Ready to find out which bourbons made the cut? Check out our picks for the Top 5 Allocated Bourbons of 2024 and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Cheers! 🥃
PA had the Russell's 15 priced at 49.99 by accident so on drop day they stopped selling them until the problem was fixed in the statewide system. That sent alot of people home empty handed on drop day morning. I just happened to walk in a store later in the day just as the stores were putting them back out with the correct pricing. I picked up mine. No one else was in the store.
I feel like Little Tim looking in a snow covered butcher's store window at a big Christmas Goose! Only to slowly turn away limping through the snow with only twopence in pocket and my tears freezing on my cheeks. The winter winds blow ever so cruelly gentleman... Thanks for the video as always and for the Channel content.
One of my fav comments ever! Still laughing. Yeah, that Top 5 lineup is pushing $1000 MSRP. I have 3/5 of them, and really do miss the kidney I had to sell to get them. 😀
Totally agree on the RR15. I got to get a pour at the Tasting Room for $45. They even gave me the rocks glass I had it in for no charge. Top that off with meeting Jimmy Russell and getting a RR SB signed, and that's just about a bourbon drinkers perfect day!
Of this group, we've only managed to get our hands on the Russell's 15, but we celebrate everything that Cedar Ridge produces. And those Heaven Hill Heritage Releases have been all-stars. Thanks for sharing!
@johng5710 it depends on the quantity available of the limited item. Sometimes an LTO is released in large quantities and we won't put it on allocation but most of the time LTO come with limited quantities so we have to put them on a reservation in the system. AKA "allocated" (I work for a distributor btw)
Makers mark has for sure been killing it. That heart release was fantastic. I also kept seeing it on the shelf at my local Kroger so I couldn’t stop getting a bottle each time and have about 4 on my shelf atm 😊
The Maker's Mark store picks are even more amazing flavors than Heart Release or Cellar Aged, esp ones with Mendiant staves, way better than Frenc staves in 46.
My June 2024 112 proof Heart release is absolutely PHENOMENAL. I go back to it pretty often and it even has opened up since the neck pour, which was great.
As an Iowan I’m so happy to see cedar ridge on this list… the few people I know that have tried it weren’t huge fans of their stuff so I never really looked at it till y’all recommended it
Thanks for the video! You guys are awesome and have really peaked my interest in bourbon and the distilling process over the last year. Just scored my first bottle of Stagg Jr. and I am over the moon!
I got lucky at a local bar and had a pour of RR13 for $13 and RR15 for $38. I chased the 15 at $400 but failed to find it. Too slow. It is worth it to me. It is outstanding. Someday I hope to find a bottle.
Today I picked up a bottle of Masters Keep Voyage at my local supermarket in Tokyo - ¥29500 seemed like a good price. Also added a bottle of Wild Turkey 12 which I think is a special Japan release. Ready for the holiday
I visited Glenn's Creek last December (3rd time) and did their tasting event. Had an opportunity to buy the OCD Premium and, against my wife's recommendations, declined to buy it. When I was there in August, they confirmed that this channel has now made it impossible to get. The last barrel sold out in 10 minutes.
I live an hour away from the distillery and did a tasting there a few months ago with Dave. I was too afraid to ask him about the OCD Premium because he was too busy obsessing over the amazing hot sauce he’s been making lol
A couple months ago I checked in at my summertime “honey hole”…and when I walked in, the store manager told me that he had a RR 15 year and did I want it. I had just purchased a Stagg jr a couple days earlier for 80 bucks and wasn’t thinking about spending 250+ tax ….so I passed…..walked back in the next day and bought it. Same day I went to a second store that helps me out….and they had a single bottle of RR 15…same price but this time I bailed out…I just couldn’t pull the trigger on another 250….lol….Ive never had 2 bottles like that fall into my lap on the same day!
I actually like videos of any bourbon that’s interesting and good. Y’all telling me a car guy won’t watch a video of a Lamborghini he will most likely never have. The dynamic of Trent and Kurt is just as important as the Whiskey info.. great video fellas.
I was blessed to have been able to try RR15 through a friend. Wonderful! I was also blessed to be able to get a bottle of the Glenns Creek OCD#5 Premium. It is sooooooo good! SO GOOD! ❤️
Good to see Glenn's Creek getting some love. They are worth a visit. They are in the abandoned Old Crow DIstillery. I stopped by and we did a tasting. Ended up buying ¡Cuervito Vivo.
Allocated and "Don't" miss these" do not mix here in Kentucky unless you have a really good friend in the business. I have never been able to get an allocated bourbon unless I wanted to pay the ridiculous high prices on the secondary market, which is something I refuse to do.
While RR15 is truly phenomenal stuff, I still feel the best release of the past few years is ECBP C923. A 13 year, 133 proof bourbon for 80 bucks. It’s truly a delicious pour, and possibly a “generational bottle,” based on how ECBP is trending. For this year, other than RR15, the Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof release is excellent!!! I think it goes for 80-90 bucks (I think I paid 80 mine; don’t remember). Highly recommended!
I saw a RR15 on the bottom shelf of a display at a small local store that I know does museum pricing. $350. I probably wasn't going to buy it at even closer to MSRP, but felt lucky to see one in the wild. Regarding Buffalo trace, I'm about done with them on my Bourbon Journey. The pricing across the board for Sazerac is getting ridiculous. The only 2 products I'm really interested in are Eagle Rare and Early Times BiB and then the ET BiB hasn't been on store shelves in my area for 6 months now. One store owner I talked to said it looks to be allocated now. WTH Sazerac?!
What you'll never hear from a whiskey channel about their Best of lists... "We got ripped!! Good thing we wrote this down cause I don't remember anything!"
I am in GA and have never seen a single bottle of cellar aged. Its on the top of my want to try list now that I have tried the BTACs (Handy is the best for me)
I live up in the Jasper area, so I tend to range from Ellijay to Cumming to Gainesville ... I've found all of the LE that Maker's puts out without what I'd call unusual effort, and I've never seen a cellar aged either. The local distributor, I am sure, does what he wants with them.
I visited Glenn’s Creek in September and got two OCD #5. Unfortunately no OCD #5 Premium. On the same trip I did find a RR 15 in the wild, but priced at $475… no way I’m paying that.
2025 is going to be my second year officially of being a bourbon nerd. Can't wait to go in the spring to Glenn's Creek, Castle and Key, and Four Roses. I went to BT 5 times this year and I really plan on diversifying next year in terms of going on tours and spending more time in Kentucky. I still haven't tried Four Roses as a distillery and I am honestly wanting to wait until I go to the gift shop and try to score something special. Plus, I think I would like the OESV profile. I almost want to get an OBSV single barrel but I've refrained as of this point. If they somehow have OCD Premium when I go sometime next year, I will make my best attempt to find a random person on the side of the road to help me get a second bottle. I'm so serious. Look at that color! It's as dark as the cork topper. What. That is crazy.
I've watched to many videos to not subscribe. BTW, gonna try Kurt's Bloody Mary mix this weekend. My wife says it looks good! Thanks for the videos guys!
First of all I want to thank you for your review a few weeks back of Cedar Ridge Amontillado Sherry finished bourbon and I was thrilled to see it in your top 5. I am fortunate to live in Cedar Rapids just a few miles North of the distillery. They are putting out some gang busters special releases along with their standard products. I am sure they will be pleased with your review. I went out and purchased a bottle and now I definitely need to go get a backup or will be a great bourbon for gifts. Love your videos. Unfortunately that is the only bottle in your top 5 I have ever seen here in IA. Merry Christmas to your and your family.
I really enjoy Russell products. In saying that, I'm still pretty upset on how they rolled out the botched release of the RR15 online. After the first attempt online the website crashed and then on the second attempt it was just as screwed up. They need to do better! Take care of your base customers, not the secondary hounds.
Oh man, Trent. You are missing out brother! Eagle Rare has been the best bottle in the BTAC line for like 3 years in a row now. I can't explain it, but it's not just me. The guys at Bourbon Pursuit, Fred Minnick, and a couple of others have been saying it too. Eagle Rare BTAC has been either the #1 or #2 bottle for 3 straight years.
Hey guys, seeing the Cedar Ridge gave me an idea for a video! Why don’t you taste some finished whiskeys along with the product that they were finished with? E.g.: taste something Amontillado finished along with some Amontillado sherry? Or something port finished along with some port? You could even taste some ice wine along with the recent Barrel ice wine finish. It could give you a good idea of what the finishes taste like in their initial state.
well my price limit for a 750 ml is $85. I like Knob Creek 12 year, Russell Res. single barrel. I have bought Eagle Rare 10 for $40 at Buffalo Trace, also OCD #5 at Gleen Creek, Maker Mark 46; I like all of these. and many others.
This is the perfect example of "preference". I won a sample of Russell's 15 on another site and to me it elevated the dusty flavor of Turkey. Not a big fan. Also, I had a MM private select barrel pick that I liked better than the Cellar Aged.
OCD, much like 13th Colony Double Oak, has to have additives and coloring to reach that dark color. The label essentially admits such by omitting the word “straight”. I’m sure it tastes great, but you’re likely drinking doctored whiskey. If that’s okay for you, great, but what attracts me to bourbon is the fact that the rules are strict and additives are not allowed. I think it’s important to call this stuff out - there are already way too many cash grabs in the bourbon world. If we start allowing bourbon with additives into the same conversation as straight bourbons, soon bourbon will tip too far into the fraudulent celebrity beverage market - much like how the tequila industry has. Great video as always, I can’t wait to open my RR15!
Maker's Mark store pick private selects in Louisiana like “Laissez les bons temps rouler” Let The Good Times Roll bottles are even more amazing flavors than the Heart Release or Cellar Aged. Esp with Roasted French Mendiant staves, Low and Slow, way better than any other French staves MM has previously done and I do not like 46
Trenton ... As a Rye lover, you never mention any of the Whistle Pig products ... I was curious of your opinion of them and specifically the 10 year Rye
Sadly, in North Carolina we are under the ABC system which is operated by the State. Most ABC stores only sell the popular pours that can be found in most places. To find unique, quality whiskies, NC residents must travel out of state.
I was in Pinehurst visiting my mother in law and stopped in to get a bottle for the week. 1st place had 2 bottles of eagle rare (I grabbed one since in Illinois can only buy at marked up prices) and about 6 bottles of Bardstown disco 12 at around $130. Later in week stopped at another place and they also had an eagle rare.
@@johng5710 The guy said they drop occasionally and then they usually sell out. The place that had the 2 bottles of eagle rare, I bought 1 bottle and while I was looking at something else someone bought the other bottle. Might want to ask the next time you visit.
im going to give the heart release another look, i do have 1, but, my first try says i have to dis agree with you on this 1, that maple note just kills the sip, i would love to try any or all of the others listed
😂😂😂 try $65 for 1oz of russells at a bar and not in a truly clean glen as it would be at home. Tried 1/2 pour at 2 different places wasn't impressed by either, I believe due to cleanliness of glassware.
I drank Russel next to Old Forrester Birthday, Little Book Infinite, and Makers Heart in a tasting and frankly didn't even find it the best of that group. I don't know many people who love Russels more than me, but the 15 has been way overhyped.
Hot take, The Heart Release is as good as, if not better than, the Cellar Aged. Also, I don't get the mixed reviews on HH18 I have seen other places. Well, actually I do, it is because they aren't tasting it double blind and they have preconceived notions in their head that completely affect their perception, as much as they might try to deny or ignore that it does. There is no escaping hard, scientific facts. And, maybe needing some time to open up is a factor as well.
Hoping you or someone on here could help out. Buying my step father a nice bottle (Bourbon) for Christmas, he used to drink mostly Makers and now leans towards Basil Hayden. Any recommendations for something that would be in stock somewhere? Thank you!
I was able to acquire samples of a bunch of 2024 LE's this year and here was my blind results: 8 - Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 7 - Parker’s Heritage Collection 6 - Four Roses LE 5 - BBC Discovery 12 4 - Jack Daniels Coy Hill 3 - Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2 - Russel’s Reserve 15 1 - Booker’s The Reserves I think RR15 will dominate the year end lists, but that Reserves just hit me like no other bourbon this years. I was actually surprised at how poorly the MMCA 24 did for me as the 23 was a top whiskey for me last year. Anyways, loved to see how you all ranked those. And I agree, the OCD Premium this year was really good. Cheers y'all!
$50! For an 1.5-2 oz Russell’s 15!! Try $150-$200 per oz! *Due to the stress brought on our client by the channels unrealistic, dream state pricing of Holy Grail bottles, we recommend he cease watching. You’re killing me!!! Happy Holidays
I enjoy your reviews but have a question that applies to nearly every review. Why do you prefer barrel proof and higher alcohol content bourbons over those below 100 proof?" Thanks for considering my question and for a response.
Michter's 20 is 114.2 proof. I was lucky enough to have a small pour of it, it was amazing. I was finally able to acquire a bottle of Russell's 15...for $400 lol. But I can't say I'm mad about that purchase because it's a delicious pour and deserves all the hype it has gotten. You guys should definitely do a blind of Michter's 20 vs. Russell's 15, it would be interesting to see the results.
Just yesterday I went into a liquor store and seen a couple bottles I would like but prices seemed really up there they had a staggjr for 190$ a wellers full proof for 340$ eagle rare for 100 weller antique reserve for 110$ this was in California
Those aren't to bad prices here in ga, weller antique is 200 plus and stagg jr runs 250 to 350 i finally found and little tucked away store and scored a stagg jr for 140 and blantons for 150. Blantons is normally 280 plus in my area.
@@ThatVeteranFarmer …I feel your pain…….one word of advice…MOVE!…lol…..I split the year between Colorado and So. Cal….I have found a number of stores in both areas that are pretty fair in pricing…..41 dollars for Eagle Rare….60 for Elmer T…..70 for a Weller Antique…..good luck TVF!
Has anyone heard of Stagg 24C for the year? I just walked into a store and it was on the shelf. I bought it immediately at $66. I haven’t seen anything indicating a 24C batch want to make sure I didn’t get scammed.
I don't think 24C came out yet (not even sure if it is coming out), or if it did you might be the first to get it. If it's real, you got a great price.
@ any chance you think the distillery would be honest if it has been released if I reach out. I don’t see a reason they wouldn’t be but never know they don’t like to be the most transparent.
Careful with Cedar Ridge. Read other reviews and its performance in spirits competitions. Even the Cedar Ridge Amontillado has a pretty average performance with other reviewers.
Dear Lord will someone please help me procure a bottle of OCD premium I don’t know if there’s ever been a whiskey I’ve wanted to taste more. I mean look at that color!
Ready to find out which bourbons made the cut? Check out our picks for the Top 5 Allocated Bourbons of 2024 and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Cheers! 🥃
I agree that RR15 is a generational bourbon. Best release in the past several years.
PA had the Russell's 15 priced at 49.99 by accident so on drop day they stopped selling them until the problem was fixed in the statewide system. That sent alot of people home empty handed on drop day morning. I just happened to walk in a store later in the day just as the stores were putting them back out with the correct pricing. I picked up mine. No one else was in the store.
What a wild story. I think I read that on reddit that it was absolute madness.
I was one of those sent home in montgomery county pa.
Exactly the same thing happened to me. Walked in about 11am and they just got permission to start selling them and I got one!
I feel like Little Tim looking in a snow covered butcher's store window at a big Christmas Goose! Only to slowly turn away limping through the snow with only twopence in pocket and my tears freezing on my cheeks. The winter winds blow ever so cruelly gentleman...
Thanks for the video as always and for the Channel content.
😂
One of my fav comments ever! Still laughing. Yeah, that Top 5 lineup is pushing $1000 MSRP. I have 3/5 of them, and really do miss the kidney I had to sell to get them. 😀
Awesome comment!!! 😂
Tiny ... it's Tiny.
Totally agree on the RR15. I got to get a pour at the Tasting Room for $45. They even gave me the rocks glass I had it in for no charge. Top that off with meeting Jimmy Russell and getting a RR SB signed, and that's just about a bourbon drinkers perfect day!
Of this group, we've only managed to get our hands on the Russell's 15, but we celebrate everything that Cedar Ridge produces. And those Heaven Hill Heritage Releases have been all-stars. Thanks for sharing!
"Limited" comes from the distillery "allocated" comes from the distributor. Hope this helps 👍
So basically anything limited from the distillery is going to be allocated by the distributor
@johng5710 it depends on the quantity available of the limited item.
Sometimes an LTO is released in large quantities and we won't put it on allocation but most of the time LTO come with limited quantities so we have to put them on a reservation in the system. AKA "allocated" (I work for a distributor btw)
@@Bourbonpickers Any way you can distribute directly to me? 😂
@johng5710 haha!! I wish I could.
Makers mark has for sure been killing it. That heart release was fantastic. I also kept seeing it on the shelf at my local Kroger so I couldn’t stop getting a bottle each time and have about 4 on my shelf atm 😊
I can’t find a single one in my area :/
@ if you’re near Cincinnati Newport Kroger has a couple left
The Maker's Mark store picks are even more amazing flavors than Heart Release or Cellar Aged, esp ones with Mendiant staves, way better than Frenc staves in 46.
My June 2024 112 proof Heart release is absolutely PHENOMENAL. I go back to it pretty often and it even has opened up since the neck pour, which was great.
@@cabster7 I’ve honestly never seen a store pick of makers before but I’m not surprised.
As an Iowan I’m so happy to see cedar ridge on this list… the few people I know that have tried it weren’t huge fans of their stuff so I never really looked at it till y’all recommended it
Thanks for the video! You guys are awesome and have really peaked my interest in bourbon and the distilling process over the last year. Just scored my first bottle of Stagg Jr. and I am over the moon!
Saying OCD premium is somewhat limited is the understatement of the year. They only have like 200 bottles of it per year
Hell, it be an honor just to see a RR15 in the wild !
I got lucky at a local bar and had a pour of RR13 for $13 and RR15 for $38. I chased the 15 at $400 but failed to find it. Too slow. It is worth it to me. It is outstanding. Someday I hope to find a bottle.
Happy Holidays to the Strong Like Bull family, so much love & respect.
Today I picked up a bottle of Masters Keep Voyage at my local supermarket in Tokyo - ¥29500 seemed like a good price. Also added a bottle of Wild Turkey 12 which I think is a special Japan release. Ready for the holiday
WT12 is a must grab in Japan! Was about $45 when I visited and it’s awesome.
Recently discovered your channel and absolutely love you guys and what you do! Thank you keep it up!
I visited Glenn's Creek last December (3rd time) and did their tasting event. Had an opportunity to buy the OCD Premium and, against my wife's recommendations, declined to buy it. When I was there in August, they confirmed that this channel has now made it impossible to get. The last barrel sold out in 10 minutes.
I live an hour away from the distillery and did a tasting there a few months ago with Dave. I was too afraid to ask him about the OCD Premium because he was too busy obsessing over the amazing hot sauce he’s been making lol
I’ve only been into bourbon for a few years, but that Russel’s 15 is the best bourbon I’ve ever had. It is amazing.
I got to try Russell’s 15 a couple weeks ago at a local tasting. Unreal.
Saw a Russell's 15 this past weekend for $550 in Albany, NY wow
I told myself that $400 would be the highest I go on a RR15, and sure enough I found one for $400. $550 is ridiculous.
Love your show, great true tastings
Saw some Cedar Ridge in one of my local stores for the first time today.. picked up the Barrel Proof. 49.99. it is phenomenal
A couple months ago I checked in at my summertime “honey hole”…and when I walked in, the store manager told me that he had a RR 15 year and did I want it. I had just purchased a Stagg jr a couple days earlier for 80 bucks and wasn’t thinking about spending 250+ tax ….so I passed…..walked back in the next day and bought it. Same day I went to a second store that helps me out….and they had a single bottle of RR 15…same price but this time I bailed out…I just couldn’t pull the trigger on another 250….lol….Ive never had 2 bottles like that fall into my lap on the same day!
$250? That is cheap. More like $480 the couple times I’ve seen them.
I actually like videos of any bourbon that’s interesting and good. Y’all telling me a car guy won’t watch a video of a Lamborghini he will most likely never have. The dynamic of Trent and Kurt is just as important as the Whiskey info.. great video fellas.
I wish I could get my hands on any of these bottles. Oh well!
Found Makers Cellar Aged in Japan for under MSRP. Excited to get home and crack it open.
I was blessed to have been able to try RR15 through a friend. Wonderful! I was also blessed to be able to get a bottle of the Glenns Creek OCD#5 Premium. It is sooooooo good! SO GOOD! ❤️
Love your guys videos! Pretty sure we're from the same area. Keep it up!
Cedar ridge is my favorite distillery. Love to stop by there when traveling. Great restaurant at the distillery as well!
I like how Trenton waited foe Kurt to turn his back before he reached from the Russell's 15.
Got my RR15 at Walmart for 255.00. Somehow, my friend has 3 now.
Good to see Glenn's Creek getting some love. They are worth a visit. They are in the abandoned Old Crow DIstillery. I stopped by and we did a tasting. Ended up buying ¡Cuervito Vivo.
That's our favorite of the available options, too.
Jack single barrel rye deserves to make the rye list, will be shocked if it doesn’t.
It's not really considered allocated though, but I agree they're really good
Allocated and "Don't" miss these" do not mix here in Kentucky unless you have a really good friend in the business. I have never been able to get an allocated bourbon unless I wanted to pay the ridiculous high prices on the secondary market, which is something I refuse to do.
I think the makers you were thinking of was The Lost Recipe. The unforgotten was a wild turkey release from a few years ago
No 13th Colony Double Oaked??
I think you guys should have stretched the list to 10 bottles honestly. A lot of bangers dropped this year.
Personal opinion this years OFBB belongs on the list. Best one I’ve gotten to try
Bardstown Disco 12 could be on there. Not sure if it tops 11 (tall task) but definitely more allocated and delicious.
I would say top 10 for sure
While RR15 is truly phenomenal stuff, I still feel the best release of the past few years is ECBP C923. A 13 year, 133 proof bourbon for 80 bucks. It’s truly a delicious pour, and possibly a “generational bottle,” based on how ECBP is trending. For this year, other than RR15, the Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof release is excellent!!! I think it goes for 80-90 bucks (I think I paid 80 mine; don’t remember). Highly recommended!
I saw a RR15 on the bottom shelf of a display at a small local store that I know does museum pricing. $350. I probably wasn't going to buy it at even closer to MSRP, but felt lucky to see one in the wild.
Regarding Buffalo trace, I'm about done with them on my Bourbon Journey. The pricing across the board for Sazerac is getting ridiculous. The only 2 products I'm really interested in are Eagle Rare and Early Times BiB and then the ET BiB hasn't been on store shelves in my area for 6 months now. One store owner I talked to said it looks to be allocated now. WTH Sazerac?!
I wish I saw one for that price, I paid $400 for mine and still don't regret it
I buy one bottle over 150 every year. This year was Limestone Farm. Cellar aged was on list
Saw the video title, and looked right in between them only to see that Russel’s 15 was missing off the shelf lol
I love the Cedar Ridge!!!
What you'll never hear from a whiskey channel about their Best of lists...
"We got ripped!! Good thing we wrote this down cause I don't remember anything!"
I am in GA and have never seen a single bottle of cellar aged. Its on the top of my want to try list now that I have tried the BTACs (Handy is the best for me)
I live up in the Jasper area, so I tend to range from Ellijay to Cumming to Gainesville ... I've found all of the LE that Maker's puts out without what I'd call unusual effort, and I've never seen a cellar aged either. The local distributor, I am sure, does what he wants with them.
I visited Glenn’s Creek in September and got two OCD #5. Unfortunately no OCD #5 Premium. On the same trip I did find a RR 15 in the wild, but priced at $475… no way I’m paying that.
2025 is going to be my second year officially of being a bourbon nerd. Can't wait to go in the spring to Glenn's Creek, Castle and Key, and Four Roses. I went to BT 5 times this year and I really plan on diversifying next year in terms of going on tours and spending more time in Kentucky.
I still haven't tried Four Roses as a distillery and I am honestly wanting to wait until I go to the gift shop and try to score something special. Plus, I think I would like the OESV profile. I almost want to get an OBSV single barrel but I've refrained as of this point.
If they somehow have OCD Premium when I go sometime next year, I will make my best attempt to find a random person on the side of the road to help me get a second bottle. I'm so serious. Look at that color! It's as dark as the cork topper. What. That is crazy.
I was just at Four Roses a few weeks ago and they had a bunch of different single barrel barrel proofs available...I believe OESV was one of them
I've watched to many videos to not subscribe. BTW, gonna try Kurt's Bloody Mary mix this weekend. My wife says it looks good! Thanks for the videos guys!
2024 GTS is a beautiful pour!
Great list .
First of all I want to thank you for your review a few weeks back of Cedar Ridge Amontillado Sherry finished bourbon and I was thrilled to see it in your top 5. I am fortunate to live in Cedar Rapids just a few miles North of the distillery. They are putting out some gang busters special releases along with their standard products. I am sure they will be pleased with your review. I went out and purchased a bottle and now I definitely need to go get a backup or will be a great bourbon for gifts. Love your videos. Unfortunately that is the only bottle in your top 5 I have ever seen here in IA. Merry Christmas to your and your family.
I haven't found it anywhere and I'm bummed lol.
I paid $60 for a pour of the RR15 and I don’t regret it.
You guys make it seem so easy to get these bottles. They're so hard to find and expensive if I ever see them by me.
It's because they have a YT channel and have a good relationship with a local liquor store owner.
I really enjoy Russell products. In saying that, I'm still pretty upset on how they rolled out the botched release of the RR15 online. After the first attempt online the website crashed and then on the second attempt it was just as screwed up. They need to do better! Take care of your base customers, not the secondary hounds.
That HH18 is sooooo good
Can't find the Cedar Ridge anywhere. Is it available somewhere?
Never seen Gleens Creek
That colour though DAYUM
I really wish I could find that Cedar Ridge Amontillado cask.
I have been searching for a year for the MM Cellar aged bourbon in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Finally found a bottle of that Makers Mark Cellar Aged 2024 for $500 and Russells Reserve 15 for $480 👎🏼💰💰💰💰
Oh man, Trent. You are missing out brother!
Eagle Rare has been the best bottle in the BTAC line for like 3 years in a row now.
I can't explain it, but it's not just me. The guys at Bourbon Pursuit, Fred Minnick, and a couple of others have been saying it too. Eagle Rare BTAC has been either the #1 or #2 bottle for 3 straight years.
Hey guys, seeing the Cedar Ridge gave me an idea for a video! Why don’t you taste some finished whiskeys along with the product that they were finished with? E.g.: taste something Amontillado finished along with some Amontillado sherry? Or something port finished along with some port? You could even taste some ice wine along with the recent Barrel ice wine finish. It could give you a good idea of what the finishes taste like in their initial state.
well my price limit for a 750 ml is $85. I like Knob Creek 12 year, Russell Res. single barrel. I have bought Eagle Rare 10 for $40 at Buffalo Trace, also OCD #5 at Gleen Creek, Maker Mark 46; I like all of these. and many others.
I’m looking for a back up bottle of RR. It’s phenomenal and would pay 300 all day long, I’d buy a case.
This is the perfect example of "preference". I won a sample of Russell's 15 on another site and to me it elevated the dusty flavor of Turkey. Not a big fan. Also, I had a MM private select barrel pick that I liked better than the Cellar Aged.
Hope to see Angels Envy Rye in the rye lineup
OCD, much like 13th Colony Double Oak, has to have additives and coloring to reach that dark color. The label essentially admits such by omitting the word “straight”. I’m sure it tastes great, but you’re likely drinking doctored whiskey. If that’s okay for you, great, but what attracts me to bourbon is the fact that the rules are strict and additives are not allowed. I think it’s important to call this stuff out - there are already way too many cash grabs in the bourbon world. If we start allowing bourbon with additives into the same conversation as straight bourbons, soon bourbon will tip too far into the fraudulent celebrity beverage market - much like how the tequila industry has.
Great video as always, I can’t wait to open my RR15!
If you have a list in order of the rest that were included in the tasting?
Maybe during your next live stream, you can raffle off a sample of all of your top five whiskeys
Maker's Mark store pick private selects in Louisiana like “Laissez les bons temps rouler” Let The Good Times Roll bottles are even more amazing flavors than the Heart Release or Cellar Aged. Esp with Roasted French Mendiant staves, Low and Slow, way better than any other French staves MM has previously done and I do not like 46
If I ever find a cellar aged at MSRP I will be grabbing it. The OCD 5 sounds very interesting and I will be getting my hands on one.
Trenton ... As a Rye lover, you never mention any of the Whistle Pig products ... I was curious of your opinion of them and specifically the 10 year Rye
Sadly, in North Carolina we are under the ABC system which is operated by the State. Most ABC stores only sell the popular pours that can be found in most places. To find unique, quality whiskies, NC residents must travel out of state.
I was in Pinehurst visiting my mother in law and stopped in to get a bottle for the week. 1st place had 2 bottles of eagle rare (I grabbed one since in Illinois can only buy at marked up prices) and about 6 bottles of Bardstown disco 12 at around $130. Later in week stopped at another place and they also had an eagle rare.
They don't do monthly allocation drops?
@@johng5710 The guy said they drop occasionally and then they usually sell out. The place that had the 2 bottles of eagle rare, I bought 1 bottle and while I was looking at something else someone bought the other bottle. Might want to ask the next time you visit.
Where can I buy that Cedar Ridge?
Is there any place online to get that cedar ridge? It's not in their website.
I have looked and looked to no avail.
Its on their site whe they have it
@@johnj.baranski6553 it's not right now.
im going to give the heart release another look, i do have 1, but, my first try says i have to dis agree with you on this 1, that maple note just kills the sip, i would love to try any or all of the others listed
😂😂😂 try $65 for 1oz of russells at a bar and not in a truly clean glen as it would be at home. Tried 1/2 pour at 2 different places wasn't impressed by either, I believe due to cleanliness of glassware.
I drank Russel next to Old Forrester Birthday, Little Book Infinite, and Makers Heart in a tasting and frankly didn't even find it the best of that group. I don't know many people who love Russels more than me, but the 15 has been way overhyped.
I'd put Coy Hill above cellar aged for sure
Agreed
Hot take, The Heart Release is as good as, if not better than, the Cellar Aged. Also, I don't get the mixed reviews on HH18 I have seen other places. Well, actually I do, it is because they aren't tasting it double blind and they have preconceived notions in their head that completely affect their perception, as much as they might try to deny or ignore that it does. There is no escaping hard, scientific facts. And, maybe needing some time to open up is a factor as well.
RR15 not on the shelf in the back at the start of video can tell that's on the list before watching.
If you want brown sugar try Taffer’s $35.00!
Hoping you or someone on here could help out. Buying my step father a nice bottle (Bourbon) for Christmas, he used to drink mostly Makers and now leans towards Basil Hayden. Any recommendations for something that would be in stock somewhere? Thank you!
It's good to know President/General Grant had good taste in whiskey.
I was able to acquire samples of a bunch of 2024 LE's this year and here was my blind results:
8 - Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged
7 - Parker’s Heritage Collection
6 - Four Roses LE
5 - BBC Discovery 12
4 - Jack Daniels Coy Hill
3 - Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
2 - Russel’s Reserve 15
1 - Booker’s The Reserves
I think RR15 will dominate the year end lists, but that Reserves just hit me like no other bourbon this years. I was actually surprised at how poorly the MMCA 24 did for me as the 23 was a top whiskey for me last year. Anyways, loved to see how you all ranked those. And I agree, the OCD Premium this year was really good. Cheers y'all!
Dora OCD 5 have different offerings, I just pick one up at TPS, and was wondering if I got the right one.
There's an OCD #5, and an OCD #5 Premium...two different bottles
@ do you know if OCD 5 is good, because that’s the one I picked up.
Cmon Trent you couldn’t Finnish the tiny sip you had to pour it back in the bottle lol
Yes!
I Know yall said BTAC is the pinacol but I really want to know how they compare to Russels 15 considering the way people speak about it
Larceny, Woodford,
$50!
For an 1.5-2 oz Russell’s 15!!
Try $150-$200 per oz!
*Due to the stress brought on our client by the channels unrealistic, dream state pricing of Holy Grail bottles, we recommend he cease watching.
You’re killing me!!!
Happy Holidays
I paid $50 for a 1oz pour of RR15 at Evergreen Liquors in Louisville, KY, but I could see some places charging much more than that
I enjoy your reviews but have a question that applies to nearly every review. Why do you prefer barrel proof and higher alcohol content bourbons over those below 100 proof?" Thanks for considering my question and for a response.
Michter's 20 is 114.2 proof. I was lucky enough to have a small pour of it, it was amazing.
I was finally able to acquire a bottle of Russell's 15...for $400 lol. But I can't say I'm mad about that purchase because it's a delicious pour and deserves all the hype it has gotten.
You guys should definitely do a blind of Michter's 20 vs. Russell's 15, it would be interesting to see the results.
Just yesterday I went into a liquor store and seen a couple bottles I would like but prices seemed really up there they had a staggjr for 190$ a wellers full proof for 340$ eagle rare for 100 weller antique reserve for 110$ this was in California
Those aren't to bad prices here in ga, weller antique is 200 plus and stagg jr runs 250 to 350 i finally found and little tucked away store and scored a stagg jr for 140 and blantons for 150. Blantons is normally 280 plus in my area.
@@ThatVeteranFarmer …I feel your pain…….one word of advice…MOVE!…lol…..I split the year between Colorado and So. Cal….I have found a number of stores in both areas that are pretty fair in pricing…..41 dollars for Eagle Rare….60 for Elmer T…..70 for a Weller Antique…..good luck TVF!
The only one of those I might buy is the Weller Antique at $110, still overpriced but not ridiculously overpriced
Has anyone heard of Stagg 24C for the year? I just walked into a store and it was on the shelf. I bought it immediately at $66. I haven’t seen anything indicating a 24C batch want to make sure I didn’t get scammed.
I don't think 24C came out yet (not even sure if it is coming out), or if it did you might be the first to get it. If it's real, you got a great price.
@ any chance you think the distillery would be honest if it has been released if I reach out. I don’t see a reason they wouldn’t be but never know they don’t like to be the most transparent.
@@joecadry3923 Yes you could give them a call, I’m sure they could answer any questions you have
Careful with Cedar Ridge. Read other reviews and its performance in spirits competitions. Even the Cedar Ridge Amontillado has a pretty average performance with other reviewers.
Dear Lord will someone please help me procure a bottle of OCD premium I don’t know if there’s ever been a whiskey I’ve wanted to taste more. I mean look at that color!
I want a RR15 so bad but only if I get at MSRP which is highly unlikely
Then you don't want it that badly
im still drinking my Cougar
By "The Unforgottten One" you mean "The Lost Recipe" lol.