BEST Buffalo Trace Alternatives - Blantons, Elmer T Lee, Eagle Rare
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
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Time Stamps:
03:40 - Buffalo Trace:
04:03 - Early Times Botled in Bond
04:47 - Michter’s American Whiskey
05:34 - Eagle Rare:
06:21 - Russell’s Reserve 10
06:55 - Tincup 10
Bonus Option:
07:48 - Widow Jane
08:18 - Blanton’s Single Barrel:
09:20 - John J Bowman Single Barrel
10:09 - Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select
11:55 - Elmer T Lee:
13:03 - Evan Williams Single Barrel
14:08 - Michter’s Sour Mash
Difference between Russell’s 10 year, reserve, and Russell’s single barrel?. Is the single barrel, worth the 20 extra dollars here in North Carolina.
@@ecconick I can get the single barrel where I’m at for about $70. It used to be about $60. I still think it’s worth it. If the price goes up anymore though, I’m not sure. To me, the standard 10-year comes off darker than the single barrel, less bold and not as much variety of flavor, but that’s just my take. If you’d like Wild Turkey products, and have ever been curious about what a single barrel offering would taste like, it’s a good bet.
Thanks Tanner. It’s actually 62 dollars here, the single barrel. So I may go for that one.
I've been living in Texas for almost 3 yrs and have never been able to get Buffalo Trace in my region. FINALLY got some Saturday at my local liquor store and was only allowed 1 bottle per customer cuz supplies were limited. Thank goodness my wife was along..... 2 bottles for me!
Awesome!
Here in NorCal Eagle Rare is $90 bucks in LiquorStores. The cost is around $24.
Blanton's is now $150 in Liquor Stores and the cost is around $46.
People are willing to pay those amounts so you can't blame the retailers.
I've moved on from Blanton's and Eagle Rare years ago and wouldn't go back even if the price drops.
Plenty of other great options out there.
Thank you for showing us options!
I'm in California and the standard Buffalo Trace is always available in my area. Eagle is super inconsistent but when it does show up it's only 32 bucks which is insane, that's probably why it's so hard to find at times.
Lucky you! Eagle is $100 where I live. 😱
@@Carrpocalypse yeah but that's why you can't hardly find it at places that sell it as that price.
Great video guys! In Washington state, ER, Blanton and ETL are extremely rare. As our liquor stores are no longer state run, we are at the mercy of the store owners. A single bottle of Blanton's that I found several months ago was selling for over $220.Those of us that are close enough (for me two hours), we make the journey across the border to Oregon where it's tax free. Last Friday I took Veterans Day off for the first time in 30 years and made the drive. I lucked upon a noon release of Weller Full Proof Barrel Pick for $50 and the last bottle from the morning release of Booker's 2022-03 Kentucky Tea for $89! Thank you both for nurturing my bourbon journey. I walked into that store with about 25 bottles to get all based off of your videos! Thank you for doing what you do.
Awesome finds on the weller FP and the bookers, that is awesome!
Are you located anywhere near JBLM? If you are, let me know of a couple that you're looking for I can keep my eye out, sometimes we get some good stuff on base and we don't have to get taken advantage of by the ridiculous WA taxes..
Cheers
@@NorthWestBourbon Just minutes away from JBLM
Thank you sir!
Check out Fred meyer liquor section for Eagle rare, I constantly see it there.
I live in maryland where all buffalo trace products are impossible to find, or if you do, you're paying the highest allocated pricing. So this video is very appreciated 👏
I live in Maryland I don’t have an issue finding Eagle rare, Buffalo trace or blantons. It’s just the price of it all. 35 for ancient age, 50 for BT, 100-120 for eagle rare, blantons starts at 150 most places. I love when they give the MSRP cause it sounds like a joke.
You should look into twin valley distillers in Rockville. Their 1812 bourbon is amazing
I never get tired of a good Buffalo Trace list. Thank you, gentlemen.
Not sure if you remember me but I was just thanking you all about showing us more accessible bottles and this was great!! Now I know I gotta buy that sour mash! Thank you guys!
Great channel! Keep up the GREAT work!
And glad Trenton stayed in front of the camera lol.
Y’all take care now
Great show as always. Here in Rhode Island, I've been able to find Buffalo Trace in bunches at various times for about $38, Eagle Rare less frequently for about $55, and the occasional Blanton's. My store owner put one aside for me and sold it to me for $60, which was better than the $100 I spent on my first bottle. Elmer T. Lee is a unicorn in these parts.
Quit chasing BT a long time ago. Case in point; was recently in France travelling from north to south. Found Blantons readily available on liquor store shelves at a decent price. So, if Sazerac wants to sell their whiskey overseas rather than here, that's fine by me. Those "replacements" have become my go-to pours by now anyways. ;)
I like all of the Buffalo Trace products I've tried so far. Personally, I think 1792 Small Batch is very similar to the original Buffalo Trace and always on the shelf.
I concur 100%. Ridgemont Reserve 1792 small batch is my new favorite bourbon ever since I first tasted it. It is only $25 near me
I finally found some Buffalo Trace last weekend at a local chain liquor store. I almost didn't see it because it was around a display in the middle of the store just sitting on top of another case on the floor. Limit 1 per customer. I went back yesterday 11/23 and they had a few more cases and also 1L bottles. I paid $33 for 750 and $40 for 1L bottles.
Love your topics. Great presentation. Always a joy to watch.
Thank you so very much for making this, finding buffalo trace/eagle rare is like finding gold in my area
Thanks for doing this video. Helpful info. At a liquor store in Johnson City, TN last month, there was plenty of Buffalo Trace on the shelf, but nothing else from that distillery was on the shelf. Also saw it in Virginia where you'll only find it if you happen to be at the right store at the right time. That VA store also had Eagle Rare and Blanton's. In a head-to-head with Blanton's , E.H. Taylor, and John J. Bowman, I couldn't detect any similarity between Bowman and the other two, and Bowman was my least favorite of the three. Michter's Sour Mash is on my list of bourbons to try but I have yet to see it in a store.
I will not share my picks. That way I can keep buying them at normal prices. Thanks for the vid, guys!
I just found your channel and I spent (wasted?) my evening watching bourbon videos! I LOVE these! My wife is out of town visiting my grandbaby (I am jealous) and I am looking forward to trying some new bourbons! THANKS! I have been an Evan Williams 1783 guy (I am cheap) but will try some of the bourbons from your videos!
I love widow Jane 10 year! They carry it at Costco and sams club by me and it’s 52$ in comparison to the 72$ tag at the liquor stores around me.
Evan Williams single is my absolute favorite bourbon. Glad to know other people recognize the great value it is considering its age and flavor. It’s so good.
My local stores have been telling me that it was discontinued but it’s good to know that if I can make a trip to the distillery I can still get some there.
I think this is my favorite video so far. Having options laid out like this is great!
Great show guys, keep up the great job!! Walked in a Sam’s Club 2 weeks ago and to my surprise they had around 30 bottles of Buffalo Trace at $19 a bottle. I bought 3 and kicking myself for not getting more!! This mind you was in Roswell NM😀
Great pours and a great tour!
I found Buffalo Trace at my local spot for $26.99. I wasn't quite done with my first bottle, but I decided to grab one to make sure I could get one.
you can find the alternatives for Buffalo Trace products from Buffalo Trace and a heck of a lot cheaper. Benchmark is known as Baby Eagle Rare, Ancient Age is known as Baby Blanton’s (ancient ancient age is closer to Blantons in my opinion but it is getting hard to find as well), and one you did not mention is Stagg. Old Charter is know as Baby Stagg. Do a blind tasting comparing the two and see for yourself. We just did the ancient ancient age vs Blanton and only one of the five doing the tasting picked Blanton’s correctly. You guys may have a more sophisticated palate, than my friends and I so your results may vary. Cheers!
I think Blantons is over rated, but on the other hand I can find ancient ancient age, and it does not taste like Blantons to me and personally I find that I do not enjoy it at all, drain pour!
Thank you !!!
Blantons taste WAY better then Ancient Age. Thats not even close to a comparison
I don’t think old Carter is baby anything lol. That stuff is expensive enough on its own! (Not Stagg price but I’m poor)
Blantons overrated, NO WAY! I don't want my taste buds destroyed drinking High Proof Bourbons that I CAN'T enjoy. Watching the Superbowl with my Blantons will be a Good Day. You don't have to burn your throat out to enjoy Bourbon
I love what you guys do. I love eagle rare for it's drinkability. Russell 10 is good, not comparable on multiple levels
No Elmer T Lee around here, but I’ve got the other three. Great choices for substitutes. I have most of those as well. I appreciate you listing two choices for each
Good recommendations. Of the 12 bottles on the screen, we have regular access to 4 in my town - one per bottle. Nice that you provided two options for each. Neither of you are nuts. Jack Daniels is bananas for days!
Its really fun watching your videos guys!
Great video. Actually toured BT distillery 7-8 years ago before it became so popular. Was my go to at around $21-23 at the time. Will try the ET. Thank you!
Great idea! Great video! The only chance for Buffalo Trace in my part of Ohio is to be at the store at the right time, on the right day, and the right week! I've had BT once at a hotel bar in Colorado and the bartender said they also have trouble getting it.
Thank you, thank you for this awesome video! As I've said before, I would love to find some Buffalo Trace products, but I am not willing to get up early and sit outside a liquor store for hours on a workday to get one. I'm delighted to see that I already own or at least have easy access to most of the alternatives you suggest. Makes me feel less FOMO.
JJ Bowman sib is sourced from Buffalo Trace and barreled in VA. Although i have heard recently they will be moving toward their own distillate soon
Very helpful to give similar option to try and compare
Hello, Relatively new to the channel I started watching back in June of 2022. I just gotta sat adding Trent has been the by far the fresh input on your trail of thought. Love the content.
Thank you for giving some alternatives!
Good video. Of the 4 highlighted, I have only found the Buffalo Trace but paid $50+ for it. Didn't know better - hearing you say you paid less than $30. From your prior videos, I did start going with Early Times BIB and have been paying about $24. Now it is inching up to just under $30. Still good bargain. I cannot ever find the other 3 so the alternatives are good to know.
Agree so much on the JJB would take it all day everyday over the Blantons.
I've had every bottle you mentioned and agree with your alternatives completely. I'd probably substitute Bowman Brothers Small Batch for the Tin Cup 10 Year, mainly because of proof and price being closer to ER. We don't get JJB in Ohio very often or at all, but I'm able to find it in NC. Back about 7 or 8 years ago, EW SiB was closer to 10 years old.
They have the bowman’s single barrel
Trenton and Kurton; living legends
Thanks for presenting some alternatives.
I love Buffalo Trace and i always try to keep a bottle at home. They run around $30 around my part of Fl. The eagle rare I have been looking for and i cant find it anywhere. Thank you so much for this video I will defiantly be able to try the substitution for eagle rare. You guys do such a great job on these videos. Thank you
I've been getting Eagle Rare in AZ for about $30 a bottle quite a bit lately
Great information. Yes, I am a lemming and pickup Buffalo Trace when I see it. It is okay. The Michter’s products in our area come and go but will be on the lookout. Not sure if we have Early Times. Have only had Eagle Rare once and enjoyed it. I do like Russell’s 10, Jack Select. Right on about the Evan Williams Single Barrel. I have 1-1/2 bottles left.
I was always a fan of WT 101 but thanks to you, I've found that Turkey makes so many other great offerings. Cheers!
Another great video. I’ve been seeing The Buffalo product sitting on the shelf at Walgreens down in FL. ER continues to be a rare find unless you want to go 2x MSRP. Ditto for Blantons and hardly ever see ETL.
Some other alternatives:
Buffalo: Coopers Craft 100. Not everywhere, but around enough. 6 year product and quite rich. One of my go to bottles. Standard Woodford Reserve is on EVERY shelf and always pleasing for $30.
Eagle: Just not many modestly priced 10 years and I’m personally (and in minority) not a RR10 fan (but love the red label). So I’m gonna throw a curve ball. George Dickel 13 year BiB. $40 and that vitamin note not nearly as present. Rich with caramel and vanilla. So good.
Blantons: This alternative recommendation is readily available everywhere and never disappoints … max $45 and at club stores closer to $35 … FOUR ROSES Single Barrel. You get a little more proof. Excellent fruit notes. No reason not to have it.
ETL: I don’t own and only had a few times so don’t have an informed sub on this one, but plenty of quality $50-$55 bourbons just sitting on shelves that make chasing this unnecessary.
Great list!
I love Buffalo Trace and I will try the others. Also really like Tin Cup. I still want a Blanton's...just because.
Bowman’s sb has been my go to lately! Heard it’s actually buffalo trace mash bill #1
Michter's sour mash is great; I had it recently at a bar. That same bar always seems to have Blanton's, and it isn't overpriced, so if I want a shot, I can go there. In my area, Blanton's usually retails for well over $100 when it turns up. It's not hard to find at an elevated price, but if it ever shows up at suggested retail price, I'm sure it flies off the shelf in an instant. The bars must not be paying a fortune for it, as prices for shots of Blanton's aren't usually much higher than shots of common mid-priced bourbon. In my area, the standard Buffalo Trace seems to be common and sells for around $25-$30, and Eagle Rare will turn up from time to time. Buffalo Trace products are good, but I don't think they are any better or worse than the products of most of the other big distilleries. I fail to understand why so much of the bourbon hype is centered on their products. If their stuff isn't available, there are plenty of other options.
This is one of the things I love about whiskey tube, the introduction of choice. I see both Mitcher's in my neck of the woods. Other than that, the only one I see on the shelf is the Jack. I had the EW Single Barrel more then 20 years ago. Struck me at the time as an amazing value. In the 90s, I was chasing Bookers, but came across EW Single Barrel for under $20. That was before Washington's grab-your-ankles tax. Unbelievable. Now it is a distillery only bottle? Isn't that a Biblical sign of Armageddon?!?! Great vid, guys.
I'm a fellow WA resident, and I concur about the taxes. I could be wrong, but I think I saw some EW SiB in QFC recently.
Here's hoping that after last night's Yellowstone premier with a Buffalo Trace commercial every fifteen minutes or so, that we'll see a wider distribution in the near future. Fingers crossed. Great choice options provided!!
I thought the same, why advertise BT when it’s not easily available. I know the distillery is going thru a major renovation but they even admit it will not keep up with demand
I don’t see any discussion of 1792 distillery. Their barrel proof is my current favorite, 125 proof.
Coopers Craft 100 for ER! JJ Bowman is a wonderful sleeper. Great content gentlemen!
Good video. One great substitute I find for Eagle Rare is the dickel 8 year bourbon. Taste very similar to me.
Not a big whiskey savant, but did pick up and try Early Times when I couldn't find Buffalo Trace. I enjoyed it. Perhaps it's time to revisit it.
That EW single barrel is amazing. I’ve had 10 or so bottles and everyone has delivered. A little light on proof but great daily at 25-30$.
Buffalo Trace bourbon is my daily driver. $35 at a local bar down the road. Been buying it steady for 2 years. From the sound of it, I'm pretty lucky. Love the show.
Great video, John J Bowman Single Barrel is my favorite
I'm a newbie bourbon sipper. In one month I've tried Jim Beam, Jack(w), JS, Evans, 1792, Elijah, Makers, Bullet, Wild101, and my new favorite Woodfords Reserve. Now I know I don't have a seasoned palette but of all of them the Woodfords is the smoothest and velvety and flavorful. Been trying from the beginning at like 10 different stores to get Buffalo Trace and w/o a trace... I finally found one, the last one. I had to join the store club to get a discount $39 - $5 = $34. New Jersey I hear is a high priced area. Well, I wasn't that thrilled after all that trying. The bite felt like Wild Turkey 101 but not as much flavor as 1792 or Woodfords. I'll have to let all this settle in and see how I feel over time. My little 200ml bottle of Woodfords was almost gone and I was going to get a full sized bottle. Then I thought of the Double Oaked you discussed on the show. So I got that hoping for the same but more enhanced as the base Woodfords. To my surprise I got more flavor out of the plain Woodfords then the double oak? Go figure. I assume its my inexperience overall showing. My temptation is to get a bottle of plain Woodfords, but since I paid the $54 for the double oaked, I better tune my palette and enjoy drinking all these bottles I already bought. I mean at my rate of sipping, I may very well be good for a few years.....Learning a lot for a month. Thanks for the shows SLB! PS. I like how Trent straightens out and spaces the bottles all the time. Oh, PS2. The eagle rare I've seen is always over $60.
Widow Jane is an incredible bottle, love that pick
In Virginia it is easier to get a bottle of Buffalo Trace than the early times. I would do wild turkey 101
I see Buffalo everywhere all the time.
Thanks 🥃
One replacement I've found as a similar taste profile substitute for Eagle Rare is Smoke Wagon base bottle
You read my mind... I recently moved from Montana to Minnesota and I can't find BT. I replaced its spot on my bar with Elijah Craig, which is fine, but I miss it.
Jack Daniels’s absolutely has a banana note in my opinion. You’re not the only ones out there who picks up on it.
Buffalo Trace bourbons are very hard to find where I live so this video is absolutely awesome 👍🏼
They are very good!
Thanks - this has been very helpful. My bourbon-drinking friends will appreciate that I don't have crap bourbon to serve them '-)
A local liquor store owner said to look for a coupon they will have in local clipper magazine for Buffalo Trace at $39.99 in December. I think they have it for $60 right now. Not sure I am ready to even spend $40 for it. I scored WT Rare breed for $45 yesterday and that is a much better value
Here in Florida I can find buffalo trace for less than $30
Here in Illinois it’s 22-26.00
In Louisiana buffalo trace is all over for $22.99. Even saw it in a Walgreens a few days ago at that price.
Never pay $40 for BT. Good at $25 like I can get it in Texas, bad at $40
This was a video that needed to be done! I'm tired of BT's allocation games. Cooper's Craft 100 proof has replaced ER for me!
Evan Williams just landed on shelves in my province (Newfoundland), for the first time. I've had some B.Trace already and enjoyed it. Maybe Evan Williams this weekend.
I'd really like to know what that Tin Cup 10 would taste like at 92 - 94 proof. It's good at 84, but a few more proof would be nice.
I finally got my hands on my first bottle of Blanton's just a few weeks ago. Had to pay $105, but I wanted to try one and it is super rare to ever see one here. Ironically I just got a couple more at the distillery last week on our trip to Kentucky. The line at the distillery in the morning was crazy. It was raining, sleeting, and about 30degF yet there were still a few hundred people waiting in line for well over an hour, maybe even two hours or more. Inside the Gift Shop was also a sight. A bunch of crazy adults rushing to the shelves, grabbing bottles, and staring at little horsies trying to figure out which letter they wanted. It looked like a bunch of kids on Christmas rushing to the tree for presents. We also took the tour and in the Blanton's bottling house there was a fully loaded palette of the stuff. It almost brought a tear to everyones' eyes. 😄
Excellent topic and comparisons! Look forward to Wed & Fri… I’m a huge Buffalo Trace / Weller fan out here in Monterey, CA. We can get most all but largely at a huge mark-up. Can’t find Bowman’s here though? Keep these great shows come’n, cheers!
As soon as you pulled out that Early Times Bottled in Bond, it was straight to the comments. In California there's Buffalo Trace everywhere for $25 max all the time. But absolutely no Early Times. That darn Early Times Bottled in Bond is my #1 on the wish list, just for the value reputation it's gotten.
Hey bud; shoot me an email - slbdrinks@gmail.com Might be able to help you find an early times.
@@slbdrinks I just did.
@@slbdrinks how I explain Buffalo Trace to others just getting into Bourbon and Rye. I always tell them, Buffalo Trace is in many ways overrated, but at the same time their products are still so really good and worth it if you can get some nice bottles for MSRP. I just had some Pappy 15 at a bar a few weeks ago and I asked myself the question, why does it have to be legit. Lol. If I could get a bottle for $500 I would take it. But $1,500-$2,500 is just absolutely insane. Also I found a few interesting bottles on the market that are fairly new and quite interesting. I will take pictures of them soon and send you and email explaining them.
Very nice! My neighbor swears by Old Forester 1910 as an alternative for ER.
Hey, Hey, Hey,..... Be there for no hair! 😂 Always a good time!
I'm pretty new to the world of Bourbon and I guess I'm lucky that my local bottle shop has a store pick and they still have tons of Buffalo Trace bottles. Fifths and larger, starting at $27. I've seen a lot of hate for it online for whatever reason, but I've found it to be delicious...
Watching within 15 minutes of posting! I haven't even gotten the push notification. Again, loving being part of your Patreon. Thanks for being an awesome team!
Appreciate all you do!
Great picks for alternatives. I especially think the Evan Williams Single Barrel is a sleeper! One that I like as a replacement for Blantons is Cooper’s Craft Barrel Reserve 100 proof. A tad warmer but similar flavor string.
Evan Williams Single Barrel is right up there
I can find John J. Bowman in my area for a really good price, so I’ll give that one a try. Thanks for the tip! I loved Blanton’s when I had it at a whiskey bar, but any time I see a bottle around here in Austin TX, they go for several hundred dollars. 🙄
Not sure how it compares to Buffalo Trace or the JD Single Barrel Select, but the Jack Daniels Bottled in Bond 100P is also really good and affordable imo.
Great video Early Times and Tin Cup are the only subs I don't have. Thankfully I do have all of the BT's you were comparing them to. Can't wait for Wednesday and Friday 's videos.
Great video/recommendations. Nice haircut, big guy 😉
Ahhh thanks!
Great episode BTW! 👍
Buffalo Trace products are so scarce here, I don't even ask for them anymore. I also think Early Times BIB is better that the regular Buffalo Trace. I routinely have Russell's Reserve 10nyear on hand and enjoy it as well. I didn't like the regular Tin Cup whiskey, but didn't know they made a 10 year old version. I'll be looking for one of those. I fully agree with the John J Bowman alternative and enjoy their entire bourbon lineup. I like Elmer T Lee, but have never been a Michters fan, but I may give the sour mash a try. Thanks for the options and another great review.
Love the Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage - Wished I could find the John J. Bowman
Would love to see this exact 'alternatives to...' for BTAC! Good job boys
Oh boy lol! That would be very tough!
You guys rock!
Great video
I recently bought a bottle of the Tin Cup 10 year after trying the standard bottle, and it is FANTASTIC. Also similar and wonderful are Blade and Bow, and Horse Soldier Small Batch (gold label).
TC 10 was one of my favorite releases this year!
Just found some EW SiB chilling on the bottom shelf for 24.99! Its so good. Been picking it up whenever I see it. Up to 4 backups so far! Had a sample of Elmer T. Lee and absolutely loved it! Probably will never get my own bottle but there are so many good bourbons out there sitting on the shelfs.
Yes!
I find my buffalo trace at my local Walmart or bevmo. Very good stuff and eagle rare .👍🏼
In Tennessee all BT products are released once a month usually the end of month.
Not been able to buy it in a few years; I remember when it was easy to find. A friend lives near the distillery and goes a couple times a year, but the one state out of about my last four states I have lived in that did carry it, almost all stores jack up prices to 3x normal price or save it for friends.
I found two stores within a few miles of each other. One had WJ10 for $100, the other for $67 with a 10% discount. Glad I shopped around.
I like Woodford Reserve Double Oak as a substitute to Blanton’s. I have both and find myself reaching for the Double Oak more and more
I got Eagle Rare by chance in PA , for 30.99 plus tax . Right place right time . Thanks for the video .
Living in Colorado, Buffalo Trace is IMPOSSIBLE to find.
Visited Indianapolis one weekend, and it was EVERYWHERE. I couldn't believe it!
I agree on all choices. My only swap (because of my preferences) would be 4 Roses SiB over the JD SiB. But, I love me some JDSBBP.
And the Benchmark line is amazing and extremely cost effective
Interesting choices my friends.
You definitely have some fine looking bottles they’re all of them are great