Alternative to Booker's

[Nern]

46 yrs old but new to bourbon and of course Bourbonenthusiast.com

My first shot of Bourbon was Booker's. Fell in love with it. But even at a couple of sips at night I am going through 1 1/2 to 2 bottles a month.

Looking for a bourbon to sip in between that I will still enjoy so I can limit Booker's to a bottle a month. Any suggestions? I hate Jack Daniels and Wild Turkey (all versions). I tried a sip of Crown Royal because my sister in law left a bottle at my house, but it tasted watered down. Are there any 120 proof Bourbons around?

Am I ruined for anything except straight barrel bourbon? Seems difficult to revert to 80 proof! Fortunately I can get two bottles for $110 US with tax but it's not like I want bourbon as a hobby. Just a nite cap a few nites a week.

Thanks in advance.

Nern

[schmluss]

I like the Knob Creek Single Barrel (120 proof), and Old Grand Dad 114 (114 proof).

[Bourbon HQ]

Sure, first of all Crown Royal is not a bourbon. I recommend Four Roses Single Barrel. It's 100 proof and around 9-10 years old. Very spicey, fruity oakey and nice.
You can get it for around $30.00. It's high rye and no alcohol burn. You'll be glad you tried it.


Gayle

[Nern]

I like the Knob Creek Single Barrel (120 proof), and Old Grand Dad 114 (114 proof).

Those sound reasonable. I like the alcohol burn so 80 proof don't cut it. Thanks to all for suggestions.

I still would like something that tastes leathery with strong wood influence. Thanks

[Bourbon HQ]

OK, if you like leathery, if you can find a bottle of Evan Williams (7) year old, you might like that. You should read the bourbon reviews on this site. It might give you some ideas.


Gayle

[Birdo]

I sound like a broken record on this issue, but I love Heaven Hills Fighting Cock bourbon. It is an acceptable substitute for Knob Creek, and it weighs it at a rump-kickin 103 proof. FIghting Cock has a rich viscous thickness, not too sweet with a nice rye spicieness. At $16/750ml, its a cheap luxury.

I swear they could put it in a fancier bottle and get $25/bottle for it.

Have you tried Four Roses single barrel? Its a huge bourbon and priced right at $30/per.

[Wasatch]

Checkout: Buffalo Trace, Bulliet, Makers Mark, and Woodford Reserve.

[jcg9779]

Another vote for OGD 114. That was the first thing that came to mind when I read your post.

(KCSB is OK, IMO...it has more alcohol than OGD 114, but I don't think it's as good of a bourbon....just my opinion though.)

[BourbonDave]

I'll vote for OGD114 and KCSB too. While the OGD114 is not as complex as Bookers, it does have high proof and a nice chocolate flavor. KCSB has the proof and a little more complexity. For price issues, I'd stick with the OGD114 at about $20. Plus, when you follow a drink of OGD114 with Bookers, you will definitely appreciate a good bottle of Bookers even more.

[TheEther]

There's also Bakers and Old Weller Antique at 107 Proof that are respected in their own right. OWA is priced at ~$20 bucks, and it's one of the best in that price range. If you have a sweet tooth, try Old Forester Signature ~$17 per 750ml (100 proof). If you like a bit more oaky-woodyness then try Very Old Barton BiB (100 proof) is ~$12 per bottle... All pretty good values and nice sippers in their own right.

[sailor22]

Noah's Mill should be right up your alley. Similar in many respects to Bookers but with more wood and leather. A little sweeter too.

4Roses has barrel strength single barrel offerings at something near 120 proof, most are barrel picks by retailers. It might be worth your while to find some and determine which of their recipes you prefer.

[ebo]

WTRB is 108.2 proof. I you are looking for a high strength pour, this will work.

[jaycamm]

Devil's Cut might be a good choice. It's got that woody-beam flavor you
might enjoy. It's a respectable 90 proof, not exceptionally smooth and it's half the price of Booker's.

[Mike]

I like the Knob Creek Single Barrel (120 proof), and Old Grand Dad 114 (114 proof).

Those sound reasonable. I like the alcohol burn so 80 proof don't cut it. Thanks to all for suggestions.

I still would like something that tastes leathery with strong wood influence. Thanks

You wood (pun intended) be well served by getting a bottle of Noah's Mill, in my opinion.