Inexpensive (under $50) Bourbon

[BourbonGuy]

I did a search on this and it was very dated. The reason for this is I had a friend who was a scotch drinker and wanted to be introduced to bourbons.

I put our 5 unmarked Glencairn glasses and picked 5 different samples to try. The first isn't a bourbon, 77 Whiskey NY wheat, followed by

Elmer T. Lee, Jefferson Presidnetial 18 year, Old Weller Antique and finally Bulleit 10 year.

He loved the nose and flavor of the Jefferson Presidnetial 18 year and rated it #1. He asked where he could buy it. I explained it was not availble (to my

knowledge and it was pricey, around $80 when I purchased it.

Anyway, he said he didn't want anymore expensive bourbons, he couldn't buy. Under $50 was his price range.

So we went to a local store to check prices and recommended these:

Blanton's, Bookers, Knob Creek (both), Angels envy. He already had a Buffalo Trace and Evans Black.

Anthing to add to this discussion?

Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all

[jwacky]

Elijah Craig 12, Eagle Rare 10, EWSB, OGD BiB, OGD11, WR rare breed... SO many great choices under $50!!

[TL2000]

Unfortunately your selection in NY is going to be a bit more limited than some others.

The OWA or Weller 12yr bottles are great in the low $20 range.

Corner Creek, Rowan's Creek, Noah's Mill, Basil Hayden (you can get this), Eagle Rare 10 year, Larceny (great for the $$$ IMHO) and many, many more.

How about just normal Woodford Reserve?

[jwacky]

Four Roses Small Batch and Single barrel...

[jeffrey r]

In no particular order, though the Four Roses Single Barrel would be my number one suggestion: Four Roses Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Elijah Craig 12, Maker's 46, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Weller 12, Rock Hill Farms, Henry McKenna BIB, Four Roses Small Batch, Eagle Rare 10, Bowman Single Barrel, OGD BIB and 114. So many good choices.

[393foureyedfox]

Anyway, he said he didn't want anymore expensive bourbons, he couldn't buy. Under $50 was his price range.

I agree with this statement 200%. I don't want to try really expensive stuff, or stuff that isn't available any longer. If I cant get it or refuse to spend that much for it, why tease myself? There are PLENTY of great options that are both on the shelf today and under $50.

So we went to a local store to check prices and recommended these:

Blanton's, Bookers, Knob Creek (both), Angels envy. He already had a Buffalo Trace and Evans Black.

Has he tried Bookers, or Knob Creek 120 yet? If he was a scotch fan, I'm not sure Id recommend those to him right off the bat. Scotch is 80 proof and if he is used to that, 120-130 proof is not likely something Id recommend to him right off the bat. Id recommend starting on the lower levels and moving up from there

[TunnelTiger]

Four Roses yellow label. Without a doubt one of the finest, least expensive Bourbons on the market today and at 86 proof easier for a scotch drinker to handle.

[393foureyedfox]

Four Roses yellow label. Without a doubt one of the finest, least expensive Bourbons on the market today and at 86 proof easier for a scotch drinker to handle.

I thought 4RYL was 80 proof

[Tenbrook]

A wheated bourbon advocate, I just don't see how you can beat any of the Old Weller offerings.....at any price.

[TunnelTiger]

Yes it is 80 proof. I really need to re-read my posts before I hit quick reply.

memo to self, read it before sending

[rutterb]

Knob Creek (100 proof) or Eagle Rare 10 yr are two of my favorite easy purchases

[squire]

Rock hill Farms.

[mbroo5880i]

Well, first of all, congratulations on helping to convert him from the dark side. There are many great suggestions already.

It sounds like he has already tried a few on the lower mid shelf (BT and EWB) and a few on the upper mid shelf to top shop and is looking for something in between that might provide some uniqueness but not break the bank. Lately, when I have been asked to recommend bourbon to someone, I tell them to keep it simple and to try a straight bourbon without special finishing or crazy back stories. I also try to steer them to the 86 to 100 proof range to let them get their feet under them first before exploring more. For example, if he liked the BT, but thought it was a little weak, I am not sure ER is what he is looking for.

Great, inexpensive but solid bourbons that are available in most places include Elijah Craig 12, Four Roses Small Batch or Single Barrel (the regular versions), Weller 12 (if available), Woodford Reserve. These are generally between $25 and $40 depending on where you live.

[squire]

I think what he's looking for is an alternative so he may as well try 'em all.

[PaulO]

I like Old Forester 100, and Henry McKenna 10 year old BIB if you can find it.

[Richnimrod]

I'd suggest that he look to divide his investigations in a two-fold manner. Have him look at a range of Bourbons from $10 to $30, and pick out a few. Then have him look at a range of $30 to $50, and do the same. Then he can decide how much more he wants to explore. I bet he finds several in each range that are in his wheelhouse. In so doing, he'll also get an idea of what value/profile to assign his 'taste-preference'. Just a thought. Merry Christmas! :grin:

[Tony]

I know it has been said before in the thread but I to would suggest Four Roses, I like the price points and flavors. In Michigan it is about $20 for the Yellow Label, $30 for the Small Batch and $40 for the Single Barrel.

Best regards, Tony

[JKLS]

Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2013 is still available on shelves here and under $50. For me personally I will second the nominations of Four Roses (any of the three), OGD BIB & 114, OWA, Larceny, EC12, and add Old Medley 12 to the mix. Going to a store that has single barrel expressions available is also nice. Sometimes you can find WFE in the 7-10 year old range that come in under $50 at such a place as well. For non bourbon American whiskey WhipperSnapper by Ransom is very nice as are offerings from Balcones & Corsair.

[Grain Belt]

EW BIB, OGD BIB, JB Black, EW 1783, EWSB, EC12, HHBIB, Fighting Cock, WT101, and Kirkland 7 year old are all bourbons that I consider to be worth more than I pay and never disappoint me.

[squire]

Tenbrook I see where you've been a member for most of the year but haven't been posting so, welcome aboard, glad to see you've joined in the conversation.

[GaryT]

What did he think of the others in that first flight? JPS18 was first, but where did ETL or OWA place? If OWA was higher, might me he leans towards the wheaters (in which case I'd say go for Larceny, W12, etc).

[wmpevans]

Along with the great taste, flavor, diversity and the American history, one of the great things about bourbon is the cost: all of the SUPERB bourbons under $40.

It's great to be an American whiskey drinker!!!

Merry Christmas everyone.

[Restaurant man]

Along with the great taste, flavor, diversity and the American history, one of the great things about bourbon is the cost: all of the SUPERB bourbons under $40.

It's great to be an American whiskey drinker!!!

Merry Christmas everyone.

It'a a Christmas miracle!!!

[393foureyedfox]

God bless us everyone

[BourbonGuy]

What did he think of the others in that first flight? JPS18 was first, but where did ETL or OWA place? If OWA was higher, might me he leans towards the wheaters (in which case I'd say go for Larceny, W12, etc).

Interesting enough, I made him nose all the bourbons first. All I was trying to get was "do you like it or not". When you smell the together you start to notice differences. Again, He like the Jefferson's nose first and Bulleit last.

The tasting results actually surprised me. As mentioned, 1st place was Jefferson's 18. Second was the 77 Whiskey Wheat. I purchased it on a recommendation. I do not share the taste of the person who recommended it. Do not misunderstand, there are no "wrong" answers when it comes to what you like, I do not care for the 77 Wheat. But to darylld911 point, it was also a wheater. A close third and forth was Elmer T Lee and Old Weller Antique. Last was the Bulleit 10, which he did not care for. I did have an Eagle Rare 10 open, but for a first go, 5 was enough.

PEPCYCLE taugh me blind is the best way. I have started doing this too, having my wife pour and I taste without knowing the label.