I.W. Harper 15 Year Bourbon Review! Has this become a good value?
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
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Hey Jason thanks for the review. I’ve been waiting on someone to review this one. It’s a really nice looking bottle. I think it’s up there with the Old Fitzgerald Decanter design. I know what’s inside that really matters. I was able to pick one up in NC for $80 and know I’m glad I did. Cheers!
Great review! I’m spot on with you in analyzing IW Harper 15yr. I can get it for $75-$79 here in South Carolina. I love the sweet oak on the palate, but can get a little boring. I share this bottle with folks who are getting into bourbon, this is my way of introducing them to a allocated higher aged stated bourbon another that a Buffalo Trace’s products. IW Harper 15yr get them hooked every time!!! This is a buy for me & stock an extra bottle to share with friends.
I bought IWH about 6 months ago and for a 86 proof it packs a lot of flavor, nice oak honey and raisins and I can still get down with the sub 90 proof I tend to space out my high proof intake for that reason lol, love your channel
One of my favorite summer bourbons when I don't want as much proof. Your review nailed it this won't blow you away but for what it is it does a good job especially if you like oak.
Totally agree. This bottle is great for people who have tons of high proofers on their shelves and want some variety.
Alternative and DOUBLE BASS....Dickel 15yr-17yr . Still my best old age for the money at 62 bucks around here.
Dickel, ugh. Not my jam. My brother got the 15 or 17yr single barrel for $60-65. I just can get into it. That mineral/flinstones vitamin flavor doesnt do it for me. Though, it does do well in blends like a lot of barrell craft products
FWIW, here’s my IW Harper story. Growing up, my Dad loved Merle Haggard. He had a concert album where he introduced a song saying “We wrote this little thing on the ride up here. Me and Jim Beam and IW Harper”. You can hear the crowd laugh, so I knew it was a joke but never got it til *years* later when I learned what IW Harper was. We see it fairly often here in Oregon, but 86 proof just won’t float my boat.
Glad you reviewed it, and tried not to hype it up as the next big thing… ive seen this on shelves fairly frequently here in SF area. There was a bit a few years ago when it was supply limited, but its back to sitting on shelves now. I just opened a new bottle yesterday, will have to see if the flavor develops with some air, as it seemed less sweet and less leather/ tobacco flavors came through than I remember from a few years back. Overall, i like being able to find a bottle of this every so often…good easy sipper, though i drink it mostly blended with other bourbons (, e.g. as a base to stretch my last bottles of Barterhouse 20)
Picked up a bottle of this last year. Very similar take. Initial sips were interesting, but lost its luster pretty quickly. Haven't gone back to it in a while. I think I'll have a pour tonight. Good review!
Just got my hands on a bottle today. $110 . Very decent pour. It could definitely benefit from being a little higher proof. But for a 15 year cant go wrong.
A good solid review as always. I.W. Harper was not on my radar. I generally drink 90 to 100 proof bourbons in the 4 to 8 year age range. Lots of choices and some really good prices. I will generally pick proof over age.
I got one in 2017 from the distillery store. At the time it was $90 and it was the most expensive whiskey I ever purchased. I really enjoyed it then and still do today. In fact, I haven’t finished the bottle that I got in 2017. I keep it as a special occasion pour. I have sent accumulate many bourbons that are better and more special occasion, but I keep this one around, maybe because of the memories that were made all the bourbon Trail.
Will definitely be on the lookout for this here in Michigan. Thanks, Jason
Reminds me of my Grandfather's bar decanter with the Blantons and 30s Jim Beam porcelain Decanter. All on the same shelf.
The 15 year age statement at $100 price can’t be beat. For those that like a “smooth” sipping bourbon at that age. $100 is a good deal. And it’s fairly available.
I haven't tried it but it's $75 in my state, I'm kinda still on the fence because the low proof.
I thought your review was spot on to what I was tasting. I’m a big rock guy so higher proof would have be better but really like how approachable it is. Would be happy to pour this for friends.
Think you nailed it!
Great age - low proof, fair value. Can't argue with your evaluation.
Good job, JC
I have so much barrel proof and high proof stuff right now that Ive recently been leaning lower proof but more around the 100p mark. Im really a neat sipper over the course of a few hours so I appreciate a decent level of depth and complexity. Id definitely try this at a bar but fear it may be somewhat forgettable for a bottle purchase. Im also supposed to be on a long buying freeze right now lol. But yes, youre not wrong about current value. 2c
“Buying freeze”? Whats that? 🫡 wifey, whatever u say! (nope!) chuckles!
Nice review Jason. I've seen it around here for like $85 and passed based on proof. I think I'll pick one up and give it a shot. Thanks man. Cheers 🥃
Now this is one I have been looking for for a loooooong time. I've had the "base model" before, and it's a "Top Shelf" for me. I have finally located a bottle of the 15 Year for well under $100.00. So I am thinking of grabbing it soon.
In Oregon MSRP is $75.00 fairly easy to find....Another great show....keep up the GREAT work!👍👍
Love the content but please refinish the table, as a woodworker I can’t deal with the peeling stain!
These have been available on the regular over the past 3 yrs in GA. Watching your video makes me want to go and side by side this and the TC14.
I’ve had this once. Tasted like bitter charcoal. Was also super thin. Maybe I’ll have to give it another chance. I despise Diageo, especially what he’s done to scotch, but maybe I’ll give this another go.
Picked a bottle up for 73 bones. I enjoy it. its really good as a first sip of the day before moving on to somehing else. Also really good on the rocks on a very hot day Great review.
One of the first bourbon's I got into. It's a bit under-proofed for me now but it's a great gift for a beginning bourbon drinker
Definitely love your knowledge..Thanks
I have a bottle and like it. In IL I've seen it several times this year sitting at Binny's
Nice review as always! I had a bottle of this 4 years ago or so and did not care for it at all. It had a serious wet wood gummy thing going on that did NOT jive with my palate.
Interesting video. I think your review speaks more to the exponential rise of bourbon prices, coupled with the dip in the quality of most bottles. I don’t see an avid bourbon drinker buying this for $100 and thinking that the money was well spent.
It did sit on shelves in NC for $75 a few years ago, but now it's listed as $95. I don't regret passing it up. For that price range there are tons of barrel proofs I'd buy instead.
Yup!
And for not too much more, I can pick up a Calumet 15...
It’s crazy now that I had a few bourbons I see my self going to for the 100 proofs on up… but there’s some good 90 proofs. But I rather go with 100 on up. 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
I tried this just a couple weekends ago. I liked the easy sipping, but I wish it was a little more potent. 86 is just to low. Like you I thought the first couple sips were the best. Bottle is gorgeous. I'll give it that.
Those old crystal bottles look incredible! Gives Old Fitz a run for its money.
I may just grab a bottle next time I'm out there. I enjoy a low proof sipper & i've been seeing this a lot at my local spot. Thanks
Jason I have a bottle that I bought probably around 2019 and I totally enjoyed sipping it with you tonight. I actually enjoyed it more because it does have a distinct taste for its proof. I also agree with you on the value I mean a 15 year old Bourbon!! but I do also agree about it being lower proof not normally my wheelhouse. Cheers 🥃🤘🏼
One of the first +$100 bottles I had purchased on a visit to the Lou. Never disappointed
Thought it was very good all the way to the end. On the shelf in North Carolina. Like 89. In North Carolina
I always have on on hand. It’s $80 here. 15yr. It’s my favorite everyday sipper.
Picked up 2 bottles at $60.00 each about 2 years ago. Admittedly bought them for the beautiful bottle. Pleasant sipper though a little tame.
Love the review, this has been on my wishlist. After watching this, I'm not sure if it's still on my wishlist or not honestly! lol.
Yeah it's a weird bourbon. When I go back to it I don't think it's that great...then I'll try it again and I can see why some like it so much. Lol.
Oh, EC 18. I bought a bottle back in 2008. The price tag was $45. Clearly, it is not 2008 anymore.
Great Comments
Wish it was proofed a little higher but have to say that the 15 yr and Cabernet cask are both solid
I really like the Calumet 15. Would this compare well?
They are both at 100 ABV, but Knob Creek 12 & 15 neatly bracket this bottle in price (at lease in my market) at $65 & $129. This is a nice bottle to try, but the expression I would like to really see come back is the I.W. Harper 12. The re-imports are way overpriced, but in the Japanese market, this is a US$45-50 bottle.
I got a bottle of KC 15 batch 2 for 107. Week or so ago one of my shelves went down and lost 4 bottles, and got soaked in bourbon cause i was on the couch under it. The KC 15 was one that broke. As well as an eagle rare store pick that i had just opened, as well as a woodford double oak just opened, and a couple others, nothing special except the KC and ER. Replaced the ER immediately, luckily. I know i couple places i can replace the KC 15 for 105-110.
I agree that this is a good value in today’s market. A small store in Sugar land Texas had this marked up to $170 people around me have also picked up on the value. As soon as these drop at retail of $82 they will be scooped up stupid fast.
Every mom and pop in SL is overpriced, goes with the demographics
Is it a great palate? - period. Age, finishing, packaging -irrelevant unless it works. Blinding and comparing my own purchases has really opened my eyes. That said "value" is dependent on each individual (did it provide an experience worthy of the dollars? - you chose). I would never pay for an age statement that didn't have a meaningfully positive impact relevant to that age. Way too many reliable high quality mass produced products below 80 dollars that get discounted for being "common". At that price it would have to be unique/special (for me), meaning clearly unique. Appreciate your reviews.
I feel like this is an amazing Bourbon for someone who’s not a big bourbon or whiskey person. Like if I had a friend I wanted to get into bourbon and I needed to get them a gift for some special life event, this would be oerfecr
Sells for $74.95 in Oregon but, using the OR Spirits Finder I only found one store that has it.
Great review! What would you pick between this and the tin cup fourteener?
Or even the 10 year tincup?
Nice shirt!
Cedar Ridge barrel proof @ $50 is a bargain
This is a pretty good value in todays market - and it’s a whiskey I often gift to people who are new to bourbon because of the solid flavor, the age statement and the packaging. But for me personally me, it’s not interesting enough. I’d love to see a cask strength version of this.
While not 15yr, but how would this compare to Evan Williams SiB Vintage or TinCup 10yr (haven’t seen the 14yr)?
Hey Jason, give a listen to Guy Clark's song "Black Diamond Strings" for a 1 W. Harper reference. My late FIL used to drink IW Harper in the 80's, it was nothing special, pretty cheap also. Enjoy the channel!
I like it. Yeah, it's low proof, but it's really drinkable and delicious.
It’s always been a good value as u like to say. Hell, if enough ppl review and say they should raise pricing soon. Fingers crossed 🙄
Have you tried any of the Heavens Door series? I hound Heavens Door, straight bourbon whisky, last year @ Sams Club for like $ 37.00, 92 proof, I loved it!!
I recently found Heavens Door straight bourbon cask strength, single barrel select @118.2 proof . Omg possibly the best bourbon I've ever had!! at least one of the best, LOL.!! Rick
Reply
Been a staple on my shelf for 5 years.
I was paying less than $100 and have a few on my shelf. What this does that is fantastic is show people who are new to bourbon what age tastes like. I can’t name anything else that is old and attainable.
I tried this side by side with EC18 and yeah, the EC18 is better. But I can find this any day of the week and it is obtainable. It’s a bit of a one trick pony, but also a gem in today’s market.
Yeah I agree
St Louis 2023 $80. I'll buy everytime I see...
Jason I bought this bottle in va and returned it after watching your review from the past and now I am thinking I should have tried it. But it’s ok -
Its ok. I thinks better than I used to think it was.
As always it would be much nicer at a higher proof point but I’d get one just to try a 15 year that doesn’t break the bank.
I’ve been interested in this bottle but with the low proof, I’ve stayed away. Not gonna hunt this down. When I want low proof Evan Williams SiB is where I go. Cheers
I bought this back when it came out. smelled like a pappy type experience, yeah a bit different. Taste? Not really anything to speak of. Sounds like it's changed a bit for the better and worse. Honestly the comps are the orphan barrels that came out around when this did from Diagio.
I agree the market shift over the past 8 years has worked in its favor.
I see you flexing that Virtue Essence...
I don’t mind this bottle. It’s a great bourbon to let someone new to bourbon try a nice aged bourbon. And it is the best 1970’s looking bottle on the shelf.
I had a bottle of this about a year and a half ago and it was way over soaked for me too the point that 2/3rds of the bottle went down the drain! I'm leery about trying it again at that price..
If you didnt like it a year and a half ago, i highly doubt you would like it now. Im sure you enjoy more higher proof stuff if you been into bourbon/whiskey that long-longer. I been into bourbon less than a year. I was into scotch a few years back, but stopped drinkin for awhile. Other than beers. My bro got into bourbon, and i just couldnt get into it, until i tried basil haydens. Fell in love. Bought a bottle, after less than half of it, it already started tasting like water as i started getting into higher proof stuff. Started gettin BiB bottles and some cask strength stuff, and kept sayin this will be my last cask strength bottle, then would buy another and say it again. i very rarely bought/buy anything that isnt cask strength now. Except maybe eagle rare (store picks only), and once ina while ill come across something 90-115 prf that sounds good so ill give it a shot. Around 110-115 is my sweet spot, but i have plenty of higher strength and not much lower. In the collecting (amd drinking of course) bourbon/whiskey for less than a yr, since feb, i have close to 100 bottles. Damn this hobby is expensive haha. Especially when most of my collection is $80-115. With maybe 1/8 $60 or less, and only a few under $50, and more than half maybe 3/4 $100+
George dickel 13yr bottle and bond $49 if you don’t mind that mineral tast.
Orphan Barrel Fable & Folly was 14 yr for 175+. Harper 15 has sort of always been a value at $10/year aged.
Ill just get a calumet or ecbp instead
Old Forester 1915? Where to get that?
It's a custom blend with a custom label. It's not a regular release.
I'll stick with my Knob Creek 12.
Knobb Creek 12 ? Cheers...
I think I'd be a buyer at $80
double bass TC 10/14 vs IW Harper 15
That Virtue tho
These sit on the shelf all day in NC…for good reason. Def not my profile.
Yeah you gotta love oak and low proof.
I think it would move big numbers if it was priced at $69
I think I'd rather get two bottles of Eagle Rare for $39 each instead of taking a chance.
Most people I know hate this...
Hmm
I have tried that whiskey, and was not impressed. I guess its only a bargain, if it tastes good.
True. Again...you have to like oak and low proof. Which alot of whiskey enthusiasts dont. lol
Tincup 14 head to head.
Eagle Rare 10 is 1000% better at a fraction of the price.
You cant find Eagle Rare though.
@@TheMashandDrumI’ve seen a lot of Eagle Rare in TN. Even several 1.75’s
I live in rural Georgia. Middle of nowhere. I can get Eagle Rare whenever I want. It will cost me 60 dollars though. I am on my second bottle. Probably won't be a third. I think there are better bourbons at that price.
Dickel 15 year is better, and cheaper. $60, 96 Proof.
The bottle always reminds me of an old cheap men’s cologne.
Geez.
I’ve seen it in KY. Let it sit. The proof is low, even for my standards.
86 proof you say? Then pitch it to women. I simply can't drink colored water. And certainly not for ah Benjamin. The fancy decanter come on? You keep it. I do remember the Playboy & Esquire ads for this bottle. Ubiquitous back in tha day. Elegant advertising, but doubt seriously tha juice lives up to tha hype.
Do you just put those bottles behind you to mess with people lol? Where is the 1915 review!? And the BJ bottle?
I dont think 1915 is real. Is it? Seems like something made up/a printed label for a blend of 1910 and 1920. A local store to me just got a OF store pick and the advertising pic was one bottle with the typical label of OF store pick and one w a similar label that said 1920 cask strength. Im like wait...isnt 1920 already cask strength? I still flew right down to the store, they said oh, ya its a store pick we named, and we cant actually sell bottles with stickers over the original label, so we are just picking half the sticker in each side, but i didnt even have a chance to sticker them yet. You want me to sticker your's? I said yes. Didnt even think of it until i was in the car, i should have just said no just give me the stickers, and i could have put them over the original label myself. Still had the warehouse and rick position like normal store picks, just said 1920 cask strength in the middle of the label. Was cool looking in the pics, kinda stupid looking split in half n each on the sides of the bottle vertically
Sadly, it’s the Basil Hayden of aged bourbon. The bottle is cooler than the unique label of BH
Bought this a couple of years ago. Absolute dreck!
Ehhh still not worth $100..it's good but should be at $60 bucks