Hi, folks! Merry Christmas!
I've read this entire thread and found it fascinating. I have no detailed knowledge of bourbons, although I've
enjoyed a few decent ones over the years. My Dad worked for the Stagg Distillery in the 1930's as a teen, and
had some good stories about the work and folks there. I am looking to work my way into being an "economical
connoisseur," as I just can't see paying hundreds of dollars a bottle for whiskey.
What brands would you recommend as especially desirable for quality with reasonable price -- say, no more than
$65 a bottle, at a non-gouge price? If you can mention what prices you consider fair for a given size bottle, that would
be helpful to me in avoiding pitfalls of gougers as I learn the ropes. If you think any are especial bargains but of limited
production (thus: buy more than one), that would be good to know also!
Thanks again, and I appreciate your sharing your knowledge and experience!
Sincerely,
John
Greetings and Merry Christmas !
Lots of valuable entries on the subject, I can only +1 to the opinions of Steel_Addiction and sgt_1372.
I can add few bottles, readily available and below $30 or in this price range:
1.
Evan Williams Single Barrel (HH), 8 years old, usually around $23 in FL where I live.
Excellent pour, from excellent maker, Sazerac purchased Evan Williams from Heaven Hill and most people think that this particular bottle will be released with new label and new price next year, will see. Either way - great Bourbon.
2. Another vote for
Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old and if you like to spend few more bucks -
Single Barrel Select.
Generally, to me, everything that comes from Knob Creek with 9 YO statement and 100 or 120+ proof worth every penny.
3. Another vote for
Old Tub, made by Jim Beam. Great and readily available pour, for the money it is much better IMO than most of the Jim Beam Line.
4.
larceny (HH) and
Elijah Craig (HH), both the normal line, great and good quality bourbons, Larceny is wheated Bourbon if I'm not mistaking.
5. Just an idea - SAM's Club carries few of the
Knob Creek and
Russel's lines at much cheaper prices.
Russel's is basically Wild Turkey, great Bourbon.
6. Since some of the above brands are made by Heaven Hill, I must mention the
Heaven Hill White label.
Very good stuff even inexpensive. There is no "cheap" Bourbon if it comes from good Distillery...
7. Another all time favorite of mine -
1792... Every expression you can lay your hands on it, will be good,
the
1792 Full Proof was named "World Whiskey of 2020" by Jim Murray, if I remember correctly, but even without the controversial title it is absolutely wonderful juice IMO.
8. Originally very skeptical, but now a believer, I would highly recommend the
Duke, gravitates around $29-$36+ around here, very, very good Bourbon, supposed to be over the original recipe of John Wayn, made by the O.Z. Tyler Distillery in Kentucky.
9. Every decently priced product of
Buffalo Trace Distillery will be good, no exceptions.
Few brands to note, above the $30 mark: Bulleit, Michter's, Pinhook (Excellent Rye) and few MGP - High West, Old Scout (5 YO or Contradiction Expressions)
I'm sure someone can add more great Bourbons that I 'm missing but I think you have few to choose for now...
My offerings are mostly at the bottom line of the price point but if you really want to appreciate this so American thing - Bourbon, you need to start from the basics and go up the ladder, I think, low price doesn't mean much when we talking about Bourbon, you need to research the Distillery and their traditions, don't jump right away on the "high price means better quality" wagon, it's not a rule when we talk Bourbon...
Happy Holidays everyone, wasn't Bourbon for me last night but my drinking buddies and I greatly appreciated it
