How quitting my bourbon hobby made me love it even more

[corpse_welder]

First off, thanks for the congratulations guys, it's been great. Second, I'm not sure if it's just my tastes changing, but this particular handle of WT101 I have is fantastic and stands up to any dusty I've ever had of it

[ethangsmith]

A fun little tidbit of trivia- Dick Stoll, who was Master Distiller at Michter's in Pennsylvania and is responsible for making some of the best whiskies out there, likes Heaven Hill 80 proof white label that comes in the plastic handles. He also like Evan Williams black label. Proof that even the most discerning tastes don't always favor the expensive stuff! Just this evening I had some current Old Overholt and Pikesville Rye. 80 proof, 3 years old and both fine ryes for what you pay for them. OGD 100 and WT101 rye and bourbon are tops on my list as well. I love the Ezra Brooks 90 and also Old Heaven Hill BIB. If I'm going to drink something nicer, I get out my 1792, my Rare Breed, or my Elijah Craig 12. It's not to say I don't have top shelf stuff lurking at the back of my cabinet (I do!), but it often just sits there and comes out maybe once or twice a year. I've found myself slimming down my bottle supply and only replacing the ones I truly enjoy- which tend to be the "$40 or less" bottles.

[mbroo5880i]

A fun little tidbit of trivia- Dick Stoll, who was Master Distiller at Michter's in Pennsylvania and is responsible for making some of the best whiskies out there, likes Heaven Hill 80 proof white label that comes in the plastic handles. He also like Evan Williams black label. Proof that even the most discerning tastes don't always favor the expensive stuff! Just this evening I had some current Old Overholt and Pikesville Rye. 80 proof, 3 years old and both fine ryes for what you pay for them. OGD 100 and WT101 rye and bourbon are tops on my list as well. I love the Ezra Brooks 90 and also Old Heaven Hill BIB. If I'm going to drink something nicer, I get out my 1792, my Rare Breed, or my Elijah Craig 12. It's not to say I don't have top shelf stuff lurking at the back of my cabinet (I do!), but it often just sits there and comes out maybe once or twice a year. I've found myself slimming down my bottle supply and only replacing the ones I truly enjoy- which tend to be the "$40 or less" bottles.

So true. OGD and WT are fine in their own right. EC12 is a nice step up!

[tmas]

Old Crow Reserve is out house bourbon. We go through a handle every other week or so. Can't be beat for $18

I'm guessing that's a typo? Or is this some bourbon tradition to which I haven't been exposed?

[393foureyedfox]

that's one ironic typo........

[boneuphtoner]

What's the point of all this? Well, after the few months have gone by, my tastes have changed and I don't even reach for the ~25 open bottles of "better" stuff like Blanton's or Rowan's Creek or Four Roses. I reach for that EWB or Turkey almost every night and Weller less frequently and I feel liberated. That's not to put down you true aficionados, not at all, but I believe I was made to enjoy the cheaper stuff. Cheers to all the budget bourbon warriors and please share a story or two with me about maybe how you had to quit the pricier stuff or if you never liked it much to begin with

Fantastic post, and what you describe fits me perfectly. I also completely agree with you that EW Black on ice is a very refreshing drink!

[deathevocation]

Evan Williams Black was my budget pour here in Australia.

This year they have reduced it to 80 proof and increased the price by $15.

Heaven Hill didn't respond to my email regarding this incredible move.

Haven't bought anything from HH since. Stuff 'em.

[hn4bourbon]

I also completely agree with you that EW Black on ice is a very refreshing drink!

I agree with this wholeheartedly. EWB on ice is a drink I enjoy very much. It really surprised me the first time I tried EWB with ice. I almost didn't believe my own taste buds how good it was:)

[justataste]

If I want something really flavorful it's OGD 114. Four roses SmB is a nice pour also. But night after night, watching the late news, it's EWB on a couple of cubes. Really hard to beat.