Bourbon

[itw419]

Buffalo Trace > Bulliet > 4 Roses Small Batch IMO

[Myherobobhope]

I really need to get a bottle of buffalo trace... who would have thought that GolfWRX would make me an even bigger bourbon ho.

[Myherobobhope]

Just had the first sip of Bulleit 10.

Man that's good. Smooth, but you can taste the oak... it's not OAKY though.

The classy gentleman that I am, it's in a blue solo cup as I'm about to go walk the dog...

Very nice rec, Goose! Let me know if you stumble upon anything else interesting to try.

[chickenpotpie]

BT it is, thanks guys

[GooseHook]

[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1361576893' post='6482639']
Just had the first sip of Bulleit 10.

Man that's good. Smooth, but you can taste the oak... it's not OAKY though.

The classy gentleman that I am, it's in a blue solo cup as I'm about to go walk the dog...

Very nice rec, Goose! Let me know if you stumble upon anything else interesting to try.
[/quote]
Thanks man! Sorry on the price, I think the barkeeps quoted me wholesale price. If you guys ever came to MD, our golf outing woul turn into a bourbon tasting.

CPP, Buffalo all the way man. It is a fantastic bourbon, and when you try it you'll be in disbelief at its sticker price.

[Myherobobhope]

I'm on my second glass and going to have to go to bed so I don't finish the bottle.

It's as good as Rip Van Winkle 10... which is about the highest praise I can give for an under $50 bourbon.

[MtlJeff]

This Makers 46 is damn awesome....thanks guys for recommending it....This is going to be a staple of my collection for a while.

i'm about half done my 1792 barrel select. I think Buffalo Trace is next on the docket. They haven't had JD single barrel at my store for a few weeks now and i don't feel like driving 20 mins out of the way

i'm expecting big things from buffalo trace. Plus it's only 40 CAD here which is cheap

[chickenpotpie]

Had my first (and second) glass of Buffalo Trace last night. It is pretty good! I'd still put Four Roses Single Batch ahead of it because of its complexity, but BT is damn good. I'd say it could even be better than 46, but I need to do a side by side to confirm. It's been awhile since I had the 46.

[Myherobobhope]

So I'm having a crappy day at work, and did the only logical thing I could think of... went bourbon shopping.

I found BT for $23 a bottle. I'm pretty sure that's dirt cheap even by KY standards. I'm pretty excited to pour myself a glass tonight.

I have about 4 unfinished bottles in the house right now (Eagle Rare, Bulleitt 10, Woodford, Old Fo)... but I will probably crack this open anyways.

[GooseHook]

Eagerly awaiting Jeff's opinion on BT.

Unfortunately, word must be out in my area. Bulleit 10 just got hiked in price! Instead I opted for a bourbon-aged barley wine to tide me over this weekend. I do have about a glass of BT left though..

[MtlJeff]

[quote name='GooseHook' timestamp='1362182037' post='6530085']
Eagerly awaiting Jeff's opinion on BT.

Unfortunately, word must be out in my area. Bulleit 10 just got hiked in price! Instead I opted for a bourbon-aged barley wine to tide me over this weekend. I do have about a glass of BT left though..
[/quote]

you know what's crazy??? I went out for dinner with my wife today, and we stopped by the liquor store afterwards and i bought a Buffalo Trace. I'm literally drinking it right now while watching Shark Tank.

First impression is i think Makers 46 is better. It's got a more pronounced taste. More traditional bourbon type taste. BT reminds me a bit more of a scotch, a bit smoother but not as distinct, at least in terms of the 40-60$ bottles

My favorite is still Makers 46 in the price range. I really like JD single barrel aswell. probably my 2 favorites

[Myherobobhope]

I enjoyed the glass of BT... but didn't love it.

For $23 a bottle, it was well worth it.

I'm heading back to Four Roses Single Barrel for the next bottle.. unless I get a heads up of something new I need to try.

[mflores]

Just picked up some BT (small bottle was 14.99) and a single barrel Four Roses - 38.99.

BT was alright but I favor the 12 year Weller to it. Waiting to try the four roses.

Just finished off a 12 year RVW - always good. The 15 RVW is awesome though in comparison.

[Myherobobhope]

Nothing new purchased on the bourbon front... got the announcement last week that Pappy will only do one release this year (this fall).

I'm thinking I will go for the George T Stagg instead...

I will try to make it to the Four Roses Distillery and get some of their 12 year stuff... I'm very excited to try it.

[teejaywhy]

Funny how I can be sucked in to a new activity or hobby by the influence and encouragement of passionate protagonists. Interestingly enough, I recently read through a multi-page bourbon thread on the Egullet forum which spiked my interest. And now, trying to stay within the safety of a golf related site, I discover this thread.

I have no recent history with bourbon, but I share with many, the bad memories of a few too many Jack and Cokes back in the day. But now I'm figuring out the better things in life are enjoyed slowly and in moderation. Similarly, 15 years had passed since my last shot of Cuervo Gold, before someone persuaded me to try a 100% agave reposado.

So I've decided to revisit bourbon. Based on recommendations in this and the Egullet thread, I made a list of stuff to try and headed out to the liquor store. I decided to start with three, just as an introduction. My palate is yet unrefined so I thought to pair a couple of mid-range offerings of different style, along with a cheap bottle just for comparison. I ended up with:
- Buffalo Trace
- Rittenhouse Rye (which I understand isn't a true bourbon)
- Evan Williams (black label)

Just an FYI to any other PHX peeps, Walgreens has had the Buffalo Trace on sale for $19.99 for many weeks now ($3 cheaper than Total Wine!!).

Anyway, I've started down the road, sipping neat and exploring some classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan.

A toast!

[Myherobobhope]

Welcome to the world of bourbon!

That's a good starting point... I enjoy Rye in mixed drinks, but they are too spicy by themselves for me.

Bourbon/Rye*2 + Sweet Vermouth + dash of bitters = Manhattan. You can add a twist of orange peel or a cherry or some other nonsense... but those three things are what you NEED (well, those and ice).

I prefer to stir and not shake them, and have no problem drinking them on the rocks... I've also had them shaken and strained.

[MtlJeff]

BobHope what do you think of Woodford Reserve? Frankly Buffalo Trace probably isn't super up my alley. Not bad but not on par with Makers 46. I'd rather pay the extra 10$

I like keeping a couple of bottles. One that i really like and then another one for when i'm already somewhat in the bag after a dinner or something.

The 46 is my go to bottle. Now i need one that is in the 40-50 CAD range. Was going to try Woodford next

[Swingem]

I've been a fan of Bourbon for a while. On an annual golf trip to Bandon, each participant is encouraged to bring two bottles, a bourbon for on-the-course and a scotch or Irish for the evening. Creativity is encouraged so nobody wants to see the same thing every year. In the past I've brought Woodford, Eagle Rare, Four Roses, Gentleman Jack, Jack Single Barrel, and the old standby JD. This year I brought W.L. Weller 12 yr, and think it might be the best of the bunch. It's a wheated bourbon but doesn't lay down. It has a nice soft caramel-tobacco introduction, but finishes with with a little warm pepper embrace on the finish.

[Myherobobhope]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1362683147' post='6565307']
BobHope what do you think of Woodford Reserve? Frankly Buffalo Trace probably isn't super up my alley. Not bad but not on par with Makers 46. I'd rather pay the extra 10$

I like keeping a couple of bottles. One that i really like and then another one for when i'm already somewhat in the bag after a dinner or something.

The 46 is my go to bottle. Now i need one that is in the 40-50 CAD range. Was going to try Woodford next
[/quote]

I only like the double oaked... regular Woodford just doesn't do it for me.

Have you tried Old Forester? Signature is awesome.

I did make an awesome Manhattan with buffalo trace this evening.

[MtlJeff]

Can't get old forester.

Here's what else i got in my store:

-Elijah Craig
-Basil Hayden's
-Woodford
-Evan Williams (have not seen in a while though)
-Ridgemont 1792
-Blanton's (expensive, 85$ here)

that's other then the Makers 46 which will have a permanant spot in my 2 bottle rotation

recommend me another

[chickenpotpie]

Ugh, just coming back from Europe, and there was nothing to buy in duty free that I can't get cheaper here (Makers, Woodford, Bulleit, 4 Roses (regular)). Not a surprise I guess, but the Euro is just killing the dollar right now!!!

I am looking forward to a glass of BT tonight though. Sick of German beer....

[Myherobobhope]

[quote name='MtlJeff' timestamp='1362707316' post='6567849']
Can't get old forester.

Here's what else i got in my store:

-Elijah Craig
-Basil Hayden's
-Woodford
-Evan Williams (have not seen in a while though)
-Ridgemont 1792
-Blanton's (expensive, 85$ here)

that's other then the Makers 46 which will have a permanant spot in my 2 bottle rotation

recommend me another
[/quote]

I'd rank them:
1. Elijah Craig (I assume it's the 12 year... if it's the 18 year it's 2 spots higher [and yes, I realize the math doesn't work on that])
2. 1792
3. Basi Hayden's (unless it's cheaper than 1792)

The others are all fine... I haven't had Evan Williams in years, though.

Blanton's is good, but not significantly better that Basil.

Woodford is fine, just not to my taste... though I really like the double oaked. It's amazing how much difference a second barrel can make.

[MtlJeff]

OK thanks brosef, I'll try out the Elijah Craig next. They always have it in stock and it too is reasonable. (41$)

[Myherobobhope]

Let me know how it goes... bourbon is a very particular drink... good bourbon is never bad, but Woodford (for instance) disappoints me.

[bppry]

Also not a fan of woodford. Evan Williams white label, 100 proof, is a nice cheap option. Plus its BIB and there are not many of those avail here in Michigan. Picked up some 1792 from a hand picked barrel this week and its real smooth.

[DonD]

Blind taste test tonight...Kirkland Signature (Costco) Premium Small Batch (aged 7 years, 103 proof) vs. Knob Creek (small batch, aged 9 years, 100 proof...I think this is "regular" Knob Creek). Just a couple of swallows each, neat, in identical glasses, with eyes closed...the Costco was much smoother, less of a "burn," just a more pleasing flavor. Not sure what everyone thinks of Knob Creek, or how many have tried the Costco brand...but it's hard to imagine many Bourbons being a lot better, especially bang for the buck wise...less than 20 bucks for a 1 liter bottle, and the Knob Creek is $32 for 750ml...I always want to try something new (same problem I have with golf clubs)... but honestly, I can't see why I wouldn't just stick with the Costco brand. Anyone else have this experience with this bourbon?

[Myherobobhope]

Kirkland brand is great... I don't remember it being that cheap, though... I thought it was $30.

It's definitely worth it for the price, regardless.

I like some other stuff better, but it has great value.

If you are a bang for the buck shopper, give Old Forester Signature a try... it and Four Roses Single Barrel are my two favorite "budget" bourbons. Kirkland would probably be number three on that list.

[DonD]

Thanks, I'll try those...what else would you recommend? I'm not against paying more if it's worth it...just didn't think the Knob Creek really was...


[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1362793524' post='6574683']
Kirkland brand is great... I don't remember it being that cheap, though... I thought it was $30.

It's definitely worth it for the price, regardless.

I like some other stuff better, but it has great value.

If you are a bang for the buck shopper, give Old Forester Signature a try... it and Four Roses Single Barrel are my two favorite "budget" bourbons. Kirkland would probably be number three on that list.
[/quote]

[JBent9610]

Go with bobhope's budget bourbon of Four Roses Single Barrel. It's my favorite (though I haven't tried the aged bourbons that are 16 or 23 years old, etc).

I wasn't a big fan of straight Knob Creek or Makers Mark. Both of those make great bourbon and coke, but not straight whiskey.

[Bogie_Nights]

@BobHopemyhero: don't know much about bourbon. I drink beer, vodka, gin. But maybe you can be my coach. I'm paying attention....