Inexpensive (under $50) Bourbon

[GaryT]

Blind is the only way IMHO to determine what you really like and don't. Definitely sounds like he prefers wheaters, or even just wheat. Might want to try Bernheim (about $30 in ATL) wheat whiskey. OWA coming in 4th . . . I wonder if the higher proof was off-putting (coming from Scotch that might be a factor). I'd still try Weller 12 as well.

[BourbonGuy]

Blind is the only way IMHO to determine what you really like and don't. Definitely sounds like he prefers wheaters, or even just wheat. Might want to try Bernheim (about $30 in ATL) wheat whiskey. OWA coming in 4th . . . I wonder if the higher proof was off-putting (coming from Scotch that might be a factor). I'd still try Weller 12 as well.

My friend, reading the bottles did mention: "I seem to have a preferences for bourbon with wheat"

I do not have a Weller 12. But again, PEPCYCLE mentioned if I took my Old Weller Antique 107 and added water to match the Weller 12 proof, in blind tasting it would be difficult to tell them apart.

BTW: Merry Christmas to all.

[squire]

Blind tasting allows us to set aside preconceptions and concentrate on what's at hand which is the closest I can come to an objective approach to the subject.

[GaryT]

My friend, reading the bottles did mention: "I seem to have a preferences for bourbon with wheat"

I do not have a Weller 12. But again, PEPCYCLE mentioned if I took my Old Weller Antique 107 and added water to match the Weller 12 proof, in blind tasting it would be difficult to tell them apart.

BTW: Merry Christmas to all.

[hn4bourbon]

Having come from scotches myself, the Colonel EH Taylor single barrel might be a good one to have him try. It is probably above the $50 mark depending on where you are but I found it to be agreeable for folks coming from scotch and have read similar sentiments online.

[smknjoe]

I completely missed or ignored the scotch part. I personally dislike just about all scotch (see my signature.) Most seem to have at least a little peat/smoke/soot element that I can't get to agree with me at all. Having said that, the current Weller 12 has a little bit of that on the nose and especially on the finish. Definitely get some Weller 12 and have him try that. It's nothing like OWA or WSR.

Maybe Pepcycle meant to water down the OWA to make WSR since that's technically what WSR is? Either way it's not going to taste like Weller 12.

[smokinjoe]

...PEPCYCLE taugh me blind is the best way...

Sounds like quite a sharp guy. Though, if anything intellectual comes out of there, it surely originated from The Patty...

[TheNovaMan]

I completely missed or ignored the scotch part. I personally dislike just about all scotch (see my signature.) Most seem to have at least a little peat/smoke/soot element that I can't get to agree with me at all. Having said that, the current Weller 12 has a little bit of that on the nose and especially on the finish.

Maybe have him try something from Jack Daniels and/or George Dickel? They're more flavorful than scotch, but still have some smokiness.

[WhiskyRI]

Just wanted to add a clarification regarding Scotch Whiskies - many scotch whiskies ABVs are in the 43%, 46% and higher ABV range including an increasing number at cask strength, although in general cask strength Malt whiskies from Scotland will have a lower ABV than cask strength bourbons due to the different percentages of alcohol and water lost to the angel's share based on location. In Scotland ABV in the cask tends to drop over time, while in Kentucky (and Bangalore, etc.) ABV tends to rise - although of course there are always micro-climate exceptions. So don't automatically presume a preference for Scotch means that a person is more comfortable with lower proofs.

I'll second a recommendation for the Bernheim, it may not be bourbon but it is tasty. Especially if you can find a retailer with a private barrel selection.

[sutton]

I'll second WhiskyRI's' comment - my preferences run to lower proofs on Scotch whiskies and higher on bourbon/ryes - although there are always exceptions to this rule.