Rant/Rave: Bourbon

[33anda3rd]

Lipp, I apologize I don't remember which part of the country you're in. If you're in St. Louis, it was on the menu at Small Batch fairly recently.

Side question: Journeyman. Saw it on every menu in St. Louis. They're based not far from here and I have (shocking) strong opinions. Anybody like any of their whiskies?

I'm in DeKalb. I'll probably have to head to the suburbs to find it somewhere.

DeKalb IL or MO?

If IL, do you like Whiskey Acres?

I think it's just OK. I drink it at fundraisers that are hosted out there and it's fine. I don't buy it from the store or at bars though. Have you had it?

When they first got going I didn't like it. I've come around. They're doing that thing with different strains of corn and I think they've identified the ones that are the right combination of yield + flavor the last couple years. I prefer the rye to the bourbon, and I love that Nocino that they make at Christmastime.

[Leroy]

I have found this thread interesting, and even though I don't drink bourbon or anything else anymore for that matter, our guitar player is what I would call pretty versed in bourbon. So I have tried to make a thing out of bringing something different whenever we play in a little antique violin case/bar setup that I have. He has brought a few also, including Russel's Reserve. The first one I brought was Maker's Mark, which worked well for our recording session. I have brought a small batch Four Roses, Basil Hayden's, and I have a bunch at home that I haven't had a chance to bring (Thanks Covid). I'm trying to think of what I have...Knob Creek, 1792, Jefferson's Reserve, Michter's, Buck. I know there are a few others that I can't remember.

It is interesting just to watch him drink the bourbon and tell me about it, and bourbon history in general. He tells me Basil Hayden's is his 'go to', but is starting to lean toward Buffalo Trace.

[GeddyWrox]

Basil Hayden is QUALITY juice. Regular Buffalo Trace is good too, but I like Basil much better. Of course Buffalo Trace is a fair amount cheaper.

For that $40 bottle range, I really like Wild Turkey Long Branch, too. Michters is also outstanding.

If your buddy is into Irish whisky at all, Jameson's Black Barrel is smoooooooooth, too.

[Leroy]

Even though I think he would be into Irish Whiskey, he really isn't.

But for whatever reason I can listen to him talk about bourbon for hours.

[GeddyWrox]

My usual go to at home is still Wild Turkey 101 but I enjoy branching out and trying other stuff.

One good value that I've found recently is Evan Williams Bottled in Bond (white label). If you can find it, it usually sells for around $17.

Elijah Craig has been really tasty lately too @ ~ $27

For some reason the last several bottles of Jameson's Black Barrel I've had have been underwhelming. Still smoother than regular Jameson's, but missing some of the character it used to have.

Old Forrester 100 was a pretty good bottle I had recently. I think that was around the same price as Wild Turkey 101.

Bulleit is another good one for under $30.

ps... I think I've been drinking too much since the start of the pandemic. LOL

[Leroy]

Speaking of Wild Turkey, I provided for our last show. It got very good reviews.

[GeddyWrox]

I haven't had that particular one but it sounds like a winner!

[GeddyWrox]

The Knob Creek 9 Year (100 proof) was on sale at my local grocery store so I grabbed it on whim. It's... just OK. I think I would have preferred Bulleit or Elijah Craig around the same price point. This KC 9 doesn't have much of that caramel-y/vanilla-y sweet undertone.

Maybe it will improve now that it's been opened. I've had that happen in the past with other bourbons.