General consensus "best" bourbons?

[callmeox]

When I first started coming to SB I encountered most of these tensions.

(snip)

If the worst things that you can say about the SB community are:

1) Members prefer to learn and use acronyms in conversation

2) Members can't tell you what you think tastes good

...then I think we're doing a fine job.

[Restaurant man]

Come on Guy, do you really think people on this site use abbreviations to be elitist? That's a stretch man. If you ever go to any of the get togethers that are posted on here all the time or the ones in Kentucky, you'd find the most generous down to earth folks anywhere. And I agree with Dave, Pappy is the best bourbon. Wall Street journal told me so

[GaryT]

(snip)

If the worst things that you can say about the SB community are:

1) Members prefer to learn and use acronyms in conversation

2) Members can't tell you what you think tastes good

...then I think we're doing a fine job.

When I first met several of the folks on this forum, they had no problem telling me what THEY liked, and why they liked it - as well as offering guidance about what I MIGHT like based on feedback (ie - "Hey, I like Buffalo Trace and Elmer T Lee, but not as big on Maker's Marks - thoughts?"). Several of them encouraged me to try everything I could because that was the only way I would know what I really liked and didn't like. AND - to taste blind when I could!

Because of their sage wisdom, I've avoided spending a ton of money on things, just because everyone else likes it. Case in point - PVW. If I had the option (and this last fall - I did have the option and passed) to pick up a bottle at retail, I wouldn't. It just doesn't hit my flavor profile for the price.

What I do encourage others to do though, is buy SMALL (50 mL when you can) to find out what you like. It isn't about paying dues. It is about no one else but you knowing what YOU will and won't like. And if we ALL liked the same things, we wouldn't have so much diversity in the offerings (which would be a crying shame). I wish there was an "app for that" where you could plug in what you have had and liked, and similar to Netflix it pops up with recommendations (believe me - I've tried to create something similar in Excel). But it just doesn't work like that because we all taste different. Several of us may like the same bottle, but we may all like it for different reasons. And others may not like it - which is OK too (doesn't mean they don't have taste).

I couldn't agree more with Scott's comment. SB is doing a fine job, and I'm thankful for having stumbled into it when I did, and for the new friends I've made through these forums.

[PaulO]

If a person was thinking about trying something, I think it might help to look at the Bourbon Of The Month threads, or the Whiskey Tree thread. I've noticed that folks here are open and friendly with advice about specific bottles. I believe some resistance to best lists comes from this. In the past, some professional reviewers have published lists in various periodicals. These lists have been met with everything from casual disagreement to downright laughingstock material. It can be easy to sound like "I get to drink expensive booze, that you could never find or afford, because I'm special."

Anyway, in the best spirit of sharing, here's my list of bottles I could find easily enough, and keep in my regular rotation.

Anything bottled in bond: Heaven Hill, JTS Brown, JW Dant, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, Henry McKenna 10 year, Rittenhouse Rye, Mellow Corn, Old Grandad

Not B.I.B.: Old Foester Signature, Old Grandad 114, Knob Creek Single Barrel, Four Roses Small Batch, Dickel Rye

[TunnelTiger]

I couldn't agree more with Scott's comment. SB is doing a fine job, and I'm thankful for having stumbled into it when I did, and for the new friends I've made through these forums.

I agree with this 100%! SB is doing a great service!

[smokinjoe]

When I first started coming to SB I encountered most of these tensions. I would ask "what's good guys!" only to be met with hostility for asking. The "gatekeepers of bourbon" don't want to tell you what to buy or try even though they know. They would rather you stumble around for years spending your hard earned money to develop your taste for this hobby. It's an old school "pay your dues" fraternity culture on SB. It somehow goes against their code of ethics to give you tips, which is why they don't type the names of bourbon. They make the uninitiated mysteriously decode everything from EC12 and FRSB to ETL (how long does it take type Elmer Lee?). Let's face it, we're all consumers and if we are curious about this subject we might need help. If you have committed to this site then you're probably really interested in bourbon, which means you deserve knowledge. Knowledge should be free, not come at a the price of buying every bourbon on the market once.

I love these! Each of one has been endorsed by most members of this site and are available at most stores. I hope you buy them and enjoy them as much as I have! Good luck in the bourbon journey!

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel $30

Old Weller 12yr $25

Buffalo Trace $25

Elijah Craig 12yr $30

Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10yr $30

Four Roses Single Barrel OBSV and OBSK taste great $40

Four Roses Small Batch $30

Evan Williams Single Barrel 10yr $25

Rittenhouse Rye $25

Old Grand Dad 114 proof $25

Guy, your post has been answered very well and politely by several informed members of this board. I'm not going to be so polite. Your first paragraph was one of the most arrogant, egotistical, ignorant and Whiny mini-tantrums I've heard in years. There are hundreds of posts per day from the membership here, that gives one real-time opinions on every bourbon under the sun. All you have to do is read them. In addition to that, there is a new thread asking in some fashion, for peoples favorite bourbons, just about monthly. This thread is one of those, and like those this one is welcomed, and participated in by many. I and others, however, take issue at the word consensus in the thread title, for the reasons we stated. All of these threads are here, all you have to do is look for the recent ones and search for the old ones. Finally, if you want to know my or many others recommendations, get off your lazy ass and look at my/their profile. It's right there. All freely given to any and all who care to make the effort to know. That's the best I can do, and no, I'm not going to spoon feed it to you, even though you want me to. It's time to put your big boy pants on and learn to do some things for yourself.

There is also a sticky for the acronyms, slick. But, apparently you're too busy being told what coffee to drink, which fast food burger to eat, and which brand of tissue to use to wipe your teary woe-is-me eyes, to make the effort to find it, and look them up.

By the way, I think I remember that you're in the Chicago area? Did you make it to the Binny's meetup last month, where all of these SB.Com elitists brought, talked, and drank bourbon while offering their opinions for free? You should try and make the next one, if not. I'm sure they can arrange for a Barcalounger to be delivered so you won't have to stress yourself by standing while you learn.

Run along now to another board, where you can attempt to be provocative and relevant, before banging your spoon on the table because they don't play with you the way you want.

[hectic1]

When I first started coming to SB I encountered most of these tensions. I would ask "what's good guys!" only to be met with hostility for asking. The "gatekeepers of bourbon" don't want to tell you what to buy or try even though they know. They would rather you stumble around for years spending your hard earned money to develop your taste for this hobby. It's an old school "pay your dues" fraternity culture on SB. It somehow goes against their code of ethics to give you tips, which is why they don't type the names of bourbon. They make the uninitiated mysteriously decode everything from EC12 and FRSB to ETL (how long does it take type Elmer Lee?). Let's face it, we're all consumers and if we are curious about this subject we might need help. If you have committed to this site then you're probably really interested in bourbon, which means you deserve knowledge. Knowledge should be free, not come at a the price of buying every bourbon on the market once.

I love these! Each of one has been endorsed by most members of this site and are available at most stores. I hope you buy them and enjoy them as much as I have! Good luck in the bourbon journey!

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel $30

Old Weller 12yr $25

Buffalo Trace $25

Elijah Craig 12yr $30

Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10yr $30

Four Roses Single Barrel OBSV and OBSK taste great $40

Four Roses Small Batch $30

Evan Williams Single Barrel 10yr $25

Rittenhouse Rye $25

Old Grand Dad 114 proof $25

So if I understand you right I should be able to tell people what to like and they shouldn't have to bother buying bourbon for themselves? Your list is a prime example of why people need to try stuff for themselves as about 75% of the bourbons you've listed I wouldn't buy because I don't enjoy them. Are you one of those conspiracy theorists too?

[hectic1]

Guy, your post has been answered very well and politely by several informed members of this board. I'm not going to be so polite. Your first paragraph was one of the most arrogant, egotistical, ignorant and Whiny mini-tantrums I've heard in years. There are hundreds of posts per day from the membership here, that gives one real-time opinions on every bourbon under the sun. All you have to do is read them. In addition to that, there is a new thread asking in some fashion, for peoples favorite bourbons, just about monthly. This thread is one of those, and like those this one is welcomed, and participated in by many. I and others, however, take issue at the word consensus in the thread title, for the reasons we stated. All of these threads are here, all you have to do is look for the recent ones and search for the old ones. Finally, if you want to know my or many others recommendations, get off your lazy ass and look at my/their profile. It's right there. All freely given to any and all who care to make the effort to know. That's the best I can do, and no, I'm not going to spoon feed it to you, even though you want me to. It's time to put your big boy pants on and learn to do some things for yourself.

There is also a sticky for the acronyms, slick. But, apparently you're too busy being told what coffee to drink, which fast food burger to eat, and which brand of tissue to use to wipe your teary woe-is-me eyes, to make the effort to find it, and look them up.

By the way, I think I remember that you're in the Chicago area? Did you make it to the Binny's meetup last month, where all of these SB.Com elitists brought, talked, and drank bourbon while offering their opinions for free? You should try and make the next one, if not. I'm sure they can arrange for a Barcalounger to be delivered so you won't have to stress yourself by standing while you learn.

Run along now to another board, where you can attempt to be provocative and relevant, before banging your spoon on the table because they don't play with you the way you want.

I love you Joe!!! Go Cubs!!!

[TunnelTiger]

I love you Joe!!! Go Cubs!!!

Woohoo! Go Joe! Wish I could have stated so well.

Guy - sorry that you perceive the members being aggressive in their comments. I have never taken any as personal but maybe I'm used to more real attacks during my career.

[smokinjoe]

I love you Joe!!! Go Cubs!!!

Bob, why don't you hold off on that Cubs thing, for now. Let's get a group together at the Gazebo in a few weeks, and we'll tell you who you should root for.

:toast:

[flahute]

Don't let Joe fool you. Pappy 23 and Stagg are the best. No need for further discussion.

(I'll just clarify that I'm joking....making that clear since I'm new here and you guys don't know me that well yet).

[whiskeyagonzo]

Hey Guy, just read through all of this including your profile. Seems you are into art. That's great but what is the best painting in the world? Who knows? Everyone's tastes and preferences are different in art and bourbon. Just my 2 cents.

[flahute]

Hey Guy, just read through all of this including your profile. Seems you are into art. That's great but what is the best painting in the world? Who knows? Everyone's tastes and preferences are different in art and bourbon. Just my 2 cents.

[jonhalter]

The best bourbons are the ones you share with great company. These are followed by bourbons purchased by someone else for you. Unless it's OO. Yes its a rye but I can say that even if it was given to me and I was drinking it with the best people in my life it would not be the "best". So I dont come off as an elitist, that is Old Overholt.

[TunnelTiger]

My guess is that the "general consensus" is that this thread is terminal.

[B.B. Babington]

... It's an old school "pay your dues" fraternity culture on SB. It ...

Well he is right with this one. We pay, and pay, and pay, and pay...

[jonnyd]

I bought a few bottles and drank a few pours before I came upon this wonderful community. It was while doing a Google search for reviews on a bourbon whose name I have now forgotten. I was not afraid to take a risk on a purchase, however I was looking for some help in seeing through all the marketing B.S.! This is where SB has been invaluable. We work to provide facts and personal tasting notes among other informative bits that help you make your own decision. We will not make your decision for you!

[petrel800]

Knowledge should be free, not come at a the price of buying every bourbon on the market.

Knowledge is free, and in this day and age, it's easy, but Knowledge is not a substitute for experience.

http://neverlamentcasually.wordpress.com/2013/09/12/good-will-hunting-park-scene/

As for the rest of the post, I don't know where you're at or from, but I can assure you that SB members have done more for me than any other "strangers" I've ever met on the internet and now I'm lucky to call them friends. Don't mistake the help that is available here. If you're looking for a shortcut to the front of the line to impress a few friends you're in the wrong place. If you're here to experience and share experiences, you'll not find a better fraternity.

Sorry to pile on, but I can't help to state the obvious, this is one of the best communities I've ever seen or had the pleasure of being a part of . . .

[whiskeyobsessive]

I'm with Joe. This site is full of examples of people taking the time to make thoughtful responses to well-considered questions. However, that a request for an Esquire-style circle jerk was met with controversy means I too favor euthanizing this thread.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

[Guy Debord]

Perhaps it was harsh of me to generalize. There are a lot of helpful people here, but there are some who type one line cryptic replies that come off as arrogant--projections of an unappreciated scholar who knows more than everyone else who feels justified in being snobby (I know something you don't know and I'm keeping it to myself).

Yes, taste is subjective and bourbon is subjective, but it's not so complex that we cannot guide others. I've only tried 20 or so bourbons, but I feel confident that there are some profiles and products that serve as gateways to understanding bourbon more.

Yes, I am an art educator and contemporary art historian. I could not tell you what the best work of art is, but I could say with confidence what the most interesting and fascinating artistic practices of our time are. I could tell you who to look at right now, i.e. those who are doing critical, powerful, and deeply meaningful and innovative work today. I could also tell you about a lot of problematic work too, things to stay away from. I could tell you certain key texts that artists are reading and certain cultural subjects that art is dealing with today. Without sending you to an expensive BFA or MFA program, I could point someone in a good direction.

I think this thread is important because it goes to what is so common in our culture. In all subjects there are people who hold knowledge and use that authority over others. This is an online forum, a seemingly democractic space to engage in discussion about a topic of interest--the bourbon discourse. I don't think we should cast people's questions aside as unanswerable or belittle them for asking. We need to be good stewards and teachers. Bourbon is super fun and fascinating. Sharing it with others in an open way that nurtures their experiences is great. There is no reason to preface everything with "In my honest opinion" or "I can only tell you what I like" we get that. It's okay to say what you like and don't like. People can judge for themselves, but don't with hold your knowledge because there is no right answer or consensus. There is no need for pettiness or secrecy, as I said, bourbon is a product that is accessible to all of us, no need to get so strange over notions of taste and subjective preference. It should not be that delicate.

Thanks!

[kjbeggs]

Hey Guy, just read through all of this including your profile. Seems you are into art. That's great but what is the best painting in the world? Who knows? Everyone's tastes and preferences are different in art and bourbon. Just my 2 cents.

This is the best painting:

[whiskeyagonzo]

This is the best painting:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]18130[/ATTACH]

Hahaha. It is a good one ;-)

[squire]

Guy we're all adults here and capable of expressing ourselves. Some of us agree with Occam and believe the clearest, simplest answer is best.

[Restaurant man]

I nominate the OP as best screen name of 2014

[Quantum]

Perhaps it was harsh of me to generalize. There are a lot of helpful people here, but there are some who type one line cryptic replies that come off as arrogant--projections of an unappreciated scholar who knows more than everyone else who feels justified in being snobby (I know something you don't know and I'm keeping it to myself).

Yes, taste is subjective and bourbon is subjective, but it's not so complex that we cannot guide others. I've only tried 20 or so bourbons, but I feel confident that there are some profiles and products that serve as gateways to understanding bourbon more.

I know the type of post you are referring to when you say "cryptic replies", but I see them as vague more than cryptic. If someone asks me "what is the best bourbon for me to purchase right now?", I am going to need a lot more information to give them any sort of meaningful answer. I can give a nice long detailed reply, but it really doesn't mean much to someone who doesn't have any experience. Ask a vague question, get a vague answer. You can either get frustrating and go pout, or realize that vague answers still contain useful information. Maybe there is a difference between an artistic vs analytic mindset, but my automatic reaction to a vague answer is to ask a better question.

With the variety of bourbon available, and the subjectivity of taste, this is a hobby that takes some time and effort to really get into. When I first started lurking here, a lot of the threads I was reading really didn't make much sense. It was not that people were being cryptic, as much as I did not have the experience to understand what they were saying. The more I read and the more I tasted, the more it started to make sense.

There is some snobbery here, but that is true with every group that has more knowledge and experience about a given subject than the average person. If you display any desire to actually learn more about bourbon, this is a very welcoming community. For someone even remotely familiar with the art crowd, calling this group snobbish is absurdly laughable.