On my wedding night, my wife and I went to a really nice steakhouse. I saw GTS at the bar, and I’ve wanted to try it for years. I ordered a 2oz pour. The manager came to my table and said it was on the house! It was, by far, the best bourbon that I’ve ever tasted. That says a lot, too.
@huntermcdougal5013 it ain't no low shelfer unless your pallet is garbage lmfao, but I agree it ain't worth the price it goes for most of the time anymore. But calling that low shelf is insane brother...only human being I've ever heard say that.
This is an honest review. People bash BT products like they're not good. They are. It's just the crazy secondary pricing that raises the question "is it that good?"
They're not necessarily worth MSRP to a lot of people. Couple that with the false premium on even the lowest tier products and it's really not worth the effort when there's equal or better options at the same price
That's exactly because of guys this who are enriching their own collections via social media on the backs of their viewers. They are nothing but shills now for retail stores and for producers of the "allocated" products. If you cannot find something excellent on the shelves at your local stores, then you don't love bourbon, you just love saying you're a "bourbon guy".
@@ANONM60D Agreed. It is about value as opposed to whether it is good or bad. It is not that it is bad, there are better choices at the same price point. In the end, it comes down to individual palettes.
Funny, I got called a man-child and told to go collect Pokemon cards yesterday by a Binny's Manager because I was interested in their BTAC lottery.... after he was telling another customer about how if the store doesn't get enough sign-ups, Corporate would reduce their allocation and send it to other stores
I like Buffalo Trace products, but I'm not chasing them. I won't spend a lot of money to sit on the shelf to impress someone. I'm a Wild Turkey profile palate, but love Heaven Hill also. I'll buy available stuff at $20-$90 and enjoy them as opposed to $1K to stare at. Just my opinion. Love you're content. I'm 64 and my son is 26; I've been getting him into bourbon as a thing to do together 🥃❤️🥃
Same here. One of my local store owners always seems shocked when I have no interest in the allocated stuff. I'm always looking for good, quality bourbon to drink. I don't need high-dollar trophies sitting on my shelf, gathering dust, never to be opened.
Get well Kurt! I like Buffalo Trace products. In my opinion, I will not spend more than $125 for any bourbon. There are so many fantastic bourbons out there for under $100. REDWOOD EMPIRE, RARE BREED, MAKERS MARK, etc, etc. I learned all my bourbon knowledge from SLB and you 2 characters!
Weller SR is easily available in Ohio for $26. Weller 107 releases every 2-3 weeks at $60 and as long as you are at a store on their drop day (most grocery stores do Saturday mornings) you'll usually get one showing up within 30 mins of open
That's a good price. Weller green in Georgia is $35 most places and good luck finding the Red. You practically gotta perform sexual acts on the store owner to get the red
If u can find those bottles at MSRP you should absolutely stock up they are very rare in other parts…Weller SR is easy to find and cheap in Oklahoma..Buffalo trace is available a couple times a year…everything else only drops on allocation sales
I really enjoy anything from Buffalo Trace and will always buy them when I see them at MSRP. I have never paid over MSRP and will not do so. Plenty of other great bourbons out there for under $100.
I have given up on BT. Long, long ago Weller Special Reserve was my everyday drink and the 107 Antigue was my special occasion drink. I have moved on now, too many other readily available brands that are good. I don't need a scavenger hunt to buy bourbon.
In 2016 Eagle Rare was my favorite bourbon on the planet. But BT products getting hard to find and forcing me to explore other things may have been the best thing that happened. Outside of Stagg jr they mostly sit on the guest shelf now for others to try.
I agree with Kurt on a few things. I think there is something weird going on with their distribution. How can you be one of the largest distilleries in America and not keep any of your products on the shelves?? None of the other big distilleries have this issue…. Also, I think they could trim the fat from their lineup. There are a few products offered that have very similar proof points and ages.
I went to the distillery on a tour, and the guide flat out said it is all manufactured hype/marketing genuis. I was the only one that seemed to notice lol. Couldn't believe she said it, but I absolutely take her word on that.
I just happen to come across BT, ER and Blantons at our Class 6 on base the other day!! BT was $30, ER was $42 and Blantons was $70. I believe all three were at MSRP. I snagged some of each just because I can't find ANY Buffalo Trace products in NC.
As a Buffalo Trace fan, I really appreciate this. There are bottles I know I can't find, and I've accepted it, but I still hunt and hope. I may love their juice but I also know there are equally good things out there that I can find every day.
Great video. In NC (State-Run) BT is $32.95. Most, if not all, expressions are allocated. I agree Kurt, some expressions (Weller SR, EHT SmB, BT, & ER) should be on the shelves. When people see BT or ER, they feel obligated to purchase since they are uncommon. Each county has its own alcohol board, so there’s variability across the state. Some counties are good about ordering less common BT expressions, while most, especially Wake County (the biggest and where I live), only get BT, ER, and sometimes Blanton’s.
Also Wake co here. The problem is 2 things. 1. Wake of course gets allocated products because of its size. The board sometimes decides to reserve it for something like a grand opening or decides to allot it all to bars and restaurants. 2. For limited distribution items that are first come first served, Wake is so not on top of the ball. Look at somewhere like Youngsville and Franklinton. They both get products that Wake never/rarely sees outside of mixed bev and they’re tiny by comparison. It’s because they have employees that are taught what to order and to order it asap.
Terrific video guys ! I agree on the difficulty to find issue. I'm in Illinois near St. Louis. Regular Buffalo Trace is a bugger to find here; cross the river and it's easy to find. I was in Arizona earlier this year and a grocery store had literally CASES of BT on the floor. CASES.
One of the best videos on BT I've seen. I've had a lot of their offerings and I totally agree, the antique collection and Eagle Rare is the best for the buck at MSRP. I get a fare amount of BT 90 proof for $29 and it makes an OK Old Fashioned. Not going to encouraging the secondary market to keep overpricing good bourbon and rye. Great review. Thanks.
Another great review guys, I’m fortunate enough to be living in Vermont and everything goes for msrp so I get ER for 37 and Stagg for 59 Cheers fellas 🥃
I started tasting Bourbon thanks to your videos. I love each one and value your opinions. Here in Cali we have those huge Buffalo Trace bottles for cheap in the liquor stores. In my town I know of one place that has all those Weller bottles, another that has all the Old Rip bottles, and between 4 local stores I saw (2) STAGG jr. bottles always at the top shelf always $150+. I find it really annoying how expensive this whiskey is and how they artificially limit supply to keep the prices going up. I would like to pay MSRP for these bottles. The pricing on all bourbon has made me question what I actually want to buy apart from Elijah Craig cask strength and Rare Breed which are consistently good.
Totally agreed with Kurt and it gets my goat even more!!! Good review, I do love ER 10 and Antq. 107 a lot! I m trying to find the ER 17 by the pour in a restaurant...it's $1,889. online....no way, I'm retired!
I've had all of them other than the BTACs and the VWs :( and agree with the sentiment - that they're all good and some are great but none are worth the price in the secondary market. Like Kurt & Trent, I also gravitate towards the Antique 107 as my favourite among these. I will say that the occasional BT store pick I've been able to find have also been winners. I love honest reviews like this one - can always trust SLB for the straight goods.
Another solid video. I really appreciate your refreshingly honest and straight forward opinions. In my part of CA, I can find standard BT everywhere for mid $20s, even Costco carries it. I recently rolled the dice on a store pick BT for $30. But when it comes to Eagle Rare the story is very different. It is very hard to find and goes for $50-$80/btl. I find it to be OK but not really worth the money, same with Blantons tbh. For the price, there are any number of other whiskeys I'd rather drink than ER; OF1920, 1792 FP, Wilderness Trail, Knob Creek SB, Michter's American, Rare Breed, etc. The higher end BT offerings can be found from time to time but are generally behind the counter and priced over SRP. I look forward to someday getting a pour of any of the BTACs.
Great video overall. Would you be able to offer your thoughts on any of the variations of Old Charter Oak like the French Oak or Spanish Oak? They are also rare, hard-to-come-by BT products.
Nice review! Get well! My local Sam’s Club has Buffalo Trace 24.00 and Sazarac Rye for 22.00 no limit and occasionally Eagle Rare for 30.00. Costco sells the 1L BT for 28.00 I can usually get EH Taylor small batch for 60.00 Weller SR 40.00
9:00 EHT Small Batch was about $45 in SoCal until recently it's gone up to $50-55. BevMo has it around $65. Costco was $34 till recently bumped up to $44. Not terribly difficult to find if you know which stores get them, which tends to be about once a month
The area you live in makes a big difference. I am in Northeast Florida. Buffalo Trace is pretty abundant here. Not allocated. $27 a bottle. Just north in Georgia Eagle Rare is pretty abundant, but marked up $10 at $49. The rest of the lineup is hit and miss. But many places get a few bottles here and there and don’t mark them up. Stagg is also my favorite. Really like the channel. Keep up the good work
In my area, 10ish years ago, Buffalo Trace first showed up at $13 per 750ml. I got half a dozen bottles before it jumped to $23.99. Its been $37 for 3 years if you're lucky enough to find it
I think all the Buffalo Trace products are great at MSRP. Overpaying is on you. Agree with you about frustration with their availability though. I'd by Stagg everyday if it was available. Also hope that you feel better soon!
Stagg/Stagg Jr is so good.. that is the one I wish I could find... just once a year would be fine... but nah... they make it impossible to keep up the aura
I agree with you guys. Here in Austin Texas we can find those 3 pretty regularly for retail, Eagle Rare can be hit or miss but I can find Buffalo Trace and Green Wellers for retail if I stop by 2-3 stores.
I just got EH Taylor Small Batch for $49.95 in North Carolina. I have a Weller Single Barrell $53.95, three Buffalo Trace $32.95, four Eagle Rare $44.95, and Blanton's $69.95.
I've gotten a blantons and EHT small batch for One hundred ea from Springfield, IL. An Eagle Rare from up by Chicago for around ninty. Special Reserve in my hometown for seventy and reg Buffalo trace for around thirty five. Have seen an weller Antique for one thirty but didn't purchase. I enjoy BT but agree products are highly inflated and hard to come by at times unless you want to spend secondary pricing +. Enjoyed the video thanks SLB.
Thank you for this appraisal. I have never tried a Pappy Van Winkle and would like to, but I am not paying that much just for my curiosity. It is the movie star, but I can't afford to date one of those either. There are plenty of whiskeys in the $30 to $60 range that I enjoy drinking. My one bottle of Eagle Rare 10 year was really good.
I was waiting for the Pappy, I worked at a store, old rip was $800 we paid $40!!! The 12 was $1100..we paid $70..I never tried any of them but your take on them follows suit with what I have been told. My boss has the entire collection at least 5 of each. A great nest egg but thats about it...
Nice review.....and I would agree with every take.....personally, I think the Rock Hill Farms is on a par with the Stagg antique collection. Thanks again for the time to produce this show.
E.H. Taylor small batch at a mom and pop shop $75 in CC, Texas. bought one to try it fell in love bought another to have as a back up! Love the small batch
Good honest video, and it makes me feel ok to see that I have a pretty good stable of BT products, so that helps keep everything in perspective, enjoying an Eagle Rare 10 while this one played,
I paid $120 for an EH Taylor Small Batch here in California. Right after I bought that first bottle for $120, I picked up another for $80. You guys made me open my Antique 107 tonight!!
Thanks for talking about gaps state to state and store to store. In Virginia we have the ABC system. There are differences store to store (especially if you check websites, know where something is, and ask for it in the shop from the stash out back), but head across state lines and things get better. In Maryland, vendors have a wider selection. Knob Creek 12 is allocated in Virginia; you can find it on the shelf in Maryland on the way to Baltimore. Willing to go an extra hour for Booker's Springfield Batch? Forget finding that in VA, but it seems to be regularly available in New Jersey. Still, there seems to be no solution to the BT shortage.
EH Small Batch in central Texas is around 55 bucks if available. Got a EH Single Barrel a few weeks ago for 75. Buffalo Trace is around 25-30 depending on the store.
You guys got me into bourbon, hunted the blantons for 3 months. I finally found it, it was $100, plus I had to spend an extra $100 just to be able to buy it. Wasn't a fan. 1yr later still have 3/4 of it. Eagle rare 10yr is my favorite, never see it for msrp and it's usually $60-$80.. I've seen it for $90 but wouldn't spend that much on it.
Here in northwest Florida we can get regular buffalo trace here from time to time at around 25 to 29 a bottle. When I go back to home to western Kentucky most stores have big displays of it for double the price I pay in Florida. Weird since they are about 4 hours from the distillery.
Completely agree with Kurt’s take. I believe that things are being done to increase production to some degree, but I think Buffalo Trace has also taken a page out of a company like Rolex’s playbook. Manufactured scarcity to keep demand high. In BT’s defense though, a large part of this is most definitely distribution creating scarcity as well though. In NC we have state controlled stores, and sometimes older bottles will randomly pop into the store out of nowhere, which means someone was holding them. It’s June 2024 and just the other day we got a shipment of Elijah Craig BP C920…..which is a bottle from 2020
100% agree the ER, 107 and EH Small Batch are my favorite BT line up. I can get them in Nashville fairly regularly. Not always at MSRP, but within a reasonable charge above. Had a couple pours of the BTAC and I wish I owned a couple of the. Amazing bottles.
Love everything I’ve tried from Buffalo Trace. We’re very lucky to have BT, Weller green, Blanton’s, EHT small batch, Blanton’s gold and SFTB. I would love to get my hands on Stagg Jr, Weller antique and full proof, any of the BTAC collection and PVW line
When I first started in bourbon, I bought 10 375's and tasted them all blind (Low end, of course). I wrote down my preferences and Buffalo Trace and Basil Haydens were last. Knob Creek and Wild Turkey came out in top. A good way to figure out your palate. Holds true today, but the older and higher proof BT products do really shine.
Great video. Walmart started getting solid BT allocations here this year (I got a rhf, etc) but then secret got out and now a dozen guys hang out in the parking lot all day on delivery day and it’s not worth the trouble any more.
20 years ago Weller was on the bottom shelf at a liquor store I frequented. It kind of had a reputation of a poor man's Maker's Mark. It was a heck of a buy before the crazy hype hit. Used to chat with the store owner about how good it was for the price. Crazy how things have chaged.
Great video! Can you guys do a video where you talk about bottles you would pay secondary for? Or like bottles you would be okay overpaying for? Thanks!
Awesome video, I assumed you guys had it all so it’s refreshing to hear I’m not the only one struggling to get what I want. I’ve managed to acquire a few Eagle Rare’s, Blanton’s, Stagg’s and Taylor small batch’s at retail this year in AZ. Let me know if you want to add them to your collection and maybe we can make a trade if you have something of similar value or quality that you think is worthy. I don’t have to have allocated whiskey, I just want good whiskey and there are lots of hidden gems out there.
eht barrel proof batch 12 is lights out awesome. my favorite bottle out there.. i prefer it over the last couple GTS. really enjoyed 11 as well but the batches definitely differ.
Here in Colorado I have no problem finding regular BT, Eagle Rare, or Weller SR sitting on shelves for MSRP which I’m grateful for. Just picked up my first Stagg and EH Single barrel for MSRP last weekend during a Father’s Day allocation drop at a local store, Still hunting the 107.
Great Buffalo Trace show and agree with you both. I live in Tennessee and it is hard to find and when you do they want $60 for it. Keep up the good work.
Good video. The honesty and (in some cases) not so favorable opinions toward some products is refreshing. We need to hear these kind of things, at least I like to because for those of us who’s palate typically align with one or the both of you, hearing your opinions about the older pappy and van winkle products let’s me know I shouldn’t be too concerned with trying to find one and potentially overpaying, being disappointed and regretting my purchase. We need to get back to not being hesitant to step on each others toes and stop being so scared to hurt someone’s wittle feewings. SLB! Suck it up or move on if you don’t like it.
The base Buffalo Trace and the Weller Special Reserve are available in abundance in the Calgary market at MSRP. Costco has Buffalo Trace in 1.75L bottles most of the time. I didn't realize they are tough to get there.
I just picked up the buffalo trace bourbon for $27.50. Have not tried it before because it is hard to find and I refuse over paying for it at a bar so I’ll try it soon!
I’ve been fortunate to try several of these. Not going out of my way to find them. But do like several. Our local store will put some of the antique collection in a sample machine around Christmas time. So we will go as a group, pay for a pour and hang out in the cigar lounge. Has developed into a great tradition to get together with ppl I don’t see much. And if they aren’t in the machine. There is other stuff to try that is usually stellar
Great episode guys. First off, I'm glad you're feeling better Kurt. Second, just as I have a little more respect for Trenton he leaves another bottle in the truck. In my best Gordon Ramsey voice, "Come on now!" Thank you and keep up the great work. Cheers...
I see the small batch EH Taylor available in Illinois fairly regularly but at about $80 a bottle. Single barrel is on the shelf locally at $299. Pappy 15 is definitely the best of the collection. I do think the lot B offers a unique cherry flavor profile that you don’t get with the Pappy. I do love the 15. I wouldn’t but the older age bottles. Given a choice, I would choose BTAC over Pappy. Cheers!
Good review and I concur, good enough juice but many aren't worth the crazy secondary prices. I won't chase but will consider a bottle if I win a drawing or the like. They are allocated here in Iowa. You never see them on the shelf unless it's it's a standard bottle of Buffalo Trace. Get well Curt. Cheers.
Just bought my EHT small batch for $40 then was able to grab a Weller for $30 . I’m happy , haven’t had the Weller yet but soon . In 4-5 years BT will be easier to come by . They will be bottling what’s ready in the warehouse, and it’s a lot .
Buffalo Trace is 24.99 at my Kroger. Can’t beat that! Our Big Red carries Blanton’s for 75.00. So not a terrible mark up. Great choices if you can get them for a good price!!
I just had the Weller Full Proof for the first time, I got a doughy taste with a hint of banana for some reason. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also really like the Antique 107. WSR, I can get just about anywhere around me…It’s good for the price.
Nice review; I recently attended a tasting of all BTAC offerings at the Sazerac House in Nola. Great experience and unique opportunity to taste them side by side for a reasonable price. For me the GTS edged out WLW; THH a respectable 3rd.
Buffalo Trace and Weller SR are readily available here in SE Oklahoma/NE Texas at MSRP. As of this past Saturday, one store in particular has 1 bottle of EHT Small Batch, Stagg, GTS, Blanton’s SB, Eagle Rare 10, and Weller 12. I price checked the Weller. $179. I didn’t bother asking about the others.. lol
The regionality of Buffalo Trace products is wild. I can get Buffalo Trace for $25 at the grocery store seven days a week in Phoenix. Can’t find anything else without a serious hunt. Lucked into a Blantons and Eagle Rare at MSRP in Sedona once a couple years ago. Everything else, if available, is marked up like crazy. $160-$200 for Blantons at places that have it. What sucks is I do genuinely really, really like Blantons!
I just got a small batch Taylor last week for $55. About $10 more than I wanted plus they made me buy a cheap buffalo trace product to go with it (Benchmark) but didn't mind since I have searched for a year and its the first time I found it and the Bench will be a mixer. Also found Eagle Rare for $38 about a month ago. Northern KY
There are so many other distilleries that are just as good as Buffalo Trace if not better that can be found on shelves everywhere every day for less money. People need to expand their searches since BT isn't the end all be all of bourbons.
I live in a nice suburb 45 minutes northwest of Chicago, until 10 days ago, could not find one bottle you guys talked about. Was at Walmart, found Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon for $27.99, they are out now, but Binny's now has some in stock for $29.99. Hope they bring in some other bottles from Buffalo Trace, love the Straight Bourbon, would rather pay 10 bucks more than buy the Benchmark series which is solid for the price.
Love Buffalo Trace but here in NY we have to pay double what you have to pay in IN. So as you can imagine I have bought/discovered other bourbons because of this. Thank you for your reviews it has helped me tremendously
I work in wine spirits here and we get Buffalo Trace now and then, rarely Eagle Rare and Blanton. I have never seen the others, except we got few bottles of Pappy to sell now, but having drawing for chance to buy. What about Benchmark?
I'm german and came only recently from irish whisky to bourbon. I like Eagle Rare 10; on Amazon it's available for €39.99, that's about 45,- US-Dollar. Eagle Rare 10 is the only product from BT I tried so far, but after this video I think I'll taste some others, too ...
In South La you can buy BT by the pallet It’s available pretty much anywhere Got about 6 different store picks of it I’ve acquired ER Blanton’s Weller SR and Antique at MSRP Just scored 2 Blantons the other day It’s at $69.99 now
Wellers are needles in the haystack in Oregon and I just scored my 1st Weller 107($55) on Saturday(6-2024). I cracked it but haven't tried it yet. BT $30 a liter, ER $39, and Blanton's SB $70 are the only BT bottles I've had. E.H. Taylor's are also needles in haystack here, still hunting.
I was at a restaurant last Friday and saw that they had several bottles in their bar that I had not had the opportunity to sample yet. So, I asked for a pour of the Elmer T Lee. The server was nice enough to give me the heads up on the price ($104 a pour!!) before pouring. I was shocked. I declined and opted for a pour of the Michters Toasted Barrel since I had also not tried that yet. At $30 a pour it was a more palatable price.
I was at a restaurant in Florida a couple weeks ago that wanted $75 for a pour of Yamazaki. The price of 2 pours is almost the price of a bottle in PA. Insane markups.
@@Defx10 I got lucky with my bottle of Yamazaki 12. A friend, who happens to be retired Air Force, got it for MSRP at his local PX on base and then gifted it to me. I have not tried any other expression from Yamazaki yet, but the 12 is very nice.
@@FakingANerve My thought exactly. I can only assume that they bought the bottle on secondary and wanted to recoup cost. I noticed that they also had a few Orphan Barrel bottles as well as a few other LE releases.
I don't know if this is a trend but in Georgia, Buffalo Trace (basic), Eagle Rare 10, and Wellers Special Reserve are all available at most stores. I was also able to get a Blanton's SB and Wellers FP for a small $ bump. Hopefully, this is a trend in the right direction.
Only been learning about Bourbon for last year and half. Been trying the different distillery to get mash bills and age differences. Binnys, Friar Tuck, and other stores only had the cream or white dog or super high dollar. I wanted a $30-70 range Buffalo Trace distillery to get my toes wet. Finally found Benchmark Bib and Full Proof on regular shelf for below $20. Meanwhile Trenton pulls a Blantons out of the center console of his truck. Trenton is setting the bar for Bourbon collecting.
On my wedding night, my wife and I went to a really nice steakhouse. I saw GTS at the bar, and I’ve wanted to try it for years. I ordered a 2oz pour. The manager came to my table and said it was on the house! It was, by far, the best bourbon that I’ve ever tasted. That says a lot, too.
I got a 2oz pour for $40 and did it just cause I’ve not had a chance to try it, and I agree. I’ve had a lot of good stuff. GTS was the best I ever had
$150 for small batch, eh taylor in florida, unless u find it for msrp
Yep GTS is the GOAT.
@@JR-ms4wvyou’re not trying hard enough. I see it all the time in Florida for $100 but it’s still a $45 low shelfer
@huntermcdougal5013 it ain't no low shelfer unless your pallet is garbage lmfao, but I agree it ain't worth the price it goes for most of the time anymore. But calling that low shelf is insane brother...only human being I've ever heard say that.
This is an honest review. People bash BT products like they're not good. They are. It's just the crazy secondary pricing that raises the question "is it that good?"
They're not necessarily worth MSRP to a lot of people. Couple that with the false premium on even the lowest tier products and it's really not worth the effort when there's equal or better options at the same price
I’m finding a decent amount locally at retail. Not the antiquity or the rare stuff but Taylor, Buffalo trace, and wellers.
That's exactly because of guys this who are enriching their own collections via social media on the backs of their viewers. They are nothing but shills now for retail stores and for producers of the "allocated" products. If you cannot find something excellent on the shelves at your local stores, then you don't love bourbon, you just love saying you're a "bourbon guy".
@@ANONM60D Agreed. It is about value as opposed to whether it is good or bad. It is not that it is bad, there are better choices at the same price point. In the end, it comes down to individual palettes.
Funny, I got called a man-child and told to go collect Pokemon cards yesterday by a Binny's Manager because I was interested in their BTAC lottery.... after he was telling another customer about how if the store doesn't get enough sign-ups, Corporate would reduce their allocation and send it to other stores
You should do this for all the large distilleries as a series
Yes, This 💯💯💯
Love the episode
I like Buffalo Trace products, but I'm not chasing them. I won't spend a lot of money to sit on the shelf to impress someone. I'm a Wild Turkey profile palate, but love Heaven Hill also. I'll buy available stuff at $20-$90 and enjoy them as opposed to $1K to stare at. Just my opinion. Love you're content. I'm 64 and my son is 26; I've been getting him into bourbon as a thing to do together 🥃❤️🥃
Same here. One of my local store owners always seems shocked when I have no interest in the allocated stuff. I'm always looking for good, quality bourbon to drink. I don't need high-dollar trophies sitting on my shelf, gathering dust, never to be opened.
Heaven Hill is so good! I'd buy that over Blantons everyday all day.
Get well Kurt!
I like Buffalo Trace products.
In my opinion, I will not spend more than $125 for any bourbon.
There are so many fantastic bourbons out there for under $100. REDWOOD EMPIRE, RARE BREED, MAKERS MARK, etc, etc.
I learned all my bourbon knowledge from SLB and you 2 characters!
Weller SR is easily available in Ohio for $26. Weller 107 releases every 2-3 weeks at $60 and as long as you are at a store on their drop day (most grocery stores do Saturday mornings) you'll usually get one showing up within 30 mins of open
Wow...I am jealous 😢
That's a good price. Weller green in Georgia is $35 most places and good luck finding the Red. You practically gotta perform sexual acts on the store owner to get the red
I live a hour outside of Cincy and our small town gas station gets SR and BT regularly and both are priced just below $30
"Able-to-get-it-ness" Very descriptive term. love it.
In English it’s known as availability.
Buffalo Trace 29.99; Eagle Rare 59.99; Blanton's and EH Taylor small batch 99.99; Memphis area. Thanks for the content.
Pretty accurate in the Nashville area as well.
BT $40, ER $57, EH $57 (rare) usually $90, Blantons $85 - Western New York
@@chucknorris5141Where?
If u can find those bottles at MSRP you should absolutely stock up they are very rare in other parts…Weller SR is easy to find and cheap in Oklahoma..Buffalo trace is available a couple times a year…everything else only drops on allocation sales
In Idaho the small batch is like 40$ and the blantons is 79 the Eagle rare is like 49 and the buffalo trace is the 30 range
I really enjoy anything from Buffalo Trace and will always buy them when I see them at MSRP. I have never paid over MSRP and will not do so. Plenty of other great bourbons out there for under $100.
I have given up on BT. Long, long ago Weller Special Reserve was my everyday drink and the 107 Antigue was my special occasion drink. I have moved on now, too many other readily available brands that are good. I don't need a scavenger hunt to buy bourbon.
In 2016 Eagle Rare was my favorite bourbon on the planet. But BT products getting hard to find and forcing me to explore other things may have been the best thing that happened. Outside of Stagg jr they mostly sit on the guest shelf now for others to try.
I agree with Kurt on a few things. I think there is something weird going on with their distribution. How can you be one of the largest distilleries in America and not keep any of your products on the shelves?? None of the other big distilleries have this issue….
Also, I think they could trim the fat from their lineup. There are a few products offered that have very similar proof points and ages.
I went to the distillery on a tour, and the guide flat out said it is all manufactured hype/marketing genuis. I was the only one that seemed to notice lol. Couldn't believe she said it, but I absolutely take her word on that.
I just happen to come across BT, ER and Blantons at our Class 6 on base the other day!! BT was $30, ER was $42 and Blantons was $70. I believe all three were at MSRP. I snagged some of each just because I can't find ANY Buffalo Trace products in NC.
Good for you and smart move!
What class 6? I’m at Seymour and we also received a shipment last week
@@Blackout341yep, that’s the one at Shady J. The guy said it just showed up and he didn’t know when they’d get any more.
@@kevincameron8437haven’t had any allocated bottles since December I don’t believe… it will probably be awhile until more drops I would bet.
Nice! I can't remember the last time I saw any of those in my local Class 6.
Ancient Age and Benchmark are pretty much always around our part of Indiana.
ancient ancient age is good when you can find it
Don’t forget about Traveller. The double platinum winner of the 2024 Ascot Awards is readily available. 😂😂
Run Benchmark through a britta water filter pitcher.
@@SecNotSureSirthe bottom line benchmark is rough… Full, Proof & Bonded is more enjoyable.
@@michaelwalsh5997 yeah it is.
As a Buffalo Trace fan, I really appreciate this. There are bottles I know I can't find, and I've accepted it, but I still hunt and hope. I may love their juice but I also know there are equally good things out there that I can find every day.
Great video. In NC (State-Run) BT is $32.95. Most, if not all, expressions are allocated. I agree Kurt, some expressions (Weller SR, EHT SmB, BT, & ER) should be on the shelves. When people see BT or ER, they feel obligated to purchase since they are uncommon. Each county has its own alcohol board, so there’s variability across the state. Some counties are good about ordering less common BT expressions, while most, especially Wake County (the biggest and where I live), only get BT, ER, and sometimes Blanton’s.
Also Wake co here. The problem is 2 things.
1. Wake of course gets allocated products because of its size. The board sometimes decides to reserve it for something like a grand opening or decides to allot it all to bars and restaurants.
2. For limited distribution items that are first come first served, Wake is so not on top of the ball. Look at somewhere like Youngsville and Franklinton. They both get products that Wake never/rarely sees outside of mixed bev and they’re tiny by comparison. It’s because they have employees that are taught what to order and to order it asap.
Those assholes charged me $37.
Terrific video guys ! I agree on the difficulty to find issue. I'm in Illinois near St. Louis. Regular Buffalo Trace is a bugger to find here; cross the river and it's easy to find.
I was in Arizona earlier this year and a grocery store had literally CASES of BT on the floor. CASES.
i just got a bottle at walmart. i had no idea it was hard to find for some folks. ive never bought it before though
@@SubieNinja it's the weirdest thing!
One of the best videos on BT I've seen. I've had a lot of their offerings and I totally agree, the antique collection and Eagle Rare is the best for the buck at MSRP. I get a fare amount of BT 90 proof for $29 and it makes an OK Old Fashioned. Not going to encouraging the secondary market to keep overpricing good bourbon and rye. Great review. Thanks.
Another great review guys, I’m fortunate enough to be living in Vermont and everything goes for msrp so I get ER for 37 and Stagg for 59 Cheers fellas 🥃
I started tasting Bourbon thanks to your videos. I love each one and value your opinions. Here in Cali we have those huge Buffalo Trace bottles for cheap in the liquor stores. In my town I know of one place that has all those Weller bottles, another that has all the Old Rip bottles, and between 4 local stores I saw (2) STAGG jr. bottles always at the top shelf always $150+. I find it really annoying how expensive this whiskey is and how they artificially limit supply to keep the prices going up. I would like to pay MSRP for these bottles. The pricing on all bourbon has made me question what I actually want to buy apart from Elijah Craig cask strength and Rare Breed which are consistently good.
Totally agreed with Kurt and it gets my goat even more!!! Good review, I do love ER 10 and Antq. 107 a lot! I m trying to find the ER 17 by the pour in a restaurant...it's $1,889. online....no way, I'm retired!
Don’t mean to chime in again but speaking of “HardTruth” this Indiana product is stellar. Especially like the 100 proof “wheated bourbon.
I've had all of them other than the BTACs and the VWs :( and agree with the sentiment - that they're all good and some are great but none are worth the price in the secondary market. Like Kurt & Trent, I also gravitate towards the Antique 107 as my favourite among these. I will say that the occasional BT store pick I've been able to find have also been winners.
I love honest reviews like this one - can always trust SLB for the straight goods.
Another solid video. I really appreciate your refreshingly honest and straight forward opinions. In my part of CA, I can find standard BT everywhere for mid $20s, even Costco carries it. I recently rolled the dice on a store pick BT for $30. But when it comes to Eagle Rare the story is very different. It is very hard to find and goes for $50-$80/btl. I find it to be OK but not really worth the money, same with Blantons tbh. For the price, there are any number of other whiskeys I'd rather drink than ER; OF1920, 1792 FP, Wilderness Trail, Knob Creek SB, Michter's American, Rare Breed, etc. The higher end BT offerings can be found from time to time but are generally behind the counter and priced over SRP. I look forward to someday getting a pour of any of the BTACs.
Great video overall. Would you be able to offer your thoughts on any of the variations of Old Charter Oak like the French Oak or Spanish Oak? They are also rare, hard-to-come-by BT products.
Nice review! Get well! My local Sam’s Club has Buffalo Trace 24.00 and Sazarac Rye for 22.00 no limit and occasionally Eagle Rare for 30.00. Costco sells the 1L BT for 28.00 I can usually get EH Taylor small batch for 60.00 Weller SR 40.00
9:00 EHT Small Batch was about $45 in SoCal until recently it's gone up to $50-55. BevMo has it around $65. Costco was $34 till recently bumped up to $44. Not terribly difficult to find if you know which stores get them, which tends to be about once a month
The area you live in makes a big difference. I am in Northeast Florida. Buffalo Trace is pretty abundant here. Not allocated. $27 a bottle. Just north in Georgia Eagle Rare is pretty abundant, but marked up $10 at $49. The rest of the lineup is hit and miss. But many places get a few bottles here and there and don’t mark them up. Stagg is also my favorite. Really like the channel. Keep up the good work
Well said! The criticisms and opinions are fully supported.
In my area, 10ish years ago, Buffalo Trace first showed up at $13 per 750ml. I got half a dozen bottles before it jumped to $23.99. Its been $37 for 3 years if you're lucky enough to find it
My wife and I were finally at Buffalo Trace when they had Eagle Rare. Got 2 bottles for $40 each.
I think all the Buffalo Trace products are great at MSRP. Overpaying is on you. Agree with you about frustration with their availability though. I'd by Stagg everyday if it was available. Also hope that you feel better soon!
Stagg/Stagg Jr is so good.. that is the one I wish I could find... just once a year would be fine... but nah... they make it impossible to keep up the aura
I agree with you guys. Here in Austin Texas we can find those 3 pretty regularly for retail, Eagle Rare can be hit or miss but I can find Buffalo Trace and Green Wellers for retail if I stop by 2-3 stores.
Building my bottle collection, started with ER, Blanton’s gold and EH Taylor 🍻
I just got EH Taylor Small Batch for $49.95 in North Carolina. I have a Weller Single Barrell $53.95, three Buffalo Trace $32.95, four Eagle Rare $44.95, and Blanton's $69.95.
Where at in NC?
Same question from me as well. I’m in SC
@@Kaaron81 Most of it was Durham county. The Weller was an Orange county lottery.
@@MrUwphotography makes sense. I am in Asheville and we don’t get any of that stuff here
Isn’t Asheville dry ?
Speaking of Buffalo Trace, that Blantons SFB on the bar behind you has been sitting at this level intact for months :D
Surprised Trenton pulled the Gold from the center console instead of just getting the SFTB down!
Only thing I've had with more straight heat than the 1792 Full Proof
exactly
@@Boo_Yeah exactly. He called it a council though 😂
I've gotten a blantons and EHT small batch for One hundred ea from Springfield, IL. An Eagle Rare from up by Chicago for around ninty. Special Reserve in my hometown for seventy and reg Buffalo trace for around thirty five. Have seen an weller Antique for one thirty but didn't purchase. I enjoy BT but agree products are highly inflated and hard to come by at times unless you want to spend secondary pricing +. Enjoyed the video thanks SLB.
Thank you for this appraisal. I have never tried a Pappy Van Winkle and would like to, but I am not paying that much just for my curiosity. It is the movie star, but I can't afford to date one of those either. There are plenty of whiskeys in the $30 to $60 range that I enjoy drinking. My one bottle of Eagle Rare 10 year was really good.
I was waiting for the Pappy, I worked at a store, old rip was $800 we paid $40!!! The 12 was $1100..we paid $70..I never tried any of them but your take on them follows suit with what I have been told. My boss has the entire collection at least 5 of each. A great nest egg but thats about it...
Nice review.....and I would agree with every take.....personally, I think the Rock Hill Farms is on a par with the Stagg antique collection. Thanks again for the time to produce this show.
E.H. Taylor small batch at a mom and pop shop $75 in CC, Texas. bought one to try it fell in love bought another to have as a back up! Love the small batch
Good honest video, and it makes me feel ok to see that I have a pretty good stable of BT products, so that helps keep everything in perspective, enjoying an Eagle Rare 10 while this one played,
I paid $120 for an EH Taylor Small Batch here in California. Right after I bought that first bottle for $120, I picked up another for $80. You guys made me open my Antique 107 tonight!!
Here in South Jersey -
Buffalo Trace -
Thanks for talking about gaps state to state and store to store. In Virginia we have the ABC system. There are differences store to store (especially if you check websites, know where something is, and ask for it in the shop from the stash out back), but head across state lines and things get better. In Maryland, vendors have a wider selection. Knob Creek 12 is allocated in Virginia; you can find it on the shelf in Maryland on the way to Baltimore. Willing to go an extra hour for Booker's Springfield Batch? Forget finding that in VA, but it seems to be regularly available in New Jersey. Still, there seems to be no solution to the BT shortage.
Picked up an EHT small batch for $53 yesterday. West Texas.
EH Small Batch in central Texas is around 55 bucks if available. Got a EH Single Barrel a few weeks ago for 75. Buffalo Trace is around 25-30 depending on the store.
Love the channel guys. I got the 24A about a month ago for 54 bucks. In AZ. Not at Walmart 😊
You guys got me into bourbon, hunted the blantons for 3 months. I finally found it, it was $100, plus I had to spend an extra $100 just to be able to buy it. Wasn't a fan. 1yr later still have 3/4 of it. Eagle rare 10yr is my favorite, never see it for msrp and it's usually $60-$80.. I've seen it for $90 but wouldn't spend that much on it.
I personally like that yall don’t focus too much on BT. Love that yall show some love to other amazing whiskies out there!
Here in northwest Florida we can get regular buffalo trace here from time to time at around 25 to 29 a bottle. When I go back to home to western Kentucky most stores have big displays of it for double the price I pay in Florida. Weird since they are about 4 hours from the distillery.
Completely agree with Kurt’s take. I believe that things are being done to increase production to some degree, but I think Buffalo Trace has also taken a page out of a company like Rolex’s playbook. Manufactured scarcity to keep demand high. In BT’s defense though, a large part of this is most definitely distribution creating scarcity as well though. In NC we have state controlled stores, and sometimes older bottles will randomly pop into the store out of nowhere, which means someone was holding them. It’s June 2024 and just the other day we got a shipment of Elijah Craig BP C920…..which is a bottle from 2020
100% agree the ER, 107 and EH Small Batch are my favorite BT line up. I can get them in Nashville fairly regularly. Not always at MSRP, but within a reasonable charge above. Had a couple pours of the BTAC and I wish I owned a couple of the. Amazing bottles.
Love everything I’ve tried from Buffalo Trace. We’re very lucky to have BT, Weller green, Blanton’s, EHT small batch, Blanton’s gold and SFTB. I would love to get my hands on Stagg Jr, Weller antique and full proof, any of the BTAC collection and PVW line
When I first started in bourbon, I bought 10 375's and tasted them all blind (Low end, of course). I wrote down my preferences and Buffalo Trace and Basil Haydens were last. Knob Creek and Wild Turkey came out in top. A good way to figure out your palate. Holds true today, but the older and higher proof BT products do really shine.
Great video. Walmart started getting solid BT allocations here this year (I got a rhf, etc) but then secret got out and now a dozen guys hang out in the parking lot all day on delivery day and it’s not worth the trouble any more.
20 years ago Weller was on the bottom shelf at a liquor store I frequented. It kind of had a reputation of a poor man's Maker's Mark. It was a heck of a buy before the crazy hype hit. Used to chat with the store owner about how good it was for the price. Crazy how things have chaged.
Great video! Can you guys do a video where you talk about bottles you would pay secondary for? Or like bottles you would be okay overpaying for? Thanks!
Awesome video, I assumed you guys had it all so it’s refreshing to hear I’m not the only one struggling to get what I want. I’ve managed to acquire a few Eagle Rare’s, Blanton’s, Stagg’s and Taylor small batch’s at retail this year in AZ. Let me know if you want to add them to your collection and maybe we can make a trade if you have something of similar value or quality that you think is worthy. I don’t have to have allocated whiskey, I just want good whiskey and there are lots of hidden gems out there.
9:15 KCMO EH SB goes for 120 normally on secondary
i just got a bottle of Blanton's a couple of weeks ago for $80. I think it's good but there are other bourbons that I like more for less $$, TonyB
eht barrel proof batch 12 is lights out awesome. my favorite bottle out there.. i prefer it over the last couple GTS. really enjoyed 11 as well but the batches definitely differ.
I loved ER17 and WLW. Best 2 pours I've had the opportunity to try.
Here in Colorado I have no problem finding regular BT, Eagle Rare, or Weller SR sitting on shelves for MSRP which I’m grateful for. Just picked up my first Stagg and EH Single barrel for MSRP last weekend during a Father’s Day allocation drop at a local store, Still hunting the 107.
Great Buffalo Trace show and agree with you both. I live in Tennessee and it is hard to find and when you do they want $60 for it. Keep up the good work.
Good video. The honesty and (in some cases) not so favorable opinions toward some products is refreshing. We need to hear these kind of things, at least I like to because for those of us who’s palate typically align with one or the both of you, hearing your opinions about the older pappy and van winkle products let’s me know I shouldn’t be too concerned with trying to find one and potentially overpaying, being disappointed and regretting my purchase. We need to get back to not being hesitant to step on each others toes and stop being so scared to hurt someone’s wittle feewings. SLB! Suck it up or move on if you don’t like it.
The base Buffalo Trace and the Weller Special Reserve are available in abundance in the Calgary market at MSRP. Costco has Buffalo Trace in 1.75L bottles most of the time. I didn't realize they are tough to get there.
I just picked up the buffalo trace bourbon for $27.50. Have not tried it before because it is hard to find and I refuse over paying for it at a bar so I’ll try it soon!
I’ve been fortunate to try several of these. Not going out of my way to find them. But do like several. Our local store will put some of the antique collection in a sample machine around Christmas time. So we will go as a group, pay for a pour and hang out in the cigar lounge. Has developed into a great tradition to get together with ppl I don’t see much. And if they aren’t in the machine. There is other stuff to try that is usually stellar
Great job as always guys, Kurt - preach brother! Could not have said it better with regards to Buffalo Trace availability.
Great episode guys. First off, I'm glad you're feeling better Kurt. Second, just as I have a little more respect for Trenton he leaves another bottle in the truck. In my best Gordon Ramsey voice, "Come on now!" Thank you and keep up the great work. Cheers...
I see the small batch EH Taylor available in Illinois fairly regularly but at about $80 a bottle. Single barrel is on the shelf locally at $299. Pappy 15 is definitely the best of the collection. I do think the lot B offers a unique cherry flavor profile that you don’t get with the Pappy. I do love the 15. I wouldn’t but the older age bottles. Given a choice, I would choose BTAC over Pappy. Cheers!
Just scored an antique 107 store pick in a small lottery in Anderson. Was super pumped and it was delicious
Happy for you!
That Weller Antique 107 is fabulous.
I'm still trying to get my first EH Taylor SiB.
Really appreciate your perspective on these. Where I am in CT they are pretty much unobtanium or really expensive or both.
Went crazy one day and saw an Elmer T for $175, I bought it and half way through the bottle I love it....
Good review and I concur, good enough juice but many aren't worth the crazy secondary prices. I won't chase but will consider a bottle if I win a drawing or the like. They are allocated here in Iowa. You never see them on the shelf unless it's it's a standard bottle of Buffalo Trace. Get well Curt. Cheers.
Just bought my EHT small batch for $40 then was able to grab a Weller for $30 . I’m happy , haven’t had the Weller yet but soon . In 4-5 years BT will be easier to come by . They will be bottling what’s ready in the warehouse, and it’s a lot .
I like Buffalo Trace. My local family owned store always has it $35.
The store I go to has it about half the time at $35, limit one.
Can’t find it anywhere ever around here
@@bud1lite Bummer.
Buffalo Trace is 24.99 at my Kroger. Can’t beat that! Our Big Red carries Blanton’s for 75.00. So not a terrible mark up. Great choices if you can get them for a good price!!
Msrp on blantons was recently raised to 80
I just had the Weller Full Proof for the first time, I got a doughy taste with a hint of banana for some reason. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also really like the Antique 107. WSR, I can get just about anywhere around me…It’s good for the price.
Nice review; I recently attended a tasting of all BTAC offerings at the Sazerac House in Nola. Great experience and unique opportunity to taste them side by side for a reasonable price. For me the GTS edged out WLW; THH a respectable 3rd.
On Maine, Buffalo Trace regular is everywhere for msrp. Every other BF product is hens teeth, and only available on lotteries or special holidays
Buffalo Trace and Weller SR are readily available here in SE Oklahoma/NE Texas at MSRP. As of this past Saturday, one store in particular has 1 bottle of EHT Small Batch, Stagg, GTS, Blanton’s SB, Eagle Rare 10, and Weller 12. I price checked the Weller. $179. I didn’t bother asking about the others.. lol
The regionality of Buffalo Trace products is wild. I can get Buffalo Trace for $25 at the grocery store seven days a week in Phoenix. Can’t find anything else without a serious hunt. Lucked into a Blantons and Eagle Rare at MSRP in Sedona once a couple years ago. Everything else, if available, is marked up like crazy. $160-$200 for Blantons at places that have it. What sucks is I do genuinely really, really like Blantons!
I just got a small batch Taylor last week for $55. About $10 more than I wanted plus they made me buy a cheap buffalo trace product to go with it (Benchmark) but didn't mind since I have searched for a year and its the first time I found it and the Bench will be a mixer. Also found Eagle Rare for $38 about a month ago. Northern KY
Great video. I think with the expansion they have completed in the next 4-6 years theres going to be a lot of buffalo trace on the shelves everywhere
There are so many other distilleries that are just as good as Buffalo Trace if not better that can be found on shelves everywhere every day for less money. People need to expand their searches since BT isn't the end all be all of bourbons.
Stagg jr is probably the bottle I have been looking for the longest. Hope to try it and and get to buy it some day.
Have you done a sagamore collection video yet?
I live in a nice suburb 45 minutes northwest of Chicago, until 10 days ago, could not find one bottle you guys talked about. Was at Walmart, found Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon for $27.99, they are out now, but Binny's now has some in stock for $29.99. Hope they bring in some other bottles from Buffalo Trace, love the Straight Bourbon, would rather pay 10 bucks more than buy the Benchmark series which is solid for the price.
Love Buffalo Trace but here in NY we have to pay double what you have to pay in IN. So as you can imagine I have bought/discovered other bourbons because of this. Thank you for your reviews it has helped me tremendously
I work in wine spirits here and we get Buffalo Trace now and then, rarely Eagle Rare and Blanton. I have never seen the others, except we got few bottles of Pappy to sell now, but having drawing for chance to buy. What about Benchmark?
I'm german and came only recently from irish whisky to bourbon. I like Eagle Rare 10; on Amazon it's available for €39.99, that's about 45,- US-Dollar. Eagle Rare 10 is the only product from BT I tried so far, but after this video I think I'll taste some others, too ...
In South La you can buy BT by the pallet It’s available pretty much anywhere Got about 6 different store picks of it I’ve acquired ER Blanton’s Weller SR and Antique at MSRP Just scored 2 Blantons the other day It’s at $69.99 now
My local store here in CT sells BT for $38 b4 tax, the bigger store sells for $50 b4 tax.
Wellers are needles in the haystack in Oregon and I just scored my 1st Weller 107($55) on Saturday(6-2024). I cracked it but haven't tried it yet. BT $30 a liter, ER $39, and Blanton's SB $70 are the only BT bottles I've had. E.H. Taylor's are also needles in haystack here, still hunting.
I was at a restaurant last Friday and saw that they had several bottles in their bar that I had not had the opportunity to sample yet. So, I asked for a pour of the Elmer T Lee. The server was nice enough to give me the heads up on the price ($104 a pour!!) before pouring. I was shocked. I declined and opted for a pour of the Michters Toasted Barrel since I had also not tried that yet. At $30 a pour it was a more palatable price.
I was at a restaurant in Florida a couple weeks ago that wanted $75 for a pour of Yamazaki. The price of 2 pours is almost the price of a bottle in PA. Insane markups.
@@Defx10 I got lucky with my bottle of Yamazaki 12. A friend, who happens to be retired Air Force, got it for MSRP at his local PX on base and then gifted it to me. I have not tried any other expression from Yamazaki yet, but the 12 is very nice.
$104/pour from a bottle with an MSRP of $44.99. That's disgusting - glad he warned you.
@@FakingANerve My thought exactly. I can only assume that they bought the bottle on secondary and wanted to recoup cost. I noticed that they also had a few Orphan Barrel bottles as well as a few other LE releases.
I don't know if this is a trend but in Georgia, Buffalo Trace (basic), Eagle Rare 10, and Wellers Special Reserve are all available at most stores. I was also able to get a Blanton's SB and Wellers FP for a small $ bump. Hopefully, this is a trend in the right direction.
Only been learning about Bourbon for last year and half. Been trying the different distillery to get mash bills and age differences. Binnys, Friar Tuck, and other stores only had the cream or white dog or super high dollar. I wanted a $30-70 range Buffalo Trace distillery to get my toes wet. Finally found Benchmark Bib and Full Proof on regular shelf for below $20. Meanwhile Trenton pulls a Blantons out of the center console of his truck. Trenton is setting the bar for Bourbon collecting.