hello from Austin and Philly

[DowntownD]

Hello everyone.

My name is David. I've been lurking for a month or so and finally created an account last week as this is a fantastic resource with numerous friendly and knowledgeable folks and I've already learned quite a lot. At 38 years old I've only recently began to take a serious look into Bourbon, though I think my Whisk(e)y roots run deep...

I'm about 80% Scotch-Irish, was raised taking sips from my father's 'funny coke' (read: Jack/Coke), was in trouble countless times as a teen for depleting his bottles of Crown, developed a lifelong love for Jameson in college, have been keeping a fresh bottle of the Balvenie DoubleWood around for the last few years, and have had my fair share of Maker's, Beam, Wild Turkey, and Knob Creek (though, honestly, never really liked those particular varieties much and had really, somewhat unconsciously, dismissed Bourbon categorically).

Then, everything changed... about two months ago I was turned on to Booker's and the Van Winkle Lot B (both of which I like a lot, so much so I've gone through three bottles of the Booker's and one of the Lot B so far - despite the fact that I really don't drink that much or that often, really...).

In any case, I'm anxious to check out some other choices and recently had a great conversation with Brett at Binny's who supplemented the fine suggestions I've garnered from you folks here.

- DowntownD

[Stu]

Welcome aboard David. Check out affordable bourbons (or something like that) by Sijan for some good info on "starter bourbons", if you haven't already done so.

Stu

[mozilla]

Welcome to the board....so are you working in one city and living in the other?

Which has better choices for bourbon?

Have you had all the Wellers yet?

[DowntownD]

@ Stu - hello, and thanks - that is a great thread.

@ mozilla - hello, and thanks. I live in downtown Austin, but was in Philly last week visiting a beneficial friend - and I'd have to say Austin has the best choices of the places I've been. I usually shop at Spec's on Ben White. as for the Weller's, I haven't tried any of them.

to date, I've had and either didn't really like or was underwhelmed with:

* Maker's
* WT/WT101
* Knob Creek
* Beam
* Bulleit

but I've had and liked (in the following order):

* Booker's
* Van Winkle Lot B
* Eagle Rare 10yr Single Barrel

and my short list of things to try next is (in the following order):

* Four Roses Small Batch
* Weller 12yr
* Sazerac Straight Rye
* Elmer T Lee Small Batch

- D

[mozilla]

Great David,
Didn't think there were any other bourbon lovers in Austin. You do know that Twins gives a 15% discount on 2 bottles of the same item....there are tons of them around town. Some stores have a good selection others are hit and miss.
PM me if you would like to get together for a tasting.

Also, look for some Turkey rye or Weller 107....two of my fav's.

[Tennessee Dave]

Welcome to SB.com David. good group here.

[Chupacabras]

Hi Dave. I'm new to this forum as well though I doubt there's anything wrong with "newbs" welcoming each other.Philly shopping is for the birds but if you jump across the bridge and know where to look, I'd expect we can at the very least, give Tejas a run for their money in bourbon selection.

[spun_cookie]

Welcome to teh site... you will find many a new bourbon in your future....

[callmeox]

Welcome to the site. Lots of great folks and information here. Picking Brett at Binny's as a resource was a wise move as well.

Good luck in your exploration!