Pleasing a crowd

[KyleCBreese]

I am headed out for a long weekend to Atlantic City, in two weeks, and was asked to bring some bourbon. My thoughts were that some people would be mixing with soda, juice, etc. and some would drink straight. My question is...

If you had to bring one bourbon to please a group, ranging from whiskey rookies to veterans, what would you bring?

[Conquistador]

I am headed out for a long weekend to Atlantic City, in two weeks, and was asked to bring some bourbon. My thoughts were that some people would be mixing with soda, juice, etc. and some would drink straight. My question is...

If you had to bring one bourbon to please a group, ranging from whiskey rookies to veterans, what would you bring?

OGD 114. Enough "oomph" and complexity for the enthusiast, holds up well with a little ice or water for those relatively new to high-proof bourbon, and even with mixers OGD 114's flavors still shine through. And with the relatively inexpensive price, you won't go pulling out your hair when you see someone floating it on top of a Coke or Mountain Dew.

[Paddy]

Standard BT would work well here, as it is readily available, drinks well neat or mixed, and doesn't hurt the pocketbook.

[gooneygoogoo]

Eagle Rare. Seems to be a "gateway bourbon" for many people, not too strong, cheap enough for a newb to buy...oh and it's good.

[jcg9779]

For a crowd...a couple bottles of Ritt BIB, a couple bottles of EW BIB, and a couple bottles of WSR or OWA. Have all the bases covered and gives a few options.

[jcg9779]

Nevermind...you said just one to bring.

[miller542]

My question is...

If you had to bring one bourbon to please a group, ranging from whiskey rookies to veterans, what would you bring?

Great question, hard to find a single bottle that can play every role.

I'll say anything that looks good and is $30 or under. ERSB, EWSB, Beam Black, Elmer T Lee, etc. You want to look good, have something nice to drink straight, and not feel bad if it's mixed with Coke.

As mentioned, OGD114 is good too, can't believe I forgot that one!

Edited March 28, 2014 by miller542

[squire]

My choice would depend on the place and activities planned. If I'm meeting a bunch of guys for a pheasant hunt in South Dakota I would bring Old Grand Dad BIB. Meeting a group in a resort area like Atlantic City I would bring Makers Mark.

[suntour]

Can this thread just be Squire listing his personal choices of bourbons for situations?

[CL]

Old Forester Signature. I always have a bottle because I like it neat and because of the low price I don't cringe when someone wants a mixer.

[393foureyedfox]

Can this thread just be Squire listing his personal choices of bourbons for situations?

i'd second that

first thing that popped in my head for the original topic was Knob Creek or WT101. I find them both fairly universal, well liked, easy to get, and in the mid $20's.

I like OGD114 but would not consider it a one-size-fits-all bourbon, as for occasional drinkers it is a bit bold and spicy. For regular bourbon guys, sure...but for a one-size kinda bottle, I think you need to stay in the 90-100 proof range (decent for neat drinkers and suitable for mixer strength), so the aforementioned BT would also be a decent choice

[Guest]

i'd second that

first thing that popped in my head for the original topic was Knob Creek or WT101. I find them both fairly universal, well liked, easy to get, and in the mid $20's.

I like OGD114 but would not consider it a one-size-fits-all bourbon, as for occasional drinkers it is a bit bold and spicy. For regular bourbon guys, sure...but for a one-size kinda bottle, I think you need to stay in the 90-100 proof range (decent for neat drinkers and suitable for mixer strength), so the aforementioned BT would also be a decent choice

Sounds pretty good to me, higher proof is almost always better. IMO

[dcbt]

I'll second the BT recommendation. That was my gateway bourbon, and seems to be for a lot of people as well.

[jvd99]

Eagle Rare or the standard FRSB

[upStomp]

While I love standard BT, I think it can easily get lost in mixes. I'd go with something with a bit more rye. 4RSmB maybe?

[dmarkle]

Sounds pretty good to me, higher proof is almost always better. IMO

[kjbeggs]

ETL, if you can find it.

Makers Mark, appreciated by newbs and inoffensive to most Bourbon geeks.

Larceny is a decent mixer, and not too bad neat.

[dSculptor]

A couple I might consider would be FC or EC12,both interesting enough for all situations,I'd lean more towards the FC though,a bit more intriguing.

[PaulO]

These are all good suggestions. For a crowd that contains some that mix, and some that will not, I like Evan Williams BIB. 100 proof makes for decent cocktails. EW is nice straight too. Get the handle. Bond = the good stuff.

[kcgumbohead]

WT 101, EW Black, Dickle 12, 4RYL cause I couldn't bear to see someone dilute my beloved Smb with soda and the YL is still a very tasty pour.

[RWBadley]

Knob Creek springs to mind. 100 proof is strong enough yet smooth enough, has lots of rich vanillas.

OGD 114 is also a great choice, but is may be a little 'dry' for some.

Try this, if you have a broad selection in bunker, mix up your own vat, special for the occasion.

Base of KC or OGD or both, add top notes of this and that. Maybe a splash of water to open it up and cool it off depending.

Label it 'KCGumbo special Bourbon' :cool:

Party on Dude!

[squire]

Making up a vatting is one of the better suggestions put forth but if the crowd will include some who don't understand that concept (what? did he just dump all his partial bottles into one, that's cheap behavior) I would hand them a bottle with a label they recognize as 'the good stuff'. Makers or Jack fit that bill.

[RWBadley]

Making up a vatting is one of the better suggestions put forth but if the crowd will include some who don't understand that concept (what? did he just dump all his partial bottles into one, that's cheap behavior) I would hand them a bottle with a label they recognize as 'the good stuff'. Makers or Jack fit that bill.

Not 'cheap'- 'Special' :slappin:

Take a bottle of Pappy 15 and tell 'em it's $1000 bourbon.

BoozeHound Harry asks for a taste- you ask 'Do You Like Good Bourbon?'

He says 'No but I'll try it'

You say, 'Well, you won't like this one then!' and walk away....

Pappy, $1000.... Look on Harry's face.... Priceless!

[KyleCBreese]

Well, if I hit a huge jackpot in AC, I guess the price won't matter.

[rndenks]

Making up a vatting is one of the better suggestions put forth but if the crowd will include some who don't understand that concept (what? did he just dump all his partial bottles into one, that's cheap behavior) I would hand them a bottle with a label they recognize as 'the good stuff'. Makers or Jack fit that bill.

Why did I read this like a Jim Gaffigan joke? Classic!