Next Bourbon to try ?

[Darwin]

Hi all,

I am fairly new to bourbons and in need of advise. I have found Buffalo Trace to be my favorite entry level sipper and mixer. I also really enjoy Four Roses Single Barrel and think it is outstanding. Elijah Craig 12 to also be very nice and price friendly. I am mainly a single malt guy, but I am trying to broaden my palate. Is there another bourbon in the small batch range/group that I should try? I don't want to have a several bottles that I wont drink and the bars is not an option for tasting. The few bourbon friends that I have drink out of the big plastic jugs so they wont be of any help. :shocked:

I was thinking maybe the Eagle Rare or Woodford Reserve might be worth a go, but I really know nothing about them.

Thanks in advance.

[Paddy]

Darwin, I'd recommend you visit the bourbon of the month thread. You'll find a treasure trove of expert opinion(s):grin: about just about anything you'll ever find on a liquor store shelf (as well as many others you'll probably won't ever see).

[koRn]

Try a Baker's, a Blanton's and since you enjoyed the Elijah Craig. Try their barrel proof if you can find it. Most of all....enjoy it.

[fozzy71]

I haven't had ER or WR in a while but I enjoyed them both. Another in that price range that I had recently and enjoyed was Ridgemont Reserve 1792. The BOTM forum is a good suggestion. I have tons on my shelf to try but so far I have found I enjoy the $20 - $30 BIB and Small Batch stuff as much as any of the $40 - $60 stuff I have tried.

Edit: Russell's Reserve SmB is another good one in that 30 - 40 range and easy to find around me.

[t44tq]

I'll second the Beam suggestion. Beam Black 8 yr., OGD 114, or Knob Creek- they're all a bit different. If you want something woodier, Wild Turkey 101 is solid.

What do you look for in bourbon?

[johnnyoski]

Based on what you like so far I think the ER10 or FRSmB would be good choices. Any of the Weller line you can find (Special Reserve, Antique or 12) are also good ones to branch off to.

[Richnimrod]

Here are a few I'd recommend...

Wild Turkey Rare Breed (not cheap, but quite nice)

Henry McKenna 10-year, SB, BIB (not badly priced for a 10-yr, BIB)

Old Forester Signature (also not badly priced for 100-proof)

[Grain Belt]

I'm not sure where the OP Darwin is from but I would recommend looking for as many bottled in bond selections as he can find. OGDBIB, EWBIB, JBBIB, are three that come to mind.

[fozzy71]

I'll second the Beam suggestion. Beam Black 8 yr., OGD 114, or Knob Creek- they're all a bit different. If you want something woodier, Wild Turkey 101 is solid.

What do you look for in bourbon?

OGD114 FTW

Here are a few I'd recommend...

Wild Turkey Rare Breed (not cheap, but quite nice)

Henry McKenna 10-year, SB, BIB (not badly priced for a 10-yr, BIB)

Old Forester Signature (also not badly priced for 100-proof)

I saw this for the first time tonight and meant to grab one but forgot once my arms were full from all the other stuff I grabbed.

I'm not sure where the OP Darwin is from but I would recommend looking for as many bottled in bond selections as he can find. OGDBIB, EWBIB, JBBIB, are three that come to mind.

excellent advice.

[Bourbon Envy]

Darwin, I'd recommend you visit the bourbon of the month thread. You'll find a treasure trove of expert opinion(s):grin: about just about anything you'll ever find on a liquor store shelf (as well as many others you'll probably won't ever see).

Great advice as already pointed out. BOTM is where I started when looking for recommendations. I will say that as a fellow single malt drinker, I prefer bourbons with a higher rye content and I suspect you might too especially since you have a fondness for 4R. It was my first love for bourbons and competes for my attention even when parked behind two of my favorite Islay malts...Lagavulin or Kilchoman.

Lastly I recommend Breckinridge if you can get it, or Rittenhouse Rye BIB. I also concur with the ER10 recommendation...great stuff even though it's mild for my taste, definitely an easy drinker. One thing is refreshing about Bourbons, you won't find E-150 (caramel coloring) or excessive filtration affecting your pour. Whatever you do, enjoy your Bourbon adventures.

Cheers! -BE

Edited May 6, 2015 by Bourbon Envy

[Darwin]

... What do you look for in bourbon?

Not sure, still trying to figure that out. I do know that I don't care for the cloying corn syrup taste I have often found in bourbon, whiskey and blended stuff. It all depends upon mood I guess. The Four Roses Single Barrel reminds me of the Sherry bombs that I often crave, but the mouth feel is much richer. Not to mention the caramel, maple and dried fruit flavours it has going on. With single malts I go for any other these. (Auchentoshan, Glenmorangie, Highland Park, Cragganmore, Aberlour, Glendronach, Glenfarclas, Talisker and Lagavulin) I also like Rittenhouse BIB and keep at least one on the shelf.

I'm not sure where the OP Darwin is from but I would recommend looking for as many bottled in bond selections as he can find. OGDBIB, EWBIB, JBBIB, are three that come to mind.

I started south of New Orleans and now I am in Phoenix. Total Wine and Bevmo are the only big stores that I know of here.

Thanks everyone! Lots of good information and several new expressions that I had not considered before. I will keep reading the suggested materials, research the suggestions provided and maybe find something new to take home next weekend. :cool:

Edited May 6, 2015 by Darwin

[Darwin]

.... I will say that as a fellow single malt drinker, I prefer bourbons with a higher rye content and I suspect you might too especially since you have a fondness for 4R. ...

Lastly I recommend Breckinridge if you can get it, or Rittenhouse Rye BIB. I also concur with the ER10 recommendation...great stuff even though it's mild for my taste, definitely an easy drinker.....

Cheers! -BE

I do like the Rittenhouse because it feels light on the palate and has that spicy rye thing going. ER is usually out of stock, but on my radar. The only Breckinridge I find is beer, not what you had in mind, but I do like a nice cold one now and then. :drink:

[Bourbon Envy]

Not sure, still trying to figure that out. I do know that I don't care for the cloying corn syrup taste I have often found in bourbon,...With single malts I go for any other these. (Auchentoshan, Glenmorangie, Highland Park, Cragganmore, Aberlour, Glendronach, Glenfarclas, Talisker and Lagavulin) I also like Rittenhouse BIB and keep at least one on the shelf.

Crazy that you like Lag, Talisker, Highland Park etc...all great recommendations and Ralfy would agree But most surprising is the fact that you keep Ritt BIB on the shelf, most turn their nose up because of the price. BTW, that corn syrup taste is what keeps me from enjoying most blended whisk(e)y's. You will enjoy researching and tasting new bourbons, trust me.

Cheers! -BE

[Darwin]

Crazy that you like Lag, Talisker, Highland Park etc...all great recommendations and Ralfy would agree But most surprising is the fact that you keep Ritt BIB on the shelf, most turn their nose up because of the price. BTW, that corn syrup taste is what keeps me from enjoying most blended whisk(e)y's. You will enjoy researching and tasting new bourbons, trust me.

Cheers! -BE

I like cheap and good, but I am usually very skeptical! Ritt BIB neat or in a sour is awesome. :toast:

I cannot think of any blended whiskey that I care for, I think that is why wound up with the malts. I am rather curious about the Alberta Dark Horse/Batch Rye that is heading south, I hope its a good one!

[fozzy71]

I like cheap and good, but I am usually very skeptical! Ritt BIB neat or in a sour is awesome. :toast:

I cannot think of any blended whiskey that I care for, I think that is why wound up with the malts. I am rather curious about the Alberta Dark Horse/Batch Rye that is heading south, I hope its a good one!

I have this in my bunker waiting to be un-corked.......

[Ravensfire]

You might keep an eye out for a restaurant or bar in your area that does bourbon flights. An evening out and a chance to sample 3-4 bourbons you've never had before can be a great time. Even if the flight is 20-30, that can be cheaper than buying a bottle you don't like and you get to try multiple bourbons. Always a good thing!

[Darwin]

I have this in my bunker waiting to be un-corked.......

Don't forget us when you do.

[t44tq]

Not sure, still trying to figure that out. I do know that I don't care for the cloying corn syrup taste I have often found in bourbon, whiskey and blended stuff. It all depends upon mood I guess. The Four Roses Single Barrel reminds me of the Sherry bombs that I often crave, but the mouth feel is much richer. Not to mention the caramel, maple and dried fruit flavours it has going on. With single malts I go for any other these. (Auchentoshan, Glenmorangie, Highland Park, Cragganmore, Aberlour, Glendronach, Glenfarclas, Talisker and Lagavulin) I also like Rittenhouse BIB and keep at least one on the shelf.

I started south of New Orleans and now I am in Phoenix. Total Wine and Bevmo are the only big stores that I know of here.

Thanks everyone! Lots of good information and several new expressions that I had not considered before. I will keep reading the suggested materials, research the suggestions provided and maybe find something new to take home next weekend. :cool:

The only outlier there is Auchentoshan. That's definitely not a sherry bomb, nor is it one of the heavier, richer malts out there. Same with Glenmorangie.

If you don't like cloying corn syrup, I would stay away from Woodford Reserve, as well as Old Forester. How about the Buffalo Trace mashbill #1 stuff- Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Stagg Jr., Col. E.H. Taylor, etc.? Spicy, heavy body- especially Stagg Jr. and CEHT single barrel.

With the list of malts you have there, I'm surprised you don't have Ardbeg or Springbank on the list. Glengoyne is another great sherry bomb.

[t44tq]

Crazy that you like Lag, Talisker, Highland Park etc...all great recommendations and Ralfy would agree But most surprising is the fact that you keep Ritt BIB on the shelf, most turn their nose up because of the price. BTW, that corn syrup taste is what keeps me from enjoying most blended whisk(e)y's. You will enjoy researching and tasting new bourbons, trust me.

Cheers! -BE

You need to try some of Compass Box's blends- far better than Johnnie Walker, Chivas, etc. type blends. Most of them are blended malt- no grain.

[leo_mm]

I second the Blanton's suggestion. OP's tastes (including in scotch) run pretty close to mine and I have always loved Blanton's. It's a higher-rye mashbill and produced by Buffalo Trace. It is also good in cocktails in my opinion.

I enjoy certain products in the Beam lineup (Baker's and Booker's mainly), but they do run a bit sweet.

[mosugoji64]

Give OGD114 a try. It's available locally and I don't think you'll find it too sweet. Let us know what you choose.

[Darwin]

The only outlier there is Auchentoshan. That's definitely not a sherry bomb, nor is it one of the heavier, richer malts out there. Same with Glenmorangie.

If you don't like cloying corn syrup, I would stay away from Woodford Reserve, as well as Old Forester. How about the Buffalo Trace mashbill #1 stuff- Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Stagg Jr., Col. E.H. Taylor, etc.? Spicy, heavy body- especially Stagg Jr. and CEHT single barrel.

With the list of malts you have there, I'm surprised you don't have Ardbeg or Springbank on the list. Glengoyne is another great sherry bomb.

Edited May 11, 2015 by Darwin

[Dr Bill]

The White Chocolate Grill in Scottsdale (Mayo Blvd) has about any bourbon you could ever think of at the bar. Much easier to try a glass and see what you like. Then start looking for your favorites. Eagle Rare and Blanton's are both excellent.

[TunnelTiger]

When I hear OGD I think of the $9 bottle, but the OGD114 seems to be well respected so I will add it to my list.

Thanks all, I appreciate your input!

If you can get ODBIB for $9 a bottle you need to stock up.

[squire]

And call all your friends to stock up as well.