Most people seem to think it’s swill, but not you?

[BigBoldBully]

Lately I have been reflecting on bourbons that are apparently widely disliked or ignored (on sb anyway). When I find myself giving one of these a chance and liking it, I naturally wonder whether I’m just going through a phase of particularly intense ignorance where I am missing the deficiencies and someday will see it as the swill that more experienced bourbon explorers do.

One example. Recently, I had the Beam Old Taylor 6yr for the first (and second and third ...) time, and although it is not exactly a flavor bomb that jolts a person from his socks, I find it quite pleasant despite its 80 proof–and even distinctive amongst the 50 or so open bottles on my shelves. I won’t bore you with detailed tasting notes, but I really enjoy its somewhat herbaceous qualities, its relative sweetness, and its superior mixability–and detect nothing offensive about it (not even any Beam “yeastinessâ€). A 6 year age-stated bourbon that did pretty well in my blind tastings for $11 a full liter? Thinking of stocking up before the last of its largely unappreciated kind has vanished.

So are there any bourbons that seem almost unanimously dismissed on here, but that you find worthy of a spot in your regular lineup? Let’s make this thread a place dedicated to these underdogs.

[chooch714]

Never apologize for your tastes. Drink what you like and like what you drink. I, myself, almost always have a bottle of Old Crow Reserve around for the same reasons that you state. Isn't that the defination of value?

[Quintilian]

I'd like to get my hands on some Old Taylor. But to answer your question, I've imbibed in regular old AA, Rebel Yell Reserve, and McAfee's Benchmark and enjoyed them. AA has a crazy-dry palate. Rebel Yell Reserve is full of cinnamon. And Benchmark would probably defeat JBW in a blind tasting.

[393foureyedfox]

most people outside of SB look at me sideways when I say I actually enjoy Heaven Hill labelled bourbon

[mosugoji64]

most people outside of SB look at me sideways when I say I actually enjoy Heaven Hill labelled bourbon

[deathevocation]

most people outside of SB look at me sideways when I say I actually enjoy Heaven Hill labelled bourbon

[Richnimrod]

Nothing at all wrong with finding an inexpensive brand to your liking! That is the very definition of the 'Holy Grail' as far as I'm concerned.

Look at it a blessing, certainly NOT as a curse, BBB. I agree with Quintillian about a couple of his mentions, though I'm not a big fan of RY Reserve. I find it virtually identical to RY; but for considerably more cheese.

[R-Savage]

The crowd here at SB is great. I can try whatever I want and share and not get a reply post of an image of a bottle of turpentine. I like what I like. We all should, It makes you feel pretty uncomfortable when the only acceptable stuff is WLW (from BTAC) or Stagg, or Pappy or other bottles that are pretty expensive, But have a Michters 10 year as a daily sipper. (yeeeesh!) .

[petrel800]

I've enjoyed the Kirkland Bourbon from Costco. Age stated Beam product at a solid proof for around $20/liter. It seems to get mixed reviews, but at the end of the day, your personal review is all that matters.

[Smithford]

Rebel Yell. It's uncomplicated, sugary sweet and super easy to drink. Unfortunately, it's not available where I live.

[Phil T]

A friend of mine laughed when I showed him a bottle of HH BIB that I brought back from KY and said HH is what they drank when he was younger to get drunk. They thought of it as the cheap sh*t.

It is cheap sh*t. That makes us crazy like a fox, huh Brian!:grin:

[Auracom]

A former boss of mine couldn't believe I voluntarily ordered WT101 during a happy hour. So I promptly ordered a second pour.

[CorvallisCracker]

I'll buy the green label 6yo HH when VOB is not available. It's fine for a daily sipper.

Not a cheap swill but which didn't get a lot of love here was VSOF, which I thought was had gotten pretty good during its last three years of availability.

[smokinjoe]

I "get" the reason why more than a few in the "enthusiast" community have pushed Maker' Mark down on their list of top tier bourbons, but some of the harshly negative reviews of the whiskey itself often leave me perplexed. MM is a bourbon that I could be quite content in drinking exclusively if the circumstances called for such.

[The Boozer]

Rebel Yell Reserve. Was surprisingly sweet and full bodied. Was expecting thin and rather bland.

[dSculptor]

I keep a bottle of OT 6 around also, just for mixers, it works. I was and still am in the bottom shelf exploratory mode, I like to see/taste what's out there.

[Golzee]

It seems like Jim Beam takes a beating around here. Personally I am a Beam fan. No product they make (with the Beam name) is necessarily amazing, yet, they are all budget friendly and get the job done.

[squire]

Those who scoff at our value priced choices are only showing their own lack of knowledge.

[TunnelTiger]

It seems like Jim Beam takes a beating around here. Personally I am a Beam fan. No product they make (with the Beam name) is necessarily amazing, yet, they are all budget friendly and get the job done.

Then you must try the new BIB at 100 proof. I've enjoyed all weekend.

[moebimoebi]

A former boss of mine couldn't believe I voluntarily ordered WT101 during a happy hour. So I promptly ordered a second pour.

Well, you didn't have to quit over it!

[VAGentleman]

Regular old Jack Daniels. Every now and then a glass of that really hits the spot.

[garbanzobean]

I'll buy the green label 6yo HH when VOB is not available. It's fine for a daily sipper.

Not a cheap swill but which didn't get a lot of love here was VSOF, which I thought was had gotten pretty good during its last three years of availability.

Yeah I tried that late last year at the BHC and really enjoyed it. I wish I had a bottle put away to see if I really do love it or not. Oh well, plenty of other great bourbons to drink . . .

At any rate, I foolishly spent part of 2013 and 2014 going for the premiums and limited editions, so I hope to spend this year enjoying some of the sub $20 gems, but with the baby's arrival my consumption has dropped to the point where it probably makes more sense to go with what I've got and maybe occasionally supplement with a bottom shelf buy. Too bad my taste for scotch ain't gettin any cheaper.

Back tonthe topic at hand, the only bourbon I can think of that sort of matches this thread is Stagg Jr. Folks seem split 50/50 on it, with half thinking it's a dog and the other half enjoying it. I really like it. Overall, I don't think there are too many hidden secrets left in the bourbon world. Maybe there are some craft distilleries out there like Tom's Foolery doing it right and waiting to be discovered once their stock comes of age.

[mosugoji64]

It is cheap sh*t. That makes us crazy like a fox, huh Brian!:grin:

Most definitely! But being in Indiana, he probably only had access to the 3yr/80 proof stuff, which is pretty bad.

My picks for this thread are WRDO and the Costco Beam. I enjoyed the unique flavor of WRDO and thought it was a good pour but overpriced so it hasn't been replaced. The last bottle of Costco Beam I had exhibited a little too much of the Beam funk for me but the first one was very good. If I weren't already loaded up with KC from Xmas gifting I would probably get another.

[GaryT]

AAA 10* - I've found over and over that I prefer this to AAA 10yr. Most folks prefer it the other way around, and I just count myself lucky

[ethangsmith]

I really like Pikesville and Old Overholt ryes. I also REALLY enjoy Old Grand Dad BIB. Like, REALLLLLLY enjoy.