Best Bargain Bourbon?

[Harry in WashDC]

Oh, yeah - price. EWB in Virginia ABC stores is $13.50 per 750 plus tax. The Montgomery County MD stores list the same bottle for $8.99 plus tax. Stores in Northwest Wash DC are usually in between.

[Quintilian]

Va Gentleman is 80 proof. I first tried it circa 1971 and revisit it from time to time. It is ok but nothing special. "The Fox" was its 90 proof version, sold in a bottle that looked like a VOB or OWA jug. It had a fox hunting scene on the label. Haven't seen an actual The Fox since I bought a bottle about 2004. BUT, A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, VA, (formerly in Fairfax, Virginia) still bottles VaG at 4 yrs 80 proof. It also bottles a 90 proof version called Bowman Brothers Pioneer Spirit Small Batch (age varies by batch, but I don't care because I LIKE it). Va Gentleman is sold in Virginia ABC stores for the fixed price of $12.45 plus tax per 750ml. Bowman Bros PS SmB sells there for $29.95. ASB is owned by BT although the ASB tour guides and others say BT makes distillate for ASB using a proprietary ASB yeast. ASB redistills and ages and then bottles the distillate (by HAND - I've SEEN it!!:shocked:) on its own premises. SO, while VaG may be considered a bargain bourbon and is certainly a nice one to consider, I don't think the BBSmB can be. OTOH, EWBlack is my standard bourbon for newbies and mixing.

[BourbonGuy]

Weller 107 for $20.

[kjbeggs]

OGD 114 is my hands down favorite bargain. Also Rittenhouse rye to bring a new player to the table

Also OWA when you can find it in stock

These are all excellent suggestions, and exactly what I would have written.

[bllygthrd]

OWA 107 and WLW Special Reserve can be had here in WV for ~$20.

HH BIB and VOB BIB are ~$15 in KY [just over the border].

Old Fitz BIB is a great buy also.

[Eskwar]

Sure, if you're in KY and have a 4-leaf clover in one pocket and a rabbit's foot in the other.

OP: you said "best" and that doesn't exist. You than asked "favorite," which I think is a better question. That said, Booker's is my favorite "bargain" bottle.

Agree w/ both of these sentiments.

On topic: Tom Moore BiB. 100-pf Barton tastiness for <$20...per handle.

[jonhalter]

Id throw in Dant BIB as well

[393foureyedfox]

Agree w/ both of these sentiments.

On topic: Tom Moore BiB. 100-pf Barton tastiness for <$20...per handle.

how old (if stated) was TMBIB? Ive got some KY Tavern BIB I havent opened up yet, and suspect itd be similar. I oughta open and try one, as I know where more of it is sitting still, and its cheap

[squire]

I know where more of it is sitting still, and its cheap

So whattaya waiting for, you've gotta good job, stock up.

[393foureyedfox]

So whattaya waiting for, you've gotta good job, stock up.

[MikeK]

I get Elijah Craig 12yo for around $25. It is quite good at that price or even more. Ritt BIB is nice as well.

I feel comfortable recommending the Various Heaven Hill offerings in the 86-100 proof range. My pick is the 7 year old 101 proof Virgin Bourbon but that one can be hard to find.

[PaulO]

No one mentioned JTS Brown? My standard answer is anything bottled in bond, including Rittenhouse Rye. I'd also add: Old Forester Signature, OGD 114, Larceny, Fighting Cock, and Dickle Rye.

Edited August 1, 2014 by PaulO

[393foureyedfox]

I picked up a couple of Virgin's :cool: in NC a couple years back on vacation. Good stuff!

[The Good Sir]

I get Elijah Craig 12yo for around $25. It is quite good at that price or even more. Ritt BIB is nice as well.

Completely agree on the HH. I picked up a couple of Virgin's :cool: in NC a couple years back on vacation. Good stuff!

[squire]

We can get Virgin Bourbon in Alabama but that's the only place I've seen it in years.

[Eskwar]

how old (if stated) was TMBIB? Ive got some KY Tavern BIB I havent opened up yet, and suspect itd be similar. I oughta open and try one, as I know where more of it is sitting still, and its cheap

The TMBIB is not age-stated, so I've always assumed it's 4. It looks a bit like this early 90s dusty (except family-sized).

I've never had, or even seen, KY Tavern BiB. Only the blend and the 80-pf, neither of which I've bought.

[393foureyedfox]

I've never had, or even seen, KY Tavern BiB. Only the blend and the 80-pf, neither of which I've bought.

Ive still not tried it. I think it went out a few years ago, but I know of a few places in Louisville with a few bottles. I bought the two I have mostly just to collect something thats not around anymore, but I guess I ought to see if i like it before its all gone for good. I dont think i was aware there was a KT tavern blended whiskey....the 80 proof KYT was one of the first things I ever tried

[squire]

Yes, Bonded with no age statement means at least 4 years old.

[HOF44]

My favorite is McKenna 10 BIB. At 29.99 a bottle I have yet to find anything even close.

[393foureyedfox]

My favorite is McKenna 10 BIB. At 29.99 a bottle I have yet to find anything even close.

I opened a store select McKBIB last night that was gifted to me. I liked it so much I had to go put it as the #4 on the list of favorite bourbons on the dry-erase board. My wife and I keep a list of our favorite bourbons and wines on it, so we know what the other likes when shopping and can easily tell friends what each other likes when asked for gift ideas, etc. I put it right behind Dickel 9, Bookers, and 112 WTRB. Very very good bourbon, and at $30 is a true bargain.

[Clavius]

OGD114. Best "bang" for your buck, imho. :yum:

[BootsOnTheGround]

Bought a couple Liters of Old Forester 100 for like $17 ea OTD. They had been sitting on the bottom shelf for 2-3 years (old diamond label.) I'm afraid to open them as it sort of ruins the prize. Aaahyep, I'm weird like that.

Even at $20 for a 750 these days, you're not going to find a better, all-around bottle.

[PaulO]

Yes, I would have grabbed those too.

[393foureyedfox]

Yes, I would have grabbed those too.

me too, and made a friends b-day every year for the next few years, as its his favorite.

[bingstein]

This is the easiest question though my answer will surprise you. FRSB barrel strength is the best value in bourbon, albeit for $50ish per bottle. It's not a $17 bottle but for the price it cannot be beaten.