What is the better buy?

[WineGuy]

I just returned from Sam's Club and noticed the following whiskeys on sale.

Makers Mark 750ml $21

Knob Creek 9yo 750ml $23

And these non-bourbon whiskys

Jameson Irish $20 (I think it said 12 yo, not 100% sure)

Johnny Walker Black $25

I'd like to build up my bar. So far all I have is WT101. What is the best buy from the list above?

[TNbourbon]

Personally, I'd get ALL of them, except the JWB.

If forced to choose just one, I'd flip a coin between the MM and Knob Creek. I'm partial to wheaters, but the Knob Creek is 100 proof vs. MM's 90, for just $2 difference.

[chilidawg7]

If I had to choose one, I'd go with the Knob Creek. As TN noted, it's 100 proof and given the choice, I'd usually prefer the higher proof.

Both are readily available most anywhere, so maybe buy one this month and another next month.

[gothbat]

I can't comment on the Irish Whiskey or the Scotch but between the two bourbons I'd go with the MM, especially since you already have a bottle of WT (rye recipe bourbon).

[TomH]

I would recommend the Johnny Walker Black for the following reasons:

1) IMHO, it is probably the best QPR (bang for buck) scotch you can find. Sure it's a blend, but I think it holds its own against the cheaper single malts. It's my typical go to drink when dining out especially if the bourbon selection is poor.

2) You already have an solid bourbon in your bar, so if you're looking to expand a scotch would be a good way to go.

Tom

[callmeox]

I would buy the Knob Creek since it is priced at the same point that Beam Black goes for in my area. KC is around 31.00 in Ahia vs 21.00 for JBB.

At my local pricing the Beam Black is a better deal but, ceteris paribus, KC is a great deal with another year in the oak and 100 proof (vs 86)

(I've learned that there are better wheaters than MM at that price point, too.)

[WineGuy]

I would buy the Knob Creek since it is priced at the same point that Beam Black goes for in my area. KC is around 31.00 in Ahia vs 21.00 for JBB.

At my local pricing the Beam Black is a better deal but, ceteris paribus, KC is a great deal with another year in the oak and 100 proof (vs 86)

(I've learned that there are better wheaters than MM at that price point, too.)

I saw Beam Black on sale for $16 at Jewel/Osco. If they have stores in your area it might be the same price. It will eventually end up in my bar just because of all the people who like Beam and it's supposed to be much better than White, but that is after I build up my collection a little more.

[callmeox]

You're fortunate to live in Chicago where pricing is competitive and selection is tremendous. I'm from Ohio where the state pricing structure keeps the selection down and the prices middle of the road and much higher.

If you want to find good deals in your area, check out the Binny's beverage Depot website on Tuesdays when their weekly sale ad comes out. Check out Sam's Wine for great deals as well.

Compared to Ohio, Chicagoans have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the pricing and selection of spirits.

[fishnbowljoe]

I like both. MM is a little smoother/sweeter. KC has more bite to it but is still fairly smooth. I'm from Rockford. If you have a Woodman's grocery store anywhere near you, check it out. The prices in their liquor department are pretty good. Maker's for $16.99, Knob Creek for $19.99 or $21.99 (if I remember correctly) and Woodford Reserve for $25.99. Joe

[smokinjoe]

I saw Beam Black on sale for $16 at Jewel/Osco. If they have stores in your area it might be the same price. It will eventually end up in my bar just because of all the people who like Beam and it's supposed to be much better than White, but that is after I build up my collection a little more.

WineGuy, I'd run and get that Beam Black at $16. An excellent price, for an excellent bourbon. I know it's not on your original list, but I don't think you can go wrong with this JBB at $16. Or, as you get as sick as the rest of us, you'll end up getting them all...at once!

Cheers!

JOE

[WineGuy]

You're fortunate to live in Chicago where pricing is competitive and selection is tremendous. I'm from Ohio where the state pricing structure keeps the selection down and the prices middle of the road and much higher.

If you want to find good deals in your area, check out the Binny's beverage Depot website on Tuesdays when their weekly sale ad comes out. Check out Sam's Wine for great deals as well.

Compared to Ohio, Chicagoans have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the pricing and selection of spirits.

Thanks for the Binny's tip. I just found their website and they have great prices.

[Sijan]

Yes, go to Binny's.

Jim Beam Black is the best deal you listed. It is 8 years old and quite good whiskey.

After that, I would choose Knob Creek and then JWB.

[texascarl]

I'd buy Jameson 12 year first, the Knob Creek 2nd, the JWB third and then the MM/JBblack to keep the flow going. I happen to like Irish whiskey and Jameson 12 year is a good one - for that money, a great buy. If it's not the 12 year, all bets are off.

I much prefer KC @ 100 proof over the JBblack (supposed to be much the same whiskey, JBblack released at 8 years and lower proof than the 9 year 100 proof KC).

JWBlack is a dandy scotch blend, so much better than JWRed it isn't funny. The best 'bang for the buck' from that blending house. Makers...well, it's good whusk. But Colonel Whelen said 'Only accurate rifles are interesting' and if Makers was a rifle, it wouldn't be my target rifle...if ye follow my drift. It's tasty, it's smooth, and there are many here who love the stuff...and I make sure I leave plenty of it in the stores for those fellows to enjoy.

[SBOmarc]

I am not that good at Math.

But I can understand Knob Creek is 9yrs old and 100 proof.

Be good to yourself.

[bluesbassdad]

As you can tell from the variety of opinions so far, not only personal taste but local pricing are factors to consider.

Here in outback Arizona, Knob Creek goes for well over $30 and Maker's Mark for a few dollars less. I've probably drunk ten times more KC than MM over the years, a reflection of my personal taste. I'd probably be unable to resist picking up KC for $23 even though I hardly drink at all these days.

Regarding the furrin spirits, I'm not a fan of Irish, and to my taste (and wallet) JWB is the best buy in scotch -- whether blended or single malt. I'd pick JWB over Jameson's regardless of price. I think the last bottle of JWB I bought was well over $30. I have no idea what the normal price is in your area.

IMO you can't go wrong with Knob Creek and Johnnie Walker Black. Each will reveal new flavor sensations over many sippings. At first taste I didn't care for KC, but it grew on me.

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[nickynick]

If the the Jameson 12 is 20 bucks then by all means buy it, but I doubt that is the case. The 12 yo is normally $37-$42. Personally I love regular Jameson. I'm going to have to second the Binny's suggestion. They are larger then Sam's, and normally have lower prices. I think if you have a Binny's Card you can get Knob Creek for $21.99 till the end of this month. Makers goes on sale a lot there. And JWB is on sale for $24 right now. Sometimes Sam's has some crazy deals, last month I got a bottle of Baker's for $29 there. But Binny's is much more consistent with lower prices.

I would say go for the Makers, or the Jameson. Makers is a good contrast to the WT 101. Jameson would open you to Irish Whiskey. I say try as much as you can. The more you try, the more you will find what you like.

[CorvallisCracker]

I just returned from Sam's Club and noticed the following whiskeys on sale.

Makers Mark 750ml $21

Knob Creek 9yo 750ml $23

Jameson Irish $20 (I think it said 12 yo, not 100% sure)

Johnny Walker Black $25

What is the best buy from the list above?

It's all relative.

Where I live these go for:

MM: $26

KC: $35

Jameson: $26

Jameson 12: $41

JW Blk: $32

A savings of $5 on the MM, $12 on the KC, $6 on the Jameson, $21 on Jameson 12, and $7 on the JWB.

The Jameson would seem the best deal if we're talking about the 12yo, which I doubt (I share the skepticsm expressed in some other replies).

The KC is the next best deal. Since KC is an old favorite of mine, for me it would be a no-brainer. The $12 would pay for a bottle of EW BIB (my "well" bourbon for them wanting to mix it with Coke) or two six-packs of Full Sail Pale Ale.

[whiskeyhatch]

Just get 'em all, man. Those are good whiskies at great prices.

[WineGuy]

Just get 'em all, man. Those are good whiskies at great prices.

I have a feeling I'll eventually try them all. One bottle per week, and in 4 or 5 weeks I'll have all those in my bar unless I get sidetracked into buying something else.

I'm pretty sure I'll get sidetracked. There are so many great threads and bourbons I want to try.

[WineGuy]

If the the Jameson 12 is 20 bucks then by all means buy it, but I doubt that is the case. The 12 yo is normally $37-$42. Personally I love regular Jameson. I'm going to have to second the Binny's suggestion. They are larger then Sam's, and normally have lower prices. I think if you have a Binny's Card you can get Knob Creek for $21.99 till the end of this month. Makers goes on sale a lot there. And JWB is on sale for $24 right now. Sometimes Sam's has some crazy deals, last month I got a bottle of Baker's for $29 there. But Binny's is much more consistent with lower prices.

I would say go for the Makers, or the Jameson. Makers is a good contrast to the WT 101. Jameson would open you to Irish Whiskey. I say try as much as you can. The more you try, the more you will find what you like.

You are right, the Jamesons for $20 is not the 12 year old.

But I did get a bottle of Maker's Mark for $19.99.

At the checkout they had a 99 cent section with many little bottles. One interesting thing popped out. All were 99 cents except the test size of Maker's which was $2.99. I guess that makes the 750ml bottle a steal.

[drunkenjayhawk]

Good buy on MM for 20. Usually 23-25 here. I just picked up buffalo trace- which finally this week became available where I live in eastern kansas. Finally I can try it without crossing in Missouri or having to order it -been procrastinating on doing either for quite some time. I was so happy I sent BT an email thanking them and actually got a nice response too.

[DoubleT]

Good buy on MM for 20. Usually 23-25 here. I just picked up buffalo trace- which finally this week became available where I live in eastern kansas. Finally I can try it without crossing in Missouri or having to order it -been procrastinating on doing either for quite some time. I was so happy I sent BT an email thanking them and actually got a nice response too.

That's good news for you about the BT. Now if it was available in OK. The bottle I have came from TX. Maybe I should send them an e-mail.

As for the original question, I think both of these are very good bourbons, but I am partial to Maker's Mark. But I agree with one answer you got....buy them both.

[JeffRenner]

I would recommend the Johnny Walker Black for the following reasons:

1) IMHO, it is probably the best QPR (bang for buck) scotch you can find.

I agree with Tom. That's a great price for JWB (it's state controlled minimum $34.96 here in Michigan), and a very fine, complex, matured blended scotch.

Any scotch drinker who comes to your house will be most pleased to be offered such a top shelf tot. And you really ought to have something for the scotch drinker. Sure, we all love bourbon (and rye), but the gracious host doesn't proselytize, but rather serves what the guest would like.

Jeff