Bourbon Preferences/Categorizing

[fishnbowljoe]

After about a year or so of my foray into bourbon, I've come to realize that I have started categorizing my bourbons. I took an inventory this last weekend, and put it on a spread sheet. I listed name, age, proof, size, how many opened, how many unopened, and my preferences for purchasing each bourbon again. Even though I did my list alphabetically, I noticed that from a standpoint of buying preference, I ended up categorizing my bourbons into four categories. I ended up grouping them into everyday pour, middle of the road (not everyday but fairly occasionally), upper middle of the road, (not quite special occasion) and bourbons for that special occasion.

Here are my favorites so far for each category. I am listing just my favorites, as I still need to get more familiar with a few of my purchases.

Everyday Pours

Weller Special Reserve, Old Weller Antique 107, Jim Beam Black, and possibly Rebel Yell and Ancient Ancient Age

Middle Of The Road

Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, and Weller 12 yr old

Upper Middle Of The Road

Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10/90, and Old Rip Van Winkle 10/90

Special Occasion

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15/107, and George T. Stagg/144.8 2007

In the category of whether I would purchase a bourbon again, I was undecided as to how to list them. Different bourbons taste different, at different times. What I ended up with was no, probably not, maybe, probably, yes, and definitely. Other than specialty or commemorative bourbons, only two were positively no. Gran Legacy and Yellowstone. Everything else I would purchase again. The only difference being as to whether I would buy with, or without any hesitation.

I have purchased roughly 25 bourbons, 3 Canadian whiskeys, one rye, and Jack Daniels. I have also tasted another three or four bourbons while at a bar or out to dinner. I hope to purchase/try many more bourbons in the future. For now though, I'm going to sit back and empty a few open ones so that I can make some room for the future. Hopefully I can bunker some more of my favorites, and maybe I'll find a couple on my wish list. For what it's worth, Lot B is on the top of my wish list.

As I started getting into my interest in bourbon, I had it in the back of my mind to find two "special" bourbons. I was looking for one bourbon that would just knock my socks off and curl my hair, and one that I could just relax and sit back and sip on the back porch while watching the sun set. As a coincidence, what I have found so far are my two "Special Occasion" bourbons. I'm pretty sure I've found the former in the GTS. As we speak, my choice for the latter would be Pappy 15, with ERSB 10/90 a distant second. I'm pretty sure I won't find anything stronger than GTS, and the jury is still out on my sipper until I've made my way a little farther down the line.:toast:

So for now, so far so good. I continue down the road, and I look forward to each and every curve and straightaway. It's a pleasure being a member of SB, and being able to share my experiences, observations and opinions. It's also great being able to share in the knowledge and experience of others. Thanks so much. Till next time around, Joe

[spun_cookie]

I would think you would want to have any bourobn you enjoyed added to your "rebuy" list.

[ratcheer]

I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this, but here goes:

Everyday pours - Wild Turkey 101, Old Grand Dad 86

Middle of the road - Elmer T. Lee, Knob Creek

Upper middle of the road - Old Grand Dad 114, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Booker's

Special occasion - Rock Hill Farms, Blanton's, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2002 vintage, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

Close enough for government work.

Tim

[Gillman]

I categorise by the taste of the actual bottle. If a Weller 107 has the right balance of wood and perfumed/fruity taste, it is top shelf. If a Rock Hill Farms (as has happened to me) has a slight edge of something earthy or musty, it is medium shelf. If WT rye has that taste of old flowers I like and a soft mouthfeel, it is top of the line. If a Handy (as I felt the first bottles were, not the current) was a little green and untogether, it is middle shelf. And so on.

Gary

[marco246]

Joe,

You're my hero. Of all the whiskeys you list, only four are available on my island. I'll have to make good use of my occasional trips to the Mainland to look for special whiskeys like Stagg and the several wheated brands you mention. I'll be in Florida over the 4th of July holidays and will see what I can find. Taking some bubblewrap along. . . .

Cheers,

Mark

[Stones]

Hi Joe and all,

Being in the land of Oz we have a more limited variation and supply of bourbons in comparison to you lucky peeps over in bourbon country.

Here's my unique 'heirarchy' -

Weekly tipple:

Jim Beam White label AU$32

Elijah Craig 12yo AU$40

Monthly Special and or pay rise:

Blantons Green label AU$60

Evan Williams AU$65

Deluxe Especial Occasion and or first born:

Blantons Gold AU$140

Van Winkle 20yo AU$250+

Win Gold Lotto and or stumble upon gold mine:

Van Winkle 23yo AU$350?

BT Antique Collection (any) AU$various

:grin:

Tym.

[felthove]

I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this, but here goes:

Everyday pours - Wild Turkey 101, Old Grand Dad 86

Middle of the road - Elmer T. Lee, Knob Creek

Upper middle of the road - Old Grand Dad 114, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Booker's

Special occasion - Rock Hill Farms, Blanton's, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2002 vintage, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

Close enough for government work.

Tim

Looks like Tim's preferences are consistent with his past statements about liking the rye-heavy bourbons. Nice choices, btw.

[OscarV]

Everyday Pours

Weller Special Reserve, Old Weller Antique 107, Jim Beam Black, and possibly Rebel Yell and Ancient Ancient Age

Middle Of The Road

Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, and Weller 12 yr old

Upper Middle Of The Road

Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10/90, and Old Rip Van Winkle 10/90

Special Occasion

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15/107, and George T. Stagg/144.8 2007

OK, on the "Everyday", I don't think Rebel Yell would be there for me or the Beam Black.

"Middle Of The Road", Woodford I would discard and the Weller 12 has gotta be higher, at least "Upper,..."

"Upper Middle Of the Road", Joe, don't take this personal because I disagree with a lot of people here but the Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10/90 is just, well,... just not worth being classified that high, IMHO.

"Special Occasion" The Stagg I agree 100%. I started a new tradition a few years ago and that is to open a Stagg at Thanksgiving.

What better way to celebrate the bountiful harvest than with a Stagg?

[fishnbowljoe]

I probably should update, as I've tried/purchased a few more bottles since my original post. Will return to this soon. Joe