For rum I like having basic stuff like Bacardi Carta Blanca and Plantation original dark for cocktails.I think the Plantation rums are really good in general.
This is the PERFECT video, for us home bar owners !!! Thank you big time !! You guys are my #1 go to for any of my bar tips!! Keep up the great videos SLB !!
Having a bar like yours…..life goals. Love your passion for sharing the finer details; of whiskey(especially) and classy cocktails. All the best in the year ahead Sir 🥃
As a recovering booze collector. I would say that you are pretty spot on . Once I saw the Old Forrester and the Flora de canna and Beefeaters come out, knew you were spot on. I just told somebody basically 3/4 of your list when he asked me.
I am so happy I found you.. I love your set up and agree on your picks I am more of a cazadores gold tequila person my self and yes beefeater is grand. And as far as vodka goes I love cucumber vodka. But any way I am going to check out your other video's. Have a wonderful day Brandon from Wylie tx
Loved the video! I started my home bar over 7 years ago. I agree that Ketel One is the best mixing vodka and best value. I have over 35 different bottles of rum. Try a spiced rum, not crazy about flavored rums, only coconut.
For the light rum, Probitas is a nice alternative to plantation 3 and much more elegant. Providence starts to get a little more funky but also an excellent light option though pricey. Doorly's 12 is a killer deal and very nice representation of balanced blended aged rum. Ron Abuelo 12 is a hidden gem that skews a little sweet. Barbancourt 15 gives you a nice introduction to aged rum with minimal funk. Rhum JM VSOP has great complexity once you are acclimated to a rum profile. Seek out Rivers when you are ready to unleash all the funk. And for the bourbon guys, if you can find Four Square vintage offerings, the 2007 and 2009 will make you a believer.
Kurt - another great list. I don't get into rums, but I can recommend a local North Carolina vodka that will knock your socks off. Covington Gourmet Yam vodka is the bees knees. If you can't find some there in Northern Indiana, I'll send you a bottle. As for Gins - which I know you enjoy, try to search out Caorunn, Kings Hill, the Botanist & Rock Rose. There is also a store that specializes in Gin in a town called Oyne, Scotland you will need to visit. It is between Aberdeen and Speyside for reference.
Great recommendations here thank you! I will def look for the vodka. I have had the Botanist in the bar and did enjoy that. Haven’t heard of the rest but will absolutely try to find! Thanks so much, appreciate your input as always!
And now we get to the good part. Everything I need today finally arrives to start making old-fashioneds and I need more to go with the collection so thanks again for continuing this series, Kurt.
Great video Kurt! Great choice on any rum from Flora de Cana. They are my go to for cocktails. I also like to sip their older stuff. However, if you are looking for a sipping rum, Ron Zacapa out of Guatemala is the way to go. Outstanding!
@@slbdrinks I second Adam's endorsement of anything from Flor de Cana. :-) You might also consider procuring a really strong rum, for when you're making fruity cocktails, like the Goombay Smash. For that I suggest you consider Pusser's. :-)
That’s a fine rum pair. For my two cents, I use: Plantation 3-star (“light rum” for daiquiris, mojitos) A funky Jamaican for tiki drinks like the mai tai (Appleton Estate is a good place to start) A darker demara rum for certain tiki drinks (el dorado 8 or Hamilton 86) And an even darker proofy boi (plantation OFTD) for rum floats, Dark and Stormys, or even eggnogs and flambés!
My essential home bar bottles: Woodinville straight Rye, Balcones Texas Bourbon, Glenmorangie Original, Hornitos Black, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Parot Oak aged 8 year Rum. Not a fan of Vodka, but if I need a Vodka for cocktails, I go with Stoli or Finnlandia.
@@robertstrickland2121 - Glenmorangie is my most common single malt, the Port Finished is my favorite so far. But for some reason I didn't have the Original until a couple weeks ago. At its price point, I don't think you can beat it.
Great list...totally agree on all! I love keeping a variety of rums on hand, and I particularly like Denizen Merchant Reserve 8 Year, Gosling's Black Seal, Chairman's Reserve Aged Rum, Flor de Cana 18 year, and Hamilton 151 Demerara. Another great informative video, Kurt!
Spot on for the ol granddad 114 and ol Forrester's 100 proof. Both great tasting and in my bar. Never tried the ol Forrester's rye. Have to add that to my shopping cart. Great video!
Enjoy your videos! If you’re looking to expand your rum horizons, I’d recommend getting some Wray & Nephew for the white rum, and Hamilton 114 for the dark, Doorly’s is also good.
Enclosed half of my big long back porch and made us a bar about 10 years ago. Got lots of friends now! ;) But seriously, the number one thing that I would council a new bar owner to buy is a good ice maker! You are going to use a LOT of ice! And get one that will make good clear ice, not kitchen refrigerator ice, if possible. Does not melt as fast and water down your drinks. :)
Another great vodka for a good price is Wheatley’s vodka. Russian standard is also very good. For tequila Petron silver is excellent. For sipping bourbon is either knob creek 9 or larceny bourbon. Mixing bourbon for me is Jim beam. I use white rum for fruity drinks, for rum and coke I usually use captain Morgan. These are just my opinions on what I use.
Really enjoyed the video Kurt. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. Also, I'm gonna need you to write a note to wife explaining why all these spirits are needed ;-) Cheers!
For Brandy try Cooper and Kings Butchertown cask strength. Aged in Bourbon barrels. They also have some aged in craft beer barrels. All non chill filtered and no additives (additives like sweeteners are very common in even expensive French Brandy)
Kurt, you've taken on a much bigger task than it sounds. I agree with your six categories (although I'd include brandy/cognac as a 7th), but there are way too many good value options to go with one or two. Besides your excellent recommendations, I would suggest: Rye: Bulleit, Wild Turkey 101, Elijah Craig (all $25 and under) Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, Four Roses yellow label (all $20 and under) Gin: Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's (generally $30 and under) Rum: Anything from Flor de Cana is great, but would suggest Myer's for a dark rum Tequila: El Jimador (under $20) and Cazadores (under $25) for both silver and reposado Vodka: Tito's and Ketel One are great picks, but for something a little less obvious I love Prairie Organic (corn), Fair Quinoa Vodka, and Blue Ice (potato). And always use the best mixers you can afford. Cocchi is excellent, as id Dolin for a dry vermouth. Carpano Antica is also a great sweet vermouth.
Do love Carpano as well. So many great choices as your list describes. At the end of it all what’s most important is that an individual selects their favorite in each category as I stated at the beginning of the video. Great selections in your list for sure! I think there are only a couple I would not prefer, Bombay and 4 roses yellow. Other than that I would be a kid in a candy store with the rest of your picks! Great job!
Appreciate the video. Suggest to try neat if not done so..maybe a bit on the pricier side but excellent indeed: Rum Flor de Caña 12 years old and Parce 12 years old. Tequila Maestro Dobel Diamante and Lalo. Vodka Danzka and Luksusowa. More exotic Pisco Santiago Queirolo Acholado and Mistral Gran Nobel. Finally 3 of my favorites after dinner Licor 43, Drambuie and Parfait Amour. Enjoy
You may want to try Ron Zacapa Centenario 23, it's a dark rum from Guatemala that has spectacular flavor and smoothness. It typically sells for around $40.
Some of the white rums I've had were Havana Club Anejo 3 Anos and Diplomatico Planas. Both really nice, with Planas packing some more punch at 47% alcohol.
Agree with Heradura for the tequila. Someone else suggested Espolon. I second that. I know blanco (silver) is probably the default for most cocktails, but I really like using Espolon reposado for margaritas and Mexican mules. For bourbon, I’m surprised you didn’t go with Woodford Reserve. It’s not very expensive and you really can’t do much better for a cocktail bourbon. Anything better is probably a waste of money if you’re mixing. Finally, I gotta go with Hendricks for the gin. It might be a little more than your $20-$30 target range, but for me, it’s totally worth it. My desert island cocktail would a gin and tonic with Hendricks and Fever Tree tonic. A close second for the desert island would be a Mexican mule with the Espolon reposado tequila and a good ginger beer.
Cruzan makes good rum and they’re fairly inexpensive. They also have a lot of flavored rums which are excellent. Their black cherry flavored rum is phenomenal.
The stuff I have in my bar, meaning the stuff I use for mixing in cocktails: 1. rye, Wild Turkey 2. bourbon, Four Roses 3. scotch, I'm with you on Monkey Shoulder 4. gin, Bombay Sapphire, but I think Beefeater's a good choice also. 5. rum, Cane Run. It's inexpensive, but I don't get requests from people for rum drinks, and I only drink it in eggnog at Christmas 6. tequila, Hornitos, El Jimador, or Cazadores 7. vodka, Putinka. It's made by Cristall distillery in Moscow. I developed a fondness for Cristall's products when I lived in Moscow, and Putinka seems to be the only one of their products available here now. Russian Standard (Russkiy Standart) is good, also. I'm wanting to try Belvedere, it's Polish, and it's rye vodka. I think rye vodka tastes a bit cleaner than wheat vodka, though wheat is good. I don't like potato vodka. And unfortunately I really don't like Tito's. 8. brandy, St. Remy XO. 9. vermouth, I concur with the Cocchi. It makes all the difference in a Manhattan.
Great list! Thank you for the vodka education. I don’t know much about it to be honest. I do have a Hammer and Sickle, would that be any good in your opinion? Supposedly from Russia.
@@slbdrinks I'd never heard of Hammer and Sickle. It gets mixed reviews by customers on the Total Wine website. I looked it up and it's made by an unknown company in Russia for an outfit called Klin Groupe in Massachussetts. They also sell cigars, which I don't think they make themselves either. I tend to be wary of any vodka that plays up the old Soviet era, it seems gimmicky and not the mark of a company that's really serious about what it's doing. Like I wouldn't buy a bourbon called "Dukes of Hazzard Straight Kentucky Bourbon". I've tried Tobarich vodka ("tovarisch" is Russian for "comrade"), it had all the Soviet-looking stuff on the label, and it tasted awful. I imagine the Hammer and Sickle would be okay mixed in a cocktail, though. But for a vodka martini or for drinking Russian style (straight up shots) it might not be that good.
@@slbdrinks I just saw that another Cristall brand is available in some places in the U.S., it's called Gzhelka. It was my stand-by brand when I was over there. That name might be a challenge for people to pronounce, though.
Love this! I’m personally a whiskey guy but I have a decent sized bar. I think one rum people can “sleep” on is the one right over your right shoulder Diplomático also a new run I’ve gotten and have grown fond of is Bumbu XO. For gin staying in the lower price bracket I personally like Hendricks, empress 1908 and Aviation Scotch I 100% agree monkey shoulder / I’m obsessed with Tamdhu / The Balvenie amazing scotch Vodka I love the taste of Timeless and it’s price point is easy to maintain it stocked all the time. Also agreed with Tito Tequila- Corralejo Resposa / don julio 70 / Adictivo (very well worth its higher price tag) Whiskey 😍 - I maintain atleast 3-4 bottles of wild Turkey long branch I just personally love that bottle and will forever maintain it stocked especially for its price point / Wild Turkey 101 rye / old forester prohibition 1920 / E H Taylor (if you can find it buy it) / Eagle Rare / whistle pig
On the Rum Front many people get confused between gold, dark, black and aged rum. Many can be split between many categories. Gold, dark and aged are sometimes used interchangeably although should be different categories. A nice inexpensive aged rum such as El Dorado 12 (Around $28-30) or Diplomatico Mantuano ($23-25) can cover many of these. Sometimes people also mistake Black Rum with dark rum. Entirely different flavor profile on Black rums (Gossling or Vizcaya Black are great choices) and are needed for specific drinks. Unless a fan of those specific drinks, black rum is not required in starter bar.
Regarding rum. I’ve heard good things about Bumbu and Doorley’s, but my go-to is Pampero Anniversario! It’s reasonably priced, a fantastic sipper, and a great, smooth mixer.
PB Chocolati, a really good Peanut butter chocolate whiskey, My wife liked it on ice and I liked it on egg nog over christmas...Not necessary for a starter bar, but good for a holidays bar.
I appreciate your channel and all that you do. I would suggest a bottle of Brugal Anejo Superior with your rum category. For $17 a bottle, it’s an excellent mixer or straight.
It's always great to see your personal favorite selections. I agree that Beefeater is delicious and makes a great tasting martini, one of the best martinis. But, unfortunately I just can't drink it. If I make a martini with Beefeater gin, before I'm even finished with that one martini, I start to get a splitting headache! I can't even finish my drink because of it. I have several martinis a week. In my martinis I use Tanqueray or Bombay gins with absolutely no problems. Bluecoat gin is good too. Of course I'm partial about that, as Bluecoat is one of our fine Pennsylvania spirits. I would be curious to know if Beefeater has the same effect on other people. Cheers to you our friend!
Thank you! I personally do not have issues with any brand of gin. Not sure if that’s good or bad lol. Tanqueray is wonderful but I do not prefer Bombay. I will give Bluecoat a try!
For your dark rum, try Pillar. Excellent rum, occasionally I'll even sip it with desert! Also good to note the Tito's is gluten free. Not all vodkas are. It's good to know incase your creating a drink for a person with a gluten allergy.
Ketel 1 is good, but for most people I recommend Russian Standard vodka. I find it superior or those specific occasions when you want to add a shot to your meal, particularly with something like oysters on the half shell. It's critical to keep this chilled before serving. Never drink vodka at room temperature.
Just started mixing up martinis, and other drinks my family and friends enjoy having in out of the home occasions and can now enjoy in my home.... Besides, drinks at home are cheaper.
These are all great choices. The only thing I'd replace, personally is the grandad, it's given me same day hangovers for some reason, but the brown label Henry McKenna is incredible. Love your rum choices. Plantation makes a 5 year that's so good and easy drinkable and mixable.
I barely drink i like how a good bar looks in a house tho I started one about 2 weeks ago I got about 7 different things only tried one lol I plan on getting a nice pool table once I get my room the way I want
Another great one. I think it’s important to start with the brands you actually like, and then expand into brands for your frequent guests. I just need to learn to make drinks. I mess up Jack and Coke, then usually leave the Coke out. 😉
@@slbdrinks Lot 40 I can definitely get. Debating between Four Roses Small batch or Wild Turkey 101. Both are reasonably Priced and available at my local store.
Hmm both a bit different in taste profiles. You can be the only judge of what you like best. 4 roses small batch is a higher rye mash bill than 101. So, do you like rye whiskeys?? If so 4 roses might be the pick.
Great list! You know your stuff. I would also add Botanist gin and Espolon Silver tequila (for margaritas) to your list. Tito's and Kettle One are good choices. Reyka is a solid and reasonably priced vodka as well. Nice video!
Good list. No argument from me on any of those choices. For tequila, I recommend centenario reposado. Good for sipping, and inexpensive so you can use it for mixers.
Great options! Rittenhouse is a great rye option! It’s my go to. Pierre Ferrand 1840 is a good cognac option if you can’t find Maison Rouge (I couldn’t find it). I like Four Roses for Bourbon. I like Appleton Estate Signature blend for my “darker” rum. But then again, I really like the Jamaican funk.
Kurt, beluga noble vodka (not the red line, not the Atlantic) just the regular beluga. It’s $25 and the best vodka I’ve ever had and I’ve tried almost all of them from $10-$150 bottles. Regular beluga will change your life. Love the channel.
Found your channel a few weeks ago and glad I did! Have you done a Costco brand review? I would like to see your take on the Costco brand name whiskey, scotch, vodka ,etc. Great laid back videos. CHEERS!
I just keep el dorado 12 on the shelf. Good for mixing or sipping and doesn’t break the bank. I’m not a rum person either. Just here for rum and cokes. Lol
Nice video! One nice rum that isn’t too expensive is Appleton 12 or Doorly 12 which has no added sugar and has an honest 12 year age statement. Other countries can use an age statement of the oldest spirit in the bottle even if the rest is much younger. For something more expensive FourSquare vintage cask strength releases.
Wonderful tips! I have Monkey Shoulder but never know what to do with it. Can I mix a Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned? Thanks! I noticed you have Fortaleza Tequila....I've been looking for it. Do you like it?
I did have Fortaleza and liked it a lot before I emptied the bottle lol. Try the Monkey Shoulder mixed as an old fashioned. Same recipe just use maple syrup as a sweetener. See what you think. There are other good cocktails as well. The wildest redhead cocktail is one of my favorites. Ingredients 1 1⁄2 OZ. BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY 3⁄4 OZ. FRESH LEMON JUICE 1⁄2 OZ. HONEY SYRUP (3:1 HONEY TO WARM WATER) 1⁄4 OZ. ALLSPICE DRAM 1⁄4 OZ. CHERRY HEERING TOOLS: SHAKER, STRAINER GLASS: ROCKS
If you want to use some Polish vodka i recommend for coctails common brands: Wyborowa, Finlandia, one of most known rye vodka od Żytnia. But you've hot to get żubrówka, it is the bison grass vodka, very nice thing solo and also for some coctails.
@@FawleyJude Maybe, becouse i don't see Żytnia in many stores in Poland anymore. It is still available on market, but not everywhere, like some years ago.
@@amon3128 The two Polish rye vodkas available in my area are Belvedere and Sobieski. Sobieski costs a lot less than Belvedere, do you know if it's any good or is it just cheap booze?
@@FawleyJude Yeap, Sobieski is a cheap booze, just like Absolwent, Żytniówka, Lubelska, Bols, Krupnik, Bocian, Żubrówka (pure, not bison grass), Żołądkowa, Soplica, Luksusowa etc. - many of them were produced by national distilleries, not private companies. Today we have some premium vodkas from big corporations, mostly not polish, and some kraft ones from little private businesses. If You want to try something polish, slavic - give a chance to our Żubrówka bison grass vodka - it's an excellent, tasty thing. Once I tried bison grass from ukraine, it was similar and also tasty :)
I'm late to the party but an excellent vodka to keep on hand is Popov. Vodka really should be tasteless and Popov is CHEAP but is actually tasteless like far more expensive brands. My local store sells it for $9 per 1.5L!
Check out rums by Foursquare, Hamilton (specifically their cask strength series, I prefer the 9 year), and Hampden. These are rums that aren’t big into adding sugars or coloring and appeal to enthusiasts often whom are bourbon lovers
some people don't know it but in Mexico trres mujeres recipe was sold to a Las Vegas consortium they stripped all the agave out and they made patron garbage not even recognized in Mexico as tequila only for the gringos..... because they did this to tres mujeres.. these manufacturers these distillers apply to the state department to bring back their recipe and it is very good it is very good.......
Kurt, am 79 years old and starting a home bar. THANKS so much for your help in what to have for my own bar. Keep the videos coming.
Good luck to you sir and thank you for joining us on the channel!
Good tip on the dry vermouth. I'm gonna give that a try. Maybe I'll like this one .
For rum I like having basic stuff like Bacardi Carta Blanca and Plantation original dark for cocktails.I think the Plantation rums are really good in general.
This is the PERFECT video, for us home bar owners !!! Thank you big time !! You guys are my #1 go to for any of my bar tips!! Keep up the great videos SLB !!
Having a bar like yours…..life goals. Love your passion for sharing the finer details; of whiskey(especially) and classy cocktails. All the best in the year ahead Sir 🥃
Appreciate you sharing the ride with us!
As a recovering booze collector. I would say that you are pretty spot on . Once I saw the Old Forrester and the Flora de canna and Beefeaters come out, knew you were spot on. I just told somebody basically 3/4 of your list when he asked me.
That’s cool we have the same opinions!
These videos are hitting at just the right time for me. I’m at the beginning stage of putting together my little home bar!!
Glad to be a help!
Hey they’re great any time. I’m 136 bottles in my bar and it’s still fun to see suggestions like these because it’s still great for inspiration
What do you have so far after 9 months?
Great info for the start up, another good rum is Sailor Jerry! Cheers guys!
Appreciate that!
another great informative vid Kurt! thanks for the work. stay safe, stay armed, stay free.
Thanks brother!
I am so happy I found you.. I love your set up and agree on your picks I am more of a cazadores gold tequila person my self and yes beefeater is grand. And as far as vodka goes I love cucumber vodka. But any way I am going to check out your other video's.
Have a wonderful day
Brandon from Wylie tx
Appleton Estate 8 year is a very nice dark rum addition. It is a very nice sipper on the rocks with a lime wedge.
Thanks for the recommendation! Heard a lot about Appleton.
Beautiful list Kurt!!!
I think I'm ready for a drink now😂😂😂😂 awesome video!!! Cheers Kurt!!!
Thanks buddy appreciate it!
nice video as usual...i found that if i purchase a bourbon i don't care for, i'll add a splash of spiced rum that smooths the favor..works for me !
Huh, never thought of that but sounds like a good idea!
Loved the video! I started my home bar over 7 years ago. I agree that Ketel One is the best mixing vodka and best value. I have over 35 different bottles of rum. Try a spiced rum, not crazy about flavored rums, only coconut.
Man nice rum collection! Awesome!
Captain Morgan private stock is my go-to rum when I don't want to use my expensive stuff, best rum I've found for the price
Nice recommendation! Thank you!
Great video. This guys the hidden gem of the bourbon world
Appreciate your kindness. Thanks so much for being a part of the channel!
For the light rum, Probitas is a nice alternative to plantation 3 and much more elegant. Providence starts to get a little more funky but also an excellent light option though pricey. Doorly's 12 is a killer deal and very nice representation of balanced blended aged rum. Ron Abuelo 12 is a hidden gem that skews a little sweet. Barbancourt 15 gives you a nice introduction to aged rum with minimal funk. Rhum JM VSOP has great complexity once you are acclimated to a rum profile. Seek out Rivers when you are ready to unleash all the funk. And for the bourbon guys, if you can find Four Square vintage offerings, the 2007 and 2009 will make you a believer.
Thanks for all your suggestions! Heard a lot about Doorlys but just don’t see it in my area. I will keep an eye out!
I think the classic laddie is fundamental. It’s fantastic
Agreed!
Kurt - another great list. I don't get into rums, but I can recommend a local North Carolina vodka that will knock your socks off. Covington Gourmet Yam vodka is the bees knees. If you can't find some there in Northern Indiana, I'll send you a bottle.
As for Gins - which I know you enjoy, try to search out Caorunn, Kings Hill, the Botanist & Rock Rose.
There is also a store that specializes in Gin in a town called Oyne, Scotland you will need to visit. It is between Aberdeen and Speyside for reference.
Great recommendations here thank you! I will def look for the vodka. I have had the Botanist in the bar and did enjoy that. Haven’t heard of the rest but will absolutely try to find! Thanks so much, appreciate your input as always!
And now we get to the good part. Everything I need today finally arrives to start making old-fashioneds and I need more to go with the collection so thanks again for continuing this series, Kurt.
Sounds great! Enjoy!
Great video Kurt! Great choice on any rum from Flora de Cana. They are my go to for cocktails. I also like to sip their older stuff.
However, if you are looking for a sipping rum, Ron Zacapa out of Guatemala is the way to go. Outstanding!
Appreciate the heads up!
@@slbdrinks I second Adam's endorsement of anything from Flor de Cana. :-) You might also consider procuring a really strong rum, for when you're making fruity cocktails, like the Goombay Smash. For that I suggest you consider Pusser's. :-)
That’s a fine rum pair.
For my two cents, I use:
Plantation 3-star (“light rum” for daiquiris, mojitos)
A funky Jamaican for tiki drinks like the mai tai (Appleton Estate is a good place to start)
A darker demara rum for certain tiki drinks (el dorado 8 or Hamilton 86)
And an even darker proofy boi (plantation OFTD) for rum floats, Dark and Stormys, or even eggnogs and flambés!
Thanks always for your content!
My essential home bar bottles: Woodinville straight Rye, Balcones Texas Bourbon, Glenmorangie Original, Hornitos Black, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Parot Oak aged 8 year Rum. Not a fan of Vodka, but if I need a Vodka for cocktails, I go with Stoli or Finnlandia.
Great list! Thank you!
I really like Glenmorangie too!!
@@robertstrickland2121 - Glenmorangie is my most common single malt, the Port Finished is my favorite so far. But for some reason I didn't have the Original until a couple weeks ago. At its price point, I don't think you can beat it.
How can you not have a vodka? It’s by far the number one sold spirit. Tito’s and Smirnoff were number 1,2 in sales in the US for 2020.
@@alwillk - I am not big on cocktails. And Vodka straight to me taste like nail polish remover.
Great list...totally agree on all! I love keeping a variety of rums on hand, and I particularly like
Denizen Merchant Reserve 8 Year, Gosling's Black Seal, Chairman's Reserve Aged Rum, Flor de Cana 18 year, and Hamilton 151 Demerara. Another great informative video, Kurt!
Wow, nice list of rums! Heard a lot about Hamilton, I do have Goslings. Thank you!
Lol! Hamilton 151 is insane. Tried it neat one time.
@@steveno7058 Yeah, it's a bit much to drink neat! 😂 I use it in tiki drinks and as a float.
Spot on for the ol granddad 114 and ol Forrester's 100 proof. Both great tasting and in my bar. Never tried the ol Forrester's rye. Have to add that to my shopping cart. Great video!
Thanks so much!
Enjoy your videos! If you’re looking to expand your rum horizons, I’d recommend getting some Wray & Nephew for the white rum, and Hamilton 114 for the dark, Doorly’s is also good.
I have heard many good things about Hamilton. Need to check that out!
@@slbdrinks Hamilton is an independent bottler. They also released some aged stated St Lucia Rums at cask strength. Incredibly funky and delicious
Enclosed half of my big long back porch and made us a bar about 10 years ago. Got lots of friends now! ;) But seriously, the number one thing that I would council a new bar owner to buy is a good ice maker! You are going to use a LOT of ice! And get one that will make good clear ice, not kitchen refrigerator ice, if possible. Does not melt as fast and water down your drinks. :)
Ice is extremely important! Thank you
Another great vodka for a good price is Wheatley’s vodka. Russian standard is also very good. For tequila Petron silver is excellent. For sipping bourbon is either knob creek 9 or larceny bourbon. Mixing bourbon for me is Jim beam. I use white rum for fruity drinks, for rum and coke I usually use captain Morgan. These are just my opinions on what I use.
Appreciate your list thank you!
I like the Hanger 1 vodka’s the lime one is a good sipper!
Really enjoyed the video Kurt. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. Also, I'm gonna need you to write a note to wife explaining why all these spirits are needed ;-) Cheers!
Ha! I should have included that on the video!
For Brandy try Cooper and Kings Butchertown cask strength. Aged in Bourbon barrels. They also have some aged in craft beer barrels. All non chill filtered and no additives (additives like sweeteners are very common in even expensive French Brandy)
I have looked at Copper and kings a few times. I will keep an eye out for this one
Great intro for a bar start up. Keep em coming.
Appreciate that! Thank you!
Kurt, you've taken on a much bigger task than it sounds. I agree with your six categories (although I'd include brandy/cognac as a 7th), but there are way too many good value options to go with one or two. Besides your excellent recommendations, I would suggest:
Rye: Bulleit, Wild Turkey 101, Elijah Craig (all $25 and under)
Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101, Evan Williams Bottled in Bond, Four Roses yellow label (all $20 and under)
Gin: Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick's (generally $30 and under)
Rum: Anything from Flor de Cana is great, but would suggest Myer's for a dark rum
Tequila: El Jimador (under $20) and Cazadores (under $25) for both silver and reposado
Vodka: Tito's and Ketel One are great picks, but for something a little less obvious I love Prairie Organic (corn), Fair Quinoa Vodka, and Blue Ice (potato).
And always use the best mixers you can afford. Cocchi is excellent, as id Dolin for a dry vermouth. Carpano Antica is also a great sweet vermouth.
Do love Carpano as well. So many great choices as your list describes. At the end of it all what’s most important is that an individual selects their favorite in each category as I stated at the beginning of the video. Great selections in your list for sure! I think there are only a couple I would not prefer, Bombay and 4 roses yellow. Other than that I would be a kid in a candy store with the rest of your picks! Great job!
Great pick on the budget rum. Bacardi silver is also good for mixing for the price. Try El dorado 3, Appleton 8, doorlys 12 all around $30.
Thanks for the recommendations!
Appreciate the video. Suggest to try neat if not done so..maybe a bit on the pricier side but excellent indeed: Rum Flor de Caña 12 years old and Parce 12 years old. Tequila Maestro Dobel Diamante and Lalo. Vodka Danzka and Luksusowa. More exotic Pisco Santiago Queirolo Acholado and Mistral Gran Nobel. Finally 3 of my favorites after dinner Licor 43, Drambuie and Parfait Amour. Enjoy
Really appreciate your recommendations!
On the rum front... I was recently recommended worthy park 109. I think it's a great addition to the bar.
Wonderful! Thank you!
For dark rum I always go for Zacapa Centenario Solera 23 years old.
Just found your channel this morning, really enjoying it. I’m not a run guy either, but Appleton Estate Signature from Jamaica is VERY good.
Appreciate your recommendations!
Rums I like:
Don Q Añejo
Don Q Cristal (great mixer)
Zacapa (ANY of them)
Appleton 12
Nice! Thanks for the recommendations!
You may want to try Ron Zacapa Centenario 23, it's a dark rum from Guatemala that has spectacular flavor and smoothness. It typically sells for around $40.
Thank you!
Some of the white rums I've had were Havana Club Anejo 3 Anos and Diplomatico Planas. Both really nice, with Planas packing some more punch at 47% alcohol.
Thank you! Would love to get my hands on some Havana Club!
Monkey shoulder is blend. Great tips though, love your bar setup!
Correct! It’s a blend of various single malt whiskies. Thank you!
Agree with Heradura for the tequila. Someone else suggested Espolon. I second that. I know blanco (silver) is probably the default for most cocktails, but I really like using Espolon reposado for margaritas and Mexican mules.
For bourbon, I’m surprised you didn’t go with Woodford Reserve. It’s not very expensive and you really can’t do much better for a cocktail bourbon. Anything better is probably a waste of money if you’re mixing.
Finally, I gotta go with Hendricks for the gin. It might be a little more than your $20-$30 target range, but for me, it’s totally worth it. My desert island cocktail would a gin and tonic with Hendricks and Fever Tree tonic. A close second for the desert island would be a Mexican mule with the Espolon reposado tequila and a good ginger beer.
Great suggestions thank you! So many great choices it’s so hard trying to narrow down to one.
For a dark spiced rum Kracken is really good. For dark about the best one I’ve had is Cruzan. White is Bacardi
Thank you!
Cruzan makes good rum and they’re fairly inexpensive.
They also have a lot of flavored rums which are excellent. Their black cherry flavored rum is phenomenal.
Campari is the next mixer I plan on buying. I love a good Negroni.
There you go! Excellent cocktail!
The stuff I have in my bar, meaning the stuff I use for mixing in cocktails:
1. rye, Wild Turkey
2. bourbon, Four Roses
3. scotch, I'm with you on Monkey Shoulder
4. gin, Bombay Sapphire, but I think Beefeater's a good choice also.
5. rum, Cane Run. It's inexpensive, but I don't get requests from people for rum drinks, and I only drink it in eggnog at Christmas
6. tequila, Hornitos, El Jimador, or Cazadores
7. vodka, Putinka. It's made by Cristall distillery in Moscow. I developed a fondness for Cristall's products when I lived in Moscow, and Putinka seems to be the only one of their products available here now. Russian Standard (Russkiy Standart) is good, also. I'm wanting to try Belvedere, it's Polish, and it's rye vodka. I think rye vodka tastes a bit cleaner than wheat vodka, though wheat is good. I don't like potato vodka. And unfortunately I really don't like Tito's.
8. brandy, St. Remy XO.
9. vermouth, I concur with the Cocchi. It makes all the difference in a Manhattan.
Great list! Thank you for the vodka education. I don’t know much about it to be honest. I do have a Hammer and Sickle, would that be any good in your opinion? Supposedly from Russia.
@@slbdrinks I'd never heard of Hammer and Sickle. It gets mixed reviews by customers on the Total Wine website. I looked it up and it's made by an unknown company in Russia for an outfit called Klin Groupe in Massachussetts. They also sell cigars, which I don't think they make themselves either. I tend to be wary of any vodka that plays up the old Soviet era, it seems gimmicky and not the mark of a company that's really serious about what it's doing. Like I wouldn't buy a bourbon called "Dukes of Hazzard Straight Kentucky Bourbon". I've tried Tobarich vodka ("tovarisch" is Russian for "comrade"), it had all the Soviet-looking stuff on the label, and it tasted awful. I imagine the Hammer and Sickle would be okay mixed in a cocktail, though. But for a vodka martini or for drinking Russian style (straight up shots) it might not be that good.
@@slbdrinks I just saw that another Cristall brand is available in some places in the U.S., it's called Gzhelka. It was my stand-by brand when I was over there. That name might be a challenge for people to pronounce, though.
Thanks for the heads up on that!
Hi, Kurt. Happy New Year, friend.
Much appreciated! Happy new year to you and your family as well!
Love this! I’m personally a whiskey guy but I have a decent sized bar.
I think one rum people can “sleep” on is the one right over your right shoulder Diplomático also a new run
I’ve gotten and have grown fond of is Bumbu XO.
For gin staying in the lower price bracket I personally like Hendricks, empress 1908 and Aviation
Scotch I 100% agree monkey shoulder / I’m obsessed with Tamdhu / The Balvenie amazing scotch
Vodka I love the taste of Timeless and it’s price point is easy to maintain it stocked all the time. Also agreed with Tito
Tequila- Corralejo Resposa / don julio 70 / Adictivo (very well worth its higher price tag)
Whiskey 😍 - I maintain atleast 3-4 bottles of wild Turkey long branch I just personally love that bottle and will forever maintain it stocked especially for its price point / Wild Turkey 101 rye / old forester prohibition 1920 / E H Taylor (if you can find it buy it) / Eagle Rare / whistle pig
Impressive list! I recently did but a 2009 four square rum but haven’t opened it yet!
Thanks Kurt.
Vodka is my spirit, gimlet is my drink and Grey Goose is my brand. Smooth as silk, perfect gimlet vodka.
On the Rum Front many people get confused between gold, dark, black and aged rum. Many can be split between many categories. Gold, dark and aged are sometimes used interchangeably although should be different categories. A nice inexpensive aged rum such as El Dorado 12 (Around $28-30) or Diplomatico Mantuano ($23-25) can cover many of these. Sometimes people also mistake Black Rum with dark rum. Entirely different flavor profile on Black rums (Gossling or Vizcaya Black are great choices) and are needed for specific drinks. Unless a fan of those specific drinks, black rum is not required in starter bar.
Appreciate your knowledge on this subject! I def need the help thank you
Great help, got most of them. Cheers 🥃
Awesome!
Monkey Shoulder was my intro to scotch. Great to have around.
Regarding rum. I’ve heard good things about Bumbu and Doorley’s, but my go-to is Pampero Anniversario! It’s reasonably priced, a fantastic sipper, and a great, smooth mixer.
Great! Never heard of it but will be looking!
@@slbdrinks I came here to say I also love Bumbu. Definitely worth a shot. It's a strong vanilla flavor.
Thank you!
Also recommend 93 Vermouth from Lincoln & Main - its a rhubarb based sweet vermouth and makes an excellent manhatten as well as a sipping vermouth
Ok, you had me at rhubarb! I took a screenshot of this. Have to find it!
An essential besides Campara i my bar is Aperol. It's lighter, sweeter and less bitter then Campari.
I do like Aperol as well.
PB Chocolati, a really good Peanut butter chocolate whiskey, My wife liked it on ice and I liked it on egg nog over christmas...Not necessary for a starter bar, but good for a holidays bar.
Excellent to have around!
I appreciate your channel and all that you do. I would suggest a bottle of Brugal Anejo Superior with your rum category. For $17 a bottle, it’s an excellent mixer or straight.
Appreciate the recommendation!
Yes, the Brugal is an excellent choice and great on your wallet.
It's always great to see your personal favorite selections.
I agree that Beefeater is delicious and makes a great tasting martini, one of the best martinis. But, unfortunately I just can't drink it. If I make a martini with Beefeater gin, before I'm even finished with that one martini, I start to get a splitting headache! I can't even finish my drink because of it.
I have several martinis a week. In my martinis I use Tanqueray or Bombay gins with absolutely no problems. Bluecoat gin is good too. Of course I'm partial about that, as Bluecoat is one of our fine Pennsylvania spirits.
I would be curious to know if Beefeater has the same effect on other people.
Cheers to you our friend!
Thank you! I personally do not have issues with any brand of gin. Not sure if that’s good or bad lol. Tanqueray is wonderful but I do not prefer Bombay. I will give Bluecoat a try!
For your dark rum, try Pillar. Excellent rum, occasionally I'll even sip it with desert! Also good to note the Tito's is gluten free. Not all vodkas are. It's good to know incase your creating a drink for a person with a gluten allergy.
Thanks for the input!
Great recommendations. My favorite tequila is Cazadores Blanco. Lovely herbaceous flavors for only about $24.
Thank you for the recommendation!
Ketel 1 is good, but for most people I recommend Russian Standard vodka. I find it superior or those specific occasions when you want to add a shot to your meal, particularly with something like oysters on the half shell. It's critical to keep this chilled before serving. Never drink vodka at room temperature.
Beefeater is the quintessential gin to me and gin is my favorite.
I have to agree. I have several others that I like a lot but if I had to choose one it would be Beef Ester!
Just started mixing up martinis, and other drinks my family and friends enjoy having in out of the home occasions and can now enjoy in my home.... Besides, drinks at home are cheaper.
No doubt!
These are all great choices. The only thing I'd replace, personally is the grandad, it's given me same day hangovers for some reason, but the brown label Henry McKenna is incredible. Love your rum choices. Plantation makes a 5 year that's so good and easy drinkable and mixable.
I barely drink i like how a good bar looks in a house tho I started one about 2 weeks ago I got about 7 different things only tried one lol I plan on getting a nice pool table once I get my room the way I want
Takes time. You rush it and it won’t be what you want. Enjoy!
Another great one. I think it’s important to start with the brands you actually like, and then expand into brands for your frequent guests. I just need to learn to make drinks. I mess up Jack and Coke, then usually leave the Coke out. 😉
Lol! Made me laugh out loud!
Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately the American Whiskey suggestions don't seem to be available in Ontario
Sorry bout that. Lot 40 I believe would be a good starter Canadian rye. After that pick a decent bourbon type of whisky you have. Hope that helps.
@@slbdrinks Lot 40 I can definitely get. Debating between Four Roses Small batch or Wild Turkey 101. Both are reasonably Priced and available at my local store.
Hmm both a bit different in taste profiles. You can be the only judge of what you like best. 4 roses small batch is a higher rye mash bill than 101. So, do you like rye whiskeys?? If so 4 roses might be the pick.
Doctor Bird for 100 proof dark rum, Smith and Cross for navy strength. They are my favorite rums, love them in any cocktail.
Need to look for the Doctor bird! Sounds good! I have the SC overproof.
My top Three Vodkas #1 Titos #2 Grey Goose #3 Ketle one
Great list! You know your stuff. I would also add Botanist gin and Espolon Silver tequila (for margaritas) to your list. Tito's and Kettle One are good choices. Reyka is a solid and reasonably priced vodka as well. Nice video!
Thanks for your recommendations! I have had Reyka and Botanist in the bar and thought both were good. Will try the tequila.
Good list. No argument from me on any of those choices.
For tequila, I recommend centenario reposado. Good for sipping, and inexpensive so you can use it for mixers.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I second this. And the Centenario Plata is an excellent alternative to silver. IMHO a steal at less than $25.
Sailor Jerry spiced rum is amazing
Thanks for your recommendation!
Hell yeah. Great video and suggestions.
Thank you!
Great options!
Rittenhouse is a great rye option! It’s my go to.
Pierre Ferrand 1840 is a good cognac option if you can’t find Maison Rouge (I couldn’t find it).
I like Four Roses for Bourbon.
I like Appleton Estate Signature blend for my “darker” rum. But then again, I really like the Jamaican funk.
Great suggestions! I also have the PF 1840 on hand. Seems more readily available and also very good!
I don’t have a home bar but thanks for the recommendations. Maybe one day I can add these to my collection
All good my friend! Thank you!
Bumbu rum is amazing!
Thank you for the recommendation!
@@slbdrinks You are very welcome! Cool pirate looking bottle too
Kurt, beluga noble vodka (not the red line, not the Atlantic) just the regular beluga. It’s $25 and the best vodka I’ve ever had and I’ve tried almost all of them from $10-$150 bottles. Regular beluga will change your life.
Love the channel.
Thank you for this recommendation! I have tried to find Beluga around me but can’t find it. Next time I am out of town I will look again!
super helpful thank you
Found your channel a few weeks ago and glad I did! Have you done a Costco brand review? I would like to see your take on the Costco brand name whiskey, scotch, vodka ,etc. Great laid back videos. CHEERS!
Thanks so much! Many people have asked for Kirkland brand reviews so we will def go down that road at some point!
Great video Kurt but only one scotch love the list
Thank you!
I just keep el dorado 12 on the shelf. Good for mixing or sipping and doesn’t break the bank. I’m not a rum person either. Just here for rum and cokes. Lol
Good choice!
Nice video! One nice rum that isn’t too expensive is Appleton 12 or Doorly 12 which has no added sugar and has an honest 12 year age statement. Other countries can use an age statement of the oldest spirit in the bottle even if the rest is much younger. For something more expensive FourSquare vintage cask strength releases.
Thanks for the recommendations!
I bought an Appleton’s on your recommendation yesterday and thank you, I found it to be excellent
Wonderful tips! I have Monkey Shoulder but never know what to do with it. Can I mix a Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned? Thanks! I noticed you have Fortaleza Tequila....I've been looking for it. Do you like it?
I did have Fortaleza and liked it a lot before I emptied the bottle lol.
Try the Monkey Shoulder mixed as an old fashioned. Same recipe just use maple syrup as a sweetener. See what you think. There are other good cocktails as well.
The wildest redhead cocktail is one of my favorites.
Ingredients
1 1⁄2 OZ. BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY
3⁄4 OZ. FRESH LEMON JUICE
1⁄2 OZ. HONEY SYRUP (3:1 HONEY TO WARM WATER)
1⁄4 OZ. ALLSPICE DRAM
1⁄4 OZ. CHERRY HEERING
TOOLS:
SHAKER, STRAINER
GLASS:
ROCKS
If you want to use some Polish vodka i recommend for coctails common brands: Wyborowa, Finlandia, one of most known rye vodka od Żytnia. But you've hot to get żubrówka, it is the bison grass vodka, very nice thing solo and also for some coctails.
I have heard of the bison grass vodka but have not seen it. Thanks for your recommendations!
I used to buy Zytnia and enjoyed it. Unfortunately, some years ago then it became unavailable in my area.
@@FawleyJude Maybe, becouse i don't see Żytnia in many stores in Poland anymore. It is still available on market, but not everywhere, like some years ago.
@@amon3128 The two Polish rye vodkas available in my area are Belvedere and Sobieski. Sobieski costs a lot less than Belvedere, do you know if it's any good or is it just cheap booze?
@@FawleyJude Yeap, Sobieski is a cheap booze, just like Absolwent, Żytniówka, Lubelska, Bols, Krupnik, Bocian, Żubrówka (pure, not bison grass), Żołądkowa, Soplica, Luksusowa etc. - many of them were produced by national distilleries, not private companies. Today we have some premium vodkas from big corporations, mostly not polish, and some kraft ones from little private businesses. If You want to try something polish, slavic - give a chance to our Żubrówka bison grass vodka - it's an excellent, tasty thing. Once I tried bison grass from ukraine, it was similar and also tasty :)
I like plantation, Appleton estate or el dorado for rums.
Thank you for the recommendations!
My favorite dark rum is Diplomatico
I do have that one and like it also. Not much funk in it which I like.
Try the Nolet’s Silver dry gin it’s got some nice flavors. Made a really crushable gin and tonic.
I will thank you!
I'm late to the party but an excellent vodka to keep on hand is Popov. Vodka really should be tasteless and Popov is CHEAP but is actually tasteless like far more expensive brands. My local store sells it for $9 per 1.5L!
Never to late for good recommendations! Thank you!
I love your shows!
Enjoy your videos!
My favorite vodkas are Stolichnaya if I'm on a budget and Velvedere if I can spend a bit more.
Our Stolichnaya tastes of water. I think it is a sign of quality. Finlandia is somewhat bitter. Gustav dill vodka tastes like salmon soup.
Wow I will definitely stay away from those lol!
@@slbdrinks 😂 I recommend video "Trying finnish alcohol" by Dave Cad.
That was some great knowledge
Appreciate that!
Plymouth is an outstanding pour. But if you ever come across Bloom or Roku, grab it.
Haven’t heard of Bloom but need to grab a Roku soon!
I just recently tried that Maison Rouge and have added 3 more bottles to my stash
Good idea!
I cant find it where I live.. what a good alternative? Can be pricier
Try Pierre Ferrand 1840. Also another solid cognac. Should be around 50-60.00 if my memory is right.
Check out rums by Foursquare, Hamilton (specifically their cask strength series, I prefer the 9 year), and Hampden. These are rums that aren’t big into adding sugars or coloring and appeal to enthusiasts often whom are bourbon lovers
Great! I wasn’t aware of this info so thank you!
@@slbdrinks absolutely! Also, Barrell is actually doing a great job with their rum line if you can find any.
some people don't know it but in Mexico trres mujeres recipe was sold to a Las Vegas consortium they stripped all the agave out and they made patron garbage not even recognized in Mexico as tequila only for the gringos..... because they did this to tres mujeres.. these manufacturers these distillers apply to the state department to bring back their recipe and it is very good it is very good.......
I don’t like Patron either. Not sure why a lot of people in the US buy it being expensive to.
Great info. Thanks.