None of the "B's" getting much love here?

[GaryT]

I think it's funny that all of them are getting praise except Basil, yet Beam claims it's surging in sales/popularity.

I wonder what would happen if they put 114 in a fancy bottle...

Let's hope we never find out One of the under-appreciated gems out there!

[Paddy]

I like the B's very much. They each bring their own unique characteristics to the party, play nice and make themselves readily available.

[393foureyedfox]

I wonder what would happen if they put 114 in a fancy bottle...

shut yo' mouf!

I am still amazed you can get OGD 114 for $21, lets not ruin it......it can't last for much longer before the price jumps up.

Booker's is good but again kind of expensive for what you get.

what other barrel proof age stated bourbons can you get that are $45 and still good?

[squire]

I wonder what would happen if they put 114 in a fancy bottle...

I would quit buying it.

[TunnelTiger]

I just never have enjoyed Bookers, Basil, BT, EC, or KC and seems most SB'ers really like them.

So it's good to see that some feel the same.

[Richnimrod]

I think Baker's is OK for what it is; but would rather have Booker's for just a bit more dough. Blanton's is pretty good; but overpriced. I think the popularity of Basil Hayden's is driven by the "refined" nature of the beast (read: underproofed) that appeals to to the folks who really don't like whiskey much. Most of the marketing (of which there's a ton) for BH is directed at that "refinement is worth the extra dough" idea, which many buy into (hook-line-&-sinker). If it sold for $20, I might keep a bottle around, mostly for guests who like "mild and smooth". Personally, I'd much sooner have OGD101 or; better yet, 114.

[DEelfinn]

Haven't had Blanton's in a long while. Booker's is a solid go to, but can come across very hot at times. My favorite restaurant prices Booker's below, KC, oddly enough. My last Baker's was decent, but had a little of the cereal grain flavor profile I find dominates lower shelf Beam products. Basil Haden seems to have a more generous piece of that same profile, and just drinks young and light.

[squire]

Light, mild and smooth have been the Clarion call for 150 years now, since the Scots first began stretching their malts with the grain distillate they were making to support the British gin industry.

[Tony Santana]

My first experience with Bookers was about 15 years ago. I was basically a Jack on the rocks guy then. A friend brought a bottle to a party, we had a little bit of help, but for the most part he and I polished off a bottle over the course of a night. Needless to say, we were both hammered. I've never really sought it out since.

Basil Hayden's doesn't get much love around here. I understand the price/proof criticism relative to OGD, and don't have a bottle at home, but it's an occasional buy for me at a bar, particularly if my other choices are the basic KC/MM array. Not that I have anything against those pours either, I just think Basil Hayden is tasty and a good change of pace. I'm not buying it at the $38-40 I usually see it for around here. It's never going to be a go-to, but at $30 or so, I might splurge.

[Brisko]

It's funny, someone (a non bourbon-drinking friend) was probing to find out gift ideas for me. I said pretty much anything that starts with a B except Bellows.

I'm a big fan of Baker's and Booker's, I won't turn down Basil but I prefer 114, and I haven't had Blanton's but I have to think I would like it given how I like its stable-mates.