Summing Up Each Bourbon Maker in a Few Words

[Bamber]

I'm never sure what's my favourite WT. For a single shot, the RB is hard to beat, but if I'm having more than one, I might even go for the 8yo 101. The 12yo is great but the wood seems to build up on the palate and the RB is just so full on, I fear I'd damage myself with too much

[cowdery]

Here is a different way of going after this.

Each year at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, members of the press receive a "goodie bag." Actually, it's mostly brochures and other paper. The only real "goodies" are the mini-bottles of bourbon, one from each company.

It may be informative to note what they choose to include. What follows is a list of the companies, followed by their offerings (in 2005).

Buffalo Trace / Buffalo Trace

Brown-Forman / Woodford Reserve

Maker's Mark / Maker's Mark

Four Roses / Four Roses Yellow Label

Diageo / Bulleit

Wild Turkey / Wild Turkey 101

Heaven Hill / Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage

Jim Beam / Knob Creek

Barton / Ten High

[Hedmans Brorsa]

Arriving somewhat late to this thread (I totally misinterpreted the headline), I am bit puzzled at how mercilessly slaughtered Beam was.

Not capable of creating great flavours? Soo, what about Baker´s? Apart from that, the best bottle of Booker´s that I´ve tried is easily on a par with Stagg.

:skep:

[DrinkyBanjo]

I'm a huge fan of Baker's and I enjoy Booker's but not quite as much. I also like Knob Creek and would buy it if I could get it for a fair price around here. So basically..I'm with you!

[Gillman]

No one (not I anyway) is saying Baker's is not good and Booker's is not good. But there is a difference between great bourbon and good bourbon. I don't think they reach the heights of a Stagg, for example, or FRSB, or even Buffalo Trace. Proof alone can't confer greatness. They are good solid whiskey to be sure. Knob Creek comes closest in the range to the others mentioned.

Gary

[DrinkyBanjo]

Not to argue but I think Bakers is awesome. It's no Stagg but what is? I think it holds up well to most all others. I enjoy FRSB and BT but I'd happily have a Bakers instead anytime.

[Gillman]

Hey I'm a Baker's fan too: I'm bringing a bottle to Bettye Jo's party!

I will reassess it then. I certainly liked the first one (before the label change), it had a fine flavor, Tim gave me a taste at Sampler. The current one on past samplings has appealed less, that anise/rye flavor is quite pronounced with the big proof.

Actually, I've had success vatting the Beam profile. I combined Booker's and Beam Black and then "built around it" with Trace, McKenna SB, some 80's OT, some JD Single, some Lot 40, a little Hostalings, some WR and some Maker's. No sugars or other flavorings added. The Beam is the "center" but gains complexity from the other additions. I may bring some of that to Gazebo, it is a fine rich blend of whiskey. I will probably bring, in addition to the rum and Lot 40 I've mentioned earlier, small amounts of one rum blend and this bourbon blend.

Gary

[DrinkyBanjo]

I'm a big fan of vanilla on the nose and Bakers delivers!