Need Advice From All You Experienced Whiskey Guys

[TXNewDude]

Always good to hear from those experienced. I find myself enjoying everything I've purchased the more I get in tune with my tastings. Makes me wonder how much more the expensive whiskeys can possibly be.

Maybe the better question to ask is which easy to find whiskeys to avoid, seeing as how I feel like each is enjoyable in its own right. I remember seeing such a thread so I'll just do a search : )

[TunnelTiger]

After looking at your bar one large area I believe you have missed is the lower shelf. All the bottles you have would be considered mid to high shelf in my area going from mid $30's to high $80's and you do have some excellent picks.

As others have previously stated you really need to try all the BIB's and other 100 proof economical products.

[kjbeggs]

I'll add another vote for getting some OGD114 and Rittenhouse 100 Rye.

As far as telling you what to avoid, that's probably an even harder question...

It really depends on your own tastes. I bought a bottle of Garrison Brothers a year or so ago, because it was a Texas product, and I wanted to like it. To me it was horrible (and expensive), but I know other people who love it.

Of course, it was a very young whiskey, and maybe they will come up with something better, if they allow it to age longer, but I won't buy another bottle without trying it first.

If one of the big chain's salespeople tries to push a label you don't know, there's probably a reason... so don't always trust their advice either.

[CaskStrength77]

I'm not experienced by any means, but as far as BTAC is concerned, they're pretty incredible. Worth the hunt IMO, but the hunt has gotten overly ridiculous these days.

Edit: it's not a popular opinion, but I've got both OGD114 and Rittenhouse Rye BiB on my shelf, and while they're both tasty for what they are, both are blown away like a fart in the wind compared to the BTAC bottles I have (not to mention some of the other, not as hard to find "specialty" bottles I have). But everyone's taste buds are different.

Edited February 23, 2015 by CaskStrength77

[sailor22]

I'm not experienced by any means, but as far as BTAC is concerned, they're pretty incredible. Worth the hunt IMO, but the hunt has gotten overly ridiculous these days.

Edit: it's not a popular opinion, but I've got both OGD114 and Rittenhouse Rye BiB on my shelf, and while they're both tasty for what they are, both are blown away like a fart in the wind compared to the BTAC bottles I have (not to mention some of the other, not as hard to find "specialty" bottles I have). But everyone's taste buds are different.

Yeah, I'm with you. I have both also and think they are both ....feh, at best. If they were the best pours I found in Bourbon/Rye I would be sticking to Rum and Brandy.

[The Black Tot]

For the record, I don't think most of us are recommending OGD114, Rit100 and OWA as BTAC killers.

Rather, bourbons (and a rye) of good quality and unique character that are great for developing one's palate while at the same time being excellent value and readily available.

I don't think anyone starting out should start with BTAC until they've had some experience drinking the various house styles.

The OPs question was "Is it worth hunting the limiteds?" The answer of course has a lot of variables, in that how difficult they are to find has changed every season so far in recent years (gotten worse), and the taste experience of those limiteds is tied to the training of your palate.

So, is it worth it to the OP? My final answer is "eventually". Either the limited fever has to cool off, or he has to reach a plateau in his tastings that he's ready for the next step.

Only one of those is in his (or our, for that matter) control - developing his palate with that which is readily available. He's already off to a great start with his pictured tasting table, and many of us think Ritt100, OGD114, and OWA will add some additional variety to that.

Working on a ship, I've experienced a lot of farts in the wind. Though I have tried and enjoyed every VW, BTAC (not every year, but at least one of each from some year), and many other recent limiteds by now, I'd much prefer a pour of the aforementioned three suggested whiskeys.

Edited February 24, 2015 by The Black Tot

[smknjoe]

I've spent the last few years and way more money than I like to admit chasing down every last bourbon I could get my hands on in order to learn about this spirit that's been my favorite as long as I've been drinking. I've tired S-W OWA, VOF from the 50's-60's, private barrel S-W ranging from 12-20+ years old, S-W Centennial, old Turkey, BMH 16yr, PVW, and several BTACs and PHC (including the wheater), and several 4RLE's and SBs. My favorites are consistently slightly older OWA, WT from the 90's, and FRSB private picks. The first two only go for about $20-$25. The FRSB is quite a bit more at $50-$60. OGD 114 and Knob Creek SB are some really good Beam products too that only cost $20-$40. If I've learned anything it's that price does not equal quality.

Would I do it all over again? You bet! It's been fun and I have learned a lot and I'm still learning. Plus, I've met some really cool people. However, now that I've "tried it all" I'll be happy if I can only have a few $20-$50 bourbons that are easily found on the shelf everywhere for the rest of my life. They really are just as good as the "LE" stuff (save a few rare private picks ).

[camduncan]

Would I do it all over again? You bet! It's been fun and I have learned a lot and I'm still learning. Plus, I've met some really cool people. However, now that I've "tried it all" I'll be happy if I can only have a few $20-$50 bourbons that are easily found on the shelf everywhere for the rest of my life. They really are just as good as the "LE" stuff (save a few rare private picks ).

Amen Joe! Captured my personal sentiments exactly!

[TXNewDude]

Picked up a OGD114 based on recommendations here. Definitely agree with it being a value pour($24 here). Disregarding price, I wouldn't choose it over most of the mid-shelf stuff I've got, but its worth every bit of the $24 and I'd probably say up to $30. My currently cloudy head can't think of anything else at this price point for this proof. This is fun fellas. My curiosity for the LE is still alive and kickin after all. *cheers*

[BFerguson]

Listen to all of us and none of us at the same time. Find your path, buy what you want to buy, and have no regrets.

Well, likely a couple, but that is par for the course.

Drink what you like, and don't feel bad if most don't care for it. As long as you like it, that's what matters.

B

[CaskStrength77]

Picked up a OGD114 based on recommendations here. Definitely agree with it being a value pour($24 here). Disregarding price, I wouldn't choose it over most of the mid-shelf stuff I've got, but its worth every bit of the $24 and I'd probably say up to $30. My currently cloudy head can't think of anything else at this price point for this proof. This is fun fellas. My curiosity for the LE is still alive and kickin after all. *cheers*

[garbanzobean]

If most bourbons taste great to you, congratulations! You are in luck. The world is basically your oyster. Enjoy a special bottle if you come across it, but understand that price does not always correlate to enjoyment. Just be honest with yourself, and try to remember that the best bourbon isn't the one with the fanciest packaging. The best bourbon is the one you haven't tried yet.

Unless you are Doug. Then the best bourbon is HH6yrBiB. And there ain't nothing wrong with that, neither.

[393foureyedfox]

Unless you are Doug. Then the best bourbon is HH6yrBiB. And there ain't nothing wrong with that, neither.

Its not that I think HH6BIB is the best bourbon, it's that I think it's quality is FAR above its price point. HH6BIB, HH6/90, and OGD114 are unbeatable values. To get into something that I enjoy more than those, I end up nearing my $50 limit, with things like Booker's, Dickel 9 year, or the SAOS barrel proofers. But, on any given night, I can pour some HH and be quite content.

[garbanzobean]

Its not that I think HH6BIB is the best bourbon, it's that I think it's quality is FAR above its price point. HH6BIB, HH6/90, and OGD114 are unbeatable values. To get into something that I enjoy more than those, I end up nearing my $50 limit, with things like Booker's, Dickel 9 year, or the SAOS barrel proofers. But, on any given night, I can pour some HH and be quite content.

I was just teasing you. Unfortunately, I don't think that always translates well to internet forum posts. At any rate, I admire the fact that you know what you like and stick with it. That would save me a lot of money.

[johnnybogey]

Relatively new to bourbon as well so take it for what it is.

I would say I am currently in the "Honeymoon" period of Bourbon Ho'ing. Basically obsessing over the hunt. Not just PVW / BTAC but anything and everything. (These forums can be dangerous) :grin: Like you, I am checking websites everyday, driving all over, etc...I even started to build back bar in my basement for all the bourbon.

If I know me, I know that eventually, the "Honeymoon" period will come to an end, at least I hope. I will lose the fire to search every single liquor store within a 30 mile radius and just settle down and drink the stuff I like and bunker those. I would be perfectly content with occasionally running into a limited release bottle, etc.

Been drinking a lot of ETL these days but finding that it's a little too sweet for my palate. Guess my palate is developing. However, I always go back to one of my favorite (FRSB).

Edited March 4, 2015 by johnnybogey

[393foureyedfox]

Bourbon Ho'ing

appropriate term for most of us