Mid range

[Bluffhunter]

Received a little extra cash this month and looking at buying myself something in the $45-$75 range instead of my normal playground of $25-$40. Only higher end bourbon i have had is Blantons that I thought was very smooth, great taste and nose. any reccomendations? was looking at Bookers, Stagg Jr., ECBP, EH Taylor if can find these as Bookers is the only one I have seen at one store but will be visiting other stores soon.

[squire]

Elmer Lee, Rock Hill Farms or something from Four Roses, their single barrel or small batch (my choice).

[maskaggs]

Elmer Lee, Rock Hill Farms or something from Four Roses, their single barrel or small batch (my choice).

FRSB gets lots of love here and elsewhere. Not a bad choice! Waiting to crack into some Bookers TB myself.

[dcbt]

ETL for 45-75? I've never seen it over 40 anywhere. Crazy how much price difference there is around the country. But I'd say you nailed the choices with EH Taylor, Stagg Jr, and Booker's. Rock Hill Farms as squire suggested is a good one, too, esp if you liked Blanton's.

[squire]

Good to see you posting again Mike.

[393foureyedfox]

Stagg Jr, ECBP....those things may be harder to find than just going down to the store and getting one.

maybe you should mention some things that you regularly truly enjoy. That will help others steer you toward something you will like

[Oboe Cadobro]

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel...$54 at my local.

[petrel800]

If you liked Blantons, you'll probably enjoy Rock Hill Farms. If you can find one, a barrel proof offering from 4-Roses is typically a nice treat, I tend to gravitate to the the -V and -K yeasts, check out their website and read the tasting notes for the different yeasts to make a decision. Bookers is typically at a lot of bars, so you can have a try before you buy, the others, outside of KY, not so much from my experience.

Best of luck in your decision.

[dcbt]

Stagg Jr, ECBP....those things may be harder to find than just going down to the store and getting one.

maybe you should mention some things that you regularly truly enjoy. That will help others steer you toward something you will like

You mean, like Booker's, EH Taylor, and Rock Hill Farms?...

[sailor22]

ETL and Rock Hill are similar so if your thinking of either of those go with the least expensive.

Standard off the shelf 4 Roses single barrel is a good choice also.

Don't overlook Bakers - Arguably one of Beams better products. It's another one you can find in bars pretty easily and get a taste before buying.

[Bluffhunter]

Have had the FR single barrel and Russels Reserve single barrel and enjoy them both, especially the thicker/chewy RRSB maybe more so.

[Richnimrod]

For my money; Booker's is reliable and decent. Baker's is too, if rather lower proof. Elijah Craig 12-yr Barrel Proof is wonderful, if it can be found. I like Old Forester Signature, for rather less dough. ... or Henry McKenna SB BIB, for rather less. ...Or Very Special Old Fitzgerald, if you like wheaters, also for less dough. Just My Opinions.

[mbroo5880i]

It would be interesting to have some sense of where you are located that might give us a better idea of what might be available.

[maskaggs]

Good to see you posting again Mike.

I saw that username a few days ago and wondered - glad to have my inkling confirmed!

I got back into SB.com after reading Mike Veach's Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage. I found it on my semi-annual bourbon pilgrimage to Louisville (came away with Liquor Barn's bottling of Old Forester 90 and Booker's TB 127).

[kjbeggs]

Angel's Envy, Four roses SB, Two bottles of Elmer T Lee.

[Bluffhunter]

Located in Wisconsin if it makes difference on availability but make travels to Twin Cities on occasion.

[mbroo5880i]

Received a little extra cash this month and looking at buying myself something in the $45-$75 range instead of my normal playground of $25-$40. Only higher end bourbon i have had is Blantons that I thought was very smooth, great taste and nose. any reccomendations? was looking at Bookers, Stagg Jr., ECBP, EH Taylor if can find these as Bookers is the only one I have seen at one store but will be visiting other stores soon.

Ok, that helps. It looks like Elmer T. Lee is available in WI. I think that is a great recommendation if you like Blanton's. I didn't want to suggest ETL if you can't get it, when it is available. I think your thoughts of stepping up to Bookers, ECBP or CEHT are good too! All are really good bourbons and offer something different in the way of profile from Blanton's. I think the Four Roses barrel proof store selections are really great. In most areas, you can pick one up between $50 to $60. A lot of times, the store will have an open bottle so that you can taste before you buy.

If you like RR, then a mid tier WT product, such as Rare Breed or KY Spirit, might of interest.

Edited January 31, 2014 by mbroo5880i

[clindt]

Rock Hill Farms, WTRB, and Bookers are all good choices in the midtier range. I also like Stagg Jr. even though it gets mixed reviews here.

[tigerlam92]

I think going from Blanton to Booker is a big jump and not really that similar.

ETL would be a great bet.

Maybe 4RSmB. Taylor SmB was easy to drink too.

[Bluffhunter]

I have had KC single barrel, how much different is that from Bookers?

[Grain Belt]

I thought I might offer a couple of thoughts past the great ones already mentioned. Do you ever have access to any Willet's in your area. (Not the pot still, goofy shaped bottle, please not that one) Some of the Willets are dandy. I also really enjoyed the Jim Beam 12 year Old Signature Craft ($38 here) It is an 86 proofer but stands out to me due to the flavor. Don't rule out a Lot B or a BTAC if there is a honey hole store that sticks to retail price. Last year I picked up a GTS for $65 right off the shelf at a chain store on the "wrong side of the tracks." Another idea might be to go up to 1.75 on a good mid-shelfer for 50-60 bucks. I have seen the family size in Woodfords, Knob Creek, EC12 in the wild.

[SqueakScolari]

If you like rye, pick up a High West Rendezvous Rye. It won't blow you away, but it is nice, well made whiskey and will set you back $50-55. If I were going to spend a little more, I would buy the AE Rye, but that's because I haven't tried it yet.

[B.B. Babington]

and the rock hills bottle makes a great book end.

[corpse_welder]

I enjoy Blanton's, even though it gets beat up a bit. For my money though, I like Four Roses Small Batch or Single Barrel

[DrBob]

For that range I would be looking for something Barrel strength, EC, StaggJR, Booker's, Barrel Selects of four roses, etc.. A lot of bang (and flavor) for your buck if no water is added