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what next

Unread postPosted: Sun May 06, 2012 5:36 pm
by ortho1121
I just started trying bourbon, have been a single malt scotch fan for many years. A friend gave me Basil Hayden's to try and liked it but from the reviews it appears this is a beginners drink. What would be your suggestion as the next step tp gradually work my way in and develop the palate?

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 11:05 am
by Birdo
Staying in the Jim Beam family, Knob Creek is better than Basil in my opinion. It's higher proof and lower cost with a more satisfying finish. You can get Knob Creek anywhere. Another great one in your price range is Four Roses Single Barrel, harder to find, but well worth it.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 12:20 pm
by Bourbon HQ
Four Roses Single Barrel and W.L. Weller 12 year old.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 4:20 pm
by ebo
Try em' all. :D

What the hell is a "beginner bourbon", anyway? :?

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Mon May 07, 2012 6:21 pm
by PaulO
Try; Weller 107, Old Forester 100, Fighting Cock. Higher than 86 proof is good, age statements are good 8-)

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Tue May 08, 2012 5:34 am
by Bourbon HQ
I suppose that when someone says "beginner bourbon", they mean 80 proof. If that is true, then I would recommend Four Roses yellow label. It is one of the very few 80 proofs that
doesn't taste like corn. It has some nice spice and fruitiness, along with some caramel.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Tue May 08, 2012 9:14 am
by ortho1121
Do not get the impression I am looking for cheap bourbon. I am used to paying high prices for my single malt. I have no experience with bourbon and after trying the Basil Hayden enjoyed it enough to want to step it up. Open to any suggestions.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Tue May 08, 2012 10:06 am
by bourbonv
The great thing about bourbon is that unlike scotch, there are many excellent bourbons at affordable prices. uou have had some very good recommendations here, but if you are looking to impress people with how much you spent on bourbon you are going to be disappointed with people here.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Tue May 08, 2012 5:01 pm
by WhiskeyBro
Four Roses Single Barrel, no doubt about it. It's a really fantastic bourbon.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Wed May 09, 2012 7:20 am
by Birdo
PaulO wrote:Try; Weller 107, Old Forester 100, Fighting Cock. Higher than 86 proof is good, age statements are good 8-)



I woulda said fighting cock, but I have been crowing about it too much here. Fighting Cock is by far my favorite for less than $20/750ml, and I like it as well as several costing in the mid $20's. Fighting Cock has a tasty mash bill, aged long enough at 6 years, and bottled at a strong 103 proof, more bourbon and less water tastes better.

No I don't work for Heaven Hill.

I plan to get a bottle of FC today as well as a bottle of Elijah Craig. It will be my first bottle of ELijah, but I sampled it at a friends house and liked it.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Wed May 09, 2012 6:40 pm
by ortho1121
Not looking to impress people with what I spend, just wanted to let you know that price alone was not the issue.

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Wed May 09, 2012 8:46 pm
by Bourbon Joe
I have been drinking bourbon for many years. There is one thing I've learned. You can buy good inexpensive bourbons, but you can't buy great inexpensive bourbons.
Joe

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Thu May 10, 2012 7:27 am
by vince
Blantons, Rock Hill Farms. Four Roses Single Barrel, Any of the Van Winkle Bourbons, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Knob Creek and/or Knob Creek Single barrel, Bookers, and Makers 46

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Thu May 10, 2012 11:04 am
by kyjd75
vince wrote:Blantons, Rock Hill Farms. Four Roses Single Barrel, Any of the Van Winkle Bourbons, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Evan Williams Single Barrel, Knob Creek and/or Knob Creek Single barrel, Bookers, and Makers 46


I would have to say that Vince has hit the nail squarely on the head! Absolutely great recommendations!

Re: what next

Unread postPosted: Thu May 10, 2012 5:38 pm
by Mike
Bourbon Joe wrote:I have been drinking bourbon for many years. There is one thing I've learned. You can buy good inexpensive bourbons, but you can't buy great inexpensive bourbons.
Joe


You said a mouth full, Joe!!