, so I'll stick with Beam! :)

You just thought I was gonna say somthin' snobby because of the Operaman thing, admit it! :)

[sfox52]

Tried the Bulleit last night-neat on the rocks- Very nice! And Grainger- I have to agree about the Ezra Brooks,though my 32 year old bottle might not be representative of todays version! ( I was thinking-that stuff was in the barrel when Neil Armstrong took that famous step!)

[Grainger49]

I have been fighting a bad cold/allergic reaction for several days. This morning (remember I'm retired!) I remembered a "relaxer" from spring semester 1968. We were studying for mid terms and a buddy stopped in saying, anyone have any Bourbon? He got a pewter pitcher of coffee from the cafeteria and loaded it with sugar and cream. Then came my Bourbon.

This morning it was good for the throat that was raw from days of coughing.

Any cheap Bourbon is fine.

Now the purists can beat me.

[RT Fan]

I started with Jim Beam, moved on to Maker's Mark, then to Knob Creek and finally Woodford Reserve. That is now my house bourbon. I also enjoy the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year 90 proof, but hard to come by a steady supply here in NYC.
The best bourbon I have tried has been the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year which is amazing stuff that goes for @ $85 a bottle here in NY. For something different try the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye, 13 years old & 95.6 worth of smooth.:D

[techsui]

Old Charter

[Grainger49]

Most recently I tried some Ezra Brooks. Nice taste.

[vinylisfinal]

makers mark is great stuff, bullet burbon is good too.

[vinylisfinal]

sorry bulleit...oops!

[Grainger49]

sorry bulleit...oops!

There is a button to edit your posts. But only yours. Right next to the "Quote" button.

Works great for me when I can't spell either.

[sfox52]

Considering the economic climate, maybe we should start a thread about the best budget bourbon. I'm going with Evan Williams Black, I can buy a 1.75 L bottle without breaking the bank!

[tentoze]

Hell, I can buy a bottle of Old Crow for pocket lint, but doesn't mean I'm going to.

[whoaru99]

I'll see your Old Crow, and raise you a Kessler's.

Oh, wait...Kessler's doesn't count...not bourbon.

[john_w]

So what's the limit for "budget" anyhow? At 14 bucks for 750 ml, I'd still stick with Makers even on a student's budget.

[electronjohn]

Stopped at the LQ to get some gin, and noticed a couple bottles of 1792 in the clearance cart. $29.99 marked down to $14, so I grabbed one. After a couple of belts, I realized I should've bought the other 3 in the cart. Cork whiskey for $14.99? I'm in.

[Grainger49]

Considering the economic climate, maybe we should start a thread about the best budget bourbon. I'm going with Evan Williams Black, I can buy a 1.75 L bottle without breaking the bank!

And my all time favorite cheap Bourbon, Stillbrook. We called it still birth in college. Not politically correct, but then in 1969 that wasn't a word.

[Russellc]

I started with Jim Beam, moved on to Maker's Mark, then to Knob Creek and finally Woodford Reserve. That is now my house bourbon. I also enjoy the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year 90 proof, but hard to come by a steady supply here in NYC.
The best bourbon I have tried has been the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year which is amazing stuff that goes for @ $85 a bottle here in NY. For something different try the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye, 13 years old & 95.6 worth of smooth.:D

Will agree on the PVW 20 yr family reserve, have one open and 4 stowed away. If you get a chance, try the 12 year old "Lot B"...I think I may like it better than the twenty year!

Russellc

[VintInfinity]

I didn't care for bourbon or scotch much, but I got into some nice scotch after reading CitizenGain's suggestion thread...

A friend brought some Knob Creek over, which was very good for sipping.

It's amazing how tastes change.

[Bogframe]

I started with Jim Beam, moved on to Maker's Mark, then to Knob Creek and finally Woodford Reserve. That is now my house bourbon. I also enjoy the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year 90 proof, but hard to come by a steady supply here in NYC.
The best bourbon I have tried has been the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year which is amazing stuff that goes for @ $85 a bottle here in NY. For something different try the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye, 13 years old & 95.6 worth of smooth.:D
I can think of three places in NYC that could have it, two of them in The Village. I can't remember the names right now, but they're both blocks from where I work, so I'll look them up for you tomorrow.

[Oerets]

I started with Jim Beam, moved on to Maker's Mark, then to Knob Creek and finally Woodford Reserve. That is now my house bourbon. I also enjoy the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year 90 proof, but hard to come by a steady supply here in NYC.
The best bourbon I have tried has been the Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year which is amazing stuff that goes for @ $85 a bottle here in NY. For something different try the Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye, 13 years old & 95.6 worth of smooth.:D

Give the Old RIP VW 10 years asleep in the wood 107 proof a try,...:thmbsp::thmbsp:... I like it better then the 90 proof...:yes:




Barney

[RT Fan]

RussellC, Bogframe, & Oerets, you guys comprise some group of enablers!

Russ, the 12 year is on my to do list, I've heard good things about it. Appreciate the contributions to the thread, very insightful.

Bogframe, are you thinking about Warehouse liquors on Broadway, south of Astor Place? That's where I've gotten some Rip in the past, there is also a place in Red Hook, Brooklyn called LeNell's with a fantastic selection of Bourbon See Here: http://www.lenells.com/selections/whiskey.php Got to make it over there one night.

Oerets, I usually don't care for the high octane bourbons, but I will take your recommendation under advisement. I mean it is from Van Winkle! thanks for the advice guys! :thmbsp:

[Bogframe]

Exactly, I was just by there today, but didn't have time to go in...I get my champagne there every year. Huge selection of everything.

[Grainger49]

Bought some Ezra Brooks, 90 proof. It is dark and tasty. I use more water for a still flavorful drink.

[sfox52]

That's it Grainger!- Less of something that's drinkable with a bit more (water,ice, whatever)!
That's what I mean by bourbon for the recession! Now-if I can get a thread going for decent beer at less cost...

[pmsummer]

Finally found a bottle of George T. Stagg 2008 Release today (special order). Pre-paid for it, and I'll pick it up on Monday.

More details soon, including whether it's on the HazMat list or not.


:banana:

[Oerets]

Todays Sunday paper (Louisville KY) had the bad news that Van Winkle's just sold the last of this years production......:tears:


http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811020309





Barney

[pmsummer]

Finally found a bottle of George T. Stagg 2008 Release today (special order). Pre-paid for it, and I'll pick it up on Monday.

More details soon, including whether it's on the HazMat list or not.

:banana:

Bad news, good news, and more good news about my George T. Stagg.

Bad news: Went by and picked it up. It wasn't the 2008 release, but last year's instead (NOS) that had been way back in the warehouse. Bummer, because that probably meant that I've missed out on the 2008 release.

Good news: I've got a new bottle of the 2007 release!

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/3919/pb050001eo8.jpg


More good news: One of my dealers called today, and he thinks they may be able to get me a 2008 in a week or two! :banana:

[Russellc]

Tonight's tasting includes:

And the 12 Year Lot "B is definately da shit!:yes:

Russellc

[Russellc]

Todays Sunday paper (Louisville KY) had the bad news that Van Winkle's just sold the last of this years production......:tears:


http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811020309





Barney

Fortunately I horded a little Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 year:

[Grainger49]

Well, the previous postings include some fine looking Bourbon.

As I was gainfully employed as of Tuesday, I just might celebrate with some of the fine looking stuff shown.

Question, is it as dark as the pictures look? Must be rich.

And a mention of where I am finally getting back into construction, do you know what Y-12 is?

[Russellc]

Well, the previous postings include some fine looking Bourbon.

As I was gainfully employed as of Tuesday, I just might celebrate with some of the fine looking stuff shown.

Question, is it as dark as the pictures look? Must be rich.

And a mention of where I am finally getting back into construction, do you know what Y-12 is?

If you are talking about the Staggs, yes it is dark...but it is unfiltered. what you see is just how it came out of the barrel, full proof. Generally, bourbon is then cut down to 90 proof or so further "lightening it" The Staggs is full flavored fire water, but the Pappy is way more refined. That said, these are ALL fine whiskey to be sure.''The Pappy 20 year almost has a red hue to it, and the flavors just keep coming. I really think the 12 year lot B bests it slightly. Again, we're talking minor degrees and differences, all of these are way fine to be sure.:yes:

Russellc

[Russellc]

Here's a low dollar that competes with the big boys. Beats Weller, Bulleit, Makers, buffalo Trace and others, some not cheap either. Its 10 years old and a single barrel bourbon. Try it, I find it locally for 26.99 to 29.99.

[Grainger49]

If you are talking about the Staggs, yes it is dark...but it is unfiltered. what you see is just how it came out of the barrel, full proof. Generally, bourbon is then cut down to 90 proof or so further "lightening it" The Staggs is full flavored fire water, but the Pappy is way more refined. That said, these are ALL fine whiskey to be sure.''The Pappy 20 year almost has a red hue to it, and the flavors just keep coming. I really think the 12 year lot B bests it slightly. Again, we're talking minor degrees and differences, all of these are way fine to be sure.:yes:

Russellc

Sorry, I was talking about my employment. You better not drink this stuff. This is a place where you can't eat the deer meat or the fish. Lookie here:

http://www.y12.doe.gov/

There are pictures that load across the top of the page. I work on the white prison looking thing. It's scary when I think about it.

But thanks for the recommendation!

:thmbsp:...:thmbsp:

[pmsummer]

Glad to see Y-12 is LEEDS Certified! :D

[pmsummer]

Here's a low dollar that competes with the big boys. Beats Weller, Bulleit, Makers, buffalo Trace and others, some not cheap either. Its 10 years old and a single barrel bourbon. Try it, I find it locally for 26.99 to 29.99.

I'll give that a try. It's about $33 a fifth here, while my daily Buffalo is $34...


...for 1.75 liters.



Bourbon prices are just all over the board in this country. Bulleit has almost DOUBLED here since it came out here (now $33 a fifth, was $18). Makes no sense. :no:

[Russellc]

I'll give that a try. It's about $33 a fifth here, while my daily Buffalo is $34...


...for 1.75 liters.



Bourbon prices are just all over the board in this country. Bulleit has almost DOUBLED here since it came out here (now $33 a fifth, was $18). Makes no sense. :no:

Buffalo Trace is usually under 20 here. Wow.

russellc

[pmsummer]

Buffalo Trace is usually under 20 here. Wow.

russellc

For 1.75 lt.?!

Buffalo runs about $23 a fifth here (can be found for $19).

[jimfet]

Good ole Jim Beam #7 is $18.75 a fifth here. There are others I like better, like Knob Creek. But for the price you can't beat the quality.

[Russellc]

For 1.75 lt.?!

Buffalo runs about $23 a fifth here (can be found for $19).

No! sorry I didnt see the "1.75" part, sorry!:D

Cheers!

Russellc

[pmsummer]

No! sorry I didnt see the "1.75" part, sorry!:D

Cheers!

Russellc

For less than $20 for a half gallon, I was gonna make a road trip! :D

[Russellc]

Good ole Jim Beam #7 is $18.75 a fifth here. There are others I like better, like Knob Creek. But for the price you can't beat the quality.

For about 75 more cents you could get Buffalo Trace, which is head and shoulder better than Beam, and IMHO Knob Creek as well.

Russellc

[Russellc]

For less than $20 for a half gallon, I was gonna make a road trip! :D

No joke! At that price we would likely have to fight our way out to the parking lot for a getaway!

Russellc

[Grainger49]

For about 75 more cents you could get Buffalo Trace, which is head and shoulder better than Beam, and IMHO Knob Creek as well.

Russellc

And where the heck are you?????

[Russellc]

And where the heck are you?????

Kansas city, MO

Russellc

[Russellc]

And where the heck are you?????

Oh lord, He's probably talking about a 1.75? Surely a fifth of Jim Beam isnt 18 bucks and change? Here, a fifth of Buffalo Trace is about 19.00 bucks.

russellc

[Russellc]

Good ole Jim Beam #7 is $18.75 a fifth here. There are others I like better, like Knob Creek. But for the price you can't beat the quality.

He says a fifth is 18.75? Of Beam? Like I said, a fifth of Buffalo is around 19 bucks....surely he meant a 1.75?
A fifth is not = to 1.75 a fifth refers to a bottle of slightly less than a quart... "4/5ths" if I remember correctly.
No?
Russellc

[Grainger49]

This metric thing has screwed us all up. There are no more pints, fifths, quarts or half gallons. They are all smaller metric "equivalents." Don't know what a pint is called now but a fifth is 0.75l, a quart is 1l and a half gallon is 1.75l.

I don't think there are any Imperial measures used in liquor today. And I'm pretty sure if you do some math 1.75l is way smaller than a half a gallon. Maybe 3 or 4 drinks.

[sfox52]

I snagged a 1.75L of 1792 today, it was $19.99 & not bad at all!

[jimfet]

It's the weekend and I'm off. What will I do? What will I do?

[Grainger49]

Got paid today for the first time in 9 years. (Retired) I will go to the liquor store (Southern for ABC store) on Monday and find something sweet!

All suggestions over the weekend will be greatly appreciated! ! !

[sfox52]

Suggestions! Just going back a dozen or so posts would bust my budget! I should live long enough to try most of these!

[pmsummer]

Got a phone call last night. One case (3 bottles) of George T. Stagg 2008 was in, and they were holding a bottle for me.

141.8 proof, 15 1/2 years old.

Pure-Dee dark firewater.

[Grainger49]

I went with a safe bet, I bought Woodford Reserve. Smoooooooth.

[pmsummer]

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7868/pb2400023sj9.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3228/pb2400051dr3.jpg
The 2008 is on the left. Slightly less potent, but still HazMat level.

[onepixel]

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7868/pb2400023sj9.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3228/pb2400051dr3.jpg
The 2008 is on the left. Slightly less potent, but still HazMat level.

If those were in my house... they'd be half gone by now. :D

I saw one of those at the liquor store. I grabbed another Bulleit instead. Guess I'll have to go back.

[pmsummer]

If those were in my house... they'd be half gone by now. :D

I saw one of those at the liquor store. I grabbed another Bulleit instead. Guess I'll have to go back.

Carl, I guarantee you, these are SIPPIN' whiskeys... otherwise you'll burn a hole where one oughtn'ta be.

I just finished my first 2007 bottle. Got down to the bits of charred barrel that were floating around (when they say unfiltered, they ain't kiddin')! :D

[Fisherdude]

...The 2008 is on the left. Slightly less potent, but still HazMat level.

You could scrub flux off circuit boards with that stuff.

[Vinylrockrob]

My wife bought me a bottle of Booker's for my 50th last year. I had never tasted it before. Thought it was going to be like "Nectar of the gods" but with all the hype over the years of hearing about it I was dissappointed in the smoothness.

[pmsummer]

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7868/pb2400023sj9.jpg
The 2008 is on the left. Slightly less potent, but still HazMat level.

Here's the Product Data Sheet.

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3360/staggmx3.jpg

[junkaudio]

144 proof:ntwrthy:

[jetblack]

Gentleman Jack! It goes good with anything. Just one of the many weaknesses of a sinner......................:D

After all the hoopla about the 'Stagg', I'll have to try it. Any of you 'Stagg' guys work for the Stagg marketing dept?

[Art K.]

Well I just read this whole damn thread. Lots of fun and very informative. I've been a Scotch drinker of late but recently started drinking Bourbons...

My wife is partial to Gentleman Jack at present and I'm liking Bulleit. Very good indeed...again what a great thread!

[sfox52]

Welcome to bourbon Hi Fi heaven! Myself- I hope I never develop a taste for Scotch. I have enough liquid vices and I don't need a pricey new one!

[Grainger49]

Just switched to Rebel Yell from Ezra Brooks. Probably going back. The Yell is thin and not as rich tasting.

[pmsummer]

Just switched to Rebel Yell from Ezra Brooks. Probably going back. The Yell is thin and not as rich tasting.

Yep. They changed it a few years ago when the brand changed hands.

[Grainger49]

Makes sense. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

[jimfet]

I drink Party Licker.

[Grainger49]

I drink Party Licker.

I think I knew her in college!

:nono:

[Art K.]

Picked up a bottle of Buffalo Trace this evening...not bad...not bad at all.

[sfox52]

I got a 375 ml bottle of Eagle Rare 10 year old as a gift today- I'll report impressions when I crack into it.

[musichal]

8 yr old Weller, and 10 yr old Charter do it for me. Price not bad, either. For an 'expensive' treat now and then, I pick up the Buffalo Trace, and agree with Art K. on the choice.