There are so many great bottles in the $20-$30 range. You picked some good ones for sure. For my one that you didn't include, I'd vote for Elijah Craig. It's been my daily sipper and mixer for years. Always come back to it.I do miss the 12 year bottle though! Old Forester 100 sometimes makes it into my daily rotation. I always get strong banana bread note. Been enjoying Old Grandad BIB lately as well. Then there is Knob Creek and Four Roses SB...like I said, so many good choices in the $20 range. Cheers!
I found 7 bottles of the discontinued Red 12 in a back whisky room at my local market here in Cambodia in 2020....I bought them all..I drank 1... I know where I can buy a few more. They have a neck tag that has a copyright date 2009 and they took the Red 12 off in 2015...So, mine are 2009-2014... The goofy store had the new release small batch out in the front of the store with all their other bourbons....both were $40us no added tax. The only whiskey on the top 5 I can get for the price range is good ol Wild Turkey 101....it goes for $24us/liter here no added tax...a bargain... 2 liters of 101 are $1 less than a 750ml of eagle rare...buffalo trace is $38us.. I have switched to scotch.. But, it is time to crack open another Elijah Craig 12 very soon! Cheers
Larceny Straight Bourbon 92 Proof, is my pick to add to the list. I've gotta say that your 5 choices are great. I dig them all but I can't always find Old Grand Dad 114 in my area.
I agree, Larcency is a better and more complex and better tasting wheated bourbon than MM. Also Larceny ix my secret sauce for blending, add a little Larcenny to any harse tasting bourbon and you'll be amazed at the taste transformation.
Please not so loud. If others dash out to purchase this somewhat hidden gem there will be less on the shelf for you and I to purchase. That and a possible price hike is also a possibility. Early Times BIB is the absolute best value in 100 proof Bourbon.
The reason Early Times BIB got so scarce is because Brown-Forman sold the brand to Sazerac. The old bottle (Black plastic cap) had juice from the Early Times distillery and the Brown-Forman distillery. The new bottle (Crimped aluminium cap) still has the ET juice but replaces the B-F stuff with Barton distillate. Don't believe me? The distilleries are nicely listed on the back label of both bottles. I've tasted them side by side and like the old bottle better.
My 6th choice would be Early Times BIB. Great brown sugar and vanilla notes. I have made many a cocktail with it and they all come out awesome. A lot of the cocktails I have used were from your channel. I just recently picked up an Old Grand Dad 114 for $29 at my local store. It also makes a great Old Fashion with it's bold flavor profile.
Depending where you're at, Evan Williams SB might be in the 20's. Larceny over MM for me. Buffalo Trace is impossible to find in both PA and OH right now. OGD 114 has limited availability in PA too and sits in the $30 range. I pick some up every time I go to OH. The bonded is pretty solid too. I just finished a bottle a few weeks ago.
EW Single Barrel is awesome stuff; it used to be ~$22 here in the upper midwest, but is now just over $30 most places (because lots of other folks found out how underrated it is).
Great list. All good choices. Especially the WT101. I would add Early Time BiB and Evan Williams 1783. Both are sub $20 even here in high priced Oregon.
Great list!! Trent, your camera work/editing has become top notch. But look at DADDY SMOOTH in front of the camera. Your contents guys has always been one of the best on TH-cam but your overall video production is the best. Looking forward to opening a bottle with you guys one day in the future. CHEERS!
Great choices! My vote for the 6th bottle is Jim Beam Double Oak - it's got that unmistakable Beam flavor profile, which isn't necessarily my favorite, but the double oaking really smooths and mellows it out enough to be pretty enjoyable.
I don't care much for Beam and I've tried several, however I did try the Beam Dbl Oak and it was....decent. However, in my homemade lemonade and mint concoction, it really shined so...a new choice in my cabinet.
I always like your choices. I've added Russell Reserve 10 year to the collections thanks to you. We currently have Wild Turkey 101, Buffalo Trace and Makers Mark in our bar. One that you did not include that we love is Elijah Craig Small Batch. Thanks!
Coopers Craft is another great choice at that $20 price point, clean and not harsh. It's my go to for introducing folks! Also Four Roses is a great option
Here in VA it's just a walk in and grab bottle, I hate that you can't get it. Once you find it it'll be worth the $20 bill you spend on it. Good hunting!
At 2:00 minute in I am already wound up. This will be so much fun. You guys are absolutly killing it Kurt. The idea's you are all coming up with are great. You watch how fast this channel blows up. Very recently you were excited about hitting 10,000 subs and look at those number now. Hey I have to share this. My wife usually has no interest what so ever in TH-cam video's becasue when she sits, she likes to read. Your channel however is one she likes to watch with me because you clearly have a nice family there with you, and these videos are more like a conversation. This weekend when you go live she is hanging out with us!!!!...lol
Heyyy I love it! Appreciate you Mrs Greenpea! The success of this channel is directly due to great folks like you! Love the interaction we have in the comments! Truth, I have learned so much myself from so many wonderful people! Love our community and you sir have helped get it going from the ground up! Much love and appreciation to you and your wife!
My pick for the 6th bottle is Evan Williams BIB. Great episode! Kudos to the camera man for a perfectly level shot. It occurred to me as I was watching while sipping the Old Forrester 100 how perfectly framed the shot was!
I love learning about good affordable bourbons to try. My brother-in-law shared a Weller 12 year with me (over $150 back then) and yes, it was VERY good. But I would rather have 8 bottles of a very good $20 bourbon than 1 bottle of a great bourbon. Unless I were dying, then maybe I would splurge.
I picked up the Benchmark lineup this Fall, they are all really good for the price. I think I paid $17 for Top floor. New to the Bourbon would and love your channel...
This is a pretty rock solid list. I agree completely on Turkey 101! I would personally of swapped the Maker's for Bulleit, but on point I think. It's funny, I'm not a fan of Maker's, but I LOVE the 46, I think Jack Daniels tastes like you poured whiskey through the bottom of your grill and drank it, but I love Gentleman Jack. (not all charcoal filters are the same) 😎🥃
I love this idea! great video as always guys! i’d like to add the good ol’ elijah craig. i think it has a lot of depth for the money, and often times is overlooked!
From what I've tried so far you had a few of my favorites picked already so I definitely can't knock your selection. Those are probably some of the best bottles for $20. I love that you have Old Grand Dad 114 up there but you also can't go wrong with Old Grand Dad Bottled and Bonded for sure as well. Also, congrats on hitting 40k subscribers. That is awesome!
Weller Special Reserve is my vote 100%. Was able to find a bottle for 23 dollars here in NE Ohio last week. Has a lot of that Buffalo Trace character as one would expect but with the flavor profiles of a wheated bourbon. Great bottle.
@@damonmiller9513 I found it here in Nashville area for $35 (one bottle only per person on the day it comes in and then it's gone). I checked at liquor store next to my house and he had it and said $99. 😳 For $35, it's nice to have a bottle, but the fact that another store in town was selling it for $99!!! Crazy. Maybe a road trip to Austin, TX to pick up a chunk of goodies is due.
Evan Williams 1783 - even in the state of New Jersey- $20 to $24 as the sixth. Kurt nailed all 5 picks.. Add about $7 to $10 for each pick in NJ. Why taxes!!! Looking forward to live stream. Thank you. Cheers!
Early Times BIB for sure! Great lineup 👏 Only issue, which you addressed is the Buffalo Trace which is difficult to get and now in the $40 to even $60 range when you can. Ridiculous "Normal" price was still $30 - $35 for the last few years
That sound like one of the few bourbons we have good availability at a good price in the UK as we can get Buffalo Trace for £19 and Eagle Rare for £30 on sale
Not sure how and why bourbon pricing differs so much. I honestly just bought 2 bottles a couple weeks ago for 23 bucks. One we are giving away on Fridays live show!
All great choices! Thank you for all the detailed information. I'd like to recommend Larceny as another good choice. Normally can get for around $24-26.
Some great choices! I have been looking at Old Forester since subscribing to your channel, and I’m going to give it a try. Your reviews have been spot on and opened my bar up to some new bourbons. Thanks!
It was weird because for a couple months it was almost impossible to find up here as well but we are seeing it quite often now. Hopefully will be the same for you!
Hey Curt,, I went to total wine yesterday, and because of your video, I remembered you talking about Old Grandad 114, I bought it for $19.95 !!! WoW, u were absolutely right on; it is wonderful, no better anywhere for less than 20 bucks ! Thank you, Gary
Those are five excellent choices ... kudos! For my "6th", I would nominate Early Times Bottled in Bond. $25 for a 1L bottle (so sub $20 at a standard 750ml). I think it'll give these five a run for their money! Looking forward to the taste off!
Cooper’s Craft 100 is $29.95 in Oregon and is an absolute AMAZING bourbon for the money! I just bought it about 2 weeks ago after eyeballing it the past few months and am blown away! I LOVE IT!
Kurt, this may be my favorite GOBBB session so far. As tough as times are, with viruses and inflation raging, the knowledge that bourbons of this quality are available for not much more than a Jackson is comforting. And inebriating. As for my nominee for the ringer in your taste test, I've been way into MGP bourbon for the past year or two. At this price point, I'd nominate Redemption, which offers MGP juice at your choice of their 21% or 36% high rye mashbills. Not aged for heaven and a day, but priced at around 25 bucks and IMO delicious.
I have to say, that is a mighty solid list, Kurt and Trenton. Buffalo Trace and WT101 are my favorite in that price range. The only other bourbon I would consider adding to that list is Eagle Rare. It isn’t in the $20 range in Michigan, but maybe it is in NW Indiana. Cheer! You guys do a great job.
Excellent review and every one of these is right on the mark. WT 101 is superior for $20 bucks and sips like a $50 bottle BT is right there with WT 101. I've yet to try the EW but its on my list.
Elijah Craig is definitely on my list. I'd put it at the top for sure ,wait...the price is higher than 20 ...crap...ok. Very Old Barton. It retails about 14 clams and it's fab. I would put it up against the Old Forester 100. Very Old Barton comes in 80 and 100 proof respectively. They make 1792 ,which is about 30 bucks, also a great drink.
Wasnt going to post as I figured EW BIB would swamp the votes but I agree VOB is it for me. OF, you have to like the menthal medicinal taste and with VOB its the hint of banana bread.
I didn't know Jim beam had a double oaked. I wonder how it compares to Woodford reserve double oaked, that's the best finished bourbon I have found and the sweetest.
Haven’t had the chance to try it yet myself, but I’ve heard great things about Redemption High Rye. Although, I’m a Blanton’s kinda guy for sipping and Benchmark for mixing, and typically prefer wheated to rye. So idk how I’ll feel about it, but that’s why you should include it! Hahah cheers. Keep up the great work!!
I personally enjoy Redemption High Rye Bourbon quite a bit, but looking at Benchmark and Blanton's as your usual favorites, I'm not sure how much you would like it. Those are both known to be pretty "smooth" whiskies, and high rye MGP bourbon (what's in Redemption) is more about flavor than smoothness. I especially like the Redemption High Rye Bourbon single barrel store picks, but they are not in this price range. Blanton's is also a high rye bourbon.
“Old Grand-Dad…not your grandma’s bourbon!” Haha, loved that line. I can’t disagree with any of those, but I got Elijah Craig for $25 at Cosco this weekend! So I’d have to include it in my top 5 here. But since it’s usually not $25, I’d go with Bulliet or Four Roses as my “under $25 must try”.
Great list. I throw in another vote for Evan Williams BIB or Single Barrel. I get the single barrel here for about 25 bucks and that's in the land of insane booze taxes.
I wish you guys would not raise the flag for EW BIB! Ha! Next thing you know it’ll be impossible to find like Buffalo Trace and they’ll jack the price to $40. I discovered BT many years ago when it was $23 and you could buy as many bottles as you wanted. Now nearly impossible to find in the Baltimore area.
@@georgefoster6380 I hear ya. Same thing happened with me and BT. Haven't seen a bottle in quite a while now. I always shudder when I see any affordable bourbon getting good reviews on here.
@@thesouthernsipper8401 EW BIB to me is a close second to BT. I’m concerned because EW BIB is starting to be not there in my fav liquor store. I bought 2 bottles this week in anticipation that it might get scarce. Thinking of ordering a case now while “the gettin is good” !
@@thesouthernsipper8401 Although I did score a bottle of BT last week . She said it was their last bottle. Whatever that means. Now we need to find a comparable EW BIB. Suggestions?
the pricing in PA is bad? usually amongst the lowest i find in my travels. its state controlled so its always pretty low. i love getting $500+ whiskey for $100.😁
Please tell me where you're finding these $500 bottles for $100? I live in PA and I've never seen this. Not even in our PREMIUM COLLECTION stores. The Old Forester from this video is $30 here. Wild Turkey 101 is $25. The prices are consistently around MSRP. The problem isn't the pricing. It's the availability. I can't even get Old Grand Dad 114 in PA right now. With no competition, there's no need find unique bottles to attract customers to a particular store. You get what the PLCB bureaucrat picks. The other "issue" is the cost you don't see. Folks can come to PA and take advantage of the pricing while those of us who live here pay the "hidden cost". The stores are state run. Which means that they are also taxpayer funded. They make money from sales but we're paying taxes for the prices we enjoy.
@@oldmantwofour5561 join the email list on the website. i just put in for the pappy lottery, 10year for 89.99. last year i got george t stagg for 110 from the lottery
I like Even William's 1783, & Old grandad bib. I've heard a lot about Early time's bib on you tube, but I live in West Texas, & I've had no luck finding it.
Like them all. WT 101 is my daily driver, my go-to bourbon. Buffalo Trace is a bit hard for me to get here in PA. All five are perfect in their various ways.
I’ve always felt that JTS Brown was one of the most underrated bottles around. Always enjoyable. Brown sugar, vanilla, oak. You can’t beat it for the price point. I always have a bottle on hand. Great lineup and awesome review!
Elijah Craig is still affordable in upstate NY and gets my vote . Buffalo Trace used to be my daily sipper but has become incredibly scarce. & when you can find it here you're looking at $44 bux a bottle!!!
If you want another great wheated bourbon, McFarlane's Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon is an excellent choice for $20. I actually prefer it to Maker's.
I am going to pretend that I didn't notice the $4 jump just a few days ago at Total Wine. The last 3 bottles of Knob Creek I got were $22.99. Before Washington's grab-your-ankles tax.
Great choices! I think Evan Williams 1783 small batch is worthy of the list. At around $19 a bottle, it’s a great value !
That one is in my house all the time now. Nothing crazy, just good!
I agree Evan Williams 1783 needs to be included.
Great pick! I just tried that a couple months ago, and it's excellent, especially for the price.
@nickbonvino got you down! Thank you!
@glengrandstaff appreciate your input !
For cheaper bottles Evan Williams BiB gets my vote, Knob Creek is also up there.
Absolutely, will always have that bottle.
Evan Williams BiB is a steal at the price point they sell it at. It's worth it at twice the price.
Thank you!
Agree with you on the Evan Williams BiB, but I suspect it wasn't included because it's quite a bit less than $20. Maybe that's the next show?
I would also like to see Evan Williams BiB in the blind taste test.
Looking forward to trying some of these picks. I think Four Roses could easily be on this list at $19-20.
Yes!
We can get Four Roses Small Batch for just under £30 here in the UK so I would go for that
Got ya down!
Four Roses is pretty solid
Four me four roses for sipping neat or on the rocks but I prefer spicer burbons in my new fashioned.
Four roses gets the vote for me. Bought it for mixing and didn't expect much. But I was pleasantly surprised with its versatility.
Appreciate it!
There are so many great bottles in the $20-$30 range. You picked some good ones for sure. For my one that you didn't include, I'd vote for Elijah Craig. It's been my daily sipper and mixer for years. Always come back to it.I do miss the 12 year bottle though! Old Forester 100 sometimes makes it into my daily rotation. I always get strong banana bread note. Been enjoying Old Grandad BIB lately as well. Then there is Knob Creek and Four Roses SB...like I said, so many good choices in the $20 range. Cheers!
I found 7 bottles of the discontinued Red 12 in a back whisky room at my local market here in Cambodia in 2020....I bought them all..I drank 1...
I know where I can buy a few more. They have a neck tag that has a copyright date 2009 and they took the Red 12 off in 2015...So, mine are 2009-2014...
The goofy store had the new release small batch out in the front of the store with all their other bourbons....both were $40us no added tax.
The only whiskey on the top 5 I can get for the price range is good ol Wild Turkey 101....it goes for $24us/liter here no added tax...a bargain...
2 liters of 101 are $1 less than a 750ml of eagle rare...buffalo trace is $38us..
I have switched to scotch..
But, it is time to crack open another Elijah Craig 12 very soon!
Cheers
@@jeffmill999 That's amazing! Enjoy those Red 12s!
@@badgerjeff6081 I can prove it on my goofy youtube channel if you watch my whisky collection video..you will see them..Cheers Jeff
Like the pick Jeff! Didn't consider that one since it's over $30 here in PA now, but it's excellent!
Wild Turkey 101 but the rye 😉 Nothing weing with a little sweetness. Makes a good old fashioned.
Definitely Evan Williams. No mixers No cola No ice just great straight sipping Whiskey!!!!!!
Love it!
Larceny Straight Bourbon 92 Proof, is my pick to add to the list. I've gotta say that your 5 choices are great. I dig them all but I can't always find Old Grand Dad 114 in my area.
I agree, Larcency is a better and more complex and better tasting wheated bourbon than MM. Also Larceny ix my secret sauce for blending, add a little Larcenny to any harse tasting bourbon and you'll be amazed at the taste transformation.
Appreciate your pick!
I’d like to vote in Early Times BIB as the 6th bottle in your blind taste. $24 for 1L. Cheers
I got 3 for $19 a L! And it a top 10 bourbon overall.
Appreciate that!
Please not so loud. If others dash out to purchase this somewhat hidden gem there will be less on the shelf for you and I to purchase. That and a possible price hike is also a possibility. Early Times BIB is the absolute best value in 100 proof Bourbon.
The reason Early Times BIB got so scarce is because Brown-Forman sold the brand to Sazerac. The old bottle (Black plastic cap) had juice from the Early Times distillery and the Brown-Forman distillery. The new bottle (Crimped aluminium cap) still has the ET juice but replaces the B-F stuff with Barton distillate. Don't believe me? The distilleries are nicely listed on the back label of both bottles. I've tasted them side by side and like the old bottle better.
Yes, Early Times is still good and belongs in the blind.
Four Roses is what I would add, otherwise your list is spot on with Buffalo Trace being my favorite.
I love Four Roses and for me at $22 it’s my go to for mixed drinks. Four Roses Single Barrel neat is a top 10 against any competitor
We can’t touch Buffalo Trace under $35 in N. AL.
Thank you!
@@ericnordhoff159 where are you getting four roses for sub 35$ anymore?? its gone up in price so much here in Indiana
@@rustycannon712 We haven't seen Buffalo around the St. Louis area in almost a year.
The only one I haven't had on your list in Old Granddad. Everything else on your video is spot on.
My 6th choice would be Early Times BIB. Great brown sugar and vanilla notes. I have made many a cocktail with it and they all come out awesome. A lot of the cocktails I have used were from your channel. I just recently picked up an Old Grand Dad 114 for $29 at my local store. It also makes a great Old Fashion with it's bold flavor profile.
I get peanut butter banana sandwich off early times bib
Appreciate it thank you!
Aiden, PB jelly sandwich?? I love it! I am looking for that flavor profile next time I have it!
@@slbdrinks peanut butter banana
Depending where you're at, Evan Williams SB might be in the 20's. Larceny over MM for me. Buffalo Trace is impossible to find in both PA and OH right now. OGD 114 has limited availability in PA too and sits in the $30 range. I pick some up every time I go to OH. The bonded is pretty solid too. I just finished a bottle a few weeks ago.
Let me know if you want to trade anything for Buffalo Trace it literally sits on the shelf here in Vegas at walmart
I really want to try the Evan Williams single barrel. Can’t find any in my stores.
Appreciate your input!
EW Single Barrel is awesome stuff; it used to be ~$22 here in the upper midwest, but is now just over $30 most places (because lots of other folks found out how underrated it is).
Great list. All good choices. Especially the WT101. I would add Early Time BiB and Evan Williams 1783. Both are sub $20 even here in high priced Oregon.
Awesome thanks!
Early Times BiB is a good one!! If you think OR is high priced, I wonder if you've done any shopping in WA or CA...
Such fun to see your videos! Grateful for the descriptions -- helps me choose when I am at the store 😊
Glad your enjoying the channel!
Buffalo Trace when available is usually in the $35 range here in North AL. I still buy it when I can. Evan Williams SB is amazing at $27-29 here.
Love the EWSB especially at that price point!
Enjoy your channel very much keep up the great work! Very much enjoy the tutorials around mixing drinks and different items needed for a home bar.
Glad you enjoyed that series!
Great list!! Trent, your camera work/editing has become top notch. But look at DADDY SMOOTH in front of the camera. Your contents guys has always been one of the best on TH-cam but your overall video production is the best. Looking forward to opening a bottle with you guys one day in the future. CHEERS!
That would be a treat! Appreciate ya!
Cannot get enough of this channel! Bought my first bottle of Drambuie today….you’re right, it’s delicious!! And, I’m a fan of Knob Creek, too
Glad your enjoying the channel!
I’d throw Early Times BiB or Evan Williams 1783 in the mix. Just recently fell in love with 1783 and its in the sub-$20 range! Great show!
Doesn't the Early Times BiB come out to less than $20 if you scale the price down to a 750ml bottle?
@@MrRossman2 It does indeed sir! Tastes just like Cracker Jack peanuts to me!
Beautiful!
Four Roses gets my vote. And I wouldn't argue against any of your choices, I've been enjoying Wild Turkey lately.
Thank you!
Great choices! My vote for the 6th bottle is Jim Beam Double Oak - it's got that unmistakable Beam flavor profile, which isn't necessarily my favorite, but the double oaking really smooths and mellows it out enough to be pretty enjoyable.
Great choice!
I don't care much for Beam and I've tried several, however I did try the Beam Dbl Oak and it was....decent. However, in my homemade lemonade and mint concoction, it really shined so...a new choice in my cabinet.
or jim beam black extra aged for $20 which is aged for about 6 years
Really enjoy your videos. Keep’m coming
Thanks so much!
I always like your choices. I've added Russell Reserve 10 year to the collections thanks to you. We currently have Wild Turkey 101, Buffalo Trace and Makers Mark in our bar. One that you did not include that we love is Elijah Craig Small Batch. Thanks!
Great thank you!
Evan Williams 1783 is a top notch. You put up a great list. Haven’t tried a couple of them yet but will put them on my list.
Appreciate that and got your vote!
Coopers Craft is another great choice at that $20 price point, clean and not harsh. It's my go to for introducing folks! Also Four Roses is a great option
I have tried and failed to find COOPERS CRAFT anywhere here in California. Anyone have a suggestion?
No doubt!
Here in VA it's just a walk in and grab bottle, I hate that you can't get it. Once you find it it'll be worth the $20 bill you spend on it. Good hunting!
@@brendanhoward8905 … thanks, I’ll see if can’t special order.
I’ve been trying to find this here in southern WI with no success. I’ve heard good things
EARLY TIMES! Thats my go to in this price range.
Great job with the channel Kurt & Trent, keep it up!
Cheers!
Appreciate that thank you!
My fave in this price range is Evan Williams bottled in bond. About eighteen bucks here. Good for sipping, great mixer.
Great choice!
Greetings from Fort Wayne. Recently discovered your channel, really enjoying it. Cheers!
Ahh nice to meet you! Been a while since I have been in your neck of the woods.
At 2:00 minute in I am already wound up. This will be so much fun. You guys are absolutly killing it Kurt. The idea's you are all coming up with are great. You watch how fast this channel blows up. Very recently you were excited about hitting 10,000 subs and look at those number now. Hey I have to share this. My wife usually has no interest what so ever in TH-cam video's becasue when she sits, she likes to read. Your channel however is one she likes to watch with me because you clearly have a nice family there with you, and these videos are more like a conversation. This weekend when you go live she is hanging out with us!!!!...lol
agree(:
Heyyy I love it! Appreciate you Mrs Greenpea! The success of this channel is directly due to great folks like you! Love the interaction we have in the comments! Truth, I have learned so much myself from so many wonderful people! Love our community and you sir have helped get it going from the ground up! Much love and appreciation to you and your wife!
Great list! Five great choices. My favorite in the $20-$25 range here where I live in Texas is Rebel 100. I keep a bottle on the shelf at all times.
Thanks!
Early Times BiB would be the 6th for me. They practically give it away out here in Oregon at $21.95/liter!
ET BiB is usually delicious. I pretty much switched from scotch to bourbon because of it.
About the same here in price! Great choice!
My pick for the 6th bottle is Evan Williams BIB. Great episode! Kudos to the camera man for a perfectly level shot. It occurred to me as I was watching while sipping the Old Forrester 100 how perfectly framed the shot was!
I am sure Trent will appreciate that thank you!
I love learning about good affordable bourbons to try. My brother-in-law shared a Weller 12 year with me (over $150 back then) and yes, it was VERY good. But I would rather have 8 bottles of a very good $20 bourbon than 1 bottle of a great bourbon. Unless I were dying, then maybe I would splurge.
You took the words right out of my mouth!
I picked up the Benchmark lineup this Fall, they are all really good for the price. I think I paid $17 for Top floor. New to the Bourbon would and love your channel...
Great list! I would swap the makers for EW BIB and put that as the top of the list for best vale under 30$. Other than that 100% agree on the others.
Got ya down thank you!
Keep up the awesome work
This is a pretty rock solid list. I agree completely on Turkey 101! I would personally of swapped the Maker's for Bulleit, but on point I think. It's funny, I'm not a fan of Maker's, but I LOVE the 46, I think Jack Daniels tastes like you poured whiskey through the bottom of your grill and drank it, but I love Gentleman Jack. (not all charcoal filters are the same) 😎🥃
I love this idea! great video as always guys! i’d like to add the good ol’ elijah craig. i think it has a lot of depth for the money, and often times is overlooked!
Lookin good Kurt! Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon just makes your category here in Boston at $29.99 for a 750mL bottle.It is excellent.
Got it thank you!
Weller Special Reserve. Great Channel. Thank you.
Appreciate that thank you!
From what I've tried so far you had a few of my favorites picked already so I definitely can't knock your selection. Those are probably some of the best bottles for $20. I love that you have Old Grand Dad 114 up there but you also can't go wrong with Old Grand Dad Bottled and Bonded for sure as well. Also, congrats on hitting 40k subscribers. That is awesome!
Hard to believe honesty. Very humbled and appreciate for all you good folks! Appreciate you being here for the ride and your involvement, priceless.
Excellent choices! Bulleit Bourbon is in my rotation at this price range.
Got ya thanks!
Weller Special Reserve is my vote 100%. Was able to find a bottle for 23 dollars here in NE Ohio last week. Has a lot of that Buffalo Trace character as one would expect but with the flavor profiles of a wheated bourbon. Great bottle.
Yeah I can find it everywhere in Austin for $25, but I know most people can’t.
Solid choice!
@@damonmiller9513 I found it here in Nashville area for $35 (one bottle only per person on the day it comes in and then it's gone). I checked at liquor store next to my house and he had it and said $99. 😳 For $35, it's nice to have a bottle, but the fact that another store in town was selling it for $99!!! Crazy. Maybe a road trip to Austin, TX to pick up a chunk of goodies is due.
$27 in Houston
Beautiful
Awesome, have learned so much from your videos. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks so much!
Great choices!
Vote for Early Times BiB
Yes sir! Thank you!
Evan Williams 1783 - even in the state of New Jersey- $20 to $24 as the sixth. Kurt nailed all 5 picks.. Add about $7 to $10 for each pick in NJ. Why taxes!!! Looking forward to live stream. Thank you. Cheers!
Hope to see you there!
Early Times BIB for sure!
Great lineup 👏
Only issue, which you addressed is the Buffalo Trace which is difficult to get and now in the $40 to even $60 range when you can. Ridiculous
"Normal" price was still $30 - $35 for the last few years
That sound like one of the few bourbons we have good availability at a good price in the UK as we can get Buffalo Trace for £19 and Eagle Rare for £30 on sale
Not sure how and why bourbon pricing differs so much. I honestly just bought 2 bottles a couple weeks ago for 23 bucks. One we are giving away on Fridays live show!
@@slbdrinks state taxes. 40% here. in Washington Makers and Buffalo are both well over $30.
Great line up. Looking forward to your live stream Friday and then your conclusion to this video with the 6th bottle. 👍
Going to be fun! Appreciate ya!
All great choices! Thank you for all the detailed information. I'd like to recommend Larceny as another good choice. Normally can get for around $24-26.
Larceny is a great one - I've turned several people on to it!
Got it thanks!
@@marshallgeorge3819 Just picked up some more Larceny @ Sam's tonight for $20. That's a definite deal!
Great selections!!! I love OGD 114 and OF 100 for mixing for sure!! You guys the best
Appreciate you!
Evan Williams 1783 is around $20 & is very solid & a favorite of mine.
Got ya down!
Some great choices! I have been looking at Old Forester since subscribing to your channel, and I’m going to give it a try. Your reviews have been spot on and opened my bar up to some new bourbons. Thanks!
Happy to hear that! Thank you!
Grand Dad 114 has turned into a unicorn! You can’t find it anymore!
It was weird because for a couple months it was almost impossible to find up here as well but we are seeing it quite often now. Hopefully will be the same for you!
Looking sharp! That bar top is shining like glass!
Thanks buddy!
Rebel 100 from Lux Row distillery really is the best Bourbon under $25 and great video
Good one!
Hey Curt,, I went to total wine yesterday, and because of your video, I remembered you talking about Old Grandad 114, I bought it for $19.95 !!!
WoW, u were absolutely right on; it is wonderful, no better anywhere for less than 20 bucks ! Thank you,
Gary
So glad you enjoyed it!
Those are five excellent choices ... kudos! For my "6th", I would nominate Early Times Bottled in Bond. $25 for a 1L bottle (so sub $20 at a standard 750ml). I think it'll give these five a run for their money! Looking forward to the taste off!
Great choice!
Believe it or not but early time bib is actually an allocated bottle here in Alabama.
Cooper’s Craft 100 is $29.95 in Oregon and is an absolute AMAZING bourbon for the money! I just bought it about 2 weeks ago after eyeballing it the past few months and am blown away! I LOVE IT!
It is a banger that’s for sure! Covered it on a previous 30.00 bourbon show.
Kurt, this may be my favorite GOBBB session so far. As tough as times are, with viruses and inflation raging, the knowledge that bourbons of this quality are available for not much more than a Jackson is comforting. And inebriating. As for my nominee for the ringer in your taste test, I've been way into MGP bourbon for the past year or two. At this price point, I'd nominate Redemption, which offers MGP juice at your choice of their 21% or 36% high rye mashbills. Not aged for heaven and a day, but priced at around 25 bucks and IMO delicious.
Excellent! Thank you! For everything!
With money tight and getting tighter this was a very informative video thanks.
Larceny is pretty good, got a bottle for about $25
That's a good buy. The first time I had it I got a bottle at Kroger's on clearance. Pretty sure I paid under $20 for it.
Got it thank you!
I can get 1792 small batch for $28 and it is excellent. I think this should make the list. Thanks Doug.
Thanks Doug!
I have to say, that is a mighty solid list, Kurt and Trenton. Buffalo Trace and WT101 are my favorite in that price range. The only other bourbon I would consider adding to that list is Eagle Rare. It isn’t in the $20 range in Michigan, but maybe it is in NW Indiana.
Cheer! You guys do a great job.
I love Eagle Rare and I can get it for $25 on base, but it's usually a bit higher or hard to find for most everyone else.
@Karsten Treu I'll still buy it at $35, when I can find it, but I usually won't pay much more for it.
Appreciate it thank you!
Excellent review and every one of these is right on the mark. WT 101 is superior for $20 bucks and sips like a $50 bottle BT is right there with WT 101. I've yet to try the EW but its on my list.
Elijah Craig is definitely on my list. I'd put it at the top for sure ,wait...the price is higher than 20 ...crap...ok. Very Old Barton. It retails about 14 clams and it's fab. I would put it up against the Old Forester 100. Very Old Barton comes in 80 and 100 proof respectively. They make 1792 ,which is about 30 bucks, also a great drink.
Elijah Craig has jump to the top of my list. It’s a great sipper, great for cocktails, and easily available
@AdamN2020 It used to be about $27 by me in Nashville, now it's like 32 to 35 in a lot of places .
Wasnt going to post as I figured EW BIB would swamp the votes but I agree VOB is it for me. OF, you have to like the menthal medicinal taste and with VOB its the hint of banana bread.
@johnpickett @adamn2020
Got you both down for EC! Thank you!
Got you down for VOB thank you!
Before watching the 2 bottles I thought of right away were Old Forester 100 and Old Grandad Bonded. Nice list!
Excellent thank you!
Three bourbon on this list I have in my collection(Maker's, old grand dad, wild turkey) but Jim Beam Double oak is good for its price
Thank you!
I didn't know Jim beam had a double oaked. I wonder how it compares to Woodford reserve double oaked, that's the best finished bourbon I have found and the sweetest.
@@BigBadJerryRogers Woodford Reserve I drink neat or iced rarely use in old fashion but Jim Beam Double oak is good for cocktails
You’re right on the money with your picks. So many good ones to pick from. My top pick. Makers!
I'd have to vote up the Evan Williams BiB. So much value at around $20! Recently beat out Turkey 101 and Maker's 101 blind for me.
You got it!
What gets my vote is the nice piano schmaltz ALWAYS playing in the background..
Ha! Honestly I love that to!
Haven’t had the chance to try it yet myself, but I’ve heard great things about Redemption High Rye. Although, I’m a Blanton’s kinda guy for sipping and Benchmark for mixing, and typically prefer wheated to rye. So idk how I’ll feel about it, but that’s why you should include it! Hahah cheers. Keep up the great work!!
I personally enjoy Redemption High Rye Bourbon quite a bit, but looking at Benchmark and Blanton's as your usual favorites, I'm not sure how much you would like it.
Those are both known to be pretty "smooth" whiskies, and high rye MGP bourbon (what's in Redemption) is more about flavor than smoothness.
I especially like the Redemption High Rye Bourbon single barrel store picks, but they are not in this price range.
Blanton's is also a high rye bourbon.
I dont think you would like the redemption high rye much if blantons is your sipper
If Blanton’s your sipper, look into Ancient Age: it has the same mash bill as Blanton’s and Elmer T Lee.
@dannyb got it! Thank you!
if you love Blantons you will like both the Redemptions Rye and High Rye. Both Ryes are now my go to for $20.
Can't argue with any of these. I'm loving Very Old Barton 86 proof. Absolutely delicious. Love the videos!
Excellent choice!
“Old Grand-Dad…not your grandma’s bourbon!” Haha, loved that line.
I can’t disagree with any of those, but I got Elijah Craig for $25 at Cosco this weekend! So I’d have to include it in my top 5 here.
But since it’s usually not $25, I’d go with Bulliet or Four Roses as my “under $25 must try”.
Great choices!
Thank you for the suggestions. Maker's Mark gets my vote.
Can’t argue your pick!
Elijah Craig Small Batch for sure. I'd replace Buffalo Trace. I don't think "allocated budget sipper" should even be a thing.
Great!
Larency is an excellent choice
Love it!
Great list! I Do think you could throw in a OGD Bottled in Bond or maybe an Evan Williams Bottled in Bond.
Great choices!
@@slbdrinks... Such a gentleman but which do you take as a vote when someone doesn't listen?... I guess the one listed first?
I’d have to add early times bib but your choices are solid!
Great list. I throw in another vote for Evan Williams BIB or Single Barrel. I get the single barrel here for about 25 bucks and that's in the land of insane booze taxes.
I wish you guys would not raise the flag for EW BIB! Ha! Next thing you know it’ll be impossible to find like Buffalo Trace and they’ll jack the price to $40. I discovered BT many years ago when it was $23 and you could buy as many bottles as you wanted. Now nearly impossible to find in the Baltimore area.
@@georgefoster6380 I hear ya. Same thing happened with me and BT. Haven't seen a bottle in quite a while now. I always shudder when I see any affordable bourbon getting good reviews on here.
@@thesouthernsipper8401 EW BIB to me is a close second to BT. I’m concerned because EW BIB is starting to be not there in my fav liquor store. I bought 2 bottles this week in anticipation that it might get scarce. Thinking of ordering a case now while “the gettin is good” !
@@thesouthernsipper8401 Although I did score a bottle of BT last week . She said it was their last bottle. Whatever that means. Now we need to find a comparable EW BIB. Suggestions?
Thank you!
Excellent picks! A good $26 bottle for me is Evan Williams 1783.
Very good, thanks!
Early Times bottled-in-bond is really good in that $20-$25 price point
Great choice!
I have had all of these except for the 114 you can’t go wrong with any of them.
the pricing in PA is bad? usually amongst the lowest i find in my travels. its state controlled so its always pretty low. i love getting $500+ whiskey for $100.😁
Please tell me where you're finding these $500 bottles for $100? I live in PA and I've never seen this. Not even in our PREMIUM COLLECTION stores.
The Old Forester from this video is $30 here. Wild Turkey 101 is $25. The prices are consistently around MSRP. The problem isn't the pricing. It's the availability. I can't even get Old Grand Dad 114 in PA right now. With no competition, there's no need find unique bottles to attract customers to a particular store. You get what the PLCB bureaucrat picks.
The other "issue" is the cost you don't see. Folks can come to PA and take advantage of the pricing while those of us who live here pay the "hidden cost". The stores are state run. Which means that they are also taxpayer funded. They make money from sales but we're paying taxes for the prices we enjoy.
@@oldmantwofour5561 you are correct there fellow Keystone Stater!!
@@oldmantwofour5561 join the email list on the website. i just put in for the pappy lottery, 10year for 89.99. last year i got george t stagg for 110 from the lottery
Evan Williams bottled in bond. Amazing
Got it!
I can get Bulleit for $19.99 so that's my nomination. If that's not consistent with other area pricing then I would say four roses yellow label.
😮😮😮 That is $30 or more here!
Thank you!
I like Even William's 1783, & Old grandad bib. I've heard a lot about Early time's bib on you tube, but I live in West Texas, & I've had no luck finding it.
That’s to bad. Hopefully you will at some point because it is an exceptional budget option.
In addition to those, I would vote for Elijah Craig. It’s around $25 here in KY.. It has become a daily type pour for me.
Solid!
Like them all. WT 101 is my daily driver, my go-to bourbon. Buffalo Trace is a bit hard for me to get here in PA. All five are perfect in their various ways.
Amazing the great choices available for not a lot of money!
I'm with you on the Buffalo Trace. That one gets my vote.
It's nearly impossible to get in MANY states
Its Overhyped. We have it available here and id rather drink any of the others on his list.
Appreciate your opinions!
I’ve always felt that JTS Brown was one of the most underrated bottles around. Always enjoyable. Brown sugar, vanilla, oak. You can’t beat it for the price point. I always have a bottle on hand.
Great lineup and awesome review!
Fast Eddie liked it.
Appreciate that!
I've read that JTS Brown BIB is sourced from Evan William's BIB stocks.
I dunno how you can have a 20$ list without Evan Williams single barrel absolute hitter for the price
Great choice!
Elijah Craig is still affordable in upstate NY and gets my vote . Buffalo Trace used to be my daily sipper but has become incredibly scarce. & when you can find it here you're looking at $44 bux a bottle!!!
Dang sorry! Got you down for EC!
I'll vote for Old Tub. Great flavor which can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail for under $20
Great thank you!
For the money, I like Benchmark Full Proof. I believe same mash bill as Eagle Rare and is a very good sipper.
If you want another great wheated bourbon, McFarlane's Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon is an excellent choice for $20. I actually prefer it to Maker's.
I have to find this one. Your not the only one to recommend. Thank you!
Had not heard of this one, have to try it - thanks for the rec
Very Nice, I can often get a Bottle of Basil Hayden for $22 on sale and that's here in Michigan where the prices run high. Basil Hayden is my vote
No. It's $40 in most places
Nice! Thank you!
Evan Williams bottled in bond
Thank you!
Great post, thanks! Looking for OGB 114 this week. Lots of great bourbons out there less than $30!
Amazing selection in that price point!
I am going to pretend that I didn't notice the $4 jump just a few days ago at Total Wine. The last 3 bottles of Knob Creek I got were $22.99. Before Washington's grab-your-ankles tax.
You mean bend over........then grab those ankles, right?? From a fellow Washingtonian. ☹️
@@sparky167 - BTW, is Sparky any reference to ASU?
@@Abby_Normal_1969 No , just a nickname 🤘
Thank you Abby! You crack me up!
LARCENY!
Got it!