Any bourbon aficionados here?

[GeneV]

I like bourbon. I like rye. I have whiskey snob friends. I watch whiskey reviews. I've tried a lot and drink more than my wife thinks I should. What I've learned is.... It's all subjective. Even my own tastes have changed over the years. Everyone has their preferences. I really dislike Jim Beam, others hold it as the standard of what a "real bourbon" should be. And I'm sure some think my favorites are undrinkable swill as well.

Bulleit is my goto. It's affordable and easy to find, $35 at Costco for a 1.75L
Larceny - more affordable, harder to find. Sweet with vanilla.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked - I got this as a gift at Christmas. I've tried regular WR and it was OK but nothing that turned my crank. This double oaked stuff does though. I really like it.
Blantons - used to be a great pour for $50. Now it's crazy hard to find and gets marked up to $areyoukiddingme
Eagle Rare - Another good one that got popular and now getting expensive and harder to find.
Bookers - 125 proof and surprisingly smooth for a hot one. Mostly keep it around for an "Oh yeah, but have you tried..."
Clyde May's Cask Strength - really enjoyed this one, but we were also on vacation with friends so that might have helped. Good times

Yeh Bookers was a real surprise when I tried it, my preconception was it was going to be fire.

 

[Sigarms]

Dump date is when the bourbon left the barrel. A rick is the building the barrels are stored.

Isn't it more important when the stuff was originally made instead of the dump date? Or is there a standard industry time frame?

 

[/pine]

Around here the best white liquor (what city people call moonshine but some are coy and just call it "shine") is brandy made from either apples or peaches...it's as smooth as velvet and the aftertaste is of either apples or peaches...!

Also around here...the standard reply if someone asks if you know where they can get some "shine"...is:..."You mean for your shoes...!!

 

[dodge man]

We toured a distillery in NW Illinois in Galena called Blaum Brothers. It’s not bad and I bought a bottle for $50. I’ve never been a fan of drinking whiskey neat, if it’s good on the rocks isn’t bad or an Old Fashioned. I usually just buy cheap stuff, Jack Daniels or Beam and mix it with ginger ale or Coke Zero.

 

[Citydude]

Isn't it more important when the stuff was originally made instead of the dump date? Or is there a standard industry time frame?

Yes, the age is more important. There is usually an age statement on the bottle. If not, it's a 2 year old bourbon. Bourbon must age 2 years in the same barrel. An 18 year old bourbon is the holy grail in my opinion. Never had any. Too expensive. Lol

 

[Citydude]

We toured a distillery in NW Illinois in Galena called Blaum Brothers. It’s not bad and I bought a bottle for $50. I’ve never been a fan of drinking whiskey neat, if it’s good on the rocks isn’t bad or an Old Fashioned. I usually just buy cheap stuff, Jack Daniels or Beam and mix it with ginger ale or Coke Zero.
View attachment 784094

Love the bottle!

 

[Citydude]

Around here the best white liquor (what city people call moonshine but some are coy and just call it "shine") is brandy made from either apples or peaches...it's as smooth as velvet and the aftertaste is of either apples or peaches...!

Also around here...the standard reply if someone asks if you know where they can get some "shine"...is:..."You mean for your shoes...!!

Tomato, tamato.

 

[Citydude]

Bulleit Rye is my go-to. Maker's Mark is great also.

Bulleit has their Rye down. One of my favorites.

 

[t1kilo]

Yes, the age is more important. There is usually an age statement on the bottle. If not, it's a 2 year old bourbon. Bourbon must age 2 years in the same barrel. An 18 year old bourbon is the holy grail in my opinion. Never had any. Too expensive. Lol

Age definitely makes a difference. For you guys that have money to burn, search for a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23 year aged. I just found it for $5300.

The only reason I know about it is because my nephew flies a bunch of rich guys all around the country. One of his frequent fliers likes his bourbon, and tasks my nephew with locating and purchasing some pretty exotic bourbons. Definitely out of my league!

 

[/pine]

It's not bourbon but if you want to talk pricey spirits...
Look at LOUIS XIII Black Pearl...By Remy Martin...
It's Cognac...my choice for a sipping libation...usually bought Courvoisier...

 

[robstaples]

I started in about 2005 collecting and trying bourbons that cost more than $25/bottle. I have a bunch. ( more than my liver can take). And I drink what I buy versus flip it. I picked up most of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, Pappy 15,20 and 23 yr old. George T Stag was my favorite but its high proof burned me out ( 144 proof ish)
Conclusion, older is smoother , if you sip it. Greateri than $100 / bottle, you need a good pallet to note the difference. Most anything over $25 is drinkable. Less than that, add coke!
I save some my higher end empties , so cheaters won’t refill them and cause I’ll never be able to buy them again.

 

[bmafg]

Elijah Craig Small Batch Barrel Select and Russell’s Reserve 10 year old are my current favorites.

 

[GeneV]

It's not bourbon, but Kirkland's Canadian Whiskey is my new favorite from Costco's brand offerings.

 

[airbiscuit]

Not exactly bourbon, but this makes really good Old Fashioneds - with just a little heat.

Product Description​

Fruity and sweet with a real kick to it from the combination of ripe mango fruit and habanero peppers.