Bourbons We’re AVOIDING in 2025 (Don’t Waste Your Money!)
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- Not every bourbon or whiskey is worth the hype-or the price tag! In this video, we’re breaking down which bottles and brands we’ll be avoiding in 2025. Whether it’s due to inflated prices, declining quality, or just overrated releases, we’re sharing our honest thoughts so you can make better buying decisions.
🔥 Which bourbon or whiskey are YOU avoiding this year? Drop a comment below!
👍 If you enjoy whiskey content, don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more reviews, rankings, and recommendations! 🥃
#whiskey #bourbon #whiskeyreview #whiskeycollector #bourbonhunting #whiskeytube #badbourbons
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Agree or disagree with our list? Let’s hear your thoughts! What bottles are YOU avoiding this year? 🧐👇
Woodford Reserve double double oak and Old Forester 1924 and Elijah Craig barrel proof as well as redwood empire pipedream 101
Kurt - what's your take on the lower proof M10's?
I'm with you guys on each point. So far this new year, I only bought a GTS 2023 at the beginning of the year. I will be only getting the big bottles...like the JD14 and the Master Keep. I definitely will pass on the Woodford Double double...especially when all it is is the standard double oak aged one year longer for 3x the price!
I personally like angels envy. I don’t buy any of their more expensive products just the base three the Trilo rye, and the bourbon. I was wondering if there’s any other finished whiskeys you can recommend.
Old protrero 100%Malted Rye whiskey out of San Francisco. Try it, especially the single barrel picks!
I find it interesting that there are so many “The bourbon boom is over” videos floating around. I don’t think it’s over, but I think many consumers are more educated and deciding that the allocated, special releases, ven store picks are just not worth the money. The distilleries need to be more careful and not just chase the unholy buck. Quality does matter.
I think thats the majority of it, but like any other hobby, you have people who get burnt out and lul out of it for a while. I think people are also coming to the conclusion that variation between flavor profiles isn't super drastic with bourbon.
Good points. There are too many bottles that are way over priced, and when people stop buying them due to price, they can decide if they want to properly price things or downsize..
Kurt, no need to apologize for your opinion. We watch this channel for just that. Your experience and expertise makes your opinion more credible than most! It would seem that a market correction is necessary. Soon! Totally agree when you say it is easier to gamble on a bottle at $35 - $40, and not so much at $70!
Just stumbled across the channel yesterday. Damn, I am so happy I did! The info is great as someone that is on the newer end. The delivery is great. You acknowledge taste is very subjective, but blend in your personal opinions as almost a baseline. Only issue is a video going up in the morning! 🤣
💯 on the WhistlePig. Overpriced and average juice.
I'm probably talking to a tree, but I must say the following! Whoever chose the music at the end of your shows nailed it. It is the perfect wrap-up music, and to be truthful,. I am touched when I listen to it. Outstanding exit music. Much love from Indy; you are my go-to Bourbon reviewers! Take care.
"I agree."
-the oak tree down the street
SLB Classics
0:10 putting all the blame on Trenton early
1:00 Bookers?? TBD
1:46 the boys will still buy hype bottles for science of course
2:57 gotta love the commitment to the ratio
3:39 always remember the mistakes 😢
4:18 Kurt 😮 SHOOK
5:50 🎶🐷😢
7:17 Kurt speaks to his scotch fan base
9:11 it’s hard to keep up with all the fancy names and harder to keep up with the prices
10:18 Trenton had high hopes for oak and doesn’t like oak…
11:10 roulette wheel is fun, but too expensive
12:05 Trenton struggles with words
13:20 the boys don’t have to but they still have to ❤❤
14:26 Trenton just straight up makes up words
14:37 BOOM there it is
15:51 Trenton expands his vocabulary and our comments are pretty wholesome
16:20 Trenton has some car issues
17:18 Kurt will still fan boy over WT and Trenton over four roses
17:51 Kurt sneaks a peek
18:15 the first bottle of the episode!
18:43 shrinkflation in volume and proof 😢
20:26 PMA coming Friday (positive mental attitude)
20:32 no 🥔👑 this year
21:18 throw back to Trenton’s first Blantons
22:25 nice sign off and nod
As someone who buys for restaurants all the price hikes are ruining my whiskey sales. The cost of a pour is insane.
So when these restaurants charge $50 for a 1.5 oz pour of George T. Or $80 for a 1.5oz of Pappy that’s the distributor/manufacturers problem when no one buys it?
I'll still order, say, a Bulleit Manhattan. But no way I'll do pours of better stuff right now. It's not the fault of the restaurants I'm trying to support.
@@dereksmith8177 yes
@@dereksmith8177exactly. I’ve stopped buying pours completely as have my friends. And on top of the ridiculous bottle price pours, they ask for a 20+% tip! We would just rather buy a bottle and enjoy it together.
@@chrishauser5505 Mixing my own at home, and spouse and neighbors are happy with the drinks, company and calm!
A lot of discussion out there that the bourbon bubble is bursting. People are get tired of the inflated prices.
That, and that some entire countries have and/or are ready to ban bourbon based on the inexplicably dumb economic policy of the current administration. I have a feeling we will have all the "rare" bourbon we can handle pretty soon.
It could also be that bored hipsters are realizing their attention span. I have been drinking and collecting bourbon and scotch for 30+ years. I anxiously await this so called "bubble burst"
This past year I’ve ventured into the bourbon. I’m mainly a scotch drinker for reference. But I’ve found bourbon to be about the sweet and more sweet caramel flavor. Tried barrel bourbon, many of the Elijah Craig releases, a lot of the cask strength of a couple other brands. I will be keeping Rare Breed on my shelf. For the money and what I get. It is worth it for me
Ill be avoiding mainstream allocated stuff like wellers/staggs. I want to shift my palette to smaller distilleries. I want to really venture out and shock my senses.
Did exactly this a few years back and loved it!
Brewzle, is that you?
@ thats funny. I remember him saying that too. But it struck a chord with me and shifting my purchases to new and unique things. Like Crown blackberry...lol
So when you say allocated Weller are you talking the Special Reserve or the 12 year, 107, OFC? I ask because Weller SR is widely available in my market but still seems to be a ghost in other places. Which is wild to me.
@@mmtx73never see it up here in ct
I honestly don’t hunt for anything. I stop by my local store, check out new stores, and then pick up anything that catches my eye that day. If I just so happen to run across something desirable, then that’s cool too
I do the same thing. Dropped in a store in Clayton NC yesterday I’d never been in and there was a John J Bowman Sazerac pick on the shelf for $56. Had to buy it!
Dudes too busy stocking up on ammo
@heywardcampbell5721 i live in clayton nc, that store is trash. Wake county is better but not by much. Benson abc is good. Just an fyi
This is the way
@@heywardcampbell5721I live in clayton NC. Clayton abc is trash. Go 10 min down 70 into wake county. Or visit angier nc abc
Wow, you both hit this out of the park! I had made my own list end of Dec. a few on my list included - No Willett (not the same juice anymore), No Bullet (just can't do it), Absolutely No Booker's (to hot and $$$$) No Blanton's (to $$$$ for what it is) No Woodford Double Oak (taste like a 2x Four) and any bourbon with a heavy malted finish. I just came off a dry January and have recently walked out of several stores empty handed as nothing caught my eye at a realistic price. I do believe after talking to the actual store owners that bourbon sales are currently flat and with some brands even declining. Keep up the good work as we really enjoy the posts!
I still enjoy Woodford and its 48 for the double oak at Sams club. obviously, everyone has a slightly different pallet. I just don't aim to overpay for a bottle. If something is going for 50 over msrp then it needs to bet better than a bottle at that price. I generally don't find that to be true. eagle rare 10 is going for 90 a bottle in my area. hard pass.
@@ryanwalker3509 10y Eagle Rare in my area is going for $42.95- $52.95, it's a good buy at those prices. I agree it's is a hard pass @ $90.00 a bottle.
I appreciate both of your perspectives and comment points. My purchase price point is definitely on the lower side and more in line with the budget sensitive shelve height. On the very very rare occasion that I'm able to purchase something with a higher price point ($50 - $75) I would like to at least have something better than the budget shelf. My experience has often been met with disappointment. I envy persons purchasing $100 - $200 bourbons as I wonder up to the counter with my 101 in hand. At least I can enjoy the 101 nightly sips with the knowledge that the electric & gas bills have been paid! Smiles, thanks as always for your Channel and for the content.
Try the OF 100, Red Label. The 1897 BiB is good too.
I can enjoy nightly sips with the knowledge that the electric & gas bills have been paid too...even if I splurge and buy a $100-$200 bottle from time to time. Envy is not a good trait. Skip on that 101 for a month...suddenly you have the bucks to splurge. It's amazing how much money you can actually find for something you really want...when you cut out expenses for things you don't really need.
I have 30+ bottles of ECBP from 2019 up to the C923. Unless someone says a new release is a banger, I'm stocked up for a long while. Cracked a c919 recently. Great stuff.
One preference I have is for bottles to clearly state Non-chill filtered and no color added
If it has color added it can't even be called Bourbon, and I don't think anyone chill filters bourbon.
@@bobbygetsbanned6049 WT does with the stateside rare breed.
The international RB is non chill filtered. However, they're changing that over for us in the states later this year. The reason for the prior discrepancy?, to have something inside for the duty free bottles.. which according to Bruce Russell, was a requirement for them to see the bottle in those stores for years and set them apart from what you could find easily in the US.
@@bobbygetsbanned6049 tons of bourbon is chill filtered
Agree with you on WFE. Only ones worth buying are the older ones. The new ones are just willet pot still at cask strength.
Also done with sourced stuff AND finished stuff. I’m sick of these NDP no aged statement bottles finished in random crap for $130
Totally agree on the Henry McKenna great $30 bottle. Personally don’t look for anything over 150, turned down a Woodford double double oak at 190, glad I did because got to sample it later and definitely not worth 130 over regular double oak
I agree with all of your evaluations. Haven’t been impressed with any of those bottles. Always appreciate your feedback 🙌🏼
Excellent video fellas! I'm not chasing anything. A lot of small distilleries that are producing top tier bourbon. Glenns Creek Distillery anyone 👍. Maybe James E. Pepper. Cheers everyone.
Agree on the Woodford Reserve. While I am not a big bourbon fan (more of a bourbon barrel aged stout beer fan), their standard releases do not wow me AT ALL. I always pass by them for a Knob 9 Year or the WT Rare Breed.
Love Bookers. Wish it was $75 but will always buy it.
Agreed, hard for me to take anyone seriously who doesn't.
A prime example of a Bookers I loved that yall were meh on is that very bottle you pulled out. Mighty Fine batch was awesome.
Mighty fine is great. From last year I liked Master Distillers a lot. Jimmy's batch was not bad and very properly named. Kinda has the turkey funk in it.
@@mattschmitt9924 I also liked that one, and Costco in my has had them for $79.99 plus tax for a while. At under 90 out the door, it's not the -worst- buy. It means I can serve a prestige bottle to my mooching friends and keep the better stuff for myself!
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is one of favorites. I always have an open bottle as well as a backup. The same with the Willet Pot. I know you didn't mention the Pot specifically.
So I’m a bit newer to bourbon collecting and was very happy when I got my first blantons. It’s a 375 ml for $42 in VA. I was a bit disappointed once I sipped on it. Part of me still wants to collect all the horses but I don’t really want to spend what they are asking for. Do you think the price will ever drop? I’ve been seeing blantons sit on shelves here in VA. I think most just don’t feel it’s worth what they are asking for.
Just visit the gift shop, they sell all the horses. Save your money, Blantons just average.
@@rmactvcthey also have candles with jumbo toppers….
I bought a Blanton for $99, but they are rare in my area. That’s my last high priced Bourbon purchase I’ll do.
Great video, the upbeat nature of the channel is great to watch and vibe to, but a candid video such as this is well appreciated too.
Not being in the USA, it is nice seeing what's out there and comparing that with what we have access to.
I like Blanton’s. I know… heresy. Here in Michigan, I’ve seen it twice recently… once for $130 and most recently for $150! This is the standard release. Insane. I’d pay the $80 though. Keep up the good work gentlemen!
I was with you all the way until the comments about Woodford Double Doubled Oak. I was fortunate to find a bottle at Costco for $169.99 ($30 below MSRP). I like the the regular Woodford Double Oaked, so I popped for this expensive bottle. I am really enjoying it. I think it’s fantastic. I completely agreed with your comments on the other bottles though. I am glad I got to try a pour from a friend’s bottle of Angel’s Envy Triple Oaked. It was extremely bitter on my palate.
I agree with you. Especially with McKenna and Elijah Craig barrel proof. So sad we are at a spot where we get disappointed based on price point.
4:43 I agree with the principle you're stating, Kurt, but I would expand it: *Anything* other than the basic label or line - allocated, limited edition, single barrel, whatever - needs to exceed expectations or it's not worth the money.
9:30 The best whisky I've ever tasted is $30 a bottle (alas, they're not making it anymore, so even here, where it used to be common, it's hard to find).
11:33 I considered buying a McKenna the other day - the first time I'd seen the single barrel here - but I decided not to spend that kind of money on something that *everyone* says is hit or miss.
13:40 I nearly got an ECBP too. What changed my mind was the fact that I currently have a regular Elijah Craig, and I have very limited storage space.
15:52 "Refute" doesn't mean disagree, though many people use it that way nowadays. It means to disprove.
20:51 If I could find Blanton's Straight From the Barrel for $50-60, I might grab it. It's worth that. But it's not worth more - both the Knob Creek store picks I have are in that price range, and they're better even than SFTB. And IMO Evan Williams BiB is better than regular Blanton's.
End of 2024 I started trying legacy budget bottles and was surprised by what is actually somewhat good and not breaking the bank. I do enjoy quality ($60+ ) bottles but there is plenty of lower priced bottom shelf bottles to pick and choose thru it was a fun experiment. Most are lower proof and thin but it’s nice to know what you like on all ranges.
It’s easier to accept disappointed on a $25 bottle Vs disappointing $100 bottles.
Beam Winters reserve is well worth the price IMO
Knob Creek 12 is a great bottle for 65-70
Most Old Forester and JD Barrel proofs are great at their price
Elijah Craig BP and store picks are too many for the prices and don’t get me excited.
Y'all have saved me some money over the years. Cheers to future good bourbon purchases!
I nearly pulled the trigger on a Whistle Pig 12yr Rye today. Thankfully I thought better of it. As for scotch, I really enjoy the Balvenie 14yr Carribian Cask. Is fantastic
Really enjoy the channel. I appreciate that you are looking at this from a value perspective. It’s not whether you can afford the purchase, but rather is it worth the investment. I’m willing to spend $ for something that is spectacular, but am turned off by over paying for something that is mediocre.
Seems like it’s time for you to do another series of be $30, $40, $50, $60 daily drinkers. And yes, I do like my WT 101 as a daily :)
All the best to you!
I have a hit list of things I haven’t ever scored that should be obtainable, Michters 10 yr Bourbon is top of that list this year. I enter every lottery I can to hopefully score a special release at MSRP, Old Fitz 13 yr VVS was my 2024 win. Most of my other purchases are through local clubs out patreon groups since we don’t have store picks in Ohio other than OHLQ. I’m going to save up all that FOMO money for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and get all my allocated bottles from 1 place in one shot.
You guys are spot on with your thoughts. This year for Blanton's I have purchased Blanton's single barrel, gold , and SFTB and will not be buying any of them anytime soon. Very mid across the board unfortunately.
I'm also being very selective this year. I have a lifetime's worth of unopened bottles already and in 2024 a lot of stuff I chased turned out to not be worth it. Just gonna grab the allocated stuff I'm after if I'm in the right place at the right time, maybe a barrel pick or two depending on what it is, but time to start drinking what I have.
I’ve slowed down buying because just what you said I have too many ECBP’s And Larceny’s. It’s not just them though. I would like to have a backup of the 70th WT. I still buy Islay scotch because it’s my favorite.
Hey, no need to apologize. I feel these kinds of videos from you guys, whom I generally jive with, serve as a market valuation does in Real Estate. Educated opinion. Super helpful and agree with every one of these points.
1. Completely agree on Whistlepig. My wife bought me the 15 because a liquor store told her to as a special gift. It sucks.
2. I have a dozen ECBP. But the big secret to me is that ECPB store picks tend to kick the ECBP's butt. I wonder if they've pilfered the stocks for picks which is why the batch releases aren't as good.
3. I loved 2020-2022 Booker's. But they were distinctly "not refined." The price is up. The quality is down.
Good video but I have to disagree on Woodford Reserve. Picked up a Blended Malt at their distillery last November. It is terrific. And their Double Oak is one of my favorites. I would like to try the Double Double Oak but I'm not paying $199. Haven't seen it in my area anyway.
I have nine Elijah Craig Barrel proof and larceny barrel proof and I am in the camp of not buying any anymore unless I hear a bottle is truly spectacular
I have a couple of 11yr Willetts's. One is amazing, one not so much. Little Book Ch. 7 is awesome. Bookers 2023-03 is pretty good, still too expensive.
McKenna is available here for $45-49, and it just sits on the shelf.
For me Blantons was good @$60 now it’s $75 I grab other bottles But everyone is different- I’m more into full flavor bourbons so most of the time I’m looking for cask strength It’s always smart to have a Blantons on the bar top for others
Agree. I'm tired of hunting for overpriced bottles that are often no better than a good old standby that is less than half the cost. With the exception of some barrel picks from trusted sources, such as SLB, I'm content with my Russell's single barrel or Maker's Mark 46 cask strength.
I've settled in to my usuals. Some are higher than others but can't find anything to get excited about other than Bardstown Origin which I haven't had the chance to try yet. Their Fusion series was a blending master class. WT101, Rare Breed, Russel 10, Four Roses SB, Knob, 1792, Old Forester 1920, Peerless SB, Woodford, Noah's Mill or Johnny Drum always get me where I need to be for less than $75 and always on the shelf!
THANK YOU GUYS. I am like most bourbon enjoyers. I am done digging into my wallet for all the shiny bobbles distillers throw at me. I'm going back to tried and true, with an occasional splurge. Thanks for your honesty and always keep us working stiffs in mind.
Great video! We need to know which pours are good and which ones are not so good. For someone who has been enjoying Bourbon for a little over a year (thanks to you guys), this is great in formation. I was surprised to hear that some companies are bottling 700ml bottles. I'll have to keep my attention on that.
Excellent points. I'm a very casual whiskey enthusiast but everything you mentioned in this video is why I have only bought one bottle in the last few months - which was at the distillery I visited. I have a cabinet full of good whiskey I will be enjoying until I run out. The prices are out of control. A standard shelf bottle I enjoy has gone up $15 since I bought it last year.
Long ago, I could pick up a bottle of Dalwhinnie for $60. Scotch craze ensued...that bottle is now $95. That same has happened with Bourbon. It is a luxury commodity...and I like Luxury. I don't get angry until a Dozen eggs is almost $10.
Hey, guys. Subcriber here. Love the content. Off topic here as far as bourbon goes. But I recently got a bottle of Knob Creek Single Barrell Select Rye at my local state store here in Huntsville, AL. $60 standard 115 proof. Age is just shy of 9 years! Phenomenal value and excellent whiskey. I know Trenton is a rye fan. Curious to know if you guys have seen similar age statements on bottlings up in IN? Or is my pick a freak unicorn? Single barrels typically used to be on the 6 year old range at same price point. Wonder if now that Knob Creek 10 year rye is a core offering we are seeing single barrell picks at higher age now? Thanks for the solid content, and keep up the good work :)
I just tried a Willett Pot Still Reserve and love it. Very smooth
How does Whistlepig stay in business? I've yet to see anything better than a "meh" review of their whisky.
To be honest look at a lot of podcasts with guys and you see their products on shelves behind them. I think some of them think it’s good juice because they aren’t cheap. Most of them are new to bourbon and whiskey and just buy things with high price points probably
Whistlepig piggy back rye is quite a bit less expensive and is pretty good
I like the shelf available 10-year.
I agree…had one sip of it and never will I buy it again… it’s garbage
I agree. Most of the stores I go to have a lock-up full of WP that could be used for much better stuff. I have NEVER been in a store & actually seen anyone buy any btl of WP
I had to go back and listen to him say he didn’t want to be a negative nanny. 😂 I see Trenton trying not to laugh. Made my day! Love your stuff guys
I agree with Kurts American Single Malt thought's on not buying any from big legacy distilleries.......but.....I was fortunate enough to pick up Jack Daniels American Single Malt Oloroso Sherry Cask finish travel only release on a Royal Caribbean cruise and it is outstanding! JD has been putting out some killers lately!!! Good episode Gents!
Very helpful guys. I live in an area with so-so selection and low prices on most bourbons but unexpectedly high on others. Blanton's is $55 here but it only appears like twice a year. Same with Weller 107 (which I definitely will buy again).
Good vid! Appreciate you doing this one.
It’s so funny how different tastes are. I knew Bookers would be on this list, it’s on everyone’s like this. But I LOVE Bookers. I had two beat my Weller FP in a blind! Again, it’s all personal preference. Just funny how much it varies from person to person
I’m right in tune with you guys. I can’t release my cash on gimmick bottles.
For a couple years I was like everyone else, chasing the allocated unicorns. When the price suddenly tripled these past few months, the allocated stuff magically appears everywhere. If you think about it, some of these are over $50,000 a barrel. Not for me.
Great Job guys I really enjoyed the program today. It was a great idea a to give your opinion on What we need to think about when we go to our LLS.
I want to keep my money for something I really want to spend my money on.. I dont need rotors but I do want some more Guns LOL
♣
Henry Mckenna was top 5 for my palate 5-6 years ago. Latest bottle I obtained just ain't the same sauce. I wouldn't pay $35 for the current bottle I have now. Every time I revisit the current bottle, I get true disappointment .
Well they are single barrel. And when they won they submitted their best barrels.
I like the Evan Williams brand. Evan Williams black was my go to years ago, the BiB is good enough for the price and Evan Williams 12 is probably my favorite 12 year, but I have never had a good EW Single Barrel out of the 5 bottles I've bought over the years.
Since you brought up American single malts, one that I bought and really appreciated was the Virginia Distillery Company gingerbread stout cask release. I don't know if y'all have already checked it out but if not I highly recommend it!
I see the Hard Truth Ryes behind you. I love their sweet mash and have a great single barrel! They WILL be on my purchasing list this year. Nice video gentlemen.
I’m really picky now when I go looking. It has to be on a good special sale. And it has to catch my eye and or be something I know is good. Drives the help crazy cause they jump to the conclusion I’m looking for allocated bottles. Hahaha I’ve never done that and never will. There is still a lot of great juice below 45 (rare breed here in KC) and great mixers below 25. Why get sucked in to the greediflation of bourbon and everything else these days. I wish more sites like yours would start pushing back. You are influencers for a reason. Power to the people. Peace. ❤
I have been pleased with bookers can’t find it where I am in Florida but I’ve been happy with what I have found
Bookers is great, don't let anyone sway you otherwise.
New SLB sign looks sharp 👍🏻
I always like and want both of your opinions. That is why I always watch your videos. Great job!
I’m fairly new to bourbon and having tried 20 or so, I have found Woodford Reserve Double Oak to be my go-to.
The thing I will not be doing this year is buying bourbon in my hometown of Ashland, Kentucky when I can drive 90 minutes west to Lexington and save TONS of $$.
This was a great video. I really appreciate the honestly. There is so much overpriced stuff sitting on the shelves. Keep it coming.
Interesting recommendations. It is apparent our palates are very different which is not a good/bad thing, just something I need to be aware of. Your palates appear to me to be best satisfied by higher proof, less sweet bourbons. My palate is satisfied by 100 proof and below with preference for sweet and/or charcoal and less coffee or oak. Its good to learn this so I know how/when to apply your suggestions. Any comments back to help my understanding and development are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
You should be stocking up on your favorite Canadian whiskies ATM moment because if the tariffs are implemented next month, you can expect a 25% instant jump in prices. The good news is you may see a drop in more common bourbon bottles as many Canadian provinces are already set to pull all American alcohol products from the shelf in protest.
The whisky world is probably going to have a lot going on. You may even want to buy some Scotch and Irish whiskies as the prices may jump up on those when Canadians can no longer get their hands on American products.
Cheers!🥃🥃🥃
I’m there with you on a lot of these. Like you said, if I hear one is a banger I will go and try to find it. Otherwise I’m sitting on bottles which I’m sure I will get to but it’s easier to buy them faster than you can go through them so putting in the brakes! 😂
I think mainly as pointed out in other comments, when you buy a bottle of bourbon today the question is not whether it is good. Most bourbons today in my opinion are actually made pretty good. The question is whether it is good enough to justify the price tag. Most of the time I say it is not.
I have a New Riff 7 year Single Malt that I think is fantastic. It is the lone ASM from a large distillery that I actually like. It reminds me of a high proof Scotch, and is just good.
Very helpful. I agree about Whistle Pig. Glad to know about big distillery one-off single malts.. I was tempted to try one. What I don't get is why do they want $60 for that American Single Malt? It doesn't have the import tax. It's not even aged as long as Scotch Single Malt. Forget that. I agree about Bookers too, and Henry McKenna, and Blantons... Agree Woodford is mid to pretty great but hit or miss and not worthbig bucks at low proof or in a small bottle.
I walk out of a liquor store empty handed more lately than ever before. I only purchase if it's something I've never seen.
I always say, if something jumps out at me I'll buy, but it's been rare these days.
Ya I’m with you’ll. I’m not getting any more Elijah Craigs unless I hear that it’s super good. Definitely not doing any Woodford Batch/master to pricy for water down liquor.
Only limited/allocated I want are JD releases, but my area doesn’t get much, so I usually just miss out. 🤷♂️. On a positive there’s so many really good bourbons in the 50-60 range
I wish I didn't love Booker's. It is so expensive. Great finish. Not every bottle is a banger, but Masters Distillers batch was good enough to buy a backup or 2 for me.
Makenna is everywhere in NJ at $65-70, and I don’t know anyone that’s paying that. I’ll take a new riff single barrel at $10 cheaper and be happy
Taste it BEFORE YOU BUY!! I understand the fear of missing out but i guarantee you 8 out of 10 times you will be glad you passed on it when you get to try it down the line. Example Old forester Birthday bourbon. MSRP is around 189 secondary 600+. I had a chance to purchase a very old one for in between msrp and secondary, my friend told me to leave it. I thought he led me astray until i had some a year later and i thank him every time i see him.
I think these are all good suggestions. This seems to be the consensus opinion on all the bottles mentioned. I have larceny from 2022 amd 2023 that are excellent that I'm still working through so no need for any new ones.
I just keep one ECBP at a time. And when it starts to get low, I watch the reviews to see which one to get as backup for when mh current bottle gets finished. But I usually only buy 1 a year.
Blanton's is massively overrated only because it is so hard to find. In Virginia it is fairly easy to find, especially on Fridays. I saw three bottles on the shelf in Norfolk the other day. They sell for $78. Even that is overpriced for what you get. It sips like water to me.
Just wanted to say thank you for your honesty and approach to this topic. It's great to hear the thought process of why NOT to buy from you guys😊
Very much agree with your points. enjoyed the show as uisual
I would like to see more of these videos myself! Not buying or not worth the money, in your opinion! Keep up the good work!
South Texas Spec's has a barrel proof 120 Lone Star 1835 limited release for $45... I love the 90 proof version for $30 and in my humble opinion it's good!
I do think the New Riff Single malt is excellent
I came across the Double Double Oaked a week ago. Pulled the trigger because I’m an oak hound and have not had a double oaked product I didn’t love. The oakier the better for me. I’d love to get a backup, but not for that price. I’m not paying 200 for anything below 16 years
I really do like the Bookers, it's just the price that holds me back most of the time. I can buy 2 good bottles for that price.
The Evan Williams Single Barrel was my gateway into bourbon sipping ... when I started this, it was $28 and ten years old, and it was worth it. Sadly, not so much now. I agree with others on the Elijah Craig BP ... I've got too many of them now. I'd say that I'd go out and buy them when they're a good release, but you can't find those ... they magically never show up on the shelves.
Evan Williams single barrel appears from time to time in NJ now. It is still $36 when it is around. Any retailers selling this for $50-60 is ripping you off.
Just had Larceny single barrel and have to say it’s a good taste for the money
I am lining up for the EC and Larceny barrel proofs . I agree on Bulleit. I am personally heading in the direction of a double oaked adventure.
I was glad to get a couple of bottles of Blanton's for msrp after waiting for a long time, now that it's creeping up in price at msrp $80-90, there are so many other bottles I'd rather spend my money on.
Been saying for a while, when demand drops Whistlepig and Willett, who have set crazy high retail prices might find demand hits the floor.
Ixne on Bookers, Willett, Henry McKenna, all single malts, Whistle Pig, Angels Envy, Woodford masters collection, (maybe the double double oak I'll get, not sure)
and ECBP unless it's exceptional. I'm also about done with Hubers, all done with Bulleit, done with Route 8, and 2XO, Old Scout, anything honey finished except King family ryeconic, and no more Hidden Barn.
Just a quick mote: Not to long ago, the program featured 2XO American Oak whiskey. Got gave me the impilse to try a bottle and after awhile, I purchased the 2X0 French Oak. These are both nice bottles for the price. My preference is for the French Oak. However, I'd purchase them again, and I would serve these to company as the first round. So, thanks for the review.