Going to try something different

[bgast1]

I have sort of had a mindset that price determines the quality of the bourbon. So basically I started with Makers Mark but have only had one bottle of it. Then based on recommendations here I bought Old Weller Antique. Man I love that stuff. Also based upon recommendations here I bought Evan Williams Black and I like that.

My late father in law drank Ten High. I think that I am going to go Walmart to pick up a Father's Day Card for my dad and then head over to a liquor store. I am going to look for the cheapest bourbons that I can find and probably buy a bottle. I am talking possibly even cheaper than Evan Williams.

I need to find something that I can drink every day in that budget range and then splurge for the other stuff on special occasions.

Are there any cheap wheaters? or would I just use my OWA to compare to the ryes?

[Virus_Of_Life]

Are there any cheap wheaters? or would I just use my OWA to compare to the ryes?

The cheapest best wheater can be had about and hour an nineteen minutes from you at Everett's in South Beloit. Weller SR private selection for $24.99 a handle, it's very good, and when you consider the price very great.

[bgast1]

I have been doing some searching on the internet and I can't even seem to find a list of bottom shelf bourbons. The only lists that I can find are mid shelf stuff. And Ten High is called sewer swill. Just for that I might buy a bottle and see for myself.

[Tennessee Dave]

Sometimes I think we all get a bit jaded about the top shelf bourbons, scotches, and cognacs and forget there is some pretty decent everyday stuff out there for just kicking back and enjoying a drink. I know I fell into this trap. I love my top shelf but I like to mix a little ordinary in. Just makes drinking the "good" stuff all the more appreciated and enjoyed.

[bgast1]

I went against what I said here earlier. I found a small bottle of Jim Beam Black which I have been wanting to try.

Tennessee Dave I think that you are onto something. I am actually in search of something to use for an everyday type drink for when I come home from work or just to kick back with. Then, as you say I can appreciate the next shelf more.

[mosugoji64]

If you can find any of the Heaven Hill BIBs in your area, I heartily recommend those. Middle shelf quality for bottom shelf prices making them outstanding everyday pours, IMHO.

Though I haven't tried it, a friend of mine recommended Benchmark as another outstanding bottom-shelf value.

[jcg9779]

Though I haven't tried it, a friend of mine recommended Benchmark as another outstanding bottom-shelf value.

I had someone tell me that Benchmark is pretty good too, although I haven't had it either. One of these days I'll probably pick up a bottle to try.

[bgast1]

I don't know why I haven't tried it before, but this Jim Beam Black is very very drinkable. I tried it neat to start with and I liked it. Now I am trying it with 3 ice cubes.

[trumpstylz]

I had someone tell me that Benchmark is pretty good too, although I haven't had it either. One of these days I'll probably pick up a bottle to try.

Benchmark- like a really watered down/less complex version of buffalo trace. No sharp edges, but nothing really stands out in it.

(not horrible for mixing though- mostly just with coke though)

Ten High- Not bad- good mixer. It would be a lot better if it were higher proof. I get the feeling that its the same mashbill as VOB. I also get a surprising amound of banana on the nose (especially considering its only 80 prf)

Ten high is the more flavorful of the two. But if you want wheat (which neither of the 2 are) the benchmark might be better b/c it has very low rye. Personally, if I'm getting a bottom shelf mixer, I go Ten High, but both are decent choices. Another cheapie you might consider is kentucky tavern- probably the same mashbill as ten high and vob (if only they would bottle these at a higher proof). Come to think of it, VOB 90 or 100 might be your best choice if you have a Binny's near by- 12.99 a fifth.

NOTE: MAKE SURE the ten high version is the Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and NOT Bourbon, a blend. The straight version is no longer produced and is disappearing off the shelves, and the 2 bottles look positively identical.

[G.H.Adams]

For a cheap wheater I don't think you can beat Old Fitz BIB if you can find it in your area. AAA 10 y/o is not a wheater but it is plenty good. You will have to order it as it is only sold in Kentucky. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[BMartin42]

For a cheap wheater I don't think you can beat Old Fitz BIB if you can find it in your area. AAA 10 y/o is not a wheater but it is plenty good. You will have to order it as it is only sold in Kentucky. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Give me Weller Special Reserve for a cheap wheater any day. Weller is about $3 less around these parts. I personally find the Old Fitzgerald to be putrid. This is why you are going to just have to try many and decide for yourself. One cheap wheated bourbon is not necessarily like another. Everyone's taste buds are different and the key is to try several and find what suits your personal tastes. I have seen many on here who swear by both the Weller and the OF so give them both a shot. Buy minis if you can until you figure it out.

[trumpstylz]

Yeah, AAA 10 yr is good if you like wheaters. I agree that old fitz definitely is not what it used to be.

[SMOWK]

I find that most bottom-shelfers are so good that I only reach for the top shelf when I have someone to share a pour with me. Or, when I feel like it.

[PaulO]

The good thing about starting with the bottom shelf is; once you find something you like, you can always move up to the higher end version. I would say try anything that is labeled bottled in bond. These are usually good deals for what you get.