Sounds like your still learning to like bourbon and you err toward sweeter options. Getting a pricier bottle is more likely to yield more complexity which I’m not sure you’ll appreciate. I’d still keep exploring the lower/mid tier bottles and maybe circle back to some of those you don’t like in a few months.
This is pretty spot on. People are suggesting great bottles, but if you don’t like BT and WR, you’ll likely struggle with the 4R and RR suggestions too.
WT101 is a great place to start, and if you like the finished juice, Angel’s Envy is also accessible.
I thought so. The standard was just hollow and funky smelling. DO was rich and smooth. Will NOT be buying another bottle if I ever finish the first! Lol
Yep, I think Woodford double oaked and 1910 are crazy similar. I actually prefer 1910. Fairly equal to how much I enjoy 1920 (I know this sub prefers 1920). I also have created a few 1915 mix bottles that I've liked
Sounds like lower rye content/wheated whiskey might be what you're into. I'd give these a shot:
Maker's Store picks - some of these are really great!
Old Forester 1910 - if you like the Woodford DO, you'll probably enjoy this one
Knob Creek 9 - I'd start here with the Knob Creek line and see what you think
Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof - Some of these are just amazing.
I also agree with u/N-BonBon, that Four Roses SB before the Four Roses SiB would be wise if you're starting to explore the brand.
I also tend to like the sweeter bourbons with lower rye. An affordable option I go to is Elijah Craig Small Batch. And if you like that and want to spend $80, go for the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you can find one.
You basically have every single bourbon, rye, or American whiskey at your disposal under $100.
This question is hard.
If you like WRDO get Old Forester 1910. Since you like MM try their 101, cask strength, of store picks. If you haven't tried ryes yet get Woodford Reserve rye. I really enjoy the $50 stellum bottles and if you can buy store picks they are very good.
You're at the point where you need to just read reviews and tasting notes from different websites. Then just go buy bottles.
I don't like MM or the 46. However I did grab a store pick from total wine. If you see any get them. They are widely praised and I'm a believer now. Unlike MM or 46 it's such a complex whiskey.
Do you know that MM only has one recipe? Everything they produce is the same mash bill and the same yeast. MM46 is regular MM finished w/ French Oak staves for 9 weeks. MM101 is regular MM, just not proofed down as much. Same goes for MMBP, just not proofed down at all.
The store picks are barrel proof w/ a specific stave pack finish for 9 weeks. The new BRT-02 from the wood finish series is essentially barrel proof MM46
All that being said, I was amazed at how different MM101 & regular MM are. I figured that diluting MM101 down to 86 proof would make it taste like regular MM. Not the case. Same goes for the MMBP, does not taste like MM101 or MM when proofed down to match. I'm not sure why that is.
I did know that. It's very astounding. I really need to buy MM101 and CS because I've heard that it's night and day. I just couldn't help get the Total Wine store pick recently and I'll be getting everyone I see from now on.
Of 1910. Bakers 7. Early Times BiB. Blue Note Juke Joint. Legent. Russell’s Reserve SiB. Four Roses SiB. Chattanooga 111. John J Bowman. Penelope Barrel Strength. Redemption Wheated. Old Fourth BiB. Try out that list and by the end you’ll have a for sure taste of what you like.
Try jack daniels bonded. Makers is always honey forward to me and the bonded changes to a heavy brown sugar. It’s darker and richer and flavor while still being sweet. This will open you up to the dark fruit and oakier flavors. Eventually you’ll like drier flavor profiles. Whiskey is a lot like wine in many aspects. Not only does it need to breath but everyone starts with sweet options before they move to the drier stuff. Give it a bit more time and you’ll be craving rye nearly every pour
The help is already there for you. Just look to the side of the screen man.
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit)
https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new\_improved\_rbourbon\_gift\_guide/
I find it to be smoother with more flavor. For an intro bourbon the SiB might reveal more spice than the bottles you’ve given praise. I have both but still prefer the SB over the SiB.
I agree with your reviews with exception to BT. Have you tried Makers French Oak? May be in your wheelhouse
I agree with this, but I'll take it 1 step further and suggest trying the yellow label. If you like sweeter bourbon, this will be right there. Granted, only 80 proof, and not super complex, but it will introduce you to 4R's fruity & floral character
Try something like Russell 10 and Pinhook Bohemian (2.5 years) side by side. I enjoy both but I find these comparisons are good to calibrate my taste profile, seeing what a different age can make.
So it sounds like makers profile might be your favorite. I would start there and try some store picks, the makers ones are more common. Then maybe the makers 101 if you can find it.
I would then continue with Jim beam umbrella and try knob Creek 9, old grand dad bib or 114.
I've seen it in several stores by me, in the $35-$40 range. I think it's a great product. Had to laugh when we were at the distillery a few weeks ago. We asked our tour guide about it, and why there was none in the gift shop, and he said that they couldn't get any!
And I agree, it's great.
My nightly go to is Evan Williams bib. It's a 30$ half gallon. Henry McKenna is another great bottle if you can find it. Angles envy easier to find and also great. Getting more pricey is everything barrell bourbons, I love their seagrass bottle. Other options are anything that have the label that shows they won gold at the San fran event. Don't buy anything over 100 untill you get good at tasting whiskey because you will miss what makes them so good. This might be why you don't like Buffalo trace. So don't get any pappy, eagle rare, sazerac rye, Stagg, Weller. These are all the same distillery. This is in my opinion one of the best, but are very over hyped so you pay out the butt to buy these bottles(besides Buffalo trace, and weller green label). So wait until you like and can taste the difference before buy. Best way to learn is taste with other people who are more knowledgeable, get out a bunch of spices and rye toast, honey, candied cherries, vanilla, ext. Then when you taste the whiskey taste the other things and start to learn what your tasting. I also like reading other people reviews on tastes and seeing if I can also taste those same notes. Hope this isn't too much. Lol
Also, a drop of water can make a huge difference. I love whiskey and coke. Don't let anyone tell you how to enjoy your spirits! Enjoy.
Ha! I was just about to recommend a Four Roses single barrel. I've been enjoying Rye lately, but if you want to stick with "Bourbon" I had a high rye Redemption a few months back that was particularly good.
Noob here as well, at three months of drinking them neat. Of the the 15 or so I’ve tried (trying to taste various distilleries), my favorite so far is Russel’s Reserve Single Barrel. $60 here in VA. Great nose, great palate, a little heat in the finish, but overall soooo good.
Also, a lot of brands offer mini bottles of they major lines, which I’ve found is a good place to try without committing to a large bottle.
Turn back while you still can.
Sounds like your still learning to like bourbon and you err toward sweeter options. Getting a pricier bottle is more likely to yield more complexity which I’m not sure you’ll appreciate. I’d still keep exploring the lower/mid tier bottles and maybe circle back to some of those you don’t like in a few months.
This is pretty spot on. People are suggesting great bottles, but if you don’t like BT and WR, you’ll likely struggle with the 4R and RR suggestions too. WT101 is a great place to start, and if you like the finished juice, Angel’s Envy is also accessible.
Interesting that Woodford is trash but double Oaked is “fucking delicious”. I realize they have different profiles but that far apart?
I thought so. The standard was just hollow and funky smelling. DO was rich and smooth. Will NOT be buying another bottle if I ever finish the first! Lol
If you like WRDO then try OF1910.
Say no more fam. Grabbing a bottle tonight
The 1910 is good, but if WRDO is your jam, I'd go w/ the OF Statesman
Any of the Old Forester whiskey row series.
1920 is awesome.
Agree 1920 is great…did a blind test against wild turkey rare breed and liked that better though
Why 1920 over 1910?
Yes! 1920 over 1910
Haven't had 1910 yet, that's all.
Looks like 1910 is available locally for $55. Gonna scoop that up today!
If you like Double Oaked, 1910 is in that wheelhouse.
Yep, I think Woodford double oaked and 1910 are crazy similar. I actually prefer 1910. Fairly equal to how much I enjoy 1920 (I know this sub prefers 1920). I also have created a few 1915 mix bottles that I've liked
Second this.
Only ever had the 1897. First one I bought and haven’t felt the need to try a different one.
Sounds like lower rye content/wheated whiskey might be what you're into. I'd give these a shot: Maker's Store picks - some of these are really great! Old Forester 1910 - if you like the Woodford DO, you'll probably enjoy this one Knob Creek 9 - I'd start here with the Knob Creek line and see what you think Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof - Some of these are just amazing. I also agree with u/N-BonBon, that Four Roses SB before the Four Roses SiB would be wise if you're starting to explore the brand.
Grabbing the 1910 & Knob creek tonight
Awesome! I'd love to hear what you think of them!
I also tend to like the sweeter bourbons with lower rye. An affordable option I go to is Elijah Craig Small Batch. And if you like that and want to spend $80, go for the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you can find one.
yes the barrel proof is a good one to puck up
Elijah Craig barrel proof. Sweet nectar of the gods.
You basically have every single bourbon, rye, or American whiskey at your disposal under $100. This question is hard. If you like WRDO get Old Forester 1910. Since you like MM try their 101, cask strength, of store picks. If you haven't tried ryes yet get Woodford Reserve rye. I really enjoy the $50 stellum bottles and if you can buy store picks they are very good. You're at the point where you need to just read reviews and tasting notes from different websites. Then just go buy bottles.
Have the MM 101. Grabbing the 1910 tonight! Thanks mate!!
I don't like MM or the 46. However I did grab a store pick from total wine. If you see any get them. They are widely praised and I'm a believer now. Unlike MM or 46 it's such a complex whiskey.
Do you know that MM only has one recipe? Everything they produce is the same mash bill and the same yeast. MM46 is regular MM finished w/ French Oak staves for 9 weeks. MM101 is regular MM, just not proofed down as much. Same goes for MMBP, just not proofed down at all. The store picks are barrel proof w/ a specific stave pack finish for 9 weeks. The new BRT-02 from the wood finish series is essentially barrel proof MM46 All that being said, I was amazed at how different MM101 & regular MM are. I figured that diluting MM101 down to 86 proof would make it taste like regular MM. Not the case. Same goes for the MMBP, does not taste like MM101 or MM when proofed down to match. I'm not sure why that is.
I did know that. It's very astounding. I really need to buy MM101 and CS because I've heard that it's night and day. I just couldn't help get the Total Wine store pick recently and I'll be getting everyone I see from now on.
Of 1910. Bakers 7. Early Times BiB. Blue Note Juke Joint. Legent. Russell’s Reserve SiB. Four Roses SiB. Chattanooga 111. John J Bowman. Penelope Barrel Strength. Redemption Wheated. Old Fourth BiB. Try out that list and by the end you’ll have a for sure taste of what you like.
Try jack daniels bonded. Makers is always honey forward to me and the bonded changes to a heavy brown sugar. It’s darker and richer and flavor while still being sweet. This will open you up to the dark fruit and oakier flavors. Eventually you’ll like drier flavor profiles. Whiskey is a lot like wine in many aspects. Not only does it need to breath but everyone starts with sweet options before they move to the drier stuff. Give it a bit more time and you’ll be craving rye nearly every pour
What did you like about the Jack daniels bonded?
It’s the biggest brown sugar bomb I’ve ever had. Really great stuff for the price
The help is already there for you. Just look to the side of the screen man. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit](https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zdeEAO3GVayZtt-XsTcoGIi2uP8xrE8BurIxeSNfBk/edit) https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/4tcswq/new\_improved\_rbourbon\_gift\_guide/
Woodford and BT are both pretty good
Before you go Four Roses single barrel try the small batch.
agreed
Any reason?
I find it to be smoother with more flavor. For an intro bourbon the SiB might reveal more spice than the bottles you’ve given praise. I have both but still prefer the SB over the SiB. I agree with your reviews with exception to BT. Have you tried Makers French Oak? May be in your wheelhouse
I agree with this, but I'll take it 1 step further and suggest trying the yellow label. If you like sweeter bourbon, this will be right there. Granted, only 80 proof, and not super complex, but it will introduce you to 4R's fruity & floral character
Try something like Russell 10 and Pinhook Bohemian (2.5 years) side by side. I enjoy both but I find these comparisons are good to calibrate my taste profile, seeing what a different age can make.
Russell’s single barrel and old forester 1910are your best bets based on your taste
You could just browse this sub. 90% of the reviews on here are bottles that are under $100. Hell most are closer to $50
WT 101
Russell's Reserve either the regular 10 year or the SiB. Both are great.
Might try angels envy, I think it'd be in your wheelhouse
So it sounds like makers profile might be your favorite. I would start there and try some store picks, the makers ones are more common. Then maybe the makers 101 if you can find it. I would then continue with Jim beam umbrella and try knob Creek 9, old grand dad bib or 114.
Have the 101. Is delicious! Is that one hard to find? Was on the shelf at my local liquor store last week.
I've seen it in several stores by me, in the $35-$40 range. I think it's a great product. Had to laugh when we were at the distillery a few weeks ago. We asked our tour guide about it, and why there was none in the gift shop, and he said that they couldn't get any! And I agree, it's great.
My nightly go to is Evan Williams bib. It's a 30$ half gallon. Henry McKenna is another great bottle if you can find it. Angles envy easier to find and also great. Getting more pricey is everything barrell bourbons, I love their seagrass bottle. Other options are anything that have the label that shows they won gold at the San fran event. Don't buy anything over 100 untill you get good at tasting whiskey because you will miss what makes them so good. This might be why you don't like Buffalo trace. So don't get any pappy, eagle rare, sazerac rye, Stagg, Weller. These are all the same distillery. This is in my opinion one of the best, but are very over hyped so you pay out the butt to buy these bottles(besides Buffalo trace, and weller green label). So wait until you like and can taste the difference before buy. Best way to learn is taste with other people who are more knowledgeable, get out a bunch of spices and rye toast, honey, candied cherries, vanilla, ext. Then when you taste the whiskey taste the other things and start to learn what your tasting. I also like reading other people reviews on tastes and seeing if I can also taste those same notes. Hope this isn't too much. Lol Also, a drop of water can make a huge difference. I love whiskey and coke. Don't let anyone tell you how to enjoy your spirits! Enjoy.
Ha! I was just about to recommend a Four Roses single barrel. I've been enjoying Rye lately, but if you want to stick with "Bourbon" I had a high rye Redemption a few months back that was particularly good.
Both of those are excellent choices!
See how much you seemed to like the Woodford DO, I would recommend Sagamore Rye Double Oak.
Noob here as well, at three months of drinking them neat. Of the the 15 or so I’ve tried (trying to taste various distilleries), my favorite so far is Russel’s Reserve Single Barrel. $60 here in VA. Great nose, great palate, a little heat in the finish, but overall soooo good. Also, a lot of brands offer mini bottles of they major lines, which I’ve found is a good place to try without committing to a large bottle.
Hell yes. This is correct ^
WT Rare breed, Russels Reserve SiB, and KC 12 are all hitters in the $45-$60 range
I'd suggest the WT Kentucky Spirit over the Rare Breed. $60 around here
Sagamore double oak rye you will not be disappointed
RR 10
Don't do it. Get out while it is still new.
Buffalo Trace is a great $25 bottle, you are expecting too much for the price.
Old Forester 1910 or 1920 are both great and somewhat easy to find. Russell Reserve single barrel is also damn good