These are stores or private groups that go to the distillery (or receive samples) of hand picked barrels and get to pick which one tastes the best to them.
In addition to the definition below Store Picks of these wonderful Bourbons can be higher in price than the normal versions. In some cases only $4 more. In other cases $20+ more than the regular version. By me a store pick of 4 Roses Single Barrel sells for $58.99 vs the regular price of $34.99. Yes still cheaper than PVW but is it $24 better than the regular version I'm not sure.
With the Four Roses, the regular single barrel is 100 proof, where the store picks are barrel strength. They can also be different recipes than the standard OBSV
Because it's not listed above: #5 - Old Weller Antique 107 #4 - Belle Meade MGP Single Barrel Bourbon Cask Strength #3 - Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength #2 - Russell's Reserve Single Barrel (Wild Turkey Masters Keep also) #1 - Knob Creek Single Barrel Small Batch Reserve
Thanks for the suggestions. I generally don't really expensive hard liquor because my pallet just isn't developed enough that the difference between a $50 bottle of 'good' spirits and a multi-hundred dollar bottle of 'great' spirits is noticable enough to justify the price difference. At least so far with bourbon and rum, one can still get a very good bottle in that price range or less. I just hope what happened with Scotch doesn't happen with those.
I agree 100%. I could not have said it better myself! Spot on! Just whiskey, drink what you like. All whiskey ends up in the same place. The worth of a whiskey is measured by the enjoyment you experience with a friend or loved one while sharing.
LOVE IT!!! I am so sick of the over hyping of these whiskeys (beers and other spirits too for that matter). Right now my favorite and the best bourbon IMO....Wild Turkey Rare Breed...velvet in a glass!!
When I started drinking bourbon in the late 90s, Pappy was just sitting on the shelf at liquor stores. It's good, but it's not $1000 good...it's not even $150 good, in my opinion.
Talked to a guy at a big box store today who just buys bottles. He collects and has hundreds of bottles of bourbon worth a fortune. What waste. If a bottle of Pappy fell in my lap I'd have it open on the first bounce. Life's short...drink now.
This is 1 of the videos that helped me on my whiskey journey, I had no idea what a store pick was or where to find them. Thanks for the great content. Glad this showed up as suggested RUclips watch. Nice little revisit.
W.L.Weller Special Reserve has been my favorite bourbon for the last 50 years, since 1968. That, of course, was from when it was Stitzel-Weller’s top of the line. I started drinking it when a liquor store clerk promised me that I would like it better than Wild Turkey.
So far in my bourbon journey I have tried Bulleit , Four Roses Single Barrel , Basil Haydens and Buffalo Trace for my tase the Buffalo Trace is very smooth and at 24.00 in VA you cant beat that for the money
I do not want to say that I listen to you or anything, but I just went shopping today! :) I got the store pick Russell's Reserve 110 proof Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101, and a Knob Creek 120 Single Barrel Reserve. Trying to find a Weller Antique 107 or Belle Meade is just impossible in Michigan. I am heading to the glorious South soon and will start looking.
Yes!! Love this list man. Owa 107 is one I'd give an organ for honestly the stuff is amazing. The knob creek rye at 120 is another one that amazed me and I can't get enough of it. Love the statement about it all just being whiskey. Open your bottles folks!
My father-in-law got me started with WT 101 a few years ago and though I've had quite a number of "fancy" bourbons, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. Apparently, the old man knows what he's talking about (his daughter is always right too).
I recently had a friend of mine pick me up a store pick of Russell’s Reserve single barrel in New Orleans. I told him to open it and drink some so by the time I get down there the flavor have time to open up. By the time I got this back to my home back in Dfw wow the bottle was amazing and paired with a Madura was a match made in heaven.
I’ve only had Pappy once and I was very disappointed. Maybe I had my expectations set too high due to the enormous amount of hoopla that surrounds the brand, but I thought it was average stuff. My current favorite is the EC Barrel Proof which blows away just about everything I have tried in the sub-100 dollar range. Thanks for doing the review!
@@williamminyard5517 promise you the stagg jr wont steer ya wrong. Especially at 45 - 50 a bottle ( retail ) Henry McKenna 10 yr bottled in bond Old forester 1920 - imo Elijah Craig also just announced a toasted barrel !
I like the video & message here. Although I think Pappys is probably some of the best Bourbon I’ve had, it’s not worth the money on the secondary market. You have Blantons, Col Taylor, 4 Roses, Knob Creek that are exceptional at their under $50-100 price point. Even check out the Woodford Double oaked. Save some money and enjoy these. If you want to splurge a bit you have Weller 12 or even the 107, W Pig12 or 15, Angels Envy single barrel, Michters 10 yr. Ahhh so many to choose from between $60-200
Enjoyed the humor and honesty in the video. Found it because RUclips put it in as one of those "videos you may like." And yes, love it: whiskey is to drink and share. Keep up the good work. Paz y amor.
Booker's has gotten over hyped as well. When I started drinking bourbon about 6-7 years ago, Booker's was around $45-50. Now it's at least $75-80 with special editions over $100. It's also younger than Knob Creek Single Barrel, but somewhat higher proof, but not that much more. Booker's is somewhat grassier and spicier, KC is sweeter and oakier. For the money though, I can get a couple KCSB for one Booker's.
Nice that I own the last 3 picks. Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is a damn fine bourbon but hard to find in my neck of the woods. Found a store that had it and damn near cleaned it out. HOWEVER, Four Roses Single Barrel is where it's at for me. It's spicy, has some complexity and that finish is amazing and stays with you. Knob Creek Single Barrel at 120 horsepower is actually quite sweet on the palate. When I first started working my way into bourbon that Knob Creek kicked my ass. After I developed a taste and appreciation for Kentucky bourbon I went back and wow it is amazing. Get past the initial heat and you'll be feeling good rather quickly.
My sons, not knowing anything about whiskey, bought the Knob Creek 120 as a birthday present for me and I loved it. I think it shocked them how much I enjoyed it. I think they went to a liquor store ans simply asked the owner his recommendation and Knob Creek 120 was it. You can't go wrong with any Knob Creek selection.
I had the opportunity to drink a glass of Pappy 23 at my uncle's house on Christmas eve a few years ago. He waited until everyone else left and it was only him, my dad and me. They poured me a glass with 1 large ice cube inside. They taught me the "Kentucky chew". To smell it first then take a drink and hold it on your tongue. It was the best whiskey I've ever had! My dad also had a few bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle 12 year at his house we drank a few times.
Good personal list. Im not a huge fan of Belle Meade and the price for it is a little to high for its value, for me personally. Old forester 1920 would be on my personal list over pappy. Cheers
Ive heard that if the mix the weller 12 yr with the weller 107, (cant remember the mix ratio) and let it sit and marry for a few months. It is the exact same taste as pappy van winkle.
I've spent most of the year finishing up a lot of mediocre open bottles, but I have two observations on your picks. 1) Store pick Russell's Reserve I found to be 'good' but puzzling in that it leans to the dark side flavors, but the flavors are undifferentiated, appearing a solid pool where no one thing stands out. Thus it gives an uninteresting experience that keeps reminding you it's a quality bourbon. Like I said, a puzzle. 2) Knob Creek (of any type), when subjected to blind tastings inevitably greatly outperforms expectations. Availability of the product actually punishes the reputation, which it gets back with actual use. 'Been drinking it for years. I scored a pile of the great A. H. Hirsch 16 & 20, some Black Maple Hill, and some other things in the years before the bust-out boom in bourbon and I simply regard them as too expensive to drink. The year's best surprise has been the Old Forrester 1920. Dark but lively unlike the RR (above). Biggest so what? was Henry McKenna and Wild Turkey 101 was added to Knob Creek as the "daily" (weekly) drinkers.
Joey, you always have the most well thought out comments, and I truly enjoy them. I like the RR picks I've had, and like you said, the Knob Creek is one that always does well in blind tastings, and I think (as I said) is one of the best buys in bourbon right now. The 1920 this year has been fantastic, one of my favorites and could easily go on this list.
Bourbon Blind Too bad I'm no longer driving down to the Derby each year. We could have gotten together, drunk a little, built a few speakers. I could have made a blind booze review.
There are plenty of great bourbons out there without breaking the bank. Even a few on the bottom shelf that whiskey snobs will never try. I think Evan Williams Bottle in Bond is pretty dang good, especially for $20 after tax. I’ve tried expensive stuff that I didn’t like too. But taste is subjective. I also like 101 Wild Turkey, regular Knob Creek small batch, regular Bulleit Bourbon, and 100 proof Apple Pie Moonshine by Rock Town. I know most reviewers hate Moonshine but Apple Pie is awesome.
Bourbon Blind I’m sure there is some homemade moonshine probably made in my part of Arkansas but I don’t wanna get arrested to find out so I buy the legal liquor store bought Moonshine and Apple Pie Moonshine. Some fellow customer in the liquor store told me I can get you the real stuff. But I said no thanks anyway. Probably a cop or something anyway. I wouldn’t risk it just for a drink. Homemade muscadine wine is common here too.
@@aikidragonpiper71 Agreed, definitely not worth it, I wouldn't have either. Honestly I just stick to the legal stuff as well, we have a family friend that just opened up a distillery that is doing "moonshine" and flavored kinds as well, his apple pie is pretty good, it's Southern Pride Distillery.
I agree. 20 bucks for evan williams bib, wow. Where i live in the north east it's usually around 12 bucks and thats a steal. It's a decent bourbon that i hope the so called wiskey experts never try which means more for us at a great price.
The best Russell's Reserve Store pick I have ever had is the Twix IV from Toddy's. I've traded and paid some serious coin for extras. Need to find more since I usually kill them in a week.
I've had Old Rip 10 and Pappy 15. Both delicious. Neither are worth more than $100-$150. George T Stagg is still champion of all bourbon in my mind. William LaRue Weller is amazing too, but good luck finding one at retail. oh, and also... OWA 107 > Weller 12
@@robbnagle IS it hard to find? I come a gov't owned state(PA) and its hard to get here, but I wonder how true that is for more liberal(in terms of alcohol sales) states
Knob creek single barrel k&l wines store pick is one of the best bourbons I stumbled upon. Same with 4 Rose's cast strength. This man speaks the truth! Dont tell everybody...just close friends.
The Russell's Reserve Singel Barrel is my favorite out of all the Turkey bottles I have. Rare Breed is my second. The knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is my favorite out of my knob bottles.
Maybe I shouldn't share my secret, but here in my area, if I go to the good liquor store on Wednesdays, that's the day they get their Weller shipments in. They never get enough to put it on the shelves, but if you ask, they might have some to sell you. Oh and thanks for the 4 Roses suggestion. To be honest I have never loved (nor hated) them, but I will give their single barrel another chance since I respect your opinion so much.
I've been a beer drinker my entire life. I have enjoyed white Russians but learned the difference in how a quality vodka really makes the drink. I even have enjoyed rum n cokes. But due to a duel between me and crap Daniel's I avoided even the whiff of whiskey. (High school) Move forward to fall of 2018. A friend in the alcohol dept and were talking and he mentioned a good buy on knob creek. So..with trepidation I got it and on the whim got 4 Roses single barrel. Tried the 4 and liked it with a bit of ice. Tried the Knob and gave it away. I've been a devoted fan of the four roses and have minimum 2 bottles on had always. Long story sorry, but I agree with you. Four Roses is my go to also. Great video and content!
Excellent recommendations... new viewer and now a new subscriber! Unfortunately, some of these are becoming more difficult to find, but way more accessible than Pappy and at a better price point... Thanks!
@@BourbonBlind Appreciate that!.. I belong to the Bourbon Society in Louisville, and we have made, or are looking to make single barrel picks of the bourbons you featured.. The KC 120, RR, and 4R have been some of the go-to selections over the past few years.. all becoming a bit harder to get, esp 4R, and apparently the KC picks are spoken for already this year as well... Hope to get the OWA in the rotation... All good stuff... Thanks again!
I understand your compliant about the price of Weller going up - why? (We all know why). But I thought you would appreciate this. Several years ago, a Buffalo Trace spokesman made the following statement. (I paraphrase, but the numbers stated are correct.) "The good news is this year the amount we have of mature bourbon at Buffalo Trace is up 12%. However the demand is up by 20%" So hard to get and higher price.
@Don Ludon what Ikonik said, a store or private group goes to the distillery, and gets to taste from cherry picked barrels of which one they like, and they are able to purchase said barrel. It's usually a slightly different/better profile than what you can find on the shelf.
@The Bearded Discussion Funny. Can't get any Weller products ever here in NoVa. Elmer T. Lee is near impossible to find. But I can get Blanton's any time I want (thank God!). Best readily available bourbon where I live.
Pretty much this whole list is all that I’ve been drinking. Only 5 months in the game and I’m glad i learned early that pappy isn’t worth seeking out. Living in KY I’ve been lucky to have pours of ORVW-P20 for less than $50 out of my pocket. My list would be exactly the same, maybe shuffled a bit, with OF 1920 thrown in there as well. Good shit!
The 1920 could easily make this list, but I'm glad you went after this kind of stuff early in your journey, you won't be disappointed. What was your thoughts on the Pappy 20? And living in KY you have access to some great store picks there, so that's a huge plus!
Eagle Rare store pick if you can find it. 10 year old single barrel for $39.99. Best deal out there but hard to find sometimes. I would add Elijah Craig BP to the list
Great video first time was great to see the Russel's reserve and four roses on there I had them both the other week an was blown away by the taste of the price!
@@BourbonBlind _ We all like what we like. Bourbon is not my first choice, but maker's and Bernheim Wheat Whiskey are good and usually found at a reasonable price. That was a great review!
Yeah but makers is wheated and bottle to bottle consistent, available and affordable. I have had multiple bottles of all the ppvw-and I drank them. The makers for the money is neck and neck with ppvw, esp the 46.the povw 23 is god awful oaky.
Eh Makers is ok. Use with a mixer. Much better out there. Love Old Forester original Batch or Prohibition. Angels Envy is great also the ryes better. Love Willet as well. Just grab a bottle and try something new.
I just got a bottle of the Russell’s Reserve SB store pick at my local store signed by Eddie Russell at a meet and greet event. It’s wonderful stuff! Last month I picked up a 14 year Knob Creek 120 proof store pick that is really good as as well. I was surprised that Blantons and Henry McKenna 10 year were not mentioned in your list. Both are getting a lot of hype right now.
Blanton's and HMK didn't do so well when we blind tasted it. Blanton's doesn't have much to it, and HMK had so many variations barrel to barrel that I don't even buy them when I see them because it's just not worth the risk, I've had too many bad bottles when there's great stuff sitting out there
Bourbon Blind right now I’m enjoying Michters Small Batch. Yeah it might not rate up there with the 10 year, but it’s really good and relatively easy to find.
I have tried each of those side-by-side against Pappy and for me there is still a clear difference and Pappy is the best bourbon I have ever had. It’s more pronounced when I try them side-by-side.
Wellers Reserve is the shit. Buy and do not look back. Do not care for any of the various Jefferson incarnations for the money. To be clear, they're "OK" for me, but there is so much I like better for less, that I won't buy it anymore.
1 wheated alternative that's literally the same mash bill? Belle Meade and Four Roses are both high rye bourbons, which is about as far from VW as you can get, and Russels and Knob are also very similar unwheated mash bills with i believe 13% barley a piece. It's a decent list of good bourbons but for a TRUE better alternative to the VW's I would've assumed the majority of the list would be wheated bourbons. If you're really hunting down an old oaky wheater, the last thing I'd recommend would be Four Roses, and I'm a fan of it.
The list wasn't really meant to be wheated alternatives, just other Bourbons that I consider better than PVW. There are some good wheaters out there that's not Buffalo Trace (PVW or Weller), just not my usual suspects or what I consider better. But some very valid points.
Glad to hear someone else realize that this guys is comparing rye and wheat bourbons. That's like apples and oranges! The only real comparison to Pappy are the Wellers etc. coming out of Buffalo Trace made with a similar or same mash bill. Now I agree the Weller Antique is a close substitute for Pappy's 10 & 12. But, in the end it's your taste buds and billfold that matters.
There is a great many bourbons better than Pappy's. Just because it is stupidly overpriced doesn't make it good. Hell, Woodford Reserve at $35 Is better.
Great video. I certainly agree with the passion and the premise. Also, Knob Creek single barrel store picks are about my favorite Bourbons right now. This is my first video from you. Fun, subscribed!
@Darin Preston, no, I am simply stating that she is just another human being and her physical beauty will fade over time the same as does for all of us.
Curious how the Knob Creek compares to the Booker's... I have 2018-04 Booker's but have not tried the Knob Creek single barrel at 120 proof... Any thoughts on them?
what is a "store pick" ?
These are stores or private groups that go to the distillery (or receive samples) of hand picked barrels and get to pick which one tastes the best to them.
In addition to the definition below Store Picks of these wonderful Bourbons can be higher in price than the normal versions. In some cases only $4 more. In other cases $20+ more than the regular version. By me a store pick of 4 Roses Single Barrel sells for $58.99 vs the regular price of $34.99. Yes still cheaper than PVW but is it $24 better than the regular version I'm not sure.
How does one tell that a bottle is store picked?
With the Four Roses, the regular single barrel is 100 proof, where the store picks are barrel strength. They can also be different recipes than the standard OBSV
Penell, they usually have some sort of sticker on the bottle that denotes it as being a pick and not just the standard offering
Because it's not listed above:
#5 - Old Weller Antique 107
#4 - Belle Meade MGP Single Barrel Bourbon Cask Strength
#3 - Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength
#2 - Russell's Reserve Single Barrel (Wild Turkey Masters Keep also)
#1 - Knob Creek Single Barrel Small Batch Reserve
Id also like to know which store pick they are
Thanks...you saved me 14 minutes of boredom.
Just a note too for anyone not watching the video, he did say these are in no particular order, so 1 isn't necessarily better than 5.
Shocking to see burny knob creek. Blanton’s and taylor small batch is way better, but... 4 roses are all better, too
You're the hero we needed.
"Be true to yourself about what you enjoy the most." Greatest tasting advice I ever heard.
^^^ This ^^^ 100%
*drinks it straight from the bottle*
“Whiskey is for sharing”
Thanks for the suggestions. I generally don't really expensive hard liquor because my pallet just isn't developed enough that the difference between a $50 bottle of 'good' spirits and a multi-hundred dollar bottle of 'great' spirits is noticable enough to justify the price difference. At least so far with bourbon and rum, one can still get a very good bottle in that price range or less. I just hope what happened with Scotch doesn't happen with those.
I agree 100%. I could not have said it better myself! Spot on! Just whiskey, drink what you like. All whiskey ends up in the same place. The worth of a whiskey is measured by the enjoyment you experience with a friend or loved one while sharing.
Exactly! Thanks for tuning in!
Agreed. After the first two drinks you won’t taste the difference anyway 😉
I love this video sick of everyone making it seem like if you don’t have pappy you haven’t had good bourbon
Truth!
Right
Agree
He picked my favorites
Haven't had pappy, but had four roses single barrel as one of my first bourbons. I think I'm spoiled now.
LOVE IT!!! I am so sick of the over hyping of these whiskeys (beers and other spirits too for that matter). Right now my favorite and the best bourbon IMO....Wild Turkey Rare Breed...velvet in a glass!!
I agree! I just got a bottle and LOVE IT!!
I was able to find a bottle of the Knob single barrel store pick that was 14 years old. Absolutely phenomenal.
When I started drinking bourbon in the late 90s, Pappy was just sitting on the shelf at liquor stores. It's good, but it's not $1000 good...it's not even $150 good, in my opinion.
I chose Wild Turkey 101 over Pappy 15 in a blind tasting party. LOL
107 was a Solid Daily at $30. Once prices hit $50, it jumped into a whole new category and honestly, not sure it belongs there.
No bourbon is worth $150.
@@fredgrebner526 I agree.
"Whiskey's for sharing. Whiskey's for enjoying. Pop those tops. Start drinking it." Your philosophy is on point! Enjoyed your review, thanks!
Thanks! Cheers!
Talked to a guy at a big box store today who just buys bottles. He collects and has hundreds of bottles of bourbon worth a fortune. What waste. If a bottle of Pappy fell in my lap I'd have it open on the first bounce. Life's short...drink now.
We've had blind bourbon contest every year at deer, including Pappy. The winner 4 rs out of 5 is Wild Turkey!
The 101 beat Pappy? Russell's Reserve? Or which wild turkey?
This is 1 of the videos that helped me on my whiskey journey, I had no idea what a store pick was or where to find them. Thanks for the great content. Glad this showed up as suggested RUclips watch. Nice little revisit.
Thanks Ryan! Any good bottles lately?
I just traded my LOT B for an Elmer T Lee, and 3 Weller 12’s. Feeling great about it because I get 4 good bourbons versus just having 1
Kelly Hill very good trade
W.L.Weller Special Reserve has been my favorite bourbon for the last 50 years, since 1968. That, of course, was from when it was Stitzel-Weller’s top of the line. I started drinking it when a liquor store clerk promised me that I would like it better than Wild Turkey.
Nice!
His eyes are whiskeyed out
Probably! It also doesn't help that I wasn't feeling the greatest, hence the raspy voice
How you know you're getting good advice. Just like you should never trust a skinny chef.
As well as his sense of taste...
@@jeffrey7524 no u
So far in my bourbon journey I have tried Bulleit , Four Roses Single Barrel , Basil Haydens and Buffalo Trace for my tase the Buffalo Trace is very smooth and at 24.00 in VA you cant beat that for the money
Those are all really solid bourbons!
Eagle Rare 10 year should be on that list simply because you can buy a 750 for $32 and it is one of the better tasting bourbons on my shelf.
Yes this!!!!
Crafty Beer Man I love Eagle Rare. I’ll never buy Woodford again.
I know ER10 isn't impossible for SOME to find... I've never seen a bottle on shelf in my neck of the woods.
@@RandallGK in san diego eagle rare sits on the shelf. We have 1.75s for $60 that nobody buys
To me, it is very smooth but also texture wise very watery!
I do not want to say that I listen to you or anything, but I just went shopping today! :) I got the store pick Russell's Reserve 110 proof Single Barrel, Wild Turkey 101, and a Knob Creek 120 Single Barrel Reserve. Trying to find a Weller Antique 107 or Belle Meade is just impossible in Michigan. I am heading to the glorious South soon and will start looking.
Nice! Let me know what you think of them!
Yes!! Love this list man. Owa 107 is one I'd give an organ for honestly the stuff is amazing. The knob creek rye at 120 is another one that amazed me and I can't get enough of it. Love the statement about it all just being whiskey. Open your bottles folks!
Thanks Charles!
What's a good recommendation for a bourbon beginner? Something reasonably affordable that would be a good welcome to bourbon. First bottle type stuff.
Try Woodford
I usually recommend Jim Beam Black label with an ice cube. It's a low cost/low risk and not overwhelming to the palate to start off with.
Wild Turkey 101 1 cube a little water and I’m good. I owned a liquor store and tried them all!
Try it my friends and you shall see!
101 is really hard to beat!
My father-in-law got me started with WT 101 a few years ago and though I've had quite a number of "fancy" bourbons, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. Apparently, the old man knows what he's talking about (his daughter is always right too).
Have a word with the bird!!!
Why add water when you're already icing it down?
Mighty Joe Young , just try only 2-3 cubes and a splash of water you will see
I recently had a friend of mine pick me up a store pick of Russell’s Reserve single barrel in New Orleans. I told him to open it and drink some so by the time I get down there the flavor have time to open up. By the time I got this back to my home back in Dfw wow the bottle was amazing and paired with a Madura was a match made in heaven.
Very nice sir! Maduras are really good, and RR SiB is just the best
I will pick up some for you if I get to drink it.....
I’ve only had Pappy once and I was very disappointed. Maybe I had my expectations set too high due to the enormous amount of hoopla that surrounds the brand, but I thought it was average stuff. My current favorite is the EC Barrel Proof which blows away just about everything I have tried in the sub-100 dollar range. Thanks for doing the review!
Agreed
Stagg jr batch 13 is my fav thus far.
Try some Joseph Magnus.
It's right at $100. I thought it was fantastic.
Woodford Reserve Double Oak. Is the best Bourbon I've had.
@@williamminyard5517 promise you the stagg jr wont steer ya wrong. Especially at 45 - 50 a bottle ( retail )
Henry McKenna 10 yr bottled in bond
Old forester 1920 - imo
Elijah Craig also just announced a toasted barrel !
My 2019 NEW year resolution. To start drinking AGAIN.
It's been a nice decade of sobriety, but, it's time. Really nice video.
Thanks side show Bob!
Russell’s single barrel and four roses single barrel hard to beat those two they are so damn good!!!!
This guy is hilarious. Great pick with the Knob Creek, and thanks for suggesting a couple I haven't tried.
Thanks Andrew! Cheers!
I think he sampled them all once or twice before he did the video?
I like the video & message here. Although I think Pappys is probably some of the best Bourbon I’ve had, it’s not worth the money on the secondary market. You have Blantons, Col Taylor, 4 Roses, Knob Creek that are exceptional at their under $50-100 price point. Even check out the Woodford Double oaked. Save some money and enjoy these. If you want to splurge a bit you have Weller 12 or even the 107, W Pig12 or 15, Angels Envy single barrel, Michters 10 yr. Ahhh so many to choose from between $60-200
Exactly! Well said, cheers!
Woodford double Oaked. Tried it on superbowl Sunday. Delicious
I just picked up that same Knob Creek single barrel for 37.48 at grocery store. Yes
Win!
Enjoyed the humor and honesty in the video. Found it because RUclips put it in as one of those "videos you may like." And yes, love it: whiskey is to drink and share. Keep up the good work. Paz y amor.
Thanks Angel!
I like the Knob but I have only one word for you Bookers.
David Anichowski bookers is my favorite bourbon! I always recommend it to my guests who come into town (I work at a bourbon bar in Kentucky)
Bookers is my personal favorite as well.
Booker's has gotten over hyped as well. When I started drinking bourbon about 6-7 years ago, Booker's was around $45-50. Now it's at least $75-80 with special editions over $100. It's also younger than Knob Creek Single Barrel, but somewhat higher proof, but not that much more. Booker's is somewhat grassier and spicier, KC is sweeter and oakier. For the money though, I can get a couple KCSB for one Booker's.
Nice that I own the last 3 picks. Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is a damn fine bourbon but hard to find in my neck of the woods. Found a store that had it and damn near cleaned it out. HOWEVER, Four Roses Single Barrel is where it's at for me. It's spicy, has some complexity and that finish is amazing and stays with you. Knob Creek Single Barrel at 120 horsepower is actually quite sweet on the palate. When I first started working my way into bourbon that Knob Creek kicked my ass. After I developed a taste and appreciation for Kentucky bourbon I went back and wow it is amazing. Get past the initial heat and you'll be feeling good rather quickly.
Thanks Raul, I couldn't agree more!
What a job. Take a shot and then rave about the whiskey. Then take another shot...rave about the whiskey...rinse..repeat. How do I get that job again?
My sons, not knowing anything about whiskey, bought the Knob Creek 120 as a birthday present for me and I loved it. I think it shocked them how much I enjoyed it. I think they went to a liquor store ans simply asked the owner his recommendation and Knob Creek 120 was it. You can't go wrong with any Knob Creek selection.
I like your choices, I like Larceny over the Wellers 107 due availability and easier drinking
Hard to beat Larceny.Best new bourbon by far.
Larceny is so underrated but it's so damn good. Really surprised it's not on more people's lists.
I bought a bottle and didn't like it at first but it's really opened up. Sipping it the other night I really enjoyed it
I had the opportunity to drink a glass of Pappy 23 at my uncle's house on Christmas eve a few years ago. He waited until everyone else left and it was only him, my dad and me. They poured me a glass with 1 large ice cube inside. They taught me the "Kentucky chew". To smell it first then take a drink and hold it on your tongue. It was the best whiskey I've ever had! My dad also had a few bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle 12 year at his house we drank a few times.
Then again I will drink Calvert Extra on the weekdays lol
Good personal list. Im not a huge fan of Belle Meade and the price for it is a little to high for its value, for me personally.
Old forester 1920 would be on my personal list over pappy. Cheers
1920 could easily be on this list!
Been sipping a Knob Creek single barrel store pick that is 15 YEARS old! It’s amazing.
Knob Creek and Russell's both are top-notch. Two of my favorite
Knob Creek is in my top five
Ive heard that if the mix the weller 12 yr with the weller 107, (cant remember the mix ratio) and let it sit and marry for a few months. It is the exact same taste as pappy van winkle.
It's similar, not the same. I used 60% 107 and 40% W12. It is very tasty though!
I've spent most of the year finishing up a lot of mediocre open bottles, but I have two observations on your picks. 1) Store pick Russell's Reserve I found to be 'good' but puzzling in that it leans to the dark side flavors, but the flavors are undifferentiated, appearing a solid pool where no one thing stands out. Thus it gives an uninteresting experience that keeps reminding you it's a quality bourbon. Like I said, a puzzle. 2) Knob Creek (of any type), when subjected to blind tastings inevitably greatly outperforms expectations. Availability of the product actually punishes the reputation, which it gets back with actual use. 'Been drinking it for years.
I scored a pile of the great A. H. Hirsch 16 & 20, some Black Maple Hill, and some other things in the years before the bust-out boom in bourbon and I simply regard them as too expensive to drink.
The year's best surprise has been the Old Forrester 1920. Dark but lively unlike the RR (above). Biggest so what? was Henry McKenna and Wild Turkey 101 was added to Knob Creek as the "daily" (weekly) drinkers.
Joey, you always have the most well thought out comments, and I truly enjoy them. I like the RR picks I've had, and like you said, the Knob Creek is one that always does well in blind tastings, and I think (as I said) is one of the best buys in bourbon right now. The 1920 this year has been fantastic, one of my favorites and could easily go on this list.
Bourbon Blind Too bad I'm no longer driving down to the Derby each year. We could have gotten together, drunk a little, built a few speakers. I could have made a blind booze review.
Man that would be awesome. If you are ever by Jack Daniels, let me know
I've got a 15yr. Knob Creek 120 proof and it's outstanding
Oh yeah, they can be pretty awesome
There are plenty of great bourbons out there without breaking the bank. Even a few on the bottom shelf that whiskey snobs will never try. I think Evan Williams Bottle in Bond is pretty dang good, especially for $20 after tax. I’ve tried expensive stuff that I didn’t like too. But taste is subjective. I also like 101 Wild Turkey, regular Knob Creek small batch, regular Bulleit Bourbon, and 100 proof Apple Pie Moonshine by Rock Town. I know most reviewers hate Moonshine but Apple Pie is awesome.
Here we get Apple pie moonshine from the guy down the street ;). But I agree, all those Bourbons are fantastic! I really like the EW BiB also
Bourbon Blind
I’m sure there is some homemade moonshine probably made in my part of Arkansas but I don’t wanna get arrested to find out so I buy the legal liquor store bought Moonshine and Apple Pie Moonshine. Some fellow customer in the liquor store told me I can get you the real stuff. But I said no thanks anyway. Probably a cop or something anyway. I wouldn’t risk it just for a drink. Homemade muscadine wine is common here too.
@@aikidragonpiper71 Agreed, definitely not worth it, I wouldn't have either. Honestly I just stick to the legal stuff as well, we have a family friend that just opened up a distillery that is doing "moonshine" and flavored kinds as well, his apple pie is pretty good, it's Southern Pride Distillery.
I love Evan Williams 100 White Lable.
I agree. 20 bucks for evan williams bib, wow. Where i live in the north east it's usually around 12 bucks and thats a steal. It's a decent bourbon that i hope the so called wiskey experts never try which means more for us at a great price.
The best Russell's Reserve Store pick I have ever had is the Twix IV from Toddy's. I've traded and paid some serious coin for extras. Need to find more since I usually kill them in a week.
Sounds like it was a good bottle!
4 roses is definitely a winner but all single barrels taste differently There’re some really interesting ones and some that just good
Noahs Mill from Willets is up there too, and I just noticed a bottle on top of your cabinet!
HELL YA!
Yeah, it's up there, I hardly ever reach for it though
I've had Old Rip 10 and Pappy 15. Both delicious. Neither are worth more than $100-$150. George T Stagg is still champion of all bourbon in my mind. William LaRue Weller is amazing too, but good luck finding one at retail.
oh, and also...
OWA 107 > Weller 12
Ive been harping to everyone I know about FR SB then i found your page awesome to see how much you love it lol
Yes! It's so dang good, I really love it
#1 Blanton's Kentucky Straight hands down.
You'll hardly ever find that though.
@@robbnagle IS it hard to find? I come a gov't owned state(PA) and its hard to get here, but I wonder how true that is for more liberal(in terms of alcohol sales) states
Blantons has a very different profile than Pappy, but I agree it's just as good.
@@mtj027
Yep, Blanton's has become a UNICORN bourbon.
In Massachusetts it’s easy to find for $50ish. Just depends on the market.
Knob creek single barrel k&l wines store pick is one of the best bourbons I stumbled upon. Same with 4 Rose's cast strength. This man speaks the truth! Dont tell everybody...just close friends.
I like the down to earth approach to such a snob bourbon world
Four roses single barrel is excellent. I'm excited to try Belle Meade I see that and Russell everywhere around here. Angels envy is another great dram
Thanks, Cheers!
I love Knob Creek Single Barrel , still made by Jim Beam
How do you feel about Connors Proper 12 Irish whiskey
Nope
Why not ?! Lol
Pappy isn't that great...it's over-hyped because it's hard to get, that's all!
Any weller is basically unobtanium. I will agree with you on the four roses single barrel, I actually like the small batch a bit more.
This video is awesome lol, this dude is such a truthful alcoholic haha. Love it. Totally spot on.
You mentioned Blaum Brothers where can I find that to try
I stick with king sized knob Creek small batch. Sale price 60 frogskins
One of the best down to earth bourbon videos
Thank you! Cheers
Russell's Reserve is a favorite of mine. Good choices
Thanks Shawn!
Shawn Doughty i
The Russell's Reserve Singel Barrel is my favorite out of all the Turkey bottles I have. Rare Breed is my second. The knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is my favorite out of my knob bottles.
Say it again for those in the back!
Maybe I shouldn't share my secret, but here in my area, if I go to the good liquor store on Wednesdays, that's the day they get their Weller shipments in. They never get enough to put it on the shelves, but if you ask, they might have some to sell you. Oh and thanks for the 4 Roses suggestion. To be honest I have never loved (nor hated) them, but I will give their single barrel another chance since I respect your opinion so much.
I've been a beer drinker my entire life. I have enjoyed white Russians but learned the difference in how a quality vodka really makes the drink. I even have enjoyed rum n cokes. But due to a duel between me and crap Daniel's I avoided even the whiff of whiskey. (High school)
Move forward to fall of 2018. A friend in the alcohol dept and were talking and he mentioned a good buy on knob creek. So..with trepidation I got it and on the whim got 4 Roses single barrel.
Tried the 4 and liked it with a bit of ice. Tried the Knob and gave it away. I've been a devoted fan of the four roses and have minimum 2 bottles on had always.
Long story sorry, but I agree with you. Four Roses is my go to also.
Great video and content!
I’ll drink Four Roses all day. Thx for the advice on the others.
Absolutely! Thanks for tuning in
Don't drink any whiskey all day. Liver failure!
Excellent recommendations... new viewer and now a new subscriber!
Unfortunately, some of these are becoming more difficult to find, but way more accessible than Pappy and at a better price point... Thanks!
Absolutely Ryan! Thanks for tuning in, and let me know if you have any questions.
@@BourbonBlind Appreciate that!.. I belong to the Bourbon Society in Louisville, and we have made, or are looking to make single barrel picks of the bourbons you featured.. The KC 120, RR, and 4R have been some of the go-to selections over the past few years.. all becoming a bit harder to get, esp 4R, and apparently the KC picks are spoken for already this year as well... Hope to get the OWA in the rotation... All good stuff... Thanks again!
There's more than 5!
Amen to that!
I understand your compliant about the price of Weller going up - why? (We all know why). But I thought you would appreciate this. Several years ago, a Buffalo Trace spokesman made the following statement. (I paraphrase, but the numbers stated are correct.) "The good news is this year the amount we have of mature bourbon at Buffalo Trace is up 12%. However the demand is up by 20%" So hard to get and higher price.
What a good problem to have as a company that you have too much demand 😂😂😂
what does he mean by "store pick"
Local liquor store goes to distillery and taste and pick the barrel to buy.
@Don Ludon what Ikonik said, a store or private group goes to the distillery, and gets to taste from cherry picked barrels of which one they like, and they are able to purchase said barrel. It's usually a slightly different/better profile than what you can find on the shelf.
Great review and I love your enthusiasm
Thanks, cheers!
Blantons all day long
Never seen Blantons on a shelf. Most of these I can walk into my local store and find (okay, not the Weller...)
@The Bearded Discussion Funny. Can't get any Weller products ever here in NoVa. Elmer T. Lee is near impossible to find. But I can get Blanton's any time I want (thank God!). Best readily available bourbon where I live.
Pretty much this whole list is all that I’ve been drinking. Only 5 months in the game and I’m glad i learned early that pappy isn’t worth seeking out. Living in KY I’ve been lucky to have pours of ORVW-P20 for less than $50 out of my pocket. My list would be exactly the same, maybe shuffled a bit, with OF 1920 thrown in there as well. Good shit!
The 1920 could easily make this list, but I'm glad you went after this kind of stuff early in your journey, you won't be disappointed. What was your thoughts on the Pappy 20? And living in KY you have access to some great store picks there, so that's a huge plus!
I just want to taste the Pappy.
I'd say your best bet is done a bar that doesn't charge insane amounts
Eagle Rare store pick if you can find it. 10 year old single barrel for $39.99. Best deal out there but hard to find sometimes. I would add Elijah Craig BP to the list
ER picks can be very delicious, and ECBP could easily be on this list
Great list. I'm in total agreement!!
Thanks Kerino!
Great video first time was great to see the Russel's reserve and four roses on there I had them both the other week an was blown away by the taste of the price!
Thanks Niko! I'm glad you enjoyed them
If you do this discussion and don't mention Maker's Mark @ under $30 a bottle, it is a major error.
I know a lot of people like Maker's, but it's just not my thing
@@BourbonBlind _ We all like what we like. Bourbon is not my first choice, but maker's and Bernheim Wheat Whiskey are good and usually found at a reasonable price. That was a great review!
Yeah but makers is wheated and bottle to bottle consistent, available and affordable. I have had multiple bottles of all the ppvw-and I drank them. The makers for the money is neck and neck with ppvw, esp the 46.the povw 23 is god awful oaky.
Ive tried to develop a taste for makers, i just cant get into it. It tastes syrupy to me. I know im in the minority there.
Eh Makers is ok. Use with a mixer. Much better out there. Love Old Forester original Batch or Prohibition. Angels Envy is great also the ryes better. Love Willet as well. Just grab a bottle and try something new.
I just got a bottle of the Russell’s Reserve SB store pick at my local store signed by Eddie Russell at a meet and greet event.
It’s wonderful stuff!
Last month I picked up a 14 year Knob Creek 120 proof store pick that is really good as as well.
I was surprised that Blantons and Henry McKenna 10 year were not mentioned in your list. Both are getting a lot of hype right now.
Blanton's and HMK didn't do so well when we blind tasted it. Blanton's doesn't have much to it, and HMK had so many variations barrel to barrel that I don't even buy them when I see them because it's just not worth the risk, I've had too many bad bottles when there's great stuff sitting out there
Bourbon Blind right now I’m enjoying Michters Small Batch.
Yeah it might not rate up there with the 10 year, but it’s really good and relatively easy to find.
I love the Russell 👍
I have tried each of those side-by-side against Pappy and for me there is still a clear difference and Pappy is the best bourbon I have ever had. It’s more pronounced when I try them side-by-side.
If you like Pappy they best, rock on! There's nothing wrong with that, drink what you enjoy, cheers!
Im drinking eagle rare 12 year made alsi by bufdalo trace
I'm pretty sure they don't make an ER12. The standard is a ten year, and they have the 17 and the DEVR, but I've never seen a 12 year
Quick question, do you like wellers reserve and Jefferson's ocean cask strength?
Wellers Reserve is the shit. Buy and do not look back. Do not care for any of the various Jefferson incarnations for the money. To be clear, they're "OK" for me, but there is so much I like better for less, that I won't buy it anymore.
1 wheated alternative that's literally the same mash bill? Belle Meade and Four Roses are both high rye bourbons, which is about as far from VW as you can get, and Russels and Knob are also very similar unwheated mash bills with i believe 13% barley a piece. It's a decent list of good bourbons but for a TRUE better alternative to the VW's I would've assumed the majority of the list would be wheated bourbons. If you're really hunting down an old oaky wheater, the last thing I'd recommend would be Four Roses, and I'm a fan of it.
The list wasn't really meant to be wheated alternatives, just other Bourbons that I consider better than PVW. There are some good wheaters out there that's not Buffalo Trace (PVW or Weller), just not my usual suspects or what I consider better. But some very valid points.
Concur.
Larceny is a good wheated Boubon also.
Glad to hear someone else realize that this guys is comparing rye and wheat bourbons. That's like apples and oranges! The only real comparison to Pappy are the Wellers etc. coming out of Buffalo Trace made with a similar or same mash bill. Now I agree the Weller Antique is a close substitute for Pappy's 10 & 12. But, in the end it's your taste buds and billfold that matters.
Thoughts on Buffalo Trace? hard to find sometimes
It's good, even great for the price, but I'd rather have Wild Turkey 101, way more complex
@@BourbonBlind Going to give Wild Turkey 101 a try. Thanks!
Bourbon Blind are you serious. Wild turkey 101 over BT 🤔
@@HarlemGreatest Absolutely 100% and it's not even close!
I watched this vid a few times.i like the four roses and old Forrester 1920 is better yet...K
I totally agree. I'm down the store pick rabbit hole, especially when I cN go select the barrels myself!
Absolutely! I love going on barrel picks, nothing better
There is a great many bourbons better than Pappy's. Just because it is stupidly overpriced doesn't make it good. Hell, Woodford Reserve at $35 Is better.
Yes!
Great video. I certainly agree with the passion and the premise. Also, Knob Creek single barrel store picks are about my favorite Bourbons right now. This is my first video from you. Fun, subscribed!
Thanks Whiskey Neighbor! I love the name by the way!
@@BourbonBlind thanks! I wanted my channel to feel like dropping in with a friend or neighbour!
I'd sell my body and sole for some Weller
Julio DiMaggio lol I get Weller anytime here in Mississippi
@@jamespeacock8355 do you have venmo, sir?
No, sorry I don’t
i would also take elijah craig barrel proof all day any day above all others and pikesville 110 for a rye.
ECBP for sure!
WARNING, DO NOT PAY MORE THAN $200(retail $170) for pappy 20 and $300(retail $270) for pappy 23!!!!!!!
You ever try Clyde Mays??
FANTASTIC!!!! I love Clyde Mays!!
It's just whiskey and Scarlett Johansson is just a woman.
Mmmm, Black Widow...
Well said sir! **standing with applause** 👏🏻👏🏻
She is just a woman, and unlike whiskey she won't improve with age.
@Darin Preston, no, I am simply stating that she is just another human being and her physical beauty will fade over time the same as does for all of us.
Mark Keneson wabi sabi.
Picking up my knob creek tomorrow
Enjoy
20 year old Pappy is damn good though.
It is damn good, just not the end all be all
Curious how the Knob Creek compares to the Booker's... I have 2018-04 Booker's but have not tried the Knob Creek single barrel at 120 proof... Any thoughts on them?
I actually like the Knob Creek single barrels better than the Bookers most times
Angel's envy. That's all I have to say.
Tried the Knob Creek in this video and it is very good
Glad to hear!