Love your real bright bar atmosphere, with all the bottles behind you all lit up and the bar! Your personality and knowledge and and the way you explain the taste is very entertaining and informative. And love it when your wife makes you explain something you forgot or didn't mention that makes sense, lol. Love your basement bar show! Keep it up!
At 76 years old I am new to drinking bourbon and also a new subscriber. I quit drinking spirits about 40 years ago and went to red wine and dark beer. My son recently introduced me to bourbon. My first two bottles are Maker's Mark 46 and Elijah Craig small batch. I am enjoying going back and watching your videos. Very in formative. Cheers from WA state.
Thank you sir! I am humbled and honored that you enjoy the channel! You have two great bourbons to start your journey! Thanks for taking the time to share with me!
I toured the Buffalo Trace distillery in 2017 and got to taste the Eagle Rare 10 year and a Buffalo Trace 8 year. I have found both in Alliance, Nebraska which pleasantly surprised me and the Eagle Rare 10 year is definitely a nice product in that price range,
Holy Moly I live In Alliance! I'm a Jim Beam Black lover and I remember getting Weller's at Kloch's for 17 bucks a few years ago! Cheers friend! Hit me up!
I love this topic. There are 100 bottles that can go on this list. Great price point for bourbon ... OGD 114 takes the gold for me (of the readily available options anyway)
IT has been said that with aging, OGD turns into Basil Hayden. Still I would rather have any of the OGD expressions over Basil Hayden. And OGD 114 makes an incredible Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
On your recommendations I just finished a bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch and tried Maker's Mark 46 today. Mark was a bit higher priced here in NY at $36 but not unreasonable. Both very nice. Gotta give Maker's Mark the edge. Smooth and flavorful. Thanks!
Larceny is great, Makers Mark you can't go wrong with. 1792 is a solid juice for around $30. Don't forget 4 Roses. Would love to be lucky enough to find your special mentions.
@@slbdrinksthese are pretty much what I have in my own little collection. Eagle Rare, surprisingly is kinda hard to find around here (in Indy) unless you know somebody in the biz who can reserve it. Same with Blanton’s… yeah you can buy it on the secondary market, but that’s akin to buying scalped concert tickets. 🤨
Henry McKenna 10 is fantastic. I bought my first 2 bottles for 33 a piece. Shortly thereafter, state minimum in MI went up to 49. Not terrible but what a huge jump!
Great list! Coopers Craft 100 has taken over as my “most often reached for.” I love it and always keep at least 2 on the shelf. Elijah Craig small batch is always a solid choice, can’t go wrong with it.
Seriously! That line up is my bottom shelf and it is on YT for the whole world to see! If company comes over, I'd be proud to offer them a pour out of these bottles.
My hubby and I enjoy Bourbon together. My favorite vacation was our own Bourbon trail we took a few years back. Had so much fun and enjoyed the bourbon immensely! LOVE your You Tube channel and your comments. Very down to earth. Your daughters sound adorable for getting you that wonderfully funny and charming decanter! Loved and laughed when you took a sip!!
Maybe I shouldn’t be giving these secrets away but I enjoy your channel so I feel I need to contribute. Way under rated around $30, at least around here, Evan Williams Single Barrel and Old Grand Dad Bonded, 100 proof. You aren’t doing Rye but Rittenhouse and Sazerac are amazing and at the price point. Cheers!
Fantastic choices! Little story. I had an EW single barrel a few yrs ago that I just didn’t like to much. After all the comments like yours I bought another bottle just a couple days ago. This one is much better than what I remembered! Thanks so much for chiming in!
Haha! One night while traveling for work I found a good bourbon liquor store and bought me an Old Forester 1910. But I didn’t want to open it that night. At the register I bought two little Cooper bottles. I never had had Coopers and didn’t expect much. Oh my! Next time I have a hole on my bourbon shelf I’m gonna fill it with Coopers. Now I LOVE your choice of Makers 46. If I ask my wife for “a couple fingers of sedative” she knows to pour me 46. I love it when I’m whooped tired physically and mentally. Two fingers and I’m ready for sleep. Now - Larceny! I love it. Shared it with my middle son and he looked at me and whistled! And smiled. I like you put Eagle Rare on this list. And Elijah! You got a great list my friend.
I had the pleasure once of going on a private tour at Buffalo Trace. I worked at a decent liquor store in Indiana, and the boss drove us down one Sunday in his Suburban. Back then, no liquor sales in IN. So we go down and have the tour. We got to taste 5 barrels pulled for us to decide which two would be bottled just for our store! We voted on our favorite two barrels. I voted for the two sweetest barrels, and both my choices won the day!
My favorite $30 is Evan Williams Single Barrel. I just moved to NC and have to deal with state stores so I’m not sure what my choices are now. In GA, I could walk into my favorite liquor store and he would have a bottle of Blanton’s in the back if I needed it. Just started watching your videos and enjoy them very much.
EW Single Barrel is ten year old , 86 proof whiskey. I keep a bottle on the shelf for company that doesn't want the higher proof whiskeys. this whiskey and Elijah Craig are two whiskeys that that are wonderful to drink compared to many more expensive whiskeys. OGD uses a higher rye mash and is well worth keeping on the bar.
Excellent list! I really appreciate that this wasn't just a rehash of "WT 101, EW BiB, etc" that every video like this trots out. And they're fine, but I appreciate the variety. For me, I'd give some love to the Old Granddad line, especially bonded and 114 which are both in this range.
Love the 114 especially in bourbon cocktails that need some backbone! Kind of embarrassed to say but I have never had the bib. Has to be next on my list!
The Henry McKenna single barrel has been a favorite of mine since had it 2 years ago. Now at my state run liquor store it has almost doubled in price. So now it is one of my favorite $60.00 a bottle bourbons.
I get that. Unfortunately pricing varies so much from state to state. Giving away another HM single barrel on the next live show. Hope to see you there!
I can endorse the Maker's Mark 46, and I can absolutely endorse the Knob Creek 9 (which I love straight). I didn't like Larceny when I tried it, but I plan to try it again some day, since I've learned considerable since then. The Elijah Craig is delicious. The rest, alas, I either can't find or can't afford. I do love the decanter. It's perfect for a man who's Strong Like Bull. 🐂🙂
I have tried each one of these except the coopers, and they're all good. The Henry McKenna is the stand out for sure, it's a shame I'll probably never find another bottle under $80
You should try Cooper's, it's a Brown-Foreman so if you like Old Forester you'll love the Cooper, just be sure to buy the BIB. Ditto on McKenna, the cheapest i ever found it was $56 over the last 2 years & that was only ONE bottle, everything else was $70-$90 because the dirtbags here in the Carolinas gouge every chance they get. sad.
Great choices. I haven't had the Coopers or the McKenna - so I'll add those to my list. And for $33 ea I'd add Redwood Empire Pipedream and/or Lost Monarch to your choices.
I jump wholeheartedly with your lineup. With the exception of the two unicorns, both of which are unavailable in my area. The hype on those bottles_ whether justified or not: I have no idea _ even if you find them has raised their respective prices mightily. Count me out. I'm not one to play games on the "bourbon stock market".
We all know it’s all about what taste good to the person drinking it. I have had Eagle Rare many times and even pass it up when buying bourbon. We hit Buffalo Trace once in a while and find it there or even in the stores. It’s ok to me but I have no plans on getting more. The McKenna is def one that I have purchased many times. 👍🏼
Same, I see eagle rare here often and pass it up. I've had a half bottle on my shelf for a year. I'd pick buffalo trace over eagle rare, but that's just me. Everyone has different tastes.
I just started to watch your channel. I don't drink much but like getting a good bottle to share with my friends during our yearly camping trip. Its surprising that the prices of these bottles haven't really changed in price range.
I just came across your channel and I'm loving the reviews. I've really been getting into Bourbons for the last few years. I really like Bulleit and Woodford Reserve in that $30 range also. Kinda surprised you haven't mentioned them.
Woodford reserve double oaked is a mainstay in the bar. Believe it or not I have never tried the baseline Bulleit but I do have the 10 yr and Founders reserve that I think are good. Thanks for joining us!
Woodford Reserve is my absolute got to. I do love their double oaked too, but in my humble opinion regular Woodford Reserve doesn't get the credit it deserves - especially for an under $50.00 bourbon! Great channel though and pretty sweet bar!
I do have to agree on Knob Creek, Larceny, & Elijah Craig. All very good well Bourbons both drinking straight and in cocktails. HOWEVER, my go-to bourbon comes in slightly higher @ $35-$37/bottle: 🔸1792 Small Batch. Flavorful, aromatic, smooth, & an easy drinker! SO GOOD! 😋
I’ll have to try the coopers craft sometime. The only one I’ve never tried. Thanks for the video suggestions. I’m glad the algorithm steered me to your channel.
Very nice list. I will say, I no longer buy Maker's Mark (which was my fave) or any other Beam product since they sold out to a foreign conglomerate, but it is excellent.
Started my bourbon journey about 2 years ago. Have gone through a few different bottles: Mellow Corn, Four Roses, Makers, Bookers and Elijah Craig. My go to bottle is ofc the Elijah Craig, very good price range and the one I enjoy the most.
Very hard. That’s why I truly don’t feel my list is the best or the only 5 deserving. Every individual might vary depending on their tastes and that’s what is so awesome about talking whiskey! Thanks for your input!
Just stumbled across your post, no pun intended. Wow, thank you for some really good info! I look forward to seeing some other posts. I'm new at this, all I know is from college where you just drank for the buzz, now that I am mellowed myself I want to stop and smell the char.
Elijah Craig for $30 is a Fantastic Bottle. Eagle Rare and McKenna do not exist in VA any longer. I used to be able get ER regularly but not any more. Now, I have a last bottle anxiety :)
In Austin TX, I’ve only ever seen one or two bottles of Eagle Rare, both times they were over $80. The Henry McKenna has only been spotted once, and they wanted over $130 for it. I had some while living in Dallas about ten years ago and loved it. I think I paid $35 for it back then.
Kurt, Recently stumbled across your channel😎 Just getting into responsibly and respectfully whiskey enjoyment😎 This list is exceedingly helpful and your other offerings are exceedingly accessible! Thanks!
Chris so good to hear from you! Hope all is well with you and your family! Thank you for your interest in the channel and for repeating a constant theme of responsibility and not over imbibing!
Going back and watching the older videos before Trenton came out of hiding, seems like Kurt was a little more sauced 🤣 Really love the evolution of the channel.
On your recommendation I gave the Elijah Craig Small Batch a try and yes, two thumbs up! It's an excellent $30 bourbon! I've been mainly drinking Noah's Mill and Wellers's, but I'm tired of the gradual price escalation- suddenly a bottle is $10 more and you squint and wonder why- maybe I should keep my mouth shut! Eagle Rare, the same thing- it was great at $30, not anymore...
Noah's Mill is a secret around where I am, I always find bottles and the guy that works there told me "the people here don't try new things". I'm glad he told me about it because I always have a few bottles in my stash
After you commented after my comment on the Maker's Mark 46 on your last video I went and found this show,and WOW ! I have everyone of those bourbons in my bar except for the Cooper's craft, I've never seen that one in store, but that tells me me you and I could sit around and enjoy drinking bourbon together ,,,we have a lot of similar tastes,,I guess great minds think alike.... lol
Have had 5 of the 7 shown, need to try the Cooper's Craft and Larceny...I usually get my juices on the lower price end from the Naval Exchange Class VI store...no major mark ups...love your selections and enjoy your videos as I navigate my Bourbon journey!!
I've looked in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee for Eagle Rare and Henry McKenna. The chance of me seeing one on a shelf are close to zero.
Eagle Rare and Knob Creek are certainly a favorite. The number one selling booze in the world? Bourbon! The number one selling bourbon in the world? Wild Turkey!! Been consuming it since the end of high school in 1973. I miss it. I stopped drinking.
I just discovered your channel a few nights ago & I really enjoy it, so thanks! 1 quick question - where are you located? I ask because all the prices you mention are consistently $10-$15 less than in my area (Chattanooga, TN). So far, from what I've watched, our tastes line up very closely to one another!
Appreciate the kind words, thank you! I live in NW Indiana not far from lake Mi and about 60 mi from Chicago. We are fortunate to excellent liquor store owners who treat their customers fairly.
Wish I could find eagle rare again for a decent price. First found the 750 for 60, and I was alright with the price. Now I'm seeing it for 120 so I don't go to that liquor store anymore 😅
First I've heard of the Eagle Run. Plain old Buffalo Trace is my goto for regular drinking when I can get it and for it's price point. Thanks for the review.
Glad to see you picked Elijah Craig as your top aside from McKenna. Haven’t heard of it but will keep an eye out. Love Elijah tho…. Thx love your vids.
Love your reviews and agree with everything you said about this list. McKenna is awesome and usually available but best to keep two bottles in reserve though.
Picked up two Eagle Rares and 1 Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond during the Weekends of Whiskey event at my local liquor superstore. ER easily became my favorite bourbon, pound for pound, out of everything I've tried (also the best of the Buffalo Trace / Weller Special Reserve / EH Taylor Small Batch / George T Stagg / Blanton's that I also managed to pick up).
@@slbdrinks That was only a small part of everything picked up in September...had to wake up early to get in line every Saturday...very limited supplies, and we were all capped at a certain # of each bottle, beyond the super-special table items, which was capped at only one from the table. Big scores, beyond the Buffalo Trace items were an 18yr Jameson, 21yr Dewar's Small Batch, a bottle of Ardbeg Scorch Scotch, a 10yr bottle of Brenne (French, aged in Cognac barrels), Blood Oath Pact #7 and Old Forester Cask Strength. Never really considered myself a whiskey guy until last Christmas. Between a gift of Dewar's 21 and a box of Glencairns, numerous discussions with VERY passionate whiskey drinkers, and many discoveries from fine RUclips providers, such as yourself, I now consider myself a full-fledged CONVERT. Thank you, good sir, for your content...sláinte!!!
You've convinced me to get some Cooper's Craft, looking forward to it! I've been lucky to have a local store that was selling Knob Creek 9 yr for $23 for quite a while. They bumped up to $28, but everyone else around me has it for $32-36.
Thanks for another fun video!, featuring some favorites and some intriguing possibilities for trying. I'm always glad to see a review on the 10 Year Old McKenna, a personal favorite for years, although since they started winning awards the price has gone up...it used to be under 30 bucks. Still a great buy, a little hard to find but worth looking for (my liquor store will usually let me know when they have it, and will hold a bottle for a day or two). Not sure why, but I understand there's a dispute over which is better, this current product or the "pre-fire" 10 Year Old Single Barrel Mckenna. Seriously? Who's got a bottle of THAT behind the bar or in their cabinet? And if it was ever opened, I'd consider it pretty suspect by now, so this seems like argument for its own sake. Makers 46 is another nice pour...I got to dip my own bottle in the hot wax at the distillery, as well. Just finished a bottle of the Knob Creek 9 Year Old, and it was excellent in all applications. And there is no way to go wrong with almost anything from Elijah Craig; it's frequently what I have in what I call my "traveling bottle" that I take on road trips for relaxing at the end of the day! Thanks again!
@@harryborsalino1276 Open the Coopers Craft 100 and try it. Then let it sit on the shelf for a month or so then retry it. You'll find its a totally different whiskey and well worth the wait.
@@slbdrinks I envy you! The fact that there’s a special place for one or two bottles on that exquisite bar of yours speaks for itself haha. Thanks for the awesome video and such great, affordable recommendations!
You are very lucky that you can still find that Henry McKenna 10 and Eagle Rare for $35 or so dollars. They are highly marked up where I am, $70+ and $50+ respectively, but the McKenna 10 is so great I usually keep a bottle on the shelf even at the premium though! Good on that store owner being true to the customer! I am new to the channel, but am liking your strait-forward and honest takes. Knowing you are buying your own stuff I make sure to let the ads run so you can use it to get more spirits to make content. Cheers!
My latest find is the Blue Note Juke Joint straight bourbon. Memphis TN, beautiful though not overly complex, $29.99. Their riverset rye is pretty boring but I'm loving my blue note bottle
We could definitely enjoy a pour together. I have 3 of the 5 on my shelf right now and love them all! Larceny is absolutely a fave that I'll always have and in my market I've never paid more than 23 bucks (workin' on a 19.99 bottle right now...if that's not a buy all day long I don't know what is). Keep 'em coming.
Several times you mentioned 'your area' but never stated just what that is. West Coast? East Coast? State? MSA? Glad I found your channel, very informative, very well done.
@@slbdrinks Cool, thank you. This provides a lot of perspective and comparison. I'm in Southern Nevada, likely to be different in several ways, many regions over. Thank you again!
I picked up a bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon here in town (Orange Massachusetts) for just under $30 today. to me this stuff is pretty tasty. However at first I tried it neat but, I found I prefer it on the rocks. The store I bought it from has had trouble keeping this stuff on the shelf
I've tasted most of these, but when I go into a restaurant with a bourbon menu (I'm from Frankfort, Ky) I ask for Angel's Envy. Have you tried it? Getting quite popular around here.
Elijah Craig Small Batch is really tough to beat in that price range. Great video!
Love your real bright bar atmosphere, with all the bottles behind you all lit up and the bar! Your personality and knowledge and and the way you explain the taste is very entertaining and informative. And love it when your wife makes you explain something you forgot or didn't mention that makes sense, lol. Love your basement bar show! Keep it up!
Thanks so much! I love it to honestly along with the interaction with good folks like you!
At 76 years old I am new to drinking bourbon and also a new subscriber. I quit drinking spirits about 40 years ago and went to red wine and dark beer. My son recently introduced me to bourbon. My first two bottles are Maker's Mark 46 and Elijah Craig small batch. I am enjoying going back and watching your videos. Very in formative. Cheers from WA state.
Thank you sir! I am humbled and honored that you enjoy the channel! You have two great bourbons to start your journey! Thanks for taking the time to share with me!
I toured the Buffalo Trace distillery in 2017 and got to taste the Eagle Rare 10 year and a Buffalo Trace 8 year. I have found both in Alliance, Nebraska which pleasantly surprised me and the Eagle Rare 10 year is definitely a nice product in that price range,
Fully agree! If you can get the ER at retail or close to it I feel it is an excellent bargain.
Holy Moly I live In Alliance! I'm a Jim Beam Black lover and I remember getting Weller's at Kloch's for 17 bucks a few years ago! Cheers friend! Hit me up!
Love the Knob Creek but my favorite is Elijah Craig. So smooth and a great flavor.
I love this topic. There are 100 bottles that can go on this list. Great price point for bourbon ... OGD 114 takes the gold for me (of the readily available options anyway)
Great choice! REALLY great bourbon for the price!
IT has been said that with aging, OGD turns into Basil Hayden. Still I would rather have any of the OGD expressions over Basil Hayden. And OGD 114 makes an incredible Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Can’t argue that at all. I see BH as a true beginner 1st time trying bourbon bottle. Past that, no thanks.
On your recommendations I just finished a bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch and tried Maker's Mark 46 today. Mark was a bit higher priced here in NY at $36 but not unreasonable. Both very nice. Gotta give Maker's Mark the edge. Smooth and flavorful. Thanks!
Glad you liked them!
Larceny is great, Makers Mark you can't go wrong with. 1792 is a solid juice for around $30. Don't forget 4 Roses. Would love to be lucky enough to find your special mentions.
All great choices!
@@slbdrinksthese are pretty much what I have in my own little collection. Eagle Rare, surprisingly is kinda hard to find around here (in Indy) unless you know somebody in the biz who can reserve it. Same with Blanton’s… yeah you can buy it on the secondary market, but that’s akin to buying scalped concert tickets. 🤨
This was helpful for those like me who drink only occasionally. Thanks for doing this.
Appreciate it thank you!
Henry McKenna 10 is fantastic. I bought my first 2 bottles for 33 a piece. Shortly thereafter, state minimum in MI went up to 49. Not terrible but what a huge jump!
I bought a bottle of Henry McKenna 10 for 54.99 here on 1/9/23
Great list! Coopers Craft 100 has taken over as my “most often reached for.” I love it and always keep at least 2 on the shelf. Elijah Craig small batch is always a solid choice, can’t go wrong with it.
Coopers has been my biggest surprise lately in this price range. Very tasty! Thanks brother
@@slbdrinks you have to try the old bardstown you’ll be surprised.
Thanks for the help, and my wife and I love the videos. We appreciate your hard work. Thank you. 🙏
Thanks so much!
Seriously! That line up is my bottom shelf and it is on YT for the whole world to see! If company comes over, I'd be proud to offer them a pour out of these bottles.
No doubt! Check out our other 30.00 bourbon video as well. More ridiculously good bourbon for a good price!
My hubby and I enjoy Bourbon together. My favorite vacation was our own Bourbon trail we took a few years back. Had so much fun and enjoyed the bourbon immensely! LOVE your You Tube channel and your comments. Very down to earth. Your daughters sound adorable for getting you that wonderfully funny and charming decanter! Loved and laughed when you took a sip!!
Maybe I shouldn’t be giving these secrets away but I enjoy your channel so I feel I need to contribute. Way under rated around $30, at least around here, Evan Williams Single Barrel and Old Grand Dad Bonded, 100 proof. You aren’t doing Rye but Rittenhouse and Sazerac are amazing and at the price point. Cheers!
Fantastic choices! Little story. I had an EW single barrel a few yrs ago that I just didn’t like to much. After all the comments like yours I bought another bottle just a couple days ago. This one is much better than what I remembered! Thanks so much for chiming in!
Haha! One night while traveling for work I found a good bourbon liquor store and bought me an Old Forester 1910. But I didn’t want to open it that night. At the register I bought two little Cooper bottles. I never had had Coopers and didn’t expect much. Oh my! Next time I have a hole on my bourbon shelf I’m gonna fill it with Coopers. Now I LOVE your choice of Makers 46. If I ask my wife for “a couple fingers of sedative” she knows to pour me 46. I love it when I’m whooped tired physically and mentally. Two fingers and I’m ready for sleep. Now - Larceny! I love it. Shared it with my middle son and he looked at me and whistled! And smiled. I like you put Eagle Rare on this list. And Elijah! You got a great list my friend.
Thanks so much for all the kind words!
To me, Larceny tastes like steamed vegetables. Yech!
I had the pleasure once of going on a private tour at Buffalo Trace. I worked at a decent liquor store in Indiana, and the boss drove us down one Sunday in his Suburban. Back then, no liquor sales in IN. So we go down and have the tour. We got to taste 5 barrels pulled for us to decide which two would be bottled just for our store! We voted on our favorite two barrels. I voted for the two sweetest barrels, and both my choices won the day!
My favorite $30 is Evan Williams Single Barrel. I just moved to NC and have to deal with state stores so I’m not sure what my choices are now. In GA, I could walk into my favorite liquor store and he would have a bottle of Blanton’s in the back if I needed it.
Just started watching your videos and enjoy them very much.
Hey thanks so much! So nice to have a local store you can have a relationship with.
Evan Williams Single Barrel is great only about $25. The taste is amazing
Can’t argue with that!
All are terrific choices! That's a fine-looking list of available bottles.
Thank you for your kind comment! Appreciate your support.
A few others to consider. Evan Williams Single Barrel, Evan Williams BnB, OGD BnB and 114. Can't go wrong.
All excellent choices! Especially fond of the ogd 114.
If they'd pump that evan williams single barrel up close to 100 proof it'd fly off the shelves.
EW Single Barrel is ten year old , 86 proof whiskey. I keep a bottle on the shelf for company that doesn't want the higher proof whiskeys. this whiskey and Elijah Craig are two whiskeys that that are wonderful to drink compared to many more expensive whiskeys.
OGD uses a higher rye mash and is well worth keeping on the bar.
Excellent list! I really appreciate that this wasn't just a rehash of "WT 101, EW BiB, etc" that every video like this trots out. And they're fine, but I appreciate the variety. For me, I'd give some love to the Old Granddad line, especially bonded and 114 which are both in this range.
Love the 114 especially in bourbon cocktails that need some backbone! Kind of embarrassed to say but I have never had the bib. Has to be next on my list!
The Henry McKenna single barrel has been a favorite of mine since had it 2 years ago. Now at my state run liquor store it has almost doubled in price. So now it is one of my favorite $60.00 a bottle bourbons.
I get that. Unfortunately pricing varies so much from state to state. Giving away another HM single barrel on the next live show. Hope to see you there!
They had the Elijah Craig at my local liquor store 2 bottles for $40. One of my favorites as well!
No doubt!
Found Redemption Rye for 37 and it’s blowing the Larceny and Elijah Craig I have out of the water. Worth the extra few bucks.
I can endorse the Maker's Mark 46, and I can absolutely endorse the Knob Creek 9 (which I love straight). I didn't like Larceny when I tried it, but I plan to try it again some day, since I've learned considerable since then. The Elijah Craig is delicious. The rest, alas, I either can't find or can't afford.
I do love the decanter. It's perfect for a man who's Strong Like Bull. 🐂🙂
We’ve only scratched the surface with American whiskeys and bourbons but we’re happy with the malts and irish
I have tried each one of these except the coopers, and they're all good. The Henry McKenna is the stand out for sure, it's a shame I'll probably never find another bottle under $80
Very much a shame.
I'm only able to buy 1 every 4 months in my store
Wow, I haven’t heard that before.
You should try Cooper's, it's a Brown-Foreman so if you like Old Forester you'll love the Cooper, just be sure to buy the BIB. Ditto on McKenna, the cheapest i ever found it was $56 over the last 2 years & that was only ONE bottle, everything else was $70-$90 because the dirtbags here in the Carolinas gouge every chance they get. sad.
Sold about an hr from me for $40. I can usually get 2 bottles at a time and the occasional Weller 12. Its worth the drive for sure
Great choices. I haven't had the Coopers or the McKenna - so I'll add those to my list. And for $33 ea I'd add Redwood Empire Pipedream and/or Lost Monarch to your choices.
I jump wholeheartedly with your lineup. With the exception of the two unicorns, both of which are unavailable in my area. The hype on those bottles_ whether justified or not: I have no idea _ even if you find them has raised their respective prices mightily. Count me out. I'm not one to play games on the "bourbon stock market".
I can understand that and appreciate your opinion. There are plenty of available bourbons that are exceptional!
I love the knob creek 9, EC small batch and the makers 46. I’d have to throw in woodford reserve as well for this price bracket.
Nice list!
We all know it’s all about what taste good to the person drinking it. I have had Eagle Rare many times and even pass it up when buying bourbon. We hit Buffalo Trace once in a while and find it there or even in the stores. It’s ok to me but I have no plans on getting more.
The McKenna is def one that I have purchased many times. 👍🏼
With you on that! I do have the ER but don’t reach for it on a regular basis.
Same, I see eagle rare here often and pass it up. I've had a half bottle on my shelf for a year. I'd pick buffalo trace over eagle rare, but that's just me. Everyone has different tastes.
Russells 10 year is phenomenal and is usually around the $30-35 range.
Agree 💯!
Agree. Love Russell’s 10 year. $31.99 at Costco in NKY. Drinking it as I watch this video. 😊
Glad to see Cooper's Craft on here. Underrated.
No doubt!
I just started to watch your channel. I don't drink much but like getting a good bottle to share with my friends during our yearly camping trip. Its surprising that the prices of these bottles haven't really changed in price range.
I've just started watching. This an honest review of bourbons I like and learned to look for the ones you review.
Thank you, certainly appreciated!
I couldn’t agree more with your choices!
Thanks!
I just came across your channel and I'm loving the reviews. I've really been getting into Bourbons for the last few years. I really like Bulleit and Woodford Reserve in that $30 range also. Kinda surprised you haven't mentioned them.
Woodford reserve double oaked is a mainstay in the bar. Believe it or not I have never tried the baseline Bulleit but I do have the 10 yr and Founders reserve that I think are good.
Thanks for joining us!
Woodford Reserve is my absolute got to. I do love their double oaked too, but in my humble opinion regular Woodford Reserve doesn't get the credit it deserves - especially for an under $50.00 bourbon! Great channel though and pretty sweet bar!
I do have to agree on Knob Creek, Larceny, & Elijah Craig. All very good well Bourbons both drinking straight and in cocktails. HOWEVER, my go-to bourbon comes in slightly higher @ $35-$37/bottle:
🔸1792 Small Batch. Flavorful, aromatic, smooth, & an easy drinker! SO GOOD! 😋
I’ll have to try the coopers craft sometime. The only one I’ve never tried. Thanks for the video suggestions. I’m glad the algorithm steered me to your channel.
Me to! Give the Coopers 100 proof a try. Very good for the money!
Elijah Craig Small Batch and Knob Creek 9 year are always on my bar. Lucky this week to also have found a bottle of Knob Creek SBR 9yr 120 proof!
You will love that one! Little tip, the KCSB will be on one of our upcoming videos. Enjoy!
Very nice list. I will say, I no longer buy Maker's Mark (which was my fave) or any other Beam product since they sold out to a foreign conglomerate, but it is excellent.
Info I was not aware of. I truly don’t spend a ton of time on details choosing to focus on taste, price, etc. Good to know, thank you.
Doesn’t Bourbon have to be produced in the US to be classified Bourbon?
Yes.
@@JJG86 Yes, otherwise it's just whiskey.
Really love Knob Creek too that one is my favorite at this price point other than Russell's 10.
Can’t go wrong with that choice!
Started my bourbon journey about 2 years ago. Have gone through a few different bottles: Mellow Corn, Four Roses, Makers, Bookers and Elijah Craig. My go to bottle is ofc the Elijah Craig, very good price range and the one I enjoy the most.
Nice choice!
Man, this would be a hard list to narrow down to 5 bourbons. So many great ones at that price point
Very hard. That’s why I truly don’t feel my list is the best or the only 5 deserving. Every individual might vary depending on their tastes and that’s what is so awesome about talking whiskey! Thanks for your input!
Herry McKenna now today I bought for a bit over 58$ today!! But still bomb!!!
Awesome!
Couldn't agree more with those first 4.
Thank you!
Just stumbled across your post, no pun intended. Wow, thank you for some really good info! I look forward to seeing some other posts. I'm new at this, all I know is from college where you just drank for the buzz, now that I am mellowed myself I want to stop and smell the char.
Good for you. Stopped at the right place! Atmosphere of learning with no judgment!
Makers 46 was my first bourbon and still my favorite
Elijah Craig for $30 is a Fantastic Bottle. Eagle Rare and McKenna do not exist in VA any longer. I used to be able get ER regularly but not any more. Now, I have a last bottle anxiety :)
Sorry that blows. I just don’t get why certain bottles never get to a given state even??? Just doesn’t make sense.
EC is a solid buy though.
Thank you sir! A great service. Looking for something special for the holidays. Merry Christmas!
Same to you and your family!
In Austin TX, I’ve only ever seen one or two bottles of Eagle Rare, both times they were over $80. The Henry McKenna has only been spotted once, and they wanted over $130 for it. I had some while living in Dallas about ten years ago and loved it. I think I paid $35 for it back then.
35-40 is where it should be and an excellent buy! Sad how the bourbon world spins these days. What I can’t get you can and vice versa. Shame.
If you have a costco in your area they occasionally have eagle rare for 26.99. They go super fast though..
@@joshuasteele5108 I do have one nearby, but I rarely visit. Guess I'll have to make friends with the staff to get an idea when they might stock it...
Kurt,
Recently stumbled across your channel😎
Just getting into responsibly and respectfully whiskey enjoyment😎
This list is exceedingly helpful and your other offerings are exceedingly accessible!
Thanks!
Chris so good to hear from you! Hope all is well with you and your family!
Thank you for your interest in the channel and for repeating a constant theme of responsibility and not over imbibing!
Going back and watching the older videos before Trenton came out of hiding, seems like Kurt was a little more sauced 🤣 Really love the evolution of the channel.
On your recommendation I gave the Elijah Craig Small Batch a try and yes, two thumbs up! It's an excellent $30 bourbon! I've been mainly drinking Noah's Mill and Wellers's, but I'm tired of the gradual price escalation- suddenly a bottle is $10 more and you squint and wonder why- maybe I should keep my mouth shut! Eagle Rare, the same thing- it was great at $30, not anymore...
Good for you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Noah's Mill is a secret around where I am, I always find bottles and the guy that works there told me "the people here don't try new things". I'm glad he told me about it because I always have a few bottles in my stash
After you commented after my comment on the Maker's Mark 46 on your last video I went and found this show,and WOW ! I have everyone of those bourbons in my bar except for the Cooper's craft, I've never seen that one in store, but that tells me me you and I could sit around and enjoy drinking bourbon together ,,,we have a lot of similar tastes,,I guess great minds think alike.... lol
You got that right! All good choices! Honestly, keep your eye out for that Coopers 100 proof. Might be the best of the bunch!
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
I have not had coopers yet but I have bottles of all the others. They all are solid choices
Awesome thank you!
I always grab Eagle Rare and Henry McKenna bib when I see them! Both a couple of favorites when I can find them! Especially at the price points!
Without a doubt! Excellent choices!
Have had 5 of the 7 shown, need to try the Cooper's Craft and Larceny...I usually get my juices on the lower price end from the Naval Exchange Class VI store...no major mark ups...love your selections and enjoy your videos as I navigate my Bourbon journey!!
Evan Williams is highly recommended for those who haven't tried it.
Jim B. and Jack D. on a budget :)
@robert mayes Try Jamison or Proper Twelve.
@robert mayes Proper Twelve is Connor McGregor Whiskey.
@robert mayes I'm not sure if he sold it or not. I think he should've named it Proper Left & Right Mayweather. Its Irish Whiskey.
@robert mayes Wow!!
Check out Old Grand Dad 114! It is delicious, high proof, good mouth feel, and only $29!
💯 agree! It is a must have in the bar. Great quality at an excellent price!
OGD 114 is such a solid buy! It is good enough to drink neat, strong enough to stand up to a cocktail, and easy enough to replace.
I've looked in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee for Eagle Rare and Henry McKenna. The chance of me seeing one on a shelf are close to zero.
That is such a travesty how that can even happen. In my area, NW In, we don’t see those bottles regularly but def several times through the year.
@@slbdrinks It's frustrating. Good news is I do have some Buffalo Trace and Early Times BIB, which many people have difficulty finding.
Good for you! I haven’t seen Early Times here for a while now.
Eagle Rare and Knob Creek are certainly a favorite. The number one selling booze in the world? Bourbon! The number one selling bourbon in the world? Wild Turkey!! Been consuming it since the end of high school in 1973. I miss it. I stopped drinking.
Wild Turkey is just darn good!
@@slbdrinks Even the people that sell it by me say it's the best bourbon.
A year and a half later, Henry McKenna 10-Yr is $63 at my liquor store. -- You're strong recommendation must have driven demand thru the roof!
Nooooo! Not me??!
It is up around 60 here as well.
I just discovered your channel a few nights ago & I really enjoy it, so thanks! 1 quick question - where are you located?
I ask because all the prices you mention are consistently $10-$15 less than in my area (Chattanooga, TN).
So far, from what I've watched, our tastes line up very closely to one another!
Appreciate the kind words, thank you! I live in NW Indiana not far from lake Mi and about 60 mi from Chicago. We are fortunate to excellent liquor store owners who treat their customers fairly.
Drinking from the but of the bull. OMG that is the best. I've recently discovered your channel. Keep it up.
Lol, couldn’t help myself. Appreciate you!
Wish I could find eagle rare again for a decent price. First found the 750 for 60, and I was alright with the price. Now I'm seeing it for 120 so I don't go to that liquor store anymore 😅
Wow, that is to bad. I hate to hear that stuff 😕
I love Henry McKenna, but I is $50 where I live. Eagle Rare is a favorite in the rotation!
I would consider the HM for 50, possibly. To bad you can’t find it in that 35-40 range. Excellent choice with the ER!
Can you find the McKenna regularly? $50 is still pretty good.
No def not regularly. I felt good to find 2 this year for 34-36. It seems to come through my area 3-4 times a year.
Great video, and I'm really liking this channel.
Appreciate that! Thank you!
Knob Creek 9 year is my go to.
Great bourbon for the cost! Great choice!
I saw a bottle of eagle rare last week for $170 😂 I hope it sits there forever. I’ve got a few bottles I got for retail. DELICIOUS!
That’s such a disgrace! Really have a problem with store owners like this. For close to 40.00 ER is stellar.
First I've heard of the Eagle Run. Plain old Buffalo Trace is my goto for regular drinking when I can get it and for it's price point. Thanks for the review.
Solid choice! Appreciate you !
Larceny is a bargain. It is good neat and on the rocks.
My new favorite whiskey channel. Thanks for the great content and suggestions.
Certainly appreciate you!
Glad to see you picked Elijah Craig as your top aside from McKenna. Haven’t heard of it but will keep an eye out. Love Elijah tho…. Thx love your vids.
Appreciate that thank you!
I’ve been getting it at Costco.
Yea we have the Mckenna 10 most of the year here in southern Cali but it runs about 59.99 retail which I think is a tad bit steep.
Little steep yes but very good!
Love your reviews and agree with everything you said about this list. McKenna is awesome and usually available but best to keep two bottles in reserve though.
No doubt for this one!
Picked up two Eagle Rares and 1 Henry McKenna Bottled in Bond during the Weekends of Whiskey event at my local liquor superstore. ER easily became my favorite bourbon, pound for pound, out of everything I've tried (also the best of the Buffalo Trace / Weller Special Reserve / EH Taylor Small Batch / George T Stagg / Blanton's that I also managed to pick up).
Wow nice haul!
@@slbdrinks That was only a small part of everything picked up in September...had to wake up early to get in line every Saturday...very limited supplies, and we were all capped at a certain # of each bottle, beyond the super-special table items, which was capped at only one from the table. Big scores, beyond the Buffalo Trace items were an 18yr Jameson, 21yr Dewar's Small Batch, a bottle of Ardbeg Scorch Scotch, a 10yr bottle of Brenne (French, aged in Cognac barrels), Blood Oath Pact #7 and Old Forester Cask Strength.
Never really considered myself a whiskey guy until last Christmas. Between a gift of Dewar's 21 and a box of Glencairns, numerous discussions with VERY passionate whiskey drinkers, and many discoveries from fine RUclips providers, such as yourself, I now consider myself a full-fledged CONVERT.
Thank you, good sir, for your content...sláinte!!!
Certainly appreciate your kind words! You have def put in the work to get those awesome bottles! Well done!
You've convinced me to get some Cooper's Craft, looking forward to it!
I've been lucky to have a local store that was selling Knob Creek 9 yr for $23 for quite a while. They bumped up to $28, but everyone else around me has it for $32-36.
Give that CC 100 proof a try!
wow I had to pay $33 for knob creek 9
I'll throw my hat in for Cooper's Craft Reserve 100. Their cheaper offering is very watered down but the Reserve is extremely underrated
Thanks for another fun video!, featuring some favorites and some intriguing possibilities for trying. I'm always glad to see a review on the 10 Year Old McKenna, a personal favorite for years, although since they started winning awards the price has gone up...it used to be under 30 bucks. Still a great buy, a little hard to find but worth looking for (my liquor store will usually let me know when they have it, and will hold a bottle for a day or two). Not sure why, but I understand there's a dispute over which is better, this current product or the "pre-fire" 10 Year Old Single Barrel Mckenna. Seriously? Who's got a bottle of THAT behind the bar or in their cabinet? And if it was ever opened, I'd consider it pretty suspect by now, so this seems like argument for its own sake. Makers 46 is another nice pour...I got to dip my own bottle in the hot wax at the distillery, as well. Just finished a bottle of the Knob Creek 9 Year Old, and it was excellent in all applications. And there is no way to go wrong with almost anything from Elijah Craig; it's frequently what I have in what I call my "traveling bottle" that I take on road trips for relaxing at the end of the day! Thanks again!
Excellent points for sure. Thanks so much!
@@slbdrinks Picked up the Eagle Rare (got lucky) and the Cooper's Craft...I must thank you again for spot-on advice! Both very enjoyable pours!
That’s fantastic! I am really glad you enjoyed them!
@@harryborsalino1276 Open the Coopers Craft 100 and try it. Then let it sit on the shelf for a month or so then retry it. You'll find its a totally different whiskey and well worth the wait.
@@JE-western-rider I'm about to take your advice!
Elijah Craig Small batch hits way above it's $25 @ Sam's here in Iowa. Great list BTW
Yes it does!
I love your shows!!! Keep up the good work!!!!
Thank you!
second the Eagle Rare nominations. Always my recommendation in this price range - is hard to find
It is anymore and that’s a shame. Great bourbon for a great price when sold at retail!
Just purchased Coopers' Reserve - looking forward to enjoying a pour tonight.
Great list definitely Knob Creek 9 is one of my favorite and also worth to mention Redemption Rye
1843 by David Nicholson out of St Louis is one of my favorites ($25-$30).
Heard good things about this one.
Great lineup. Try Redwood Empire Lost Monarch $34! Also, Redwood Empire American Whiskey same price if you can find one.
I did have a Red Empire Rye but drained that bottle bout a month ago. I will keep my eye out for the others. Thank you!
Just bought Elijah Small Batch- thanks for the info!
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it!
Suggestion for vid:
Try blind taste test including a neutral spirit flavored with bourbon flavor against some bottom shelf stuff .
Eagle rare being so hard to find saddens me. If it’s available where you’re at and you haven’t tried it, PLEASE do. It’s fantastic.
I do have a bottle on the bar and one in reserve. Lucky for us we usually see it several times a year for 30 some bucks.
@@slbdrinks I envy you! The fact that there’s a special place for one or two bottles on that exquisite bar of yours speaks for itself haha. Thanks for the awesome video and such great, affordable recommendations!
You are very lucky that you can still find that Henry McKenna 10 and Eagle Rare for $35 or so dollars. They are highly marked up where I am, $70+ and $50+ respectively, but the McKenna 10 is so great I usually keep a bottle on the shelf even at the premium though! Good on that store owner being true to the customer! I am new to the channel, but am liking your strait-forward and honest takes. Knowing you are buying your own stuff I make sure to let the ads run so you can use it to get more spirits to make content. Cheers!
Thanks for that lol! Very kind.
I've not tried Coopers Craft, but definitely agree with all the other picks. Lots of great reasonably priced bourbons out there.
Coopers craft is criminally underrated. I would definitely give it a try
My latest find is the Blue Note Juke Joint straight bourbon. Memphis TN, beautiful though not overly complex, $29.99. Their riverset rye is pretty boring but I'm loving my blue note bottle
Love hearing about released I have never heard of before. Thank you for the info.
We could definitely enjoy a pour together. I have 3 of the 5 on my shelf right now and love them all! Larceny is absolutely a fave that I'll always have and in my market I've never paid more than 23 bucks (workin' on a 19.99 bottle right now...if that's not a buy all day long I don't know what is). Keep 'em coming.
Good for you!
Several times you mentioned 'your area' but never stated just what that is. West Coast? East Coast? State? MSA?
Glad I found your channel, very informative, very well done.
Thank you for joining us! My area is NW Indiana just about 60 miles outside of Chicago.
@@slbdrinks Cool, thank you. This provides a lot of perspective and comparison. I'm in Southern Nevada, likely to be different in several ways, many regions over.
Thank you again!
I picked up a bottle of Buffalo Trace bourbon here in town (Orange Massachusetts) for just under $30 today. to me this stuff is pretty tasty. However at first I tried it neat but, I found I prefer it on the rocks. The store I bought it from has had trouble keeping this stuff on the shelf
BT is darn tasty for the price but as you say, can’t always find it. As far as neat vs ice I always say drink what you like and how you like it!
I've tasted most of these, but when I go into a restaurant with a bourbon menu (I'm from Frankfort, Ky) I ask for Angel's Envy. Have you tried it? Getting quite popular around here.
Not sure about the availability in your area, but Ezra Brooks 99 Proof is very good for the price: $25-$35. Punches well above it's weight class!
Thank you for the recommendation!