The Best Bourbon Is Free Bourbon.

[cowdery]

This thread always seems to be active on the board somewhere, with minute variations. What's the best bourbon? I get that question a lot, or the equally problematic, "what's your favorite bourbon?"

What do I say? I may mention a couple of things I particularly like, although the list always varies. I often dismiss it with, "the best bourbon is free bourbon."

The truth is, the list of things I like about equally well is very long, and what I say tends to reflect what I've enjoyed most in the last week or so. Recently it was Four Roses Single Barrel. Sometimes it's Woodford Reserve or Knob Creek.

I tend not to mention the cheaper products I also like just as well, such as JTS Brown. I also generally don't mention products that are difficult or impossible to find, such as Very Very Old Fitzgerald or A. H. Hirsch. I also tend not to mention the more challenging older bottlings, like George T. Stagg.

I also don't mentions rye (unless specifically asked) or corn whiskey.

But I never give the true answer, which is that there is no best and hardly any true favorites. If I narrow the words used to describe the experience, I can plug in a few products. Most memorable would have to be Very Very Old Fitzgerald and A. H. Hirsch, but also the Fairfield Henry McKenna Doug found. Always in my house and open: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond and Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond. I can name a favorite from each distillery, although if they make multiple recipes then it's one per distillery per recipe. And, like I said, it will change tomorrow.

So let's bury the concept of best, which is the search for The One. That's not what this enthusiasm is about. It's about luxuriating in The Many. And hoping for many, many more.

[callmeox]

I agree 100% with this idea.

I have other obsessions that I cater to now and again and there are internet forums and groups tuned in to each. For Geocaching, a common quesiton is what is the best GPS? or what is the best place to find a geocache? In the computer forums, people ask about the best PC or laptop, etc. For TV and internet service, people what to know who offes the best service.

Now, newcomers may not really know what they are asking for, so asking about the best gives them a point of reference for starting off. In enthisiast forums, it is easy to find someone who will evangelize about how their preference is also the best and they will go to great lengths to prove to you that it is really the best. But is it really?

As I've grown and matured, I've come to realize that my ego isn't big enough to lead me to believe that I know what the "best" of anything it. As I try new things and learn more about life, I form educated opinions about what I prefer and what I simply don't like, but that doesn't mean that any of that is the best. It simply shows what suits me.

With that, I've learned to temper my recommendations for things with the caveat that this is what I've prefer after some research, but you may find something else to fit your needs.

With that, I believe in the concept of having a favorite, but even that can be a situational choice.

Just my .02

[ratcheer]

Yes, this is a very similar concept to my answers if I am asked, "What is your favorite music group?" or "What is your favorite movie?" Or, many other similar questions. Since I love hundreds of songs or artists or movies, etc, any answer is meaningless. And any answer might be completely different within a few days.

Tim

[ILLfarmboy]

Most of the time it is a relative neophyte who asks such a question. Experienced responders qualify their answers by breaking things down by type; wheated vs rye recipe, age and to an extent proof and price points, giving more than one quality example from each of the sub-categories, since after all, taste is subjective, and for example not everyone likes every house style equally and some folks like a more or less aggressive taste profile. Just as an example, someone who dislikes the aggressive taste profile of WT Rye may find the new WT RR Rye to be just what the doctor ordered.

These types of questions, when they are posed by the inexperienced, reveal their ignorance and provide a means to educate them. However, one might counter that they should make use of the search function. I'll admit, that rebuttal isn't without merit. In fact, its a strong argument. But I for one, try to be patient with newbies. I try to keep in mind that a lot of folks don't have any background to draw from. They may be in their 30's and 40's and just discovering whiskey for the first time.

[PhilsFan]

Experienced responders qualify their answers by breaking things down by type; wheated vs rye recipe, age and to an extent proof and price points, giving more than one quality example from each of the sub-categories, since after all, taste is subjective

I for one, try to be patient with newbies. I try to keep in mind that a lot of folks don't have any background to draw from.

As a newbie, I try to read posts from guys like you, and others with

thousands of posts because I am able to learn a lot about the world of

great bourbon choices out there. I really enjoyed the "Your Top Five" posts which gave great ideas for bourbons I'll be buying and trying over the next few months.

As for me, I don't want to ever find a "Best" bourbon...I just want to explore what's out there and enjoy the journey.

-Joe

[craigthom]

Yes, this is a very similar concept to my answers if I am asked, "What is your favorite music group?" or "What is your favorite movie?" Or, many other similar questions. Since I love hundreds of songs or artists or movies, etc, any answer is meaningless. And any answer might be completely different within a few days.

Tim

That's me. People ask "what kind of music do you like?" all the time, but I still don't have an answer, so I just stand there looking stupid.

[ggilbertva]

Interesting posts. I've replied to many questions about what I like or what my favorite is. There was a question posted recently about ones favorite daily pour. Just as each one of us is unique, so is our taste and preference experience; and that's a dynamic process anyway. The bourbon I really liked two years ago, isn't even in my house anymore. Not because it's a "bad" bourbon, but because my bourbon experience has broadened to the point that my purchases have gone beyond that initial bottle. I don't have a daily pour....my answer was whatever tickles my fancy. Low shelf, top shelf....no matter. If I like it, it's in my bunker and I drink it. Today was VOB BIB, yesterday J.W. Corn and Early Times 80's vintage; day before that Pappy 15, AAA 10 year and SW Old Fitz BIB. Tomorrow? I don't know nor do I care. I just know it will be good.

[jeff]

Actually, Weller 12yo is the best bourbon ever, bar none. If you disagree with me, you only show your ignorance to the world!

[CorvallisCracker]

Actually, Weller 12yo is the best bourbon ever, bar none. If you disagree with me, you only show your ignorance to the world!

That's never stopped me before.

Can't get Weller 12 here in OR. Ship me a bottle, and I'll try it head to head with some Hirsch BW and see if you're right.

[Stickeng]

Actually, Weller 12yo is the best bourbon ever, bar none. If you disagree with me, you only show your ignorance to the world!

Jeff, I agree! It is a very fine Bourbon!!!

[squire]

Oh I'll answer it, I like whiskeys from Barton with a second nod toward Old Grand Dad.

[SippinJim]

Actually, Weller 12yo is the best bourbon ever, bar none. If you disagree with me, you only show your ignorance to the world!

I showed my ignorance to the world many years ago during my youth and on numerous occasions thereafter.

[spun_cookie]

The thread title for this makes me think of the old saying

"You get what you pay for"

At the Hilton in Salt Lake City, when you reach the esteemed title of Gold or Diamond level (means you travel way the hell to much) you get to partake in there little free executive area. You can drink all the JB White you want...:puke:

I use to go up there, get some free food... and then go down stares to the bar and pay for a drink

:crazy: - crazy, maybe, but I feal fine

[mgilbertva]

Actually, Weller 12yo is the best bourbon ever, bar none. If you disagree with me, you only show your ignorance to the world!

:iagreejeff: :iagreejeff: :iagreejeff:

Excellent! I've always wanted to use this emoticon!

[bobbyc]

It's about luxuriating in The Many. And hoping for many, many more. __________________

So Bourbon and Women are a lot alike..............

[jeff]

:iagreejeff: :iagreejeff: :iagreejeff:

Excellent! I've always wanted to use this emoticon!

It took you that long?:skep:

[doubleblank]

That emoticon had rust on it until then.

Randy

[mgilbertva]

*cough cough* *sneeze*

And you wouldn't believe the amount of dust! Whew.

[jeff]

I'm thinking of instituting new board policy that requires it's use at least once weekly by all members. In fact, a better idea might be to have it inserted in everyone's sig. Thoughts?

:iagreejeff::iagreejeff::iagreejeff:...That's right you do!

[TNbourbon]

I'm thinking of instituting new board policy that requires it's use at least once weekly by all members. In fact, a better idea might be to have it inserted in everyone's sig. Thoughts?

:iagreejeff::iagreejeff::iagreejeff:...That's right you do!

:puke::iagreejeff:

:blush:

[fishnbowljoe]

I'm on vacation this week in Florida. On the plane ride down I struck up a conversation with the flight attendant. She was from the general area that I live in. I asked her if they had any bourbon minis. She said she'd check. As we were getting ready to leave the plane she handed me two MM minis with a wink and a smile. She said they only get a couple per flight and nobody wanted them. She then told my wife and I to have a good vacation. Nice lady, free bourbon. Joe

[spun_cookie]

On American Airlines you were mmmm.. drink them whey I fly I do... mmm

[jburlowski]

And the best advice is:

The advice that you already agree with...

(In other words, you get what you pay for.)

[spun_cookie]

And the best advice is:

The advice that you already agree with...

(In other words, you get what you pay for.)

Indeed sir. Problem is, the other option is JD. MM, although not the worlds best bourbon, is way better than JD. Wish the had some stagg