Hypothetical question about 10 bourbons

[Vange]

One more thing, the article category is called Top Shelf. If it makes it to a magazine! Thanks again guys!

[Chaz7]

Well, I can certainly say Pappy Van Winkle 20 yr belongs, but maybe Old Rip Van Winkle 90 proof for contrast. Then maybe AAA 10 STAR (value), since it is much more readily available than 10 year, and rounding out the rest:
Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond, just for grins-you could always blame the government and because it is B in B
Booker's Baker's or Knob Creek- one from the Small Batch Collection
Jim Beam, because it is EVERYWHERE
1792 RR, but only because it is the only Barton's with large distribution
Wild Turkey 101, because most people have heard of it
Evan Williams SB Vintage for a single barrel
And one cult find, such as Noah's Mill or Four Roses
I chose these not because they are my favorites, but because I hope with their diversity they are discussion worthy.

[RedVette]

George T Stagg
ORVW 15 107
WT Rare Breed
Bakers
Corner Creek
Sam Houston
OGD BIB
Elmer T Lee
Elijah Craig 12
Evan Williams SB

Not the most expensive, but a very solid roundup. I can't believe I made a top ten list without Blantons, or Old Rip lot B.

[bluesbassdad]

Lot B failed to make my list only because the bourbon going into the bottle has recently changed (per Julian). I'd like to give it the benefit of the doubt, but after my response to the replacement for ORVW 15/107 I cannot. The PVW 15/107 is a worthwhile bourbon, but IMO it is no match for its predecessor.

Yours truly,
Dave Morefield

[ratcheer]

For the eight others, I would choose:
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Rock Hill Farms
Elmer T. Lee
Blanton's
Booker's
Eagle Rare 17
Old Grand Dad 114

Tim

[StraightBoston]

I like the lists so far -- I'd choose mine to make sure each of the distilleries are covered, and I'd make sure that one of the extra-aged Kulsveens is on there (some have suggested Jefferson Reserve 15 but I haven't tried that myself!)

How about:
Elijah Craig 18yo
Pappy 20
AH Hirsch 16yo
Eagle Rare 17yo (or George T Stagg)
Black Maple Hill 21yo (or Classic Cask)
Bookers
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit (or Tribute; I personally prefer KS)
1792 Ridgemont Reserve (or VOB 100)
Virginia Gentleman "The Fox"

Too bad that Maker's Mark Select (Black Seal) isn't available in the States -- the red wax isn't "top shelf" enough for this list. There are a number of other tastes from distilleries already on the list -- OGD 114 or EWSB, for example. Corner Creek might work, too, as a unique taste, and of course there are many other BT products that would fit well as others have suggested.

[gr8erdane]

Ah then that makes a WORLD of difference. My Ten Top Shelf would be:

Stagg
PVW20
VW Lot B
Rock Hill Farms
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit (unless you can find a 12yo)
Elijah Craig 18
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Wathans
Black Maple Hill 14 or 16
Booker's

There is a wide variety here from many different distilleries that would provide a cross section of the industry as well as for the top shelf itself. I put in two VWs because each is completely different from the other and outstanding each in its own way. As others have said if I had an honorable mention category for these it would have to include Rowan's Creek, Woodford Reserve and Ridgeford Reserve 1792 to give a more complete cross section. They will each stand toe to toe in my book.

[Vange]

Thanks for the lists! They are great!

One thing I am unclear on. What is the talk about Lot B? I think I am missing something here.

[Vange]

Also, any thoughts on Jim Beam's Distiller's Masterpiece? Has anyone tried this one?

[StraightBoston]

"Lot B" = Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 year old Lot B. Was Stitzel-Weller distillation until very recently, now Bernheim, I think. Very tasty.

I've tried the 1st edition of Distiller's Masterpiece -- what makes it unique (besides the price) makes it less like bourbon, in my opinion.