BOURBON questions & comments

After years of viewing bourbon as the 'inferior spirit' when compared to scotch, I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that I mostly prefer bourbons over scotches. Something about the way it feels a bit more 'rough' and 'unpolished', I think.

I was largely the same way thought bourbon was a poor mans drink, turns out I was just drinking shitty bourbon. Knob Creek is my drink of choice even over a lot of my single malts
 
After years of viewing bourbon as the 'inferior spirit' when compared to scotch, I think I've finally come to terms with the fact that I mostly prefer bourbons over scotches. Something about the way it feels a bit more 'rough' and 'unpolished', I think.

Although I would prefer a scotch over a bourbon, there are a few American whiskys that are high on the list namely Dickel#12(shame I can't find it in Canada), Makers and JD. I wouldn't call it inferior, just as you say a little bit rougher.All excellent with 'gars.
 
First time on this thread. Love my bourbon. 1. Makers 2. Jim Beam Select 3. Wild Turkey 4. Crown Royal (even though its not bourbon, its so smooth)and for fun and games Fighting Cock and Ancient Age Gold label is not bad. And they all go wonderfully with most any cigar.

I typically go bourbon and rocks or bourbon and 7.
Think its time for a little nip....................:chk
Would be interested in what strange named bourbons folks have had and whether they thought they were good or bad.

:)

My weekend snag pictured below. Hard to find the annual release, but I finally ran down last years!!

Nice. Really Nice. REALLY, REALLY NICE!


I think I like it!
 
and for fun and games Fighting Cock
:)
And I thought I was the only person to have the Cock. :cb

Not bad, but for the price you might as well pick up Beam. Or save a few bucks and get a cheaper bourbon for mixing. I've emptied a bottle, but just don't see paying for another.
 
My weekend snag pictured below. Hard to find the annual release, but I finally ran down last years!!

Nice. Really Nice. REALLY, REALLY NICE!


I think I like it!
I finally tasted some of this Woodford. Very good... but might be perceived, how could I say it... slightly underwhelming for anyone that only wants or appreciates "in your face" whiskey.

I found it to offer wonderful fruit both in the nose and initial intake. It takes swallowing and letting the swallow settle before the truer whiskey aspects took hold.

Also fwiw, I think the annual release differs from year to year (there was the "Four Grain" previously). So there's no guarantee that we'll see the Sonoma-Cutrer next year or perhaps ever again.
 
I finally tasted some of this Woodford. Very good... but might be perceived, how could I say it... slightly underwhelming for anyone that only wants or appreciates "in your face" whiskey.

I found it to offer wonderful fruit both in the nose and initial intake. It takes swallowing and letting the swallow settle before the truer whiskey aspects took hold.

Also fwiw, I think the annual release differs from year to year (there was the "Four Grain" previously). So there's no guarantee that we'll see the Sonoma-Cutrer next year or perhaps ever again.

You are correct. This is a single release item only. Like the Four Grain, it will not be back. A new release of a different master's collection will be coming out in the next several months. Four Grain was the first released Master's Collection - If you find a bottle, better buy it!

FWIW, I also have the Four Grain (about half a bottle left). It too is a smooth sippin' bourbon, to be savored with multiple tastes, not a bold, knock your socks like, say Bookers!! IMO, the Four Grain is the better of the two.

I agree 99% with your tastes assessments of the Sonoma-Cutrer. Definitely a drink to sip neat, and savoy the various flavors.
 
Ancient Age is my mixer



And I thought I was the only person to have the Cock. :cb

Not bad, but for the price you might as well pick up Beam. Or save a few bucks and get a cheaper bourbon for mixing. I've emptied a bottle, but just don't see paying for another.
 
You are correct. This is a single release item only. Like the Four Grain, it will not be back. A new release of a different master's collection will be coming out in the next several months. Four Grain was the first released Master's Collection - If you find a bottle, better buy it!

FWIW, I also have the Four Grain (about half a bottle left). It too is a smooth sippin' bourbon, to be savored with multiple tastes, not a bold, knock your socks like, say Bookers!! IMO, the Four Grain is the better of the two.

I agree 99% with your tastes assessments of the Sonoma-Cutrer. Definitely a drink to sip neat, and savoy the various flavors.

what about a barrel split on the Woodruff Reserve personal selection:D
 
Ok I watched 2 shows yesterday on bourbons, very interesting stuff and I've been wanting to get into this area of the spirit world for a while now and reading all these threads and watching the programs has got me itching to go out and get my first bottle. So what should a newb bourbon drinker start off with, I have some ideas based on the thread but am looking for some opinions on something that is easy drinking and smooth with good, distinct flavors. I won't mind spending in the $20 range or higher if I have to and I can find most of the premier brands around me. I used to drink Jack but that was mainly as a mixer and in my younger years but I have sampled the single barrell and while possessing what I found to be that hot finish I do remember it being very smooth. I was thinking of starting off with either Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, which I've had just as a mixer or some Woodford's Reserve.
 
IMHO, Knob Creek is the sweeter of the 3, and while many really like Woodford, I believe it has arough edge. As you might tell my favorite is Makers on the rocks. Dont get me wrong, Woodford is not bad, actually had some this weekend in Louisville with friends.

I also think Jim Beam is pretty good, especially the green label. Aged a bit longer.

:2


Ok I watched 2 shows yesterday on bourbons, very interesting stuff and I've been wanting to get into this area of the spirit world for a while now and reading all these threads and watching the programs has got me itching to go out and get my first bottle. So what should a newb bourbon drinker start off with, I have some ideas based on the thread but am looking for some opinions on something that is easy drinking and smooth with good, distinct flavors. I won't mind spending in the $20 range or higher if I have to and I can find most of the premier brands around me. I used to drink Jack but that was mainly as a mixer and in my younger years but I have sampled the single barrell and while possessing what I found to be that hot finish I do remember it being very smooth. I was thinking of starting off with either Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, which I've had just as a mixer or some Woodford's Reserve.
 
Just for chit's and grins (and curiosity), I picked up a bottle of Old Grand Dad 100 proof going to a party Saturday. On the rocks, this was a good straightforward bourbon. I think most would be pleasantly suprised. I am still not pouring all my Jim Beam Black in the sink though.
 
... I was thinking of starting off with either Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, which I've had just as a mixer or some Woodford's Reserve.
Of those three, I'd go for the Knob Creek. Woodford is inconsistent (to me). Certain batches are excellent, others were just good, others rustic, misfiring, hollow etc.

Maker's is a good starter, but IMHO it doesn't have a whole lot of character or complexity. Then again, depending on personal preference, to some, that's a good thing, which I totally understand / respect.

JMHO
 
Go with the Woodford, it is a great top top shelf bourbon. as for the Knob it is slightly higher proof a little more bite but excellent as well, while Makers is good it's not top shelf and is only 80 proof. Gary do you frequent the Peddler, I have enjoyed many cigars there inside before the ban and under the tent after until Matt had to take it out.
 
Ok I watched 2 shows yesterday on bourbons, very interesting stuff and I've been wanting to get into this area of the spirit world for a while now and reading all these threads and watching the programs has got me itching to go out and get my first bottle. So what should a newb bourbon drinker start off with, I have some ideas based on the thread but am looking for some opinions on something that is easy drinking and smooth with good, distinct flavors. I won't mind spending in the $20 range or higher if I have to and I can find most of the premier brands around me. I used to drink Jack but that was mainly as a mixer and in my younger years but I have sampled the single barrell and while possessing what I found to be that hot finish I do remember it being very smooth. I was thinking of starting off with either Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, which I've had just as a mixer or some Woodford's Reserve.

An additional one to try would be Blanton's. Depending on state taxing rates, it can still be found between $40 and $50. I found it in Tucson last week for $39.99!!!
 
I actually live in Columbus. I own a houseboat and went to the national houseboat show with friends who live in Louisville. He happens to be BOTL as well. Their son loves Woodford. It always has a bitter bite to me. I have many who look at me crazy.....guess its bad taste buds.
My boat is at GreenRiver. I use to go by Versailles all the time on the BG, but we've started going 64 over to 127 and south.

gary

Go with the Woodford, it is a great top top shelf bourbon. as for the Knob it is slightly higher proof a little more bite but excellent as well, while Makers is good it's not top shelf and is only 80 proof. Gary do you frequent the Peddler, I have enjoyed many cigars there inside before the ban and under the tent after until Matt had to take it out.
 
Eagle Rare can be found cheap sometimes.... Booker's tops it, Knob is too sweet, Maker's is a good everday 'go to' bourbon.

On a separate note, is it bad to have a 'go to' bourbon?
 
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