I don't like when people say " it's good for what it is" BiB finishes pretty well I'm blind tastings against other BiB at 3 or 3 times the price. Most people associate quality to price, and that's definitely not the case.
I am a huge Evan Williams fan as a daily drinker. Another budget bourbon by Evan Williams that I absolutely love is Evan Williams 1783. This is my go to daily drink. I’m a new subscriber and am really enjoying your content!
Thanks for the memories. Fall semester 1982, my freshman year, Very Old Barton was the official (koff koff) bourbon of the University of Kentucky Marching Band trombone section. The next year we upgraded to Maker's Mark. Still not sure how we successfully navigated our shows.
I totally agree, the Evan Williams is a staple for me on ice or as a mixer. Jim Beam, though, is also a staple for me. It was the first whiskey I ever had on a long walk home on a cold night with a bunch of my college buddies sharing a bottle and cementing a friendship for a lifetime. Thirty years later, we can all recall that time with a sip of that leather pepper concoction. Thanks for reminding me.
Fun stuff. I did a budget exploration over the summer and found that I really like Early Times BiB and Old Granddad BiB. They both do well neat and in cocktails, and no one can complain about the price point at ~$20.
@ImOffTheGrid Brown-Forman sold the brand and existing stock to Sazerac, which will shift production to the Barton distillery. We’ll see how it changes as they run through the existing B-F stock. I’ll be doing my part to help get through it.
My go to budget bourbons are Early Times BIB and Evan Williams BIB. Always on the bottom shelf and absolutely exceed the price in quality. I can sip either neat, and I can use them in cocktails.
Love the channel. I just changed my favorite budget bourbon from EW 1783 to EW BIB. I was surprised how much I liked the BIB. Your channel (and others) made me realize I HAD to try it. What a bargain!
I’ve sample pretty much all of the reasonable priced Bourbons ( 55 dollars are less for the large bottle) and I must say that Evan Williams black ( large bottles is 25 dollars at my local package store) is a solid bourbon .Now my favorite which is a little bit more expensive …well actually quite a bit more expensive is Larceny. (Large bottle is 46 dollars . And I did taste some of the 18 and 20 year-old Irish whiskeys that were around $100 mark for .75 But that was iatva fundraiser for the American Cancer Society but I really did not get what I would say was a realistic amount to do a legitimate taste test.
Loved the Beam reaction! I agree on the tasting notes - works OK with some ice and soda water. I really appreciate your tasting notes and honest reactions. Congrats on eclipsing the 12,000 subscribers mark!
I haven’t seen Benchmark small batch in my area but the regular Benchmark 80 proof is the best bourbon for the money, out there. Turned on to it by a liquor store clerk and everyone I’ve told about it loves it. It’s $10 for a fifth, 17.99 for a handle.
The Evan Williams Black label (86 proof I believe) also surprised me as a budget bourbon. It is almost always on my bar somewhere. The green label (80 proof) is a bit weak and watered down flavor. Its dramatically different when you step over to the black label.
Ya know Sir, I appreciate this one! What we’re experiencing in my neck of the woods are shortages on many of the, will call them, mid tier bourbons. There’s plenty of booze - if you’re not picky - but if you are trying to find something that isn’t offensive (to the pallet) and doesn’t cost entire too much of your pay check - It helps to have some insight like this. I’m not a big fan of Jim Beam (original) either. But the rest I hadn’t tried. Gonna get a bottle of Evan black label and Old Barton and give them a try. Again, I appreciate your insight, Sir!
Love this video! One of my best buds and I worked at a liquor store in Bowling Green, KY while we were in college. We had no money and Very Old Barton was our best friend! That same friend now works for Heaven Hill and his union is fighting for better pay and benefits for themselves and their families. Keep up the content, but maybe consider holding off on purchasing Heaven Hill products until the men, women, and families who worked so hard to make Heaven Hill's products during the pandemic are treated fairly and given their health insurance back. Love the content still and hope you'll keep making great videos for everyone!
I agree with your judgement on Jim Beam, and Evan Williams. Jim Beam is just nothing to write home about. Don't understand the fascination with it. If there was a generic bourbon, that you could buy in the liquor store, Jim Beam would be it, and just have a white label, with the word "bourbon" on it. Evan Williams Black is a very good bourbon for the money. Haven't tried the rest, and don't plan to.
Although many call me a Bourbon snob - I find that the Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Devil Cut in 1.75L is an excellent bulk Bourbon for daily doses and good quality at affordable price. I can get the Jim Beam Black for $22 for 1.75L and it sits in a decanter, drinks fine when I don't want to sip on $90/btl whiskey
Agreed and the White Label at $17 is also a steal. If you ever get a chance the Very Old Barton 100 is awesome! It beat a bunch of higher priced bourbons in a blind taste test on our love show. Cheers!
Heaven Hill is what I was using to make Manhattan's for my friends that don't like whiskey or bourbon neat. They love it. Thanks for you videos. I'm a little over a year into my journey tasting dark spirits and there is a lot of good advice throughout the channel
I'm not gonna lie Kirk, when you got down to the second bottle Jim Beam...I started laughing when you said I'm not very fond of that one! LOL!!!!!!!! I've been meaning to try Benchmark for a while now due to coming from Buffalo Trace but was afraid it'll go down the drain. I've had the others except Old Barton, we've tried them once and we've never touched the bottles again. I held on them them for over a year hoping we'd use them for cocktails....nope. had to get rid of them, gave them to these guys I always see down the road. At least they weren't wasted. Thanks for sharing. You thought about doing bottom shelf battle of Bottled in Bonds?
My husband and I are new to bourbons and whiskeys. I’ve been watching your videos and I’m very happy with the education and looking forward to jumping in with two feet. I know wines very well (I grew up in Napa Valley) but I’m looking forward to improving my bar cart. Thank you so much!
I’m new to the bourbon world. Woodford Reserve was my gateway into whiskey and so far, Blantons is my favorite for its smoothness and flavor. Your channel has peaked my interest in trying new stuff. I was wondering if you would be interested in comparing whiskeys sold at club stores, like Costco?
Another good episode. In the 1970s I was a bartender for an upper end chain steak and seafood restaurant (Reuben's). Jim Beam was the well bourbon. No wonder we poured so many call bourbon cocktails! Corporate were brilliant. The nice thing about a $9 bottle is that if it sucks, you expected it and you aren't out much $$$. If it's decent, you found a bargain! $750 - $1000 (I saw you bought some) if it sucks you get smacked twice. If it's great, big deal. That was to be expected. Thanks! SUBSCRIBED
Love the reaction to the JB. That is how I was introduced to for bourbon and I steered clear of bourbon for years because I thought that was what all bourbon tasted like. It is awful and IMO only good for adding to marinades.
I predicted from the get-go that the Jim Beam was going to make you cringe with disapproval and as a result, place dead last. That being said, I've tasted all of those and I ranked the least expensive at the very top, for having a pleasant taste that didn't offend my palate and for tasting better than the Evan Williams by a slight margin. I chose Old Barton. I'm 65 now and have a fully stocked home bar. It actually came with the 🏡 house. Of course, I've added several bottles to the collection for my own amusement, more than for any guests.
I always enjoy your videos, Kurt. I've honestly have never tried any of these, but it's great to hear your take on some budget-friendly bottles. Sometimes there's a diamond in the rough out there.
I would agree that Evan Williams black label is the best of the bunch . Having said that , in my area I can get Larceny and Old Forester 100 for $36-$38 for a handle . That's as budget as I go .
My go to budget bourbon is larceny small batch wheat bourbon. It's got a nice nutty note and it's got a very nice body texture definitely not thin. Best bourbon I've had for 20 bucks for sure
You are good, I like your style and judgment. Evan Williams is one of my favorite Bourbons. Good value and smooth flavors on each bottle. J. C. Jackson it's also really good! Both are a great without paying up too much, especially if you're going to mix your cocktail. I don't drink my Bourbon straight any way!
As for Jim Beam I am a fan of the Black label Devil's cut and Legent Bourbon. With Evan Williams bottled and bond 100 proof is good I do have some Benchmark 8 I haven't had yet. I will have to look for very old Barton
WOW! JB is my go to. I found Benchmark an adequate substitute, same with EW. Never even heard of the other two. Still surprised how offensive JB was to your pallet. I always find it oaky and sweet!
Love your videos. As a collector and a general lover of bourbon O was extremely interested in your comments I know Turkey 101 may not be a " bargain " bourbon but I have to go with that as an everyday smoke a cigar friends sipping bourbon. What I find in these lower priced bourbon is exactly what you kept saying is that leather taste.
Evan Williams is my to go Bourbon. It's not just a great value, it is better than many more expensive Bourbons. It has a rich flavor, far more complex than its price would indicate. I get a 750 mil bottle for under 15 bucks, and there is nothing in that price range that comes close, and also not too many with higher price points either. I don't taste a leathery flavor, but I do a charred oak barrel, which it should anyway. I tried Jim Beam only once, and no more. Tastes watered down.
Another killer video, thank you. You hit the bullseye again. I so much appreciate videos that don’t waste my time with bourbons impossible to find (Michigan is a not mail order available state) or basically just a collectible for the rich and famous. 100s of good to great bourbons in the $25 to $100 range that are available in many places.😀
I've been having fun with my Bottom Shelf Battle videos I've been doing... I love the regular Benchmark and Very Old Barton is a mainstay in my whiskey den... can't find it in Ohio, but when I run to Kentucky I always come back with a few bottle... the 86 proof is awesome. I was surprised by the Quality House- to me it is a lot smoother than some of the other bottom shelfers I've tasted. A really decent budget bourbon and just did a video on that one that will air next week. And I agree with you on the Jim Beam. You're paying for the name...
I don't drink bourbon often but keep a bottle around. I prefer rye and Jim Beam rye is one of my favorites. I haven't tried their bourbon so I was surprised at their low rating that seems to carry on over into the comments. I love these kind of videos. Thanks!
Love this! Please try VOB 86 proof, that’s my staple everyday pour. Not as thin as the 80 proof. Also, curious to get your take on their 100 proof. A bit harsh for everyday for me. Keep up the great content!!
One that I would recommend is Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington. Toured there last spring, was impressed and ended up buying a bottle of their Blue Corn barrel strength at 128 proof. Can definitely taste the proof but I thought it had great taste. Keep up the great videos, Tony
Evan Williams is my daily drinker. I like it alot. Right now I am working on Scotches about $30 + on some of your recommendations and ones from other videos. Having fun. Thanks.
@@slbdrinks Thanks for your comment. I have watched quite a few videos and I like yours the best. They are spot on on the bottles that I have been able to find. I hope to try others as I can find them. Thanks for your thoughts.
I've been exploring the bottom shelf whiskey arena. I'm going back to EW black label. I'm doing my best to use up a bottle of Kessler's which I have learned is not really a true bourbon. Its OK as a cheaper faux whiskey buzz but I'm going back to EW black label tried and true. Working man's whiskey.
@@slbdrinks Thanks. I keep going back to it and it's a good gift for people that want to try bourbon but really don't know much about it. I love the cherry notes!
I haven’t seen Benchmark small batch, but the standard Benchmark I discovered within the past year and I like it. Evan Williams BIB, as mentioned below, is reasonably priced and fine. Buffalo Trace is a staple at my California Fresh Market and is frequently on sale.
I completely agree with your assessments of Jim Beam and Even Williams but I really like Benchmark 8; I'm not sure how it's different - or if it is - from the Benchmark that you tasted. I'm new here but budget bourbons is all I drink, so thanks for the video and I'm now subscribed.
Appreciate you joining us! I didn’t have the Benchmark 8 on the show but it was recommended to me by other comments. I agree with you. The Benchmark 8 has to be the best of the Benchmark group.
Can’t complain about Evan Williams black label. It’s a good whiskey for the price and for sipping with friends. Also find the Evan Williams bottled-in-bond enjoyable for a few more dollars.
I wanted one to mix so I didn’t want an expensive bottle for that. After trying a few I settled on Evan Williams Black Label. I have others that are nicer and mainly for sipping, but I really like the Black Label as an everyday drink bottle.
As somebody just getting into bourbon these are my favorite videos. I'm way more interested in getting the most bang for my buck under $100 than paying 200+ for a bottle of bourbon that you had to compete with hundreds of people also trying to buy the same limited supply
I recommend you try Early Times. It’s $20, a full liter, bottled in bond and 100 proof. Beats out many more expensive bourbons in blind taste tests. I heard they were bought by Buffalo Trace so I am not sure how long this will last. My sons and I have about 20 bottles each.
@@danh9150 saw a video discussing the difference of the old Early Times BiB label vs the new. Cant for the life of me remember how to tell the difference lol. Still got 2 bottles of the old ET BiB, great stuff!
Loved your spot review. Interesting. EW BL is my go to for an afternoon “Old Fashioned” on the patio. I have found an OF mix that I really like… Daniels Broiler Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer on Amazon ($17). Makes a delicious OF. But I have been a EW fan for many years now.
I just picked up a bottle of the Very Old Barton last month in Tennessee because I had heard it was legit - haven't opened it yet. I guess it also comes in an 86, 90, and 100 proof versions, none of which I've ever seen in my travels. Great video and congrats on the 10,000+ !!
Interesting. I don't remember Even Williams being that good, but I will fully admit that the last time I had it was many years ago, before my whiskey journey. I am now curious about Old Barton, see if I can find it in my corner of the world.
I was never a Jim Beam white label fan. I like their other products like OGD and Knob Creek. The cheapest bourbon they sell that I like is Old Tub bib. I get a fifth for 18 bucks. It's right up there with Evan Williams bib as far as value, but the flavor profiles are much different. EW is brighter and sweeter, OT is darker with a charred oak favor. I like them both. I'm a bottom shelf lurker. I'm waiting for a bottle of Ezra Brooks Rye from FWGS (PA state store) for a mighty 16 bucks. I saw I bottle of Ezra Brooks bourbon for like 12 bucks last time I was at the store, but it's 80 proof. I opted for WT101 instead.
The original Heaven Hill White Label was a Bottled in Bond that was discontinued a few years ago then rerelease as an allocated...that one, for me, was a better tasting Bourbon then their new White Label at 80 proof. Before the Bottled in Bond was discontinued, I sold it at my store for $12.99 before the price doubled. The Green Label isn't too bad either, if you can still find it.
One of my favorite bourbons in the world is Evan Williams Black Label. That's my daily sipper. I pay $19 to $22 for a 1.75 liter handle. There are MANY MANY far more expensive bourbons that can't hold a candle to EW Black. Try a blind tasting with your friends!
Another thumbs up for EW. It just doesn’t really seem to get a lot of love from the bourbon drinking community. Tastes excellent and is very, very reasonably priced.
First off amazing job being a RUclips Creator of the rise! And secondly love the channel and topics of your videos. Now the Very Old Barton 100 proof is amazing and actually won blind taste test for us against some much more extensive whiskeys. Cheers and Rock On!
I don’t like Jim Beam by itself either, but add Canada Dry ginger ale (accept no substitute) and ice and it’s an easy favorite of mine. Even better with a lime wedge.
I just tried another Evan Williams that is probably another tic up the quality stack, The 1783 Small Batch. At first I was thinking it was budget since even in PA I got it for under $20, but it may not qualify as "budget" like the 5 you just tried would. That said, I got it for use primarily as a mixer, but as I normally do I'll try a sip neat, and then try it on the cube. It was pretty decent neat, and as expected a bit smoother on the cube. It has a light but decent bourbon nose. Pretty tasty especially considering the cost. 90 proof, I made an old fashioned with it, and it held up ok.
I hear that for sure but I didn’t on this video primarily because I knew the whiskey itself would be somewhat thin and easily identifiable. Well noted though, thank you!
Wasn't presented on your bar top, but Evan Williams bottled in bond would be a good low cost bourbon @ 17.49 from Total Wine. Not bad booze for tha money.
@@slbdrinks Thanx, look forward to that. Early Times has a b.i.b. out, but ABC liquor here in Hudson Fl. is asking $49.99 for that bottle. ? ...is it worth that much? Dunno? Rittenhouse b.i.b. @ 100 proof is a good rye whiskey.
Great review. I'm glad you decided to check out the inexpensive Bourbons. I discovered Evan Williams black label about nine months ago and found it to be an excellent bourbon for the money. I've realized you don't have to spend $100 on a bottle of whiskey to have a good whiskey. I learned this when I paid $95 for a bottle of Rock Hill. Thanks Keep them coming.
I like the Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. It was delicious and higher proof. I think it was just under 20. I used to enjoy Jim Beam but my last one was just too thin. I think my taste is certainly evolving.
I'm curious about some of these myself. Love watching your reviews and trying to gauge how your pallete and flavor preferences match up to mine since each person tastes things slightly differently. Do you generally prefer high rye or traditional bourbons? What are a few of your favorite $50-75 bourbons? I've found myself to be a brown Foreman fan. I like woodford double Oaked and old forester alot. Cheers!
Thanks so much! My palate is a bit all over the place. Anything Wild Turkey and I am in. Some rye whiskeys with high rye mash bills I love! Some bourbon with low rye I love. Not a big fan of leather notes only if done in balance. Sorry not a good answer for you 😕
James we blinded the Very Old Barton 100 proof against some much more expensive whiskeys on one of our live shows and it won out! Such a great pour for the price! Cheers!
I have only had the Jim Beam and way back when I was a young buck. I was not drinking for taste BTW. For me Wild Turkey 101 is under $20 and its good straight or for mixing. For myself I cant see looking for a solution to a non existent problem. Love your reviews and keep up the great work!
Try the Very Old Barton 100 BIB for $12-14 and its very drinkable. Same with Even Williams BIB. I like the Benchmark Full Proof, but I like that BT mash bill. Never been a JB fan so I cant argue with you on that one. Great Video.
Thanks so much! I did look at some of these other bottles as well but at the end of the day I really wanted the show to be about true budget bourbons! Thank you for your suggestions!
The Evan Williams B.I.B. for $2 more than the black label is pretty darn good for what it is.
In my area The B.I.B. and the black label can be found for the same price. So my daily sipper is the E.W. B.I.B.
I have had the bib in the bar and agree. Wanted this video to be intro bottles only. Good call!
@@slbdrinks Evan Williams Small Batch is very good as well. Just changed the bottle and slight change to recipe, now 90 proof from 86.
Agreed
I don't like when people say " it's good for what it is" BiB finishes pretty well I'm blind tastings against other BiB at 3 or 3 times the price. Most people associate quality to price, and that's definitely not the case.
I am a huge Evan Williams fan as a daily drinker. Another budget bourbon by Evan Williams that I absolutely love is Evan Williams 1783. This is my go to daily drink. I’m a new subscriber and am really enjoying your content!
Appreciate you joining us! Had quite a few recommend the 1783. I need to give that a try!
Thanks for the memories. Fall semester 1982, my freshman year, Very Old Barton was the official (koff koff) bourbon of the University of Kentucky Marching Band trombone section. The next year we upgraded to Maker's Mark. Still not sure how we successfully navigated our shows.
Lol your welcome??
Go Cats!
Lmao. I love this dude. A leather belt soaked in pepper water! Hilarious!
Couldn’t help myself
😂😂😂
Couldn't have said it any better @Reel Kidd. I'm new to the channel but here to stay... love this guy!🤣
He’s so right. 😄
Best budget bourbons for me is Wild Turkey 101 followed by Old Forester Signature.
I totally agree, the Evan Williams is a staple for me on ice or as a mixer.
Jim Beam, though, is also a staple for me. It was the first whiskey I ever had on a long walk home on a cold night with a bunch of my college buddies sharing a bottle and cementing a friendship for a lifetime. Thirty years later, we can all recall that time with a sip of that leather pepper concoction. Thanks for reminding me.
That’s awesome you have a connection and history with a specific bottle! Thanks for sharing with me.
Fun stuff. I did a budget exploration over the summer and found that I really like Early Times BiB and Old Granddad BiB. They both do well neat and in cocktails, and no one can complain about the price point at ~$20.
Both excellent choices!
I wish, I was able to get Early Times here, where I live - I have only heard good things about their products 😊
I don't believe they are producing the early times BIB anymore . The brand was sold a while back . I hope that the BIB will get resurrected .
What a shame!
@ImOffTheGrid Brown-Forman sold the brand and existing stock to Sazerac, which will shift production to the Barton distillery. We’ll see how it changes as they run through the existing B-F stock. I’ll be doing my part to help get through it.
My go to budget bourbons are Early Times BIB and Evan Williams BIB. Always on the bottom shelf and absolutely exceed the price in quality. I can sip either neat, and I can use them in cocktails.
Excellent choices! Budget bib show in the works for sure!
BOTH of those are good cheap Bourbons.
I agree ! Evan Williams is what I use in my sours from time to time ! Not a fan of Jim Beam really at all. Great vid , thanks again Kurt
Thanks so much!
Love the channel. I just changed my favorite budget bourbon from EW 1783 to EW BIB. I was surprised how much I liked the BIB. Your channel (and others) made me realize I HAD to try it. What a bargain!
I’m a big fan of all the Evan Williams bourbons. Consistent quality at a very affordable price. Thanks for all your reviews👍👏🏻🥃🥃
Appreciate you! Thanks so much!
Agreed...what are your thoughts on the White Label? Think it's even better than the black label and for only a few dollars more, it's awesome!
I’ve sample pretty much all of the reasonable priced Bourbons ( 55 dollars are less for the large bottle) and I must say that Evan Williams black ( large bottles is 25 dollars at my local package store) is a solid bourbon .Now my favorite which is a little bit more expensive …well actually quite a bit more expensive is Larceny. (Large bottle is 46 dollars . And I did taste some of the 18 and 20 year-old Irish whiskeys that were around $100 mark for .75 But that was iatva fundraiser for the American Cancer Society but I really did not get what I would say was a realistic amount to do a legitimate taste test.
Hard to go wrong with EW black label.
Loved the Beam reaction! I agree on the tasting notes - works OK with some ice and soda water. I really appreciate your tasting notes and honest reactions. Congrats on eclipsing the 12,000 subscribers mark!
Certainly appreciate that!
Jim Beam flavored bourbons are far better than the basic bottle. Red Stag (cherry) and Coke is... dangerous.
Huh good to know!
I haven’t seen Benchmark small batch in my area but the regular Benchmark 80 proof is the best bourbon for the money, out there. Turned on to it by a liquor store clerk and everyone I’ve told about it loves it. It’s $10 for a fifth, 17.99 for a handle.
Others have said the same. I don’t believe we have that one up here.
Agree. I have some very high end bourbons on my bar and reach for benchmark more than any other.
The Evan Williams Black label (86 proof I believe) also surprised me as a budget bourbon. It is almost always on my bar somewhere. The green label (80 proof) is a bit weak and watered down flavor. Its dramatically different when you step over to the black label.
Haven’t had the green label but the black label is pretty darn good!
Great idea for a video. I do enjoy the Evan Williams as well, solid product choice.
Thank you!
It is hard to beat E. Williams' BIB.
Agreed John, and the bottled in bond white label for $17 is an even better steal! Cheers!
I'm the biggest fan of the regular Benchmark just the Old No. 8, hard to beat it for the price
Ya know Sir, I appreciate this one! What we’re experiencing in my neck of the woods are shortages on many of the, will call them, mid tier bourbons. There’s plenty of booze - if you’re not picky - but if you are trying to find something that isn’t offensive (to the pallet) and doesn’t cost entire too much of your pay check - It helps to have some insight like this. I’m not a big fan of Jim Beam (original) either. But the rest I hadn’t tried. Gonna get a bottle of Evan black label and Old Barton and give them a try. Again, I appreciate your insight, Sir!
Thanks so much! We have more similar shows in the works as well. Sure appreciate the kind words!
Love this video! One of my best buds and I worked at a liquor store in Bowling Green, KY while we were in college. We had no money and Very Old Barton was our best friend! That same friend now works for Heaven Hill and his union is fighting for better pay and benefits for themselves and their families. Keep up the content, but maybe consider holding off on purchasing Heaven Hill products until the men, women, and families who worked so hard to make Heaven Hill's products during the pandemic are treated fairly and given their health insurance back. Love the content still and hope you'll keep making great videos for everyone!
Thanks so much! Also, wishing nothing but the best for your buddy and all the employees at Heaven Hill!
I agree with your judgement on Jim Beam, and Evan Williams. Jim Beam is just nothing to write home about. Don't understand the fascination with it. If there was a generic bourbon, that you could buy in the liquor store, Jim Beam would be it, and just have a white label, with the word "bourbon" on it. Evan Williams Black is a very good bourbon for the money. Haven't tried the rest, and don't plan to.
If your happy with EW than that’s good enough!
I have thought that Evan Williams Black Label was the best value bourbon. It is the only of these I can enjoy neat.
Although many call me a Bourbon snob - I find that the Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Devil Cut in 1.75L is an excellent bulk Bourbon for daily doses and good quality at affordable price. I can get the Jim Beam Black for $22 for 1.75L and it sits in a decanter, drinks fine when I don't want to sip on $90/btl whiskey
Can’t blame you there. I haven’t tried those 2 so I should do that.
I enjoy Devils Cut
Your description of the Jim Beam ("Leather belt soaked in black pepper water") is spot on.
I know we have to have some Beam fans but ya that’s about what it is! To me anyway lol
@@slbdrinks I usually prefer a leather-forward flavor, but Beam is just bleh
You might like Jim Beam Black better.
Evan Williams is a great value and pretty good. Also, always on the shelf.
Always!
Agreed and the White Label at $17 is also a steal. If you ever get a chance the Very Old Barton 100 is awesome! It beat a bunch of higher priced bourbons in a blind taste test on our love show. Cheers!
Heaven Hill is what I was using to make Manhattan's for my friends that don't like whiskey or bourbon neat. They love it. Thanks for you videos. I'm a little over a year into my journey tasting dark spirits and there is a lot of good advice throughout the channel
So much appreciated, thank you!
I'm not gonna lie Kirk, when you got down to the second bottle Jim Beam...I started laughing when you said I'm not very fond of that one! LOL!!!!!!!! I've been meaning to try Benchmark for a while now due to coming from Buffalo Trace but was afraid it'll go down the drain. I've had the others except Old Barton, we've tried them once and we've never touched the bottles again.
I held on them them for over a year hoping we'd use them for cocktails....nope. had to get rid of them, gave them to these guys I always see down the road. At least they weren't wasted.
Thanks for sharing.
You thought about doing bottom shelf battle of Bottled in Bonds?
I did yes! I feel those are next step up from budget bottles so maybe a future video!
My husband and I are new to bourbons and whiskeys. I’ve been watching your videos and I’m very happy with the education and looking forward to jumping in with two feet. I know wines very well (I grew up in Napa Valley) but I’m looking forward to improving my bar cart. Thank you so much!
Thank you for joining us! We should get together sometime because I know nothing about wines lol
@@slbdrinks it would be my pleasure!
I’m new to the bourbon world. Woodford Reserve was my gateway into whiskey and so far, Blantons is my favorite for its smoothness and flavor. Your channel has peaked my interest in trying new stuff. I was wondering if you would be interested in comparing whiskeys sold at club stores, like Costco?
That has been a topic of conversation for us. Lots of my friends swear by Kirkland!
Yeah! Evan Williams is my favorite too! Evan Williams Battled In Bond and Wild Turkey 101 are my daily drinkers
Excellent choices!
I'm glad to see Evan Williams do well. I used to enjoy it when I was young. I may revisit it.
Worth a look see!
Another good episode. In the 1970s I was a bartender for an upper end chain steak and seafood restaurant (Reuben's). Jim Beam was the well bourbon. No wonder we poured so many call bourbon cocktails! Corporate were brilliant. The nice thing about a $9 bottle is that if it sucks, you expected it and you aren't out much $$$. If it's decent, you found a bargain! $750 - $1000 (I saw you bought some) if it sucks you get smacked twice. If it's great, big deal. That was to be expected. Thanks! SUBSCRIBED
Thanks so much!
Love the reaction to the JB. That is how I was introduced to for bourbon and I steered clear of bourbon for years because I thought that was what all bourbon tasted like. It is awful and IMO only good for adding to marinades.
Evan Williams Black label has been my go-to budget bourbon for most of my adult life.
I'm a fan of all the Evan Williams bottles. BiB and 1783 are probably my more likely go to pics but I'll never turn down EW!
I predicted from the get-go that the Jim Beam was going to make you cringe with disapproval and as a result, place dead last. That being said, I've tasted all of those and I ranked the least expensive at the very top, for having a pleasant taste that didn't offend my palate and for tasting better than the Evan Williams by a slight margin. I chose Old Barton. I'm 65 now and have a fully stocked home bar. It actually came with the 🏡 house. Of course, I've added several bottles to the collection for my own amusement, more than for any guests.
Jim Beam was definitely a no go! Very old Barton was an extremely solid budget bourbon so I can’t argue with that! Thanks for your input!
For cheap bourbon I find Evan Williams a top choice. Usually fill my decanter with it.
It was def pick of the litter!
I always enjoy your videos, Kurt. I've honestly have never tried any of these, but it's great to hear your take on some budget-friendly bottles. Sometimes there's a diamond in the rough out there.
Was a first for me also!
I would agree that Evan Williams black label is the best of the bunch . Having said that , in my area I can get Larceny and Old Forester 100 for $36-$38 for a handle . That's as budget as I go .
Excellent choices for that kind of money!
My go to budget bourbon is larceny small batch wheat bourbon. It's got a nice nutty note and it's got a very nice body texture definitely not thin. Best bourbon I've had for 20 bucks for sure
You hit it on the head with the viscosity. Very creamy!
@@slbdrinks ahh so you've had larceny. How do you like the taste of it
You are good, I like your style and judgment. Evan Williams is one of my favorite Bourbons. Good value and smooth flavors on each bottle. J. C. Jackson it's also really good! Both are a great without paying up too much, especially if you're going to mix your cocktail. I don't drink my Bourbon straight any way!
There you go! Great bourbon good for anything!
I've been a teetotaler all my life, but I enjoy listening to a man who knows his subject.
Thank you! I prefer a person to drink responsibly or not at all rather than in excess.
As for Jim Beam I am a fan of the Black label Devil's cut and Legent Bourbon. With Evan Williams bottled and bond 100 proof is good I do have some Benchmark 8 I haven't had yet. I will have to look for very old Barton
That Benchmark 8 was recommended a few times. Supposed to be pretty sweet on the palate.
WOW! JB is my go to. I found Benchmark an adequate substitute, same with EW. Never even heard of the other two. Still surprised how offensive JB was to your pallet. I always find it oaky and sweet!
Love your videos. As a collector and a general lover of bourbon O was extremely interested in your comments I know Turkey 101 may not be a " bargain " bourbon but I have to go with that as an everyday smoke a cigar friends sipping bourbon. What I find in these lower priced bourbon is exactly what you kept saying is that leather taste.
I hear you on that. I wanted to start at the very entry end level and work my way up. WT 101 is a def hitter!
Evan Williams is my to go Bourbon. It's not just a great value, it is better than many more expensive Bourbons. It has a rich flavor, far more complex than its price would indicate. I get a 750 mil bottle for under 15 bucks, and there is nothing in that price range that comes close, and also not too many with higher price points either. I don't taste a leathery flavor, but I do a charred oak barrel, which it should anyway. I tried Jim Beam only once, and no more. Tastes watered down.
Not a fan of the Beam either. EW is a great value for sure!
Another killer video, thank you. You hit the bullseye again. I so much appreciate videos that don’t waste my time with bourbons impossible to find (Michigan is a not mail order available state) or basically just a collectible for the rich and famous. 100s of good to great bourbons in the $25 to $100 range that are available in many places.😀
💯 correct! Planning on several more of these type of videos!
I've been having fun with my Bottom Shelf Battle videos I've been doing... I love the regular Benchmark and Very Old Barton is a mainstay in my whiskey den... can't find it in Ohio, but when I run to Kentucky I always come back with a few bottle... the 86 proof is awesome. I was surprised by the Quality House- to me it is a lot smoother than some of the other bottom shelfers I've tasted. A really decent budget bourbon and just did a video on that one that will air next week. And I agree with you on the Jim Beam. You're paying for the name...
Love the channel! The only budget bourbon for me is Evan Williams BIB. $15 give or take... after that its wt101 for me. Cheers!
Hopefully going to do a bib budget video!
I don't drink bourbon often but keep a bottle around. I prefer rye and Jim Beam rye is one of my favorites. I haven't tried their bourbon so I was surprised at their low rating that seems to carry on over into the comments. I love these kind of videos. Thanks!
Appreciate that thank you! Rye whiskey is a different animal altogether. Very possible the JB rye is a step above what I tasted in the video.
Love this! Please try VOB 86 proof, that’s my staple everyday pour. Not as thin as the 80 proof. Also, curious to get your take on their 100 proof. A bit harsh for everyday for me.
Keep up the great content!!
Thanks so much!
One that I would recommend is Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington. Toured there last spring, was impressed and ended up buying a bottle of their Blue Corn barrel strength at 128 proof. Can definitely taste the proof but I thought it had great taste. Keep up the great videos, Tony
Thanks for the recommendation!
In the army many years ago I had a good old boy sergeant from West Virginia who said a good party needed "a bottle of James Beam and a case of Coors."
Lol love to hear stories of the past. Maybe it’s my age. Thank you sir for your service to this great country!
I like the Very Old Barton's at 86 proof over the 80. Believe it was $13 last bottle I bought. Solid mixer.
Thank you!
Couldn't agree with your list more. Evan Williams is my go-to budget bourbon. Always keep a big bottle in the cabinet.
Evan Williams is my daily drinker. I like it alot. Right now I am working on Scotches about $30 + on some of your recommendations and ones from other videos. Having fun. Thanks.
That’s the best thing anyone can say to me! You have a plan financially in your whiskey journey and your having fun! That’s what it’s all about!
@@slbdrinks Thanks for your comment. I have watched quite a few videos and I like yours the best. They are spot on on the bottles that I have been able to find. I hope to try others as I can find them. Thanks for your thoughts.
"A leather belt soaked in pepper water". Best tasting note ever!
Sorry but that’s all I can think of lol
I've been exploring the bottom shelf whiskey arena. I'm going back to EW black label. I'm doing my best to use up a bottle of Kessler's which I have learned is not really a true bourbon. Its OK as a cheaper faux whiskey buzz but I'm going back to EW black label tried and true. Working man's whiskey.
Interesting. I’m very fond of Evan Williams single barrel, which is still pretty reasonable. I also don’t care for Jim Bean.
Really nice choice with the single barrel!
@@slbdrinks Thanks. I keep going back to it and it's a good gift for people that want to try bourbon but really don't know much about it. I love the cherry notes!
Me too, thats a great bourbon
Black Label Beam and the Double oaked aren't too bad. I actually like the Bonded Beam and their single barrel.
While the EW Single Barrel is lower proof, it is an outstanding sipper and a best buy for the price.
I haven’t seen Benchmark small batch, but the standard Benchmark I discovered within the past year and I like it. Evan Williams BIB, as mentioned below, is reasonably priced and fine. Buffalo Trace is a staple at my California Fresh Market and is frequently on sale.
ROT GUT 😁
Good choices! Because of recommendations I found Benchmark 8 is pretty good.
I completely agree with your assessments of Jim Beam and Even Williams but I really like Benchmark 8; I'm not sure how it's different - or if it is - from the Benchmark that you tasted. I'm new here but budget bourbons is all I drink, so thanks for the video and I'm now subscribed.
Appreciate you joining us! I didn’t have the Benchmark 8 on the show but it was recommended to me by other comments. I agree with you. The Benchmark 8 has to be the best of the Benchmark group.
I’m new to this channel but not new to loving bourbon and good cheer. Kurt’s got some great content!
Appreciate that! That’s exactly what we like to do here, enjoy whiskey, spirits, and cocktails and spread good cheer!
Evan Williams for the win. Thanks for sharing.
I really do like the 1783!
@@slbdrinks That's next on my list. Thank you.
I love reviews like these definitely like the channel im a new subscriber but loving the content so far
Appreciate you joining us!
Can’t complain about Evan Williams black label. It’s a good whiskey for the price and for sipping with friends. Also find the Evan Williams bottled-in-bond enjoyable for a few more dollars.
Need to look at the bib next!
I'm a new bourbon drinker and really appreciated this. Thank you!
Thanks so much and welcome!
Watched your video w/ interest then went to my liquor cabinet and poured myself two fingers of Evan Williams, my daily drinker, Salute!
Thank you sir! Well done!
I wanted one to mix so I didn’t want an expensive bottle for that. After trying a few I settled on Evan Williams Black Label. I have others that are nicer and mainly for sipping, but I really like the Black Label as an everyday drink bottle.
Nice choice!
If you have a sweet tooth, Beam is really sweet. You can drink it neat and it tastes like bourbon flavored sugar water. Some oiliness.
As somebody just getting into bourbon these are my favorite videos. I'm way more interested in getting the most bang for my buck under $100 than paying 200+ for a bottle of bourbon that you had to compete with hundreds of people also trying to buy the same limited supply
Completely agree! More of these types of videos in the works! Thanks so much!
I recommend you try Early Times. It’s $20, a full liter, bottled in bond and 100 proof. Beats out many more expensive bourbons in blind taste tests. I heard they were bought by Buffalo Trace so I am not sure how long this will last. My sons and I have about 20 bottles each.
@@danh9150 saw a video discussing the difference of the old Early Times BiB label vs the new. Cant for the life of me remember how to tell the difference lol. Still got 2 bottles of the old ET BiB, great stuff!
Loved your spot review. Interesting. EW BL is my go to for an afternoon “Old Fashioned” on the patio. I have found an OF mix that I really like… Daniels Broiler Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer on Amazon ($17). Makes a delicious OF. But I have been a EW fan for many years now.
Def was top of the list lol for me!
I just picked up a bottle of the Very Old Barton last month in Tennessee because I had heard it was legit - haven't opened it yet.
I guess it also comes in an 86, 90, and 100 proof versions, none of which I've ever seen in my travels.
Great video and congrats on the 10,000+ !!
Man thanks so much! Hard to believe! I really was pleasantly surprised with the VOB!
@@rick5221 #LuckyDuck
Try the Evan Williams Single Barrel. Delicious!!
Yes it is!
I lived in KY for 11 years. Benchmark was our go to! Of course I’ve never seen a small batch version.
Benchmark 8 is very tasty!
I still like Jim Beam over jack daniels. But I feel the same on beam.
Agreed!
JD is not a Bourbon. Tennessee Whiskey never touched my lips. Go Big Blue!
Lol your entitled to your opinion and I do like your enthusiasm!
I love VOB, Old Granddad, Benchmark, Evan Williams BIB....and Early Times BIB!!!
Great budget list! I wish I could find the ET bib!!
@@slbdrinks Me too...I have to travel at least 45 miles to get it, but it is worth it!
Your honest opinions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks my friend!
@@slbdrinks You’re most welcome, my friend.
Try the very old barton 100 proof ($29 for a 1.75) & the Evan Williams BiB ($21 for a 1.75) both good values with a nice bourbon proof point!
Def will! Thanks for the recommendations!
Interesting. I don't remember Even Williams being that good, but I will fully admit that the last time I had it was many years ago, before my whiskey journey. I am now curious about Old Barton, see if I can find it in my corner of the world.
Evan Williams is good, better than Jack.
@@greysuit17 - that is easy to believe as I am not a huge Jack fan.
Try the VOB. Truly pretty decent for that price point!
Don't like to sip Jim Beam either. Like to mix it with Coke. The flavor and nose stands up well to mixers, IMO.
Good way to utilize it!
You're saying you've never tried Jim Beam!? The number 1 bourbon on the planet! I call shenanigans on that.
I was never a Jim Beam white label fan. I like their other products like OGD and Knob Creek. The cheapest bourbon they sell that I like is Old Tub bib. I get a fifth for 18 bucks. It's right up there with Evan Williams bib as far as value, but the flavor profiles are much different. EW is brighter and sweeter, OT is darker with a charred oak favor. I like them both. I'm a bottom shelf lurker. I'm waiting for a bottle of Ezra Brooks Rye from FWGS (PA state store) for a mighty 16 bucks. I saw I bottle of Ezra Brooks bourbon for like 12 bucks last time I was at the store, but it's 80 proof. I opted for WT101 instead.
You can truly get some great options at 20.00 or less. Ya, you may have to weed through a few bad ones but blowing 16.00 is way better than 100.00!
The original Heaven Hill White Label was a Bottled in Bond that was discontinued a few years ago then rerelease as an allocated...that one, for me, was a better tasting Bourbon then their new White Label at 80 proof. Before the Bottled in Bond was discontinued, I sold it at my store for $12.99 before the price doubled. The Green Label isn't too bad either, if you can still find it.
Great price for sure! I did hear the green label is hard to find.
One of my favorite bourbons in the world is Evan Williams Black Label. That's my daily sipper. I pay $19 to $22 for a 1.75 liter handle. There are MANY MANY far more expensive bourbons that can't hold a candle to EW Black. Try a blind tasting with your friends!
Nothing better than finding a favorite bourbon that you don’t have to over pay for!
Another thumbs up for EW. It just doesn’t really seem to get a lot of love from the bourbon drinking community. Tastes excellent and is very, very reasonably priced.
First off amazing job being a RUclips Creator of the rise! And secondly love the channel and topics of your videos. Now the Very Old Barton 100 proof is amazing and actually won blind taste test for us against some much more extensive whiskeys. Cheers and Rock On!
Thank you for the kind words! Appreciate you checking in! All the best to you as well, I will be sure to check it out!
@@slbdrinks appreciate that buddy! Cheers!🥃
VOB 100 is my go to
@@cebailey5920 great choice!!
I don’t like Jim Beam by itself either, but add Canada Dry ginger ale (accept no substitute) and ice and it’s an easy favorite of mine. Even better with a lime wedge.
Very interesting! I have the bottle so looks like I need to get some Canada Dry!
I just tried another Evan Williams that is probably another tic up the quality stack, The 1783 Small Batch. At first I was thinking it was budget since even in PA I got it for under $20, but it may not qualify as "budget" like the 5 you just tried would. That said, I got it for use primarily as a mixer, but as I normally do I'll try a sip neat, and then try it on the cube. It was pretty decent neat, and as expected a bit smoother on the cube. It has a light but decent bourbon nose. Pretty tasty especially considering the cost. 90 proof, I made an old fashioned with it, and it held up ok.
Good to know! Others have liked the 1783 as well!
Nice review, I enjoy your content. Curious though, would it make sense to cleanse the palate prior to tasting a new bourbon?
I hear that for sure but I didn’t on this video primarily because I knew the whiskey itself would be somewhat thin and easily identifiable. Well noted though, thank you!
Early Times BiB is my favorite budget bourbon.. Wild Turkey 101 is another great budget bourbon
I have only tried the Ewan Williams and I think it okay for the price 😊! The Ewan Williams BiB is even better 😊!
Need to try that one!
Wasn't presented on your bar top, but Evan Williams bottled in bond would be a good low cost bourbon @ 17.49 from Total Wine. Not bad booze for tha money.
Will have to give that a go! Thinking about a budget bib video as well.
@@slbdrinks Thanx, look forward to that. Early Times has a b.i.b. out, but ABC liquor here in Hudson Fl. is asking $49.99 for that bottle. ? ...is it worth that much? Dunno? Rittenhouse b.i.b. @ 100 proof is a good rye whiskey.
Def good rye! Quite a bit high on that Early Times. That’s a shame. Should be 20-30.
@@slbdrinks That's what i'm thinkin'.
Great review. I'm glad you decided to check out the inexpensive Bourbons. I discovered Evan Williams black label about nine months ago and found it to be an excellent bourbon for the money. I've realized you don't have to spend $100 on a bottle of whiskey to have a good whiskey. I learned this when I paid $95 for a bottle of Rock Hill. Thanks Keep them coming.
Appreciate your support!
I'm at the point where I'll only pay over 50 dollars if the bourbon is cask strength. Everything else is for the birds.
Good for you to stick to a plan when purchasing!
I tried Jim Beam once, can't stand it. But, Honey Jim Beam and Ginger Ale is an awesome combination.
Oh yes some of the flavored whiskeys are great!
I like the Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. It was delicious and higher proof. I think it was just under 20. I used to enjoy Jim Beam but my last one was just too thin. I think my taste is certainly evolving.
So many recommendations for EW bib!
@@slbdrinks give it a try. I’d love to hear your review
I'm curious about some of these myself. Love watching your reviews and trying to gauge how your pallete and flavor preferences match up to mine since each person tastes things slightly differently. Do you generally prefer high rye or traditional bourbons? What are a few of your favorite $50-75 bourbons? I've found myself to be a brown Foreman fan. I like woodford double Oaked and old forester alot. Cheers!
Brown Forman*
Thanks so much! My palate is a bit all over the place. Anything Wild Turkey and I am in. Some rye whiskeys with high rye mash bills I love! Some bourbon with low rye I love. Not a big fan of leather notes only if done in balance. Sorry not a good answer for you 😕
James we blinded the Very Old Barton 100 proof against some much more expensive whiskeys on one of our live shows and it won out! Such a great pour for the price! Cheers!
Jim Beam is Awesome! Especially when you move up to Black Label and Knob Creek! That is one awesome bourbon making company!
Agree as a whole on Jim Beam!
I have only had the Jim Beam and way back when I was a young buck. I was not drinking for taste BTW. For me Wild Turkey 101 is under $20 and its good straight or for mixing. For myself I cant see looking for a solution to a non existent problem. Love your reviews and keep up the great work!
Thanks so much! For me the WT 101 would hit the next bracket in price structure. Hopefully we can keep going with these type of videos!
Try the Very Old Barton 100 BIB for $12-14 and its very drinkable. Same with Even Williams BIB. I like the Benchmark Full Proof, but I like that BT mash bill. Never been a JB fan so I cant argue with you on that one. Great Video.
Thanks so much! I did look at some of these other bottles as well but at the end of the day I really wanted the show to be about true budget bourbons! Thank you for your suggestions!
Mint julip Mr. Bond? Yesh Mr. Goldfinga. Sour mash, medium shweet.
Excellent lol!
For the money I like the Benchmark...I do mix it. Never could stand Jim Beam. My best bourbon is Bullitt.
I bought a bottle of Jim Beam just for a mixer of whiskey sours .Makers mark so far is my sipping whiskey until i find something i like better
MM is def a good choice!
Thank you for your great reviews Kurt, thumbs up from the Netherlands!
Thank you so much and welcome!
Love that u picked EW as #1 it's my go to bourbon
Good deal!