Boubon recommendation?

[xip80]

Yesterday, my Dad asked me for a favor... A Japanese director at his company is going back to Japan soon, and they want to get him a gift. Apparently, he discovered Bourbon while he was here, and he really liked it. They decided to get him a bottle of Bourbon as a gift. Being the biggest drinker in my family, my Dad asked me to pick up a bottle of top shelf Bourbon for him.

Usually when I drink Bourbon, I drink Marker's Mark. I know what the difference between Bourbon and other whiskeys is, but that's about as far as my knowledge goes. I was looking around the internet for more information, and when I saw how active this forum was, I figured that I could just ask and find out what I need to know.

Here are the criteria that I am looking for. First, I would like to get a Bourbon made by a relatively known distillery. I don't really want to mail order anything, so it has to be common enough to find at a liquor store (I have a very upscale liquor store near my apartment.) Second, price is not a problem. His company is paying for it, so there's no problem with buying a $150 bottle. Finally, I would like to get something that has a wide range of appeal. I don't know his specific tastes, so if I had the choice between a whiskey that 60% of people LOVE, but 30% of people hate, and a whiskey that 100% of people like (as opposed to love,) I would choose the second one. I just don't want to get something that he DOESN'T like. I got no information out of my Dad other than that he likes Bourbon...

[Rughi]

Welcome Xip80,

Many bourbons are only available regionally, so if you don't want to mail order you would need to tell us the area in which you live.

There are many good single choices, but since you want name recognition and your budget is good, I'd suggest a themed pair that shows different aspects, such as part of BT's Antique Collection - I'd say Stagg and Eagle Rare 17. Stagg is muscular yet sophisticated and Eagle Rare 17 is very aged and almost too smooth. These are easily found in some areas and impossible to get off the shelves in others, so your location matters.

Roger

[xip80]

I live in Indianapolis, IN.

[Ambernecter]

The two suggestions by Roger are perfect - very good whiskeys.

He may want to get something with a few more "bells and whistles" on it, as it is a presentation style gift.

It's Buffalo Trace again but I think Blanton's Gold looks really special and tastes pretty darn good as well!

Any Pappy Van Winkle (maybe the 20 or 23YO) strike me as a really special gift and one that anyone would appreciate and savour.

I'd be delighted with 2 fingers of Knob Creek right at this minute btw...

[nor02lei]

Yesterday, my Dad asked me for a favor... A Japanese director at his company is going back to Japan soon, and they want to get him a gift. Apparently, he discovered Bourbon while he was here, and he really liked it. They decided to get him a bottle of Bourbon as a gift. Being the biggest drinker in my family, my Dad asked me to pick up a bottle of top shelf Bourbon for him.

Usually when I drink Bourbon, I drink Marker's Mark. I know what the difference between Bourbon and other whiskeys is, but that's about as far as my knowledge goes. I was looking around the internet for more information, and when I saw how active this forum was, I figured that I could just ask and find out what I need to know.

Here are the criteria that I am looking for. First, I would like to get a Bourbon made by a relatively known distillery. I don't really want to mail order anything, so it has to be common enough to find at a liquor store (I have a very upscale liquor store near my apartment.) Second, price is not a problem. His company is paying for it, so there's no problem with buying a $150 bottle. Finally, I would like to get something that has a wide range of appeal. I don't know his specific tastes, so if I had the choice between a whiskey that 60% of people LOVE, but 30% of people hate, and a whiskey that 100% of people like (as opposed to love,) I would choose the second one. I just don't want to get something that he DOESN'T like. I got no information out of my Dad other than that he likes Bourbon...

I would suggest old Forester birthday bourbon. That is a brand that I think most people would like. It is also from a big well-known distillery but realised in limited amounts. I would think you could find it in Indiana but since I’m not even from USA I can’t be sure.

Leif

[jburlowski]

If is available in your area, I'd suggest Rock Hill Farms. The bourbon is outstanding and the bottle is very attractive as a gift. Eagle Rare 10 year old is also an excellent and attractive choice and is more available than some of the other suggestions made.

[bluesbassdad]

It's Buffalo Trace again but I think Blanton's Gold looks really special and tastes pretty darn good as well!

Even if, as I suspect, Blanton's Gold will not be found on the shelf in Indy, the basic Blanton's is a worthwhile choice. I say this even though it's not one of my personal favorites. I usually prefer Rock Hill Farms, also from the Buffalo Trace distillery, and it too would be a good choice. Both of these bottlings are generally recognized as top-notch, flavorful, smooth bourbons, and they have the additional advantage of distinctive, attractive bottles that are compact (no long necks) and should travel a bit more safely than the extra-tall bottles such as George T. Stagg and Eagle Rare 17 y/o or 10 y/o.

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit is also a good candidate for all of the same reasons. Slightly less expensive, but additionally distinctive in that it is barrel proof (about 107, depending on which production run) is Wild Turkey Rare Breed.

Isn't it fun to approach any endeavor with an unlimited budget? Even thinking about it gives me a thrill. :grin:

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[Geekboy]

Though not technically bourbon I'd throw in a bottle of George Dickel No.12 sour mash. You could get it for around $18 and I don't think anybody dislikes it.

[bluesbassdad]

"Anybody", you say?

There's always someone. :grin: Sometimes more than one. :grin:

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[wskybnt]

If $$$ isnt a problem and you want to get him something he would really like and appreciate, get the Pappy 20 or 23 as someone above has stated.

[mythrenegade]

The thing that comes immediately to mind is Pappy Van Winkel 20 or 23. This bourbon has a very good reputation, and it is certainly something special. The only downside is that the bottle is rather plain. I have never even seen the 23 year old, so I can't comment on that bottle or taste...

Another couple of options might be Blantons, which is awesome and has very nice packaging or Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit. I've never had the latter, but the bottle looks like something very special.

Another great thing about Kentucky Spirit is that it is not available in Japan, so it will have an extra level of "special" to your Japanese friend. I'd go with the Kentucky Spirit or the Pappy Van Winkel.

Joel

[Ambernecter]

I'd mentioned Blanton's before because of the cutsie bottle design and horsie style stopper - it exudes class and is good stuff to boot.

I know the VW 20 YO, and I think the 23, come in very fetching velvet style drawstring bags (least they do in the UK) and is super stuff into the bargain. This is why if either VW is in stock it would make a great gift - particularly as money is not in the equation.

If this high class store is up to the mark then xip80 should have no problem getting one of the recommended brands put forward by the SB folks.

[luv2hunt]

xip80:

If you want to get him something special....

1) Pappy 15, 20 and 23 are available at Hamilton Liquors in Carmel. The Pappy 15 is over $70, the 20 is $109 and the 23 is $279.

2) The Antique Collection-Stagg, WL Weller, ER 17 can be purchased there too for $50-57 per bottle. Any...or a couple of these are worthy purchases for a gift!

I'm sending you a private message...

Dawn

[ProofPositive]

The great thing is that you have a pretty darn good number of high quality bourbon from which to choose. My 2 cents are as follows - but, not necessarily in same order:

1) Wild Turkey Tribute (if you can find one) - $99 & up;

2) Van Winkle 15 or 20 - $45 & $89 in my neck of the woods and worth every bit of it. If your guy does not care for more of an oakey flavor, go for the 15YO. I would say the 23YO as well but it is going for over $200 where you can find it;

3) Blanton's or Rock Hill Farms - both from Buffalo Trace and $40-50 each;

4) Maple Hill in just about any variation - price ranges from $60-150.

[GoodDrinkin]

I agree with the previous posters about buying him VanWinkles 15,20 or 23yr. An additional touch you could add would be a copy of the "But Always Good Bourbon" book. I'm assuming he reads english.

[BourbonSteve]

I'd go with Pappy Van Winkle 20-yr old ($80) or Rock Hill Farms ($45). Also, your Maker's Mark would be a good choice!

[xip80]

Thanks for all of your suggestions guys! I went to Kahn's in Carmel, IN and I took a look at their selection. I considered getting the Pappy Van Winkle 20yo, but I ended up getting Blanton's. Blanton's had a nicer looking bottle, and the clerk also said that he personally preferred it. This whole experience has gotten me interested in Bourbon though, so I may be tasting other suggestions if/when I run into them.

Thanks again!

[ProofPositive]

Thanks for all of your suggestions guys! I went to Kahn's in Carmel, IN and I took a look at their selection. I considered getting the Pappy Van Winkle 20yo, but I ended up getting Blanton's. Blanton's had a nicer looking bottle, and the clerk also said that he personally preferred it. This whole experience has gotten me interested in Bourbon though, so I may be tasting other suggestions if/when I run into them.

Thanks again!

Good Choice - High Quality Bottle and Hight Quality Pour. I'm sure your dad's friend will be very pleased with this gift.

[Ambernecter]

Thanks for getting back to the forum with your choice! Blanton's is a perfect gift.

I know what I want from Santa now - how far away is Xmas?

[mythrenegade]

Thanks for all of your suggestions guys! I went to Kahn's in Carmel, IN and I took a look at their selection. I considered getting the Pappy Van Winkle 20yo, but I ended up getting Blanton's. Blanton's had a nicer looking bottle, and the clerk also said that he personally preferred it. This whole experience has gotten me interested in Bourbon though, so I may be tasting other suggestions if/when I run into them.

Thanks again!

Good call on the Blantons. I agree the PVW looks very plain, despite it's premium price. Presentation is important for the particular application. Thanks for getting back to us, I've been wondering what you ended up with.

Joel