I don’t know whether I’ve mentioned it before but I’m looking for a good bourbon that’s within my price range.
For years I drank Early Time but a year or so ago either they changed what they were doing or my taste changed. I strongly suspect they joined the general move for “light” liquors, i.e. liquors that don’t taste like anything and have lighter palates. In the case of bourbon not only is that easy, it’s a cost-saving measure. You just cut it with grain alcohol and dilute it to the desired proof rating.
I’ve read all sorts of reviews and tried quite a few bourbons since then and I’m not really satisfied with any of them. At this point the leader, somewhat to my surprise, is Jim Beam Black.
I’ve even resorted to some exotics. Several months ago I bought a sampler pack of Koval whiskies as a present for my wife. As an aside I am the most fortunate of men. There’s nothing that delights my wife more as a present than a good bottle of single malt or a set of cordless power tools.
The sampler pack in question included three 200ml bottles: one of Four Grain, one of “Bourbon”, and one of Rye. The “Bourbon” and Rye were okay. Not okay enough for me to want to pay 50 bucks for a 750ml bottle (I still miss the days of fifths and pints) but okay. The Four Grain reminded me of a good Irish whiskey. I might be willing to pay 50 bucks for that.
I really ought to swing by the distillery. It’s practically within walking distance of me. Maybe I’ll do that next Saturday.
Meanwhile, I’m still looking for a good bourbon. Tastes in booze like everything else are highly personal. What you like may not be what I like and vice versa. Nonetheless, any suggestions?
As you say, tastes are personal.
In the very cheap but pretty good range: Evan Williams bottled-in-bond (white label). 100 proof. Under $13 in VA.
In the fairly cheap and very good range: Wild Turkey 101. As the name implies, 101 proof. Quite smooth at $20 or so.
In the moderate priced but excellent range:
Old Weller Antique. 107 proof. Around $25 a bottle. One of my very favorites at any price.
Knob Creek. 90 proof and the bottom of the Jim Beam craft line. Around $25. There’s also a 110 proof version that’s better but pricier.
High price but outstanding: Booker’s. The top of the Jim Beam line. Barrel strength. Varies around 125 proof. Around $55 here.
As a non-bourbon drinker, all I can add is that I asked what kind of bourbon a scotch-drinker might like on one of Joyner’s booze threads and was recommended a 4-Rose, I believe for the rye component that made it less sweet. After the one bottle, it became my go-to-scotch in the event zombies are blocking the scotch aisle.
I’m not a bourbon drinker, so can’t make recommendations except to say this is an excellent opportunity to spend some time touring distilleries in Kentucky.
As far as Scotch goes, I like Talisker, followed by Laphroiag. My wife likes Highland Park 18 when we’re feeling flush.
In Irish whiskies I like Redbreast.
Dave,
I can’t think of a bourbon that’s reminiscent of Laphroiag or even Redbreast. The good news is that all but the rarest are comparatively affordable.
The Four Roses line PD mentions is also a favorite, but somewhat pricey for what it is. My tastes run to the highest proof of any line, so the 100 proof Single Barrel is my favorite. It’s somewhere in the $40 range, so certainly not steep by even Irish whisky prices.
Talisker and macallan cask strength were always good even for the few extra bucks. In bourbon, old forrester birthday is reasonably priced.
Alas, I can’t drink anymore, so when does the best cream soda or root beer post come?
I’ve gotten away from bourbon and scotch but I liked Basil Hayden a lot.
I was just about to suggest Talisker Storm if anyone was looking for a decent scotch whiskey, but Dave was there well ahead of me.
Try George Dickel, a Tennessee whisky, but has some similarity to single malts.