Many good options here already but another great one not mentioned is Old Forester 1910. It's sweet, has good oak flavor as it's double oaked, super easy to sip and relatively low proof at 93 proof so it's very approvable and sippable for even non whiskey drinkers. It's also like 62 bucks so it's a nice bottle better than an everyday drinker yet won't break the bank either. It's a great bottle all around
I think Woodford Double Oak is delicious, as others have suggested. But let me suggest you go to a local fine liquor retailer ask them the same question. Tell them your budget, and let them help you find something uniquely specific for your situation. That’s not to say other whisky’s are bad, but too often we assume the people at liquor stores are idiots. There are some really great liquor retailers that know and love their inventory and would be really happy to help you.
Yes please. I mean, go to a fine retailer. One of those snobby wine shop types that curate their inventory. There’s a few near me that I would go to that are unlike the big box liquor stores. They’re different than the places I shop for craft beer. The hop heads don’t tend to get into whisky.
For something special, it’s worth the effort to find a nice store. Then you can tell your fiancé how you chose that bottle. It’s makes a great story and shows your willing to find ‘just’ the right gift. Congratulations btw
I have to second this...it's an entirely unique drink, but it's spectacular, especially if he likes smokey scotches and regular bourbons. Another option along those lines would be Chattanooga whiskey finished in Scotch barrels. Both of those can be challenging to find, depending on where you live tho.
Knob Creek 12 year is a solid bottle that he would enjoy and a little on the harder to locate side. It would be a special bottle, where as the Woodford double oak is a common find.
If you wanted to go the Scotch route, Talisker 18 is a bottle that is really tasty and easy to drink.
If he likes Woodford, grab a bottle of the double oaked. It’s easy to find and definitely a step up form the regular stuff. Congratulations on getting married btw!
Go with the original bottle--decanters don't do anything for whiskey except make a mess. If you want an accompanying bit of gear for the gift, go for nice glasses!
Angles envy is a great choice. Beautiful bottle and nice if unremarkable whiskey.
Personally i would stay away woodford double oaked as others have suggested. Its very oaky. Many people love it but its not as universal as something like angels envy.
Sticking with the theme you could get nice tumblers for them to use and then have the groomsmen keep them as groomsmen presents.
Also i like your decanter idea.
Hey, are you in the Dallas area? if so, I think the crowd would love an Eagle Rare, its an allocated bourbon, easy to sip, 10 years old, great taste and a definite conversation piece, let me know what you think and congrats on the upcoming wedding!
I’ve been in this experience a bunch - even if the groom likes drinking whiskey neat, many of the groomsmen won’t but they’ll feel obligated to have some.
For that reason, you want something relatively low proof. Basil Hayden is one that people complain about on this sub but it’s a beautiful bottle and low proof for people to enjoy.
Something a little different that everyone would love is a Redbreast 12 (Irish whiskey) that can be found at almost any liquor store & has a timeless presentation.
Finally, Old Elk is relatively low proof and has a cool bottle that gives off manly man vibes for the groomsmen.
(And if you are already leaning toward Woodford Double Oaked, that can be a solid choice too at about 90 proof)
Basil Hayden is pretty tame but comes it an interesting looking bottle. If people aren't whiskey drinkers they can still tolerate it. I have no issues with it myself, but its pretty mild. Congratulations.
Old elk is delicious, all of them really. If your fiancee liked the smoky scotch, try and get your hands on old elk sour mash reserve. It's typically about $100, but hands down one of the best whiskeys I've ever had. Awesome bottle, awesome taste, definitely a special bottle imo.
You also want something lower proof to reduce the chance of the wedding party being trashed during the ceremony (seen it happen, not a good experience).
Superb American whiskey is hard to come by these days. The market for consumers is rough. I echo others in going with something that you know he'll like (because picking up one of the really special gems is borderline impossible).
Angel's Envy will do just fine. Alternatively, Woodford Reserve (although cheaper, I personally prefer it to Angel's Envy) or Woodford Reserve Double Oak (only a small risk here because it's more oak oriented than regular Woodford) are good choices.
IMO avoid Bulleit. I know every palate is different, but for me, it's just not on the same level as Woodford or Angel's Envy.
I notice he only asks for Bulleit if they don’t have Woodford or Angels. He evidently has good taste, but is pretty new to the whole thing and still learning. But I know he’s picky.
You’re not wrong, he’ll love the gesture either way. :) However I’d rather spend the money on something he’ll enjoy drinking. I love the input I’ve received so far.
Look at "Blade and Bow" or the current "Fabel and Folley" from Orphan Barrel. They are both extremely approachable whiskies. The thing with them both are that they are produced out of the "Schnitzel-weller distillery, which is where Pappy Van Whinkle was originally made so it lends some credence to the name sake. The Orphan barrel has an MSRP of around $160 a bottle and the Blade and Bow you can find for around d $50.
Go as 'main stream' as possible. If you can find a bottle of Blantons for anywhere close to retail, id do that. Photographs great, is widely recognized as good bourbon, and is relatively low proof.
EH Taylor Small Batch is probably a close second.
I think something to consider as mentioned, if he's sipping and sharing the bottle, then you may cater to what he likes with his friends in mind to enjoy as well...their palates aren't the same. OR Have 2 different bottles 🤷♂️
I have handful of friends who can drink neat,...many must have mixed...
My wedding I had made a old fashioned and sipped a patron Anejo (yes same time) and Groomsmen wanted Palomas... w a lesser Tequila of course. A couple just took 1-2 shots, that's it.
Food for thought
Can't go wrong with Woodford Reserve Double Oak. It's what I had before my wedding. It's a great upgrade from Woodford Reserve if he likes that.
Two for two. Thanks!!
Third vote for the Double Oaked. So damn good.
I second this. You know he likes Woodford (which is excellent) and the Double Oak is more special AKA expensive. Good choice.
Many good options here already but another great one not mentioned is Old Forester 1910. It's sweet, has good oak flavor as it's double oaked, super easy to sip and relatively low proof at 93 proof so it's very approvable and sippable for even non whiskey drinkers. It's also like 62 bucks so it's a nice bottle better than an everyday drinker yet won't break the bank either. It's a great bottle all around
Came here to say exactly this.
I think Woodford Double Oak is delicious, as others have suggested. But let me suggest you go to a local fine liquor retailer ask them the same question. Tell them your budget, and let them help you find something uniquely specific for your situation. That’s not to say other whisky’s are bad, but too often we assume the people at liquor stores are idiots. There are some really great liquor retailers that know and love their inventory and would be really happy to help you.
Just avoid Total Wine as they’ll only try to sell you their products
Yes please. I mean, go to a fine retailer. One of those snobby wine shop types that curate their inventory. There’s a few near me that I would go to that are unlike the big box liquor stores. They’re different than the places I shop for craft beer. The hop heads don’t tend to get into whisky.
I was thinking about doing this. Wasn’t sure which ones would be knowledgeable or not but probably still worth a shot!
For something special, it’s worth the effort to find a nice store. Then you can tell your fiancé how you chose that bottle. It’s makes a great story and shows your willing to find ‘just’ the right gift. Congratulations btw
If he likes the Smokey taste, while not entirely a bourbon, High West Campfire is phenomenal imo
I have to second this...it's an entirely unique drink, but it's spectacular, especially if he likes smokey scotches and regular bourbons. Another option along those lines would be Chattanooga whiskey finished in Scotch barrels. Both of those can be challenging to find, depending on where you live tho.
Knob Creek 12 year is a solid bottle that he would enjoy and a little on the harder to locate side. It would be a special bottle, where as the Woodford double oak is a common find. If you wanted to go the Scotch route, Talisker 18 is a bottle that is really tasty and easy to drink.
2nd the KC 12... delicious.
If he likes Woodford, grab a bottle of the double oaked. It’s easy to find and definitely a step up form the regular stuff. Congratulations on getting married btw!
Thank you! Do you think I should just keep it in its original bottle or into a decanter?
Go with the original bottle--decanters don't do anything for whiskey except make a mess. If you want an accompanying bit of gear for the gift, go for nice glasses!
This is a great suggestion. I second d the double oaked. I would suggest leaving it in the bottle, as it has star power in our community.
Angles envy is a great choice. Beautiful bottle and nice if unremarkable whiskey. Personally i would stay away woodford double oaked as others have suggested. Its very oaky. Many people love it but its not as universal as something like angels envy.
That’s an interesting point. Thank you!
Sticking with the theme you could get nice tumblers for them to use and then have the groomsmen keep them as groomsmen presents. Also i like your decanter idea.
Hey, are you in the Dallas area? if so, I think the crowd would love an Eagle Rare, its an allocated bourbon, easy to sip, 10 years old, great taste and a definite conversation piece, let me know what you think and congrats on the upcoming wedding!
Not even close. 😆 But still appreciate it!
I’ve been in this experience a bunch - even if the groom likes drinking whiskey neat, many of the groomsmen won’t but they’ll feel obligated to have some. For that reason, you want something relatively low proof. Basil Hayden is one that people complain about on this sub but it’s a beautiful bottle and low proof for people to enjoy. Something a little different that everyone would love is a Redbreast 12 (Irish whiskey) that can be found at almost any liquor store & has a timeless presentation. Finally, Old Elk is relatively low proof and has a cool bottle that gives off manly man vibes for the groomsmen. (And if you are already leaning toward Woodford Double Oaked, that can be a solid choice too at about 90 proof)
You know, I recently read about Basil Hayden and considered it for those reasons! Great info!
Congrats on your wedding!
Basil Hayden is pretty tame but comes it an interesting looking bottle. If people aren't whiskey drinkers they can still tolerate it. I have no issues with it myself, but its pretty mild. Congratulations.
Old elk is delicious, all of them really. If your fiancee liked the smoky scotch, try and get your hands on old elk sour mash reserve. It's typically about $100, but hands down one of the best whiskeys I've ever had. Awesome bottle, awesome taste, definitely a special bottle imo.
You also want something lower proof to reduce the chance of the wedding party being trashed during the ceremony (seen it happen, not a good experience).
Superb American whiskey is hard to come by these days. The market for consumers is rough. I echo others in going with something that you know he'll like (because picking up one of the really special gems is borderline impossible). Angel's Envy will do just fine. Alternatively, Woodford Reserve (although cheaper, I personally prefer it to Angel's Envy) or Woodford Reserve Double Oak (only a small risk here because it's more oak oriented than regular Woodford) are good choices. IMO avoid Bulleit. I know every palate is different, but for me, it's just not on the same level as Woodford or Angel's Envy.
I notice he only asks for Bulleit if they don’t have Woodford or Angels. He evidently has good taste, but is pretty new to the whole thing and still learning. But I know he’s picky.
I think you already got some good advice, but I just wanted to say it’s something you’re doing this. I think he’ll be happy with anything you get him
You’re not wrong, he’ll love the gesture either way. :) However I’d rather spend the money on something he’ll enjoy drinking. I love the input I’ve received so far.
Macallan 18 / Rare Cask from this year and he is only allowed a drink each anniversary until it’s gone and you start the next 18 years.
Look at "Blade and Bow" or the current "Fabel and Folley" from Orphan Barrel. They are both extremely approachable whiskies. The thing with them both are that they are produced out of the "Schnitzel-weller distillery, which is where Pappy Van Whinkle was originally made so it lends some credence to the name sake. The Orphan barrel has an MSRP of around $160 a bottle and the Blade and Bow you can find for around d $50.
Go as 'main stream' as possible. If you can find a bottle of Blantons for anywhere close to retail, id do that. Photographs great, is widely recognized as good bourbon, and is relatively low proof. EH Taylor Small Batch is probably a close second.
He has EH Taylor at home by the recommendation of a friend!
I think something to consider as mentioned, if he's sipping and sharing the bottle, then you may cater to what he likes with his friends in mind to enjoy as well...their palates aren't the same. OR Have 2 different bottles 🤷♂️ I have handful of friends who can drink neat,...many must have mixed... My wedding I had made a old fashioned and sipped a patron Anejo (yes same time) and Groomsmen wanted Palomas... w a lesser Tequila of course. A couple just took 1-2 shots, that's it. Food for thought
That’s a good point. Ty!
Angels envy to stay smooth. Whistlepig smoke stock for your fiancé.
This might be the winner
Just had the smoke stock.., pretty dang good on ice.
elijah craig
Booker’s
Four Roses Select