@@Best_Served_Neat_On_Ice the top of the Rick house ages “faster” due to the extreme temperature changes. Gets a little more flavor out of the barrel in less time. So it drinks a little older than what it actually is. A 10 year bourbon can’t stay on the top floor that long. Wouldn’t be anything left.
This is true, unfortunately, I've also discovered that is nice to have some whiskey that isn't particularly special, so you don't feel guilty opening and drinking it.
Nice choices! My list : Under 30: Knob Creek 9yr or Elijah Craig sm batch Go to: Sagamore PX or Michters American Special: KC 18yr or Russell’s Rickhouse CNF Expensive: TH Handy or Heaven Hill 17yr Craft: Smoke Eye Hill or Frey Ranch Cheers!
Right now, I'd say my under 30 and go-to pour would both be Jim Beam Black 7 year. A few years back, I would have sworn Jim Beam would NEVER be something I would drink. I don't know if I changed or it changed, but...I am early enough in my journey AND my whiskey budget that I don't have an over 100 bottle, but my special occasion right now, because of its rarity, is Eagle Rare. As far as craft, I'm right there with Erin. I absolutely love High Road Rye.
I did a blind tourney of bottles $22.99 and less, which included Old Grandad BIB, JTS Brown, Old Forester Signature and WT101, Benchmark Top Floor won, and it's only $13.49 here. Big fan of Buffalo Trace and Rare Breed. Just picked up a Hard Truth High Road rye on your recommendation, love it, and on sale at Binny's for $29.99.
I have found that my go-to is Bourbon 30 from J Mattlingly in Frankfort, KY. It's not available in middle GA so we stock up if we take a vacation and travel through KY.
Thank you Erin for saying, some time ago, that you owe to yourself to try Hard Truth High Road Rye. I did and you are spot on. It sits next to my Middle West Straight Dark Pumpernickle Rye bottle. Thanks to both of you, I now have a greater apprecation of good ryes. Cheers!
Rare Breed you don't say 😅. Great video. Thinking about this here is where I landed $30 or less - Evan Williams BNB. Erin is right Everyday - Russell Reserve Single Barrels Special Occasion - Parker Heritage Double Barreled Blend Bourbon $100 plus - Stuff & Whiskey NBC picks ( currently 24 Kelvin Magic) Craft- Still Austin Barrel Proof Rye Cheers!
There have been some great bottles dropped in VA/DC lately. Picked up a Stagg 24B, EHT SiB, ETL, WT 70th, MM Heart Release, MM Lost Recipe all at MSRP. Visited Total Wine and picked up a cask strength Still Austin and their pick as well. Missed out on the new Parker Heritage and the 4R SmB LE though. I'm loving the MM Heart Release. Can't wait to get into the Still Austin. Cheers!
I'm a bourbon drinker but have really gotten into the ryes lately. In fact for the last year I've probably put away twice as much rye as bourbon. I do have to second your take on the Hard Truth High Road. That is an excellent option but not available here in my part of Ohio so I'm out until I make another trip to Indiana. Knob Creek Rye and Rare Breed Rye are my go to bottles and I don't think they're a step down.
I’m absolutely sold on NBC. I had a pour next to a Thomas H Handy pour, and loved them both the same. NBC is readily available, so why chase after the allocated/inflated price bottles?
I’m in Canada so the options and availability are a bit different. But, from what I have… Under $30 (USD): Buffalo Trace Barrel Picks. Go to sipper: Also Rare Breed (specifically 2021/22 batches). But the odd time I need to change it up I’ll always go JDSBBP store picks. Special Occasions: Stagg (or Coy hill for really special occasions, but I’m running out). Expensive bottle: That would also be Stagg. I have to pay up for them. Just the way it is in my market. Craft: I’m really enjoying some local stuff, like Wild Life Distillery Wheat Whisky (Canmore, Alberta) and Park Distillery Triticale Whisky (Banff, Alberta).
Oh man, that I own, that are reasonably attainable, or no holds barred? That I own? My 14060M, 114270, and 16013. Reasonably attainable that I don’t have? Speedy Pro, GMT Master II, and any Grand Seiko. Of all time? Aquanaut Travel Time, Royal Oak Jumbo, and Lange Zeitwerk. Favorite three with all things considered? Speedy Pro, no date Sub, GMT Master II.
Under 30: Eligha Craig small batch Go To: Four Roses Single Barrel or Bardstown bottled in bond wheated. Special: Old Forester Rye SBBP Expensive: George T Stagg Craft: Peerless Double Oak or Glenn's Creek Stave and Barrel
My list (all on the shelf most places): Under 30: Old Forester Rye 100 proof; Go-to: New Riff (any) or Bardstown Origin series (any): Special Occasion: JD SB Barrel Proof Rye; Over 100: also Stagg Jr although I got mine for under 100 luckily: Favorite Craft: Also Middlewest Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye (although Hard Truth would be a runner up, yall got good taste)
Love the content and your picks! Josh --- couple of questions for you: 1) which is your favorite batch of Stagg ( Jr) ? 2) I have family that is travelling to Nashville later this week. What are the best places to shop/hunt for bottles in the Downtown area that we simply don't see in New Jersey? Thanks! Cheers!
Stagg Jr 12 and 16 are my top two batches by far and which I prefer depends on the day. We’ve got a whole city guide at www.bit.ly/swnashvilleguide that should prove helpful!
Peer-to-peer sales with values based on supply and demand. As peer-to-peer alcohol sales are technically illicit since there's no license for selling involved, most of these markets are secretive. With that said, many stores base their prices of hard-to-find bottles on the values of bottles on the secondary market.
In my area (north Georgia), I have not been able to find Early Times bottled in bond for about a year now. Before that it was everywhere. Also in my area Buffalo Trace bourbon is hard to find. When I can find it, it is offered for $50 for a 750ml, the same price as Eagle Rare! Fortunately, I have found an online source for Buffalo Trace bourbon in California that will deliver it to my door for about $30 per 750ml bottle. Another fun video. Thanks.
Fighting Cock is my cheap bottle, everyday is any Michters standard bottles, but really any Michters, my craft is Ben Holladay, special bottle is HH17, and over $100 is so tough because the ones I really like and think are worth that price are harder to find “special” bottles. But right now I am really digging Remus Repeal 8
Under 30: Old Forester 100 Rye for cocktails Go to: Jack Daniels SBBP Rye or Bardstown Origin Wheated bourbon Special: Michter's 10 yr Rye or Westward Cask Str. Single Malt Expensive: Michter's 10 yr Rye, Toasted Rye or BS Rye Craft: Glenn's Creek OCD5, Cafe Ole or Ryskey Russell's 15 is my most wanted. Cheers!
I love Michter’s straight rye and toasted rye but I’m really liking Sagamore double oaked at the moment. I went to there distillery 2019 and wasn’t a fan I only liked one out the flight and it was a $90 bottle and I didn’t think it was worth it. And I keep seeing there double oak rye popping up on videos so I gave it a shot and was blown away glad I gave it a shoot
This is very difficult to do, but here it is... Cheep bottle under $30: Buffalo Trace Go to pour: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bottled In Bond (Wheated Bourbon) Special occasion bottle: Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Expensive bottle: Russell's 15 possibly my favorite bottle I have ever had in the short time I have been drinking Craft Whiskey: Woodinville 8 Year I was shocked how much I liked it
For me personally i think the Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Straight Rye is probably the best bourbon i ever tasted in my life. And i'm not a newbee to the bourbon scene. This is it. I can get it here in Holland or Germany for around 100€ well worth the price. I buy a bottle every 3 to 4 months and drink it only a few times a year but even when open for more then a year with more then half of the bottle gone, it still tastes awesome! Just keep it out of direct sunlight and keep the room temperature steady around 18C and you're fine. Not my daily sipper, not that i drink daily, only 2 times a week or so, but for that i always drink wild turkey 101. In fact these are the only two brands i have in my house, Wild turkey and Mitcher's. So good.
Unfortunately stagg jr. has been hard to find for me.... haven't had it but I think I would def like it. You said you love it and don't mind paying a lil more to not have to hunt, what is your top dollar you'd pay for it btw?
Erin is a “try before you buy” with Stagg Jr as there are some batches she enjoys and others she hates. I like them all and love some of them. For a batch I haven’t tried, $100ish is my personal max. For a batch I’ve tried and love I’d pay up to $200 personally.
Fun stuff - would be fun for you to pick your favorites in the whiskey categories: bourbon, rye, American single malt, and imported. Maybe throw in either wheated bourbon or “ other grains” (not enough corn or rye to call it either, but maybe using oat, or triticale for example) or finished whiskey. You pick!
Love the idea but that’s like picking your favorite song-almost impossible. You almost need the parameters of prove or occasion to narrow things down. Like where your head is at though!
So "Special Occasion" is unlimited $$? Because the next category was over $100. As a newer sipper, where do you get bottles at "secondary"? Is that online? I have no idea where to shop online for bourbon. Any help would be great.
Wish I was in Tennessee, I’d love to share my favorite craft bottles with you guys and maybe introduce you to something you’ve never had before! St Augustine bourbon is hands down my favorite 😋. Also love seeing the bookers rye in the shot now, what great gift!
Honestly, KY is better. In Ky you have grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger that are not allowed to mark up. A lot of the private stores on the trail are very reasonable (Cheers, John O's). TN is nothing but money hungry store owners and Indian shops that are all in cahoots. Very rare to find a great score anymore in TN (Clarksville - Nashville area)
That was a great video! I agree on both of you as far as the ones you put up that I have tried. I have passed on bottles of hard truth so many times, I’m just going to have to pull the trigger and grab one the next time I’m out for a bottle! Keep up the great content, I always appreciate both of your opinions, you have yet to steer me in the wrong direction!
EW BiB is much better than the price indicates. I paid 20 bucks for my current bottle, and IMO it'd still be a good deal at 30. I've not had the Hard Road Rye, but the Sweet Mash Rye is *gorgeous.* I'll try the Hard Road, though, because at $70 the Sweet Mash is above what I can usually afford. Still Austin is all right, but IMO it's too much like Kentucky and Tennessee. Texas is a unique place, and shouldn't try to imitate anywhere else. That's what made Balcones Distilling so great - they've always been Texas, and not ersatz Kentucky. Alas, since Diageo bought Balcones nothing's been the same.
I had never bought Evan Williams BiB until this morning. Just made a cocktail with it...was good. ...and I can't believe I don't have any Rare Breed in the house, but I don't. 🤦🏻♂ ...I've been drinking Old Elk Wheated Bourbon instead. PS - Great video. I'm gonna get some of these - ones that I haven't tried before.
My Fav Stagg ….You’re absolutely right about Stagg Jr! I can get Stagg around 130… im happy with the price. Don’t have time standing lines or Drive around.
Just tried Rare Breed because of all the hype and was disappointed. It has a very "musty" nose and it drinks spicier than that of similar proofed whiskeys. I've also been wanting to try a Russell's reserve single barrel / private barrel...do those also have the funky nose and palate?
Yes. That’s the Turkey funk, and I think it’s from the yeast they use and the way they run the still. It’s a love/hate thing. Definitely try before you buy.
Good question. Totally depends on the specify single barrel with Russell’s. Some are heavy caramel and/or fruit while others have a lot of spice and/or funk. The beauty of single barrels is their variance.
Cheap: Old Tub or Green Weller. Go to sipper: New Riff single barrel store pick, Wild Turkey 70th anniversary, or Makers Mark Private select. Special occasion: Lucky 7 proprietor 14 year, Stagg JR Store pick (I got a hazmat pick that is unbelievable), or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923. Expensive: Rare Character Exceptional Series (any of them), EH Taylor Single Barrel, or Woodford Batch proof. Craft: Chattanooga finished bourbon (white port, Pinot, etc. they are all good), Old Dominick Single Barrel Barrel proof bourbon, or Old Soul Tintype series.
I would struggle to compile a list for this for two reasons: (1) availability and pricing are very different on this side of the Atlantic and (2) I drink far more Scotch than bourbon/rye...
Quite a few blind head-to-head videos in the back catalog of Blanton’s vs other bottles that’ll explain the lack of Blanton’s love. Cheers and appreciate you watching!
One could spend a lot of money and go crazy trying to find a whiskey or bourbon that suits their taste. I sip every night and it is most always old Forester 1910
Come on over! The link to Patreon is in the video description below and that’ll get you Discord access on any of the paid tiers. The nominal fee helps support all the work that goes into the channel and ensures we’re all invested in being part of a positive, helpful community.
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant for a high value middle of the road red that isn’t overly sweet. Juggernaut for a big Cabernet that’s also not too pricey. Villa Sparina Barbera for a great red for Italian dishes. We also enjoy picking up random tempranillos, syrahs and shirazs, and the occasional pinot noir from various vineyards for variety’s sake.
Under 30, Kirkland BIB Go to: Buffalo Trace store picks or Eagle rare Special: knob creek 15 Over 100: never spent that… Blanton pick for 100 plus tax k guess counts, it’s good but eagle rare is better. Craft: I love balcones pot still bourbon
It’s a great bottle for sure! We’ve got a barrel pick releasing soon that’s a 7.5 year Kentucky rye (distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Company and sourced by Southern Collective Spirit Company) that we and a few other folks blinded against 2024 THH and we all picked the Southern Collective bottle as having the slight edge. Just sayin, there’s bottles out there that can rival Thomas H Handy. Cheers and thanks for watching!
Yep, Erin you are "fairly predictable" - "smells like stinky feet" is said very often (not said in this one because you were just pulling out bottles). I liked you guys giving your takes on these categories.
This is by far the most interesting and best video I’ve seen from you all. Thanks for the videos!!
You said benchmark full proof but pulled,out top floor. Top floor is my favorite of the benchmarks.
Great catch! Definitely meant Top Floor!
@@stuffandwhiskey,
What do you find in the Top Floor that's different from, say, the Small Batch or the Single Barrel?
Top Floor is my daily and I was shocked the first time I tasted it. Stuff is awesome for $14!
@@Best_Served_Neat_On_Ice the top of the Rick house ages “faster” due to the extreme temperature changes. Gets a little more flavor out of the barrel in less time. So it drinks a little older than what it actually is. A 10 year bourbon can’t stay on the top floor that long. Wouldn’t be anything left.
@@Best_Served_Neat_On_Ice we have then all and I find a grain-forward youth note on most of them that I don’t get on Top Floor.
I've come to find that when you own enough special occasion whiskies, you don't need a special occasion to have a pour 😂
Amen to that!
This is true, unfortunately, I've also discovered that is nice to have some whiskey that isn't particularly special, so you don't feel guilty opening and drinking it.
@@matthewslaughter7693 life is too short to not open bottles and share them with others in our book. That’s what this hobby is all about to us.
I agree. I open them, but sometimes it's nice to have a few bottles you know you'll be able to get any time you go into a liquor store.
I'm up to 100+ bottles and this is so true. I might have a problem.
Nice choices! My list :
Under 30: Knob Creek 9yr or Elijah Craig sm batch
Go to: Sagamore PX or Michters American
Special: KC 18yr or Russell’s Rickhouse CNF
Expensive: TH Handy or Heaven Hill 17yr
Craft: Smoke Eye Hill or Frey Ranch
Cheers!
Right now, I'd say my under 30 and go-to pour would both be Jim Beam Black 7 year. A few years back, I would have sworn Jim Beam would NEVER be something I would drink. I don't know if I changed or it changed, but...I am early enough in my journey AND my whiskey budget that I don't have an over 100 bottle, but my special occasion right now, because of its rarity, is Eagle Rare. As far as craft, I'm right there with Erin. I absolutely love High Road Rye.
I did a blind tourney of bottles $22.99 and less, which included Old Grandad BIB, JTS Brown, Old Forester Signature and WT101, Benchmark Top Floor won, and it's only $13.49 here. Big fan of Buffalo Trace and Rare Breed. Just picked up a Hard Truth High Road rye on your recommendation, love it, and on sale at Binny's for $29.99.
I have found that my go-to is Bourbon 30 from J Mattlingly in Frankfort, KY. It's not available in middle GA so we stock up if we take a vacation and travel through KY.
I got to try the Michter's Toasted Rye once and LOVED it. Never found a bottle for myself.
Been going hard on some Sazzy Rye lately. Never really gave it much time but its pretty darn good and always on the shelf in my area.
I’ve been all about the American single malts lately, but for bourbon it’s really hard to beat 1792 full proof at $35
Thank you Erin for saying, some time ago, that you owe to yourself to try Hard Truth High Road Rye. I did and you are spot on. It sits next to my Middle West Straight Dark Pumpernickle Rye bottle. Thanks to both of you, I now have a greater apprecation of good ryes. Cheers!
Rare Breed you don't say 😅. Great video. Thinking about this here is where I landed
$30 or less - Evan Williams BNB. Erin is right
Everyday - Russell Reserve Single Barrels
Special Occasion - Parker Heritage Double Barreled Blend Bourbon
$100 plus - Stuff & Whiskey NBC picks ( currently 24 Kelvin Magic)
Craft- Still Austin Barrel Proof Rye
Cheers!
This list is Grade A! Love the Russell’s SiB go-to. 🦃
There have been some great bottles dropped in VA/DC lately. Picked up a Stagg 24B, EHT SiB, ETL, WT 70th, MM Heart Release, MM Lost Recipe all at MSRP. Visited Total Wine and picked up a cask strength Still Austin and their pick as well. Missed out on the new Parker Heritage and the 4R SmB LE though. I'm loving the MM Heart Release. Can't wait to get into the Still Austin. Cheers!
My go to is WR. It is cheap and easy to find. The taste profile for Woodford really keeps me coming back.
I'm a bourbon drinker but have really gotten into the ryes lately. In fact for the last year I've probably put away twice as much rye as bourbon. I do have to second your take on the Hard Truth High Road. That is an excellent option but not available here in my part of Ohio so I'm out until I make another trip to Indiana. Knob Creek Rye and Rare Breed Rye are my go to bottles and I don't think they're a step down.
I’m absolutely sold on NBC. I had a pour next to a Thomas H Handy pour, and loved them both the same. NBC is readily available, so why chase after the allocated/inflated price bottles?
I’m in Canada so the options and availability are a bit different. But, from what I have…
Under $30 (USD): Buffalo Trace Barrel Picks.
Go to sipper: Also Rare Breed (specifically 2021/22 batches). But the odd time I need to change it up I’ll always go JDSBBP store picks.
Special Occasions: Stagg (or Coy hill for really special occasions, but I’m running out).
Expensive bottle: That would also be Stagg. I have to pay up for them. Just the way it is in my market.
Craft: I’m really enjoying some local stuff, like Wild Life Distillery Wheat Whisky (Canmore, Alberta) and Park Distillery Triticale Whisky (Banff, Alberta).
I love you guys! I started watching at the beginning of my bourbon journey. This one is for Josh. What are your top three time pieces?
Oh man, that I own, that are reasonably attainable, or no holds barred?
That I own? My 14060M, 114270, and 16013.
Reasonably attainable that I don’t have? Speedy Pro, GMT Master II, and any Grand Seiko.
Of all time? Aquanaut Travel Time, Royal Oak Jumbo, and Lange Zeitwerk.
Favorite three with all things considered? Speedy Pro, no date Sub, GMT Master II.
@@stuffandwhiskey I own a Speedy Pro. I love this watch! It was a 50th BD gift from my wife. No date sub is on my list!
The middle west cask strength pumpernickel rye is delicious. Picked up a batch 1 bottle last week, one of the perks of living in Ohio.
Under 30: Eligha Craig small batch
Go To: Four Roses Single Barrel or Bardstown bottled in bond wheated.
Special: Old Forester Rye SBBP
Expensive: George T Stagg
Craft: Peerless Double Oak or Glenn's Creek Stave and Barrel
My list (all on the shelf most places): Under 30: Old Forester Rye 100 proof; Go-to: New Riff (any) or Bardstown Origin series (any): Special Occasion: JD SB Barrel Proof Rye; Over 100: also Stagg Jr although I got mine for under 100 luckily: Favorite Craft: Also Middlewest Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Rye (although Hard Truth would be a runner up, yall got good taste)
Love the content and your picks!
Josh --- couple of questions for you:
1) which is your favorite batch of Stagg ( Jr) ?
2) I have family that is travelling to Nashville later this week. What are the best places to shop/hunt for bottles in the Downtown area that we simply don't see in New Jersey?
Thanks! Cheers!
Stagg Jr 12 and 16 are my top two batches by far and which I prefer depends on the day.
We’ve got a whole city guide at www.bit.ly/swnashvilleguide that should prove helpful!
Awesome list! Wish I could find good stuff like that where I am!
Thanks for the question!
I just got my first Nashville Barrel Company parrel pick in Louisville. I live in Missouri and they dont sell it around me.
So I am a newbie in the bourbon world and was wondering if you could explain the "secondary market" and how that works? Thanks for any help!
Peer-to-peer sales with values based on supply and demand. As peer-to-peer alcohol sales are technically illicit since there's no license for selling involved, most of these markets are secretive. With that said, many stores base their prices of hard-to-find bottles on the values of bottles on the secondary market.
@@stuffandwhiskey Thanks for the explanation! That makes sense but I am not sure how to get started with that.
Found North. YUM! I missed out on the last batch lottery but I have a pick from a store in Georgia. coming this week. Can't wait.
Try Penelope 15 yr light whiskey. Killed my Found North batch 9. And Old Carter.
In my area (north Georgia), I have not been able to find Early Times bottled in bond for about a year now. Before that it was everywhere.
Also in my area Buffalo Trace bourbon is hard to find. When I can find it, it is offered for $50 for a 750ml, the same price as Eagle Rare!
Fortunately, I have found an online source for Buffalo Trace bourbon in California that will deliver it to my door for about $30 per 750ml bottle.
Another fun video. Thanks.
Same here on Early Times BIB. I love it but can't get it here for a year. I have a bottle from the last time I found it and have never opened it.
I have been enjoying Buffalo trace as my go to sipper lately. I just got a Wilcox bottled in bond that I want to try
Fighting Cock is my cheap bottle, everyday is any Michters standard bottles, but really any Michters, my craft is Ben Holladay, special bottle is HH17, and over $100 is so tough because the ones I really like and think are worth that price are harder to find “special” bottles. But right now I am really digging Remus Repeal 8
Under 30: Old Forester 100 Rye for cocktails
Go to: Jack Daniels SBBP Rye or Bardstown Origin Wheated bourbon
Special: Michter's 10 yr Rye or Westward Cask Str. Single Malt
Expensive: Michter's 10 yr Rye, Toasted Rye or BS Rye
Craft: Glenn's Creek OCD5, Cafe Ole or Ryskey
Russell's 15 is my most wanted. Cheers!
I'd be keen to you see your thoughts on Non-Kentucky bourbons in the same list format ☺️
I love Michter’s straight rye and toasted rye but I’m really liking Sagamore double oaked at the moment. I went to there distillery 2019 and wasn’t a fan I only liked one out the flight and it was a $90 bottle and I didn’t think it was worth it. And I keep seeing there double oak rye popping up on videos so I gave it a shot and was blown away glad I gave it a shoot
This is very difficult to do, but here it is...
Cheep bottle under $30: Buffalo Trace
Go to pour: Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bottled In Bond (Wheated Bourbon)
Special occasion bottle: Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend
Expensive bottle: Russell's 15 possibly my favorite bottle I have ever had in the short time I have been drinking
Craft Whiskey: Woodinville 8 Year I was shocked how much I liked it
buffalo trace is 40 here in ny
Super solid list and 100% with you on Russell’s 15. I need all the bottles. 😆
My special occasion pour is EH Taylor. Hard to find but great drink.
Josh - I think I’m with you on the RB. It’s great, but it’s on the opposite end of the profile I love. It’s bright vs the dark and rich I prefer.
For me personally i think the Michter's Toasted Barrel Finish Straight Rye is probably the best bourbon i ever tasted in my life. And i'm not a newbee to the bourbon scene. This is it. I can get it here in Holland or Germany for around 100€ well worth the price. I buy a bottle every 3 to 4 months and drink it only a few times a year but even when open for more then a year with more then half of the bottle gone, it still tastes awesome! Just keep it out of direct sunlight and keep the room temperature steady around 18C and you're fine. Not my daily sipper, not that i drink daily, only 2 times a week or so, but for that i always drink wild turkey 101. In fact these are the only two brands i have in my house, Wild turkey and Mitcher's. So good.
Unfortunately stagg jr. has been hard to find for me.... haven't had it but I think I would def like it. You said you love it and don't mind paying a lil more to not have to hunt, what is your top dollar you'd pay for it btw?
Erin is a “try before you buy” with Stagg Jr as there are some batches she enjoys and others she hates. I like them all and love some of them. For a batch I haven’t tried, $100ish is my personal max. For a batch I’ve tried and love I’d pay up to $200 personally.
That Toasted Rye is stupid good! One of my all time favorites, too bad it's nearly impossible to get.
Fun stuff - would be fun for you to pick your favorites in the whiskey categories: bourbon, rye, American single malt, and imported. Maybe throw in either wheated bourbon or “ other grains” (not enough corn or rye to call it either, but maybe using oat, or triticale for example) or finished whiskey. You pick!
Love the idea but that’s like picking your favorite song-almost impossible. You almost need the parameters of prove or occasion to narrow things down. Like where your head is at though!
@@stuffandwhiskey then let’s set some parameters 😎
So "Special Occasion" is unlimited $$? Because the next category was over $100. As a newer sipper, where do you get bottles at "secondary"? Is that online? I have no idea where to shop online for bourbon. Any help would be great.
Found the Patreon and Discord, I'll try there..
Special occasions are a big splurge for us. We tend to use those bottles to make memories with friends, which we’re willing to pay a bit more for.
I got a Russell's for MSRP, can't imagine ever getting a backup.
Wish I was in Tennessee, I’d love to share my favorite craft bottles with you guys and maybe introduce you to something you’ve never had before! St Augustine bourbon is hands down my favorite 😋. Also love seeing the bookers rye in the shot now, what great gift!
Honestly, KY is better. In Ky you have grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger that are not allowed to mark up. A lot of the private stores on the trail are very reasonable (Cheers, John O's). TN is nothing but money hungry store owners and Indian shops that are all in cahoots. Very rare to find a great score anymore in TN (Clarksville - Nashville area)
That was a great video! I agree on both of you as far as the ones you put up that I have tried. I have passed on bottles of hard truth so many times, I’m just going to have to pull the trigger and grab one the next time I’m out for a bottle! Keep up the great content, I always appreciate both of your opinions, you have yet to steer me in the wrong direction!
EW BiB is much better than the price indicates. I paid 20 bucks for my current bottle, and IMO it'd still be a good deal at 30.
I've not had the Hard Road Rye, but the Sweet Mash Rye is *gorgeous.* I'll try the Hard Road, though, because at $70 the Sweet Mash is above what I can usually afford.
Still Austin is all right, but IMO it's too much like Kentucky and Tennessee. Texas is a unique place, and shouldn't try to imitate anywhere else. That's what made Balcones Distilling so great - they've always been Texas, and not ersatz Kentucky. Alas, since Diageo bought Balcones nothing's been the same.
I had never bought Evan Williams BiB until this morning. Just made a cocktail with it...was good.
...and I can't believe I don't have any Rare Breed in the house, but I don't. 🤦🏻♂ ...I've been drinking Old Elk Wheated Bourbon instead.
PS - Great video. I'm gonna get some of these - ones that I haven't tried before.
Our local Binny's has the Hard Truth High Road Rye on sale for $29.99 . Central IL
My Fav Stagg ….You’re absolutely right about Stagg Jr! I can get Stagg around 130… im happy with the price. Don’t have time standing lines or Drive around.
Just tried Rare Breed because of all the hype and was disappointed. It has a very "musty" nose and it drinks spicier than that of similar proofed whiskeys. I've also been wanting to try a Russell's reserve single barrel / private barrel...do those also have the funky nose and palate?
Yes. That’s the Turkey funk, and I think it’s from the yeast they use and the way they run the still. It’s a love/hate thing. Definitely try before you buy.
Good question. Totally depends on the specify single barrel with Russell’s. Some are heavy caramel and/or fruit while others have a lot of spice and/or funk. The beauty of single barrels is their variance.
Cheap: Old Tub or Green Weller.
Go to sipper: New Riff single barrel store pick, Wild Turkey 70th anniversary, or Makers Mark Private select.
Special occasion: Lucky 7 proprietor 14 year, Stagg JR Store pick (I got a hazmat pick that is unbelievable), or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C923.
Expensive: Rare Character Exceptional Series (any of them), EH Taylor Single Barrel, or Woodford Batch proof.
Craft: Chattanooga finished bourbon (white port, Pinot, etc. they are all good), Old Dominick Single Barrel Barrel proof bourbon, or Old Soul Tintype series.
Ive made a very similar argument about secondary pricing.
Cheers guys! Always look forward to your content!
What does crafty whisky taste or not taste like?
Very grain-forward and sometimes “farmy.”
Where would we pick up the Nashville Barrel you spoke of?
Hey James! It actually already sold out. Our picks tend to not sit for too long and usually sell within our Patreon community.
It's a special moment every breath we take on this Earth, a passing miracle every single second of life.
Love Still Austin! Red corn is excellent.
Haven’t bought a bottle of Stagg over $85 out the door. Washington has a 29% tax on liquor and I still get them under a $100.
That’s incredibly cheap. I bought a couple bottles at $200 each and that’s the first time I’ve ever seen them at that low price. 😢
Speaking of values under $30, if you're in Louisville NEAT Bar has Buffalo Trace liters for $28.99
I would struggle to compile a list for this for two reasons: (1) availability and pricing are very different on this side of the Atlantic and (2) I drink far more Scotch than bourbon/rye...
I'm surprised by the Top Floor pick since it's so low proof.
Been feeling that “low proof in a rocks glass, neat” thing lately for easy background sipping.
I know that you just kept your personal five bottles to just under ten in the interest of providing us with info, brother. Solid lineup!
Great video guys! My wife is similar to Erin in that if we’re not filming, she will generally grab a glass of red wine.
WT Rare Breed is my go to as well!!
What are legit secondary sources for bottles?
That’s a big ball of wax and is really more locally dependent.
Top Floor or Full Proof Benchmark? Said Full but showed Top Floor?
Just misspoke. Meant Top Floor.
If you enjoy the Hard Truth High Road Rye, you need to find their new Double OAked Rye.
Fantastic list!
The vids are great - I can't believe that "Blantons" didn't make this list.
Quite a few blind head-to-head videos in the back catalog of Blanton’s vs other bottles that’ll explain the lack of Blanton’s love. Cheers and appreciate you watching!
One could spend a lot of money and go crazy trying to find a whiskey or bourbon that suits their taste. I sip every night and it is most always old Forester 1910
Where can you find a RR 15 for less than $100? Tell me and I’ll go get it right away!!!!
That wasn’t the category it was mentioned in. It was my special bottle. MSRP is $250.
@@stuffandwhiskey oops!!! My mistake. Can it actually be found in the bourbon world at $250?
top floor and full proof similar?
Top Floor is what I meant to say. The Full Proofs we’ve tried have been quite a bit more funky.
@@stuffandwhiskey cant find these in ny
Just had a 4 bottle run of the Benchmark BIB since local store sold @ 9.99 so I had to do it!😂 Will go with the Top Floor next after all the comments!
I would like to be on your discord channel. How can I be added.
Come on over! The link to Patreon is in the video description below and that’ll get you Discord access on any of the paid tiers. The nominal fee helps support all the work that goes into the channel and ensures we’re all invested in being part of a positive, helpful community.
Enjoy this (list) format
Whats your go to wine? Im curious. How about a wine channel? 😊
Erin mentioned Juggernaut Cabernet (14.5%) in an older video. I got a bottle at Total Wine. It was good but I don't need another bottle.
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant for a high value middle of the road red that isn’t overly sweet. Juggernaut for a big Cabernet that’s also not too pricey. Villa Sparina Barbera for a great red for Italian dishes. We also enjoy picking up random tempranillos, syrahs and shirazs, and the occasional pinot noir from various vineyards for variety’s sake.
@@stuffandwhiskey Excellent. Thanks!
I love that Rare Breed! I also enjoy the Buffalo Trace, and Buffalo Trace on steroids (aka Benchmark Full Proof)! Great show as always! Cheers!
Under 30, Kirkland BIB
Go to: Buffalo Trace store picks or Eagle rare
Special: knob creek 15
Over 100: never spent that… Blanton pick for 100 plus tax k guess counts, it’s good but eagle rare is better.
Craft: I love balcones pot still bourbon
Bulleit Rye makes an incredible OF
Thomas Handy Btac 2024 is the best Whiskey I have ever had.
It’s a great bottle for sure! We’ve got a barrel pick releasing soon that’s a 7.5 year Kentucky rye (distilled by Bardstown Bourbon Company and sourced by Southern Collective Spirit Company) that we and a few other folks blinded against 2024 THH and we all picked the Southern Collective bottle as having the slight edge. Just sayin, there’s bottles out there that can rival Thomas H Handy. Cheers and thanks for watching!
Early Times BiB
Widow Jane 10yr
A Smith Bowman Cask Strength
Remus 8
Sagamore Double Oak
I’m with Erin on wine. I’m wine over whiskey most of the time.
Josh managed to turn this 5 bottle challenge into 10 bottles 😂
What can I say, it’s a skill. 🤷🏻♂️😂
Yep, Erin you are "fairly predictable" - "smells like stinky feet" is said very often (not said in this one because you were just pulling out bottles). I liked you guys giving your takes on these categories.
Wow, I’ve never seen Stagg Junior for that cheap 🤔
How cheap? Most stores here tend to go $99-200+ on it.
@@stuffandwhiskey usually $300-$350. Cheapest I’ve run across is $200 and that’s very recently. I bought two bottles. 🥃 Cheers.
@@deankruse4491 that's some heavy gouging!
@@stuffandwhiskey I live where Stagg is around $125 and I would absolutely pay $200+ for it if there was nothing around
Never seen a Stagg in a store :(
We don’t even bother hunting anymore.
funny when she pulls out her favorite and half the bottle is gone. Really? LOL
Influencers: You only need 5 bottles of whiskey in your shelf
Also Influencers reviewing most bottles: You gotta buy them all!
The hypocrisy!
We’re pretty minimalistic around here. I take it you don’t watch often.
WHISKEY CHEERS 😎
No offense but when your getting into 130 a bottle there are a ton of options .
Tell me you’re a BT mashbill #1 fanboi w/o telling me you’re a BT mashbill #1 fanboi. 😀
All but 4 of those bottles are over $100 LOL
That’s not benchmark full proof
Correct. I misspoke. Meant Benchmark Top Floor.
Under $30 WT101
Daily Sipper Knob Creek 9 Year
Special Occasion Knob Creek 12 Year
Over $100 Little Book Chap 8
Craft Anything Still Austin
Without a doubt Erin likes Rye. She is a spicy lady. 😎
Smart girl. My pallet has gone from hating rye to truly loving it. Old Forester Barrel Strength Rye is KING in my book.
Any bourbon over $100 is just marketing BS.
We might’ve agreed with you a few years ago but not these days. Most are marketing, but there are some that do warrant the price tag.
Sooo which category does the Booker's Rye fall into? Super, ultra, end of world pour :o)
100%!
Tell me you’re a BT mashbill #1 fanboi w/o telling me you’re a BT mashbill #1 fanboi. 😀
To be fair it’s their best mashbill. 😂 Really just Eagle Rare and Stagg/GTS. Most of the rest of the lineup is okay at best.