All things Bourbon

[HOF44]

Since we were screwing up the other thread, we can now use this one.

I'm not even sure if I've had the "good stuff," lol. Never had Pappy Van Winkle, but I've heard that's top of the line. Some bourbons I like, not sure what tier they're on:

Noah's Mill
Woodford Reserve
Maker's Mark
Buffalo Trace
Knob Creek

Mostly fairly commercial stuff, but that's what I've been exposed to. I would love to try some of the ones on your list!

I also love Bulleit Rye Whiskey and The Balvenie 12 or 15 year, even though they are non-bourbons.

On your list Noah's Mill is in the upper mid tier, the others lower.

Pappys is a fine bourbon but due to the fact it's overhyped the price is also crazy. Jeffersons Presidential 17/18 is every bit as good and I think a little better and can be found easily for 90 to 100 a bottle. Pappys is hundreds.

So on to the real jewel of the bourbon world. The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC). This consists of 5 whiskeys 3 of them bourbons. They are some of the finest in the world including all your scotches and Irish malts.

My favorite are the 3 bourbons of course. George T Stagg is the monster of the bunch. It is barrel proof usually ranging from 125 to 144 proof. It is as smooth as most 80 proof liquor thus can sneak up on you very easily.

The second entry is William Larue Weller. It is also barrel proof and ranges from 122 to about 133 depending on year. My absolute favorite bourbon of all time is the 133 proof 2011 edition of Weller. AWESOME bourbon.

The third bourbon in the collection is Eagle Rare 17. This consists of Stagg juice that didn't make the cut. It is filtered and cut to a proof of 90. It is more up and down year to year than the other. This years version 2012 happens to be a real big winner. Probably my third rated bourbon ever for me.

As everyone has individual tastes I prefer more vanilla and carmaly bourbon. I don't like smoke and leather tastes. Also not a fan of a real harsh drink. Thus I don't like many scotches or Irish malts. As to Buliet my god that's awful Jamie!!! I use it to clean bearings. lol

 

[Lanky Livingston]

Somebody told me I might like Rye whiskey, and said that was a good one. I tried it, and it was pretty tasty! LOL. No wonder I pissed blood for a week! (just kidding)

 

[HOF44]

Somebody told me I might like Rye whiskey, and said that was a good one. I tried it, and it was pretty tasty! LOL. No wonder I pissed blood for a week! (just kidding)

Some people love rye, not me. It is way to harsh, I like smoooooth.

The other 2 of the BTAC collection are rye. Thomas Handy burns and is ok. The other is Sazarac Rye 18. Reviewed by many as one of the top rye's in the world.

 

[Boone]

You mean, pissing blood isn't normal?

Damn.

 

[Boone]

It's a good thing I don't live near any of you.

ANY of you

 

[HOF44]

It's a good thing I don't live near any of you.

ANY of you

Whatever your cookin and my bourbon, the possibilities are endless!!

it could be that im just "new" to the upper parts of beer/whiskey but it seems like rye is being used more and more. I for one and a HUGE fan of that.

I need to get in to bourbons more.

A lot of people like rye. I don't like a lot of burn and all the rye I've tried burns like heck. I would love to try the Sazarec 18 Rye though. Most stuff in the BTAC collection is pretty darn good. It's just damn hard to come by.

 

[Boone]

A lot of people like rye. I don't like a lot of burn and all the rye I've tried burns like heck. I would love to try the Sazarec 18 Rye though. Most stuff in the BTAC collection is pretty darn good. It's just damn hard to come by.

I think Mike is probably primarily referring to rye in beer. I've had a few rye-based beers but didnt really see what all the fuss is about. That being said, it's possible I just wasn't drinking the right rye beers

 

[HOF44]

I think Mike is probably primarily referring to rye in beer. I've had a few rye-based beers but didnt really see what all the fuss is about. That being said, it's possible I just wasn't drinking the right rye beers

Do you ever make that beer with Makers Mark anymore??? That was a best of both worlds beer for sure. I have been drinking heavier beers aged in bourbon barrels when can find them. Gives them a really good taste.

 

[HOF44]

Some various bourbon collection photos.

The wife has givin me hell for taking over the bottom of the china cabinet, and for buying the deer bottle holder. lol

 

[Snydershrugged]

I just had a bouborgasm

 

[tshile]

Hof44 - after reading your post I'm wondering if I would like burboun more than scotch. What would be a decently priced bottle with the caramel/vanilla notes that I could try?

 

[Boone]

Do you ever make that beer with Makers Mark anymore??? That was a best of both worlds beer for sure. I have been drinking heavier beers aged in bourbon barrels when can find them. Gives them a really good taste.

I haven't made it in awhile, but you're making me want some. I might even have to try that brew with a really high-end bourbon

 

[HOF44]

Hof44 - after reading your post I'm wondering if I would like burboun more than scotch. What would be a decently priced bottle with the caramel/vanilla notes that I could try?

The best bottle for the money you can get is the Jeffersons Presidential 17/18 year old ($90 to $100) Don't get any other kind of Jeffersons though they stink. The secret of the presidential is Jeffersons bought the barrels from Seagrams who had bought out the Stitzel-Weller distillery, you guessed it, home of the original Pappy Van Winkle. It has been strongly suggested but never proven that this is actually pappy bourbon which is why it's so good, but not a lot of people know this.

Now if you can get hold of a bottle of this years Eagle Rare 17 buy it above all else. It's retail is only 70 bucks, but good luck finding a bottle. After market price s $150 to $200. If you know anybody in Kentucky they might have some luck getting it for you at retail.

That's why I recommended the Presidential. You can even order it offline.

 

[HOF44]

I haven't made it in awhile, but you're making me want some. I might even have to try that brew with a really high-end bourbon

One of the best beers I've ever had. Thank you for making it available at a tailgate. I still tell people about it. lol

 

[tshile]

Sweet.
I'll see what I can get my hands on
Your thread inspired me to have a glass of my del whinney 15

Thank you

 

[HOF44]

Sweet.
I'll see what I can get my hands on
Your thread inspired me to have a glass of my del whinney 15

Thank you

Hope you find some, I'll be awaiting your review.

Since your drinking scotch you may have these already but if you don't get some Glenn Cairn glasses.

Glasses

 

[Ax]

Spent many a night at the apparent "Lower End" of the bourbon world.

"Lordy I have loved some ladies, and I have loved Jim Beam..."

How about a critique of the poor man's bourbons?

 

[HOF44]

Spent many a night at the apparent "Lower End" of the bourbon world.

"Lordy I have loved some ladies, and I have loved Jim Beam..."

How about a critique of the poor man's bourbons?

For me when all I knew was Jack and Jim I hated bourbon, thought it was awful. The bourbon for me that started me thinking it might be an ok drink was Rare Breed by Wild Turkey. Then I tried a little Basil Hayden and liked it. That in turn sent me to Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit, and Jack Single Barrel. Then Pez's dad introduced me to Pappy 20 and that's when I really got what great bourbon tastes like. Then found the BTAC antique collection and have not looked back since.

 

[HOF44]

I just had a bouborgasm

I see you are trying to make it to a game next year. If you do make sure to find me. I have a pretty good selection of bourbons on game day. Also if I can help you with any info about going to the games let me know.

 

[Snydershrugged]

I see you are trying to make it to a game next year. If you do make sure to find me. I have a pretty good selection of bourbons on game day. Also if I can help you with any info about going to the games let me know.

I will take you up on both! Thanks brother!!