General consensus "best" bourbons?

[PaulO]

I think if one were going to name the "best" bourbons, there would have to be at least three lists, maybe more.

The first list I would make would be bottles a person could reasonably expect to find in the U.S. today, current production, not outrageously expensive. What is expensive? I say $50, some people $100.

My second list, I would include limited release items that are hypothetically in retail at any price.

The third list; anything goes. This list is for single barrel anomalies not on shelves, products of long closed distilleries, pre-prohibition whiskey, etc.

[Parkersback]

I'd rather have two Dants than one NDP.

I concur. I know there may be some good whiskey in any number of NDP bottles, but I'm going to go ahead and miss it because even if I do like it, I have no guarantee that the same whiskey will be in the same bottle the next time I buy it. Of course there are changes from bottle to bottle in any whiskey, especially single barrels, but since I have no idea what is in Noah's Creek or Rowan's Mill or Jim Bob's Tavern or Ralph's Hot Tub or whatever other bottle of NPD, I'd really rather buy a bottle of Beam Black or OGDBIB or EC12 or any number of other bottles where I have a much clearer idea of what's inside.

[JPBoston]

A facility with the use of words doesn't mean you actually have anything to say.

Nicely stated, Squire.

[HighHorse]

The term general consensus has been adopted into the vernacular and by consensus is generally accepted. Everyone knows what it means. The term is not entirely redundant though because standing along the word general does not convey the same meaning as consensus. The proper term is of course general agreement but just because someone speaks properly doesn't mean he's a guy I can hunt with. My favorite guide can murder a sentence but when he talks about the type cover pheasants will seek during snow you get a clear mental image and, if you pay attention, learn something about hunting them.

A facility with the use of words doesn't mean you actually have anything to say.

Just ring this one up to one of many classic Squire posts. It'd make a good book, Squire. Got any spare time?

[HighHorse]

I couldn't have said it better kj.

This ... on the other hand ... is a rare case of false modesty!

[squire]

I have been asked that before Jon and always reply the effort spent writing a book would cut into my drinking time.

[kjbeggs]

I have been asked that before Jon and always reply the effort spent writing a book would cut into my drinking time.

Hey, if it worked for Hemingway...

[squire]

Hemingway didn't drink Bourbon.

[Richnimrod]

Hemingway didn't drink Bourbon.

Hemingway was a short-sighted fool????

I didn't know; but, now I understand his frustration with life. Thanx Squire.

[smokinjoe]

I'm sorry you would get so flustered over a simple question on a discussion site. I take criticism well, but your condescending tone will not get us anywhere

[kjbeggs]

Joe, I get what you're saying, and I agree, but while reading lots of opinions certainly doesn't amount to a "consensus", it does help someone who is fairly in-the-dark to develop some idea of what to look for/avoid in the early going. If not for the opinions on this forum, I might have never got around to trying OGD114. On the other hand, low opinions here didn't stop me from trying some things for myself (although in the case of Garrison Brothers, I wish they would have).

I think CW was just looking for some quick preliminary guidance for his friend, before spending countless hours reading opinions here (which I'm sure he will eventually do). Much better to get some recommendations here, than from any of the numerous "so you can't find Pappy" lifestyle magazine articles.

[cowdery]

My mistake is that I keep forgetting Squire knows everything. He is now even the final arbiter on language usage.

I'm sorry if correcting someone's ignorant mistake hurts their feelings but how else will they learn? "General consensus," while often said, is still considered ignorant by educated people because, as I already noted, it's redundant. Words have meanings and although those meanings change from time to time it's not a free for all. Mostly it's a sloppy speech habit that can only be corrected consciously, so don't get your back up. Learn something.

Next up: irregardless. (Hint. It's not a word.)

People may write and speak however they choose but if you'd rather sound educated, use the language correctly.

[callmeox]

You're missing the ultimate point here. Unless you know which other bottlings that someone likes, any recommendations that they make are pointless. You may as well just generate a random list of bourbon expressions as it has equal meaning.

There is no replacement for tasting things on your own. With the popularity of bourbon, by the glass options are plenty and you don't need to invest in an entire bottle.

My recommendation to someone new is to start cheaply and on the lower to mid shelf to feel things out and develop a palate. Note what you like and dislike over a number of sessions if possible.

It is much easier to help when they have a personal baseline of likes/dislikes.

You like wheaters? Cool...try these.

High rye or high corn? Here you go.

[cowdery]

My only mistake with regard to "general consensus" was in not making the suggestion via private message and for that I apologize.

[Paddy]

My only mistake with regard to "general consensus" was in not making the suggestion via private message and for that I apologize.

My general consensus is that Chuck is a gentleman, albeit a "Crotchety" one! :grin:

This is a big boy club, full of fine folks from all walks. Sometimes we just need to realize that personalities are involved here, and appreciate all feedback, whether we like it or not.

It is what we asked for....

[kjbeggs]

Chuck, I didn't take any offense to your post (of course it wasn't directed at me either), but as Paddy said, we're all "adults" here.

[AaronWF]

I think the ultimate answer to this question lies in another current thread discussing the stages of the hobby of whiskey. Preferences change as we delve into tasting and conversing on the subject at hand. I don't have a favorite whiskey, I have 'some of the best I've ever had.'

[squire]

Yes, me too, fond memories, still and all there is more new stuff to explore.

[No_Reception]

That's

That's Awesome!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]18088[/ATTACH] Chuck, I didn't take any offense to your post (of course it wasn't directed at me either), but as Paddy said, we're all "adults" here.

[corpse_welder]

CW, I have to admit that I groaned a bit myself when I first read the thread title. I bristle at the word "consensus" in these forums, the pursuit of consensus, and particularly the idea of consensus building. As Chuck said, it runs counter to our enthusiast community's values. Each of us explores, evaluates, and concludes individually. Not to see if our opinions align with others, but for our own enjoyment and education. That's why each of our own opinions on a whiskey are neither "right", nor "wrong". It's one's participation in the journey that counts. Leave the consensus joining to the masses.

BOTOH, I've been known just to simply hate certain words...

I agree with you. It's a loaded question that most experienced drinkers will groan at, but in this case I'm actually looking for what you guys think the general (there's that word again) public finds to be highest quality bourbon. Of course bourbon enthusiasts will all have their own, usually more educated, opinions about what they like themselves. Most uneducated or inexperienced scotch drinkers think Johnny Walker Blue Label is the holy grail, and that's mostly what I was looking for in a bourbon equivalent. As I said in the opening post, this came up in a discussion with a buddy, who was lobbing me questions about every nook and cranny of bourbon. I am 100% certain on which bourbons I enjoy and I didn't make this topic to go out and buy the brands mentioned. I hope that clears the air a bit. I'm about to head home from work and I can hear that OGD114 calling from here

[DBM]

I agree with you. It's a loaded question that most experienced drinkers will groan at, but in this case I'm actually looking for what you guys think the general (there's that word again) public finds to be highest quality bourbon.

You will keep losing what little is left of your audience with statements like this. The general public likely would say Jack Daniels is the highest quality bourbon. And yes I know why that is wrong on many levels, but it's the same reason the general public rates Outback at the "best steakhouse" nationwide. Quality in numbers.

There is a lot of good conversation in this thread that don't answer your question, so the general consensus is that no one wants to answer your question.

[corpse_welder]

You will keep losing what little is left of your audience with statements like this. The general public likely would say Jack Daniels is the highest quality bourbon. And yes I know why that is wrong on many levels, but it's the same reason the general public rates Outback at the "best steakhouse" nationwide. Quality in numbers.

There is a lot of good conversation in this thread that don't answer your question, so the general consensus is that no one wants to answer your question.

[GaryT]

Also, you know...Jack ain't bourbon.

[squire]

JD followed by Southern Comfort.

[TunnelTiger]

It's probably been written on one of the first 7 pages of this thread but my "general consensus" of the best bourbon is the one I happen to be drinking at the time the question is asked. Unless I'm drinking rye. Amen.