Let's Talk Bourbon

[michael]

As in Kentucky Straight Bourbon...or others if you are so inclined. I've recently started to really appreciate Kentucky Straight. What are your favorites, and why?

I've recently tried and like:

Maker's Mark....before they dropped the proof and raised it again. Nice, but not quite as smooth as I like.

Eagle Rare....recommended at the local store, and I have to say, it is amazing. 10 years old, and smooth as butter. I'll be getting more of this.

Four Roses Small Batch....came highly recommended, but I haven't opened it yet.

Evan Williams Black...cheap, but decent. Probably won't buy any more.

[JHawk]

Pappy Van Winkle if you can find it. I had the pleasure of tasting this recently on a hunting trip.... http://gardenandgun.com/article/julian-p-van-winkle

[John Chambers]

Jeffers Creek from Weller. Good stuff!

[Vigilant]

Basil Haydens, Bookers, and Bakers! Quality bourbons with their own set of characteristics! As for Makers, we never even got the cut proof stuff here, and never noticed a shortage! Pappy's is very, very good stuff but hard to come by. Knob Creek is my choice for an everyday sipper, it can be found at most nicer restaurants, and an ample number of "dives"!

[336Whiskey]

Booker's!!! Uncut and unfiltered - srtaight out of the barrel!! Now that is good sipping whiskey!!

Also: Four Roses Single Barrel
Ezra Brooks and Old Ezra 101 are good everyday sipping whiskeys
Buffalo Trace
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel
Old Grand Dad[OGD] 114

[Bill Lindsay]

The best taste/value on the market is Rebel Yell reserve. Smooth, full falvor.

[Puddle]

Rare Breed

tasty.

[B+Shooter]

I like Weller's, Maker's, and Woodford Reserve. I believe they're priced in that order. Pappy Van Winkle is awesome, but too rich to enjoy regularly. I don't really drink any more, and these are the ones I miss most.

[lax]

Abraham Bohman
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Maker's 46
High West Rendezvous Rye
Knob Creek Rye

Last Christmas was a whiskey Christmas for my brothers and me. Abraham Bohman is worth it if you can find it. The Smooth Ambler is out of West Virginia and a recent addition as a staple for me since Virginia ABC stores now carry it. I really enjoyed the flavors in the High West Rendezvous Rye out of Utah. Unfortunately it is not available locally.

[Jarhead90]

I'm drinking Evan Williams (black label) with Ginger ale right now. Its not top shelf but it works for me. I want to get a bottle of Makers Mark, I heard good things about it.





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[Bill the Vet]

Knob Creek,Maker's Mark,Buffalo Trace are among my favorites.An\ neww one which is gaining ground is Sam Houston American Whiskey-not officially a Bourbon,but very "Bourbonish" flavor.Not readily available-most Spec's have it for us Texas boys:tongue:

[Heywood]

Maker's 46 (the ultra-premium version of Maker's Mark)
Booker's
Knob Creek

In that order.
+1
Bookers and Knob creek are my two favorites. Never tried the makers 46. Though.

[John Silver]

Knob Creek is my favorite, but I think just regular old Jim Beam is under rated as an everyday sipper. It doesn't have the panache of the higher end bourbons, but the flavor is decent. Maker's Mark and Four Roses I think are overrated - the flavor just isn't there for me with MM, and Four Roses isn't as rich as I'd like. Buffalo Trace is decent. Haven't tried Booker's or Basil because I'm afraid I would like them too much.

[MacDuff]

I've been trying different brands lately. Finishing a bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel tonight. I prefer Woodford Reserve.

MacDuff

[jcart]

Makers Mark
Jack Daniels when there is nothing else

I am going to have to try the 46

[fldback]

Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek are my two favorites.

I just tried Buffalo Trace. It's pretty good but I'll probably go back to the ones above. Unless of course the local liquor store has something else that looks interesting.

My theory is that I don't drink much, therefor I can afford to drink what I like. I do the same with Rum and Tequila.

[Mike Heckathorn]

E.H. Taylor Single Barrel
Booker's
Knobb Creek Single Barrel
Knobb Creek

[336Whiskey]

Costco's Kirkland Signature bourbon is quite good, and a great buy. It is basically 103 proof,7 YO Knob Creek[100 pf, 9 YO].

[Crusader8207]

my favorite, everyday is Bulleit.

[clintofio]

Tried a bunch when I was in Kentucky... Really enjoyed Woodford Reserve Double Oak

also, tried Angel's Envy recently and found it to be nice as well.

Will definitely try some of you guys' suggestions...

[The rifleman next door]

Jeffers Creek from Weller. Good stuff!

I second that....like mother's milk. (if your mother is an alcoholic that is...)

Wild Turkey 101 (gor a half 1.75 left over from Sniper Week that's going down far too easy.)

[BarnStorm]

Knob Creek all the way

[ak103rg]

As a part time bartender in a whiskey bar, I get to try a lot of different bourbons. For research purposes of course :tongue:
Some of my current favorites

Anything from the Buffalo Trace Family, includes Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Blantons. All easy drinking, full flavored, and not to hard on the wallet.
Stepping up a little bit, Angels Envy has got to be one of the smoothest bourbons I've ever had. Its finished in port wine barrels and at $50 a bottle or so, you get what you pay for. However, my current favorite has got to be WH Harrison Governors Reserve. It is almost cask strength (57.5% ABV) but drinking it will have you believe otherwise. It is surprisingly smooth. The flavors are outstanding. To bring the alcohol level down a tad and really open up the flavors, try it in a brandy snifter with a single ice cube.

My go to "find anywhere" bourbon? Makers Mark. Nothing crazy, but decent for the price, and can be found in just about any bar or liquor store all over the world.

[Vigilant]

As a part time bartender in a whiskey bar, I get to try a lot of different bourbons. For research purposes of course :tongue:
Some of my current favorites

Anything from the Buffalo Trace Family, includes Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, and Blantons. All easy drinking, full flavored, and not to hard on the wallet.
Stepping up a little bit, Angels Envy has got to be one of the smoothest bourbons I've ever had. Its finished in port wine barrels and at $50 a bottle or so, you get what you pay for. However, my current favorite has got to be WH Harrison Governors Reserve. It is almost cask strength (57.5% ABV) but drinking it will have you believe otherwise. It is surprisingly smooth. The flavors are outstanding. To bring the alcohol level down a tad and really open up the flavors, try it in a brandy snifter with a single ice cube.

My go to "find anywhere" bourbon? Makers Mark. Nothing crazy, but decent for the price, and can be found in just about any bar or liquor store all over the world.I forgot bout the Indiana President's Bourbon! Great stuff!

[Molon Labe .45]

Lifelong bourbon drinker. I've tried most of them, but good old Wild turkey 101 is my drink of choice hands down.

[AlwaysVigilant]

Makers and Knob mostly for me. I do shots with the guys on Fridays after work with the staff, for closed leases we got that week. There were 7 last week...we had to postpone a few.

[BESEPUL]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/05/janydyhu.jpg

"It''s not because I'm a lawyer, it's because I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany..."

[cmh03]

Well, I'll start by saying i cut my teeth on Early Times. lol. I plan on trying Booker's or maybe another top shelf brand mentioned here the next time I'm at a nice place to eat. I've tried most run of the mill bourbons such as Makers Mark... long story short, I'm a beer drinker.

Have any of you tried any beer that has been aged in oak barrels. I've sampled some aged in whiskey & bourbon barrels, usually a porter or stout. I'd take them over a glass of wine any day (they are usually higher in alcohol content than normal beers). I know Foot Hills Brewing in Winston Salem has one as a seasonal, along with others that escape me at the moment. Any how, they are quite tasty imo from either side of the fence.

Also, another side track if I may, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey... Its not bourbon but its right tasty. Hot 'n spicy in all the right way's and 66 proof. It's sweet, very much a "desert" type beverage but i quite like it.

To the bourbon connoisseur, I apologize for the derailment of the thread.

[dcbo]

Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark and JD Gentleman Jack.


Ditto on Buffalo Trace. Smooth and very very tasty!

[rikkitikkitavi]

Eagle rare is good stuff! I always have a bottle of knob creek around as well. My favorite is Wild Turkey rye, great flavor and pretty clean, I can't believe it's so inexpensive.

Oh yes Eagle is #1 in my book!

[michael]

Pappy Van Winkle if you can find it. I had the pleasure of tasting this recently on a hunting trip.... http://gardenandgun.com/article/julian-p-van-winkle

That looks awesome, but I would have to mortgage the house!:lol:


Eagle rare is good stuff! I always have a bottle of knob creek around as well. My favorite is Wild Turkey rye, great flavor and pretty clean, I can't believe it's so inexpensive.

The clerk at the liquor store convinced me to buy it and said he would even give me my money back if I didn't like it. He won't have to worry about that!


Jeffers Creek from Weller. Good stuff!


Basil Haydens, Bookers, and Bakers! Quality bourbons with their own set of characteristics! As for Makers, we never even got the cut proof stuff here, and never noticed a shortage! Pappy's is very, very good stuff but hard to come by. Knob Creek is my choice for an everyday sipper, it can be found at most nicer restaurants, and an ample number of "dives"!


Maker's 46 (the ultra-premium version of Maker's Mark)
Booker's
Knob Creek

In that order.


I like Weller's, Maker's, and Woodford Reserve. I believe they're priced in that order. Pappy Van Winkle is awesome, but too rich to enjoy regularly. I don't really drink any more, and these are the ones I miss most.


Knob Creek is my favorite, but I think just regular old Jim Beam is under rated as an everyday sipper. It doesn't have the panache of the higher end bourbons, but the flavor is decent. Maker's Mark and Four Roses I think are overrated - the flavor just isn't there for me with MM, and Four Roses isn't as rich as I'd like. Buffalo Trace is decent. Haven't tried Booker's or Basil because I'm afraid I would like them too much.


Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek are my two favorites.

I just tried Buffalo Trace. It's pretty good but I'll probably go back to the ones above. Unless of course the local liquor store has something else that looks interesting.

My theory is that I don't drink much, therefor I can afford to drink what I like. I do the same with Rum and Tequila.


Makers and Knob mostly for me. I do shots with the guys on Fridays after work with the staff, for closed leases we got that week. There were 7 last week...we had to postpone a few.


Oh yes Eagle is #1 in my book!

It looks like my next purchases will be Knob Creek (almost bought it this trip) and Woodford Reserve. They seem to be the most popular here, along with Buffalo Trace. I'll have to try them all.

I agree Maker's is pretty good for the price point. I was not as blown away by the Four Roses Small Batch as I thought I would be. It is good, but not really much better than MM's to me. The Eagle Rare is really good stuff.

I've got some others to try, and I appreciate all the good comments and ideas! Keep them coming.

[BESEPUL]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/05/edu6asu3.jpg

"It''s not because I'm a lawyer, it's because I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany..."

[michael]

I'll modify my above statement. Next up will be Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace. The Four Roses is good, but I think for the money not any better than Maker's Mark, so I probably won't purchase any more of that. The Eagle Rare is definitely my top choice for now of those I have sampled.

[Josh Ward]

EH Taylor SB, Blantons, Bakers, Basil Haydens

[Gun Mutt]

I'm a total bourbon snob, both from vocation and birthright. Bourbon shouldn't be mixed with anything other than ice, though I'm not above a Manhattan or Mint Julep if the occasion calls for it. Many good brands have been listed, take my suggestions knowing that I tend to prefer a bourbon that has a some unabashed sour mash heft to the finish.

If it's a night to drink room temperature bourbon from an appropriate glass, I'd like mine to be a 94 proof. Look for an absolutely wonderful brand called Wathen's (http://www.wathens.com/). A less expensive, but very good room temp bourbon is the original Elijah Craig.

Once I cross the 94 proof threshold, I will add ice to open it up a little. Pappy Van Winkle and Bakers are fine, fine bourbons, I prefer Bookers.

The lowest ranking bourbon you'll find in my house is the Buffalo Trace, for general household usage...including the mouth breathing Philistines that mix it with cola. The only caveat to that rule is 7yr old Jim Beam with the red cap & label markings. It's so very smooth, especially compared to the cheaper 4yr old white cap and it's the goto bottle to pass around on a cold night at the fire pit.

Evan Williams is the best of the worst...times may get tough, but not tough enough for me to drink this low anymore.

[AlwaysVigilant]

I'm a total bourbon snob, both from vocation and birthright. Bourbon shouldn't be mixed with anything other than ice, though I'm not above a Manhattan or Mint Julep if the occasion calls for it. Many good brands have been listed, take my suggestions knowing that I tend to prefer a bourbon that has a some unabashed sour mash heft to the finish.

If it's a night to drink room temperature bourbon from an appropriate glass, I'd like mine to be a 94 proof. Look for an absolutely wonderful brand called Wathen's (http://www.wathens.com/). A less expensive, but very good room temp bourbon is the original Elijah Craig.

Once I cross the 94 proof threshold, I will add ice to open it up a little. Pappy Van Winkle and Bakers are fine, fine bourbons, I prefer Bookers.

The lowest ranking bourbon you'll find in my house is the Buffalo Trace, for general household usage...including the mouth breathing Philistines that mix it with cola. The only caveat to that rule is 7yr old Jim Beam with the red cap & label markings. It's so very smooth, especially compared to the cheaper 4yr old white cap and it's the goto bottle to pass around on a cold night at the fire pit.

Evan Williams is the best of the worst...times may get tough, but not tough enough for me to drink this low anymore.

Dang. I am going to get all sorts of educated this weekend. I am one of those mouth breathers quite often...though not with anything quality. Honestly I am not a big liquor guy at all, which is strange given my lineage.

Interest peaked.

[David Bowman]

Not a snob but these occupy space in my liquor cabinet....

Evan Williams White Label--Cheap and mixes with Coke very well, plus 100 proof, so does a better job and makes a dandy "I been working my ass off holding back the Horde and it is Friday finally" cocktail.

Makers Mark--Still one of my favorites. Feel like a suave rich dude when I put it in Coke (like money to burn) and I like the original packaging.

Knob Creek Single Barrel--"pound for pound" one of the best out there. 120 proof. Put some in your pancake syrup (real maple only) when you heat it up. Trust me on this.

Jim Beam Black--Caramel tasting with what seems to me to be hints in the flavor of cherry and plum.

Goes well with my vanilla cigars on the porch...

[336Whiskey]

Forget Beam and Williams for cheap bourbons. Ezra Brooks blows them away.

[Sammy]

Always liked bulleit bourbon (and didn't see it in this thread), but it's hard to find outside of KY. Sometimes I miss my birth state.

Woodford is pretty good and Buffalo Trace has an 18 year that's pretty amazing. Definitely worth the high cost.

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[CLEANDEAN]

Makers Mark, = second choice) when Jack Daniels Is totally unavailable... I know .... only one is a bourbon.

[Madmike36]

booker or bakers usually but i just tried angels envy and it may be my new favorite.

[2atlow8]

Bulleit

Knob Creek

Jim Beam Black

[michael]

In my testing so far, in this order:

Eagle Rare

Four Roses small batch

Knob Creek single barrel

Buffalo Trace

Maker's Mark

Up next will probably be Woodford Reserve and Maker's 46.

[WD_40]

Always liked bulleit bourbon (and didn't see it in this thread), but it's hard to find outside of KY. Sometimes I miss my birth state.


I had some Bulleit rye last night. Man, that's some tasty stuff!

[Muad'dib]

Bulleit is far and away the best value. You can pick it up in Las Vegas at costco in the mid $30 range for a HANDLE. In my opinion nothing else is close for the price. Smells great, tastes great, great value. It should be priced in the $30's for a fifth, imo.

Pappy is awesome but I def can't afford to drink it.

Elijah Craig 12 year is better than most at the price I find it in KC and Las Vegas($24 for a fifth) Don't know what it goes for anywhere else.

If you like rye's and you're from around KC, Lucas Liquor has "RI" for $20 a fifth which is $20-30 cheaper than anywhere else I've seen.

[Josh Ward]

I'm a total bourbon snob, both from vocation and birthright. Bourbon shouldn't be mixed with anything other than ice, though I'm not above a Manhattan or Mint Julep if the occasion calls for it. Many good brands have been listed, take my suggestions knowing that I tend to prefer a bourbon that has a some unabashed sour mash heft to the finish.

If it's a night to drink room temperature bourbon from an appropriate glass, I'd like mine to be a 94 proof. Look for an absolutely wonderful brand called Wathen's (http://www.wathens.com/). A less expensive, but very good room temp bourbon is the original Elijah Craig.

Once I cross the 94 proof threshold, I will add ice to open it up a little. Pappy Van Winkle and Bakers are fine, fine bourbons, I prefer Bookers.

The lowest ranking bourbon you'll find in my house is the Buffalo Trace, for general household usage...including the mouth breathing Philistines that mix it with cola. The only caveat to that rule is 7yr old Jim Beam with the red cap & label markings. It's so very smooth, especially compared to the cheaper 4yr old white cap and it's the goto bottle to pass around on a cold night at the fire pit.

Evan Williams is the best of the worst...times may get tough, but not tough enough for me to drink this low anymore.


My kinda guy !!! Wathens is pretty nice stuff, I'll buy a bottle now and then...

I see you are in my area....I'm just east of ya near Greenfield

[Gun Mutt]

My kinda guy !!! Wathens is pretty nice stuff, I'll buy a bottle now and then...
I see you are in my area....I'm just east of ya near Greenfield
My chosen bro has 10 acres in Fortville, you'll have to join us for some shooting & a proper sit down drink!

[Josh Ward]

My chosen bro has 10 acres in Fortville, you'll have to join us for some shooting & a proper sit down drink!


Just say the word !!! I'm actually closer to Fortville, than I am to Greenfield, I can hear the Friday Night football games at Mt Vernon HS ....

I'll PM you my contact info ...

[michael]

I bought a bottle of Buffalo Trace recently, on the advice of this august group. I think it was pretty good, and a good value for the money, but I still prefer Maker's Mark (both the regular and the 46 versions). :rambo:

Interesting....I bought my second bottle of BT a couple of weeks ago, and like it better than standard Maker's. I've actually settled on it....I think....as my usual sipper. I've also decided that all of the bourbon's I tried are good, so I will likely buy any of my favorites on price next time around.

[rlh2]

Bulliet Bourbon is wonderful...neat of course.http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/06/ubaqybu9.jpg

[BESEPUL]

Such a sad sad sight... :-(
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/06/ha9abymy.jpg
Oh well, off to the wine and spirits store!!!!


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[IANative]

When it comes to sippin' whiskey, I prefer Jack Daniels (No. 7, Gentleman Jack, Tennessee Honey- I like 'em all).

I also like Jameson's Irish, when the situation calls for it.

If bourbon is called for, I like Woodford, Bulleit or Jim Beam Black.

[Ride4TheBrand]

Bulliet makes an awesome Rye as well

[Brent Yamamoto]

Blantons, Basil Hayden, Bookers, Knob Creek...in no particular order.

[clintofio]

You know... I had a bourbon tasting at my house a few weeks back and snapped this pic for the tribe...

We tried even a few more than were shown here.

Conclusions: Every bourbon from outside of KY sucks, including the Texas and NY ones we tried, even though they were hella expensive and I had high expectations. Also, you get what you pay for. No lower priced offerings could hang with the good stuff, not even close. However, some high price boutique stuff was also gross.

My favorites were: Blanton's, Angel's Envy, Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark, and Booker's. Booker's kind of stole the show because it's so wild at twice the strength of all the others. When you have it in sips straight up it seems to dance around in your mouth and gives crazy sensations. The others listed were smooth and yummy. Maker's Mark appears to be the best value as far as price and quality ranking with some of the higher end stuff. But if money was no object I think I'd keep Blanton's, Angel's Envy, and Booker's stocked at all times. These are probably my top 3 for different reasons.

35429

[Brent Yamamoto]

Booker's kind of stole the show because it's so wild at twice the strength of all the others. When you have it in sips straight up it seems to dance around in your mouth and gives crazy sensations.

Bookers is an a** kicker for sure. It's awesome but I have to really be in the mood to drink it.

[ak103rg]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/06/a9e3use2.jpg

Just got this as a 2 year anniversary gift from the girlfriend. She's a keeper. And I may have found a new favorite. I love bulleits normal stuff but this 10 year is something else.


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[michael]

Good stuff gents.

After extensive testing...:-), here are my favorites:

1. A tie between Eagle Rare and Maker's 46
3. Four Roses small batch
4. Buffalo Trace
5. A tie between Maker's and Knob Creek
7. Bulleit

YMMV!!

[EenieMeenie]

Rebecca Creek

[TACC]

Great enlightenment, I am just now getting into bourbon, and just learned what direction to start taste testing, thanks.

[Bosco]

Old Weller Antique is my current favorite.