(Topic ID: 171391)
This topic is closed.
Warren, MI
OK, I'll bite here.
First off, let me say that I have been a professional brewer for 20 years. My career had been good to me and I have had a wonderful time in the beer business. It does tend to make me very obsessive about beer and spirits so I apologize for the length of this post and any vibe of "lecturing" that comes off it. I just love booze. Booze pays my bills. Booze also buys me coil sleeves, solder and playfield rubber, haha.
Before I was hooked on beer, though, I was hooked on bourbon. My Dad is a true bourbon guy and we always had it around our house. White Label Beam has always been his go to (and mine as well) but the years have found him regularly acquiring a bottle of this or that which has led to some great tasting moments. In my family - including my very large Polish side (Dad's side) - births, deaths, marriages, sports championships and just about any other occasion you can think of have been marked by rounds of shots.
Anyway, bourbon...
First off, I always suggest to people to ease up on the "more expensive is better" idea. While you will generally find smoother and more complex bourbons as you climb the price ladder, you can always find great bourbon at a decent price. I remember when I had Pappy Van Winkle for the first time. Mostly, I was glad that I wasn't the one who had paid for the bottle. Is it great? Yes, I suppose. Is it worth the price? Not in my book it's not. No way. I can list many bourbons that I have had for $25 - $60 that I have enjoyed as much and most often more than Pappy. If you like it and you buy it, that's fine. I don't think you're wrong or stupid or whatever. I just don't think the liquor stands up to the mystique. For my money, it is better to pay attention to proof, ageing time and whether the place you are buying your sauce from is involved in the entire production process. Many houses simply buy young white liquor from someone else (often a very well known place in Indiana) and then just barrel age it and put their name on it. Many fine bourbons are made this way, but I tend to prefer houses that select grist, mash, ferment, distill and age all on their own.
I usually have at least a dozen bourbons on hand at any given time. On pinball nights with the fellas, I like to pour out 4-6 of them in glencairn glasses and then we sample around them and debate merits. Some like them spicy, some hot, some mellow, some sweeter. I love that. There is no right or wrong, just personal taste. I also love setting up "blind" flights with numbers corresponding to the different sample glasses. That way, price point and distillery are removed from the tasters' minds and they often surprise themselves by what they actually like the most. Want to prove to yourself that price is only part of the process? Let someone else pour out 4 to 6 of your bourbons from your coillection and NOT tell you what they are. Sample away "blind " and see what happens!
Some of my personal faves in no particular order:
Willett, for my money, makes some great bourbons. I absolutely LOVE the Pot Still Reserve. Try this one: buy a bottle and do not drink it quickly. Make sure it takes at least one year to finish. You will LOVE the changes it goes through and if you can get past the one year mark with any left, you will be amazed by how smooth, deep and even it gets. If you like Willett, make sure you try both Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek. Both of these bottles are go to's for me and I love them. Under the radar and under rated in my estimation, and both produced by Willett.
https://www.kentuckybourbonwhiskey.com/
Boone County Eighteen 33 from Independence, Kentucky. What a gorgeous bourbon. Bought some in Florence, Kentucky at the Party Town store there. That place is like an amusement park for me. Anyway, the sales guy and I were shooting the shit as I wandered the bourbon aisles (yes, plural!) and he recommended the Boone County to me. WOW! Amazing stuff. I am now desperately trying to get my hands on a bottle of Boone County's White Hall Bourbon Cream, which is supposed to be amazing over ice cream or in coffee. Someone down there please send me a fifth or two!!! I also really want to try their cask strength single barrel version of BC1833! I'm almost out of Boone County so I suppose it's time for that 5 hour drive down I-75 to stock up...
https://www.boonedistilling.com/
Eagle Rare is so solid and well priced. A little darker and fuller, but I drink it a lot. A sweeter bourbon that I use a lot to get non-bourbon people on the hook. Made by the famed Buffalo Trace distillery. Their entire family of whiskeys is solid.
https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/
Another bourbon that I use for "training wheel" sampling with newbies is Corner Creek. It is very bright on the palate and overall, almost citrusy, and an even handed bottle. Great stuff.
https://www.cornercreekbourbon.com/
I used to really like Black Maple Hill but the new offering from Oregon - not Kentucky - doesn't stand up as well to my taste.
I could go on forever, so I'll stop. LOVE ME SOME BOURBON.
Happy Sipping!
Tim in Motown
@SilverBallKid. The boone distillery is literally on the same street as my works shop. Strangely enough..I haven't tried it yet.. but I totally agree with the Rowsns and Noahs.. great stuff
Quoted from SilverBallKid:OK, I'll bite here.
First off, let me say that I have been a professional brewer for 20 years. My career had been good to me and I have had a wonderful time in the beer business. It does tend to make me very obsessive about beer and spirits so I apologize for the length of this post and any vibe of "lecturing" that comes off it. I just love booze. Booze pays my bills. Booze also buys me coil sleeves, solder and playfield rubber, haha.
Before I was hooked on beer, though, I was hooked on bourbon. My Dad is a true bourbon guy and we always had it around our house. White Label Beam has always been his go to (and mine as well) but the years have found him regularly acquiring a bottle of this or that which has led to some great tasting moments. In my family - including my very large Polish side (Dad's side) - births, deaths, marriages, sports championships and just about any other occasion you can think of have been marked by rounds of shots.
Anyway, bourbon...
First off, I always suggest to people to ease up on the "more expensive is better" idea. While you will generally find smoother and more complex bourbons as you climb the price ladder, you can always find great bourbon at a decent price. I remember when I had Pappy Van Winkle for the first time. Mostly, I was glad that I wasn't the one who had paid for the bottle. Is it great? Yes, I suppose. Is it worth the price? Not in my book it's not. No way. I can list many bourbons that I have had for $25 - $60 that I have enjoyed as much and most often more than Pappy. If you like it and you buy it, that's fine. I don't think you're wrong or stupid or whatever. I just don't think the liquor stands up to the mystique. For my money, it is better to pay attention to proof, ageing time and whether the place you are buying your sauce from is involved in the entire production process. Many houses simply buy young white liquor from someone else (often a very well known place in Indiana) and then just barrel age it and put their name on it. Many fine bourbons are made this way, but I tend to prefer houses that select grist, mash, ferment, distill and age all on their own.
I usually have at least a dozen bourbons on hand at any given time. On pinball nights with the fellas, I like to pour out 4-6 of them in glencairn glasses and then we sample around them and debate merits. Some like them spicy, some hot, some mellow, some sweeter. I love that. There is no right or wrong, just personal taste. I also love setting up "blind" flights with numbers corresponding to the different sample glasses. That way, price point and distillery are removed from the tasters' minds and they often surprise themselves by what they actually like the most. Want to prove to yourself that price is only part of the process? Let someone else pour out 4 to 6 of your bourbons from your coillection and NOT tell you what they are. Sample away "blind " and see what happens!
Some of my personal faves in no particular order:
Willett, for my money, makes some great bourbons. I absolutely LOVE the Pot Still Reserve. Try this one: buy a bottle and do not drink it quickly. Make sure it takes at least one year to finish. You will LOVE the changes it goes through and if you can get past the one year mark with any left, you will be amazed by how smooth, deep and even it gets. If you like Willett, make sure you try both Noah's Mill and Rowan's Creek. Both of these bottles are go to's for me and I love them. Under the radar and under rated in my estimation, and both produced by Willett.
https://www.kentuckybourbonwhiskey.com/
Boone County Eighteen 33 from Independence, Kentucky. What a gorgeous bourbon. Bought some in Florence, Kentucky at the Party Town store there. That place is like an amusement park for me. Anyway, the sales guy and I were shooting the shit as I wandered the bourbon aisles (yes, plural!) and he recommended the Boone County to me. WOW! Amazing stuff. I am now desperately trying to get my hands on a bottle of Boone County's White Hall Bourbon Cream, which is supposed to be amazing over ice cream or in coffee. Someone down there please send me a fifth or two!!! I also really want to try their cask strength single barrel version of BC1833! I'm almost out of Boone County so I suppose it's time for that 5 hour drive down I-75 to stock up...
https://www.boonedistilling.com/
Eagle Rare is so solid and well priced. A little darker and fuller, but I drink it a lot. A sweeter bourbon that I use a lot to get non-bourbon people on the hook. Made by the famed Buffalo Trace distillery. Their entire family of whiskeys is solid.
https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/
Another bourbon that I use for "training wheel" sampling with newbies is Corner Creek. It is very bright on the palate and overall, almost citrusy, and an even handed bottle. Great stuff.
https://www.cornercreekbourbon.com/
I used to really like Black Maple Hill but the new offering from Oregon - not Kentucky - doesn't stand up as well to my taste.
I could go on forever, so I'll stop. LOVE ME SOME BOURBON.
Happy Sipping!
Tim in Motown
Nice write up! Totally agree about Willet. Even when you pour a glass of the pot still reserve, the taste transforms from the first sip to the last, becoming smoother and more full bodied. It is a great bourbon. And I also agree about the Eagle Rare. One of the best buys out there for the price. I’ll have to search for the Boone County. I don’t believe I’ve ever tried it.
Quoted from Frippertron:I don't know if any of you guys have tried this stuff but it's excellent and from Taiwan. They tried to replicate Scottish whiskey and they did a hell of a job. Anything from this company is outstanding. My wife is from Taiwan so I have been there many times and happened on this place by accident. A lot of expensive stuff for an up an coming company but it all tastes great so how can I argue.
[quoted image]
My wife also is from Taiwan. I visited Taipei and Wu Lai with her a few years back. Really cool country.
Have you found these in the states or do you pick them up while there?
2 weeks later
No doubt - I need a vessel that traps each spirit's unique essence more for fuller olfactory enjoyment!
Quoted from MK6PIN:don't know if someone has mentioned this one yet, but a nice, powerful sipper w a unique taste
[quoted image]
Heard good things about Barrell, just not in any of the local shops. Each release is unique sourced barrel strength IIRC. I'm a fan of 107 proof!
Quoted from Chisox:keep running into these, so I keep buying them. Delicious.
[quoted image]
EHT Single Barrel is harder to come by these days. I'd do the same. What's everyone hunting this year, now that the season is upon us? I'm on the lookout for Weller CYPB and BTAC-though I probably missed the Weller train.
Quoted from vaevictis:EHT Single Barrel is harder to come by these days. I'd do the same. What's everyone hunting this year, now that the season is upon us? I'm on the lookout for Weller CYPB and BTAC-though I probably missed the Weller train.
That is the good stuff - good luck.
Quoted from vaevictis:EHT Single Barrel is harder to come by these days. I'd do the same. What's everyone hunting this year, now that the season is upon us? I'm on the lookout for Weller CYPB and BTAC-though I probably missed the Weller train.
I’m going hunting tomorrow since BT just dropped a bunch of bottles into the Chicago area. I have a lead on CYPB and 12 but I’m not too optimistic. I’ve completely given up on BTAC. Too many flippers are ruining it for the drinkers.
Quoted from Goronic:That is the good stuff - good luck.
Sometimes you've got to treat yourself. Besides, it's (generally) cheaper and easier to store than a pin. My current daily sippers are Evan Williams Bib, Turkey 101 (always in season), or OGD 114.
Quoted from Chisox:I’m going hunting tomorrow since BT just dropped a bunch of bottles into the Chicago area. I have a lead on CYPB and 12 but I’m not too optimistic. I’ve completely given up on BTAC. Too many flippers are ruining it for the drinkers.
I'm patiently waiting for the calls from my buddies or my honey holes. My last score (first release EHT Four Grain) from a honey hole, they really came through for me. All about developing relationships and supporting the local guys! Good luck on the bourbon hunt this season to all my pin brethren.
KIMG1273 (resized).jpgQuoted from vaevictis:I'm patiently waiting for the calls from my buddies or my honey holes. My last score (first release EHT Four Grain) from a honey hole, they really came through for me. All about developing relationships and supporting the local guys! Good luck on the bourbon hunt this season to all my pin brethren.
[quoted image]
That’s quite the score, congrats! The 4G is outstanding.
Also agree about the local honey hole relationships. Most of the good stuff never even hits the shelves anymore.
1 week later
Quoted from HisboyElroy:I picked this up at an auction recently. I'm not a huge Bourbon guy but I've heard really good things about Pappy Van Winkle and apparently it's really tough to find so I thought I'd grab it...
[quoted image]
Yeah - I think I heard somewhere that this is pretty good too. 
How much did you end up grabbing it for?
I got it for $275. I expected it to go for more based on prices I've seen online but that's as high as the bidding went...
Quoted from HisboyElroy:I got it for $275. I expected it to go for more based on prices I've seen online but that's as high as the bidding went...
That is a steal for that bottle.
Quoted from MikeO:That is a steal for that bottle.
Second that.
Quoted from HisboyElroy:I picked this up at an auction recently. I'm not a huge Bourbon guy but I've heard really good things about Pappy Van Winkle and apparently it's really tough to find so I thought I'd grab it...
[quoted image]
Imho, lot Bis th best of all the pappys. I have had them all multiple times and will take the tweleve over everything else.
Melbourne
Quoted from HisboyElroy:I picked this up at an auction recently. I'm not a huge Bourbon guy but I've heard really good things about Pappy Van Winkle and apparently it's really tough to find so I thought I'd grab it...
[quoted image]
Good buy
my collection of whisky has certainly hindered my buying power of pinball machines....that and the room my collection takes up is another story. You can check out my collection here www.theApothecaryPub.com - this is my home bar and I was tired of updating my paper menu so I decided to create my own website instead.
Quoted from saucerman:You can check out my collection here www.theApothecaryPub.com - this is my home bar and I was tired of updating my paper menu so I decided to create my own website instead.
Holy crap - that is one impressive collection and bar! Nice website too - good info. Thanks for sharing!
Love the bar's construction history and additional pics at the linked imgur post too.
Quoted from HisboyElroy:I picked this up at an auction recently. I'm not a huge Bourbon guy but I've heard really good things about Pappy Van Winkle and apparently it's really tough to find so I thought I'd grab it...
[quoted image]
You scored a great bourbon with this one. When I cracked this bottle my brother, nephew and I were all saying 'wow'. You really taste the barrel more so than other whiskeys. Sadly it is almost gone, but I have a Pappy 15 yet to open. So is it worth the crazy prices these command? Probably not for most, but you took this one for a decent price as far as these go. Enjoy!
Quoted from saucerman:my collection of whisky has certainly hindered my buying power of pinball machines....that and the room my collection takes up is another story. You can check out my collection here www.theApothecaryPub.com - this is my home bar and I was tired of updating my paper menu so I decided to create my own website instead.
When is the pinball and burb get to gether?
Quoted from ypurchn:Very Old Barton is the new Weller. $30 for a handle and mixes great. Weller has gotten crazy here. It’s great but at $50 a bottle I’ll drink Makers or Jack Single
Ancient Ancient Age 10 has taken the place of jack. $17 for a 750 can’t beat that.
[quoted image]
I picked up 4 bottles of Weller special reserve for 18 bucks a bottle in Austin TX a few months ago at a Total Wine - and kept 2 and gave 2 to my brother. It's great for 20 - 25 bucks, but 50 is too much.
Quoted from Goronic:I picked up 4 bottles of Weller special reserve for 18 bucks a bottle in Austin TX a few months ago at a Total Wine - and kept 2 and gave 2 to my brother. It's great for 20 - 25 bucks, but 50 is too much.
Total wine is great for not marking up their merch but I try to support local stores when they’re close in price. My local guys know if they get out of line I’ll go to Total Wine.
If you ever get time to talk to a small liquor store owner it’s crazy the stuff they go through to try to bring in something that is hot like Weller or Blantons.
Quoted from Tuna_Delight:Holy crap - that is one impressive collection and bar! Nice website too - good info. Thanks for sharing!
Love the bar's construction history and additional pics at the linked imgur post too.
thanks...yeah it's hard to leave the house sometimes....
Quoted from Whysnow:When is the pinball and burb get to gether?
almost every night 
I like a variety of bourbons depending on my mood (I have tried many). My favorite by far is Rock Hill Farms (very hard to get). It is the same mash bill as Blanton's and Elmer T Lee but spicier. My goto value for the money is Evan Williams Single Barrel. I included some bar pictures of my Man Cave that has a separate Pinball and Boardgames area.
IMG_2789 3 (resized).jpgIMG_3567 (resized).jpg
NB
Quoted from bmunn1:I like a variety of bourbons depending on my mood (I have tried many). My favorite by far is Rock Hill Farms (very hard to get). It is the same mash bill as Blanton's and Elmer T Lee but spicier. My goto value for the money is Evan Williams Single Barrel. I included some bar pictures of my Man Cave that has a separate Pinball and Boardgames area.[quoted image][quoted image]
You have inspired me!! Seriously, I'm currently planning a new wet bar/game room in a carport that I'll be closing in, and I want my bar to look like yours! A slightly smaller scale due to square footage available, but similar layout. Looks very relaxing
Quoted from bmunn1:I like a variety of bourbons depending on my mood (I have tried many). My favorite by far is Rock Hill Farms (very hard to get). It is the same mash bill as Blanton's and Elmer T Lee but spicier. My goto value for the money is Evan Williams Single Barrel. I included some bar pictures of my Man Cave that has a separate Pinball and Boardgames area.[quoted image][quoted image]
Bad ass looking bar man - very cool!
Quoted from Goronic:Bad ass looking bar man - very cool!
Thanks a lot!
1 month later
Quoted from VampireKangaroo:Having some IW Harper 15 year
got a bottle of that when I was out east this summer and it was so good it lasted a whole 3 days.
Sadly cant find it anywhere here in the midwest so far...
I got a bottle of IW Harper from my local Binny’s, and I have to admit, not all that impressed. Thought it was really overpriced for an 86 proof bourbon.
Got my hands on some Weller 12 and Blanton’s, and I like both of those way more.
And keep watch out at the local liquor stores...Pappy is coming......
Quoted from bowz:I got a bottle of IW Harper from my local Binny’s, and I have to admit, not all that impressed. Thought it was really overpriced for an 86 proof bourbon.
Got my hands on some Weller 12 and Blanton’s, and I like both of those way more.
And keep watch out at the local liquor stores...Pappy is coming......
I’ve given up of the unicorns like Pappy, WLWeller, Stagg etc. and focus on Blanton’s, Elmer T., W12, Rock Hill Farms and the like. I’ve overpaid trying all the unicorns at restaurants and bars and was underwhelmed for the price. Give me a couple fingers of Elmer T Lee or EH Taylor neat and I’m a happy man.
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