Fine Bourbon, a bargain at twice the price

[Dave_in_Canada]

I've followed with interest other posts lately which have touched on the endless discussion of price vs. value. I feel compelled to claim that Bourbon is the best all-round value in the whisk(e)y world IMHO.

While I realize I'm preaching to the converted, I'd like to point out:

On one end there are some who rarely spend more than $30 on a bottle and are quite happy doing so (even many "connoisseurs" on this forum). I believe there to be no whiskey to be had in the world for $30 that is better than a good bourbon. You all know the brands.

At the other end there are the folks who spend great deals of their hard earned (or won) monies on the premium bourbons which are in excess of $100 a bottle. However, there really aren't that many that are that expensive. Conversely, in the premium Scotch, Irish, Japanese, etc. whisk(e)y world, bottlings well in the thousands are not at all rare.

My conclusion is this. I'm almost of the opinion that we ought to keep the joys of fine bourbon to ourselves. If supply and demand rules the trade, then we will undoubtably see much higher prices in the future as the world discovers our little secret.

[TNbourbon]

Your sentiments are elevated, and correct. I'd guess there isn't a one of us here who doesn't have a 'go-to' bourbon under $20, let along $30. And, spending a premium often gets a premium bourbon experience (unlike California Cabernet, for example). I'm closer to Everyman than Bill Gates. Bourbon is the Everyman drink.

[Speedy_John]

I get the feeling, though, that eventually bourbon will have its turn as the "in" drink. Just as with "premium" vodkas, there will come a day when the trend setters will turn their attention to bourbon. We'll see a spike in sales of the premium bourbons, and prices will increase so producers can capitalize on this popularity. Even though such increased popularity may be short-lived before the trend setters move on to something else, the higher prices will likely stay.

I don't want to see this happen, but I can't shake the feeling that it will...and probably soon.

SpeedyJohn

[OneCubeOnly]

I get the feeling, though, that eventually bourbon will have its turn as the "in" drink.

Gosh, what a terrible thought! Imagine the Woodford Reserve phenomenon (just a theory of mine...that the quality has diminished due to high sales numbers) with all the good brands! Yikes!

[aaron]

I agree--just look at how hip-hop culture has embraced cognac and vodka (Hennessy...Armandale, anyone?)--it's only a matter of time before bourbon gains that same sort of celebrity notoriety. It's unfortunate, to be sure, but I do take some solace in the fact that the phenomenon will be a rather brief one (it always is.) High prices will ensue, of course, but I think that they will gradually drop off (though probably not to their original levels) as the fad wanes.

My two cents, anyway.

[SSBourbon1]

I am not so sure that fine bourbon will become a phonomemon. I look at the vodkas out there and they tast fuirty or like water. Basically a drink that anyone can sip from and not know the real thing, what about potatoe vodka from russia, not that has more character to me than Absolute Citron. I digress. I think that those of us that enloy bourbon are in it due to the varied differences that come out of the same basic process, not a qudruple distilled frufru drink.

[LeNell]

what about potatoe vodka from russia, not that has more character to me than Absolute Citron

There's hardly any potato vodka on the market, especially from Russia. Most vodka on the market is made from grain.

I do see bourbon becoming more popular here. I'm beginning to see more brands at restaurants and bars, and seems like one of the most popular cocktails in the City at the moment is the Manhattan (rebirthed after all these years).

[aaron]

I am not so sure that fine bourbon will become a phonomemon. I look at the vodkas out there and they tast fuirty or like water. Basically a drink that anyone can sip from and not know the real thing, what about potatoe vodka from russia, not that has more character to me than Absolute Citron. I digress. I think that those of us that enloy bourbon are in it due to the varied differences that come out of the same basic process, not a qudruple distilled frufru drink.

I don't know...the celebs don't necessarily have to appreciate the premium bourbons they're drinking, they just have to be seen with it. It's all a status symbol. The fact that it's expensive and "high-end" is enough. The way I see it, bottles of Cristal champage are just another fashion accessory for rappers these days, forget how it tastes.