Dear Ralfy, i truely enjoy your reviews and find lots of inspiration not only from your whiskey knowledge but also from your look on life and advises you give now and than...the last one you gave that i will never forget was in your review about your whisky collection 2014. respect and love from holland. (and please, forgive my incorrect typing..it's horrible i know haha! Maarten
Ralfy -- you may be the smartest man on the Internet! I've been happily waylaid from work so many times by your wonderful reviews. Please keep it up! Greetings from Atlanta, GA
Love that Bonneville sign. My family races at Bonneville every year. I live very close and love Bonneville with all my heart. Sorry the weather was Shite when you came up.
I'm from Arizona and I felt just as you described visiting my sister at the University of Glascow!!! The green and the rain was so amazing, I never wanted to leave, that's so funny hearing you describing cacti as I've seen that nearly every day of my life :) Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Hi Ralfy, I'm a resident of the US, a bourbon fan, and have watched roughly 200 of your videos over the years. Jack and Jim do rule the store shelves and sales figures here, but bourbon drinkers who watch your videos likely seek out everything other than Jack and Jim. There is a one problem, however... Bourbon is in the middle of growing pains. Demand is increasing. Prices are remaining constant (yes, they are NOT changing). And thus, the bourbons that are most desired are rapidly becoming ghosts, if they haven't already vanished completely. You have four tiers in bourbon: 1) Jack and Jim -- they're everywhere today. They will be everywhere tomorrow. Nothing to see here. 2) Your Bulleit and Evan Williams types -- they're most places, priced reasonably, and people who want them can find them. 3) Your Weller 12's, Elmer T. Lees, and Sazeracs (basically, the prime $30 Buffalo Trace products) -- they're rare to absent in most stores. This wasn't the case a year ago. 4) Your BTAC (Sazerac 18, George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, etc), Van Winkle lineup, and other fall releases -- One can spend 100 hours tracking down all of these and end up with none of them. Though, if one is found, it's entirely possible it will cost $40-80, which is amazing. I believe I remember watching Sazerac 18 and Pappy Van Winkle 20 reviews. $80 and $90 respectively, if found (which, they won't be). $500 and $1200 respectively through peer-to-peer resellers. Anyway... Has scotch seen a similar problem at some point in the past? What other growing pains has scotch dealt with, and how did it overcome them?
asdffdsa28 Scotch is helped by far better transparency laws as regards labelling, an example being that all single malts must by law be from one single distillery. I suspect the supply/demand thing is being heavily manipulated by Industry managers who manufacture consent and steer customers towards less product for more profit. It is up to the customer to say No and resume control . . . or accept being manipulated and 'played' which is a poor life-option.
20yo Pappy Van Winkle commands price in USD of 5 digits. About the same as 3-5 year old BMW ot MB. A case of Pappy 20 , if bought 10 years ago, and sold today, brings a profit of 6 digits. Its crazy, but thats the market of Bourbon (with capital letter) in US , Canada, and better parts of South America(Chile , Peru, and Argentina). People need to park their former cryptos somewhere. So there are three popular places. Rare Bourbon and rare Scottish malts Art peices Exotic luxury and sport cars. Real estate not so much
Been out there to wendover, on the salt flats in the middle of the night, full moon. Beautiful sight reflecting off the white salt. Good review my brother!
Hi Rally. Enjoying the American reviews. Just got back from a whisky festival and merican whiskies were surprising the stars of the show. Dry fly and michters were the favorites. I
I recently purchased three bottles of Bulleit 10 - and glad to see you got a chance to try it. In Tempe, AZ Bevmo it is currently going for $32.99, and considering it is as much as $50, quite a bargain. Bulleit 10 rates IMHO with Four Roses SB, Elmer T Lee and other top bourbons in this price range. I am also a big fan of the Evan WIlliams SB, and have the last four vintages. Great price to value ratio on the EWSB.... looking forward to your thoughts on it too Ralfy.
This was my first bourbon purchase, I must say I was kinda thrown off from my initial tasting due to the rye content of this bourbon. However after adding a teaspoon of water, I noticed it opened up. To me it had very noticeable orange zest & vanilla notes, almost like a dreamsicle pop. But the taste is sharp, the dry long warming finish on this bourbon was just the cherry on top of that sundae. Love your reviews by the way Ralfy!
Hey Ralfy, just stumbled across your channel and have been enjoying your reviews! Gotta say I'm impressed with your knowledge of US geography and history; you seem to know more than many Americans! Probably not saying much, though, haha. Greetings from the USA!
"You know we get some strange types in Las Vegas" quoting Ralfy as he fits right in :)... in that I am certain as sunshine! Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself out west Ralfy. Maybe on your next US sojourn you can make it to the New England area down into NY & PA!! Yep the planet is really such a small place afterall (and getting smaller all the time) good to see you well rested and back in the saddle. cheers
This American loves your videos. I watched this one while drinking a double of the whisky in question. Your review is eloquent and accurate. But I draw the line at adding water.
Can you do a comparison of Bulleit 10yr and Bulleit Orange Label? It would be very interesting see what you think about the younger as compared to the older. Thanks Ralfy. I am enjoying your reviews very much. They are a pleasure to watch.
I felt like I could get Evan Williams in the UK, even the Single Barrel. Hmmmm, I'll have a look again. Being American in the UK, my trips back are always booze runs. HA! I implore you to try Bookers Bourbon from Jim Beam. One of the best, all natural bourbons from the barrel. Lovely. I only have one bottle in my home that I brought back.
after finishing this bourbon i left the glass for 3 hours and it smelled totally different ...just like when you walk into a flower store, just....floral and spicy....incredible, i've never smelt something like this in a whisky before....insane i just don't know what i'm smelling yet....unfortunately
Ever tried the Henry McKenna 10 year old bottled in bond bourbon? Truly excellent. No scotch should try to imitate bourbon flavor. This champion is available for under $30 and is very complex, but balanced and subtle from the age. Apparently the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond bourbon on market.
I was able to spend some time in the States this summer (I'm an American expat) and I noticed something I think is very promising. Everywhere I went, which included New York (both upstate and NYC) as well as Colorado and Texas, in the better liquor stores was a nice array of regional independent whiskies of all stripes. There were Bourbons I'd never heard of, lots of ryes, some heavy wheat whiskey - hell there were even multiple clear corn (white lightening type) whiskies. So Jack and Jim may still be the big boys, but Makers Mark and Bulleit are comers and also maybe helping to clear the way for the many regional stills popping up. A pleasant surprise. Try Balcones Distillery in Texas, Peach Street in Colorado, and Kings County in NY.
I used to drink Irish, Canadian and kentucky.but after a friend offered me some Lagavulen I can't stomach them anymore! I didn't drink scotch for 30yrs because I thought all scotch was as discusting as johnnie Walker!
Jack and Jimmy are 90% of the stock here in the US, only because 90% of the drinkers are dead set on mixing it with cola and getting drunk. No one here thinks these are good tasting options, but alas, our drinking culture has a long way to go when it comes to whisk(e)y and bourbon.
Ralfy you're absolutely correct. Jack and Jim do take up the majority of shelf space in liquor stores here (Im in Virginia). Its the same everywhere I go in the states. And, also, like you mention, they are actually (in my opinion) a lesser quality than a lot of the other bourbon's out there.
This is a 90. Bourbon Mark. It reminds me of Bruichladdich Rocks. Maybe even the same barrels. Amazing citrus zing followed by a rich full arrival and a long hot rye finish. Amazing stuff for the price. Its bottled at 45% as standard. Not the 10 year old. All of it. Not special, just what we think it should be. The amount of profit they 'don't capitalize' by giving you 45% for bog standard money is insane. This is a Diageo company remember. I've had few better at the price point. Eagle Rare is almost 35% more expensive. Single Barrel Evan Williams probably more still. ;)
just got some today and i do smell the light floral notes and spices. lemon and vanilla i do taste. one one the drier bourbons ive tried. i like the smokey islay whiskeys the best.
nice to see a scot appreciate bourbon as its adrink thats hard to get into in scotland as we are so spoilt with our own whiskey and tracking down good examples of the american bourbon is difficult due to exporting a problem no doubt shared with our american cousins when they need to track down good scotch. its nice to see better examples coming our way at last. i hate it when people compare scotch to bourbon its all about choosing one you can enjoy i think other whiskey drinkers will be pleasantly surprised if they try a drink like this one. broaden your horizons the assumption of superority isnt always correct
I've looked at the prices our British cousins pay for American whiskey and realized that some websites sell them for more than double what we pay here.I love U.K. whisky I've often wondered if it would be worth the plane fare to ship a crate back.
And yeah, great liquor stores in & around Vegas. For best prices, check the liquor & wine aisle in the grocery stores. Shockingly low prices compared to what we have here, in Pennsylvania.
Hello ralfy. Did you also try american rye whiskey in the states? One of the most interesting (though quite pricy) american whiskeys i had was Sazerac 18 Year Old Straight Rye I found in a bar in Vienna. Worth a sip though, I want to also try the Bulleit rye but it is even harder to source in Romania then in the UK.
I just purchased a bottle of the standard version to try. I always thought the bottle looked like a cool bottle from the old west in the 1800s. Thought I'd see if it taste as good as the bottle looks. Yes definitely there is Jack Daniels and Jim Beam everywhere across America, now even their brands are on BBQ sauces . I like trying new spirits as long as it's at a reasonable price.
My province here in Canada just started to import this brand's bourbon. There's no stock here yet but I'm certainly looking foreword to trying this as soon as it arrives. I really want to try their rye as well...
Thank you for reviewing this Whiskey! I have my nose in their Rye right now ... bit mustard heavy on the nose. Though, I do enjoy that I can actually taste Rye in it, unlike most anything (beer or whiskey) that claims it on the label.
Hi Ralfy (or others), I want to know your opinion on oxygen in the bottle. I've seen videos where you give tips for minimizing the oxygen exposure such as decanting into smaller bottles. However, I've seen other videos where you talk about how a whisky evolves (sometimes for the better) as the bottle empties. I've been pretty adamant about using Wine (and spirit) "Preserver" spray each time I open and close the bottle, but now I'm wondering if I've been depriving myself of the spirit's evolution. Do you bother with all that or do you just let the air do its thing? Many thanks!
Hey Ralfly, I received another malty gift - BenRiach 15 yr Dark Rum Wood Finish. I've already got my malt mark down and I was wondering if you had given this a taste yet. Cheers!
hi ralfy. with tge up coming yes or no votibg what do you think would halpen to the scottish whisky narket if scotland would become independant. would price increase etc? thabks and loving these videos!
hi ralfy! is there a big difference between the 10yo and the regular version? I find the regular a little sweet though I think that the spirit itself is good quality.
Hi Ralfy! Great review as always. You know that Anthony Hopkins movie "The World's Fastest Indian", that's taking place in Bonneville? Sure you do. Highly enjoyable movie isn't it? Best wishes from Germany, Thomas
Bourbon connoseurs know where to go to find good bourbon, let everyone else keep going to the run of the mill places for Jim and Jack, more for us and keeps prices down.
Ralfy looking forward to the next review already seeing you without the tell tale signs of Ralfy on it should be interesting! Even more interesting because it will be stateside! I say "Git 'er done!"
My first impression with Bulleit was that of a big mistake, but later on, after a few days of tasting, with that dry flavor and aromas, got the same conclussion: is better than Jim Beam and Jack Daniels. Many companies buy old tradition brands and start to produce tons of cheaper and younger destilates all over the world, the same happened here in Mexico with Cuervo Tequila, Don Julio, and Sauza.
I hope you were able to visit Joshua Tree National Park. Concerning "global extremism," some fear that climate change will eliminate all Joshua Trees from the region.
hey Ralfy, love your reviews! I was wondering what you know about commonwealth of Kentucky bourbon, J.P. Van Winkle & Sons. I just got a bottle marked 7 year old from 1982. I opened it up the other night. Seal was still good. I just started trying bourbons and whiskies. This one is way too advanced for me. All I know is that its great. My question is how long do you suppose it’ll last? I mean its made its made it 39 years.
Hey Ralfy. gud1. Wow huh? th am't of info th Burbn Budyz provyd n ths revu is extensiv n rathr myn-bogln! Yep u got a b armd w/sum real solid info n ordr2 impart the corect fax. But nevr fear th BB alwyz set us strate. I lernd so much frm ths 481a forum. BIG thnx guyz. L8r
I doubt that I am the first to mention this, but here it is anyway... Speaking of Utah ralfy, you should try and maybe review High West Campfire blend.
My shop here in St. Louis has a bourbon section that would send your head spinning, ***** . I consider myself spoiled for choice and try to steer friends and like minded spirit lovers to it whenever I get the chance.
Hi Ralfy, A little while ago I saw you with a 'whisky glass lanyard'. I can't find which review that was now, but wondered if you could point me in the right direction to acquire one of these? Thanks muchly.
***** I understand your attitude towards JD and JB, but does the fact that WR is produced by the same people that make JD make it a bad bourbon. How does it stand up compared to the bulleit? I'm not asking you for a review, merely whether you suggest I keep my hands off WR (cause it ain't even that cheap) and go buy a Bulleit instead. Thank you in advance!!!
***** While Woodford Reserve is also a Brown-Forman brand, it's actually a blend of Old Forester from the Early Times distillery and the bourbon made in pot stills at the Woodford Reserve distillery. The mash bill used in both of those whiskeys are different from Jack Daniel's, a bit more heavy in the rye. While I'm not wild about Woodford Reserve myself, I think dismissing it as Jack Daniel's is inaccurate.
***** Actually you are very wrong with that assertion. WR would be closer to Old Forester since they share a mashbill and they are actually mingled together (barrels from WR and OF honey barrels) for the final WR product. I don't have a particular link for you but it is something that is understood from reading blogs and speaking with folks that work at Brown-Foreman. Where did you get this idea that WR is essentially JD bourbon? EDIT: Whoops just noticed the post above me.
Yeah, that salt was left there by an inland Ocean, so the planet is actually still warming from the last ice age. Just getting back to normal in the grand scheme of things. And I’ve got a bottle of the regular Bulleit sitting on my shelf, can’t wait to try it, I’m a Makers drinker or Rum.
John Donovan . . . and yet both bottle label and website State "Distilled by Bulleit Distilling Co" even I got taken in with this one ! (www.kentucky.com/2014/08/21/3389704/ky-bourbon-industry-gets-boon.html)
Bulleit "sorta" states the distillery by naming the location it's distilled (legally they have to state this). Four Roses is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
I realize this is an old review. Besides the fact that Jim Beam, and Jack Daniels represent the largest distilleries in the U.S. you have the star effect. Las Vegas is still Frank Sinatra's town despite him being dead low these many years, and Jack Daniels was his brand, and primary drink. Jim Beam is also endorsed by a number of celebrities and it's cheap thus the popularity.
Happy to see you mention Death Valley & etc area outside of Vegas. It is truly, gods country, there. I have had bona fide spiritual experiences in the desert in that area
I very seriously doubt that there are any Jack or Jim drinkers in the U.S. who don't mix it with soda pop or just do quick shots. There is a severe lack of sophistication among the average bourbon purchasers in the United States, and that is reflected in what you saw in the liquor stores in Las Vegas. Most liquor drinkers in this country drink to get buzzed, and don't care much for the finer points of whatever spirit they are consuming. Sad, I know, but that's just the way it is. It's a little different where I live in Louisville, where bourbon is a big part of the culture and is appreciated as an experience much more than other parts of the country.
www.gq.com/images/life/2013/11/bourbon-tree/bourbon-family-tree-large.jpg There's this handy chart which I use that tells you who makes what, and who owns what, and who makes what for whom. Hope you find it useful.
Each branch of the tree is a different mash bill, the further along the branch the older the whiskey. Branches that go into other companies area mean, made by x for whom, as you can see the bulliet is from four roses but is made for diageo. Sorry i hope this makes it clearer.
Ah yes, the tactful Cacti. Any informed bourbon buddies know if Elmer T Lee is unquestionably finished?? Did ol Elmer have an "understudy" maybe a Cask Companion or such? Will it be what I've heard out there, a seasonal thing? Awh that was one special bourbon. sure hope someone can fill ETL's shoes on this one. Peace all
Hello Ralfy mate. Just poking around (while awaiting WR481-b) reading some of these many links that are listed within 481a reviews' commentary. After such exploration I'd have to say Ralfy, that you may be slightly amiss in jumping to the conclusions that American Whiskey need more regulation. The US Spirit "business" is chock a block full of stipulations regarding standards and practices...agreed however regulation can often be a good thing. Now we're entering the Transparency vs Regulation territory. Now if you want to slightly alter that statement in saying that US is less tight-assed and more in favor of an entrepreneural spirit developing better whisky thru the use of better casks and new ideas than that of which the SWA would never allow with their misguided use re. the concept of "tradition" then you might be a little closer to reality. I believe less regulation can facilitate better products and a transparency that distillers could be proud of. NAS is NOT transparent AT ALL, and better to fix ones own house before pointed out defects in your neighbors'. That's always a no brainer Ralfy. In closing I believe you don't give the maltmates & bourbonaires enough credit that we would hazard either Beam or Jack products in the first place. We wouldn't be watching your brilliant reviews if we were guzzlers now would we?? Peace
Almost forgot...don't forget the "in my opinion" caveat when assigning advice or critisism to American Spirits as you so aptly do when lodging complaints with the SWA and Diageos etc. In effect you may risk alienating the very folks that you are trying to advise. Ralfy speaks for Ralfy be it in Islay or Lynchburg!! Peace
Jack Daniels No7 is very sweet but I don't hate it. Gentlemen Jack is a much better whisky. Jim Beam white label has it's moments but it's not very complex but you get what you pay for at £15, knob creek is worth your time, as is Bakers, and Booker's which are also beam products.
People who watch your videos probably aren't the people who keep Jack Daniels and Jim Beam all over the shelves. As you often say, many spirits are popular due to their enormous marketing budgets and their ability to get one drunk, not necessarily because the discerning customer chooses it.
Dear Ralfy, i truely enjoy your reviews and find lots of inspiration not only from your whiskey knowledge but also from your look on life and advises you give now and than...the last one you gave that i will never forget was in your review about your whisky collection 2014.
respect and love from holland.
(and please, forgive my incorrect typing..it's horrible i know haha!
Maarten
Ralfy -- you may be the smartest man on the Internet! I've been happily waylaid from work so many times by your wonderful reviews. Please keep it up! Greetings from Atlanta, GA
Four Roses is my brand. Particularly, the single barrel. Fantastic.
Completely agree about jack and jim. People need to branch out!
Love that Bonneville sign. My family races at Bonneville every year. I live very close and love Bonneville with all my heart. Sorry the weather was Shite when you came up.
I'm from Arizona and I felt just as you described visiting my sister at the University of Glascow!!! The green and the rain was so amazing, I never wanted to leave, that's so funny hearing you describing cacti as I've seen that nearly every day of my life :) Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Hi Ralfy,
I'm a resident of the US, a bourbon fan, and have watched roughly 200 of your videos over the years.
Jack and Jim do rule the store shelves and sales figures here, but bourbon drinkers who watch your videos likely seek out everything other than Jack and Jim. There is a one problem, however...
Bourbon is in the middle of growing pains. Demand is increasing. Prices are remaining constant (yes, they are NOT changing). And thus, the bourbons that are most desired are rapidly becoming ghosts, if they haven't already vanished completely.
You have four tiers in bourbon:
1) Jack and Jim -- they're everywhere today. They will be everywhere tomorrow. Nothing to see here.
2) Your Bulleit and Evan Williams types -- they're most places, priced reasonably, and people who want them can find them.
3) Your Weller 12's, Elmer T. Lees, and Sazeracs (basically, the prime $30 Buffalo Trace products) -- they're rare to absent in most stores. This wasn't the case a year ago.
4) Your BTAC (Sazerac 18, George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, etc), Van Winkle lineup, and other fall releases -- One can spend 100 hours tracking down all of these and end up with none of them. Though, if one is found, it's entirely possible it will cost $40-80, which is amazing.
I believe I remember watching Sazerac 18 and Pappy Van Winkle 20 reviews. $80 and $90 respectively, if found (which, they won't be). $500 and $1200 respectively through peer-to-peer resellers.
Anyway...
Has scotch seen a similar problem at some point in the past? What other growing pains has scotch dealt with, and how did it overcome them?
asdffdsa28 Scotch is helped by far better transparency laws as regards labelling, an example being that all single malts must by law be from one single distillery. I suspect the supply/demand thing is being heavily manipulated by Industry managers who manufacture consent and steer customers towards less product for more profit. It is up to the customer to say No and resume control . . . or accept being manipulated and 'played' which is a poor life-option.
20yo Pappy Van Winkle commands price in USD of 5 digits. About the same as 3-5 year old BMW ot MB. A case of Pappy 20 , if bought 10 years ago, and sold today, brings a profit of 6 digits. Its crazy, but thats the market of Bourbon (with capital letter) in US , Canada, and better parts of South America(Chile , Peru, and Argentina). People need to park their former cryptos somewhere. So there are three popular places.
Rare Bourbon and rare Scottish malts
Art peices
Exotic luxury and sport cars.
Real estate not so much
Been out there to wendover, on the salt flats in the middle of the night, full moon. Beautiful sight reflecting off the white salt. Good review my brother!
Hi Rally. Enjoying the American reviews. Just got back from a whisky festival and merican whiskies were surprising the stars of the show. Dry fly and michters were the favorites. I
How you thought about making a small series of Ralfy recommended Rye Whiskeys, Ralfy?
Just got into them recently and I love them!
I recently purchased three bottles of Bulleit 10 - and glad to see you got a chance to try it. In Tempe, AZ Bevmo it is currently going for $32.99, and considering it is as much as $50, quite a bargain. Bulleit 10 rates IMHO with Four Roses SB, Elmer T Lee and other top bourbons in this price range. I am also a big fan of the Evan WIlliams SB, and have the last four vintages. Great price to value ratio on the EWSB.... looking forward to your thoughts on it too Ralfy.
This was my first bourbon purchase, I must say I was kinda thrown off from my initial tasting due to the rye content of this bourbon. However after adding a teaspoon of water, I noticed it opened up. To me it had very noticeable orange zest & vanilla notes, almost like a dreamsicle pop. But the taste is sharp, the dry long warming finish on this bourbon was just the cherry on top of that sundae. Love your reviews by the way Ralfy!
Hey Ralfy, just stumbled across your channel and have been enjoying your reviews! Gotta say I'm impressed with your knowledge of US geography and history; you seem to know more than many Americans! Probably not saying much, though, haha. Greetings from the USA!
It sounds like you had a great trip! :-) I loved visiting Death Valley with my grandma. :-) The Grand Canyon is awesome too!
Awesome trip made out of a crappy situation Ralphy. Can't wait to see the review from Nevada.
Welcome back ralfy! Great to hear you're back at 'full strength '. How did u get involved in the racing/record attempts?
"You know we get some strange types in Las Vegas" quoting Ralfy as he fits right in :)... in that I am certain as sunshine!
Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself out west Ralfy. Maybe on your next US sojourn you can make it to the New England area down into NY & PA!!
Yep the planet is really such a small place afterall (and getting smaller all the time)
good to see you well rested and back in the saddle.
cheers
This American loves your videos. I watched this one while drinking a double of the whisky in question. Your review is eloquent and accurate. But I draw the line at adding water.
Maybe for sipping you wouldn't add water, but he's trying to bring out all flavor notes possible
Can you do a comparison of Bulleit 10yr and Bulleit Orange Label? It would be very interesting see what you think about the younger as compared to the older. Thanks Ralfy. I am enjoying your reviews very much. They are a pleasure to watch.
Fucken hell, I was just looking around for reviews of this earlier! Good thing that my favourite reviewer has my back!
Wish I had know you were here. I live in Henderson and I would love to meet you. Glade you had a good time.
I felt like I could get Evan Williams in the UK, even the Single Barrel. Hmmmm, I'll have a look again. Being American in the UK, my trips back are always booze runs. HA! I implore you to try Bookers Bourbon from Jim Beam. One of the best, all natural bourbons from the barrel. Lovely. I only have one bottle in my home that I brought back.
after finishing this bourbon i left the glass for 3 hours and it smelled totally different ...just like when you walk into a flower store, just....floral and spicy....incredible, i've never smelt something like this in a whisky before....insane i just don't know what i'm smelling yet....unfortunately
Ever tried the Henry McKenna 10 year old bottled in bond bourbon? Truly excellent. No scotch should try to imitate bourbon flavor. This champion is available for under $30 and is very complex, but balanced and subtle from the age. Apparently the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond bourbon on market.
I was able to spend some time in the States this summer (I'm an American expat) and I noticed something I think is very promising. Everywhere I went, which included New York (both upstate and NYC) as well as Colorado and Texas, in the better liquor stores was a nice array of regional independent whiskies of all stripes. There were Bourbons I'd never heard of, lots of ryes, some heavy wheat whiskey - hell there were even multiple clear corn (white lightening type) whiskies. So Jack and Jim may still be the big boys, but Makers Mark and Bulleit are comers and also maybe helping to clear the way for the many regional stills popping up. A pleasant surprise. Try Balcones Distillery in Texas, Peach Street in Colorado, and Kings County in NY.
I used to drink Irish, Canadian and kentucky.but after a friend offered me some Lagavulen I can't stomach them anymore! I didn't drink scotch for 30yrs because I thought all scotch was as discusting as johnnie Walker!
Jack and Jimmy are 90% of the stock here in the US, only because 90% of the drinkers are dead set on mixing it with cola and getting drunk. No one here thinks these are good tasting options, but alas, our drinking culture has a long way to go when it comes to whisk(e)y and bourbon.
Jim and Jack have also bought out all the competition as I see it.
Ralfy you're absolutely correct. Jack and Jim do take up the majority of shelf space in liquor stores here (Im in Virginia). Its the same everywhere I go in the states. And, also, like you mention, they are actually (in my opinion) a lesser quality than a lot of the other bourbon's out there.
Drinking an old fashioned cocktail made with bulleit rye, good stuff.
And yes the California desert and variety of cactis are always fun to look at
This is a 90. Bourbon Mark. It reminds me of Bruichladdich Rocks. Maybe even the same barrels. Amazing citrus zing followed by a rich full arrival and a long hot rye finish. Amazing stuff for the price. Its bottled at 45% as standard. Not the 10 year old. All of it. Not special, just what we think it should be. The amount of profit they 'don't capitalize' by giving you 45% for bog standard money is insane. This is a Diageo company remember. I've had few better at the price point. Eagle Rare is almost 35% more expensive. Single Barrel Evan Williams probably more still. ;)
just got some today and i do smell the light floral notes and spices. lemon and vanilla i do taste. one one the drier bourbons ive tried. i like the smokey islay whiskeys the best.
nice to see a scot appreciate bourbon as its adrink thats hard to get into in scotland as we are so spoilt with our own whiskey and tracking down good examples of the american bourbon is difficult due to exporting a problem no doubt shared with our american cousins when they need to track down good scotch. its nice to see better examples coming our way at last. i hate it when people compare scotch to bourbon its all about choosing one you can enjoy i think other whiskey drinkers will be pleasantly surprised if they try a drink like this one. broaden your horizons the assumption of superority isnt always correct
I've looked at the prices our British cousins pay for American whiskey and realized that some websites sell them for more than double what we pay here.I love U.K. whisky I've often wondered if it would be worth the plane fare to ship a crate back.
And yeah, great liquor stores in & around Vegas. For best prices, check the liquor & wine aisle in the grocery stores. Shockingly low prices compared to what we have here, in Pennsylvania.
Yea!!! thanks for the Bourbon Review Ralfy!
Hello ralfy. Did you also try american rye whiskey in the states? One of the most interesting (though quite pricy) american whiskeys i had was Sazerac 18 Year Old Straight Rye I found in a bar in Vienna. Worth a sip though, I want to also try the Bulleit rye but it is even harder to source in Romania then in the UK.
I just purchased a bottle of the standard version to try. I always thought the bottle looked like a cool bottle from the old west in the 1800s. Thought I'd see if it taste as good as the bottle looks. Yes definitely there is Jack Daniels and Jim Beam everywhere across America, now even their brands are on BBQ sauces . I like trying new spirits as long as it's at a reasonable price.
This is better than all the Jim bean's you tried? I highly doubt that this would beat a booker's.
My province here in Canada just started to import this brand's bourbon. There's no stock here yet but I'm certainly looking foreword to trying this as soon as it arrives. I really want to try their rye as well...
Thank you for reviewing this Whiskey! I have my nose in their Rye right now ... bit mustard heavy on the nose. Though, I do enjoy that I can actually taste Rye in it, unlike most anything (beer or whiskey) that claims it on the label.
If you ever find your way to Vegas again. Try Total Wine. New on the south end of the strip.
Hi Ralfy (or others), I want to know your opinion on oxygen in the bottle. I've seen videos where you give tips for minimizing the oxygen exposure such as decanting into smaller bottles. However, I've seen other videos where you talk about how a whisky evolves (sometimes for the better) as the bottle empties. I've been pretty adamant about using Wine (and spirit) "Preserver" spray each time I open and close the bottle, but now I'm wondering if I've been depriving myself of the spirit's evolution. Do you bother with all that or do you just let the air do its thing? Many thanks!
Hey Ralfly, I received another malty gift - BenRiach 15 yr Dark Rum Wood Finish. I've already got my malt mark down and I was wondering if you had given this a taste yet. Cheers!
Are you going to review Elijah Craig 12yo barrel proof and Blanton's Gold Single Barrel. They are till now the best bourbons I tried.
Tasting in 2016. Certainly complex through the astringency. Limestone water from Kentucky is a treat to add :)
hi ralfy. with tge up coming yes or no votibg what do you think would halpen to the scottish whisky narket if scotland would become independant. would price increase etc? thabks and loving these videos!
Bulleit bourbon is made 30 miles from where I live and I like the taste very much.
Does the St Louis store urrently stock the Elmer T Lee, Andy?
Thanks
At quality rating times volume, divided by price, Bulleit might be my favorite Kentucky bourbon. Also because I'm a sucker for high-rye bourbons.
hi ralfy! is there a big difference between the 10yo and the regular version? I find the regular a little sweet though I think
that the spirit itself is good quality.
More bourbon reviews!! love it!
Thanks Ralfy I have seen this Bourbon in a couple of bars in Leeds.
Finally! Nice to hear your thoughts on this one!! :)
Hi Ralfy! Great review as always.
You know that Anthony Hopkins movie "The World's Fastest Indian", that's taking place in Bonneville? Sure you do. Highly enjoyable movie isn't it?
Best wishes from Germany, Thomas
a good film to watch !
Bourbon connoseurs know where to go to find good bourbon, let everyone else keep going to the run of the mill places for Jim and Jack, more for us and keeps prices down.
Please do a review on Templeton Rye. By far my favorite Rye out there.
Ralfy looking forward to the next review already seeing you without the tell tale signs of Ralfy on it should be interesting! Even more interesting because it will be stateside! I say "Git 'er done!"
My first impression with Bulleit was that of a big mistake, but later on, after a few days of tasting, with that dry flavor and aromas, got the same conclussion: is better than Jim Beam and Jack Daniels. Many companies buy old tradition brands and start to produce tons of cheaper and younger destilates all over the world, the same happened here in Mexico with Cuervo Tequila, Don Julio, and Sauza.
What did you enjoy the most about Red Rock Canyon?
. . . the natural light on the rocks .
I hope you were able to visit Joshua Tree National Park. Concerning "global extremism," some fear that climate change will eliminate all Joshua Trees from the region.
hey Ralfy, love your reviews! I was wondering what you know about commonwealth of Kentucky bourbon, J.P. Van Winkle & Sons. I just got a bottle marked 7 year old from 1982. I opened it up the other night. Seal was still good. I just started trying bourbons and whiskies. This one is way too advanced for me. All I know is that its great. My question is how long do you suppose it’ll last? I mean its made its made it 39 years.
should be fine for a year, but if in doubt, buy a "private preserve" wine gas sealer and use it, it works for me.
Hey Ralfy. gud1.
Wow huh? th am't of info th Burbn Budyz provyd n ths revu is extensiv n rathr myn-bogln!
Yep u got a b armd w/sum real solid info n ordr2 impart the corect fax.
But nevr fear th BB alwyz set us strate.
I lernd so much frm ths 481a forum.
BIG thnx guyz.
L8r
Isn't the Bulleit Rye distilled at MGP, formally known as LDI?
MiserablerHurensohn correct en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulleit_Bourbon
2nd - lol
I should investigate American Whiskey since I live here, and it's considerably cheaper than scotch whisky.
I doubt that I am the first to mention this, but here it is anyway... Speaking of Utah ralfy, you should try and maybe review High West Campfire blend.
Hey Ralfy did you allready mencion, Malty Millionaries?
My shop here in St. Louis has a bourbon section that would send your head spinning, ***** . I consider myself spoiled for choice and try to steer friends and like minded spirit lovers to it whenever I get the chance.
Hi Ralfy, A little while ago I saw you with a 'whisky glass lanyard'. I can't find which review that was now, but wondered if you could point me in the right direction to acquire one of these? Thanks muchly.
Mr Blootered best to check e-bay ! or ask at whisky specialists.
Wonderful as always!
What about reviewing a sip of Woodford Reserve? :)
pdmmdk WR is essentially Jack Daniels bourbon.
***** I understand your attitude towards JD and JB, but does the fact that WR is produced by the same people that make JD make it a bad bourbon. How does it stand up compared to the bulleit? I'm not asking you for a review, merely whether you suggest I keep my hands off WR (cause it ain't even that cheap) and go buy a Bulleit instead. Thank you in advance!!!
***** Woodford is well worth a go Ralfy.
***** While Woodford Reserve is also a Brown-Forman brand, it's actually a blend of Old Forester from the Early Times distillery and the bourbon made in pot stills at the Woodford Reserve distillery. The mash bill used in both of those whiskeys are different from Jack Daniel's, a bit more heavy in the rye. While I'm not wild about Woodford Reserve myself, I think dismissing it as Jack Daniel's is inaccurate.
***** Actually you are very wrong with that assertion. WR would be closer to Old Forester since they share a mashbill and they are actually mingled together (barrels from WR and OF honey barrels) for the final WR product. I don't have a particular link for you but it is something that is understood from reading blogs and speaking with folks that work at Brown-Foreman. Where did you get this idea that WR is essentially JD bourbon? EDIT: Whoops just noticed the post above me.
Taylor from Salt Lake saying hello.
Eagle Rare 10 year old, it is really good stuff!
Best under 30$ single barrel out there next to Elmer T but you can never find Elmer anywhere anymore. Evan Williams is a good one too. :(
My favorite is what I am drinking now: Old Rip Van Winkle!
Yeah, that salt was left there by an inland Ocean, so
the planet is actually still warming from the last ice age. Just getting back to normal in the grand scheme of things. And I’ve got a bottle of the regular Bulleit sitting on my shelf, can’t wait to try it, I’m a Makers drinker or Rum.
Was liquor in the Orleans Casino shop dirt cheap or top dollar?
. . . good prices and plenty of options.
Ralfy, Bulleit is actually most likely distilled at Four Roses (sneakey eh?)
John Donovan . . . and yet both bottle label and website State "Distilled by Bulleit Distilling Co" even I got taken in with this one !
(www.kentucky.com/2014/08/21/3389704/ky-bourbon-industry-gets-boon.html)
***** Yeah, I don't know how they get away with it. Diageo has good lawyers.
Bulleit "sorta" states the distillery by naming the location it's distilled (legally they have to state this). Four Roses is located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
I really like buliets rye whiskey I great buy if you live in America like me would you please review it
I realize this is an old review. Besides the fact that Jim Beam, and Jack Daniels represent the largest distilleries in the U.S. you have the star effect. Las Vegas is still Frank Sinatra's town despite him being dead low these many years, and Jack Daniels was his brand, and primary drink. Jim Beam is also endorsed by a number of celebrities and it's cheap thus the popularity.
Ralfy, what do you work as?
standard red label Bulleit no good?
how many whiskies are there ?
Come to Arkansas
ita about Jack & Jim. thanks for saying it
Nice review ralfy :)
Happy to see you mention Death Valley & etc area outside of Vegas. It is truly, gods country, there. I have had bona fide spiritual experiences in the desert in that area
Bulleit is my go to bourbon
Why would you add that much water to a bourbon at 45% ABV? To each his own I guess.
I love this guy.
bulleit is the rare whiskey that makes me crazy!, Utah is beautifully beautiful, the people on the other hand you have to drink to make interesting
i know i hate utah an im mormon
\0/ yay! Location review! \0/
I very seriously doubt that there are any Jack or Jim drinkers in the U.S. who don't mix it with soda pop or just do quick shots. There is a severe lack of sophistication among the average bourbon purchasers in the United States, and that is reflected in what you saw in the liquor stores in Las Vegas. Most liquor drinkers in this country drink to get buzzed, and don't care much for the finer points of whatever spirit they are consuming. Sad, I know, but that's just the way it is. It's a little different where I live in Louisville, where bourbon is a big part of the culture and is appreciated as an experience much more than other parts of the country.
Sorry to break this to you ralfy, but bulleit is distilled and bottled by four roses for diageo.
alan wilson your right, I believed what I saw on the label, silly me.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulleit_Bourbon
www.gq.com/images/life/2013/11/bourbon-tree/bourbon-family-tree-large.jpg
There's this handy chart which I use that tells you who makes what, and who owns what, and who makes what for whom. Hope you find it useful.
alan wilson
I can't even figure out that tree?
Each branch of the tree is a different mash bill, the further along the branch the older the whiskey. Branches that go into other companies area mean, made by x for whom, as you can see the bulliet is from four roses but is made for diageo. Sorry i hope this makes it clearer.
alan wilson
No apology necessary :) Thanks for the help and I didn't mean to be rude. Thanks for the help interpreting it.
Ah yes, the tactful Cacti.
Any informed bourbon buddies know if Elmer T Lee is unquestionably finished??
Did ol Elmer have an "understudy" maybe a Cask Companion or such?
Will it be what I've heard out there, a seasonal thing?
Awh that was one special bourbon.
sure hope someone can fill ETL's shoes on this one.
Peace all
Hello Ralfy mate.
Just poking around (while awaiting WR481-b) reading some of these many links that are listed within 481a reviews' commentary.
After such exploration I'd have to say Ralfy, that you may be slightly amiss in jumping to the conclusions that American Whiskey need more regulation. The US Spirit "business" is chock a block full of stipulations regarding standards and practices...agreed however regulation can often be a good thing. Now we're entering the Transparency vs Regulation territory.
Now if you want to slightly alter that statement in saying that US is less tight-assed and more in favor of an entrepreneural spirit developing better whisky thru the use of better casks and new ideas than that of which the SWA would never allow with their misguided use re. the concept of "tradition" then you might be a little closer to reality.
I believe less regulation can facilitate better products and a transparency that distillers could be proud of.
NAS is NOT transparent AT ALL, and better to fix ones own house before pointed out defects in your neighbors'. That's always a no brainer Ralfy.
In closing I believe you don't give the maltmates & bourbonaires enough credit that we would hazard either Beam or Jack products in the first place. We wouldn't be watching your brilliant reviews if we were guzzlers now would we??
Peace
PeatSmokey no, you wouldn't, but one of our little jobs is to help the guzzlers when they get past guzzlling and wan't to move up to better things.
Or just watch "World Fastest Indian". About a Kiwi Burt Monroe and 1926 Indian Scout setting motorcycle record.
Ralfy, Bulleit bourbon is distilled by Four Roses.
Almost forgot...don't forget the "in my opinion" caveat when assigning advice or critisism to American Spirits as you so aptly do when lodging complaints with the SWA and Diageos etc.
In effect you may risk alienating the very folks that you are trying to advise. Ralfy speaks for Ralfy be it in Islay or Lynchburg!!
Peace
Jack and Jim are dominant pretty much everywhere here in the colonies. Fortunately, your subscribers know better than to waste money on them.
Jack Daniels No7 is very sweet but I don't hate it. Gentlemen Jack is a much better whisky. Jim Beam white label has it's moments but it's not very complex but you get what you pay for at £15, knob creek is worth your time, as is Bakers, and Booker's which are also beam products.
People who watch your videos probably aren't the people who keep Jack Daniels and Jim Beam all over the shelves. As you often say, many spirits are popular due to their enormous marketing budgets and their ability to get one drunk, not necessarily because the discerning customer chooses it.
Anyone else see the cyber man?