KC9 is fantastic-probably my go-to sub-$30 sipper. For OFs, I love EW BIB & 1783, Benchmark Bonded, JW Dant, Early Times BIB, OGD BIB, and Old Tub. I’m sure there are others, but these were off the top of my head.
My go to mixer is OGD 114. It used to be $20 in AZ. It's up to $24. My go to sipper is Bardstown Origin 96 proof high rye. It has fruity Blanton's notes, My bottle is closer to 7 years than 6. My first real bourbon that I bought in college was Austin Nichols Wild Turkey 101 with the 8 year age statement. Yeah, I remember the days when you could seasonally walk into a Total Wine and pick up an Old Rip 10. They would sit on the shelf for a few weeks due to the price.
Yeah, 101 is excellent, but in my area it doubled in price in the last 2 years. Lately I've been drinking Woodford Reserve, $50 for the big bottle, and quite good IMO. I just wish it were 100 proof instead of 90. But it kinda fits into the budget category when it's $50 for the biggie.
Regular viewers know that WT101 was my prior King of the affordable bourbons. We did talk about it, but that section got cut out of the final video. WT101 is my #2.
@@fishhead680 Nope. Nor is it "bottom shelf"....literally or figuratively. WT101 has it figured out like no one else for the $. taste-proof-price.... I cant bring myself to do the Evan BiB. I just cant. its technically bottom shelf and $20. Why?
I'm "Not too Proud to Beg"! I enjoy a lot of offerings from the bottom shelf! Especially " Buffalo Trace on Steroids"! AKA, Benchmark Full Proof. Admittedly, Knob Creek may have to be revisited. If you woke up this morning and wondered if anyone loved you, just know that we all love you! Great show as always! Cheers!
I am 65 and drank beer most of my life. I live in Frankfort Kentucky, and have got more into bourbon the last few years. I did buy a bottle of Knob Creek 9 year and Benchmark Full Proof to try, they were just OK to me. I have 3 rebuys now, $21 to $31- Old Grand-Dad 100 proof, Early Times 100 proof, and Bernheim Original 90 proof Wheat Whiskey. I would add the Coopers Craft 100 except I can only get it for $35, it is always sold out here for MSRP and only in stock at tater stores.
Barrel picks and distillery take overs are once in a lifetime events for most if us, but to me the greatest thing about patreon is the monthly virtual bottle shares.
KC 9 is an absolute banger. For ME, its the Glock of the bourbon world. Affordable, no frills (ya get whatcha get), adaptable to any situation and reliable AF to get the job done.
One old time value that I really miss from the days when I first got into bourbon was when Eagle Rare was not only readily available, but available for under 30, and when on sale, for under 25. Other than that OGD BIB, was and is still a constant on my shelf. Not to mention the 114 which I pick up often as well. I just wish the Benchmark iterations were available up in New England. But, wild turkey 101 may have taken over as the bottle I replace most often.
Knob Creek 9 and EW BIB were the 1st bottles i bought when I started.. I am really not a fan of either.. Benchmark and 1792 small batch were my favorite of the bottom shelf starters
5:08 Evan Williams Bottled In Bond is a ton better than the price indicates. 🙂 6:12 Around here I'm not sure that OGD 114 qualifies as a bottom shelf bottle - it's like $32. Now it's definitely worth that, but it's not really in the bottom shelf price range 6:30 I'd say the same about Knob Creek 9. It's about $35 here in Albuquerque, and I'd willingly pay five or 10 bucks more - but that's not a bottom shelf price. Of course elsewhere maybe these two are considerably cheaper... 9:08 I swear, Benchmark is everywhere except here. 😢 My recommendations for bottom shelf bourbons are, in no particular order: Old Forester 100 Wild Turkey 101 Evan Williams BiB Bulleit Jim Beam Black 7 year
EW B&B is a favorite of mine. WT 101 is always on my shelf. Knob Creek 9-yes. Thanks for the video. Those of us who must buy in a strict budget feel like we are outcasts sometimes.
It’s all about the OGD 114 as the bottom shelfer. VOB 100 is also a solid choice along with the Knob 9. When I get crabby about the cost of bourbons in the store, I’ll pour one of the above! 🥃
I always say my favorite type of "bourbon hunting" is for those inexpensive hidden gems sitting on the shelves that nobody talks about. There are so many really good bottles than can be had for under $75, and even under $50.
My favorite bottom shelf mixer or on the rocks is quality house bourbon (not whiskey) Evan Williams is now up to $23. QHB is $7.50, and I'm a Manhattan or old fashioned It's great. In Michigan we can't get benchmark series, we have bm8 but not the series.
Can’t disagree. While I prefer the Benchmark Bonded for my regular evening pour the Full Proof is very good and enjoy it neat. My most replaced bourbon most years is a Knob Creek 9. My local pizza restaurant serves KC 7 yr rye for $9 for a heavy heavy 2oz pour (think 4 to 5 ounce normally) Great G-way, not in as have all of them
I’m so happy y’all give Knob Creek some love. A lot of people I know crap on it because it’s a Beam product. My favorite bottle of all time is Knob Creek 12 year, and I get made fun of all the time for it, but that won’t stop me though. Too bad I can’t find it in El Paso
If I had a #1 affordable rye it would be OF Rye, but the truth is I seem to drink lower cost bourbon frequently, but when I drink rye it is usually in the premium category.
I started collecting feb-march 2023. Within that short time, ive aquired over 200 bottles, and ive been very lucky with a lot of allocated, hard to find bottles, and have never paid secondary prices. Here in MA, we dont get a lot of the better bottom shelf offerings. For benchmark, we only get the standard number 8. We just finally got ogd 114, finally just got blue note as well as bardstown. I know those last 2 arent bottom shelf, but they are great affordable shelfers. We always had the odg bonded which i really like for cheap juice. A family memeber was traveling and ended up getting the benchmark full proof for me. I didnt have high expectations because of the prices, even with all the videos talking about it being a great bottom shelf bottle. When i first opened it, it was about what i was expecting, not very appealing to me. Pretty harsh, eventhough I drink a lot of 120-130 prf whiskeys. Super potent medicinal cherry, like robitussin. I had a pour a few weeks later, it did get a bit better. Opened up and rounded out/balanced a bit better, but still cheap tasting and very medicinal, but better for sure. I seen a video the other day about someone tossing some type infuser/barrel ager type thing called a spiral. They said to put it in benchmark full proof, and it would make it taste like stagg. I ignorantly laughed to myself and said thats just ridiculous. Couple days later, i poured myself a little stagg 22b. It actually did taste a lot closer to benchmark full proof than i expected. Granted 22b is gar from one of the good staggs, and obviously a lot more complex and polished/rounded out than bncmrk fp, but very reminiscent of. Now i really want to try one of those infusion spirals in the bncmrk fp haha.
I am not a huge fan of the spires. They add a toasted marshmellow and milk chocolate note to me that taste more like a maker's 46 than anything Buffalo Trace does, but I am sure the final product taste good. I just don't think it would taste like Stagg JR to me. I have done some interesting experiments blinding people with BMFP. When people don't know they are drinking a $22 bottle, it does really well. You may want do to a blind with 4-5 BT products and see how it does. I would encourage you to have 4-5 so there is enough to confuse your palate. Cheers
@BourbonRealTalk i have a couple staggs, few ER and a few BT single barrel picks, as well as EHT sml btch, SiB and EHT BP 11&12, and blantons. The BMFP would stick out like a sore thumb to me because its just so much heavier on the medicinal side than the other, but i can totally see the resemblance with 22b. 23b, the only other stagg i have, is completely different, and so much better than 22b. Wish i was fortunate enough to get 22a or 23c. The BMFP is still fairly newish and only a couple pours missing, so i think it needs some more room in the bottle to open up more. Ill definitely give it a shot in a blind once it has had some more time and room in the bottle to open up a bit more to give it a better shot at the others
Benchmarks are taken from the top floor of the rickhouse. They are aged in the highest temperatures. Stagg is aged 8-9 years and is pulled from the same floors as Eagle Rare (it is 1-2 years younger and full proof but otherwise Eagle Rare). BT is from the floors between Eagle Rare and Benchmark, and the lowest floors store BTAC in the BT rickhouses.
@@BourbonRealTalk From a BT rep at a tasting. And, BTW, if you taste BT next to Eagle Rare and Col Taylor, you may be stunned how subtle their differences are.
With you with weller but the weller 12 is my jam, the antique is a bit floral to me, def with you on EHT small batch. KC I have a couple store pics that are 14 and 15 yr old I got for $60 a piece and they are fantastic
If you are finding KC9 on the bottom shelf, you are shopping at much higher end stores then I am. Still a great bottle and this was a fun video. Thanks for sharing.
It's refreshing to hear any whiskey guys say "flip them the bird* over their choice. I'm a wine guy and I prefer Kentucky tavern because I use bourbon for cocktails only.
I love the affordable stuff. A grocery store where I live blew out their EW BIB for $12.00 per bottle (a fantastic deal.) Another grocery store stocks Benjamin Chapman 7yr. Canadian 90pf whiskey for $14.00 per 750ml. Tons of vanilla and some rye on this one. It comes in a heavy duty bottle with a large cork (not a screw top.) easy sipper and a steal for the price (IMO.)
Thank you for making this video when you did. All of whiskey Tube is losing their minds 🤯 going on and on about Allocated Bottles and LE’s and $$$ expensive stuff. Thank you thank you.
KC9 is legit! Benchmark FP and SiB are fighting week above their MSRP! But one of my favorite bottle shelfers is Old Tub. Many people don’t care for it, but it never last long on my shelf…. I keep reaching for it. 🥃
I like the teenager analogy. When people tell me what the best bourbon is, I kinda roll my eyes. It’s like telling someone what the best color is. There’s no such thing as a universal best - only a best for your palate.
Love the content. Love BRTC. Benchmark full proof is definitely a hitter, for sure it can’t be beat for its price. I don’t know if I’d really consider Knob Creek “Bottom Shelf”, considering it’s 37 🦌 in my state, but it definitely beats out most 30 to 40 🦌 bottles.
High fives - my first BRT video and I'm an immediate fan. I ran out and grabbed Evan Williams BIB and the Benchmark Full Proof immediately. Would love to see another for your bottle shelf rye picks... hint, it's Rittenhouse BIB. Looking forward to exploring previous videos and future, Cheers!
I like the Benchmark FP but it's still allocated here so not always shelf available in most stores. My favorite bottom shelfers that I can almost always find are JTS Brown BiB and Very Old Barton 100 proof. Both easily under 20 bones.
Thanks for the video. I’m mostly a bottom shel guy myself. Wish I could find the Taylor and the 107 in my area (but those are not bottom shelf here). I’ve never had the 107, but I bet I’d love it.
Benchmark FP is aa button scotch bomb. I have three bottles and trick is to let it breathe for a week. After that it doesn't drink hot. Longer drinks like 100 but with the same flavors.
OWW an bottle shelfer?!? Bwahahahaha that stuff trades for $200 out here on secondary in the PNW. My go-to value poor is EW 1783, followed by Early Times BiB, which has been extremely scarce the past couple months. Something is going in there
If proof is your main priority when deciding a daily go-to, then I agree that Benchmark FP can’t be beat at its price point, but if quality flavor is more important then I just don’t get it. FP tastes young, one-note, and full of ethanol. For about the same price OGD bonded is a much better experience.
I've started to try something new in my bourbon journey: never hunt, just move on. It's never worth the hunt. And never even think about allocated products **or brands** ever again. If they don't scale to supply to you (the consumer), don't give them your money. Make those brands and the secondary market go bust.
The King of affordable bourbon is Wild Turkey 101. $26.99 in PA. Hits all the right nose/palate notes, has a Kentucky Kiss, & has a pop to it. There is no other answer.
I’ve spent $80 and more for scotch and tequila and they were worth it. But for American whiskey and bourbon I can’t justify spending that much when there are so many good low cost options out there.
I’d love to join you for these conversations, I love this topic. But I could be the uneducated one that is aware of is ignorance. Let me get one the show!!!
KC9 is fantastic-probably my go-to sub-$30 sipper.
For OFs, I love EW BIB & 1783, Benchmark Bonded, JW Dant, Early Times BIB, OGD BIB, and Old Tub.
I’m sure there are others, but these were off the top of my head.
My go to mixer is OGD 114. It used to be $20 in AZ. It's up to $24. My go to sipper is Bardstown Origin 96 proof high rye. It has fruity Blanton's notes, My bottle is closer to 7 years than 6. My first real bourbon that I bought in college was Austin Nichols Wild Turkey 101 with the 8 year age statement.
Yeah, I remember the days when you could seasonally walk into a Total Wine and pick up an Old Rip 10. They would sit on the shelf for a few weeks due to the price.
Y'all had WT101 on the bar top but said nothing about it. It is a great all around bottom shelfer. Appreciate the show and content.
Yeah but let’s face it… does it really need words…?
Yeah, 101 is excellent, but in my area it doubled in price in the last 2 years. Lately I've been drinking Woodford Reserve, $50 for the big bottle, and quite good IMO. I just wish it were 100 proof instead of 90. But it kinda fits into the budget category when it's $50 for the biggie.
Regular viewers know that WT101 was my prior King of the affordable bourbons. We did talk about it, but that section got cut out of the final video. WT101 is my #2.
@@fishhead680 Nope. Nor is it "bottom shelf"....literally or figuratively. WT101 has it figured out like no one else for the $. taste-proof-price.... I cant bring myself to do the Evan BiB. I just cant. its technically bottom shelf and $20. Why?
@@adamwhatley4710 Totally agree. Big WT 101 fan here !
I'm "Not too Proud to Beg"! I enjoy a lot of offerings from the bottom shelf! Especially " Buffalo Trace on Steroids"! AKA, Benchmark Full Proof. Admittedly, Knob Creek may have to be revisited. If you woke up this morning and wondered if anyone loved you, just know that we all love you! Great show as always! Cheers!
Yo! I picked up a Full Proof Benchmark! I agree. Soooo good.
Benchmark Full Proof is really a great pour for the price, I always keep a bottle on hand for friends to try.
If you can find it. It sells out quickly!
I am 65 and drank beer most of my life. I live in Frankfort Kentucky, and have got more into bourbon the last few years. I did buy a bottle of Knob Creek 9 year and Benchmark Full Proof to try, they were just OK to me. I have 3 rebuys now, $21 to $31- Old Grand-Dad 100 proof, Early Times 100 proof, and Bernheim Original 90 proof Wheat Whiskey. I would add the Coopers Craft 100 except I can only get it for $35, it is always sold out here for MSRP and only in stock at tater stores.
I was trying different bourbons w/ an ice cube in the glencairn - and benchmark FP was by far the best.
Picked up a bottle of Coopers Craft this past week while in OH for business. $31 and it was an enjoyable pour. On par with Early Times BiB.
The 101 prf chiseled and charred? It is pretty good. Especially for the price.
Coopers hits above his price
Maker's 46 has been my go-to lately. But you're so right about Knob Creek 9. Also standard 1792 hits the spot sometimes. Great show.
I really enjoy the 46 cask strength
Barrel picks and distillery take overs are once in a lifetime events for most if us, but to me the greatest thing about patreon is the monthly virtual bottle shares.
You going? See you at Giant Distillery.
KC 9 is an absolute banger. For ME, its the Glock of the bourbon world. Affordable, no frills (ya get whatcha get), adaptable to any situation and reliable AF to get the job done.
Did you tried Four Roses Single Barrel? Here in Germany KC9 and the FR SB are around the same price and both are great, IMO.
One old time value that I really miss from the days when I first got into bourbon was when Eagle Rare was not only readily available, but available for under 30, and when on sale, for under 25.
Other than that OGD BIB, was and is still a constant on my shelf. Not to mention the 114 which I pick up often as well. I just wish the Benchmark iterations were available up in New England. But, wild turkey 101 may have taken over as the bottle I replace most often.
I replaced the screw top on my benchmark with a cork from another bottle. That screw top can loosen. Its good juice.
Knob Creek 9 and EW BIB were the 1st bottles i bought when I started.. I am really not a fan of either.. Benchmark and 1792 small batch were my favorite of the bottom shelf starters
5:08 Evan Williams Bottled In Bond is a ton better than the price indicates. 🙂
6:12 Around here I'm not sure that OGD 114 qualifies as a bottom shelf bottle - it's like $32. Now it's definitely worth that, but it's not really in the bottom shelf price range
6:30 I'd say the same about Knob Creek 9. It's about $35 here in Albuquerque, and I'd willingly pay five or 10 bucks more - but that's not a bottom shelf price.
Of course elsewhere maybe these two are considerably cheaper...
9:08 I swear, Benchmark is everywhere except here. 😢
My recommendations for bottom shelf bourbons are, in no particular order:
Old Forester 100
Wild Turkey 101
Evan Williams BiB
Bulleit
Jim Beam Black 7 year
OGD114 is $22 here
KC9 is $30 here
@@BourbonRealTalk Yet another reason I wish I was back in Texas...
Ha lucky, I just paid 60$ for kc9 and it was on sale 10$ off🤦 canadian prices
I tried sipping Bulleit at a bar a few months back. I just couldn't get into it.
I’m a bourbon drinker, no wall here. I’ve been exclusively drinking Benchmark Full Proof for awhile now. Before that it was old Grandad 114. 👍🏻
I feel like there's a difference between bottom shelf and "value". To me bottom shelf is under $20, value is $20-40,
I feel budget is more appropriate than value. If something hits well above its price point, it's value at any price.
EW B&B is a favorite of mine. WT 101 is always on my shelf. Knob Creek 9-yes.
Thanks for the video. Those of us who must buy in a strict budget feel like we are outcasts sometimes.
It’s all about the OGD 114 as the bottom shelfer. VOB 100 is also a solid choice along with the Knob 9. When I get crabby about the cost of bourbons in the store, I’ll pour one of the above! 🥃
VOB 100?
@ Very Old Barton 100 proof. They also have 86 and 90 proofs but the 100 is where it’s at.
I always say my favorite type of "bourbon hunting" is for those inexpensive hidden gems sitting on the shelves that nobody talks about. There are so many really good bottles than can be had for under $75, and even under $50.
Totally agree. Great bottle and especially considering the price point. There are many great items out there that don't have to break the bank.
My favorite bottom shelf mixer or on the rocks is quality house bourbon (not whiskey)
Evan Williams is now up to $23. QHB is $7.50, and I'm a Manhattan or old fashioned It's great.
In Michigan we can't get benchmark series, we have bm8 but not the series.
Agreed, BM Full Proof is great. Bought my last bottle of Blantons FOMO yesterday for 83. It's now way too expensive to hunt.
Can’t disagree. While I prefer the Benchmark Bonded for my regular evening pour the Full Proof is very good and enjoy it neat.
My most replaced bourbon most years is a Knob Creek 9. My local pizza restaurant serves KC 7 yr rye for $9 for a heavy heavy 2oz pour (think 4 to 5 ounce normally)
Great G-way, not in as have all of them
I’m so happy y’all give Knob Creek some love. A lot of people I know crap on it because it’s a Beam product. My favorite bottle of all time is Knob Creek 12 year, and I get made fun of all the time for it, but that won’t stop me though. Too bad I can’t find it in El Paso
Big fan of both the EW BiB and Benchmark FP. Great pours for $20-25 bottles. Cheers!
The OF 100 Bourbon and Rye. Both are great values and are good neat or for a good old fashion.
If I had a #1 affordable rye it would be OF Rye, but the truth is I seem to drink lower cost bourbon frequently, but when I drink rye it is usually in the premium category.
I started collecting feb-march 2023. Within that short time, ive aquired over 200 bottles, and ive been very lucky with a lot of allocated, hard to find bottles, and have never paid secondary prices. Here in MA, we dont get a lot of the better bottom shelf offerings. For benchmark, we only get the standard number 8. We just finally got ogd 114, finally just got blue note as well as bardstown. I know those last 2 arent bottom shelf, but they are great affordable shelfers. We always had the odg bonded which i really like for cheap juice. A family memeber was traveling and ended up getting the benchmark full proof for me. I didnt have high expectations because of the prices, even with all the videos talking about it being a great bottom shelf bottle. When i first opened it, it was about what i was expecting, not very appealing to me. Pretty harsh, eventhough I drink a lot of 120-130 prf whiskeys. Super potent medicinal cherry, like robitussin. I had a pour a few weeks later, it did get a bit better. Opened up and rounded out/balanced a bit better, but still cheap tasting and very medicinal, but better for sure. I seen a video the other day about someone tossing some type infuser/barrel ager type thing called a spiral. They said to put it in benchmark full proof, and it would make it taste like stagg. I ignorantly laughed to myself and said thats just ridiculous. Couple days later, i poured myself a little stagg 22b. It actually did taste a lot closer to benchmark full proof than i expected. Granted 22b is gar from one of the good staggs, and obviously a lot more complex and polished/rounded out than bncmrk fp, but very reminiscent of. Now i really want to try one of those infusion spirals in the bncmrk fp haha.
I am not a huge fan of the spires. They add a toasted marshmellow and milk chocolate note to me that taste more like a maker's 46 than anything Buffalo Trace does, but I am sure the final product taste good. I just don't think it would taste like Stagg JR to me.
I have done some interesting experiments blinding people with BMFP. When people don't know they are drinking a $22 bottle, it does really well. You may want do to a blind with 4-5 BT products and see how it does. I would encourage you to have 4-5 so there is enough to confuse your palate. Cheers
@BourbonRealTalk i have a couple staggs, few ER and a few BT single barrel picks, as well as EHT sml btch, SiB and EHT BP 11&12, and blantons. The BMFP would stick out like a sore thumb to me because its just so much heavier on the medicinal side than the other, but i can totally see the resemblance with 22b. 23b, the only other stagg i have, is completely different, and so much better than 22b. Wish i was fortunate enough to get 22a or 23c. The BMFP is still fairly newish and only a couple pours missing, so i think it needs some more room in the bottle to open up more. Ill definitely give it a shot in a blind once it has had some more time and room in the bottle to open up a bit more to give it a better shot at the others
Russel 10 msrp is around 29 first pour was mild but the second was all around standard basic
Thanks for the recommendations. I shall check it out, possibly tonight.
Benchmarks are taken from the top floor of the rickhouse. They are aged in the highest temperatures. Stagg is aged 8-9 years and is pulled from the same floors as Eagle Rare (it is 1-2 years younger and full proof but otherwise Eagle Rare). BT is from the floors between Eagle Rare and Benchmark, and the lowest floors store BTAC in the BT rickhouses.
Great information! Where did you get it?
@@BourbonRealTalk From a BT rep at a tasting. And, BTW, if you taste BT next to Eagle Rare and Col Taylor, you may be stunned how subtle their differences are.
Budget Bourbon videos are the best!
With you with weller but the weller 12 is my jam, the antique is a bit floral to me, def with you on EHT small batch. KC I have a couple store pics that are 14 and 15 yr old I got for $60 a piece and they are fantastic
I will say my go to right now…because I am in Georgia…is 13th Colony small batch. I absolutely fell in love with it over last two years.
I love it too. I went through my bottle pretty quick.
Bottom shelf bangers are not to be overlooked! My new favorite is Russell's 10 year. But the classic Benchmark FP is such a great deal!
I like RR10, but 90 proof is a little lower than my palate likes.
I have to say the Benchmark Bottle n Bond is my favorite bottom shelfer
The single barrel has done me very well in the past as well.
Amother great bottomshelfer is Heaven Hill BIB. I also love Knob Creek 9! Based on you recommendation I can't wait to try Benchmark Full Proof.
JTS Brown for $20 is pretty solid.
I think most would agree that Heaven Hill BiB isn't a bottomshelfer.
If you are finding KC9 on the bottom shelf, you are shopping at much higher end stores then I am. Still a great bottle and this was a fun video. Thanks for sharing.
Bottom shelf is just a euphemism for being on the cheaper end of the price spectrum.
@@BourbonRealTalk Understood.
Never seen KC9 for less than 36 in my area
@@CB-kx6bh I'm at $28.99. It's an excellent bourbon, but not what I'd call bottom shelf. To each there own...
After watching this episode
I have to say for $20 is a great value
Thanks Randy and Wes for sharing
Also glad to see you back Wes
I'm really enjoying the Redwood Empire stuff for ~$30. Particularly Lost Monarch.
Can confirm. Those guys got some good stuff going on.
It's refreshing to hear any whiskey guys say "flip them the bird* over their choice. I'm a wine guy and I prefer Kentucky tavern because I use bourbon for cocktails only.
Literally drinking Benchmark Full Proof watching this!! Haha this just came off allocation in the Chattanooga area!!
I love the affordable stuff. A grocery store where I live blew out their EW BIB for $12.00 per bottle (a fantastic deal.) Another grocery store stocks Benjamin Chapman 7yr. Canadian 90pf whiskey for $14.00 per 750ml. Tons of vanilla and some rye on this one. It comes in a heavy duty bottle with a large cork (not a screw top.) easy sipper and a steal for the price (IMO.)
Thank you for making this video when you did. All of whiskey Tube is losing their minds 🤯 going on and on about Allocated Bottles and LE’s and $$$ expensive stuff. Thank you thank you.
OT Small Batch, OGD 114, BENCHMARK are all on my shelf… excellent picks!
KC9 is legit! Benchmark FP and SiB are fighting week above their MSRP! But one of my favorite bottle shelfers is Old Tub. Many people don’t care for it, but it never last long on my shelf…. I keep reaching for it. 🥃
You forgot one of mine that I still enjoy to this day! Early times BiB
Benchmark Full Proof is a flavor BOMB, it’s so good. I’d love to see a full Benchmark line blind ranking from the boiyos!
We did it once. Someone picked it over EHTBP.
I like the teenager analogy. When people tell me what the best bourbon is, I kinda roll my eyes. It’s like telling someone what the best color is. There’s no such thing as a universal best - only a best for your palate.
Love the content. Love BRTC. Benchmark full proof is definitely a hitter, for sure it can’t be beat for its price. I don’t know if I’d really consider Knob Creek “Bottom Shelf”, considering it’s 37 🦌 in my state, but it definitely beats out most 30 to 40 🦌 bottles.
KC is $30 here
High fives - my first BRT video and I'm an immediate fan. I ran out and grabbed Evan Williams BIB and the Benchmark Full Proof immediately. Would love to see another for your bottle shelf rye picks... hint, it's Rittenhouse BIB. Looking forward to exploring previous videos and future, Cheers!
Welcome to the channel! Thanks for being here!
A previous episode you mentioned BM Full proof. Definitely a winner for
the price. Thank you
I like the Benchmark FP but it's still allocated here so not always shelf available in most stores. My favorite bottom shelfers that I can almost always find are JTS Brown BiB and Very Old Barton 100 proof. Both easily under 20 bones.
On base I can sometimes get the EW BIB for sale at $12. It is probably my favorite sub $20 bottle.
Benchmark single barrel for me over the full proof. But love the video and WT 101 for me over knob creek 9. Cheers you two
Totally agree on the Benchmark FP...keep up the great content
Thanks for the video. I’m mostly a bottom shel guy myself. Wish I could find the Taylor and the 107 in my area (but those are not bottom shelf here). I’ve never had the 107, but I bet I’d love it.
Please try the OF 1897 BiB.
I recently finished bm fp in a fresh mini barrel for a couple of weeks and it beat stagg Jr in a blind. Couldn't agree more with how great bm fp is
Give me EW BiB and Benchmark top floor all day long. Great bourbon.
EWBiB is still a favorite bottom shelfer for me!
Benchmark FP is aa button scotch bomb. I have three bottles and trick is to let it breathe for a week. After that it doesn't drink hot. Longer drinks like 100 but with the same flavors.
BM full proof is great. Have to try the bonded and SB now.
Outside of Benchmark FP the OGD BIB is a citrus bomb for me.
Benchmark FP is to hot
Even watered down, I dont like the taste. Bought a bottle, hated it, poured it down the drain. Gave me a headache to boot!
Can’t get it in MI, fortunately I’m an hour from Ohio. Thanks for reminding me I should make another trip.
Old Forester 1897 BIB is my new goto value. Sometimes hard to find EWBIB.
OWW an bottle shelfer?!? Bwahahahaha that stuff trades for $200 out here on secondary in the PNW.
My go-to value poor is EW 1783, followed by Early Times BiB, which has been extremely scarce the past couple months. Something is going in there
History of my bottom shelf King:
1. Buffalo Trace - 2017 (still good but I had NO other experience)
2. E.W. BiB - 2020
3. E.W. 1794 - 2023
Ancient Ancient Age is an extremely good value if you're able to find it.
Great stuff guys, always appreciate keeping it real
Thanks for watching!
Heck yes with drinking KC9 in restaurants!
If proof is your main priority when deciding a daily go-to, then I agree that Benchmark FP can’t be beat at its price point, but if quality flavor is more important then I just don’t get it. FP tastes young, one-note, and full of ethanol. For about the same price OGD bonded is a much better experience.
Good video - i cant find benchmark FP here in NYS so i bought online and with shipping i think i paid $40 all in - I still thought it was good value
Eagle Rare got me started at $30 a long time ago
I remember when it was 21.99
@@vinnier6 nice!
I ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!! It’s SO GOOD!!!
Love EW BnB!!
I like Woodford Reserve, not really bottom but it is cheap.
I have become a big fan of Benchmark Full Proof and Bonded.
I've started to try something new in my bourbon journey: never hunt, just move on. It's never worth the hunt.
And never even think about allocated products **or brands** ever again. If they don't scale to supply to you (the consumer), don't give them your money. Make those brands and the secondary market go bust.
OMG...what an eye opener episode...
Thanks for watching! What was eye opening for you?
Loved the story of your bottom shelf adventure. And GRAPES. What a flavor
The King of affordable bourbon is Wild Turkey 101. $26.99 in PA. Hits all the right nose/palate notes, has a Kentucky Kiss, & has a pop to it. There is no other answer.
To your point:
ruclips.net/video/yIGbDuICkjk/видео.html
can't find that Benchmark near me around Detroit. Wild Turkey 101 or Evan Williams BiB would be my favorite bottom shelf pick.
I love KC 9 Year so freaking good 😃🥃
All excellent picks.
Due to crack my KC9 Soon, I was really disappointed in a bottle share recently in KC18, was over oakey and no finish.
Great selections
Great episode! Really enjoy your content 😊
Thanks for being here!
And just saw this after watching the newest one.
I’ve spent $80 and more for scotch and tequila and they were worth it. But for American whiskey and bourbon I can’t justify spending that much when there are so many good low cost options out there.
Oh man, I was mostly tracking with you til you pulled out that BMFP... that stuff is like Sharpie ink mixed with rubbing alcohol, lol
Taste like a beautiful symphony of flavor to me.
Love KC9 and WT101.
Randy, when you said J Cole was your favorite rapper at the end we became best friends. Just wanted to let you know😂🥃
He is the G.O.A.T. IMO!
@@BourbonRealTalk Your opinion is objective fact sir🔥
Great episode!
Benchmark full proof isn’t great, but for the price you can’t complain…I like to drink kc9 at its price
Evan Williams 1783 is a solid bottom shelfer
Agree. To me it is much better than the BiB.
I’d love to join you for these conversations, I love this topic. But I could be the uneducated one that is aware of is ignorance. Let me get one the show!!!
randy@bourbonrealtalk.com
Let's talk
@ I sent you an email.
Benchmark full proof is a great pour. Not sure I have seen it on the shelves here though.
I might just need to get out more.
Tried to hunt it yesterday. I'm told we can't get the full proof here. The heck.
Evan Williams has always been my bottom shelf king.
I've been looking for benchmark full proof since you guys mentioned it a few years ago. Still can't find one.
i like Early Times BiB for around $20