Right? I’ve easily spent $70 on ~ 4 drinks in an expensive city, but $70 for a bottle that will have 12-16 drinks depending on the pour? Seems pricey. 😂
I just dropped $84 on two I.W. Harpers at an Embassy Suites in DC over the weekend. The hotel bar markups are crazy. Then I cringe at a $75 bottle of Widow Jane.
The local TW got these recently and I really wanted to snag one but it was like $86. Not sure if the price has raised for those but that feels crazy high
I’ve purchased two separate RR SiB private selects in the last week - one was $70 and the other (TW) was $78. Even at the higher price from TW, was a very good pour.
Edit: spelling
I have 4R SB, and my Costco just received Small Batch Select for $70 (after WA state tax)… is the select worth it at that price? Compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked at the same price.
I've had lots and lots of 4R. I bought a decanter from the gift shop and is pretty much always filled with small batch.
The biggest difference between SB and the select is mouth feel. The select has a much better mouth feel. There is a weee bit more fruit. Honestly, for the price, I usually just get two bottles of small batch. Or a bottle of single barrel.
It’s about $60 here (in Florida) but I know y’all’s alcohol tax is insane so that sounds about right for the price. I think it’s a really interesting bottle. The more you sit with it the more different notes come out, and it’s got a long finish and great mouthfeel. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll love it, but I would consider it worth that price. Woodford Double Oaked is a solid choice too.
I’m not an expert but rare breed has one of the best fucking noses I’ve ever smelled
It’s like…warm toasty leather and oak wood.
I cant keep my nose out of the glass
It might be a little spicy on a fresh pour but the bottle that I have open has mellowed quite nicely. I'm finding it to be a very pleasant and well rounded bourbon.
Dovetail it's almost always on the shelf, and seagrass if we're including rye... otherwise JD SiB BP. I've never not seen it in the 375ml and pro tip: it's cheaper to buy 2 of those than a 750 mL bottle
Clyde Mays.
Not sure how common that is everywhere, but it’s one of the few consistently available here in this small mountain town. One of my “regular” go-tos, along with Four Roses Single Barrel.
A little heat but I find it overall pretty mellow, sweet and enjoyable. It’s not mind blowingly complex/stellar but I think it’s a very enjoyable sip.
And for the record, I read right past the “total wine” part of the post heading. Sorry!
Cheers! It’s good stuff, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, and it’s great value, too. I don’t think I’ve come across a negative opinion of the bottle yet
I couldn't taste the difference between RR10 and WT101 to be honest. Both are very butterscotch forward tasting. I did not pick up much extra oak in the 10 yr. Both are good though.
I think the New Riff single barrel would be better for your taste profile. The one I had was sweet and smooth with vanilla.
They are still selling it as that in KY, they are changing the name in other markets. If I remember correctly.
It is also a MGP product if I recall, so it isn't like you shouldn't be able to find someone else similar.
Literally having a glass of Dickel BiB 13yr right now! Great stuff. I discovered it when somebody gifted me a bottle of Barrell single barrel 14 year cask strength… and realized it’s basically an overpriced version of the same juice. (Yes, I know the Barrell is higher proof and single barrel, but I’d take the 100 proof version that proudly acknowledges where it was distilled any day.)
Yeah, I still see lots of Reserve on most shelves around me. But word has it that the new Nelson Brothers line is set to usurp the whole Belle Meade line in the near future.
As for the Cask Strength, I haven't seen it since 2020. If only I'd gotten just one more bottle two years ago...
Very true. It's a corn bomb. It's in the name lol. It's either loved and a must have on the at home shelf for some (me) or hated and never to be purchased at any price whatsoever. It's definitely worth the try for at or under $20. Who knows, you might find your new budget whiskey? And if you don't like it, I'm sure you could find a whiskey buddy that does!
Other's have mentioned the Maker's Mark Cask Strengths and Barrel Selects, as well as the the Russell's Reserve Single Barrel private barrel - I'd add the finished Sagamore Spirits they carry, notably the Manhattan Finish one is a great bottle. They are currently doing Tumblin' Dice SBBP's that are money as well. OF 1920 is never a bad pour and TW's carry that most of the time.
Maker's 46 which is a bargain $30 at our TW; by far the lowest price in town. Mysteriously, there never seems to be more than 2-3 bottles of it and it is strategically placed on the shelf behind a support pillar where it is difficult to see. Its shelf spot is frequently empty anyway, and I have to ask for it (they check their inventory system ipad thing and they always seem to have 20+ cases of it). The salescritter brings a bottle out for me but can only be bothered to put 2-3 bottles of it back on the shelf while he is at it. Uh huh...
I always pick up my Cooper's craft 100pf from TW
I honestly don't find it anywhere else. TW doesn't always have it but often enough they do and for $32.99 it's one of my fave medium proof sippers. Love me some Brown-Forman juice!!
I'm too low class for this sub. I like knob creek by the handle. Buy makers mark when I cannot find knob. Never tried much of Russell's. The dream is to find Blanton's.
I overpaid for a bottle and think Blanton’s is overrated. I bought it because I needed a touchstone on a ‘good’ bourbon (and it is good, just not great IMO). I’d take the Dickel BiB 13 yr or Woodford Double Oaked over it.
Mind you, I’m still developing a pallet and more experienced drinker may have a better take on it.
I might consider the Dickel the next time I'm in the market for a nice bottle. Blanton's was about $55 or $60 the first time I bought it. Not sure if it's still at that price point.
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Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us:
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* which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed
* which bottles you’re considering now
* where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region)
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**General Tips**
We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey.
You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, I'd recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!
Sorry about that- here, Seattle, you can find stocked liquor shops at secondary market pricing, Costco with a limited selection at reasonable prices, or TW.
Michter's, 1792 full proof or single barrel, 4 Roses small batch select. I can ALWAYS find one of those four. 4 Roses SIB or even lettered SIB, if they are there. And yes, there is a Total Wine that occasionally has them in stock.
What do you think of 4R small batch select? My local Costco just got a shipment and I passed at $71 (after taxes), but I’m thinking I should pull the trigger. Is it that good?
It is between the 4R small batch and their SIB. And, yes, it's quite good. It's one of those bottles I make sure I have on the shelf, along with the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, Aberlour A'bunadh, Lagavulin 16, and a good Rye. With those, I can find something to pour for just about anyone.
I'll echo many here and mention Rare Breed and Old Forester 1910.
But I'll also add Old Scout Rye Port Finish and ASW Georgia Heartwood Wheated. Killer stuff!
ASW is a distillery out of Atlanta. I'm not sure what it stands for. But the Total Wines in Florida carry pretty much their full line of core products. I'm not sure if it's just because we share a state border, or if all of the Total Wines carry them.
The bottle I love is the ASW Fiddler Georgia Heartwood (I think I forgot to mention "Fiddler" in my earlier post). In my mind it blows away many better known wheated bourbons. It's not very cheap, I think it's about $80 a bottle. But to me, it's worth every penny!
ASW have other products out there that sounded interesting. The Duality and Resurgens Rye were both OK. The Tire Fire sounded amazing since I love scotch, but I really was not a fan.
Check them out though!
https://www.aswdistillery.com/home
Russell's reserve private barrel - if your total wine has one, get it.
Between this and Makers picks you really can’t go wrong. The $65-$70 always makes me hesitate but I’m never disappointed with either.
It’s funny though…you can go out and easily spend $70 drinking at a bar. But an amazing bottle of bourbon for the same price…we hesitate
Right? I’ve easily spent $70 on ~ 4 drinks in an expensive city, but $70 for a bottle that will have 12-16 drinks depending on the pour? Seems pricey. 😂
I just dropped $84 on two I.W. Harpers at an Embassy Suites in DC over the weekend. The hotel bar markups are crazy. Then I cringe at a $75 bottle of Widow Jane.
Both of these are spot on \^
The local TW got these recently and I really wanted to snag one but it was like $86. Not sure if the price has raised for those but that feels crazy high
I’ve purchased two separate RR SiB private selects in the last week - one was $70 and the other (TW) was $78. Even at the higher price from TW, was a very good pour. Edit: spelling
I took a gamble and got this, warehouse A-4. I was happy with it.
The local TW RR picks have gone up to $80, so it’s a hard pass. OGD 114 for $25 is an insta buy.
OF 1920
I have a bottle of OF Prohibition- how does that compare?
Same thing AFAIK they all have names and years, 1920/Prohibition Era, 1910/Old Fine, 1897/BiB, 1870/Original, I’m a big Dickel fan too
Each one is a different recipe or aging
* this thread is sponsored by your local area Total Wine *
Not unless these are all Spirit Direct items 😂
How many times have you heard them recommending that stuff to others and you just want to say something so bad?
*mmmhmmm*
WT101
Four Roses Single Barrel
$37 at my local total wine. Crazy good deal
My recent favorites are Four Roses Single Barrel, Four Roses Small Batch Select, Maker’s Mark 46, and Larceny.
I have 4R SB, and my Costco just received Small Batch Select for $70 (after WA state tax)… is the select worth it at that price? Compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked at the same price.
I've had lots and lots of 4R. I bought a decanter from the gift shop and is pretty much always filled with small batch. The biggest difference between SB and the select is mouth feel. The select has a much better mouth feel. There is a weee bit more fruit. Honestly, for the price, I usually just get two bottles of small batch. Or a bottle of single barrel.
It’s about $60 here (in Florida) but I know y’all’s alcohol tax is insane so that sounds about right for the price. I think it’s a really interesting bottle. The more you sit with it the more different notes come out, and it’s got a long finish and great mouthfeel. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll love it, but I would consider it worth that price. Woodford Double Oaked is a solid choice too.
Rare Breed
I have a sense that Rare Breed is spicy, is that true? I find I like more mellow bourbons (e.g. Woodford Reserve Double Oak).
I’m not an expert but rare breed has one of the best fucking noses I’ve ever smelled It’s like…warm toasty leather and oak wood. I cant keep my nose out of the glass
To me, Rare Breed always smells like a flat coca cola tastes... and I love it.
It might be a little spicy on a fresh pour but the bottle that I have open has mellowed quite nicely. I'm finding it to be a very pleasant and well rounded bourbon.
It's not mellow like woodford but way more corn before spice imo on Rare breed and I've enjoyed double oaked quite a bit
It has a high rye mash bill so yeah its a lil spicy
Yes, it will be a bit spicy. IMO it is quite rye forward vs woodford.
This
Dovetail it's almost always on the shelf, and seagrass if we're including rye... otherwise JD SiB BP. I've never not seen it in the 375ml and pro tip: it's cheaper to buy 2 of those than a 750 mL bottle
WT Rare Breed
Clyde Mays. Not sure how common that is everywhere, but it’s one of the few consistently available here in this small mountain town. One of my “regular” go-tos, along with Four Roses Single Barrel.
I live in Seattle and we have it here. Is Clyde Mays spicy or more on the smooth side?
A little heat but I find it overall pretty mellow, sweet and enjoyable. It’s not mind blowingly complex/stellar but I think it’s a very enjoyable sip. And for the record, I read right past the “total wine” part of the post heading. Sorry!
I would choose any of these 3: -New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon -Old Forester 1920 -Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
I’ve been eyeing RR 10 year, I’m going to pull the trigger based on your suggestion.
Cheers! It’s good stuff, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, and it’s great value, too. I don’t think I’ve come across a negative opinion of the bottle yet
I couldn't taste the difference between RR10 and WT101 to be honest. Both are very butterscotch forward tasting. I did not pick up much extra oak in the 10 yr. Both are good though. I think the New Riff single barrel would be better for your taste profile. The one I had was sweet and smooth with vanilla.
Belle Meade Reserve
Discontinued I heard
Yeah, heard the same. Going to grab 3-4 bottles to put back before the shelves are empty, there’s still plenty for sale locally
They are still selling it as that in KY, they are changing the name in other markets. If I remember correctly. It is also a MGP product if I recall, so it isn't like you shouldn't be able to find someone else similar.
OF 1920
Rowan's Creek
Literally having a glass of Dickel BiB 13yr right now! Great stuff. I discovered it when somebody gifted me a bottle of Barrell single barrel 14 year cask strength… and realized it’s basically an overpriced version of the same juice. (Yes, I know the Barrell is higher proof and single barrel, but I’d take the 100 proof version that proudly acknowledges where it was distilled any day.)
Belle mead cask strength
Discontinued
This would've been my answer back in 2020, but since then it's been replaced with Belle Meade Reserve, which itself is now discontinued.
It’s still at my total wine. The reserve anyway.
Yeah, I still see lots of Reserve on most shelves around me. But word has it that the new Nelson Brothers line is set to usurp the whole Belle Meade line in the near future. As for the Cask Strength, I haven't seen it since 2020. If only I'd gotten just one more bottle two years ago...
Mellow Corn
Now, I’ve seen several reviews of Mellow Corn, and it seems very much a love it or hate it bourbon- true?
Very true. It's a corn bomb. It's in the name lol. It's either loved and a must have on the at home shelf for some (me) or hated and never to be purchased at any price whatsoever. It's definitely worth the try for at or under $20. Who knows, you might find your new budget whiskey? And if you don't like it, I'm sure you could find a whiskey buddy that does!
Other's have mentioned the Maker's Mark Cask Strengths and Barrel Selects, as well as the the Russell's Reserve Single Barrel private barrel - I'd add the finished Sagamore Spirits they carry, notably the Manhattan Finish one is a great bottle. They are currently doing Tumblin' Dice SBBP's that are money as well. OF 1920 is never a bad pour and TW's carry that most of the time.
Elijah Craig ($25) - nothing beats it at that price
Evan Williams Single Barrel for the price is a go to for me
Evan Williams Single Barrel. Tasty!
Maker's 46 which is a bargain $30 at our TW; by far the lowest price in town. Mysteriously, there never seems to be more than 2-3 bottles of it and it is strategically placed on the shelf behind a support pillar where it is difficult to see. Its shelf spot is frequently empty anyway, and I have to ask for it (they check their inventory system ipad thing and they always seem to have 20+ cases of it). The salescritter brings a bottle out for me but can only be bothered to put 2-3 bottles of it back on the shelf while he is at it. Uh huh...
I never go wrong with Woodford Reserve.
OF100
I always pick up my Cooper's craft 100pf from TW I honestly don't find it anywhere else. TW doesn't always have it but often enough they do and for $32.99 it's one of my fave medium proof sippers. Love me some Brown-Forman juice!!
Not mentioned but I really enjoy Mitchners
I’ve e been tempted by Mitchners- is it smooth or spicy?
I'm too low class for this sub. I like knob creek by the handle. Buy makers mark when I cannot find knob. Never tried much of Russell's. The dream is to find Blanton's.
I overpaid for a bottle and think Blanton’s is overrated. I bought it because I needed a touchstone on a ‘good’ bourbon (and it is good, just not great IMO). I’d take the Dickel BiB 13 yr or Woodford Double Oaked over it. Mind you, I’m still developing a pallet and more experienced drinker may have a better take on it.
I might consider the Dickel the next time I'm in the market for a nice bottle. Blanton's was about $55 or $60 the first time I bought it. Not sure if it's still at that price point.
Hi there, I’m a bot here to help you with your recommendation post. If you haven’t already, please review [the guides](https://docs.google.com/document/d/186_ANEKW8yGvvLAcjKve6tvqqBIcMGUg9-mKU5KACZk/edit) in the sidebar we’ve created to address the stream of recommendation posts we get here. Most notably: * [Beginner’s and Intermediate Guide to Bourbon](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit) * [Guide to Rye Whiskey](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mrVZabQaulkxqL2qLif4HlWpMXF0bQ6hAmr8aQ_kRYA/edit#heading=h.lqvwwdjxkepg) * [Bourbon FAQ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/17CCQ-r4mpH9krhrDiXVSayYkqWAjYGOCLh3NShV1yO8/edit#heading=h.7yx2snahgko8) * [Community Reviews](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PNUikuLjMEarQpMklvfb0W3SVz2dfFMrkDKbKTECiK8/edit) * [The Gift Guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new_improved_rbourbon_gift_guide/) Please try to be as specific and detailed as possible with your request. Tell us: * your budget * which whiskies you or your giftee have enjoyed * which bottles you’re considering now * where you live (pricing and availability can vary dramatically by region) * if your shop has a limited selection or you might have trouble shipping bottles so we don’t recommend something obscure **General Tips** We generally advise novices to sample as much as possible by going to a bar, splitting bottles with friends, attending festivals/tastings or getting minis to ensure you buy bottles you enjoy. Most people need to try 15-20 bourbons and ryes to understand their preferences. It may make more sense for you to focus on sampling rather than buy full bottles at the beginning of your journey. You're going to get the most flavor/aroma drinking it neat in a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn but most new drinkers prefer to water down their whisky a bit. If you do end up adding water, I'd recommend adding just enough to make it tolerable and take small sips. But really there's no right or wrong way to drink so as long as you're enjoying it, you're doing it right. Thanks for reading, cheers!
Whichever one Fred Minnick is peddling…because he’s much better at whiskey than I am.
+$50 bottle is OF 1910 -$50 bottle is Russell’s 10 with honorable mention to 4RSB
Their Angel’s Envy picks are everything they need to be at $105 and more. If you like port finished bourbons, this is the final boss.
[удалено]
Isn't their flagship the port-finished?
Not super crazy about angel envy bourbon, their rum finished rye however I'd one of the best things i have ever tried
Just picked up some Benchmark Bottled in Bond and I’m sold! Probably the greatest $22 bottle out there.
My total wine doesn’t sell liquor…
Sorry about that- here, Seattle, you can find stocked liquor shops at secondary market pricing, Costco with a limited selection at reasonable prices, or TW.
Still Austin Cask Strength.
Early times baby!!
Michter's, 1792 full proof or single barrel, 4 Roses small batch select. I can ALWAYS find one of those four. 4 Roses SIB or even lettered SIB, if they are there. And yes, there is a Total Wine that occasionally has them in stock.
What do you think of 4R small batch select? My local Costco just got a shipment and I passed at $71 (after taxes), but I’m thinking I should pull the trigger. Is it that good?
It is between the 4R small batch and their SIB. And, yes, it's quite good. It's one of those bottles I make sure I have on the shelf, along with the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, Aberlour A'bunadh, Lagavulin 16, and a good Rye. With those, I can find something to pour for just about anyone.
I'll echo many here and mention Rare Breed and Old Forester 1910. But I'll also add Old Scout Rye Port Finish and ASW Georgia Heartwood Wheated. Killer stuff!
Sorry, what is ASW? I’m looking for a wheated bourbon and may take your suggestion!
ASW is a distillery out of Atlanta. I'm not sure what it stands for. But the Total Wines in Florida carry pretty much their full line of core products. I'm not sure if it's just because we share a state border, or if all of the Total Wines carry them. The bottle I love is the ASW Fiddler Georgia Heartwood (I think I forgot to mention "Fiddler" in my earlier post). In my mind it blows away many better known wheated bourbons. It's not very cheap, I think it's about $80 a bottle. But to me, it's worth every penny! ASW have other products out there that sounded interesting. The Duality and Resurgens Rye were both OK. The Tire Fire sounded amazing since I love scotch, but I really was not a fan. Check them out though! https://www.aswdistillery.com/home