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Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 5:53 pm
by Mike
I am here today, boys and girls to speak of value propositions in bourbon.

First, some ground rules:

My palate and your palate are different.

My experience with bourbon is not yours.

Your experience with bourbon is not mine.

That does not mean that we can have no conservation.

Any conversation twixt us is not to settle anything about bourbon.

The last rule does not rule out a meaningful conversation, else there would be no Bourbon Enthusiast.


Now, on with the show!

What you are willing to spend for bourbon is entirely up to you, as is what I am willing spend for bourbon. I find that it is worth my enjoyment of bourbon to spend a bit more than what the cheaper bourbons cost. The reason, I put it plainly before you, is that the cheaper bourbons are not as good as those that cost more.

Now, there are what I call gimmick bourbons which most often play upon the widespread notion that the best bourbons are either older or higher proof. As it happens, I claim that both of these propositions are true, with reservations.

Some bourbons are too old and become too dry, or worse, bitter. Age is not a sure guide to the quality of bourbon, but it is a useful guide, sometimes.

Proof is also not a sure guide, but it is also useful simply because it means there is less water to dilute flavors. For some palates, this does not enter into the quality equation.......... to me, it does, because a higher proof bourbon will not dilute the rich flavors of the barrel, something I prize.

All of which leads to the notion of the value proposition as it relates to bourbon. Which bourbon gives you the most flavor for its cost?

Without question, that bourbon is Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon. I have held this view for many years now.

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:21 pm
by RandyG
As much as I like Four Roses single barrel my palate prefers their small batch. At $7-8 less than the single barrel it is [to me] an even greater value.

Other value pours [for me] are:

Col. E. H. Taylor small batch
Evan Williams single barrel
Knob Creek 120
Noah's Mill
Rowan's Creek
Russel's Reserve single barrel
Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit

Cheers Friends

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:03 pm
by Mike
Good choices, Randy, I agree with all of them as to their value, with the possible exception of Russell's Reserve Single Bourbon........... which I just reviewed. It is not by any means a bad bourbon, just not, in my opinion, worth $50.

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 10:24 pm
by RandyG
I can get RRSB for $40 plus change here. At $50 I to would remove it from the value category. Even at $40 it is a borderline value. But then I'm a Wild Turkey fan :mrgreen:

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:02 pm
by ebo
My go to bourbon for value, and flavor is Four Roses SB., hands down. I like the Small Batch..... just not as well as the SB.

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2017 10:58 pm
by Squire
Favor the small batch myself.

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 11:23 pm
by Uncle_Duke
I will join you out on that limb. Hope I cut it on the right side.

I must say that seeing all these bourbon companies add flavors like vanilla, maple or cinnamon to perfectly good bourbon ticks me off.

By the way I am sipping Four Roses Single Barrel as I write this.

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 12:05 pm
by ShowMe
X

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 6:53 pm
by gillmang
I would agree, Mike, although lower price can offer some charms, eg. Beam rye (that new Prohibition brand), Evan Williams Black, Buffalo Trace. Funny I was just talking to a fellow about this topic when passing through Georgia, in fact he had the same first name as you, but there could be no chance of confusion, for one thing there was no hound in sight and you're known for hanging out with that canine sidekick, Barleycorn. I'd guess if I ever meet the two of you I'd learn a power more about whiskey than I know now. Anyhoo, time for a pull on a new whiskey I really like, Blade and Bow. Maybe you know it? :)

Gary

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 7:54 pm
by Mike
During your visit, Gary, Barleycorn. he lay low. He is a bit shy.

Yeah, very pleased with Blade and Bow, and with the your concoction and the Canadian Club Rye, it is first rate.

Re: Out on that limb where I do not belong

Unread postPosted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 9:36 pm
by gillmang
We liked the B and B so much we bought two bottles!

I have to say I did see the CC later, eg Total Wines has it in South Carolina, but the bottle design is different. So you do have something distinctive still, but the whiskey is available there now.

By the way the word at home is it's 7-8 years old. It's all-rye mash, aged in all-new charred barrels. So far it is only available in 80 proof even in Canada.

Gary