Rank these in order of your preference:

[Sijan]

To my mind, OGD BIB ranks head and shoulders above the rest. Others to consider in that general price range are Old Forester 100 proof, Wild Turkey 101, and Jim Beam Black. All quite good, IMO.

See my related post on good, affordable bourbons and ryes here: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forum...ead.php?t=8142

[Dr. François]

Thanks, Dan. Excellent resource.

I went to the store last night and bought a pint of Evan Williams and also got myself talked into a pint of Forester. I figured that I'm sampling, so there is no need to commit to a whole bottle. The prices on a number of other suggested bottles are quite absurd here in Michigan due to our Minimum Pricing laws.
First impressions:
I don't like either nearly as much as BT. Both are better than my college Beam White days. I'll be digging into the forester more tonight.

[Sijan]

Are you drinking the 100 proof Forester or the 86 proof? 100 is markedly better, although I have had the occasional off-bottling. Regular Buffalo Trace is in the same price range as the ones we're talking about - roughly $20/bottle - in many areas. Don't know what it costs in Michigan.

[Dr. François]

Minimum price for BT in Michigan is 24/bottle. It is only available in 750ml. Even the Old Forester 100 runs 20/bottle.
Old Forester 86 runs 15/bottle by law. Many stores mark that up even further. Not much of a bargain in my mind.

After digging deep into my bottle of OF86 last night, I have to say I'm not impressed with it, especially compared to the Evan Williams. I kept detecting this off smell...astringent, orange scented household cleaner, etc. The whiskey was also hot...the alcohol dominated and masked the flavors. We killed most of the bottle by making baking-pantry Mint Juleps (simple syrup with a dash of mint extract). Standing around the campfire in 20 degree weather, we couldn't complain.

[OscarV]

After digging deep into my bottle of OF86 last night, I have to say I'm not impressed with it, especially compared to the Evan Williams. I kept detecting this off smell...astringent, orange scented household cleaner, etc. The whiskey was also hot...the alcohol dominated and masked the flavors. .

Old Forester can be bad.
Their Signature brand is good, very good on the rocks it is 100 proof.
The standard 86 proof is pretty bad.
A lot of people like the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon.
I got one that just so happened to be the lowest rated one of them all, Spring 1990. the first couple were good, but that bottle got bad fast.

Evan Williams Black Label is the most underrated, (taking price into account), bourbon there is.
I love it on the rocks, great minty tail on it.

[squire]

ovh I agree that Evan Williams black label is very consistent. The brand was sold here for a number of years at 7yrs and 90 Proof. Presumed that was its profile but was surprised to find it at different ages and proofs in other markets, Alabama and Florida come to mind, and believe I saw a younger, six year version in a shop on Boylston St. in Boston. That was at least twelve years ago, memory fades, but the no age statement stuff sold today in my local store ranks right up there with the brand that I've been conversant with for some years now. Its still good stuff.

Squire

[Gillman]

In general I too find Signature much better than OF 86.

Gary

[texascarl]

Under $18/750ml locally. These are excellent buys - in approximate order:

Old Fitz 1849
Wild Turkey 101
Rittenhouse Rye
Old Charter 10 year
Bulleit
W.L. Weller - 7 yr
OGD BIB
Old Overholt
Old Forester 100

The ones below are all 'good whiskey' for the price, no order.
Rebel Yell
Evan Williams
Ancient Age (10 star is in this price range)
Benchmark
Old Charter 8 year

[ACDetroit]

W.L.Weller Special Reserve 7 yr. 16.98 state min. You can still find some Lville bottles if you look around.

Tony

[Sijan]

texascarl, are you finding the 8 year old Old Fitz 1849 in stores still? Or just the NAS version? I find the 8 year old notably better, but can't find it anymore.