I noticed that in the thumbnail you were holding a bottle of New riff and I am so glad you didn't say anything bad about their bottles because they are all fantastic.
I just picked up a bottle of New Riff Rye and had a tasting last night. First round I thought the whisky was exceptional, looking forward to a second round tonight.
Tried New Riff Single Barrel - it was butterscotch bomb crazy smooth with citrus and nutmeg I enjoyed with almost no burn, remarkable for 55 proof! Guess I like high rye mash afterall along with the OF 1897 and 1920 my favs but that Russell's Reserve SB is my shelf jam
There are a few stores that have the rye in Colorado. I’ve seen the bourbon around and most of the time it’s only one or two per store but still sitting at around $150 for a 6 or 7 year release. Still over priced mgp right now.
Great selection, you are spot on. I was disappointed with the majority of these. Haven't tried the Carribou crossing, but it never even peaked my interest, so were good.
Others that are terribly overpriced and taste like sh** are as follows: 1. Wild Turkey BIB 17 yr. Masters Keep 2. Old Forrester 2021 Birthday Bourbon 3. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2015. barrels 392 and 391 4.Stellum RYEs Anyway, I love these kinds of videos because it gives us the opportunity to keep these corporations honest, and also save us a little money. On the flip side, there are whiskey's that are phenomenal and well priced for what you get: 1. Russels reserve Single barrel Store Picks 2. Willet Family Estate RYE 4 year 3. Knob Creek 12 year 4. Wild Turkey Rare Breed 5. Remus Reserve IV 6. E.H. Taylor Small Batch ( Just recently Picked one up for $45 at Goody Goody Liquor) 7. Wild Turkey 101 8. Larceny Barrel Proofs 9. Johnny Drum 10. Lux Row Double Barrel 4 Grain ( $80 @ Specs ) 11. Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast 12. Sagamore Double Oaked 13. Old Forrester 1910 -Justin
My 1792 FP pick is phenomenal($52), it doesn't drink hot at all, more like 115ish? My buddy got the shelfer and they're not even close. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a backup, sold out.
I think you are pretty spot on with everything other than the Bernheim. To say that the barrel proof is weaker or less than the standard 90 proof....a bit off. I do love a good wheat whiskey and each batch has gotten better from the first offering.
Just wanted to chime in and point out that while Sagamore started with contract distilled product from MGP, they are slowly but surely phasing it out. Their latest batch of their standard "small batch" release (also bumped from 83 to 93 proof) is all their own distillate. And any bottle you buy from their standard collection otherwise these days (Double Oak, Cask Strength) says "Distilled in Maryland and Indiana" on the label, so it's not all MGP. Last time I spoke with someone at the distillery, I believe they told me that by the end of 2026 all of their standard releases would be only Maryland distillate.
That’s awesome. I know they released a bottled in bond at the back end of last year that was 100% their own distillate so I imagined that was the plan. I haven’t had any of their new stuff so it’ll be interesting to see how that falls out. I hope they do better than high west.
Cool video everyone's taste is different. I always keep a Caribou Crossing on hand and a backup for trading or when needed. I typically drink a couple bottles a year. Just a mellow easy sipping whiskey with nice nose and great mouthfeel but a fast to instant finish. I also pay $49.99 for it. 1792 Full proof is ok. Great price but let it sit for awhile to get the ethanol smell to go away Glad the EC Toasted price went down now they need to increase the proof to make it worth getting Elmer T Lee is ok and only worth getting at msrp. RHF is , to me, either very good to a phenomenal fruit bomb depending on the barrel. Booker's is one i always pick up. Price is 85-90. Don't care about the story just the flavor and I love Knob Creek SiB but don't compare the two between a traditional Booker's and a KC SiB, but that's me.
Yep I totally get everyone’s taste is different. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I wish I was able to find a rockhills but alas a bourbon that continues to escape my grasps.
I’ve only tried one Elmer T Lee and it was fantastic! I’d happily pay MSRP, but I try to stay away from secondary on just about everything. Not terribly complex but it made up for it with a long lasting and very pleasant finish.
The bottle of 1792 Full Proof you had in the vid had the Sazarac single barrel select sticker on it. So to clarify, were you judging that specific barrel as too hot, or were you talking about the standard 1792 shelf bottles?
I’ve had a minute three different picks and one shelfer from about 3 years ago. That’s where my observations were from. I get single barrel picks are what they are but I feel that’s a good size scope for me to formulate an opinion on it. I know folks like them a lot and it’s funny that I don’t as I love everything else 1792 put out. It strange lol
Honestly I think Heaven Hill BiB 7 year tastes more like a $30 bottle. That was one where after trying it I wouldn't spend $40-42 on it with the competition out there.
I was a tequila lover, and then 23 years ago I discovered Bookers. It was $60 then and was delicious. These days I see them around me @ $129 and the juice is less than I remember unfortunately. I found a Sam's Club store pick of Knob Creek 120 proof for $44 here in Grand Junction Colorado.... Way better bang for the buck. It's delicious!
The one I have was solid but it’s just 6 year mgp stuff for $100. You can probably find a similar tasting whiskey for half the price from mgp. I appreciate you watching!
I tend to NOT buy whisky ( whiskey) especially rye, if it doesn't blow 🌬 me away-- I've never had a bad Willett rye, they're cask strength and wonderful juice!❤
I was pleasantly surprised even shocked at how nice a friendly and under proof. I thought it tasted. I really like it. Your comment on 1792 FP. Is what I’ve heard time and time again. 🥵 too Hot. I had a completely different experience. New bottle. I’ll buy more.
My price resistance for bourbons and ryes is $50. Fortunately, in my locale I can find many good bourbons in that price range. I will not be competing for bourbons or ryes over $50.00.
I’ve always thought 1792 Full Proof drinks way hotter than its proof. It’s good but compared to other bottles at the same proof point it always loses for me.
I didn't think that the Bulleit 12yo rye was that great, it's good, but I've had 3yo rye that I like better. The weird thing is that I generally love MGP rye, but haven't been impressed with Bulleit rye. Don't really care for Weller either at any price, it's OK, but I like Maker's Mark much better. I also haven't been impressed with ECBP's, I prefer every barrel proof JD that I've had over EC. I'm also in Colorado! Cheers.
Branding has always been the name of the game and some companies have got it. They get the hype and people follow. I have managed to stay away from them.
Seeing our hero here without that head of hair is taking a lot of getting used to for me. I liked the hair. Agree on the Bookers, Smoke Wagon and King Ranch picks. Also HH BIB wasn’t that great to me. For the $30 I think I’d rather have that EW 6 year
Some disagreements, some right ons, and one glaring omission. The Bernheim BP is well worth the price and to be honest I wouldn’t buy the Bernheim Original Wheat for the $40 price tag. I’ve enjoyed all 3 Bernheim BP’s and I’m happy with the MSRP I’ve paid. What people are willing to pay for Weller SB and Elmer T Lee is beyond ridiculous so spot on there … and even at MSRP … meh at best. And if we’re talking about overpriced for what’s in the bottle … how about the High West Midwinter’s??? In truth .. how about most of High West’s line-up? So many better options across the board at similar prices.
Sadly I can't disagree so much with the high west comment. Since being sold they are sucking the blood out of all their customers now. Prices have gone crazy. where quality probably has taken a little downturn.
Companies almost always seem to use gimmicks to sell product at a higher price and bourbon is no different. From the Little book stories to the Blanton horses to ornate bottles to the celebrity endorsements, it's not unlike many standard retail products you see throughout your daily life. No one is reinventing bourbon here. Find the product you like and support that product line, otherwise you're just stuck with a bunch of beanie babies.
I noticed that in the thumbnail you were holding a bottle of New riff and I am so glad you didn't say anything bad about their bottles because they are all fantastic.
Yeah I just slung in two bottles and hazed them out. I’m a big fan of the malted rye and balboa rye.
I just picked up a bottle of New Riff Rye and had a tasting last night. First round I thought the whisky was exceptional, looking forward to a second round tonight.
That's why I watched the video. I was wondering if he didn't like the New Riff, because I've liked everything I've had from New Riff.
Second this. New Riff is phenomenal
Tried New Riff Single Barrel - it was butterscotch bomb crazy smooth with citrus and nutmeg I enjoyed with almost no burn, remarkable for 55 proof! Guess I like high rye mash afterall along with the OF 1897 and 1920 my favs but that Russell's Reserve SB is my shelf jam
Criminally underrated channel.
Agree with you on the Smokewagon. I was able to finding on sale at $80 and in my opinion. It didn’t even hold up to that price.
There are a few stores that have the rye in Colorado. I’ve seen the bourbon around and most of the time it’s only one or two per store but still sitting at around $150 for a 6 or 7 year release. Still over priced mgp right now.
1792 is my jam
You know it!
I have a great 1792 full proof, and im usually iffy on that brand, and i love EC toasted at $50
A few folks commented they have had some great picks. I just have just been pretty darn unlucky with it.
Great selection, you are spot on. I was disappointed with the majority of these. Haven't tried the Carribou crossing, but it never even peaked my interest, so were good.
Others that are terribly overpriced and taste like sh** are as follows:
1. Wild Turkey BIB 17 yr. Masters Keep
2. Old Forrester 2021 Birthday Bourbon
3. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2015. barrels 392 and 391
4.Stellum RYEs
Anyway, I love these kinds of videos because it gives us the opportunity to keep these corporations honest, and also save us a little money. On the flip side, there are whiskey's that are phenomenal and well priced for what you get:
1. Russels reserve Single barrel Store Picks
2. Willet Family Estate RYE 4 year
3. Knob Creek 12 year
4. Wild Turkey Rare Breed
5. Remus Reserve IV
6. E.H. Taylor Small Batch ( Just recently Picked one up for $45 at Goody Goody Liquor)
7. Wild Turkey 101
8. Larceny Barrel Proofs
9. Johnny Drum
10. Lux Row Double Barrel 4 Grain ( $80 @ Specs )
11. Redwood Empire Grizzly Beast
12. Sagamore Double Oaked
13. Old Forrester 1910
-Justin
My 1792 FP store pick is incredible. The EC Toasted is around $50 here now. Still good at that price for me. The others I'll agree with.
I hear that a lot about full proof. Maybe I’m just very unlucky with my picks? I love Barton juice too.
My 1792 FP pick is phenomenal($52), it doesn't drink hot at all, more like 115ish? My buddy got the shelfer and they're not even close. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a backup, sold out.
Great review! I've been skipping most of those. I'm glad to see that the HH BIB is now "on the shelf" in Virginia, no longer allocated!
It’s everywhere in Colorado Costcos for about $40
This is an excellent video. Real truth here. I agree on the few i know. Very helpful in preventing me from wasting money, which ive done plenty of.
Thanks Scott. Not trying to bash on any whiskey but it’s my opinion.
Nice list~ hopefully prices will come down to match the quality of the whiskeys 😆 thanks for the video!
I think you are pretty spot on with everything other than the Bernheim. To say that the barrel proof is weaker or less than the standard 90 proof....a bit off. I do love a good wheat whiskey and each batch has gotten better from the first offering.
Maybe I’ll need to get one of the recent offerings and see how they stack up. Thanks for the recommendation.
I came here to say this too and I'm not a big wheater guy. The A224 is a very solid bottle and decent value.
Great video! Caribou you pay for the marketing. 100%. But past that it seems we are paying a premium for average whiskey these days. 🥃
No idea what you were tasting, concerning the Bernheim. Outstanding wheat whiskey. With few peers...
Each one gets better than the previous one...m
What batch? I had the very first to come out. The A 2023 Batch.
I got the B23, and it was horrible, in my opinion.
Just wanted to chime in and point out that while Sagamore started with contract distilled product from MGP, they are slowly but surely phasing it out. Their latest batch of their standard "small batch" release (also bumped from 83 to 93 proof) is all their own distillate. And any bottle you buy from their standard collection otherwise these days (Double Oak, Cask Strength) says "Distilled in Maryland and Indiana" on the label, so it's not all MGP. Last time I spoke with someone at the distillery, I believe they told me that by the end of 2026 all of their standard releases would be only Maryland distillate.
That’s awesome. I know they released a bottled in bond at the back end of last year that was 100% their own distillate so I imagined that was the plan. I haven’t had any of their new stuff so it’ll be interesting to see how that falls out. I hope they do better than high west.
Loved my 1792 FP luckily, I wonder how it would taste at BP instead of FP, I wonder how much different the little bit of water makes it
That’s an investing take. I guess im pretty unlucky with my full proof picks. I hear people get great ones.
Cool video
everyone's taste is different.
I always keep a Caribou Crossing on hand and a backup for trading or when needed. I typically drink a couple bottles a year. Just a mellow easy sipping whiskey with nice nose and great mouthfeel but a fast to instant finish. I also pay $49.99 for it.
1792 Full proof is ok. Great price but let it sit for awhile to get the ethanol smell to go away
Glad the EC Toasted price went down now they need to increase the proof to make it worth getting
Elmer T Lee is ok and only worth getting at msrp. RHF is , to me, either very good to a phenomenal fruit bomb depending on the barrel.
Booker's is one i always pick up. Price is 85-90. Don't care about the story just the flavor and I love Knob Creek SiB but don't compare the two between a traditional Booker's and a KC SiB, but that's me.
Yep I totally get everyone’s taste is different. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I wish I was able to find a rockhills but alas a bourbon that continues to escape my grasps.
I agree with all your choices except Bernheim BP, which I have enjoyed all 3 releases. 🥃
I would say the vast majority of folks will say that’s the one from this list they question. I guess I need to revisit a new batch and my old one.
I’ve only tried one Elmer T Lee and it was fantastic! I’d happily pay MSRP, but I try to stay away from secondary on just about everything. Not terribly complex but it made up for it with a long lasting and very pleasant finish.
Thanks for sharing. If you can find them for 40$-$50 it’s just worth picking up as it’s very hard to find and maybe trade it for something fun!
Very interesting though with smoke wagon. It used to fly off shelves but it is just mgp
The bottle of 1792 Full Proof you had in the vid had the Sazarac single barrel select sticker on it. So to clarify, were you judging that specific barrel as too hot, or were you talking about the standard 1792 shelf bottles?
I’ve had a minute three different picks and one shelfer from about 3 years ago. That’s where my observations were from. I get single barrel picks are what they are but I feel that’s a good size scope for me to formulate an opinion on it. I know folks like them a lot and it’s funny that I don’t as I love everything else 1792 put out. It strange lol
Honestly I think Heaven Hill BiB 7 year tastes more like a $30 bottle. That was one where after trying it I wouldn't spend $40-42 on it with the competition out there.
It was born out of the old heaven hill green bottle if I remember and that was $20
About that Smoke Wagon, you need to try a Tumblin' Dice SB(MGP juice) $63, look for a 6+ year, I think they are as old as 8.
I have seen them around the place. They look like some old bottle but I have heard they are sleepers.
Just found Elijah Craig Toasted at my Costco for 51!! Yes, got a couple.
That's a very good price. Cheers!
100% agree on the Smoke Wagon, both Colorado picks (Rye and Bourbon) that I got were very underwhelming for the price.
Just too pricey. I predicted at the back end of last year folks are going to stop chasing the special private barrel releases.
Don’t sleep on mgp, especially that 95/5 rye mashbill.
You speak the truth of the wizards. Have you tried the new Bulleit 12 year?
@@TheWhiskeyCove not yet, haven’t seen it near me. I will be picking one up when I see it though.
I was a tequila lover, and then 23 years ago I discovered Bookers. It was $60 then and was delicious. These days I see them around me @ $129 and the juice is less than I remember unfortunately. I found a Sam's Club store pick of Knob Creek 120 proof for $44 here in Grand Junction Colorado.... Way better bang for the buck. It's delicious!
Those Knob creeks picks are one of the best bottles for the money you can get. Great pick up. Cheers!
I live in Littleton I’d love to take what bottles you don’t like off your hands 😬
Always down to trade! Hit me up by email.
I have to strongly disagree with the Smoke Wagon. I have a store pick of that and I would happily pay $100 everyday. I loved it.
The one I have was solid but it’s just 6 year mgp stuff for $100. You can probably find a similar tasting whiskey for half the price from mgp. I appreciate you watching!
Mix the toasted EC with the BP. It was the only way I could finish my bottle.
That’s a very fun idea. How did it turn out?
I would have drained my toaster if I didn’t do it.
I tend to NOT buy whisky ( whiskey) especially rye, if it doesn't blow 🌬 me away-- I've never had a bad Willett rye, they're cask strength and wonderful juice!❤
Yeah I agree with willett. They are also like a single barrel or very small batch. They are all different abvs. Cheers.
I was pleasantly surprised even shocked at how nice a friendly and under proof. I thought it tasted. I really like it. Your comment on 1792 FP. Is what I’ve heard time and time again. 🥵 too Hot. I had a completely different experience. New bottle. I’ll buy more.
It’s one of my goals to find a 1792 full proof store pick I like.
Msrp on ec toasted is $45
From the distillery? I think it’s higher than that buddy.
@@TheWhiskeyCove ive never seen it priced above $52 at every store in the area. My local charges $47.
My price resistance for bourbons and ryes is $50. Fortunately, in my locale I can find many good bourbons in that price range. I will not be competing for bourbons or ryes over $50.00.
I think you are in a solid range where you can get the most bang for buck.
Just got 2 Weller SR store picks for $35.
That’s how it’s done! Nice.
Old scout 6 yr MGP store pick for 40 👍🏻
That’s what I’m talking about.
I’ve always thought 1792 Full Proof drinks way hotter than its proof. It’s good but compared to other bottles at the same proof point it always loses for me.
That's about where I am with it. I haven't gotten lucky with the picks of it too.
I didn't think that the Bulleit 12yo rye was that great, it's good, but I've had 3yo rye that I like better. The weird thing is that I generally love MGP rye, but haven't been impressed with Bulleit rye. Don't really care for Weller either at any price, it's OK, but I like Maker's Mark much better. I also haven't been impressed with ECBP's, I prefer every barrel proof JD that I've had over EC. I'm also in Colorado! Cheers.
Thanks for sharing and watching Matthew.
👍 100 %
I’ve always said for every 1 good bookers you get 4 bad. If it was $70 again then it would be inline with the value.
Don’t hate on that thought. Not sure it’ll ever get back to that though.
Rebel 6 year 100 proof 65 bucks. I can get makers 46 caskbstrength 45 bucks
Makers 46 is the bomb for the money.
Why not show a close up of the bottles ?
That’s a good recommendation. Like a cut away as I’m talking about them?
It’s comical to talk about Weller sib as a 50 dollar bottle! More like 500 !
That’s true but coming out of Buffalo trace to the distributor it’s a lot cheaper that those crazy prices.
Branding has always been the name of the game and some companies have got it. They get the hype and people follow. I have managed to stay away from them.
Seeing our hero here without that head of hair is taking a lot of getting used to for me. I liked the hair. Agree on the Bookers, Smoke Wagon and King Ranch picks. Also HH BIB wasn’t that great to me. For the $30 I think I’d rather have that EW 6 year
haha Dean You'll get used to it. Cheers.
@@TheWhiskeyCoveyeah man. It’s like when NBA great Karl Malone shaved his dome. Took a lot of getting used to.😂
Weller single barrel was never going to be worth the astronomical figures I see them marked up at liquor stores. Elmer is a pass too.
It’s the bourbon market where just about everything fun is so much more than sticker. Cheers Alex.
Some disagreements, some right ons, and one glaring omission.
The Bernheim BP is well worth the price and to be honest I wouldn’t buy the Bernheim Original Wheat for the $40 price tag. I’ve enjoyed all 3 Bernheim BP’s and I’m happy with the MSRP I’ve paid.
What people are willing to pay for Weller SB and Elmer T Lee is beyond ridiculous so spot on there … and even at MSRP … meh at best.
And if we’re talking about overpriced for what’s in the bottle … how about the High West Midwinter’s??? In truth .. how about most of High West’s line-up? So many better options across the board at similar prices.
Sadly I can't disagree so much with the high west comment. Since being sold they are sucking the blood out of all their customers now. Prices have gone crazy. where quality probably has taken a little downturn.
Companies almost always seem to use gimmicks to sell product at a higher price and bourbon is no different. From the Little book stories to the Blanton horses to ornate bottles to the celebrity endorsements, it's not unlike many standard retail products you see throughout your daily life. No one is reinventing bourbon here. Find the product you like and support that product line, otherwise you're just stuck with a bunch of beanie babies.
Love the beanie baby reference haha.