Tell me what to ask for - birthday coming up!

[MikeDS]

I'm still very new to the bourbon world and so far I've only had Old Granddad 114, AAA 10 yr old, Rittenhouse Rye 100 BIB, Buffalo Trace, and of course the Beams. I need some guidance on what to suggest for my birthday when asked. I need a list since lots of these bottles are sorta hard to find. What I've managed to come up with so far is as follows:

• W.L. Weller 12 Year Old
  
• Wild Turkey 101 proof
  
• Wild Turkey Rare Breed
  
• Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
  
• Evan Williams Single Barrel (1995 if possible)

I know I also want some iteration of Elijah Craig and Van Winkle but not sure which. I figure since I won't be paying I can splurge a little :-) Thanks!

[nor02lei]

I'm still very new to the bourbon world and so far I've only had Old Granddad 114, AAA 10 yr old, Rittenhouse Rye 100 BIB, Buffalo Trace, and of course the Beams. I need some guidance on what to suggest for my birthday when asked. I need a list since lots of these bottles are sorta hard to find. What I've managed to come up with so far is as follows:

• W.L. Weller 12 Year Old
  
• Wild Turkey 101 proof
  
• Wild Turkey Rare Breed
  
• Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit
  
• Evan Williams Single Barrel (1995 if possible)

I know I also want some iteration of Elijah Craig and Van Winkle but not sure which. I figure since I won't be paying I can splurge a little :-) Thanks!

Since you have tried a high proof bourbon already and are used to that I would suggest a good high proof wheat recipe bourbon for a reasonable amount of cash. Old rip van Winkle 10 years 107 proof which shouldn’t be that hard to find. Just be sure you don’t bay the 90 proof version.

Leif

[Big Chipper]

Since you have tried a high proof bourbon already and are used to that I would suggest a good high proof wheat recipe bourbon for a reasonable amount of cash. Old rip van Winkle 10 years 107 proof which shouldn’t be that hard to find. Just be sure you don’t bay the 90 proof version.

Leif

There's nothing wrong with the 90 proof version of ORVW. It's a bargain! Try Eagle Rare SB, Elmer T. Lee SB, and Weller Antique for more good value bourbons that won't break the bank.

[Ambernecter]

As it's a birthday I suggest something that won't break the bank but looks (and tastes!) a bit special...

ETL or Blanton's are perfect for this IMO. The VW 107 or 90 proof mentioned earlier, are great whiskies, that you would be sure to enjoy as well.

Have a good day and I hope that you enjoy what you end up with!

[mythrenegade]

I will second the suggestion for Blanton's!

And if you don't want (or can't get) Blanton's, I'll suggest Elijah Craig 18 year old.

Joel

[Nebraska]

This is a no brainer...

#1 Sex

#2 Your own drawer or closet space

#3 No girl stuff in, around, stuffed in the glove box, visor or any where else in your car.

#4 A portion of the refrigerator designated for guy condiments and beer.

#5 A limit of 4 girl lotions/shampoos/cleansers/body soaps/and whatever in the shower.

#6 A half of one shelf for my stuff in the medicine cabinet.

#7

Wait were talking about bourbon suggestions? Oops...

Your list was good...Antique collection is just coming out...AAA 10 yo is available in Chicago and always a good pour (inexpensive too).

[BourbonJoe]

#6 A half of one shelf for my stuff in the medicine cabinet.

Is this where you hide the Pappy 20?

Joe :usflag:

[T47]

If you want one of the EC's and its a gift, I would go for the 18, it's a little pricier and to my palate very different from most other bottles you might try. My favorite VW is the 15. Great flavor and complexity for a great price. I got the 20 as a gift...I enjoy it but don't think I would spend the money myself to replace it when it's gone.

In Chuck Cowderys book, Bourbon Straight, he offers suggestions of flights to sample. One is from Heaven Hill and it's Henry Mckenna(4 years old), Evan Williams(7 years old), EC 12 and now you can add the EC18...all the same Bourbon, just different ages. It really shows you what time does. It's kind of an interesting little sampling.

Have a nice B-Day what ever you get!

[MikeDS]

As it's a birthday I suggest something that won't break the bank but looks (and tastes!) a bit special...

ETL or Blanton's are perfect for this IMO. The VW 107 or 90 proof mentioned earlier, are great whiskies, that you would be sure to enjoy as well.

Have a good day and I hope that you enjoy what you end up with!

Is ETL Elmer T. Lee? I'm still memorizing all these abbreviations.

[MikeDS]

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions & kind words. It's truly amazing how many varieties there are of this great nectar considering they all have to be made the same way. Looks like it's gonna be a good season!

[MikeDS]

#1 Sex

Oh don't you worry about that. These bourbon suggestions will be given to non-wife family members who ask what I want. She knows she can provide everything I want without spending anything. Well maybe she'll expend a little energy...:stickpoke:

[arsbadmojo]

Didn't Old Forester come out with a fancy "Birthday Bourbon". I could have sworn I saw that last time I went bourbon shopping...seems appropriate for the occaison!

[Ambernecter]

That's correct Mike - ETL does stand for Elmer T Lee.

A mighty fine drop that works a treat at 90 proof, with a real sweet, smooth taste profile. A fave of mine for sure!