Bourbon QPR 2012

[George]

Thought it would be good to get some views on current quality-price ratios. In which bottles/brands are you perceiving a high QPR? Low QPR? Any major changes to pricing in any particular product(s)?

[trumpstylz]

The all time heavyweight champion of the value category (and Whisky Advocate's value bourbon of the year last year) is Very Old Barton.

Some might also speculate and say its heaven hill white label 100 proof.

[boneuphtoner]

I would argue that ETL has a very favorable quality price ratio. As good or better than Blantons for nearly half the price. Also Evan Williams black and BIB white label are pretty tough to beat in that regard.

[JayMonster]

I'd argue that OWA has the best QPR there is. Once you start going below this, the drop in quality is far more precipitous than the savings.

For me, "drinkable" and "good enough" does not equal quality, so things like Evan Williams Black, with its Scope (or Listerine) type minty profile, may satisfy the Price part of the equation, the quality part still balances it out to a low QPR.

[Old Lamplighter]

I'd argue that OWA has the best QPR there is. Once you start going below this, the drop in quality is far more precipitous than the savings.

For me, "drinkable" and "good enough" does not equal quality, so things like Evan Williams Black, with its Scope (or Listerine) type minty profile, may satisfy the Price part of the equation, the quality part still balances it out to a low QPR.

I have to agree. I am wrestling between OWA & Weller 12. I tend to slightly lean toward OWA because of proof. Along with those, but on the lower proof end, hard to best AAA 10yo. It is the only <90 proof I enjoy and revisit from the past.

[dridge11]

Another (limited experience) vote for OWA

[WsmataU]

I have to agree. I am wrestling between OWA & Weller 12. I tend to slightly lean toward OWA because of proof. Along with those, but on the lower proof end, hard to best AAA 10yo. It is the only <90 proof I enjoy and revisit from the past.

I'll second both of these. Unfortunately, Weller 12 is very hard to come by in VA, so I normally get the antique or SR. By far my favorite pours under $30.

With the boom in bourbon's popularity, I'm wondering if I should bunker some of these before their prices go up. I'd hate to kick myself for missing the train twice (the Pappy thing has gotten ridiculous). I only wish I'd bunkered a couple cases of the Centennial when it was available (but don't we all)!

[kyrocklover]

For me it is Old Grand Dad 114.

[Parkersback]

Bourbon
Weller 12: $19.99 + tax
Elijah Craig 12: $21.95 + tax
Old Ezra 101: $16.50 + tax
Ritt BIB: $19.99 + tax

Dark Side
Glenmorangie 10: $32 + tax
Highland Park 12: $40 + tax

Irish
Black Bush (1L): $36.75 + tax

Dusty
ND OGB BIB: $17.50 out the door (This is dirty pool, but I know I'm not the only one who can still get it. It is still out there. Besides, I'd probably feel similarly with the current OGD BIB.)

[Young Blacksmith]

EC 12 is an amazing QPR I think, it's just really good, and usually cheaper than the EWSB's.
All the Weller line.
ND OGD is great too but not everyone can get some.

I have not had OE101 or VOB BIB. I have bottles of both, but waiting to clear a spot on the open shelf.