At the Cascade Hollow Distillery you can try the water they use. It's filtered through limestone and high mineral mountain water table. It's noticeably different from the water you taste at Kentucky distilleries. I will agree Dickel does best with age. But I like Whiskey Brands that use the water from the area
@yourdrinkingbuddy I became a Dickel fan after I did their tour in 2019. That was after they had recently released the batch 1 13 year Bottled in Bond, my favorite bottle of theirs. Got to take a tour with the Master Distiller and I liked her philosophy of revamping the Dickel product line. She said, "We decided to be the better Jack Daniels, instead of the cheaper Jack Daniels". And if you look at Jack Daniels new products post 2019 you can see them following trends set by Dickel. Plus, the JD tour is for tourists, the Cascade Hollow tour is for enthusiasts, imo
I'm not chasing anything and I don't worry about trying to hunt the allocated stuff. My goal is to stick to my group's barrel picks and doing the craft thing for under $100. There are so many really good craft distilleries doing great things. Cheers!
Whole heartedly agree with you on transparency and value in high proof. Diminishing returns starts around 70ish for my bankroll. Must be exceptional for me to pass that threshold.
I love Dickel 13 year BiB and a 15 year single barrel which are excellent IMO. Still has that mineral note but it just works in the overall context of these whiskeys.
I am done with wheaters. I like them when I am drinking them, but when I get home I want Ryes or High Rye Bourbon. I just noticed that is what I choose, while my wheaters sit on the shelf collecting dust. Don't get me wrong, they are good. If someone handed me a pour of a wheated bourbon, I would probably enjoy it, I enjoy a lot of them. They just are not what I gravitate to.
Glad you made the (under 100 proof, over $100) exception for M10. We had a pour from a friend's bottle recently and it was amazing; a different experience on each sip. I'm out on getting every ECBP (unless it seems special like C923 was); I have plenty already that I don't drink. Same thing with Larceny BP. And I will continue to ignore MWND and Whistlepig anything.
Man I hope a lot more people feel this way from now on. Because I just cracked a 11 yr. BiB Dickel and it is amazing!!! I get the flavors of Flintstone vitamins like bright berries and citrus but no off putting mineral. I guess i hit the genetic lotto because i love cilantro and Dickel!!!!!😂 And yeah was immediately out on 13th Colony when they more than doubled their DO second batch. I won't ever chase over priced stuff no matter the hype. I dont mind how other people spend their money but I care who I support and I appreciate transparent distilleries and stores that appreciate my business. Cheers 🎉
Vacationing in Florida I bought the 13 year Dickel BiB for like 45. Haven’t seen in Virginia. It’s excellent and when I shared with friends it was a big hit.
Some of their stuff has additves. But I believe that one is safe. If any American whiskey is older than 2 years (which is basically all of them) and doesnt say "Straight," on it, be leary.
Looking at you Michter's Toasted Bourbon 2024. 90 proof and usually 120$ msrp at grocery stores or big box. And most recently Woodford DDO, $199.99 at my big box. 90.4 proof. Nope, I'll stick with their DO.
I absolutely LOVE total wines shelves these days (sarcasm).......their brands front and center at eye level. Nothing but their TW brands, with all the other brands shoved to top shelf or bottom two shelves By rule just based on their naked disregard for the brands that built their store, I will always skip their labels. Thanks for reinforcing my resolve!! Cheers
@@houstonSolo what is crazy is that they dont push their exclusive distribution stuff that ISN'T their brand. They have exclusive rights to Still Austin. Sell us that! It is GREAT!
Completely agree on sub 100 proof whiskey!!! Now, just got 100proof Old Fitz. Did I overpay, yes, not too much at 229. This is the brand new release and this my first decanter bottle. Haven’t cracked it yet, I’m hoping this 11 year is good stuff, but I’m looking at with a little side eye action hoping I didn’t get screwed. Cheers DB
I hope you enjoy the new release! I had an 11 from a few years ago and liked it, didn't love it when considering price and availability. But i am glad I bought it due to the odds I will NEVER get another.
@ I knew the value wouldn’t really be there, but not having a decanter on my shelf, always made me sad. I wish it was a 17 or 19 year for sure. But at 229, I figured what the hell
Hi Drinking Buddy ---- nice video! While they were a nice change of pace and a novelty for a short time, I think I'm done with Amburana and Maple finished whiskey, CHEERS!
I agree. I do with EC18 was 100 proof though and therefore I would rather buy Kob 18 or Calumet 16 and they are better whiskeys, easier to get AND cheaper.
I'm with you on Dickel, but there are other young Tennessee whiskeys that do not have that mineral flavor (my description) that you described. Chattanooga high malt, Uncle Nearest, and of course, Jack Daniels come to mind. Cheers 👍😎🥃
Jack Daniel's is definitely excluded from the list as they dont source and everything they make is fantastic. Jack Daniel's and Chattanooga don't source to my knowledge and this was more about sourced whiskeys. Uncle Nearest is mostly sourced Dickel actually.
Larceny Barrel Proof and Elijah Craig BP, I’m not buying all the batches. I have all the releases from the last 3 years and I can’t drink them fast enough so I need to take a year off from them.
New to bourbon (1 year) and was influenced by Fred Minnick to get a Larceny C923.....WOW !! Incredible juice !! But won't be grabbing any more until I try many other bottles....
I still don't consider myself a "proof hound" but I'm not inclined to buy anything under 90 proof anymore. But I totally agree about spending $100 on anything under 100 proof (I won't do it). I love going to TW, but I totally avoid anything they have cases and cases of (especially if it's marked "Spirits Direct")
Some spirits direct is decent. They have a few brands that are exclusive distribution with Total wine. Those are often great (Still Austin for example) but yes. Many are their brands, and are often $20 whiskey with a fancy label.
@@yourdrinkingbuddy Yes, the Still Austin is fantastic! I actually like some of the Wollcot offerings as well which are also Spirits Direct... but most of them are yikes!
I agree with almost everything you said. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. I avoid TW products too, but not necessarily their Spirits Direct. Those happen to include Nashville Barrel Company, Still Austin, and Hancock. I will be those on sale and/or with discount coupons. You can also sample their products too, so if it doubt, sample one. About the only one that I liked for the money/taste was the Walcott Rickhouse Reserve 120 proof for under $40. It's distilled by Barton 1792, so comparable to their FP and cost a little less.
this past year I committed to only buying store picks and/or from local distilleries. I live in GA, so we have several good options, but also included local to wherever I was travelling. I ended up saving a bunch of money, fighting the FOMO, and trying a lot of great stuff that I wouldn't have otherwise. Even ended up with store pick, cask strength 13th Colony Rye (sorry, not sorry lol).
I like their stuff. Just wish they had been a bit more transparent before. They did the right thing and fixed it though, which is great and I would buy their product again.
I dont believe this is true. I have never heard of them having cask strength below 100. I did a search and the lowest i could find was 108. But i get what you are saying Micther's holds on to more favor due to the lower entry proof than other distilleries.
I'm definitely not doing every batch from things that put out multiples per year. and I'm going to be more choosey of things in the sub 100proof range. I'm also no longer "collecting" everything in a distillers line just because I liked something else anymore. I'm hoping to be more "try before I buy" about it.
Try before I buy is a BIG reason why Nanas Kitchen here in Tucson gets most of my bourbon budget. I get to try things before I have to pony up big bucks.
Last week, I saw a single bottle of the latest release of the Michter's Toasted Barrel Bourbon sitting on a grocery store shelf for $143. Which, after liquor tax in WA state, would have made it over $175 out the door. Ridiculous. So yeah, I passed. What's even crazier is that a couple of days later, it disappeared...someone bought it. I've never gotten to taste any of the toasted Michter's, but even if I was able to snag it at the $110 MSRP, I have a hard time believing that it's really THAT much better than either Woodford Double Oaked, or Elijah Craig Toasted, both of which can be had for half that, all day e'rry day.
Whats up DB! I made this decision earlier this year/last year. I'm only buying what I love and reach for the most. I have too many bottles that I dont enjoy. Even if I pay secondary, it's fine because prices are going down. Example: I can get GTS for around $500. I'd much rather have this than 5 $100 bottles that I simply don't enjoy.
@@yourdrinkingbuddy I wish I had your palate! To me, it's ideal. Granted, I haven't struck out on any batches to date (2023A, 2023B, 2024B, 2024D, 2024E).
Not all 13th Colony is MGP juice. Most is contract distilled if it's higher aged. Sib Ryes are most the time from them. You should go to the distillery and ask
Contract distilled is fancy words for, we bought it from MGP. But you are right they are definitely making their own stuff now. I just wish they had been a bit more transparent in the first place. I defended them in the beginning of the controversy only to be wrong the second bottles by them started to come out with "distilled in Indiana" on them.
Lots of sourced younger Tennessee whiskey isn't Dickel, it's Tennessee Distilling Group. As for me, I will be avoiding MGP almost entirely, unless it's finished or something special (I also just don't like MGP bourbon). I want to try people's own distillate and something unique.
What I can tell you is my phrase for 2025 is brand loyalty I am going to reward brands with my dollars that are transparent, provide consistently good whiskeys at various price points and that are readily available and free of bs made up fomo. The value proposition for me has to be there. I have too many bottles at this point tonwaste my time on brands that are super inconsistent proce their products egregiously high and seem to have no respect for me as a consumer
I think I’m pretty much done with buying anything from Penelope. I have not had a lot of good whiskey from them. If I can try it first and like it, then I’ll buy one.
I dont love it. I prefer the cask strength or even the standard rye. I love oak, but that one seems to have more oak that other flavors and I love all the candy sweetness on the barrel strength more.
I’m fairly confident that I do not like blue corn bourbon. Got a bottle of Smokeye Hill barrel proof , and it’s not for me. Not bad by any means, just not what I enjoy from a bourbon.
I’m good on bookers. I bought my first one this year and it just doesn’t do it for me. It’s been open for like 4 months now and I’ve barely tapped into it. Not worth the 100 bucks I paid for it
I won't buy Augusta again. One of the the single barrel I got for $125 tasted like rancid fennel and dill. And I don't mean in an aquavit way. Mgr 4 year anything. Yellowstone Whistle pig Overpriced sourced whiskeys (Carter, owl, a lot of the time barrel, but not always) Seriously, Augusta old route 8 is awful, I've never experienced a drain pour... But I don't know if I can put it in cocktails.
I'm staying away from overpriced young whiskey. I'm with you on transparency, to 13th colony is out for me. I have enough bottles for now, so I'm looking for reasons not to buy.
@@yourdrinkingbuddy You are absolutely right. I started last year with a collection of 60 bottles and said I'm holding the line. I didn't and now the collection is at 80. So you are 100% correct at setting boundaries for the year. It protects the wallet.
I'm completely done with anything finished in wine. I don't like it and it's not from a lack of trying them. I'm also done with anything new to me that is nonage stated. Stuff I know I like that is nonage stated I will continue to buy but I'm out on anything new. Also, I'm not chasing anything this year. If I run across something I want, I'll buy it but I'm not spending a bunch of time this year hunting for certain bottles. And after watching this I'm totally in on not buying anything over a hundred bucks that is under 100 proof. I'm probably out honestly at seventy-five ish at 100 proof unless it has a 10+ year age statement on it. And last but not least I'm done with any craft stuff over a hundred bucks.
I mean, if given the chance and the price is fair ($10 a year so less than $180) I would definitely consider it. But I did caviat that Saz 18 is still a buy. That would be similar.
@yourdrinkingbuddy yeah I'll get one if it's a store pick and I know it's from Camp Nelson. I got one last year here in Colorado that was Camp Nelson building F but just regular RR Single Barrel no more too high in price
At the Cascade Hollow Distillery you can try the water they use. It's filtered through limestone and high mineral mountain water table. It's noticeably different from the water you taste at Kentucky distilleries. I will agree Dickel does best with age. But I like Whiskey Brands that use the water from the area
@Forests0fFantasy i agree there for sure. Best to use what is by you. Jack uses similar limestone water was well.
@yourdrinkingbuddy I became a Dickel fan after I did their tour in 2019. That was after they had recently released the batch 1 13 year Bottled in Bond, my favorite bottle of theirs. Got to take a tour with the Master Distiller and I liked her philosophy of revamping the Dickel product line. She said, "We decided to be the better Jack Daniels, instead of the cheaper Jack Daniels". And if you look at Jack Daniels new products post 2019 you can see them following trends set by Dickel. Plus, the JD tour is for tourists, the Cascade Hollow tour is for enthusiasts, imo
I'm not chasing anything and I don't worry about trying to hunt the allocated stuff. My goal is to stick to my group's barrel picks and doing the craft thing for under $100. There are so many really good craft distilleries doing great things. Cheers!
Cheers 🥃! I'm with you, there's a lot to explore in the craft scene.
Whole heartedly agree with you on transparency and value in high proof. Diminishing returns starts around 70ish for my bankroll. Must be exceptional for me to pass that threshold.
I agree, I try not to go above 100 unless it's something really special.
I love Dickel 13 year BiB and a 15 year single barrel which are excellent IMO. Still has that mineral note but it just works in the overall context of these whiskeys.
Yeah, their 13 yeah BiB is excellent! I enjoyed their 15 year too, though mine was only 80 proof. Still good, but 95 would have been better.
I agree. I have a great Bib from them
I am done with wheaters. I like them when I am drinking them, but when I get home I want Ryes or High Rye Bourbon. I just noticed that is what I choose, while my wheaters sit on the shelf collecting dust. Don't get me wrong, they are good. If someone handed me a pour of a wheated bourbon, I would probably enjoy it, I enjoy a lot of them. They just are not what I gravitate to.
Good to recognize what you like. Narrow it down.
Glad you made the (under 100 proof, over $100) exception for M10. We had a pour from a friend's bottle recently and it was amazing; a different experience on each sip. I'm out on getting every ECBP (unless it seems special like C923 was); I have plenty already that I don't drink. Same thing with Larceny BP. And I will continue to ignore MWND and Whistlepig anything.
All excellent calls.
Cheers 🥃
I'm out on Angel's Envy. Too expensive, haven't had a bottle worth the price. Drop the price by $30 and I might reconsider.
I had angels envy once. That was enough to know that I don't like finished whiskies.
Their cask strength is insane... $300....? Crazy!
Man I hope a lot more people feel this way from now on. Because I just cracked a 11 yr. BiB Dickel and it is amazing!!! I get the flavors of Flintstone vitamins like bright berries and citrus but no off putting mineral. I guess i hit the genetic lotto because i love cilantro and Dickel!!!!!😂
And yeah was immediately out on 13th Colony when they more than doubled their DO second batch. I won't ever chase over priced stuff no matter the hype. I dont mind how other people spend their money but I care who I support and I appreciate transparent distilleries and stores that appreciate my business. Cheers 🎉
Vacationing in Florida I bought the 13 year Dickel BiB for like 45. Haven’t seen in Virginia. It’s excellent and when I shared with friends it was a big hit.
@nickbaldi5198 Yeah keep it on the low low otherwise the taters will tater 😆
I 100% agree. Dickel over 11 years is often fantastic.
I also love cilantro. No soap here. Honestly one of my favorite smells too.
Well said brother! I appreciate how you get straight to the point.
Thank you for this! Cheers 🥃
Solid list. I've been thinking on this topic as well. Cheers buddy!
You should make a list and share it, I'd love to see what you've come up with!
10 year Templeton Rye is amazing!
Some of their stuff has additves. But I believe that one is safe. If any American whiskey is older than 2 years (which is basically all of them) and doesnt say "Straight," on it, be leary.
Gunnar's wheated was the only thing I spit out last year. Giving up on Ryes. Looking forward to the JD 10, 12 and 14 this year. I hope I can find it
Those 3 are what I am looking forward too the most.
I totally agree with anything under 100 proof should not be over $100
Looking at you Michter's Toasted Bourbon 2024. 90 proof and usually 120$ msrp at grocery stores or big box. And most recently Woodford DDO, $199.99 at my big box. 90.4 proof. Nope, I'll stick with their DO.
💯
I absolutely LOVE total wines shelves these days (sarcasm).......their brands front and center at eye level. Nothing but their TW brands, with all the other brands shoved to top shelf or bottom two shelves By rule just based on their naked disregard for the brands that built their store, I will always skip their labels. Thanks for reinforcing my resolve!! Cheers
Honestly, it is quite sad to see how poorly that company is ran. But they make money so they don't care.
“No sir, I do not want to hear about Bardstone or Chestnut Farms I’m just here for some Balcones. I SAID GOOD DAY”
@@houstonSolo what is crazy is that they dont push their exclusive distribution stuff that ISN'T their brand. They have exclusive rights to Still Austin. Sell us that! It is GREAT!
Completely agree on sub 100 proof whiskey!!! Now, just got 100proof Old Fitz. Did I overpay, yes, not too much at 229. This is the brand new release and this my first decanter bottle. Haven’t cracked it yet, I’m hoping this 11 year is good stuff, but I’m looking at with a little side eye action hoping I didn’t get screwed. Cheers DB
I hope you enjoy the new release! I had an 11 from a few years ago and liked it, didn't love it when considering price and availability. But i am glad I bought it due to the odds I will NEVER get another.
@ I knew the value wouldn’t really be there, but not having a decanter on my shelf, always made me sad. I wish it was a 17 or 19 year for sure. But at 229, I figured what the hell
Hi Drinking Buddy ---- nice video!
While they were a nice change of pace and a novelty for a short time, I think I'm done with Amburana and Maple finished whiskey, CHEERS!
I feel you! Now maple oak is something I enjoy, but a maple syrup barrel? Pass.
I would make an exception for the 100 proof rule on things like EC18 and high age stated bottles
I agree. I do with EC18 was 100 proof though and therefore I would rather buy Kob 18 or Calumet 16 and they are better whiskeys, easier to get AND cheaper.
Michters 10 Year and High West BouRye are two I'll continue to buy. But most others I'm passing on.
Good call on those. The High West is definitely a buy for me too.
I'm with you on Dickel, but there are other young Tennessee whiskeys that do not have that mineral flavor (my description) that you described. Chattanooga high malt, Uncle Nearest, and of course, Jack Daniels come to mind. Cheers 👍😎🥃
Jack Daniel's is definitely excluded from the list as they dont source and everything they make is fantastic.
Jack Daniel's and Chattanooga don't source to my knowledge and this was more about sourced whiskeys.
Uncle Nearest is mostly sourced Dickel actually.
Appreciate your videos. This was a really good one and very insightful. Cheers! 🥃
Thanks, cheers to you! 🥃
💯!! Love the channel and your coat!
Appreciate it!!
Big exception is Michter’s 10 Year. Better than the majority of bourbons and 94 proof.
I dont think they are worth the high proce tag, BUT I was definitely thinking of them when it came to the caviat.
Larceny Barrel Proof and Elijah Craig BP, I’m not buying all the batches. I have all the releases from the last 3 years and I can’t drink them fast enough so I need to take a year off from them.
@@nikezip i buy one Ecbp per year, same with bookers.
same Stagg batches
New to bourbon (1 year) and was influenced by Fred Minnick to get a Larceny C923.....WOW !! Incredible juice !! But won't be grabbing any more until I try many other bottles....
This year I am breaking up with Bookers, and Elijah Craig BP
Yeah, I was disappointed in my Elijah Craig BP store pick. Knob Creek killed it for less.
I think I will still buy 1 of each per year, but who knows, I have too much whiskey now.
Great video buddy! You have continued to evolve through your whiskey journey.
@JimMatthews-nr6xc thanks buddy!
I still don't consider myself a "proof hound" but I'm not inclined to buy anything under 90 proof anymore. But I totally agree about spending $100 on anything under 100 proof (I won't do it).
I love going to TW, but I totally avoid anything they have cases and cases of (especially if it's marked "Spirits Direct")
Some spirits direct is decent. They have a few brands that are exclusive distribution with Total wine. Those are often great (Still Austin for example) but yes. Many are their brands, and are often $20 whiskey with a fancy label.
@@yourdrinkingbuddy Yes, the Still Austin is fantastic! I actually like some of the Wollcot offerings as well which are also Spirits Direct... but most of them are yikes!
I agree with almost everything you said. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. I avoid TW products too, but not necessarily their Spirits Direct. Those happen to include Nashville Barrel Company, Still Austin, and Hancock. I will be those on sale and/or with discount coupons. You can also sample their products too, so if it doubt, sample one. About the only one that I liked for the money/taste was the Walcott Rickhouse Reserve 120 proof for under $40. It's distilled by Barton 1792, so comparable to their FP and cost a little less.
I agree completely. Especially the spirts direct stuff that isnt their brand.
this past year I committed to only buying store picks and/or from local distilleries. I live in GA, so we have several good options, but also included local to wherever I was travelling. I ended up saving a bunch of money, fighting the FOMO, and trying a lot of great stuff that I wouldn't have otherwise. Even ended up with store pick, cask strength 13th Colony Rye (sorry, not sorry lol).
I like their stuff. Just wish they had been a bit more transparent before. They did the right thing and fixed it though, which is great and I would buy their product again.
Call me crazy but with prices dropping I think I’m just gonna buy Weller FP’s on secondary for like 150 versus anything else comparable in price
This isnt a terrible idea. Example: Stagg jr at about $120 secondary.... can I buy ANYTHING better than Stagg jr for under $120?
hey love this video. great information. now I need to try an older dickel cheers buddy
You should! Cheers 🥃
With Michters going in at 103. Many cask strength offerings are sub 100 proof.
I dont believe this is true. I have never heard of them having cask strength below 100. I did a search and the lowest i could find was 108. But i get what you are saying Micther's holds on to more favor due to the lower entry proof than other distilleries.
No rum finished whisky in 2025!
Good call. Not my jam either. UNLESS it is multiple finishes. Like Barrell Seagrass.
What was the very first bottle that you showed us? You pulled it off the shelf behind you can anybody tell me?
I managed to pause just right to get a good look at the label. It's High N' Wicked The Jury Cask Strength.
@ thank you …..
Sorry, I believe I mumbled the name. 🤦
I'm definitely not doing every batch from things that put out multiples per year. and I'm going to be more choosey of things in the sub 100proof range. I'm also no longer "collecting" everything in a distillers line just because I liked something else anymore. I'm hoping to be more "try before I buy" about it.
Exactly this. ECBP and Larceny BP come to mind.
Try before I buy is a BIG reason why Nanas Kitchen here in Tucson gets most of my bourbon budget.
I get to try things before I have to pony up big bucks.
Bulliet 12 year RYE - bargain banger. To anyone, If you haven't tried it, highly recommended.
Absolutely good call. If it fits well as something, I WOULD buy.
Last week, I saw a single bottle of the latest release of the Michter's Toasted Barrel Bourbon sitting on a grocery store shelf for $143. Which, after liquor tax in WA state, would have made it over $175 out the door. Ridiculous. So yeah, I passed. What's even crazier is that a couple of days later, it disappeared...someone bought it. I've never gotten to taste any of the toasted Michter's, but even if I was able to snag it at the $110 MSRP, I have a hard time believing that it's really THAT much better than either Woodford Double Oaked, or Elijah Craig Toasted, both of which can be had for half that, all day e'rry day.
I havent had a Micther's Toasted yet that I would buy again. Especially over $100.
Whats up DB! I made this decision earlier this year/last year. I'm only buying what I love and reach for the most. I have too many bottles that I dont enjoy. Even if I pay secondary, it's fine because prices are going down. Example: I can get GTS for around $500. I'd much rather have this than 5 $100 bottles that I simply don't enjoy.
This is a GREAT way to look at it.
I buy the michters 10 for 250 and under everytime I see it. Because... well... it's the nectar I need.
I have never bought one due to the price. I dont find it dramatically better than ER10 which is only $40.
@@yourdrinkingbuddy I wish I had your palate! To me, it's ideal. Granted, I haven't struck out on any batches to date (2023A, 2023B, 2024B, 2024D, 2024E).
Not all 13th Colony is MGP juice. Most is contract distilled if it's higher aged. Sib Ryes are most the time from them. You should go to the distillery and ask
Contract distilled is fancy words for, we bought it from MGP. But you are right they are definitely making their own stuff now. I just wish they had been a bit more transparent in the first place. I defended them in the beginning of the controversy only to be wrong the second bottles by them started to come out with "distilled in Indiana" on them.
No more ECBP or Bookers. They are both unremarkable at this point. I’d rather have a KC 12 or a KC store pick.
Honestly great point.
The under/over 😮
Cheers 🥃
Michters has a very low barrel entry proof. So they are not watering down much. Their barrel strength products float at 114 or lower.
Barrel entry proof would be lower than when it comes out of the barrel*
Wilderness Trail does this as well. Makes for some great cask strength single barrels for sure.
Lots of sourced younger Tennessee whiskey isn't Dickel, it's Tennessee Distilling Group. As for me, I will be avoiding MGP almost entirely, unless it's finished or something special (I also just don't like MGP bourbon). I want to try people's own distillate and something unique.
@dneuens very true! That is why I called the category young sourced Tennessee.
I like some mgp bourbons... but again they need to be OLD.
What I can tell you is my phrase for 2025 is brand loyalty I am going to reward brands with my dollars that are transparent, provide consistently good whiskeys at various price points and that are readily available and free of bs made up fomo. The value proposition for me has to be there. I have too many bottles at this point tonwaste my time on brands that are super inconsistent proce their products egregiously high and seem to have no respect for me as a consumer
This is a GREAT call. I love brands that do it right and they will be getting my money.
There's not a lot I 100% won't buy, basically just Willet and Whistlepig. I haven't come across enough expensive stuff to regret buying it.
@markcalhoun8219 both of those brands are a hard sell due to price.
I think I’m pretty much done with buying anything from Penelope. I have not had a lot of good whiskey from them. If I can try it first and like it, then I’ll buy one.
I liked the 15 year light whiskey and theu have a 17 coming out. I will buy that one.
you ever had M10 rye? you might change your stance on proof being the driving factor on price over $100.....
I dont love it. I prefer the cask strength or even the standard rye. I love oak, but that one seems to have more oak that other flavors and I love all the candy sweetness on the barrel strength more.
I’m fairly confident that I do not like blue corn bourbon. Got a bottle of Smokeye Hill barrel proof , and it’s not for me. Not bad by any means, just not what I enjoy from a bourbon.
Heirloom grains can often have a very funky flavor.
In general im just buying less whiskey and trying to be more selective. I bought 60 + bottles last year.
Good call. I should do the same.
Elijah craig barrel proof toasted was nasty as hell to me, won't be getting another
I dont enjoy their standard toasted. So I can see this!
Dickel, I just don't care for. And I would never pour something down the drain.. but man dickel made me think about it! Lol.
It is definitely not for everyone, but it has its place for sure, especially at older age.
I’m good on bookers. I bought my first one this year and it just doesn’t do it for me. It’s been open for like 4 months now and I’ve barely tapped into it. Not worth the 100 bucks I paid for it
I agree. I probably will still buy 1 a year but I might not. I have so many bottles.
Worst bottle i had last year. Ezra Brooks 99. Only $20, ok don't expect much. But far too sweet for me, and for $20 I'm just going to buy WT 101.
Hard to beat WT101 in that sub $35 price range.
Any craft or obscure distillery without trying first
Absolutely fair. I am a fan of a bunch. And a few I am not big on. So try them first is the way to go.
I won't buy Augusta again. One of the the single barrel I got for $125 tasted like rancid fennel and dill. And I don't mean in an aquavit way.
Mgr 4 year anything.
Yellowstone
Whistle pig
Overpriced sourced whiskeys (Carter, owl, a lot of the time barrel, but not always)
Seriously, Augusta old route 8 is awful, I've never experienced a drain pour... But I don't know if I can put it in cocktails.
Great list. The Augusta Buckners I have had have been really good, but have all been old and special offerings.
I'm staying away from overpriced young whiskey. I'm with you on transparency, to 13th colony is out for me. I have enough bottles for now, so I'm looking for reasons not to buy.
I have been getting the fomo a lot lately to it was nice to lay out some rules for myself to help fight that and only buy the good stuff.
@@yourdrinkingbuddy You are absolutely right. I started last year with a collection of 60 bottles and said I'm holding the line. I didn't and now the collection is at 80. So you are 100% correct at setting boundaries for the year. It protects the wallet.
I'm completely done with anything finished in wine. I don't like it and it's not from a lack of trying them. I'm also done with anything new to me that is nonage stated. Stuff I know I like that is nonage stated I will continue to buy but I'm out on anything new. Also, I'm not chasing anything this year. If I run across something I want, I'll buy it but I'm not spending a bunch of time this year hunting for certain bottles. And after watching this I'm totally in on not buying anything over a hundred bucks that is under 100 proof. I'm probably out honestly at seventy-five ish at 100 proof unless it has a 10+ year age statement on it. And last but not least I'm done with any craft stuff over a hundred bucks.
All good calls. I might have to consider less chasing. But it is hard because I chase for the channel. I think I still have to. 🤦
Not buying Redwood Pipe dream anymore...not tasty IMO. it just drops off with the finish
That one isnt my favorite either. However I do like the cask strength version.
So you won't be buying the new weller 18 at 90 proof? 😂
I mean, if given the chance and the price is fair ($10 a year so less than $180) I would definitely consider it. But I did caviat that Saz 18 is still a buy. That would be similar.
I'm not buying anything that isnt barrel proof anymore...
Not a bad way to go!
Stop chasing limited releases. Too many good stuff on the shelf!
Totally agree, sometimes the good stuff is just sitting there.
I am done buying Russell Reserve Single Barrel love the juice but damn the price 😒🥃🦃
Man not to long ago they were $50
@yourdrinkingbuddy yeah I'll get one if it's a store pick and I know it's from Camp Nelson. I got one last year here in Colorado that was Camp Nelson building F but just regular RR Single Barrel no more too high in price
Under 100 proof and over $100? It's against my...uh, against my...religion! 😅
Definitely didn't want to say that. But it did almost come out! 🤦
Fun video! Those are some good reasons not to buy whiskey 😆
I will just have to buy more of what I like lol.
Cheers buddy 🥃
Lol. This guy is picky. I'm a sucker for a cool label on whiskey. No matter the price.
@tribulation138 well I have over 100 open whiskeys so I must not be too picky!
🦄 only in 2025. Bars too full. No more amburana finishes too 🤮
Definitely good call.
I will NEVER buy Little Book Infinite again. Has all the makings of a phenomenal whiskey and the finish is straight trash.
@@Michael_Peters i did NOT enjoy that one.