Ode to the Low "Rye"-der

[CorvallisCracker]

I don't know McAfee's mashbill but it's often less than $10. (Amazing.)

Same as Charter, Buffalo Trace, ER and Stagg; BT #1.

[squire]

Fighting cock is standard Heaven Hill bottled at a higher proof.

[squire]

I considered adding Charter to the list but just don't seem to get around to it anymore, hmm . . .

[tmckenzie]

I love fighting cock, thing is, the cheapest I have seen it here is 25 bucks a fifth.

[flintlock]

I love fighting cock, thing is, the cheapest I have seen it here is 25 bucks a fifth.

And you know what? It's worth that, in my opinion. Cheap bourbon prices give us, I think, a distorted view of the worth of some of these things. Every time I think I'm paying too much, I let my eyes wander over to the Scotch section...:bigeyes:

[the Duff]

I love fighting cock, thing is, the cheapest I have seen it here is 25 bucks a fifth.

It's better than bottles I have bought that were $50! :bigeyes:

$16 here in the QC.

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My favorite "low-ryder" is probably EWBL, $11.50. No bibs around here readily available. Just OGD and its $18. I'm in Augusta Georgia at the moment (visiting her sister) and will probably try to hunt down some bottles that I can't get locally... particularly HHBIB and any variation thereof. I would love to see a VOB out in the wild, but I think the chances are slim.

[jcg9779]

I'm in Augusta Georgia at the moment (visiting her sister)

Duff, I think you should extend your trip for two more weeks, if you're a golf fan!

[Brisko]

It's better than bottles I have bought that were $50! :bigeyes:

$16 here in the QC.

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My favorite "low-ryder" is probably EWBL, $11.50. No bibs around here readily available. Just OGD and its $18. I'm in Augusta Georgia at the moment (visiting her sister) and will probably try to hunt down some bottles that I can't get locally... particularly HHBIB and any variation thereof. I would love to see a VOB out in the wild, but I think the chances are slim.

Since the OP specified "low rye" mash bills, I would say that EWB and any of the HH offerings barely count. OGD definitely doesn't count.

[squire]

Not much in the way of low rye in the good, cheap category is there, discounting wheaters of course.

[the Duff]

Since the OP specified "low rye" mash bills, I would say that EWB and any of the HH offerings barely count. OGD definitely doesn't count.

[boss302]

Yeah, Evan Williams definitely counts.

As for Fighting Cock, I thought that used a "high rye" mashbill, since the ad campaign seems to play it up as bold and spicy?

Anyway, I thought it was common knowledge that most cheap bourbons were "Low Rye-ders" since corn is a cheaper grain than rye?

[Brisko]

Heh, I wasn't sure how close to 80% you wanted to stay. But it raises an interesting question, because the vast majority of bourbon on the market is between 75 and 80% corn. I know 4R's B mashbill is significantly lower in corn, but what about BT? Even their "high rye" mash bill doesn't seem all that high to me.

The other thing that I personally find confusing is that in many cases the rye component is pretty noticeable despite its relatively low percentage (I would put a lot of HH's in this category). Is it a matter of one or two percentage points making a big difference, or is it something else? I don't know.

Anyway, sorry to threadjack.

I'm a big fan HH's including EWB when it comes to value. Also Old Forester but I think it is only 72% corn according to the Whisky Tree thread.

If you want to get right up against the $20 ceiling, I would put BT, EC12, and Dickel #12 in there as well.

[Robmo]

This is my kind of thread! I tried to start a thread about the bottom bottom shelf a couple weeks ago but it didn't go anywhere. I am a recent convert to 4R yellow--if it's on sale you can get for about 10.00 - 12.00 where I am. Even my wife loves it.

What do you think of these?

TW Samuels:

Bourbon de Luxe:

[steeltownbbq]

Man I'm hurtin' if you can get 4R yellow for $10. It is the family favorite here.

Never could get it at our Ohio stores and it was available for a while at the PA stores that I go to.

But, the PA LCB just discontinued carrying 4R yellow.

I was in Cincinnati last week for a business meeting and made the trip across the river and brought some home.

I'll have to stock up on my next trip south --- I hate these control states.

[Jwilly019]

Man I'm hurtin' if you can get 4R yellow for $10. It is the family favorite here.

Never could get it at our Ohio stores and it was available for a while at the PA stores that I go to.

But, the PA LCB just discontinued carrying 4R yellow.

I was in Cincinnati last week for a business meeting and made the trip across the river and brought some home.

I'll have to stock up on my next trip south --- I hate these control states.

Michigan has 4R Yellow if you're ever up that way.

[squire]

Four Roses yellow label holds steady at about $20 a bottle here.

[squire]

Rob, you have a Heaven Hill product (Samuels) and a Barton/Tom Moore product (de Luxe), both of which should show their respective house character. Let us know what you think about them.

[boss302]

This is my kind of thread! I tried to start a thread about the bottom bottom shelf a couple weeks ago but it didn't go anywhere. I am a recent convert to 4R yellow--if it's on sale you can get for about 10.00 - 12.00 where I am. Even my wife loves it.

What do you think of these?

Well, Robmo, I'll have to accept whatever verdict you hand down, since I can't get either in my state.

But, yeah, it sounds to me like you have the right idea!

[boss302]

Heh, I wasn't sure how close to 80% you wanted to stay.

Yeah, I guess I should have set a minimum-- let's say 70%-80%?

The other thing that I personally find confusing is that in many cases the rye component is pretty noticeable despite its relatively low percentage (I would put a lot of HH's in this category). Is it a matter of one or two percentage points making a big difference, or is it something else? I don't know.

I think the yeast strain might have something to do with that. I've noticed that HH stuff, despite being relatively low-rye, definitely has more of a spiciness to it...

[Robmo]

Rob, you have a Heaven Hill product (Samuels) and a Barton/Tom Moore product (de Luxe), both of which should show their respective house character. Let us know what you think about them.

Have to confess I haven't tried them yet. They're so cheap it's scary. Will definitely give them a try and report back when I have a chance. Your words make me brave.

[Rughi]

Rob, you have a Heaven Hill product (Samuels) and a Barton/Tom Moore product (de Luxe), both of which should show their respective house character. Let us know what you think about them.

I believe you'll find that Bourbon de Luxe is a Beam / former ND product, but your point remains. Two distinctly different distilleries at play here.

I think I see the de Luxe states Clermont, so it may all be JB juice. I wonder if one might find some similarity between what people call the Jim Beam grassy notes and the Parker Beam menthol notes?

Roger

[squire]

Correct Roger, I confused Bourbon de Luxe (Beam) with Kentucky Deluxe (HH) and I should know better than to try and post from memory.

Rob the rest of what I posted stands and also just because a whisky is inexpensive doesn't mean it should be avoided.

[Robmo]

just because a whisky is inexpensive doesn't mean it should be avoided.

good to know, squire