Let's discuss value - Best Booze Under X

[Josh]

With two or three exceptions, I think anything over $60 is not worth the money.

[bourbonNOOG]

Under $20: This one came to me immediately. Ritt BIB can be had for 18.99 in these parts.

$21-$30: EWSB and Ezra Brooks SB.

$31-$45: Willet Pot still reserve, FRSB and OFBB.

$46-$60: WTKS and Bookers.

$61-$80: The obvious is GTS and Pappy 15, and FR120th. WTAS would also be in this category for me, although I did grab a bottle of this the other day for $49.99 but it's usually in the $70 range.

$81plus: Pappy 20 and some of the WRMC offerings. If I see a bottle of 4 grain or Seasoned Oak, I buy it.

[Parkersback]

With two or three exceptions, I think anything over $60 is not worth the money.

Do tell, Josh. I know your love for 4R, so I'm assuming one of the ones you're thinking of is... Mariage?

[Halifax]

I'll have to give this whole list thing some thought. But EC12 and OWA
for under $20?!? Man, I'm looking at $26-$28 for EC12 these days and OWA is now a solid $22+. Bummer for me but extremely glad for you!

Fortunately our state ran ABC runs monthly specials. You can see what's on sale for the the next 3 months on their website. I only make purchases at our ABC when things are on sale.

Sale price (750ml):
OGD BIB = $15.95
EC12 = $17.95
OWA = $18.95

Come to think of it... Henry McKenna 10yr SB on sale @ $19.95 is a darn good value too.

[The Boozer]

With two or three exceptions, I think anything over $60 is not worth the money.

Does the PHC 10' make the list? Mirage or 4R Smb LE? Do tell.

[Josh]

Do tell, Josh. I know your love for 4R, so I'm assuming one of the ones you're thinking of is... Mariage?

You know me well already!

I would say Mariage/Small Batch LE, Pappy 15, most years of Stagg and some years of WLW. OK, so that's four. I haven't had a chance to sit down and spend some time with that PHC 2010 bottle yet (thanks Tim!) so I'll have to reserve judgement for now.

As for others at that price range, Handy has been debated ad nauseum so I won't get into that, but I always thought that Saz 18, ER 17, and Pappys 20 & 23 were hampered by their relatively low proof. As much as I love 4R, I didn't think the 100th anniversary 17 y/o was all that good either. Better than ER 17 or KY Vintage for sure, but not as good as previous years' SBBS or most of the retailer bottlings.

[chefnash51]

Under $20: WSR

$21-$30: ETL - Weller 12 - EC12

$31-$45: WTRB - ORVW10/107

$46-$60: Lot B

$61-$80: PHC 10

+$80: Pappy 20.

[flintlock]

I also break my categories down differently, sorry...

< $20: VOB BiB 100, EW White Label BiB, and AAA 10 star (and 10 year), all are REALLY solid pours from the shelves closest to the floor. Also Ritt BiB 100 is a great value here - never paid more than $19 for it so far.

$20 - 45: ORVW and Lot B. Hands down the best value going. I would add Bulleit, OWA and WT101 as amazing values in this segment.

> $45: I'm relatively new to this, but I don't usually play in this arena as I can get such splendid whiskey for less. I don't have access to Stagg and some of the rarities, and I'm sure they're worth seeking out, but I'd rather have a case of ORVW than 2 bottles of anything else in the world.

[ThomasH]

One thing nice about Ohio, despite being a control state, is that WT101 is 19.95/750 for much of the year, tax included. Santa came through ths year as it also had a 5.00 a bottle rebate for any bottle 750 and up. I ended up with a handle of it for 32.00+change. Another under 20 bottle here is OGD BIB. Good stuff if you like high rye bourbon, which I do. Beam black label used to be under 20.00 but a few years back, it caught a case off the JD inflated price virus and hasn't recovered since!

Thomas

[squire]

Under $20 Forester, Granddad, Barton and Heaven Hill, all BIB or 50%.

Under $30 Four Roses small batch

Don't pay over $30 unless the brand really appeals to me.