Must have bourbons for your collection.

[mark fleetwood]

One distillery that doesn't get a ton of airtime is the old Barton facility in Bardstown. Its 1792 is pretty good (especially if you see it on sale at around $25), but the gem is Very Old Barton, 90 proof or BIB versions are great buys, but very limited distribution.

[squire]

Having give the matter some thought I've concluded I must have them all.

[OldDrinker1978]

Having give the matter some thought I've concluded I must have them all.

I know what you're saying

[The_Bourbon_Boar]

Thanks guys I've made a list and gonna start buying

[fishnbowljoe]

There's been lot's of good suggestions made here. Not a thing wrong with any of them either. But…… I figured I'd give my two cents worth. Might save you some time, money, and grief. (If you're married, or have a significant other. :smiley_acbt:)

First off, you need to try and figure out what your taste preferences are. I pretty much knew what mine were when I got into this bourbon "thang". I had an inkling that wheated bourbons were what I leaned towards, but I ignored what my common sense told me, and I proceeded to buy anything and everything. Gotta keep up with the Jonses ya' know. :skep: Forget that crap. It isn't about how many bottles you have in your bunker, it's about what you like. In all honesty, there was lots of stuff I bought I knew I probably wouldn't like, but I bought it anyway. Don't let all the hype guide you.

If you're unsure about what you might prefer, try something from all the different distilleries. Although I'm an admitted Weller/wheater whore, I've found I do like things from most all distilleries. Variety is the spice of life ya know, and as a lot of folks say, "It's all good." I love pretty much everything from BT, but I have bottlings from most every distillery. Get an idea of what you like, and zero in on that. Then maybe branch out from there.

My "startup" list FWIW:

Jim Beam-KC or Beam Black

Four Roses-FRYL or FRSB

Wild Turkey-WT 101 or Rare Breed

Barton/1792-1792 or VOB 100 proof

Woodford Reserve-Woodford Reserve

Maker's Mark- Maker's Mark

Heaven Hill- HH 6yr BIB, EW BIB, Larceny or EC 12

Buffalo Trace-BT, or any Weller you can find. :grin: Actually, and it almost pains me to say this given my love for Weller 12 yr old, I'd give OWA a try first if possible.

My knowledge and experience with smaller and/or craft distilleries is somewhat limited. I've had offerings from Smooth Ambler and High West that I've liked. A lot of folks here speak well of both. Other than that, it's pretty much a crap shoot IMHO.

Fo you, and any other "newbies" I hope this has helped some.

Cheers! Joe

[Paddy]

There's been lot's of good suggestions made here. Not a thing wrong with any of them either. But…… I figured I'd give my two cents worth. Might save you some time, money, and grief. (If you're married, or have a significant other. :smiley_acbt:)

First off, you need to try and figure out what your taste preferences are. I pretty much knew what mine were when I got into this bourbon "thang". I had an inkling that wheated bourbons were what I leaned towards, but I ignored what my common sense told me, and I proceeded to buy anything and everything. Gotta keep up with the Jonses ya' know. :skep: Forget that crap. It isn't about how many bottles you have in your bunker, it's about what you like. In all honesty, there was lots of stuff I bought I knew I probably wouldn't like, but I bought it anyway. Don't let all the hype guide you.

If you're unsure about what you might prefer, try something from all the different distilleries. Although I'm an admitted Weller/wheater whore, I've found I do like things from most all distilleries. Variety is the spice of life ya know, and as a lot of folks say, "It's all good." I love pretty much everything from BT, but I have bottlings from most every distillery. Get an idea of what you like, and zero in on that. Then maybe branch out from there.

My "startup" list FWIW:

Jim Beam-KC or Beam Black

Four Roses-FRYL or FRSB

Wild Turkey-WT 101 or Rare Breed

Barton/1792-1792 or VOB 100 proof

Woodford Reserve-Woodford Reserve

Maker's Mark- Maker's Mark

Heaven Hill- HH 6yr BIB, EW BIB, Larceny or EC 12

Buffalo Trace-BT, or any Weller you can find. :grin: Actually, and it almost pains me to say this given my love for Weller 12 yr old, I'd give OWA a try first if possible.

My knowledge and experience with smaller and/or craft distilleries is somewhat limited. I've had offerings from Smooth Ambler and High West that I've liked. A lot of folks here speak well of both. Other than that, it's pretty much a crap shoot IMHO.

Fo you, and any other "newbies" I hope this has helped some.

Cheers! Joe

[fishnbowljoe]

Great list Joe, except you omitted Old Forester (I'd go for the 100 proof 'Signature'). :toast:

I figure you knew you had Brown-Forman covered with WR, but I'd take the OF Sig over it any day... :grin:

[The_Bourbon_Boar]

Thanks joe

[Harry in WashDC]

Having give the matter some thought I've concluded I must have them all.

[starhopper]

My recommendation (from a person who's been in the bourbon hobby for a total of three months), is to purchase the book "American Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye - A guide to The Nation's Favorite Spirit" by Clay Risen (2015 edition).

It has been an invaluable tool in my acquisition of bourbons. I keep it in my car, and consult it whenever I go to a store to look at the offerings. It has saved me the trouble of spending big bucks for a bottle that, in the end, wasn't worth it.

Make sure you get the 2015 edition that was released in October. Amazon is currently sold out - I got mine at Barnes and Nobles. Well worth the $25 I paid for it!

[The_Bourbon_Boar]

I see a 2013 edition I looked at getting a similar bourbon whiskey book

[starhopper]

Don't get the 2013 edition - info is too old.

[The_Bourbon_Boar]

I found the 2015 thanks, sir

[starhopper]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMERICAN-WHISKEY-BOURBON-RYE-9781454916888-CLAY-RISEN-HARDCOVER-NEW-/141817086080?hash=item2104f50080:g:9QcAAOSwT5tWNgXm''>http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMERICAN-WHISKEY-BOURBON-RYE-9781454916888-CLAY-RISEN-HARDCOVER-NEW-/141817086080?hash=item2104f50080:g:9QcAAOSwT5tWNgXm' rel="external nofollow">

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMERICAN-WHISKEY-BOURBON-RYE-9781454916888-CLAY-RISEN-HARDCOVER-NEW-/141817086080?hash=item2104f50080:g:9QcAAOSwT5tWNgXm

[starhopper]

It's on ebay for $18.76 - free shipping

[The_Bourbon_Boar]

This is the one I was gonna get

[starhopper]

It's a very nice hardbound book, that contains not only the history of bourbon in America, but 300 reviews

[starhopper]

I bought the Clay Risen book because of the reviews and ratings - it has helped me IMMENSELY in avoiding bad purchases. You will not regret the purchase of this book! (I am no affiliated in any way with the author)

[The_Bourbon_Boar]

I'll check it out, hopefully you get a decent cut off this sell. [emoji14]