Lets talk about Bourbon

Early Times - yummy

Old Fitzgerald - good indeed
I got to try a taste of the recent “special” 11YO Old Fitzgerald (we make millions of bottles for Heaven Hill every year) that had a custom decanter-style bottle with a glass stopper. Just the stopper had an $8 cost; the MSRP for the finished product was insane. The bourbon itself was delightful, but no way would I pay for it 😄

I’m an Old Forester 100 kinda guy- it’s cheap enough to drink every day, you can cut it with Coke & still get 80 proof drinks, and the taste profile is spot on for what I’m looking for.
 
And I just picked up a bottle of Aberlour A'Bunadh. This is what I went to get when I got the Bowmore but was $20 more per bottle here than it was where I got it. So, I made a trip to one of my other stores and got it cheaper.
 
Yes sir. I didn't dig it. So, I'm letting it rest and will retry soon.
I was at a resort in Jamaica two years ago, it was literally my last day and this couple was sitting next to us in a bar ready to leave to go home...and the guy and his girlfriend are downing shots. They were drinking Glenlivet 12 year - it was top shelf there - and they talked me into doing a shot, I figured, why not? I was flying out to go home in an hour anyway. So, I tried one. Man I loved it! Very sweet and smooth. Of course I get home and immediately intend to buy a bottle - instead I bought a Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve, and it was DISGUSTING. I’ll have to go back and buy the 12 year.
 
I was at a resort in Jamaica two years ago, it was literally my last day and this couple was sitting next to us in a bar ready to leave to go home...and the guy and his girlfriend are downing shots. They were drinking Glenlivet 12 year - it was top shelf there - and they talked me into doing a shot, I figured, why not? I was flying out to go home in an hour anyway. So, I tried one. Man I loved it! Very sweet and smooth. Of course I get home and immediately intend to buy a bottle - instead I bought a Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve, and it was DISGUSTING. I’ll have to go back and buy the 12 year.
I've had the 12yr and thought it was just ok but that is the thing about taste. What I like and you like could be completely different but then some overlap where we like some of the same stuff.

My first real taste of scotch was Aberlour A'Bunadh at Club Macanudo in NYC. Depending on the bottle, that stuff is 60% abv or higher. I took a sip, hit my throat the wrong way and coughed for at least 30 minutes. I ended up buying a bottle for double what the shot cost. I remember, I would just sit and hold it and enjoy the aromas more than the actual taste. Then, I started getting a taste for it but it took a while.
 
Been visiting my daughter for 2 weeks in Virginia Beach and the son in law and I found these at the local ABC store. Both were excellent. I might have to pick up the 18 before I head back home. I have yet to find the Aberlour A'Bunadh anywhere

Try the Glenlivet 15 French Oak, that is my go to and I find that sweet.
 

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I really have Buffalo Trace or Woodford right up there with the more expensive Blanton's or Pappy 15 for that matter...

Willett products have really taken a miserable quality dive, they must have money issues..drank their Johnny Drum Private Stock for years..too bad, but these bourbons can and do change over time especially ones with no age statements..they can then do what ever they like to the age mix.
BT is one of the best bourbons out there. Not to mention one of the best values. They make tons of it and it's still hard to find.
 
BT is one of the best bourbons out there. Not to mention one of the best values. They make tons of it and it's still hard to find.
Where I am it’s nearly impossible to find, maybe see it twice a year. But three months ago I was in Ontario and it was everywhere for around $28 bucks…they think if it as a mixer up there, and only a half decent buy. I told them, down in the states it’s nearly impossible to find and overpriced when you can.
 
Where I am it’s nearly impossible to find, maybe see it twice a year. But three months ago I was in Ontario and it was everywhere for around $28 bucks…they think if it as a mixer up there, and only a half decent buy. I told them, down in the states it’s nearly impossible to find and overpriced when you can.
I've been buying Buffalo Trace in my local Sam's Club for, if I can recall correctly, around $21 U.S. To me it's a good $21 bourbon, but not a $28 bourbon. I prefer Knob Creek (Woodford Reserve in a pinch) if I can find it at a decent price.

In the last three years I've picked up and tried Angel's Envy, 1793, and Elijah Craig. All very good bourbons, each with their own distinctive flavor. I keep coming back to Knob Creek.
 
I've been buying Buffalo Trace in my local Sam's Club for, if I can recall correctly, around $21 U.S. To me it's a good $21 bourbon, but not a $28 bourbon. I prefer Knob Creek (Woodford Reserve in a pinch) if I can find it at a decent price.

In the last three years I've picked up and tried Angel's Envy, 1793, and Elijah Craig. All very good bourbons, each with their own distinctive flavor. I keep coming back to Knob Creek.
If it's not a good $28 bourbon, why is it so hard to find? They make more BT than any other of their bourbons.
As a side, if you want a very smooth vodka, get a bottle of their Wheatley Vodka. The master distiller at BT distilled it 10 times. Not a vodka drinker but chilled straight has no burn at all.
 
If it's not a good $28 bourbon, why is it so hard to find?....
I did qualify that. It's one I personally enjoy at $21, but would not select over the other bourbons i mentioned if it was priced at the same higher price. Personal taste only and I don't suggest my preference has more validity than other's.

To give another for instance I do not like the taste of Jim Beam White label. I very much like Knob Creek, Baker's and Booker's produced by the same distillery.
 
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Been visiting my daughter for 2 weeks in Virginia Beach and the son in law and I found these at the local ABC store. Both were excellent. I might have to pick up the 18 before I head back home. I have yet to find the Aberlour A'Bunadh anywhere

Try the Glenlivet 15 French Oak, that is my go to and I find that sweet.
I was looking at the Macallan 15, 18 and Rare Cask. Though, my buying is on a break.
 
Where I am it’s nearly impossible to find, maybe see it twice a year. But three months ago I was in Ontario and it was everywhere for around $28 bucks…they think if it as a mixer up there, and only a half decent buy. I told them, down in the states it’s nearly impossible to find and overpriced when you can.
Next time I am at the store, I'll check to see if they have it. I don't normally look for bourbon.
 
I've been buying Buffalo Trace in my local Sam's Club for, if I can recall correctly, around $21 U.S. To me it's a good $21 bourbon, but not a $28 bourbon. I prefer Knob Creek (Woodford Reserve in a pinch) if I can find it at a decent price.

In the last three years I've picked up and tried Angel's Envy, 1793, and Elijah Craig. All very good bourbons, each with their own distinctive flavor. I keep coming back to Knob Creek.
I agree 1,000%! Knob Creek is probably one of my favorite bourbons, and it’s reasonably priced.

I have a somewhat extensive collection, and I’d put Knob Creek at the top of the list because I simply love the way it’s tastes.
 
Not really bourbon, but just picked up a bottle of Metallica's Blackened whiskey. Not bad for a celebrity whiskey. Currently on the shelf.

Caol Ila 12
Laphroaig 10
Glenfiddich 12
Johnnie Walker Black
Blackened
Angel's Envy finished bourbon
Maker's Mark

I need to pick up some more Ardbeg and Lagavulin. I'm a huge Islay fan.
 
Not really bourbon, but just picked up a bottle of Metallica's Blackened whiskey. Not bad for a celebrity whiskey. Currently on the shelf.

Caol Ila 12
Laphroaig 10
Glenfiddich 12
Johnnie Walker Black
Blackened
Angel's Envy finished bourbon
Maker's Mark

I need to pick up some more Ardbeg and Lagavulin. I'm a huge Islay fan.
I was just watching Jack Ryan S4E2 and the guy is drinking Lagavulin 16. That one sure is tasty!

I had the Laphroaig 10 and I didn't dig it. The Glennfiddish was just ok. I don't remember the Blackened to well. My wife bought it for me and ended up drinking most of it herself!!!!! JW Black found to be ok. I liked the Red better. Never had Caol Ila. One of these days, I'll get to it.
 
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