Bourbon suggestions

[The camaro show]

Hello all,

My name is Chayse and I’m a newbie to bourbon. I’m a avid Cigar smoker and collector along with a huge golfer who currently plays D2 golf. I am 22 and really trying to learn more about bourbon and how to really taste notes well along with new ones to try.  I’m a big fan of Buffalo trace and WL weller special reserve. I am trying to expand into other bourbons and get a few more bottles of different Notes. Maybe try rye whiskey as well. We only have a few liquor stores around and selection is decent I’d say and not many bars around with a big selection of whiskey, best around you may find is some regular Knob Creek or woodford reserve at a bar.  A few other hobby’s are in a huge Saltwater aquarium guy and coral farmer who has basically made it a business selling the highest end and rare corals on the market with a 550 gallon system and I also have a freshwater Discus show tank as well. I am also a huge car guy and drive a Modded 2015 Camaro.
 

looking for some suggestions for 2-3 bottles to expand into different Notes/flavors. 

[squire]

Ah, where to start, let me begin by saying welcome aboard.  Buffalo Trace is a traditional corn/rye recipe Bourbon whilst Weller uses wheat instead of rye in the mashbill.  I suggest the next choice be a high rye Bourbon of which Old Grand Dad 100 proof Bottled in Bond is a good example and widely available at a good price.

Edited December 23, 2020 by squire

[markandrex]

 

The Wild Turkey line have some fine bourbons and ryes that are readily available at competitive prices.

                                   

[DeepCover]

Start with the low shelf and work your way up. You’ll find some great pours (and great value) on the bottom/mid-shelf.

[mbroo5880i]

I would try to find reasonably priced "daily" pours and branch out from there.  They don't break the bank and allow you to become familiar with a variety of bottles.  Old Forester 100, Wild Turkey 101, and Old Grand Dad BIB are great pours at a reasonable price.

 

Once you establish your base, you can experiment to determine the nuances you prefer (high rye, wheat, higher proof, finished, etc..),  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 23, 2020 by mbroo5880i

[dad-proof]

In addition to agreeing with the Wild Turkey 101 and OGD BIB recommendations made above, I would add Old Forester 100 and Early Times Bottled in Bond (but ONLY the BIB!)

[Bourbon Neophyte]

Hello fellow whiskey drinker. 

I have been down the road of Jack and Jim a long time ago. They do have a place on my shelf as most people who are not knowledgeable about the different whiskies will gravitate to one of those.  
 

For my taste my go to every day drinker is 1792 Small Batch. For the money it isn’t a bad drink.  When I’m in the mood for something really smooth with a rich caramel and buttercream taste I will reach for my Col E H Taylor Small Batch. 
 

When I want something different that has a stronger flavor I grab my FEW Rye. It has a smooth texture with a cream and spice flavor. 
 

When I try a new bourbon or rye for the first time I will take it neat. After the second glass depending on my experience I may add a drop or two of water or an ice cube to see how it changes.  I’ve even drank a bottle down to the shoulder and then left it sit for a few weeks before I try another glass. Sometimes it will bring on a new experience for you. 
 

Enjoy the ride and don’t be afraid to try new brands even if someone else doesn’t think it’s worth it. 
 

Im looking forward to reading and following along to get a better understanding and appreciation for these distilled spirits. 

[PaulO]

One that hasn't been mentioned yet - Four Roses standard 80 proof, a.k.a. yellow label or FRYL.

If you can find it, Very Old Barton 100.

WT 101, Old Forester 100, and Old Grandad Bonded - all very solid.

 

The coral, and Discus sound fascinating.  I raise Shubunkin Goldfish outdoors.

[flahute]

^^^^^^^^

PaulO is a very smart man.

[Marekv8]

If you're into modded cars-- don't dismiss modded spirits.

 

Two parts EC18 to one part ECBP works every time.

[JCwhammie]

In addition to ones recommended above I say grab Elijah Craig and Knob Creek 9year 

[fosmith]

^^^^^  What he said!  ^^^^^

[The camaro show]

Thanks everyone! I went into a CVS today to be blown away at the selection it had compared to the one closer to my house and the local liquor store. Both have been out of Buffalo trace and eagle rare for months as Eagle rare has been in my want to try list to find 6 bottles of eagle rare and 3 of Buffalo trace. They had  a good selection of scotches, Knob Creek regular, woodford, bullet, bullet rye, wild turkey 101 and I think they had a rare breed rye. They had a few others I recognized but forget as well some I didn’t recognize. Didn’t see any Craig or any four roses. Out of those listed what ones do you all recommend? A little partial to the eagle rare just since I’ve never been able to find anywhere else in town. They also had some Johnny walker red and black label scotches. Thought about one of those. Also had larceny and McKenna green. They also had basil Hayden’s.  So if I said I had $150-$200 to build up a little collection. What all would you guys go for? 

[fishnbowljoe]

ER and BT. Of course I admit that I am a little biased towards most things from BT.

 

Biba! Joe

[smokinjoe]

Ya know what the good news is?  If these are at or near MSRP, you can probably get every bourbon you saw and still stay in the high end of your budget!   

[Kepler]

2 hours ago, The camaro show said:

 They had  a good selection of scotches, Knob Creek regular, woodford, bullet, bullet rye, wild turkey 101 and I think they had a rare breed rye. They had a few others I recognized but forget as well some I didn’t recognize. Didn’t see any Craig or any four roses. Out of those listed what ones do you all recommend?

 

Welome to SB!  Grab a bottle of that regular 100 proof Knob Creek.  You can thank me later.

[mbroo5880i]

2 hours ago, The camaro show said:

Thanks everyone! I went into a CVS today to be blown away at the selection it had compared to the one closer to my house and the local liquor store. Both have been out of Buffalo trace and eagle rare for months as Eagle rare has been in my want to try list to find 6 bottles of eagle rare and 3 of Buffalo trace. They had  a good selection of scotches, Knob Creek regular, woodford, bullet, bullet rye, wild turkey 101 and I think they had a rare breed rye. They had a few others I recognized but forget as well some I didn’t recognize. Didn’t see any Craig or any four roses. Out of those listed what ones do you all recommend? A little partial to the eagle rare just since I’ve never been able to find anywhere else in town. They also had some Johnny walker red and black label scotches. Thought about one of those. Also had larceny and McKenna green. They also had basil Hayden’s.  So if I said I had $150-$200 to build up a little collection. What all would you guys go for? 

Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Knob Creek, Wild Turkey 101.  If any you couldn't remember happened to be Evan Williams 100 and Old Grand Dad 100 get those also.  As @smokinjoe says, if you get these at MSRP, which you should at CVS, you can pick up all of these ... and have enough left over for a pack of gum.

[The camaro show]

2 hours ago, mbroo5880i said:

Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Knob Creek, Wild Turkey 101.  If any you couldn't remember happened to be Evan Williams 100 and Old Grand Dad 100 get those also.  As @smokinjoe says, if you get these at MSRP, which you should at CVS, you can pick up all of these ... and have enough left over for a pack of gum.

Is that  Evan the white bottle?

10 minutes ago, PaulO said:

Welcome to the site.

 

[PaulO]

4 minutes ago, The camaro show said:

Is that  Evan the white bottle?

 

Yes, white label, bottled in bond 100 proof.  Don't be alarmed by the low price ~ $15.  It's a bargain.  Bonded Bourbons or Rye have a tendency to give you a lot of bang for your buck - worth checking out.

[Kepler]

4 minutes ago, PaulO said:

Yes, white label, bottled in bond 100 proof.  Don't be alarmed by the low price ~ $15.  It's a bargain.  Bonded Bourbons or Rye have a tendency to give you a lot of bang for your buck - worth checking out.

Agreed.  Evan Williams Bonded is perhaps the perfect bottle (along with Knob Creek or Wild Turkey 101 -- although WT can be an acquired taste for some) to impress your friends in a blind side-by-side tasting (SBS we call it here).  Especially amongst your newbie buddies that think to be a good bourbon it has to be "rare," "allocated," "expensive," or (especially) "made by Buffalo Trace" ... hehe the look on their faces after the blind reveal is fun 

[The camaro show]

12 minutes ago, PaulO said:

Yes, white label, bottled in bond 100 proof.  Don't be alarmed by the low price ~ $15.  It's a bargain.  Bonded Bourbons or Rye have a tendency to give you a lot of bang for your buck - worth checking out.

Awesome I will check it out, any other bargains to check out as well? I always heard Evan was trash but according to multiple bourbon reviews I guess not.

[Kepler]

6 minutes ago, The camaro show said:

Awesome I will check it out, any other bargains to check out as well? I always heard Evan was trash but according to multiple bourbon reviews I guess not.

See my post above.  Also echo Squire's recommendation for Old Granddad Bonded.  Good luck and glad to have you aboard!

[PaulO]

Try the EW Bond.  If it tastes good, Heaven Hill has several other bonded brands.

Remember, drink what you like.

 

Since you mentioned Scotch, I thought I'd recommend Ralfy on Youtube.

He won't do a review to trash anything.  So no review means ...

His comments have been insightful to me. 

 

 

 

[MDBourbon]

If I can make a recommendation, don't chase stuff.  WT 101 is still one of my favorites, OGD 100 & 114, OF 120, really just try as many different things as you can in a setting you can really take your time with them. Enjoy and enjoy it your way.

[The camaro show]

Thanks everyone!