Bourbon

[Sal Webber]

Just finishing the last glass from a bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon. It was very good. I only drink about a bottle a month but I like to enjoy it. Others I have enjoyed have been Maker's Mark, Jim Beam Black Label, Johnny Walker Black...there aren't really that I don't like. Anyone else have some favorites? Since I'm out, what should I try next?

[nisora33]

Just finishing the last glass from a bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon. It was very good. I only drink about a bottle a month but I like to enjoy it. Others I have enjoyed have been Maker's Mark, Jim Beam Black Label, Johnny Walker Black...there aren't really that I don't like. Anyone else have some favorites? Since I'm out, what should I try next?

Buffalo Trace. Better than Woodford, IMO. Give it a try, because it's not that expensive really, so what is there to lose?

-Stacey

[Benthic]

My personal favorite is Blanton's Single Barrel. Nice notes of vanilla. It's a bit spendy, but not too bad at $50-$60 a bottle.

If you're looking for something REALLY nice, try to lay hands on a bottle of Jim Beam's Distiller's Masterpiece. It's available in an 18 year and 20 year vintage. The 18 year vintage is aged in cognac casks. Very expensive, but worth it IMO.

Oh, and for the record, Johnnie Walker is not bourbon...it's Scotch.

Brian

[Joe #11]

I'm a fan of 12 year old Wild Turkey.

[stef]

Rare Breed or Black Maple Hill. Knob Creek's all right. These and the aforementioned Buffalo Trace are much better than Woodford or any of the others on your list, Webbie.

[Sal Webber]

Cool. Lot's of new stuff to try here. Thanks for the ideas everybody!

[JCavin]

I'm a casual drinker. By that I mean that I only drink a couple times a year. If I do it is usually a special occassion.

The only thing I drink anymore is Bud Light, Coors Light, or Michelob Light. Yeah, I know, it's weak. I have good reasons though. I'll never drink Yager, Vodka, or any other hard liquor again...

But, i'm just curious if there is any type of alchol that you can enjoy while relaxing around the house. I'm looking for something with these characteristics:
- Smooth. No having to choke it down just for the sake of a buzz.
- Preferably no burn. Kinda goes along with the above.
- Tastes good. Something that doesn't taste like hops or barley.
- Wet. I've had dry wine/champagne(not sure which) and it was one of the worst things i've ever had. How can you put something wet in your mouth that makes it feel like you've been drinking sand?

Like I said, i'm a casual drinker. I've never even tried Bourbon, Scotch, or Brandy. I don't like wine or champagne, don't like whiskey or vodka, and i'm not even a fan of dark beer unless i'm already trashed. Don't like fruity, girlie drinks either.

If this type of alchohol even exists let me know. Somehow i'm not so sure.

[Benthic]

<snip>

Like I said, i'm a casual drinker. I've never even tried Bourbon, Scotch, or Brandy. I don't like wine or champagne, don't like whiskey or vodka, and i'm not even a fan of dark beer unless i'm already trashed. Don't like fruity, girlie drinks either.

If this type of alchohol even exists let me know. Somehow i'm not so sure.

If you don't like whisky then I wouldn't hold out a whole lot of hope for Bourbon or Scotch, which are both different types of whisky. However, of the two, I'd be that you'd be more apt to like Bourbon as it is typically sweeter. Personally, I like to drink mine straight up--but not everyone does. There's nothing wrong with adding some ice, or cutting the liquor with a bit of water.

You might also try rum, which is made from sugarcane or molasses. Not the white label Bacardi crap, but good dark rum. Bacardi is great for mixed drinks, but if you want a liquor that's going to stand all on it's own try a nice dark rum like Ron Zacapa or perhaps some Applewood Reserve. Again, try it straight, on the rocks, or with water as it suits you.

Of course, you're supposed to be drinking the stuff because you like it. If you don't like it then I wouldn't worry about learning to choke it down.

Brian

[JCavin]

Thanks Benthic. I might give that a try.

And maybe i'll pillage the closest house while i'm at it.

[kittenSmash]

Rare Breed, Jack's Single Barrell, Booker's is good too, but watchout because it is 130 proof. That shit will creep up on you.
Great thread idea, I will be making a shopping list from this.

[stef]

Booker's is amazingly sweet and sneaky.

[August West]

Booker's is amazingly sweet and sneaky.

Agreed. My enthusiasm for bourbon far exceeds my expertise, but I found Booker's an excellent and serious drink. Only had it a few times, and now I'm asking myself why. May need to make it a thing this new year to save up some scratch and pick up a bottle for an occasion.

[drlvegas]

Bookers and Bakers. These are both related to Jim Beam--google it.

The key with good bourbon and Scotch is how you drink it. The best way is neat with a splash of water. Bookers straight is so damn strong, you don't really even taste it if you drink it straight up-just a nice burn. A little water & you can enjoy the flavor.

[Sal Webber]

Bookers straight is so damn strong, you don't really even taste it if you drink it straight up-just a nice burn. A little water & you can enjoy the flavor. Just finished my first tumbler of Booker's. I poured it over ice and the first few sips finished with a nice burn on a cold night sitting by the fireplace. After the ice melted a bit, I was able to actually taste how complex it was. Very nice, indeed.

[Mr.City]

Rare Breed, Jack's Single Barrell, Booker's is good too, but watchout because it is 130 proof. That shit will creep up on you.
Great thread idea, I will be making a shopping list from this.

How's Jack Single Barrell? I always wanted to try it, but the price tag would always turn me off. Anyone here try Maker's Mark?

[Sgsolberg]

Maker's Mark is excellent, smooth as can be. I highly suggest you try it. It's also what I consider an excellent buy for your dollar.

Along the same sort of lines (though slightly off topic), Balvennie Doublewood 12 year is an excellent single malt scotch for a very reasonable price (~$32 for 750 ml, at Sam's club liquor stores).

[Bootsy]

I've got a nice big plastic bottle of R&R (2 litres for $6.50) and a case of diet coke waiting for me at home for when I get back from this deployment. If I ever have money to burn I want to get a legitemately good bottle of bourbon.

[Benthic]

Maker's Mark is excellent, smooth as can be. I highly suggest you try it.
<snip>

I'll cast another vote for Maker's Mark. It's an excellent, low cost bourbon. Also, my wife bought me a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon at Christmas this year. She read about it in a Southern Living article. It's another nice, low cost bourbon (at about $25 a bottle).

One more thing--Jack Daniels isn't bourbon. It is whisky, but during it's production the liquor is dripped through a bed of sugar maple charcoal. This process gives it a unique flavor, but also disqualifies it from being called "Bourbon". The folks at JD know this, which is why you won't find the word "Bourbon" on their label. It's a fine product, but if you're a Jack Drinker and trying your first bourbon (or vice versa), be prepared for something a bit different.

Brian

[kittenSmash]

For anyone looking for a cheap one that is still good to drink straight, buy Old Forester. It seriously tastes like something that costs 3X as much. It's only like $16. If you are on a budget, you can't go wrong. Not to mention how awful it would be to have to buy something that you would have to taint with some kind of pop or mixer. Drink this stuff neat or with ice, like any good bourbon or whiskey.

[HamptonMike]

I'm assuming that we're all talking about bourbon that is enjoyed by itself or with a little water and ice. If we're not then Jim Beam is the way to go:)

For the money, Maker's Mark can't be beat. I loved this stuff the first time I tried it. Tastes like something that costs so much more. Smooth and simple flavor.
Booker's and Baker's are also two good choices although more expensive. If you're only drinking a bottle a month then I say go for it. Knob Creek is also a solid choice. I can't say I've tried many of the single barrel bourbons from Beam or Jack but I know people who enjoy them.

For scotch, I love Lagavulin. Tastes like dirt, in a good way.

[Sal Webber]

Just having my second tumbler from the bottle of Baker's with a some cheesecake for dessert. Thanks for the suggestions...I never would have tried a $50 bottle of bourbon on my own but I love it!

[Phil Stablein]

Alright, this is an excellent thread, great suggestions! The Beam family of bourbons are widely distributed and thus are always a good fallback - Bookers, Bakers, Basil Haydens, and Knob Creek. Makers can be found anywhere, and thus is a good fallback, ditto for Woodford. But thats just the beginning of the bourbon obsession.

Steph CLEARLY knows her bourbon if we're talking about Black Maple Hill! <3

Bulliet is a most excellent affordable beverage, if you like the flavor of higher rye bourbons. Good call Benthic, this is my go-to.

Van Winkle line - Old Pappy, Old Rip... the trick here is to find it. A bottle of 10 or 12 year will run you $50, and will make you question why you ever drank anything else. The 23 year is a great gift, but you better really like that person at $200 a bottle. But seriously, if it was made by the Van Winkle family buy it, enjoy it, and be thankful.

Elijah Craig - the 12yr is a very affordable regular drinker (under $25), the 18 is delicious but can be hard to locate, still only $50 a bottle.

And finally...whenever you drive in or near Kentucky or if you have a particularly good liqour distributor try to pick up some of the smaller label stuff. Cold Creek, Willett's, Pure Kentucky XO (silly name, delicious liquor), Old Pogue, Bernheim Wheat, Four Roses 10 year, Old Forester Reserve and Henry McKenna.

And don't be afraid to add a little water to get the flavor to come out. Old Pappy is rumoured to have said "bottle it strong, no sense in shipping water around the country!"

[IWillLiveFreeOrDie]

Woodford Reserve is ok, but I like Jefferson's better. They are two versions; Jefferson's and Jefferson's Reserve. I get the regular version at $25 for 750ml. I haven't tried the Reserve yet.

I prefer Maker's over Knob Creek, but both are good bourbons.

My next bourbon will be something from the Van Winkle line!

http://www.barnonedrinks.com/tips/dictionary/images/2371.jpg

[Benthic]

<snip>
Steph CLEARLY knows her bourbon if we're talking about Black Maple Hill! <3
<snip>

I'm going to have to add this to my "Need To Try" list, along with one of the Van Winkles.

Brian

[IWillLiveFreeOrDie]

I'm going to have to add this to my "Need To Try" list, along with one of the Van Winkles.

Brian

I must have missed the Black Maple Hill...that's on my list now too!

[Sgsolberg]

And don't be afraid to add a little water to get the flavor to come out. Old Pappy is rumoured to have said "bottle it strong, no sense in shipping water around the country!"

This is an old trick with Scotch. Just the tiniest dribble of water will help open up the smell, and allow the flavors to bloom... mmmm.... time for my nightcap.

[Mr.City]

That's a hell of a bottle.

[crc]

Evan Williams Single Barrel is surprisingly good. It and Buffalo Trace are my favorite budget bourbons.

How about ryes? Any specific recommendations?

[Craig B.]

Booker's is amazingly sweet and sneaky.


Before I quit drinking, I loved the Booker's. Lovely stuff.

[jameson]

Listen to me closely. You must never try Basil Hayden. If you do, your wallet will suffer the consequences of consuming it for the rest of your life.

For the price conscious, my other favorites are Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, and most certainly Gentleman Jack (it might as well be a bourbon).

Bulleit is a rye blend. Very good bourbon, indeed.

[mrRed]

Bookers is a great bourbon, especially for the price, and Basil Hayden's is a treat for sure.

If you're feeling spendy and in the mood for a treat, George T. Stagg is 100% worth the price ($70-90 depending on where you can find it).

140+ proof unfiltered, ~15 year aged, limited release once a year (occasionally they do a second run though).

I prefer it with ice that's allowed to melt to help it mellow out just a tad before drinking. Its the darkest, caramel colored bourbon I've ever had and damn worth it.

[vmarwin]

Sitting in my kitchen are the following bottles:

Bourbon:
Pappy Van Winkle 20 year
Pappy 12 year
Knob Creek
Makers Mark
Woodford Reserve
Wild Turkey 101

Other Whiskey:
Gentleman Jack
Michter's Rye

Last week I was at the bar I tried Booker's due to this thread. It was awesome, I'm very tempted to get a bottle of it tonight.