450615 Sun Oct 14 00:38:22 -0700 2007 176 36 Spirits 0 3032812 My favorite of the moment is Wathens. Unfortunately, I killed the bottle at my local watering hole, but that just meant that they poured me something else (I was introduced to Blanton's this evening and was duly impressed.) So which bourbon are you reaching for? http://www.wathens.com/ http://www.blantonsbourbon.com/ Sun Oct 14 00:38:22 -0700 2007 50350 SauceSupreme 1 3033372 I'm back onto Knob Creek right now. And a bottle of 18 yo Sazerac Rye. Sun Oct 14 11:14:17 -0700 2007 3032812 80141 ccbweb 2 3128496 Woodford Reserve. Most excellent bourbon. Thu Nov 15 13:17:31 -0800 2007 3033372 111371 greglor 3 3273518 Agreed. WR has to be one of the best out there. Tue Jan 08 09:37:44 -0800 2008 3128496 11227 nissenpa 2 3278821 Anything from the Small Batch distillery portion of Jim Beam is downright excellent. I've come to enjoy Baker's and Basil Hayden's a bit more than Knob Creek, but one would hope so with the price difference. They are both some of the smoothest, deepest-flavored bourbons that I have tasted. My Blog: http://www.epicureforum.com Wed Jan 09 15:32:37 -0800 2008 3033372 144280 sirregular 1 3033416 The Wathen's website doesn't say much, does it? Check out http://www.ellenjaye.com/medley.htm for much more info on Wathen's Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. For more on Blanton's, check out http://www.ellenjaye.com/ancientage.htm And for KNob Creek, http://www.ellenjaye.com/makers-beam.htm Sun Oct 14 11:34:07 -0700 2007 3032812 28122 zin1953 1 3034260 Tried a bottle of Bulleit recently, thought that was pretty decent, had some good character for the price. Now that fall has returned to New England, I'm also mixing Maker's Mark into unpasteurized sweet cider on a regular basis. Mostly, thought, I'm drinking straight rye when I want a whiskey these days. I also bought a bottle of the Wild Turkey Honey Liqueur not long ago, which is bourbon based. I found it cloyingly sweet and syrupy, along the lines of a Drambuie without as much herbal/spice interest. An interesting experiment, but not something I would buy again. Sun Oct 14 18:28:10 -0700 2007 3032812 10143 MC Slim JB 2 3034303 I've been a bourbon drinker for years. Never got into the high end stuff unless I go out. At home I always just bought Jim Beam, but awhile back the price started going up and I gave Evan Williams a try and have pretty much stuck to it. I actually like it better and at 10 bucks a bottle cheaper it sealed the deal. Sun Oct 14 18:45:04 -0700 2007 3034260 77397 Eric in NJ 3 3034917 I'll have to give Evan Williams a shot. Bulleit is only about $15-20, so a pretty good value, in my book. Nice-looking packaging for a bottle that isn't priced like a super-premium, too. Mon Oct 15 05:50:21 -0700 2007 3034303 10143 MC Slim JB 4 3132474 As for rye, what do folks recommend? I just finished a bottle of Michter's US1 Straight Rye (and posting to Chowhound ... woo hoo!) Fri Nov 16 15:58:05 -0800 2007 3034917 12450 Sgt Snackers 5 3141409 Rittenhouse, Sazerac, and Old Overholt. I think the Anchor offerings are way overpriced. Tue Nov 20 06:04:02 -0800 2007 3132474 10732 JMF 5 3170919 I like the Jim Beam Rye (yellow label) and their high-end "baker's" rye. Sat Dec 01 12:55:45 -0800 2007 3132474 73480 cornFusion 6 3210587 i had a tough time w/ the yellow label, but i'm a big fan of basil hayden's Sat Dec 15 11:02:26 -0800 2007 3170919 75907 japhyryder 5 4687842 Templeton Rye, supposed to be made with a recipe that was Al Capones favorite. Delicious. Fri May 15 15:49:48 -0700 2009 3132474 215278 corneygirl 3 4678194 A bourbon gal. Like Beam, Evan, love Makers, tried some high end, but can't afford it. Many friends are Bourbon drinkers so high end I can't afford. Makers is good, but Evan every day is fine. Jack now and then. Raised in Dearborn Detroit MI, but still a country gal. Shots of Jack with a beer chaser. Bea Rye or Jack Raye someone mentioned, not bad either. Knob is ok too. Tue May 12 17:10:12 -0700 2009 3034303 232829 kchurchill5 2 3061978 Here's my thoughts on WT Honey: http://www.slashfood.com/2007/08/29/liqueur-notes-wild-turkey-american-honey-liqueur/ Wed Oct 24 05:25:38 -0700 2007 3034260 10732 JMF 2 3123786 Bulleit is by far my bourbon of choice these days. It has a bold flavor but is still smooth, which is really hard to pull off. My local store has it for about the same price as a bottle of Makers Mark or Knob Creek. Wed Nov 14 06:42:03 -0800 2007 3034260 82797 itsrob 2 3212662 Somebody bought me a shot of the honey liqueur on my 21st birthday and I haven't seen it anywhere since. I remember thinking the same thing. Sun Dec 16 10:38:26 -0800 2007 3034260 10118 joypirate 1 3035016 Only bourbon I had in months is a Hirsch. Truly nectar suitable for a God. That should change, as I really do not drink much of any whiskey from May to November. Mon Oct 15 06:38:28 -0700 2007 3032812 18017 Captain 2 3035173 That should change also due to the Hirsch distillery having closed a few years back. From what I understand, it's the current stock and that's it. Mon Oct 15 07:37:37 -0700 2007 3035016 50350 SauceSupreme 3 3036342 The distillery is closed, and it has been clseod for a long time. I think there is still enough that you could find a few bottles around. I recall reading that a goood amount of it's final products was stashed away for sale at some time in the future. I think that time began a few years ago, but think it's still available. When the supply will run out is not something I can tell you. Anyway, I have two unopened bottles, so it should be a while before I run out. Otherwise, you may soon find me drinking Van Winkle or Evan Williams, some single malts, or Irish whiskey, particularly Red Breast and Green Spot, is a favorite. I was lucky enough to have sips of both that were made in the now closed Bow Street Distillery, which is now a museum in Dublin. That ancient Green Spot was heaven. Evan Williams is to me taste a good product that is reasonably priced. Van Winkle's whiskeys are almsot always very good. Mon Oct 15 12:32:13 -0700 2007 3035173 18017 Captain 4 3061984 I have a few bottles of the old Hirsch but I think it's mostly marketing hype. New Hirsch is available but that's even more marketing hype. Wed Oct 24 05:27:20 -0700 2007 3036342 10732 JMF 5 3062192 I agree about the new Hirsch, but the old stuff I really like. Wed Oct 24 06:56:30 -0700 2007 3061984 18017 Captain 4 3106607 My current favorite daily pour is W.L. Weller 12 year old 90 proof in their new bottle. Also, Four Roses single barrel 100 proof is very good. A few others I rotate are Old Bardstown 90, Elmer T. Lee 90 and Buffalo Trace 90. Thu Nov 08 08:08:45 -0800 2007 3036342 141276 BourbonHQ 4 3166771 Note to Captain and Sauce Supreme. If you might be interested in trading or selling your old bottles of Hirsch, let me know. I've always heard about it, but never tried it. Thanks and sorry if this isn't allowed, I'm new. I found this thread by searching for Hirsch. Thu Nov 29 18:36:27 -0800 2007 3036342 146622 sionilli69 5 3170215 You can order the 16 year online at Astor for $ 117 a bottle plus shipping. http://www.astorwines.com/SearchResultsSingle.aspx?p=2&search=04034&searchtype=Contains Sat Dec 01 05:58:06 -0800 2007 3166771 10732 JMF 6 3181310 Thanks for the info! Wed Dec 05 08:00:11 -0800 2007 3170215 146622 sionilli69 7 3273004 I bought my bottles as Astor, linked above. I've had it at the bar in a few places in NYC. Not trading either bottle. Tue Jan 08 07:10:41 -0800 2008 3181310 18017 Captain 1 3035036 Ridgemont Reserve 1792. Just shy of 100 proof but it is smooth. I've probably tried at least a dozen different bourbons within the last year and this ranks up with the best. Mon Oct 15 06:45:06 -0700 2007 3032812 124622 Spiritchaser 1 3036061 Rock Hill Farms 100 proof is what I'm drinking mostly, but when I can talk my friend into pouring HIS bourbon, we drink Pappy van Winkle Family Reserve. Mon Oct 15 11:28:12 -0700 2007 3032812 13700 ricepad 1 3036350 Old Rip Van Winkle. yum Mon Oct 15 12:34:32 -0700 2007 3032812 90565 Cookiefiend 1 3036740 Maker's Mark. I wasn't overly impressed with Blanton's when I tried it. Mon Oct 15 13:54:47 -0700 2007 3032812 103418 cor 1 3037738 Anything by Buffalo Trace: Eagle Rare, Blanton's, Weller, Buffalo Trace. Mon Oct 15 18:50:25 -0700 2007 3032812 10132 sku 1 3038100 I was introduced to Bulleit awhile back and found it very sippable on the rocks. I have Maker's and Knob Creek in the bar depending on what mood strikes me. Of course, there's VO whiskey for a highball, too. I have others, but if I list them all you'll think I'm a brown-liquor lush. I'm intrigued by the Maker's Mark and cider, yummy. I recently came across an restaurant article in Sunset Magazine that mentioned a cocktail with Maker's and peach liquer (no recipe). I tried to mix my own without success. Any suggestions? Mon Oct 15 21:08:56 -0700 2007 3032812 135018 janeann11 2 3038114 If you like the cider thing, I do a drink I've invented called a NorManhattan that's 2 parts good bourbon, one part Calvados and 1/2 part Liquer de Pomme (French Apple Liquer). Stir over ice and serve up in a martini glas with a thin wedge of tart apple. It's not sweet, but has a strong essence of apple Mon Oct 15 21:19:15 -0700 2007 3038100 106255 chazzerking 3 3041521 Ratio of cider to whiskey? I would like to try this combo.... Tue Oct 16 21:50:58 -0700 2007 3038114 72978 dcatwater 4 3041545 The way I do it is a highball: about 1.5-2 oz whiskey to 5-6 oz of cider on plenty of ice. A dash of Angostura bitters is an interesting addition to this drink. Tue Oct 16 22:04:44 -0700 2007 3041521 10143 MC Slim JB 4 3042114 I like it 1 to 1. The bitters idea sounds good, although I'd try some orange bitters. Wed Oct 17 07:09:34 -0700 2007 3041521 106255 chazzerking 1 3038111 Van Winkle family reserve, Blanton's, woodford, Rock Hill, Booker's, Turkey single barrel, Bulleit, Basil Hayden,Eagle Rare, Weller Antique. then I switch to Rye. I get bored drinking the same thing all the time. Mon Oct 15 21:15:27 -0700 2007 3032812 106255 chazzerking 1 3038205 I'll second Bulleit and add to that Elijah Craig 12. It's my favorite and an incredible bargain. Mon Oct 15 22:17:53 -0700 2007 3032812 117844 lennox53 2 3038437 I found Bulleit to be on the watery side, seemed like it lacked body (but that's just my opinion). Tue Oct 16 05:17:08 -0700 2007 3038205 124622 Spiritchaser 3 3041450 Really? Do you drink it neat? That's how I like to take mine. To be honest, I find some bourbons to be almost oversaturated with flavor. Too sweet, too woody, too much of everything. Knob Creek is especially guilty of this. Tue Oct 16 21:08:46 -0700 2007 3038437 117844 lennox53 4 3041781 Usually neat but occasionally with one rock. I agree with your comment on the overly done bourbons (if it is done poorly), the usual offense is in the sweetness category, yuck. I have NO LOVE for Knob Creek, it strikes me as a Hyundai trying to be a Porsche by putting on decals. Wed Oct 17 04:27:34 -0700 2007 3041450 124622 Spiritchaser 5 3045180 Haha, well put. Yet so many people swear by it. Wed Oct 17 21:01:47 -0700 2007 3041781 117844 lennox53 5 3087394 i like knob creek. i like it with an ice cube or two in the summer or neat and really slow in the winter. i have had any number of bourbon's, there's a great bar in worcester, ma (o'conner's), where they have a great bourbon selection. but to each his own. Thu Nov 01 15:52:54 -0700 2007 3041781 75907 japhyryder 4 3174725 I love Knob Creek but I can see why people might find it to be too much. I would say that the sweetness is balanced out by the heavy woody or buttery flavor. Without this balance I think it would be too sweet. Mon Dec 03 07:21:20 -0800 2007 3041450 19291 frankiii 2 3123798 Last time I was in Louisville and drinking at a well-stocked bourbon bar the bartender highly recommended the Elijah Craig 12 and I cannot disagree. It seems to be a bit hard to come by at my local shop (which is crazy, because I can get Bulleit), but its good stuff. Wed Nov 14 06:45:21 -0800 2007 3038205 82797 itsrob 2 3303759 Elijah Craig ... sooooooooo underrated. Buy. More. NOW! Wed Jan 16 22:35:48 -0800 2008 3038205 23892 NYChristopher 3 3426379 After two rather medicinal bottles and an inordinate amount of time spent at straightbourbon.com, I feel compelled to retract my endorsement. I'm a big wine guy, and the term I would use to describe my experience is the same I would use with wine: bottle variation. Instead, I have been drinking Old Grand-Dad Bonded. No complaints. Fri Feb 22 21:03:22 -0800 2008 3303759 23892 NYChristopher 4 3449817 "Instead, I have been drinking Old Grand-Dad Bonded. No complaints." Get yourself a bottle of the much more flavorful (IMHO) OGD 114. Then you'll be complaining about the 100 proof! ;-) Sat Mar 01 12:07:10 -0800 2008 3426379 10606 Joe Blowe 5 3575743 Thanks for the tip, I'll keep an eye out for it. Tue Apr 08 21:13:31 -0700 2008 3449817 23892 NYChristopher 1 3038681 I like most Bourbons. I think one of the great things about Bourbon is the variety of tastes. Even the cheap ones are often very good. Mostly drinking Buffalo Trace and Old Crow right now. Tue Oct 16 07:04:54 -0700 2007 3032812 119739 davebough 1 3038761 Same as I've always drunk, 10 year old George Dickel. I took part in an impromptu bourbon tasting at the Mimosa Grill in Charlotte, North Carolina. Paired with a meal of rabbit brochette, the Dickel left the Makers Mark, Bookers, Baker's and Elijah Craig in the dust. Tue Oct 16 07:33:36 -0700 2007 3032812 123357 charlesbois 2 3038908 I imagine you know Dickel is a Tennessee whiskey, not a bourbon. Same for Jack Daniels, though I often see it poured when bourbon is requested. Tue Oct 16 08:07:34 -0700 2007 3038761 10143 MC Slim JB 3 3038911 nope, sure didn't. thanks. Tue Oct 16 08:08:48 -0700 2007 3038908 123357 charlesbois 4 3038977 I'm not sure how meaningful the distinction is beyond the "controlled origin" nature of the term bourbon, which legally can only be applied to whiskeys made in Bourbon County, KY, with a mash bill of least 51% corn (70% is more common), distilled to no more than 160 proof before being diluted again to potability, and aged in charred new-oak barrels for at least two years (most makers age for at least four). I imagine Dickel could use all these methods, but being over the state line, still couldn't call their whiskey "bourbon". Jack Daniels adds a charcoal filtration step prior to barrel aging that's definitely outside the spec. I remember trying Dickel and liking it a lot. I think my bar could use a bottle of it. Thanks for the reminder! Tue Oct 16 08:22:36 -0700 2007 3038911 10143 MC Slim JB 5 3039183 Actually, that's a popular misconception. There is no restriction that bourbon be made in Kentucky. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the US. It must be, as you state, at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. While the term Bourbon comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, no bourbon is currently made within the county. The reason Tennessee whiskey is not technically Bourbon is because of the sugar maple charcoal filtering you refer to, known as the Lincoln County Process. Tue Oct 16 09:15:35 -0700 2007 3038977 10132 sku 6 3039202 Excellent info! Do you happen to know if TN whiskeys like Dickel and JD use bourbon-like mash bills? Tue Oct 16 09:18:13 -0700 2007 3039183 10143 MC Slim JB 7 3039821 They do, indeed. But for the charcoal filtering, they would be Bourbon, and some argue that the filtering really shouldn't make a difference and the Tennessee whiskies should be considered Bourbon. Bourbon is defined by the federal regulations, but Tennessee Whiskey is not. Jack Daniels received, upon request, a letter from the Feds many years ago recognizing Tenn. as a distinct whiskey style. Whatever its legitimacy, the current arrangement seems to work well for all the parties involved. Jim Beam likes to call itself the world's best selling Bourbon, and they couldn't do that if top seller Jack was considered Bourbon. Meanwhile, Jack and George enjoy touting the sweet smoke imparted by sugar maple charcoal that makes Tenn. Whiskey special. Tue Oct 16 11:32:58 -0700 2007 3039202 10132 sku 8 3040231 It's my recall that both Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon are defined by NAFTA, although it's been years since I looked at NAFTA. If my memory is correct, NAFTA is federal law. I think both may also be defined in either the U.S. Code or the C.F.R., but I'm not sure. Tue Oct 16 13:23:50 -0700 2007 3039821 18017 Captain 9 3040558 Here is a pdf from the ATF website it might clear up some of the discussion: http://www.atf.gov/pub/alctob_pub/bevalcmanspirits/chapter4.pdf Tue Oct 16 14:44:55 -0700 2007 3040231 77397 Eric in NJ 8 4657711 I've always found Beam harsh and yet insipid compared to Jack or George. Like Wild Turkey too. But in Ontario, you can get very few bourbons (or Tennessee whiskies) at the government store. I remember going on a business trip to California 25 years ago. I had to stay over the weekend, so I stopped in at a liquor store. I was frankly amazed at the huge variety of bourbons available, so I got about 6 small bottles to do a taste test. I was only 28 at the time, and I guess I had a bit of a baby face, as the clerk asked me for ID. Deciding to play with him a bit, I handed over my Province of Quebec birth certificate. He studied it for a minute before exclaiming "Hey, this is all in French!". "Of course" I said, "I'm from Canada - everyone speaks French there!" (Not - not at all true). "Oh" he says. He studies it for another minute before saying "It doesn't have your picture on it!". "Of course not" I say, feigning exasperation. "I'm from Canada - everyone KNOWS everybody else there." Pause. "Oh, right" says the clerk, and wraps up my purchase. I chuckled all the way home. Tue May 05 19:03:22 -0700 2009 3039821 48210 KevinB 9 4686944 Hi-LAR-ious! Fri May 15 10:46:56 -0700 2009 4657711 23892 NYChristopher 5 3039549 The proof limit also is only measured prior to barreling, and so some bourbons get bottled as 162 proof due to evaporation during the barreling process. Tue Oct 16 10:33:31 -0700 2007 3038977 50350 SauceSupreme 5 3040638 My mama likes Dickel. And now, having written that, I'm picturing her in a rocking chair with a corncob pipe in her mouth! Tue Oct 16 15:06:43 -0700 2007 3038977 107491 dinner belle 1 3041982 I had my booze mule (aka my wife) pick up a 1.75 of Buffalo Trace in TN over the weekend. I really like it, and that's enhanced by its unavailability in GA. Other than that, I'm a big fan of Rittenhouse Bonded Rye (note rye, not bourbon), which is a relatively-recent introduction here. And Evan Williams Single Barrel is a fabulous value. Lately, I've also tried Ancient Ancient Age, which was good for its price point, but you'd be silly to compare it to any of the $40+/bottles folks have mentioned. When you get into that stratospheric level, I'd reach for Booker's or George T Stagg first. Much as I want to, I've resisted the urge to drop $100 on a bottle of Hirsh, Rock Hill, Van Winkle Reserve et al. And honestly, a bottle of Cuervo La Familia is in line ahead of any of those. Wed Oct 17 06:27:02 -0700 2007 3032812 12626 ted 2 3047406 Noahs' Mill. Very tasty, neat. Thu Oct 18 13:45:58 -0700 2007 3041982 10491 MOREKASHA 1 3070123 Maker's or Knob Creek. Really like Sazerac, though I have not been able to find the 18 yr. Would like to try Old Potrero, but haven't been able to find it either. Fri Oct 26 11:45:21 -0700 2007 3032812 118156 rollawaydadew 2 3072458 Where do you live? Sat Oct 27 11:29:04 -0700 2007 3070123 28122 zin1953 3 3076283 Long Island, NY Mon Oct 29 09:22:53 -0700 2007 3072458 118156 rollawaydadew 4 3078542 You should try ordering on-line from Park Avenue Liquors in NYC. http://www.parkaveliquor.com/parkave/html/ Mon Oct 29 19:53:07 -0700 2007 3076283 10132 sku 4 3084250 Both are available in New York City (Manhattan); I can't speak for sources actually on LI. You can always contact Anchor directly -- http://www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/oldpotrero_18th.htm -- simply send them an email (info@anchorbrewing.com), and they will tell you who in New York State distributes Old Potrero. Then, a call to that company will let you know who in your area has the whiskey. If youdon't want to email, you can call/write them at: Anchor Brewing Company 1705 Mariposa Street San Francisco, CA 94107 T 415.863.8350 F 415.552.7094 The same is true for Sazerac Rye -- http://www.sazerac.com/products.html -- you can email them at info@sazerac.com or simply call/write to: Sazerac Company, Inc. 803 Jefferson Highway P.O. BOX 52821 New Orleans, LA 70121 504.831.9450 Wed Oct 31 15:49:03 -0700 2007 3076283 28122 zin1953 5 3085466 Both Sazerac and Potrero were at WhiskyFest on Tuesday night, and I've never seen a spirit offered there that was not for sale somewhere in New York. I am pretty sure both are available at Park Ave. Liquor, see: http://www.parkaveliquor.com/default.asp?, and also probably Astor Place, see: www.astoruncorked.com. Among the bourbons and ryes I had the other night, I liked the Willet Rye and the Van Winkle Bourbon, of which I think I had the 21 year-old Pappy. No surprise on the later, I always like Van Winkle's products. Thu Nov 01 06:54:06 -0700 2007 3084250 18017 Captain 1 3092874 My other half and I love manhattans in winter. We normally have a half-gallon of Maker's Mark for the mixing and a bottle of the old Hirsch 20 year old for sippin (and special celebrations like the 4th of July). Other high end whiskeys I love are: - Wild Tuurkey (hic) "Rare Breed" (sipping) - A. H. Hirsch 16 Year Old (sipping) - WIld Turkey 101 (mixing) - Booker's cask-strength (from Jom Beam - for good sipping after diluting with water or a good ginger ale) - Jim Beam's Rye Whiskey (sippin - and this has a wonderful bready aroma/taste) - Knob Creek (another Jim Beam product that's great for mixing and sipping) Sat Nov 03 18:36:59 -0700 2007 3032812 73480 cornFusion 1 3112473 I was able to try Elmer T Lee at dinner tonight here in Portland, and I have to say it's quite good. So I'll tack that onto the list. That's only because I told the barkeep that I like Wathens and they didn't have it, so they poured that instead. My dining companion noted that it wasn't as caramel-y as most bourbons, which is true, hence it exhibited a less viscous mouth-feel which I guess I find refreshing (I had never noticed that, to be honest, until she pointed it out). Sat Nov 10 05:03:46 -0800 2007 3032812 50350 SauceSupreme 1 3112794 Thanks to the hounds on the Spirits board I'm drinking Diabolique: http://www.infusionique.com/ver06/diabolique_bourbon/index.php It's bourbon infused with figs, cinnamon and vanilla bean. It's an excellent sipping whiskey and makes a really great manhattan Sat Nov 10 08:53:35 -0800 2007 3032812 88180 heWho 1 3115692 Jim Beam Black. Bought a bottle as a result of several online pals recommending it highly. I have a bottle of Jim Beam white in the cabinet now. Looking forward to doing a comparison to see what kind of difference $3.00 a bottle makes.... Sun Nov 11 17:16:36 -0800 2007 3032812 18981 Jimmy Buffet 2 3118833 If you can find it, Jim Beam Yellow is also an outstanding sipper. Mon Nov 12 16:36:45 -0800 2007 3115692 73480 cornFusion 3 3119038 You mean the rye? Mon Nov 12 17:33:49 -0800 2007 3118833 117844 lennox53 1 3124755 A recent trip to Clyde Common in Portland introduced me to a great bottle - Elmer T Lee Wed Nov 14 10:57:35 -0800 2007 3032812 50350 SauceSupreme 1 3133038 Also enjoying a bottle of Old Forrester. Recommended by folks on this board. Fri Nov 16 20:41:05 -0800 2007 3032812 18981 Jimmy Buffet 1 3133090 Old Rip Van Winkle, Basil Hayden, and Booker Noe are all on my list of favorites. But I grew up near the Maker's Mark distillery so Maker's Mark is the taste of home for me. I still prefer it to most everything else. Fri Nov 16 21:24:20 -0800 2007 3032812 143575 bourbongal 2 3134965 It IS good. Sat Nov 17 19:47:19 -0800 2007 3133090 18981 Jimmy Buffet 2 3241699 Updating my own post: I just returned from a Christmas trip to Louisville, KY where I spent the night at the venerable Brown Hotel. The lobby bar has a great selection of premium bourbon, including most of those mentioned above. The bartender recommended the 18-year old single barrel Elijah Craig and it was outstanding -- I think maybe the best I've had Thu Dec 27 20:43:13 -0800 2007 3133090 143575 bourbongal 1 3149469 You're all invited to try Hudson Baby Bourbon and Hudson Manhattan Rye. Made in the Hudson Valley of NY. Short aged, very tasty. A new direction in the old hand made tradition. Fri Nov 23 12:04:27 -0800 2007 3032812 144989 RalphErenzo 2 3154722 I've tasted a few of Ralph's spirits and have found them all to be excellent. Real, well crafted, small batch, micro-distilled, artisanal spirits. Welcome to Chowhound Ralph! Mon Nov 26 06:41:42 -0800 2007 3149469 10732 JMF 2 3162405 It is great stuff, however difficult to track down and somewhat pricey. I understand that the limited production contributes to the cost. Wed Nov 28 12:37:14 -0800 2007 3149469 118156 rollawaydadew 2 3164062 I'm hooked.How does one obtain your product? By mail, or from what distributors? Wed Nov 28 21:54:30 -0800 2007 3149469 106255 chazzerking 1 3163073 The Dining & Wine Section of NY Times today (11/28/07) has an article on a tasting of an assortment of premium bourbons. You can find it online at www.nytimes.com Wed Nov 28 15:10:17 -0800 2007 3032812 23776 DavidT 2 3163114 Thanks DavidT Interesting article! Wed Nov 28 15:22:21 -0800 2007 3163073 90565 Cookiefiend 3 3163592 To summarize the article's rankings: Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve (20 years old, 90.4 proof) at $90 got the highest ranking. The next 3 were: Vintage 17 Years Old, 94 Proof @ $45 Knob Creek, 9 Years Old, 100 Proof @ $35 W.L. Weller Centennial, 10 Years Old, 100 Proof @$35 Jim Beam Black, 8 Years Old, 86 Proof @ $20 was rated the Best Value. Wed Nov 28 18:13:22 -0800 2007 3163114 23776 DavidT 4 4784207 I'm a huge Jim Beam Black fan. Recently saw it for sale in Boston for $19.99 for 1.75L which is an insane deal. Thu Jun 18 08:35:41 -0700 2009 3163592 10169 StriperGuy 5 4788044 PLEASE let me know where in Boston you were able to come by it so cheaply! I've been after a bottle for some time and have been waiting to come across a good deal! Fri Jun 19 12:01:05 -0700 2009 4784207 228684 kitsune 6 4788099 I saw it at the liquor store at fresh pond next to Whole Foods but that was about a month ago. Lately they have had it for $29.99 for 1.75L which is still a "wicked bargain." Give em a call to see if they still have it at a decent price: Cambridge Wine & Spirits www.mallliquors.com 202 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge - (617) 864-7171 Fri Jun 19 12:18:46 -0700 2009 4788044 10169 StriperGuy 1 3181558 I have a bottle of Rowan's Creek, purchased about two weeks ago. It has a lot of character, seems almost raw in the sense that does not seem too cask mellowed. I have enjoyed it but it is pretty bracing and spicy. Wed Dec 05 09:07:01 -0800 2007 3032812 19291 frankiii 1 3182082 was just given a bottle of Jefferson's Reserve for the holidays...hope it is good. Wed Dec 05 11:25:16 -0800 2007 3032812 29317 MacArthur Mike 1 3189812 Definitely Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve. Fri Dec 07 21:10:22 -0800 2007 3032812 147552 gettingbigger 1 3212684 The Van Winkle 12 has made me change my rule about buying a different kind of bourbon every time I refill. There are also random, inexplicable sales here in the state-run stores in Pennsylvania. It's got a surprising bit of 'floral' to it, and since cowboys sometimes have flowers on their shirts, that's ok with me. Sun Dec 16 10:46:32 -0800 2007 3032812 10118 joypirate 1 3265431 I tend to go with a couple which are very different from each other: Wild Turkey and Maker's. Reading this thread, I bought a bottle of Bulleit. Very soft, and easy to sip. The Turkey, I drink on the rocks, Bulleit, neat. Sat Jan 05 19:11:08 -0800 2008 3032812 68466 vickib 2 3265529 Elmer T.Lee is a great Single Barrel from Buffalo Trace and is about 1/2 the cost of Rock Hill or Blantons. Current batches are around 14 years old. Just about anything from Buffalo Trace is excellent but the Elmer has the best quality to price ratio in my opinion. I also enjoy Ralph Erenzo's Hudson Baby Bourbon and hope to get my hands on some rye of his rye one of these days - heard from people I trust (or share the same taste with) that it was great too. Sat Jan 05 19:53:24 -0800 2008 3265431 142686 Spiritsreview 1 3270607 I recently started drinking George T Stagg and was impressed. Its uncut and the recent release was 144.8 proof. Mon Jan 07 13:25:31 -0800 2008 3032812 155482 tonabang 1 3276382 I'll have to chime in the with Pappy Van Winkle as my current favorite bourbon. I also have Eagle Rare and Wild Turkey in my collection of American whiskies. It's rare that someone will ask for bourbon and not like at least one of these three a lot, though I am not inclined to share my Pappy Van Winkle with people whose bo-nah-fi-des have not been established. Wed Jan 09 04:12:21 -0800 2008 3032812 83832 fussycouple 2 3278095 Without bonafides established, certain bottles should never be exposed for even viewing. Unless I know you really know how to appreciate a good dram, you do not get to even look at my bottles of: Hirsch; Pappy Van Winkle; Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye; Ron Zacapa Centario; Green Spot; etc., etc. If you ask for a ______ and coke, I reach for things I would never drink myself. I applaud your discretion to not let the good stuff enter into unapppreciative or undeserving mouths. Wed Jan 09 12:46:47 -0800 2008 3276382 18017 Captain 3 3278408 While I understand your hesitation, I take the opposite tack. I love exposing people to new tastes and widening the horizons of what they think is Bourbon. The answer to, do you have Bourbon for me is...have you ever had Eagle Rare or Buffalo Trace, have you sipped a good Rye. More often then not, they never imagined Bourbon could taste that way and want to learn more...then maybe, after a few visits, they get at my stash of Pappy Van, Stagg or Elijah 18. Lots of people seem to drink Bourbon and Coke because the only Bourbon they've ever tasted is crap. Wed Jan 09 13:55:08 -0800 2008 3278095 10132 sku 4 3278561 my dad tells a funny story about his father in law, my grandfather, and scotch. both of them really like their scotch. and in the early 70's lived near each other. anyhow, my dad was having a party and he put out the "good scotch" (no one remember the exact bottle) and a bottle of dewar's at the bar. my grand father, a slight and gentlemanly man his whole life, rush across the room and grabbed the good bottle from a guest who was about to pour it into his coke. with all the indignance he could muster said, "you can put THAT in your coke, not THIS." gesturing to the dewar's. it's the only story i know of him correcting someone publically, and i've given him more cause than the guest. the previous posts reminded me of the story. Wed Jan 09 14:29:47 -0800 2008 3278408 75907 japhyryder 5 3278797 It seems to me your grandfather was a wise man. He saved the good booze from being wasted and destroyed. It seems to me someone who drinks coke as a mixed drink is a person who wants the effect of drinking wihtout the flavor of the spirit. I've introduced plenty of people to spirits I enjoy, but I have my limits. Wed Jan 09 15:27:18 -0800 2008 3278561 18017 Captain 6 3283464 Especially anyone who would even think of putting Scotch, good or otherwise, in Coke. I shudder to think... Thu Jan 10 19:06:27 -0800 2008 3278797 106255 chazzerking 7 3283483 Yes, what a waste of a perfectly good Coke. Bleah. Thu Jan 10 19:15:17 -0800 2008 3283464 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 7 3974354 Johnnie Walker makes a scotch and coke in cans. I saw it on their website. Thu Aug 21 03:36:38 -0700 2008 3283464 28638 phantomdoc 1 3283437 I really like Bulleit bourbon. It's high rye content offers a nice, dry finish. It does well neat or on the rocks. Thu Jan 10 18:58:40 -0800 2008 3032812 151215 uisgebeatha9 1 3283580 I know this is kinda going off topic but there's plenty of other talk in this thread about Rye, and I just got a bottle of Hirsh 21 y/o for Christmas, and I like it a lot. Not quite as caramel-ly as Van Winkle 21, but very smooth and plenty of vanilla and spice in the nose. It drinks very well especially at this time of year.I also picked up a bottle of Black Maple Hill, but haven't opened it yet. Looking forward to trying that. Thu Jan 10 19:46:35 -0800 2008 3032812 106255 chazzerking 2 3289647 I have heard several people say they like the 16 year Hirsch better than the older ones. What are your thoughts? I've tried the 16 year and it is certainly one of my favorites but I haven't had the fortune of trying any of the other bottlings. I've read a few good reviews of Black Maple Hill. Let me know if you can recommend it. Sat Jan 12 19:27:05 -0800 2008 3283580 155482 tonabang 3 3299697 Can't speak to the 16, only the 21, which is very very nice, as I said above. I tried the regular Hirsch(Ithink it's 7 y/o, but not sure about that) and it is pretty good, but to my taste, not as good as Rittenhouse, for a base rye. I haven't opened the Black Maple Hill yet , but will report back as soon as I do. Tue Jan 15 20:39:14 -0800 2008 3289647 106255 chazzerking 4 3304770 I obviously didn't read your post very closely as I thought you were referring to an older Hirsch bourbon. I didn't realize they made a 21 year old Rye. Does it say where it was distilled on the bottle? Maybe I'll be lucky enough to have Santa drop a bottle of Hirsch or Black Maple Hill this year. Thu Jan 17 09:15:09 -0800 2008 3299697 155482 tonabang 5 3304915 Hirsch Bourbon that is worth spending some money on, IMO, is the stuff distilled at the Michter Distillery that was in Schaefferstown, PA and closed in 1988. To see some info, look at: http://www.hirschbourbon.com/html/history.html Mtcher's made today is not, from what I recall, from the same distillery. It also is simply not as good. Thu Jan 17 09:43:34 -0800 2008 3304770 18017 Captain 1 3297836 Blantons. Tue Jan 15 11:28:04 -0800 2008 3032812 155549 Docsknotinn 1 3302740 Sippin on some George T. Stagg......slowly! Wed Jan 16 16:14:03 -0800 2008 3032812 65057 Uncle Bob 1 3430524 My sister bought me Van Winkle for Xmas---really delicious but, of course, expensive. I like Makers Mark for Manhattans, it seems quite smooth for a moderately priced bourbon. Bookers is good as well. Sun Feb 24 15:42:51 -0800 2008 3032812 169018 mainahs 1 3494446 Tried some of the bourbons in the picture below last night with friends. To my taste, which leans toward Knob Creek, the Elmer T. Lee was the stand out. Fri Mar 14 19:19:38 -0700 2008 3032812 19291 frankiii 1 3496451 Tonight was WT 101... Sat Mar 15 16:24:47 -0700 2008 3032812 65057 Uncle Bob 1 3503089 Knob is always yummy. Bookers is, too. I love all the Van Winkles but my wife likes Knob. This thread started pretty high on Wathen's./ It is good but I haven't seen it around for a year (in Austin). I noticed another thread on bitters. If you are inclined to mixed drinks, such as Old Fashioneds, try one with Angostura and another with Peychaud's...two totally different drinks, even with just a shake. Life doesn't get much better than Old Fashioned made with Knob Creek and a dash of Angostura bitters (except for Pappy Van Winkle and a small splash). Someone mentioned Old Overholt...I like it a lot, too. Mon Mar 17 22:15:21 -0700 2008 3032812 170997 tim irvine 1 3581964 Bulleit is what I've been craving most recently, served on ice, but there is only one bar is SD that has served it to me. Otherwise, I'll have Knob. This board as over 100 post, thanks to everyone for sharing. Although does anyone want to just list any three to be on the look out when I'm out at a bar? Thank You Kindly! Thu Apr 10 13:23:10 -0700 2008 3032812 157583 epicureous eggplant 2 3582391 Most of the really old and fine bourbons will be pretty pricey in most bars. On the other hand, It will give you the chance to taste and see if it's worth the $100+ per bottle before you spend that. My choice for the best would have to be the Pappy Van W 21. at a little lower level, I do like Blanton's, Rock Hill Farms and Black Maple Hill a lot. Thu Apr 10 15:20:14 -0700 2008 3581964 106255 chazzerking 3 3582494 As long as you're buyin', I'll drink with you ANYTIME! I love Pappy and Rock Hill... Thu Apr 10 15:57:03 -0700 2008 3582391 13700 ricepad 2 3592027 I picked up a bottle of Jefferson's and one of Hancock's last week. That makes a total of 8 bottles tasted in the past month and a half, or so. As mentioned before, I prefer Knob Creek, in terms of widely available bourbon. Of the new ones I have tried I like Russell's, Elmer T Lee and my experience with Jefferson's was also nice (has a faint flavor of tea and not as sweet). I thought Rock Hill was a bit too scotch-like, in that it was not too sweet and thus the high proof tended to burn through. The van winkles were all nice and great deals for the money and Eagle Rare was pleasant but probably not worth the premium price point. I might have regretted it the next day but having bourbon tasting parties and getting through these 8 bottles has been a real pleasure, sip on. Mon Apr 14 07:12:11 -0700 2008 3581964 19291 frankiii 3 3594399 The Jefferson tastes like tree bark to me. It's the one bottle I truly regret ever buying. Mon Apr 14 18:31:02 -0700 2008 3592027 117844 lennox53 4 3595122 I can see that, I guess it stood out because it was different from a series of bottles that, while good, were largely the same. Tue Apr 15 04:20:41 -0700 2008 3594399 19291 frankiii 1 3587154 EAGLE RARE Sat Apr 12 08:54:29 -0700 2008 3032812 168280 vino5150 2 3597966 Yep, it's Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare for me. Buffalo Trace distillery is my bourbon distillery of choice. Tue Apr 15 17:13:57 -0700 2008 3587154 181130 theginguy 3 4686952 As someone who doesn't like the "new" eagle rare, I'd be curious to hear what your thoughts are in comparing the "old" Eagle Rare (8 year, 101 proof) and Buffalo Trace. I know Buffalo Trace came out before the "old" Eagle Rare was done away with, but I'm wondering if there's any similarity whatsoever? Fri May 15 10:48:52 -0700 2009 3597966 23892 NYChristopher 1 3684800 My fav sippin Bourbon is Wild Turkey 101. My dad was a bourbon drinker and I've developed a taste for it as I get older. A few years ago, I ended up with many high end bottles to sample from.... For about 5 or 8 years, every time I visited my dad, I'd take him a fancy bottle of bourbon. We'd each have a shot or two and I assumed he'd finish the bottle over the next few weeks. He didn't. He was insanely thrifty and he put them away and drank his discount bourbon. When he died, I found about 30 different high end bourbons with a couple of shots missing. He never could bring himself to drink the good stuff by himself. It took me and my friends a while, but we had some great drinks and toasts to Dad. BTW.... drink the good stuff now while you can. Tue May 13 19:49:50 -0700 2008 3032812 60617 rednyellow 1 3724249 Bakers. Tue May 27 11:58:27 -0700 2008 3032812 29732 cherie 1 3724699 I always have a bottle of Early Times handy. However, the latest rotation was 101 proof Wild Turkey Rye. Once you adjust to it a bit, it's a pretty good rye. Tue May 27 14:01:04 -0700 2008 3032812 184376 FlaHopper 2 3739805 As far as ryes go, i agree - wild turkey rye is awesome Sun Jun 01 15:58:13 -0700 2008 3724699 73480 cornFusion 1 3744981 This summer; St. James Hors d'age Rhum Agricole. I'm surprised that more Bourbon drinkers don't take up high quality aged rums for sippin', especially in the summer. Tue Jun 03 09:17:56 -0700 2008 3032812 106255 chazzerking 2 3777303 I've enjoyed St James as an alternative to a sipping whiskey for over 10 years. It's a great alt to cognac or armangnac too. Has anyone tasted Proctor's(?) Bourbon? Local liquor store clerk pointed it out to me last week but I wasn't in the market for bourbon then. Fri Jun 13 08:07:53 -0700 2008 3744981 51743 crewsweeper 2 3798426 I love rum from Demerara, Guyana. Port Morant 12 year old It's a great alternative.Checkout www.classicrum.com I go back 'n forth between this and a good bourbon, except in the autumn when it's Calvados time. Fri Jun 20 13:12:08 -0700 2008 3744981 10491 MOREKASHA 2 4686942 Another shout out for St. James. While I've not had the Hors d'age, I have had the Amber and thought it a great product and an even better value. I gave up drinking Mount Gay I liked it so much. More here http://scottesrum.com/2007/04/08/st-james-royal-ambre-vs-st-james-hors-dage/ Fri May 15 10:46:20 -0700 2009 3744981 23892 NYChristopher 1 3797949 Maker's Mark is a good default bourbon. Ancient Ancient Age (AAA) is the bang for the buck champ (I always have some around). Blanton's is the best >$25 bourbon I've tried. Fri Jun 20 11:10:03 -0700 2008 3032812 127433 PeterB 2 3801226 MM tastes good even before they distill it! http://www.vimeo.com/1189702 Sat Jun 21 18:47:56 -0700 2008 3797949 159765 dwh 1 3801990 Booker's is my default but Knob Creek and Jefferson provide a nice set of alternatives, too. Sun Jun 22 08:01:27 -0700 2008 3032812 11175 The Ranger 1 3820969 right now i'm digging the sam houston's kentucky bourbon. killer stuff, made by the same folks who make jefferson's. Fri Jun 27 19:53:18 -0700 2008 3032812 201446 samhopkins 1 3965095 Black Maple Hill Small Batch is pretty tasty and reasonably priced. You can check our reviews on this and other bourbons at my site www.lawhiskeysociety.com Sun Aug 17 21:25:33 -0700 2008 3032812 219289 dukeofsandwich 2 3986088 I was in Northern KY a couple of weeks ago and went to the Party Source to pick up some bourbon and different beers. By the way, there is nothing remotely like the Party Source on LI, I could live there! I ended up picking up Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek and I picked up Eagle Rare at a store by my house . After taste testing the three numerous times, I enjoy the Woodford Reserve for sipping the most, followed by the Knob Creek. As for the Eagle Rare, I found it to be on the harsh side for sipping. Because of that, I could not pick up other flavors in it. That said, it does make a good Bourbon with a ginger ale/club soda mix. My current vote for sipping Bourbon is the Woodford Reserve! Mon Aug 25 14:56:00 -0700 2008 3965095 102195 imhungryletseat 1 3987218 Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek. Maker's makes the best bourbon manhattan. New Discovery - The Rye manhattan! Try making your manhattan with Wild Turkey 101 Rye! Great thread. Tue Aug 26 03:01:36 -0700 2008 3032812 221616 Nakajima 2 4427742 Of course, rye was the spirit used in the original Manhattan. Bourbon was more of a regional favorite until after Prohibition, which had put many of America's great rye distillieries out of business permanently. Nearly every whiskey cocktail that most bartenders now make with bourbon was originally based on rye. I like bourbon a lot, but for cocktails I'm much likelier to reach for rye these days. Got my girl going that way, too. Wed Feb 18 04:38:19 -0800 2009 3987218 10143 MC Slim JB 3 4428018 "Got my girl going that way, too." Other way around for me :) Well, sort of. I kept yammering about rye making a comeback, but she was the one that really started the two of us down the path of rye-dom. We haven't yet splurged on getting a bottle of good sipping rye, sticking with the sub-$30ish range for cocktail use, but it was a real eye opener how it made a positive difference in drinks. Wed Feb 18 07:14:43 -0800 2009 4427742 111910 jgg13 1 4426009 My favorite everyday bourbon is Basil Hayden, hands down. Smooth, smooth, sippin' and well priced. Other favorites that are currently on my home bar shelf are: Pappy Van Winkle 15yr (I love the spice here) Pappy Van Winkle 23yr (special occasions only!!) Corner Creek (This one is a HUGE sleeper. Highly recommended at $24-30/bottle) Eagle Rare 10yr (A fantastic bourbon, better in the 17yr form but eons more expensive) Blanton's (Love the spice and I have collected all of the corks!) Booker's (aka, the "ass kicker" bourbon at 125.4 proof) Ezra Brooks (Not one of my favorites but not bad. Kinda like Makers Mark) Wathens (I found this sucker in a small shop in West Palm Beach. Bottled in '97, small batch. First glass seemed a little strong but it was more like breaking in a leather chair as the next glasses were more comfy. Currently one of my favorites though its a tough find) Rock Hill Farms (Got hooked on this at Capital Grill in Boston where a NY visitor has them stock it just for him and bourbon lovers like me reap the benefit of his tastes) I also like Woodford Reserve as an alternative to Basil Hayden when at a bar that doesnt stock BH. Very similar in taste though I find WR to have a bit more of a floral bouquet and a little more bite at 90 proof rather than the 80 for BH. I also recently tried and really liked both Michter's (bourbon and rye) and Black Maple Farms though Ive yet to buy a bottle for my bar. The bar only holds bourbon, by the way, except for the essentials needed for the occasional Manhattan. :) I could probably go on and on about the other bottles Ive tried and my collection of empties but I will reel it in for now haha. Tue Feb 17 14:04:50 -0800 2009 3032812 115383 Blind Mind 2 4427279 I agree with all your comments and recs. I would add a few; Tuthilltown's Hudson bourbon and Baby bourbon. They aren't cheap, around $40 for a 375 ml bottle, but smooth and delicious. I've also recently aquired bottles of Rowan's Creek and Noah's Mill. Both are enjoyable and interesting, but I've only tried each once so I'm still making a judgment. I have yet to find anything to compare with the Pappy 23 though. I'm still looking Tue Feb 17 20:14:38 -0800 2009 4426009 106255 chazzerking 3 4430658 Yes, I also liked Rowan's Creek and Noah's Mill when I tried them in Louisville and Cincinnati respectfully. I just havent seen them in my area. The Pappy 23 is my all time favorite, but again, its for special occasions only. Ive had the bottle for over a year now and its more than half full. :) Wed Feb 18 19:23:19 -0800 2009 4427279 115383 Blind Mind 4 4445848 I just picked up a 1.75 of Bulleit ($39.99) and a 750 of Corner Creek ($23.99), both on sale. I love the Bulleit (I remember reading it has a different flavor profile due to more Rye) and like the Corner Creek. Overall, of the premium Bourbons I tried, Woodford Reserve is still my favorite, with Makers Mark and the Bulleit not too far behind. After tasting a range of premium bourbons, a friend had Jim Beam and I decided to have a nip, for old times sake. Boy, was that a shock. I remember reading somewhere that someone felt JB had a soapy taste and those were by exact thoughts...yeech! Mon Feb 23 18:34:27 -0800 2009 4430658 102195 imhungryletseat 1 4650870 Bookers!! Shake it with maple syrup, fresh lemon juice and ice--delicious!! Sun May 03 16:27:43 -0700 2009 3032812 284945 lchavezs 2 4651275 that sounds tasty. I am guessing just a little maple syrup and lemon juice? Sun May 03 19:12:20 -0700 2009 4650870 92263 aea6574 2 4661905 man, that sounds amazing. So simple yet obvious. I'm going to try that mix tonight. What would you call it? I'm gonna use Bulleit though....or maybe I'll try the Woodford Reserve, which seems to be prominent on this thread. Thu May 07 06:22:52 -0700 2009 4650870 289644 MacshashRIP 3 4665200 I tried Woodford/MapleSyrup/LemonJuice shaken....didn't quite come out like I had imagined. It ended up sort of like a Long Island ice tea. Not really my thing. I will stick to either up or rocks....seductive as it is. Fri May 08 05:09:11 -0700 2009 4661905 289644 MacshashRIP 1 4652131 Im on a new one now... Black Maple Hill. Deelish Mon May 04 07:18:53 -0700 2009 3032812 115383 Blind Mind 2 4671941 Black Maple Hill is great stuff. Too bad only the small batch version is still widely available. If you stumble across a bottle of the 11, 14, or 16 year, buy it up. Duke of Sandwich www.lawhiskeysociety.com Sun May 10 19:29:13 -0700 2009 4652131 219289 dukeofsandwich 1 4678183 Here in Portland I'm really loving Buffalo Trace, especially the single barrel stuff that some local bartenders selected from the distillery (limited production, of course). It's my everyday bourbon whether on its own or in a cocktail. It's amazing that I started this thread a year and a half ago and completely forgot about it. I'm absolutely thrilled to see that it's still alive and well and that people are talking about whiskey and bourbon in particular! Tue May 12 17:05:11 -0700 2009 3032812 50350 SauceSupreme 2 4678487 Im also a Buffalo Trace fan for both flavor and value. Same with Eagle Rare 10yr and Corner Creek. Theyre all around the same price point. Buffalo Trace distillery produces their namesake along with Eagle Rare. If you have yet to make the trip to the Bourbon Trail, I strongly recommend a trip to the Buffalo Trace distillery. Tue May 12 18:57:14 -0700 2009 4678183 115383 Blind Mind 1 4678463 I have several open bottles of Bourbon on the bar at any given time, but I seem to reach for a couple more than others: Elijah Craig 18 YO, Eagle Rare 10 YO, WT Russell's Reserve and Buffalo Trace. all are excellent, world-class spirits! Tue May 12 18:49:43 -0700 2009 3032812 249834 RoxanaV 1 4680220 had a bottle of Maker's Mark Mint Julep. It was gone in 4 days. Wed May 13 11:02:04 -0700 2009 3032812 217582 cannedmilkandfruitypebbles 2 4680917 It took that long, :) Makers is my choice for sure. Wed May 13 13:46:06 -0700 2009 4680220 232829 kchurchill5 1 4789077 Ok, so rather than starting a new thread... I am a newer drinker. Well, not newer drinker, but newer to exploring better spirits and caring more about nuances and flavors than getting a buzz off of the alcohol. (Ok, not THAT new. I'm not freshly out of college, and I haven't had any drink in a plastic solo cup for years. But still, more recently expanding my palette and appreciating the differences in taste.) My family is Irish, so I grew up appreciating Irish whiskeys. I have loved Jameson's and Bushmills much earlier than I cared about cheapo beers or decent gins. (My other current quest is learning about the flavors of gins and discovering my perfect martini.) I've started drinking bourbons more, and I really like them. I haven't developed a taste for scotch, though. It seems too "harsh" somehow. For someone who loves Irish Whiskey, is very interested in learning about bourbons, isn't a fan of scotch, and thinks Jack Daniels is too sweet... where would you suggest I begin learning about bourbons? I can't really afford to go out and buy multiple bottles of the high end stuff to do my own tasting, and there are so many listed in this thread... Where should someone who really wants to learn, and experience the subtle differences and flavors begin? I've never really had a bourbon I didn't like, but I didn't try them near each other. I need some sort of direction, so I know where to begin? Fri Jun 19 19:21:34 -0700 2009 3032812 114561 Ditdah 2 4789323 Based on your profile, I would say try some Woodford Reserve. It's a bit less sweet and fairly affordable. For contrast, a few other affordable brands to try are Maker's Mark (a bit on the sweeter side) and Buffalo Trace (spicy). These three are widely available and present a pretty wide range of flavors. If you find something you like, it will help you know what direction to go in. Fri Jun 19 22:11:09 -0700 2009 4789077 10132 sku 2 4794128 Here are 4 to get you going: Woodford Reserve (about $40 for a 750ml with a nice, mild flavor, very floral) Eagle Rare 10yr (this is a phenomenal bourbon and can be had for $26-$30 for a 750ml bottle. vanilla, caramel, with spicy undertones. a bold flavor for sure) Corner Creek Reserve (great bargain at $24-28 for a 750ml. another mild bourbon with hints of vanilla, oak, floral) Basil Hayden (about $35 for a 750ml. my favorite everyday bourbon. very smooth and mild in flavor with hints of pepper and honey.) I also agree with the suggestion of Buffalo Trace Bourbon at about $25 for a 750ml bottle. Very similar to Maker's Mark but with more of a spicy kick rather than sweet. Also, if you want to spend a little more (about $45-50), look for Blanton's bourbon. This one is a fantastic bourbon. All that I mentioned should be consumed neat or with 3 to no more than 6 ice cubes depending on the size of the cube to enjoy the most flavor from yer sippin sauce. ;) Mon Jun 22 06:12:45 -0700 2009 4789077 115383 Blind Mind 3 4796145 Thank you both very much for your suggestions... based on your suggestions and the rest of thread, I think a bottle of Woodford Reserve is on my sights for this week, and then on to some of the others you've listed. I've had Makers Mark before, but not at a point where I was actually trying to learn the flavors and differences in the various bourbons. But, I do recall liking it. For the record, my preferred way to drink bourbons is with just two or three small ice cubes. I like the very slight chill, and the flavors seem to come out a bit more. However, I'm not against sipping them neat, and tend to do so in the cooler months. If there are any that I sould NEVER put a few rocks in, please let me know, since I'm new to this. I also adore having an Old Fashioned, but I never ask for a specifc bourbon. Maybe I need to start being more specific, but I've liked most I've had. Although I get really annoyed when the bartender says "an old fashioned what?" (Which has happened to me numerous times. How can a bartender not know one of THE original cokctails?) Mon Jun 22 16:06:45 -0700 2009 4794128 114561 Ditdah 4 4796616 I too enjoy a few rocks in my bourbon glass because I live in a hot climate and like a cold drink. When it comes to some of the finer bourbons that are aged longer or a limited run, I tend to go neat. Mon Jun 22 19:24:48 -0700 2009 4796145 115383 Blind Mind 1 4805965 Tried Eagle Rare 17yr for the first time last night. It was absolutely wonderful. Had it basically neat with just 2 slivers of ice because it was a little warm out and I was completing a warm meal. I didnt expect it to be that much of a departure from the 10yr but it was. Hints of toffee, oak, and a little spice which was nice for a 90 proofer aged 17yrs. I gotta get a bottle of this. I think I saw it for about $60 online. Anyone know of a better price/vendor? Thu Jun 25 12:36:03 -0700 2009 3032812 115383 Blind Mind 2 4809646 I probably drink Bulleit, Knob Creek, and Jim Beam Black the most. I used to be a big Woodford Reserve fan, but for whatever reason don't like it anymore. Others I enjoy from time to time are Buffalo Trace, Basil Haydens, and Russels Reserve. I had some Kentucky Tavern at a neighbors last week. It was the house liquor at the bars I hung out at while in college where I first was introduced to bourbon. Not bad for a budget bourbon. For a bachelor party last year, I bought $40 something bottle of Black Maple Hill....and thought it was terrible. It tasted like tree bark. A few other guys gave it a taste; but nobody would drink it. Maybe I just don't have refined tastes. Fri Jun 26 16:34:26 -0700 2009 4805965 1088860 KCFoodGuy 1 4888408 Wild Turkey 101. It's my standby, my one true bourbon love. I get sad when I don't have any left in the house for mixing or on ice as I'm so used to the combination of a strong "bite" but good flavor from it. That said, for sipping I enjoy experimenting with different brands; I like Knob Creek and have some Wild Turkey Rare Breed on hand now which, wow, does that do the trick...! Fri Jul 24 16:08:41 -0700 2009 3032812 267087 sockii 1 4920023 Lately I have been VERY impressed by the products from Tuthilltown Spirits a NY based microdistillery. They are distilling mostly NY state grains and I have tried all of their whiskeys at this point. I really like their plain corn whiskey and their other bourbon-like spirits and whiskeys. http://tuthilltown.com/QUALITY/products.html Wed Aug 05 11:45:37 -0700 2009 3032812 10169 StriperGuy 1 4925602 Jim Beam Black one a Double Gold at the 2009 SF World Spirits Competition: http://www.sfspiritscomp.com/pdfs/09ResultsClass.pdf Fri Aug 07 07:44:55 -0700 2009 3032812 10169 StriperGuy 1 5042702 Well, I was back up in West Palm Beach, FL and managed to remember where the liquor store that I bought Wathens at was, intent on buying a bottle again as I really enjoyed it last time. Well, they didnt have it... However!! My buzzkill only lasted a moment when I noticed a bourbon Id never heard of before - I.W. Harper. 80 proof and about $36 I believe. This is a fantastic bourbon. Smooth like Basil Hayden @ 80 proof but with a nice spice. I killed 1/2 the bottle on the 1st night!! Sat Sep 19 16:20:20 -0700 2009 3032812 115383 Blind Mind 2 5043696 That bottle must have been on the shelf for a while. Diageo discontinued production of IW Harper for the American market three or four years ago. It is now only made for export to Asia. Sun Sep 20 09:23:16 -0700 2009 5042702 10132 sku 3 5045583 No way! Man, I gotta get up there and buy the last couple of bottles then! Mon Sep 21 07:18:57 -0700 2009 5043696 115383 Blind Mind 4 5125320 I went back up to WPB and hit up that liquor store a few weeks back. After searching thru their bourbon section (bottles arent lined up by brand, really. you gotta dig) I found 5 bottles of I.W. Harper 15yr covered in a nice layer of shelf dust and bought them all. Guy cleaned off the bottles for me and gave me an 8% discount (hey, better than nothing!). I gave a bottle to my cousin and have almost finished one myself. Is this a rare bourbon or should I just drink away without any inhibitions? I love the stuff. Fri Oct 23 09:44:54 -0700 2009 5045583 115383 Blind Mind 5 5125358 Well, it's rare in the sense that it isn't available anymore, but it is not one that is particularly sought after by collectors, so I would say if you enjoy it, drink it. Fri Oct 23 09:57:21 -0700 2009 5125320 10132 sku