OT: [Weekend Drinking Thread] Really nice bourbon to buy for guests who love bourbon?

Submitted by chuck bass on
Price no object (within reason), but reasonably easy to find. Just need one bottle to entertain a couple of bourbon-pref guests on Sunday.
 
What's everyone else sipping on this weekend?

seksdesk

December 23rd, 2017 at 9:25 PM ^

it was labled 120 proof, but was actually 133. I guess legally, once a bottle is labled it cannot be changed. Anywho...darn tootin stuff. On my second bottle. But... just tried Traverse City Whiskey Co. Barrel Proof 112 tonight and it is Dynamite! The finish is as clean and smooth as Sandusky's dream child.

ToDefyTheFrizzleFry

December 23rd, 2017 at 6:08 PM ^

Four Roses Single Barrel is great, especially if you can find a store that offers a private barrel. The barrel strength is fun to try neat and with a drop or two of water. It’s also fun to try the different recipes (Four Roses has 10 ten different recipes). Also recommend Bookers, Eagle Rare, Old Grand Dad 114, and Buffalo Trace.

DrAwkward

December 23rd, 2017 at 6:10 PM ^

Another vote for Eagle Rare. It is an absurd value at about $34 (here in NC).

If you can find Blanton's (recommended by several other posters), it makes an excellent gift because it is a great bourbon in an awesome bottle.

UM Indy

December 23rd, 2017 at 6:44 PM ^

What’s best in bourbon for a very simple “cocktail?” Not into making really complicated drinks. Just something easy to add to a bourbon. Thanks Go Blue and Happy Holidays!

VectorVictor05

December 23rd, 2017 at 7:41 PM ^

Elijah Craig 12 yr. Best value bourbon on the planet. So sad it hasn't been mentioned. Pricey stuff? Angels Envy, Elmer T Lee, Pappy (if you can find it but insanely good and worth the price)

Garfunkel

December 23rd, 2017 at 7:57 PM ^

This thread is fantastic. Some of my favorites: Four Roses Single Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Booker’s, Blanton’s, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 10 year.

Christicks

December 23rd, 2017 at 8:02 PM ^

Jim Beam all day! Personally, I think expensive Bourbons are only if the person intends to drink straight or on the rocks, but Woodford and Gentleman Jack are delicious.

Peterman

December 24th, 2017 at 10:05 AM ^

These two are best taste/value for me and what I’ve seen in this thread. Others that have also been mentioned and are similar to these two are Elmer T Lee (~$30-35 in Oregon where I live) and Angel’s Envy. Grass Widow also very good but not as smooth if that’s what you’re into. In a separate category of taste to me are Booker’s and Elijah Craig, which are terrific despite an alcohol content that may spook some.

MRHail_97

December 23rd, 2017 at 9:04 PM ^

HHW, Jameson Caskmates isn't burbon. It's Irish Whiskey and is decent. Redbreast 12 is probably my favorite everyday drinker for Irish Whiskey and I drink a lot of it. $70-80 a liter. Very smooth. If you want to splurge on an elite whiskey sometime try Redbreast 21.

uofmdds96

December 23rd, 2017 at 8:28 PM ^

Can't believe nobody said that.  It can be very hard to find in a store.  It is Pappy 12 that just didn't agree with the taster.  Same recipe, same barrel.  Balnton's is my go to at a restaurant.  Currently I have Willet 8yr in my glass.  Bib and Tucker is nice.  Maker's Mark Private Select is pretty nice and certainly Four Roses.

I have a bottle of Pappy 12 that I am saving for a win over OSU.  I have had it unopened for far too long.

His Dudeness

December 23rd, 2017 at 11:25 PM ^

So the one on the right is the old bottle. It's better and harder to come by. If you see any of the old bottle I would buy them. The one on the left is the new bottle. I think they switched last year or two years ago. If it's 12 year it's still good. I have a special reserve in the new bottle. It's nothing special. It's decent.