My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

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My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby JPBoston » Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:44 pm

Hey all --

Just wanted to share my list of bourbons that I'm anxious to try out, and wanted to get everyone's opinion/ideas.

In order of most probable purchase:

1) Elijah Craig 12yr
2) Four Roses Small Batch
3) Old Weller Antique
4) Old Forrester Signature 100 proof
5) Old Grand Dad 114 & OGD BiB
6) Benchmark (was suggested since I like Buffalo Trace; same mashbill)
7) Kinda interested in trying the Costco/Jim Beam Bourbon too, since many say its quality is right between KC and JBB

Bourbons I've tried, in order of preference (top 3 changes based on mood):

1) Buffalo Trace
2) Knob Creek
3) Woodford Reserve
4) OGD 86
5) Evan Williams black
6) Maker's Mark
7) Jim Beam White
8) Wild Turkey 101


I've never tried Jim Beam Black, should I? (hehe, I can imagine the response to that --- but you know what I mean -- Should it be a priority, since I really like KC yet didn't find JBW to be all that interesting?)

Also, my local store had something that caught my eye, but I can't remember the name --- It may have been Old Rip Van Winkle? It was about $60, and I can't even find it on their website (did a search based on price and nothing in the range fit). But any suggestions for special-gift type bourbons that are in the $50-60 range, and actually worth the jump in price from the BT/KC/WR of the world?
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby schmluss » Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:37 pm

Definitely suggest the Elijiah Craig. If you like the 12yr, try the 18yr.
I would suggest Old Grand Dad BIB before the 114. Love the OGD BIB!
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby William » Tue May 01, 2012 9:55 pm

1792 is really really good, tastes like a 40% but its 46%. and ive heard great reviews of four roses single barrel more than small batch.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby kyjd75 » Wed May 02, 2012 11:52 am

I would substitute the Four Roses Single Barrel for the Small Batch, and I would add the Weller 12 year old 90 to your list.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby Bourbon HQ » Wed May 02, 2012 12:40 pm

I totally agree, Four Roses Single Barrel is a great bourbon, as is Weller 12.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby JPBoston » Wed May 02, 2012 4:00 pm

Thanks for the replies!

Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch --- Could you please offer some opinions on what the difference is?

I can currently get Small Batch for $29.99 and Single Barrel for $39.99. Does that seem like a good price?

BTW --- had an impulse-buy of Benchmark bourbon. Not bad at all, just like a cheaper version of Buffalo Trace. Not as refined, a little more ethanol-y, but a fun diversion as a value-pour instead of my usual EW:B. I think I'll quite enjoy swapping around between EW:B, OGD 86, and Benchmark as my value pours. The only problem with Benchmark is the plastic bottle, makes me feel like I'm buying boxed wine or something... a little embarrassing. ;)
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby Vital » Thu May 03, 2012 1:16 am

Def try Jim Beam Black. Best Jim there is.
btw since Buffalo Trace is on top of your list - I only had it once and I didn't like it all. Essentially is it the same as Jim Black BUUUT a lot less flavor and more money. Idk if I got a bad bottle since most people praise Buffalo Trace but here's another reason to tory Jim Black - similar to Trace.

Also check out Maker's MArk 46 if you liked Maker's Mark. It's as smooth as MM but with added sweetness and spicy-ness.

Also (probably should be a top of the list) - EAGLE RARE. One of the best bourbons theres is, especially in it's price range. Actually nothing in that price range even comes close. My personal must have in my booze collection at all times.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby William » Thu May 03, 2012 3:52 am

Huh, its weird how prices and packaging range from region. Benchmark is in glass bottles where I am and I was recommended it when they were out of Tom Sims, but I still havent tried it. I didnt like Buffalo Trace but I can see how others would if you like spicy bourbon. The Four Roses brands are $5 less here than they are where you are. I havent tried either, but if you want to try both thats good, but I just hear more about the yellow and single barrel labels than small batch. And I do like the yellow label personally. I didnt like Old Grand Dad 86 so I wont try the higher levels, just stick with Old Forrester.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby PaulO » Thu May 03, 2012 4:42 pm

Old Grandad BIB, and 114 are way better than the 86, in my opinion. Also, Fighting Cock is a good one that hasn't been mentioned. It's much better than the corney label might lead you to believe. I wouldn't talk you out of anything listed, except maybe JB Black. At least wait for a good sale.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby Bourbon HQ » Sat May 05, 2012 7:08 am

Well, since it's Kentucky Derby Day here in Louisville, I will toast with a mint julep.



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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby Bourbon HQ » Sat May 05, 2012 7:11 pm

My horse is still running!
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby Bourbon Joe » Sat May 05, 2012 7:32 pm

Bourbon HQ wrote:Well, since it's Kentucky Derby Day here in Louisville, I will toast with a mint julep.



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Me too Gayle. Think "I'll have another".
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby Bob Barker » Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:46 pm

My top three I think you should try would be old grand dad 114, old weller antique, and Elijah Craig 12. I would add additional suggestions to your list of eagle rare 10yo and 1792 which a previous poster recommended.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby JLH3 » Mon Apr 22, 2013 12:32 am

JPBoston wrote:Thanks for the replies!

Four Roses Single Barrel vs Small Batch --- Could you please offer some opinions on what the difference is?

I can currently get Small Batch for $29.99 and Single Barrel for $39.99. Does that seem like a good price?

BTW --- had an impulse-buy of Benchmark bourbon. Not bad at all, just like a cheaper version of Buffalo Trace. Not as refined, a little more ethanol-y, but a fun diversion as a value-pour instead of my usual EW:B. I think I'll quite enjoy swapping around between EW:B, OGD 86, and Benchmark as my value pours. The only problem with Benchmark is the plastic bottle, makes me feel like I'm buying boxed wine or something... a little embarrassing. ;)


I'm one of the few that like the Small Batch better than the Single Barrel. I love the spice in it. But you can't go wrong with either. The OGD 114 and OWA are also great. I'd add Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Baker's to your list.
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Re: My list of bourbons to try, and what should I add to it?

Unread postby JPBoston » Tue Apr 23, 2013 5:11 pm

Funny seeing this thread resurrected a year later. I've tried just about all the listed bourbons, and others that weren't.

I'd say my top rotation and/or favorite brands now would be:

1) KC
2) ORVW 10/107
3) OWA (even better when mixed with W12)
4) KCSB
5) BT
6) OGD 114 (honorable mention to the Bonded variation)
7) EC12
8) Fighting Cock 103
9) Old Fitz 100
10) EWB

For all the love to 4RSmB... I tried it and wasn't a fan. Well, it was 'fine', but not good enough to justify $30+. Kinda scared me away from the $40+ 4RSB.

My list to try:

1) Elmer T Lee (not on store shelves in AZ)
2) VOB 100 (same)
3) Larceny (keep hearing good things, but not available here yet)
4) OF 100 (can only buy by the handle, which makes it a $30 purchase for a blind-buy)
5) EW:SB (Just haven't gotten around to it, yet)
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