Skip the bottom shelf?

[thanis]

Over the years, I've developed some preferences, but realized around a week ago, I've just stumbled on them by chance.

It may sound structured, but I've given myself a few rules. Finish what is open, test one or two new bottles / brands at a time.[/font]
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This does not include the four or so I tend to have on hand. Right now (I'm not sure if it is good or not, but it is what I like)thats Jim Beam black, Johnnie Walker black, Glenlivet, and a misc. Canadian or TN whiskey I'll buy for cocktails or parties.

I know many are not bourbons, but I feel the need to give every whiskey a chance. I enjoy bourbons the most, but prefer scotch to start the evening, then move to bourbon. It is not that I like scotch more (or think scotch is not as good), I just enjoy bourbon after a scotch (or so I think).

I'm thinking start out with the basics, never know what gem you might pass up. Budget is a little limited (say $75 a month). I drink (sip) around once or twice a week.

Should I just go for the good stuff, or should I take a while and try it all? [/font]
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[CorvallisCracker]

Don't skip the bottom shelf. You might miss VOB (Very Old Barton).

You might want to look at this thread, back in the New to Straight Bourbon forum.

[loose proton]

I've found some decent drinks at $6/liter. Price doesn't always mean quality, and you may find something on the bottom shelf you really like a lot. But some bottom shelf can be awful.

The advantage of bottom shelf is a person can sample different flavors and start learning what one has a preference for. Also, nasty stuff makes one appreciate the good stuff better.

It's also a cheap way to learn about moods. Sip it today, it tastes awful. Keep it around and pull it out next month, hum, it tastes different and not so bad.

[Phantos]

Both JTS Brown and Ancient Age live down there in the depths...
Great value youthful bourbons.

[loose proton]

...I've given myself a few rules. Finish what is open,...

I used to do this, too. Mostly for economy of $$ and space. But many people keep a larder of open bottles. That way, one can drink whatever one is in the mood for, and one can compare flavors. Some folks go even further, they may have several different years of the same label open at one time.

[bonneamie]

I think "finish what is open" is not a good idea. What if what you open is something you really don't like? There's nothing wrong with having an array open to choose from as the mood strikes.

[thanis]

I think "finish what is open" is not a good idea. What if what you open is something you really don't like? There's nothing wrong with having an array open to choose from as the mood strikes.

Fair enough point, but what do you do then with what you don't like. I've been thinking to just make a mix bottle. A place to pour 1/2 empty with some other 1/2 open to use in cocktails.

The other option has been to pass onto my nephews.

[bonneamie]

I've been know to pass on the stuff I don't like to my college age son. Or, yes, you can save it for mixing for your friends and their bourbon and cokes.

[fishnbowljoe]

Don't pass up everything on the bottom shelf. There can be some real gems there. (Depending on your tastes)

What to do with stuff you don't like as much?
1. I use them with a mixer. Coke or Sprite
2. I take them to the bowling alley on Wednesday nights and share 'em with the guys on my bowling team.

Joe

[RamblinWreck007]

Stuff that doesn't pass the drinkability test gets cooking duty in my house. Even crappy bourbon generally makes decent marinades and glazes.

Bottom shelf? I dunno, does Evan Williams Black count as bottom, cause that's my stand-by for mixed drinks.