Seeking Exceptional Bourbons

[sandollars]

Okay, I did a little shopping. How did I do?

 

[sandollars]

I like to tell people to get a Makers 46 and a bottle of Woodford, which you like better tells you if you're a wheated or high rye type of guy. Then you know where to point the ship.

I bought one of each. Looking forward to finding out!

 

[Tar Wheel]

Okay, I did a little shopping. How did I do?
View attachment 133538

I would say you have the bases covered. Nice job! I love seeing the guys with the shopping carts in the ABC stores.

 

[brian64]

 

[sandollars]

I would say you have the bases covered. Nice job! I love seeing the guys with the shopping carts in the ABC stores.

There were 2 guys that stopped me and approved of my cart's contents and one of them recommended an additional bottle. That's where the Barrel Dovetail came from.

 

[Tar Wheel]

There were 2 guys that stopped me and approved of my cart's contents and one of them recommended an additional bottle. That's where the Barrel Dovetail came from.

They were correct. You need at least one cask strength bottle. I haven’t tried the Dovetail, but I’ve gone through a few Barrell selections and all have been very good to great.?

 

[shanez]

There were 2 guys that stopped me and approved of my cart's contents and one of them recommended an additional bottle. That's where the Barrel Dovetail came from.

I have the Dovetail and really like although I've just started on the bottle. With more complex stuff I like to get through about half a bottle before making judgement.

Good call on the Angel's Envy, BTW. I consider it a necessity for any bar.

If you enjoy that Four Roses small batch look for their single barrel.

One more bottle to keep an eye out for (it sells out fast here) is Eagle Rare.

I consider the Eagle Rare and Four Roses single barrel to be on the same level. Neither is better than the other but one might agree with your palate. I lean towards the Eagle Rare but will take a glass of the Four Roses anytime.

 

[EssJaySea]

Rowan Creek is my personal favorite.

I haven’t gone through the whole thread yet but +1 to this and to the sibling Noah’s Mill.

 

[EssJaySea]

Woodford Reserve. Official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Smooth and tasty...

I believe you mean official bourbon of Costco!

 

[mahew]

Okay, I did a little shopping. How did I do?
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Having sampled all but the Garrison Brothers, I dare say that if you can’t find something you like in that mix, you should rethink drinking bourbon!

 

[shanez]

As I sit here in the hotel bar working on my second Booker's neat, I'm wondering, and too lazy to read, did anyone mention Booker's?

It's high ABV and delicious. All brown sugar and cinnamon.

 

[elessar]

As I sit here in the hotel bar working on my second Booker's neat, I'm wondering, and too lazy to read, did anyone mention Booker's?

It's high ABV and delicious. All brown sugar and cinnamon.

Good call! Booker's definitely has some shoulders.

 

[cranseiron]

It was given a brief mention. Any of the Jim Beam small batch bourbons are very good: Booker's, Baker's, Basil Hayden and Knob Creek. Very good values imo.

 

[cranseiron]

May as well throw these in for good measure.

 

[Briar Lee]

The title pretty much says it all...

I have been playing with Whiskeys and Bourbons for a while now (yes, I know all bourbons are whiskeys) and I have come to the conclusion that I really like the sweetness corn brings to the table. I have also concluded I really don't like peaty whiskeys.

I am looking for 2 things I am hoping some of you can help with.

1. I am retiring at the end of this year and would like to buy 1 exceptional bottle of Bourbon for that event. Price is not much of a factor.
2. I am also looking excellent Bourbons to stock for regular consumption and price plays no role as I know some bourbons are reasonably priced but are exceptionally fine. I would like to narrow down the field by using your experiences so I don't end up with a bunch of mistakes in the cabinet.

Help a brother out with some suggestions?

I own a farm near Humansville and keep excellent bourbon on hand for my visitors and friends. Occasionally I even have a snort myself.

Many years ago in college several of us made a study of fine bourbon whiskey, and came to the conclusion that any bourbon that was bottled in bond is such a high grade of booze that which brand is purely a matter of individual taste.

There are many excellent bourbons, at a wide range of prices. But my last few bottles have been Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. There’s really no bourbon any better, just different by small degrees.

Enjoy with moderation, or else….. you could wind up like Ira Louvin:

 

[sandollars]

Enjoy with moderation, or else….. you could wind up like Ira Louvin:

In my book, Bourbon is for sipping, not drinking.

 

[sandollars]

So based on a few additional Recommendations, I did a little more shopping. I found an incredible liquor store in my area.

 

[Tar Wheel]

So based on a few additional Recommendations, I did a little more shopping. I found an incredible liquor store in my area.

View attachment 133982

Now that’s my kind of liquor store. Were the Taylor’s and Stagg Jr. on the shelf or ” in the back”? Either way, you’ve found a honey hole! Make friends and reap the rewards.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Nice score!

I still haven't come across Batch 15 of the Stagg Jr. I'll be curious to hear what your tasting notes on it are.

 

[sandollars]

Now that’s my kind of liquor store. Were the Taylor’s and Stagg Jr. on the shelf or ” in the back”? Either way, you’ve found a honey hole! Make friends and reap the rewards.

All but the Colonel Single barrel were on the shelf. The owner is a nice guy too!