Major Bourbon Blind Spots?

[flahute]

In terms of what I've tried, I don't think I have any blind spots. I've pretty much tried it all. Not necessarily every single label from all the majors and mid majors, but every label from some and enough from the others to understand the house style (and to determine that I either want to keep going or that it's not my thing.)

At this point, only Dickel turns me off. (Don't tell Jeff!) And, I don't go to Maker's much because it comes off too young to me. (Always happy to have one at the bar however.)

 

Regarding Craft - I don't consider avoiding craft to be a blind spot. There are so many of them (that are bad) and distribution is very local. After a few bad ones we all retreat and say "Prove it!" before diving back in. I'm OK with that. At this point, if they aren't at least 5 years old I'm passing with no regrets. 

 

[Cranecreek]

Anything I avoid is of my own doing.  First off if it is under 4 years old I pass, which eliminates most of the craft stuff.  I also closely watch reviews from media and others.  If a number of them mention hot, or a mess, or some other flaws I will bank the $$ I saved from that and put it twards something on my wish list.  I don't feel I need to be on the "cutting edge" or as I like to call it - the "bleeding edge" anymore in trying something just because it is new.  Now this conservative approach of mine does have its drawback.  For example I missed out on the whole "Old Scout" line back when they had premium stock to bottle.

[Mako254]

1 hour ago, Cranecreek said:

Now this conservative approach of mine does have its drawback.  For example I missed out on the whole "Old Scout" line back when they had premium stock to bottle.

 

My approach has evolved to this as well, though I did catch the last little bit of Old Scout and still come across strays here and there. 

 

I’d say I had a pretty typical ‘tater’ approach: I’d buy what ever was in the little lock box at my total and jump all over any BT stuff I found. I am reversed almost 180 degrees now, 80% of my purchases are Four Roses store picks or Russells Reserve store picks. 

[cdcdguy]

On June 5, 2018 at 5:05 PM, Harry in WashDC said:

If the standard we are using is "never considered it" rather than "never tried it," then I stand with Tony except I have tried a dozen or so "craft" distilleries - maybe more if you count sips in bars and sharing with friends to help them get rid of clunkers taking up shelf space.  After all, I was in the Army and am/was a lawyer, so there are darn few things I won't do, eat, or drink.  For a price.  I will say that, if I have a blind spot, it blocks my view of expressions/iterations/sister labels of things I wasn't happy with (Old Bardstown Estate Bottled, the aforementioned Dickel) OR I was so happy with the expression I stumbled on I decided not to wander.  Drank JD Black almost exclusively for six years (1970s) but NEVER have tasted the green label.  Same with EWB - never tasted its green label and only recently (last year or so) tasted its BIB.  Jefferson's was one I'd never tried until I took a flyer on the recent wheated just because I like wheateds (even the Nicholson 1843 stuff - go figure).  As good as I found the Jefferson Wheated, it is unlikely I'll pop for any of the other JO floaters.

 

OTOH, (is this the THIRD hand??), I'm watching for the SA wheated that was released lately (to compare with the 3/4 full Yearling I have from circa 2015).  Maybe I have no blind spot after all . . .

The Jack Daniels Green is the darling in 80 proof whiskey in my opinion. And I don't like Jack Black much. The Green is supposed to be slightly younger and stored on lower floors. All I taste is smooth, creamy well made stuff and less sweet than Black. It's only available in a few states, but I always pick some up when in one of the states it's available in. 

[lcpfratn]

In terms of what I've tried, I don't think I have any blind spots. I've pretty much tried it all. Not necessarily every single label from all the majors and mid majors, but every label from some and enough from the others to understand the house style (and to determine that I either want to keep going or that it's not my thing.)
At this point, only Dickel turns me off. (Don't tell Jeff!) And, I don't go to Maker's much because it comes off too young to me. (Always happy to have one at the bar however.)
 
Regarding Craft - I don't consider avoiding craft to be a blind spot. There are so many of them (that are bad) and distribution is very local. After a few bad ones we all retreat and say "Prove it!" before diving back in. I'm OK with that. At this point, if they aren't at least 5 years old I'm passing with no regrets. 
 

Steve, I guess that just leaves more Dickel goodness for the rest of us! You missed out on the Barrell Batch #11 that I brought to the GN in April. I have to admit though, that the more I drink it, the more I have to admit that it’s Dickel juice...but still tasty!

[NDN98]

Mine would have to be Wild Turkey products.  Tried many that were drinkable, but none that I loved.  Although I generally like Russell's Reserve store picks, there is still something about it that keeps me from buying them every time I see them.

[flahute]

38 minutes ago, NDN98 said:

Mine would have to be Wild Turkey products.  Tried many that were drinkable, but none that I loved.  Although I generally like Russell's Reserve store picks, there is still something about it that keeps me from buying them every time I see them.

You will capitulate eventually. 

[musekatcher]

Four Roses.  I can't get over the history.  And JD products.  I can't get over the dropped proof/inflated price history.  I'm sure they are both fine products, and I'd accept a dram if offered and probably enjoy it. 

Quote

 

 

[lcpfratn]

You will capitulate eventually. 

I keep thinking this about you and Dickel. [emoji3]

[flahute]

1 hour ago, lcpfratn said:

I keep thinking this about you and Dickel.

Well played!

[CUfan99]

I've never bought a bottle of 4R for myself and never had a taste of it. I just don't like the specs of their 3 standard offerings or maybe a better way to put it is I like the specs of all their competitors better. Why pay $20 for an 80 proof when I can get a 7 year old 101 proof for $16 or a 100 proof NCF 5 to 6 year old for $17. I can name similar examples for the small batch and single barrel. I have multiple bottles of HH, BT, WT & JB. Each of those have had several expressions seem worth my money at the time of purchase, but 4R hasn't. I'm sure I'll get around to trying it but no time soon.

[flahute]

2 hours ago, CUfan99 said:

Why pay $20 for an 80 proof when I can get a 7 year old 101 proof for $16 or a 100 proof NCF 5 to 6 year old for $17.

Because they taste different.

[CUfan99]

10 minutes ago, flahute said:

Because they taste different.

Oh wow, that's game changer info.

[flahute]

2 minutes ago, CUfan99 said:

Oh wow, that's game changer info.

It is if all you are going off of is "specs". You just don't know until you try it.

[Paddy]

I agree with Steve... nothing else tastes remotely similar to Four Roses.  

 

It’s also worth noting that it’s excellent whiskey!  That alone, is worth the price of admission (at least for me). 

[CUfan99]

9 minutes ago, flahute said:

It is if all you are going off of is "specs". You just don't know until you try it.

Like I said I'll get to it, but with limited funds and no tasting options in the store you have to make decisions on what you know.

[flahute]

1 minute ago, CUfan99 said:

Like I said I'll get to it, but with limited funds and no tasting options in the store you have to make decisions on what you know.

I do hear you on that. If funds are limited the ones you mentioned offer a lot of bang for the buck.

[Jazz June]

6 hours ago, CUfan99 said:

Like I said I'll get to it, but with limited funds and no tasting options in the store you have to make decisions on what you know.

I agree that the comparable competition is likely cheaper than the Four Roses small batch, but the standard Four Roses single barrel is one of the best bang for your buck bourbons that is actually on the shelf (here in VA anyway). And good, decently priced SiB private picks are also up there among the best values to me (although admittedly expensive in the grand scheme of options).

[PaulO]

I've noticed pricing on the standard 4R brands can be all over the place.  

[JCwhammie]

12 hours ago, Jazz June said:

I agree that the comparable competition is likely cheaper than the Four Roses small batch, but the standard Four Roses single barrel is one of the best bang for your buck bourbons that is actually on the shelf (here in VA anyway). And good, decently priced SiB private picks are also up there among the best values to me (although admittedly expensive in the grand scheme of options).

I agree. 

12 hours ago, PaulO said:

I've noticed pricing on the standard 4R brands can be all over the place.  

There are a few places here that I can buy 4RSib for about $32. I've also seen it at $41. It is crazy how it seems to swing up and down more than stuff from other distilleries.

[The Black Tot]

Dickel

 

I haven't properly figured out Wild Turkey, and that bothers me. I've tried a few RRSB store picks and they weren't my bag, but I also know those are all over the map, and I'm sure there are ones I'd love out there. I'll keep trying. I used to love RR10. And Master's Keep was delicious.

 

I have to fix this soon.

 

[flahute]

5 minutes ago, The Black Tot said:

Dickel

 

I haven't properly figured out Wild Turkey, and that bothers me. I've tried a few RRSB store picks and they weren't my bag, but I also know those are all over the map, and I'm sure there are ones I'd love out there. I'll keep trying. I used to love RR10. And Master's Keep was delicious.

 

I have to fix this soon.

 

I still really like RR10. Bubblegum. Delicious.

[Paddy]

^^^Paul, the next time I see you, we’ll get that WT conundrum rectified.

[The Black Tot]

11 minutes ago, Paddy said:

^^^Paul, the next time I see you, we’ll get that WT conundrum rectified.

deffo

[flahute]

5 hours ago, Paddy said:

^^^Paul, the next time I see you, we’ll get that WT conundrum rectified.

I need in on this endeavor.