Seeking Recomendations

[Special Reserve]

I am new to this board but not new to bourbon. I have been enjoying bourbon for many years however only within the past two to three years have I ventured into the more expensive brands.

With that said, a friend of mine is going to Lexington, KY for a week and I wanted her to get me a bottle of good bourbon that may not be available in Michigan. Price about $40.00 +/-. I like a good aroma, pleasant vanilla taste without much burn.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[bucky1]

Not sure what you can get in Michigan...but

From a relative novice...

Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot B

Four Roses Single Barrel

Both I think are in your price range and are nice bourbons.

[cowdery]

Anything in the Buffalo Trace Antique Whiskey Collection, which would be the Eagle Rare 17-year-old, George T. Stagg, Sazerac Rye, Weller 19-year-old. Some are no longer available from the maker but might still be on store shelves. Maybe a buck or two over $40, but worth it.

[TNbourbon]

Don't overlook the eponymous Buffalo Trace bottling just because it's half your $40 limit. One of the great things about great bourbon is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get some.

[Rancastle]

I strongly recommend The four roses Single Barrel. It's only available in Kentucky and overseas. For my tastes a bargin at around $32.

[Ken Weber]

If you are looking for something that is quite rare up your way, I would suggest a bottle of Buffalo Trace and a bottle of Elmer T. Lee single barrel. I have not yet tried the Four Roses Single Barrel, but have heard it has very limited distribution.

Ken

[Special Reserve]

I have both Buffulo Trace and Elmer T. Lee in my stock, and both are very drinkable. They are available in MI but not every liquor store carries them. Forutnately for me, I have a good liquor store in the immediate neighborhood.

It looks like George T. Stagg and Four Roses Single barrel are the leading contenders at this point.

Does anyone know if liquor prices are controlled in KY or do prices vary from store to store. Also clould anyone recommend a good liquor store in the Lexington area. Are these bourbons difficult to find?

Thanks again.

Will

[TNbourbon]

Cork 'N Bottle in Covington, KY (1st I-75 exit south of the Ohio River) has a great bourbon selection.

Stagg will be hard to find anywhere by now (but not impossible -- it's still on some shelves here in Middle TN, for example) unless your friend's trip is after the release of the new bottling. Some KY folk will have to speak to Four Roses' availability -- it doesn't get to TN.

[sharkman]

Here is my two cents:

If you can't get the Four Roses Single Barrel, then try the Van Winkle 12 year old Lot "B". Very smooth, not a ton of vnilla, but some good citrus notes. Also the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (1989 bottling, however, anyy year should be good to say the least) is very good. Just tried them both as a matter of fact. Both should be at about $40 or just under.

My 2 cents.... hey, wait, is that 4 cents?

Barry

[TNbourbon]

I agree that any Van Winkle is a keeper. It's the best of both worlds -- the sweetness of the wheat accented by a spiciness almost universally claimed by rye-flavored bourbons outside the VanWinkle line.

[sharkman]

Brilliant minds think alike Tim...

Barry

[musher]

Stagg will be hard to find anywhere by now (but not impossible -- it's still on some shelves here in Middle TN, for example) unless your friend's trip is after the release of the new bottling.

It seems like such a shame that some of us in other states have to clamor for the meager few cases that get sent to us, while so much goes to TN that it sits on the shelves.

Who do I have to bribe to get the allocations adjusted in my favor?!

[cowdery]

Does anyone know if liquor prices are controlled in KY or do prices vary from store to store.

Last I heard, Kentucky requires a minimum mark-up, so there is a level below which the retail price cannot go. A retailer can't use a wacky price on alcohol as a loss leader, for example. There is no top-end limit on prices so, yes, prices do vary.

Liquor Barn, in Louisville and Lexington, tends to be the low price leader and has a good selection too. Go to their web site for location addresses, maps, hours, etc. There are two locations in the Lexington area.

[TNbourbon]

It seems like such a shame that some of us in other states have to clamor for the meager few cases that get sent to us, while so much goes to TN that it sits on the shelves.

Seems like a shame to whom? Not me!

And, I do my best to see that it doesn't 'sit on the shelves' forever. I grabbed another bottle just last weekend. It's open already, so I'll probably have to get another soon

[bluesbassdad]

Who do I have to bribe to get the allocations adjusted in my favor?!

Your boss, your wife (or S.O.) and American Airlines?

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield