Thoughts on Early Times

[Don_Draper]

Was at a bar in Chicago having some Angel's Envy. I noticed a bottle that was turned the wrong way and asked what it was. The bartender said "Early Times. That is good whiskey." So I said wth. Poor me some. I was shocked at how much I liked it. And at only $15 a bottle you cant beat that.

[393foureyedfox]

sure you can.......every BIB on the shelf beats it at that price.

[PaulO]

There are two different Early Times available. The Early Times 354 bourbon was something I tried just because it was new. I think it's pretty good for a young 80 proof bourbon. The flavor reminds me of Cracker Jack carmel popcorn. The other version is "Kentucky whiskey" because they use some used barrels. I haven't tried any in a long time.

[GaryT]

I was underwhelmed with the ET 354 personally, and would take FR YL or several BIBs over it. I haven't had regular ET in a long time.

[Kyjd75]

You would be amazed as to how popular Early Times is in central Ky., especially the "Kentucky Whiskey" aged in used barrels. A very big seller.

[Old Dusty]

And Southern Indiana. My folks ALWAYS had a handle in the liquor cabinet, and last time I was home there was one open.

[393foureyedfox]

its popular in KY because its a recognizable name on the bottom shelf, and its $10 a 750. its cheap, but its also bland

[squire]

Traditionally, Early Times was the second line (less age, lower proof, lower cost) for Old Forester much like Cabin Still was for Old Fitzgerald. It still fulfills that role today so I evaluate it for what it is rather than what it's not. It is a solid session whisky in a lighter crowd pleasing style that retains the attributes of traditional Bourbon flavor and characteristics.

The Early Times of today is an example of how blind tasting often reveals more than labels.

[Don_Draper]

It is always nice to post about a wiskey I have recently tried and get a lot of the knowledge and the background stories you guys have. I agree that it isnt the best I have ever had. But yes, as a cheap $15 bottle, I have no problem enjoying it. I certainly am looking forward to picking up some BIBs while in Kentucky for Bourbon Festival. We do not have a large selectin of BIBs in VA since we are state run. I think I have had one.

[Jackinbox]

Is it sold in a glass bottle anywhere? I'm pretty sure I've only seen it in plastic.

[Kyjd75]

Is it sold in a glass bottle anywhere? I'm pretty sure I've only seen it in plastic.

Yes, available in both glass and plastic. Eric has both at his store.

[squire]

Mostly in glass around here.

[JPBoston]

Traditionally, Early Times was the second line (less age, lower proof, lower cost) for Old Forester much like Cabin Still was for Old Fitzgerald. It still fulfills that role today so I evaluate it for what it is rather than what it's not. It is a solid session whisky in a lighter crowd pleasing style that retains the attributes of traditional Bourbon flavor and characteristics.

The Early Times of today is an example of how blind tasting often reveals more than labels.

Squire, you mean the "blended bourbon" version of ET? I haven't tried it yet, just did a search at my local Total Wine and see it's even a bit cheaper than EWB, and available in a $5.99 375ml size to boot.

I'll give it a shot if that's the version you speak respectfully of.

[berto]

Early Times was my intro to brown liquor in my younger days. The price was right and the times were good. I might pick up a bottle for nostalgia's sake.

[squire]

JP the domestic version of Early Times is the 3 year old 80 proof expression that contains a blend of whisky aged in new charred and second use oak barrels. This is a lighter version of the Early Times recipe Bourbon sold here as 354 and as ET abroad.

It is a daily use Bourbon that is a value if caught on sale. It is not intended to compete with Old Forester Signature or Woodford Reserve (or Jack Daniels for that matter), rather I think of it as an American Cousin to that other best selling Brown-Forman product, Canadian Mist.

On sale I will pick up a bottle for guests or non-bourbon drinkers generally but if I wanted a traditional style Bourbon at a good price I would eschew Brown-Forman altogether and go with Evan Williams.

[JPBoston]

Thanks Squire --- Maybe I'll stick with the 50ml sample (which my local store carries *). I'm a little intrigued in the 'light' bourbon aspect of it.

* Going off topic a bit, why does my local store have so many 50ml sizes of super-cheap bourbon/whiskey, instead of some samplers of higher-priced, slightly more intimidating blind purchases (Jim Beam White in 50ml, but not JBB...or EWB in 50ml, but no EW:SB... OGD 80 proof 50ml, but no sample size for OGD 114 for example)? It's like "Here, buy this sample for $1, even though the full size bottle is only $9.99"... but when you want to try a $30 bottle before you buy, good luck finding it in 50ml form.

Wait... nevermind. Answered my own question.

Edited June 17, 2013 by JPBoston

[camduncan]

Is it sold in a glass bottle anywhere? I'm pretty sure I've only seen it in plastic.

[higgins]

We do not have a large selectin of BIBs in VA since we are state run. I think I have had one.

Not sure where you're at in Virginia, Draper, but I've purchased at least three in-state before: OGD BIB, EW BIB, and JTS Brown BIB. It may take some searching, but I certainly prefer them all to Early Times.

[Don_Draper]

Not sure where you're at in Virginia, Draper, but I've purchased at least three in-state before: OGD BIB, EW BIB, and JTS Brown BIB. It may take some searching, but I certainly prefer them all to Early Times.

Ill give it a look. I have not had many BIBs as I did not know much about them till I got on this board. I was not a huge fan of Old Grand Dad when I tried it at a bar but perhaps JTS would work for me.

[Don_Draper]

Which begs the question why are BIBs so popular? Is it bc of the laws that go into having a BIB that they are usually pretty good?

[393foureyedfox]

theyre cheap, reliable, no-frills-but-still-quite-good, 100 proofers.

what more could you ask for for $10-15?

[squire]

Do a search of old Bourbon labels and the words Bottled in Bond will almost always show up on the premium labels. Historically BIB means 'this is the top of our line'.

[393foureyedfox]

i thought historically BIB meant "youre guaranteed to know what youre getting this way"

[JPBoston]

Plus, it's tough to go wrong with 100 proof. Just less watering-down of whatever brand profile can make for a great leap in quality, and the BIBs all seem to be under $20, while there are plenty of $25+ bottles that are under 95 proof.

[squire]

i thought historically BIB meant "youre guaranteed to know what youre getting this way"