That feeling when you make videos about available products being just as good as the crazy hyped up bottles and people call you crazy (see GTS vs Rare Breed blind), then Fred Minnick drops knowledge that backs you up. Great video Fred! Loved every minute of it!
what about a list for top 5 most unique MGP whiskeys. Everyone sourcing MTG all start with a similar product, but who turns it into something truly special.
I really appreciate lists like this, I've never been a label guy but always wondered if the taste is worth the price on these "top shelf" bottles. Won't ever know for myself because I won't ever pay those kind of prices, but glad to know my daily sippers Rare Breed, Russell's and Knob Creek stand up well to that tater fodder! Thanks for another great video Fred!
I can attest to this. I don’t think the top of the top are worth it. Yes many I have had are good but it’s allowed me to realize for myself that the price doesn’t justify the taste profile. I am not blown away like one would expect to be for the price and age. Shoot, I finally scored a Blanton a couple years back when I chased bourbon for a hot second and was disappointed and didn’t see the hype from it. As for buying a bottle of the pappy line or something in the BT antique line, or any top dollar bourbon, find a bar and get a pour of something. Yes it’s expensive but you can make the decision for yourself. That’s what I have done. Sometimes you need to experience for yourself just to know what you are missing or not missing out on. I have so many good bourbons ii like that are easy to find. My favorite is Michters Bourbon, not the rye. I just like the smoothness and mello flavor profile. But to each his own. Good luck.
I had a pour of George T. Stagg last week at a local restaurant. It was amazing 🤩. However, I can’t afford the bottle on secondary. Can’t find it anywhere at retail. I always gravitate to Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Makers Mark Cast Strength. I can get both under $60 in my market. I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you for sharing ❤
Rare Breed is soooo underrated. With a splash of water, that brown sugar and vanilla really start jumping. It’s widely available, even in VA. Now, if we can get Jack Daniels Barrel Proof on the shelf more often, those would be the only 2 whisky’s for me.
Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye is phenomenal. I am fortunate that my local store still has several on the shelf. This video reminded me that I need to pick up another one because I am half way through my current bottle. When I first started getting into whiskey I was very dismissive of Knob Creek, but Knob Creek releases are right at the top of any list in terms of quality/value.
Thank you sir!! My palate has really opened up to available gems like Four Roses and Rare Breed, since I watched one of your previous videos about exploring high-rye bourbons. Four Roses Single Barrel and Single Barrel Select are now staples on my shelf. Also, I have passed on some of the allocated stuff in favor of these. Cheers🥃
that knob creek cask strength rye is affordable and the most rare bottle ive ever found. got it for retail and it was one of the best pours I ever had... I haven't seen it since... but its absolutely a 10/10 in my book.
These are a stretch...and tbh GTS is far away and above Rare Breed. I also love Makers Cask but it's just not close to WLW. Novel effort but yeah...no.
I loved these recommendations!! Going off of the Russell’s Reserve 6 being one of the most underrated bourbons in any store, I’d like to know what others you think are some impressive sleepers that often get overlooked
You might want to revisit this list since the advent of some of the newer distilleries and products on the market. Especially either of the Rye picks now that Sagamore is producing some amazing Rye Whiskey. I know. They are in Maryland and the mashbill isn't the same, but, the cask str offerings and single barrel picks with age statements are amazing. BTW, THANKS for turning people onto Knob Creek 😤 lol Not blaming you. So many people have shined a light on Knob Creek and now I have to hunt for it on occasion.
Thanks Fred. Appreciated the insight because those BTAC bottles are unobtainium for me. As for lists; I’d love to see an episode with a variety (5 or 6) of whiskeys that show off various flavor profiles. It would help a noob like me calibrate my palate and enhance my enjoyment of the diverse world of bourbons. ‘til then: happy drinking.
I really love the amount of detail as to why you recommend the easier to find bourbons/ryes. This is one of the few videos that dives into details about mash bills and flavor complexity. It is great because the areas in which my palate agrees with yours, I get excited to try that option. Also, my friend and I do blind tastes (and we often do it so we do not know what we are tasting other than type). Evan Williams 1783 has beat Colonel EH Taylor in a blind. Also Makers 101 beat Antique 107. Also Knob 12 year is heaven in a glass. Thanks for another great video. Is your Woodinville pick still available?
I already have 3 of the 5 you recommended as replacements. I am not a rye guy so I'm sure you can guess which one's I have. This is one of my favorite videos of yours! Thanks!
Interesting, I'm glad you occasionally list your actual preferences/biases. You're not a fan of acids, wood notes, and "sweet oak". (7:58) I'm guessing you hate David Nicholson 1843.
Great list of comparisons and truly thought provoking especially since this list is coming from you. What are your thoughts on MM cask strength compared to the MM46 cask strength? I’ve had so many suggestions to try the 46 CS, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Thanks!
I had the opportunity to try eagle rare 17 along side old fitz 17 and I didn’t care for the eagle rare myself. I found it to be a bit to medicinal tasting for my liking.
As a person who has a problem with overvaluing shiny things, I really appreciate this video. Needed to hear this! Thanks a ton. Awesome video! Subscribed ♥️
A huge part of the reason people go hunting for btac is because of the limited availability. So trying to recommend alternatives to that crowd is very hard to do. However there are plenty of limited release American whiskeys out there for the btac hunters to check out that they are way more likely to obtain and love just as much as they would btac. Makers mark wood finishing series is the prime example. Another one would be kentucky owl or a dickel 17 year maybe a jd sb BP rye or something like bardstown bourbon Co.
Really appreciate the wild Turkey love on this. I have recommended Rare Breed to a lot of people. What's your opinion on the Rae Breed Rye? I haven't tasted it but I imagine it is just as good.
Only been lucky enough to get my hands on two BTAC bottles, a GTS several years ago and last year a Thomas H Handy which I still have about 2/3 left. It's very good but probably not worth the price. I had one of the Knob Creek 120 pf ryes Fred showed which I thought was really good. I have 6 more Knob Creek cask strength ryes that vary from 115 to 127. Some were store picks and 2 are the second release of what Fred showed. All are good. I would still never turn down a chance to get a BTAC bottle at a reasonable price (not secondary) but agree there are plenty of over looked quality selections sitting on the shelves.
Interesting that you found Russel's Rye to be not so much on the corn flavor. Jimmy dislikes using rye so much he made the mashbill 51% rye, just enough to call it one. At least thats what Bo Garrett told us on the tour. Amazing guys over there at Wild Turkey!
Great video. Short and to the point. Yeah, KC12 is overlooked. More for us. Shared a bottle with my team at our last meeting. Everyone loved it. Spot on. Tough to find in Texas though. Also just picked up a bottle of WT Rare Breed barrel proof and a Russell’s res 10yo at the distillery. My first WT products in many years so I’m extra hyped to try the RB. Got it signed by Jimmy Russell that day he visited the gift shop. Really interesting guy.
The only high age statement bourbon that I have enjoyed is the Calumet 15 year. I found it delicious and it is plentiful in my area. The only thing that dings it from being super obtainable is the $125 price tag. Even so, I have a nice bottle that I will be using as a "special occasion" dram for years to come.
Went out and bought the knob Creek Barrellproof rye. 11 yr old awesome the rye equivalent of knob Creek 12/15 yr old bourbon s but at barrel strength incredible value.
Fred your comments on 17 year Eagle Rare reminded me of an interview I THINK was Fred Noe who felt any bourbon over 15 years had too much oak for his taste. “Too much of the barrel comes through.”
@@FredMinnick You are CORRECT SIR! It was Jimmy during an interview in Philadelphia 4 years ago mostly talking about Russell Reserve 10 year old. "I don't like 4-5 year olds. I don't think they've matured enough, I still get that moonshine taste." "After about 13 years or so, the white oak wood smoky taste starts coming out, and I don't like that." In trying to find the clip I clicked through several of the interviews with him - Jimmy as gracious as he seems? He reminds me of a few of my Dad's friends. They jst don't make them like that anymore.
The MM Cask Strength is one of thee best. But,.. so is the Jack Daniels BARREL PROOF!! $70, worth it! The Rare Breed is the Russel family at their finest. One of the GOAT's. I like WT 101, and that's about where I like my Rye % to max out too. REDEMTION RYE is pretty good. I'm a much more wheated bourbon guy. LUX makes REBEL 100. A decent wheated budget Weller!
Fred, Brother I so agree with you when it come to Wild Turkey. I would argue with any human being that somehow, someway, Wild Turkey products dollar for dollar kick everyones ass. How do I not say that? Russell Reserves Single Barrel.... who want's some. 1920? yeah maybe but in gerneral..... who is going to knock down the RRSB.? In Kentucky, I just used my points to grab a barrel selection of Old Forester Cask Strength and a Four Roses cask strength store pick. Outside of that who can run against the ole mighty Wild Turkey Products.
None of these have really ever done it for my palate so they're never on my radar. There are so many whiskeys as good or better, ubiquitously available, as Fred so eloquently articulates here.
#TeamNoAscot Would bet the a 12 year old Makers Mark Cask strength would be available on the shelf and available considering their volume. Maybe even batch it for three batches a year?
I want a MM 12 yr CS too. But regular MM CS is a far cry from any thing with 12yrs on it. WT RB is good, but not hardly as robust & complex. U b smoking something good. Ive had some CS mgp 13yr stuff inthought was as good and actually close in flavor complexity to stagg. THH can be replaced with a decent CS mgp 6-8 yr or WP. That said, thh has a plummy note that i havent found in any other rye. Good call on the kc rye CS. Saz18 replacement? Ha ha ha…good luck finding that leather woody note in something 6 yr aged. KC is not overlooked, folks just dont think the square bottle & label is sexy or appealing. Get past that & theres just great value bourbon sipping in there.
Hi Fred, that acidic wood note you mentioned not liking in GTS; is there anything else out there you think is pretty good, but loses points for that same acidic note? Thanks!
Hi Fred. I got an out there idea for a list. Pair up whiskeys that are a match made in heaven when enjoying side by side. With flights, blind or otherwise, Ive had notes jump out at me when coming off of another whiskey. Complimentary or a study in contrasts? Call me crazy but you asked!
I am fascinated by the idea to substitute Maker's Mark Cask Strength for William LaRue Weller. I have been hearing that Larceny Barrel Proof is a good substitute. That sounds like the beginning of an episode right there.
Fred, am I crazy to think that Buffalo Trace has a very similar taste (flavor profile?) to Blanton's Single Barrel? Just asking because I can occasionally get my hands on Blanton's from a bar owner I know who sells it to me at his price which is incredible kind of him. However, after trying Buffalo Trace, it seems to be a rather inexpensive substitute for Blanton's. Am I simply talking myself into that? Thanks for any info or opinion.
I've probably told this story in another video but it's fitting, I was lucky enough to try GTS in a bar for 25 bucks, had Lot B at the same place for probably the same price. So I can say I've both GTS and some variant of Van Winkle without breaking the bank. I can go and stare at a bottle of GTS for 999.99 literally 150 feet away from my apartment, or I can go back to that bar, pay a bit more for a pour, and enjoy it there. Great list, people do sleep on Knob Creek and Maker's Cask Strength, and I really need to get on the Russell's bandwagon. Is it the same "prestige" as paying up the keister for BTAC or some other LE, no but who cares, just drink the friggin stuff.
Other channels are loosing their shit over the MM Cask Strength comparison to WLW. They all missed the 12 year aged MM referenced. This goes way back to Fred’s interview of Bill Jr. at the Bourbon Hall of Fame when Bill surprised Fred and the audience with an aged MM sample.
Loved the recommendations for alternates to BTAC. I was sipping along as I watched as I have most on the shelf now, but it’s time to venture into Russell’s world. Heading to pick up a RR6 now! #vodkasucksunlessitsusedforhandsanitizer
That feeling when you make videos about available products being just as good as the crazy hyped up bottles and people call you crazy (see GTS vs Rare Breed blind), then Fred Minnick drops knowledge that backs you up.
Great video Fred! Loved every minute of it!
what about a list for top 5 most unique MGP whiskeys. Everyone sourcing MTG all start with a similar product, but who turns it into something truly special.
I really appreciate lists like this, I've never been a label guy but always wondered if the taste is worth the price on these "top shelf" bottles. Won't ever know for myself because I won't ever pay those kind of prices, but glad to know my daily sippers Rare Breed, Russell's and Knob Creek stand up well to that tater fodder! Thanks for another great video Fred!
I can attest to this. I don’t think the top of the top are worth it. Yes many I have had are good but it’s allowed me to realize for myself that the price doesn’t justify the taste profile. I am not blown away like one would expect to be for the price and age. Shoot, I finally scored a Blanton a couple years back when I chased bourbon for a hot second and was disappointed and didn’t see the hype from it. As for buying a bottle of the pappy line or something in the BT antique line, or any top dollar bourbon, find a bar and get a pour of something. Yes it’s expensive but you can make the decision for yourself. That’s what I have done. Sometimes you need to experience for yourself just to know what you are missing or not missing out on. I have so many good bourbons ii like that are easy to find. My favorite is Michters Bourbon, not the rye. I just like the smoothness and mello flavor profile. But to each his own. Good luck.
Love that youre so well-respected in the industry, but you still dont indulge in the snobbery or hype!! Great content - thanks!
I had a pour of George T. Stagg last week at a local restaurant. It was amazing 🤩. However, I can’t afford the bottle on secondary. Can’t find it anywhere at retail. I always gravitate to Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Makers Mark Cast Strength. I can get both under $60 in my market. I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you for sharing ❤
And both of those readily available bottles are serious contenders! BTAC FOMO needs to go. It's silly.
Rare Breed is soooo underrated. With a splash of water, that brown sugar and vanilla really start jumping. It’s widely available, even in VA. Now, if we can get Jack Daniels Barrel Proof on the shelf more often, those would be the only 2 whisky’s for me.
Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye is phenomenal. I am fortunate that my local store still has several on the shelf. This video reminded me that I need to pick up another one because I am half way through my current bottle. When I first started getting into whiskey I was very dismissive of Knob Creek, but Knob Creek releases are right at the top of any list in terms of quality/value.
Thank you sir!! My palate has really opened up to available gems like Four Roses and Rare Breed, since I watched one of your previous videos about exploring high-rye bourbons. Four Roses Single Barrel and Single Barrel Select are now staples on my shelf. Also, I have passed on some of the allocated stuff in favor of these. Cheers🥃
shawn, thanks for influencing the list! cheers!
@@FredMinnick no problem! I'm still stoked that you even considered my suggestion!!😁
I appreciated the transparency with which you presented your biases to make it easier to contextualize your recommendations. A fun list, to be sure!
and i appreciate your excellent use of "with which," sir! thanks for the kind words. cheers!
that knob creek cask strength rye is affordable and the most rare bottle ive ever found. got it for retail and it was one of the best pours I ever had... I haven't seen it since... but its absolutely a 10/10 in my book.
TLDR, Replacements:
WLW: Maker's Mark Cask Strength
GTS: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Handy: Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye
Saz 18: Russels Reserve 6YO
ER17: Knob Creek 12YO
These are a stretch...and tbh GTS is far away and above Rare Breed. I also love Makers Cask but it's just not close to WLW.
Novel effort but yeah...no.
@@mero40k I think most people recognize that these are "close enough" choices that are cheaper and available. Thanks for the input.
I loved these recommendations!! Going off of the Russell’s Reserve 6 being one of the most underrated bourbons in any store, I’d like to know what others you think are some impressive sleepers that often get overlooked
Russel's 6 is one of my most disappointing purchases ever, but each to their own
I prefer Rare Breed Rye and Pikesville all day to the Russell's
You might want to revisit this list since the advent of some of the newer distilleries and products on the market. Especially either of the Rye picks now that Sagamore is producing some amazing Rye Whiskey. I know. They are in Maryland and the mashbill isn't the same, but, the cask str offerings and single barrel picks with age statements are amazing. BTW, THANKS for turning people onto Knob Creek 😤 lol Not blaming you. So many people have shined a light on Knob Creek and now I have to hunt for it on occasion.
Thanks Fred. Appreciated the insight because those BTAC bottles are unobtainium for me.
As for lists; I’d love to see an episode with a variety (5 or 6) of whiskeys that show off various flavor profiles. It would help a noob like me calibrate my palate and enhance my enjoyment of the diverse world of bourbons.
‘til then: happy drinking.
I really love the amount of detail as to why you recommend the easier to find bourbons/ryes. This is one of the few videos that dives into details about mash bills and flavor complexity. It is great because the areas in which my palate agrees with yours, I get excited to try that option. Also, my friend and I do blind tastes (and we often do it so we do not know what we are tasting other than type). Evan Williams 1783 has beat Colonel EH Taylor in a blind. Also Makers 101 beat Antique 107. Also Knob 12 year is heaven in a glass. Thanks for another great video. Is your Woodinville pick still available?
I get a ton of dried fruit like raisin, date or fig from rare breed. Really underrated bottle these days. Surprised kentucky spirit goes for more.
I already have 3 of the 5 you recommended as replacements. I am not a rye guy so I'm sure you can guess which one's I have. This is one of my favorite videos of yours! Thanks!
Interesting, I'm glad you occasionally list your actual preferences/biases. You're not a fan of acids, wood notes, and "sweet oak". (7:58) I'm guessing you hate David Nicholson 1843.
Great list of comparisons and truly thought provoking especially since this list is coming from you. What are your thoughts on MM cask strength compared to the MM46 cask strength? I’ve had so many suggestions to try the 46 CS, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Thanks!
Great video!!! Love this concept. I will never see or buy a BTAC but I have and will continue to enjoy all of the suggestions you have made.
Thanks for the alternative BTAC listing Fred...Cheers
I had the opportunity to try eagle rare 17 along side old fitz 17 and I didn’t care for the eagle rare myself. I found it to be a bit to medicinal tasting for my liking.
As a person who has a problem with overvaluing shiny things, I really appreciate this video. Needed to hear this! Thanks a ton. Awesome video! Subscribed ♥️
Hey! Fred got his 12yr makers, congrats to all the bourbon lovers out there. Now to get our hands on it.
List: Knob vs Wild Turkey vs 4R (I know they’re all different, but there’s a good range in each brand). Best of each, top 3, vs…options.
A huge part of the reason people go hunting for btac is because of the limited availability. So trying to recommend alternatives to that crowd is very hard to do.
However there are plenty of limited release American whiskeys out there for the btac hunters to check out that they are way more likely to obtain and love just as much as they would btac.
Makers mark wood finishing series is the prime example. Another one would be kentucky owl or a dickel 17 year maybe a jd sb BP rye or something like bardstown bourbon Co.
Great replacements and best part is that they’re certainly findable. Also, I agree on all your points on KC. KC is always in my top three.
Really appreciate the wild Turkey love on this. I have recommended Rare Breed to a lot of people. What's your opinion on the Rae Breed Rye? I haven't tasted it but I imagine it is just as good.
Only been lucky enough to get my hands on two BTAC bottles, a GTS several years ago and last year a Thomas H Handy which I still have about 2/3 left. It's very good but probably not worth the price. I had one of the Knob Creek 120 pf ryes Fred showed which I thought was really good. I have 6 more Knob Creek cask strength ryes that vary from 115 to 127. Some were store picks and 2 are the second release of what Fred showed. All are good. I would still never turn down a chance to get a BTAC bottle at a reasonable price (not secondary) but agree there are plenty of over looked quality selections sitting on the shelves.
Interesting that you found Russel's Rye to be not so much on the corn flavor. Jimmy dislikes using rye so much he made the mashbill 51% rye, just enough to call it one. At least thats what Bo Garrett told us on the tour. Amazing guys over there at Wild Turkey!
Really enjoy your barrel pick for Nashville Barrel bourbon. Have not opened the rye yet but my expectations are high.
I so agree, “listen to a lot of people and make your own decisions.” 👍
Great video. Short and to the point. Yeah, KC12 is overlooked. More for us. Shared a bottle with my team at our last meeting. Everyone loved it. Spot on. Tough to find in Texas though. Also just picked up a bottle of WT Rare Breed barrel proof and a Russell’s res 10yo at the distillery. My first WT products in many years so I’m extra hyped to try the RB. Got it signed by Jimmy Russell that day he visited the gift shop. Really interesting guy.
Great list Fred! What about the same list, except do craft distilleries.
Senator is currently my favorite rye I can find every day.
Pikesville is great Rye. I use that one for Manhattans.
Interesting timing for this video, considering Buffalo Trace just announced they won't be releasing a George T Stagg this year
No kidding. But I had no idea.
Thanks for doing this....and I'm invested into my drinking my collection! 🤣
Do a list of comparable bourbons to the Russell line and include Rare Bread and some other Turkey products. Love the show!
Spot on! Makers cast strength is my favorite.
Great video Fred. A buddy of mine and I blinded Handy, Kentucky owl, and willett rye twice. And willett won both times.
The only high age statement bourbon that I have enjoyed is the Calumet 15 year. I found it delicious and it is plentiful in my area. The only thing that dings it from being super obtainable is the $125 price tag. Even so, I have a nice bottle that I will be using as a "special occasion" dram for years to come.
First time I've seen your channel. I can easily relate to your palate. Good Job.
Thanks for another great video, always learning something from you, just happen to have them all on my shelf. Thanks
Went out and bought the knob Creek Barrellproof rye. 11 yr old awesome the rye equivalent of knob Creek 12/15 yr old bourbon s but at barrel strength incredible value.
I also really like the KC Cask Strength. I stocked up when I found this bottle a couple years back. I only have 1 bottle left.
Dang, Dennis, you better hide it from yourself or go buy some more!
@@FredMinnick I've been keeping my eye out for it. I live in Kansas City and I just don't see it very often. I hope to find some soon.
Had some knob creek rye and it blew me away...back to get some more lol.
Fred your comments on 17 year Eagle Rare reminded me of an interview
I THINK was Fred Noe who felt any bourbon over 15 years had too much oak for his taste.
“Too much of the barrel comes through.”
Sounds like something Jimmy Russell would have said. He was huge against those older stocks
@@FredMinnick
You are CORRECT SIR!
It was Jimmy during an interview in Philadelphia 4 years ago mostly talking about Russell Reserve 10 year old.
"I don't like 4-5 year olds. I don't think they've matured enough, I still get that moonshine taste."
"After about 13 years or so, the white oak wood smoky taste starts coming out, and I don't like that."
In trying to find the clip I clicked through several of the interviews with him - Jimmy as gracious as he seems?
He reminds me of a few of my Dad's friends. They jst don't make them like that anymore.
The MM Cask Strength is one of thee best. But,.. so is the Jack Daniels BARREL PROOF!! $70, worth it! The Rare Breed is the Russel family at their finest. One of the GOAT's. I like WT 101, and that's about where I like my Rye % to max out too. REDEMTION RYE is pretty good. I'm a much more wheated bourbon guy. LUX makes REBEL 100. A decent wheated budget Weller!
Was able to find both knob creek’s at a store close by. Thanks!
that's awesome!
Fred, Brother I so agree with you when it come to Wild Turkey. I would argue with any human being that somehow, someway, Wild Turkey products dollar for dollar kick everyones ass. How do I not say that? Russell Reserves Single Barrel.... who want's some. 1920? yeah maybe but in gerneral..... who is going to knock down the RRSB.? In Kentucky, I just used my points to grab a barrel selection of Old Forester Cask Strength and a Four Roses cask strength store pick. Outside of that who can run against the ole mighty Wild Turkey Products.
I watched again. I found a KC single barrel store pick rye at 115 proof but wasnt sure if that would be close to the KC cask strength rye
None of these have really ever done it for my palate so they're never on my radar. There are so many whiskeys as good or better, ubiquitously available, as Fred so eloquently articulates here.
Thanks Fred I love your content. What about doing top five Bourbons not from Kentucky?
List idea: 5 bourbons that you’ll never want to run out of.
#TeamNoAscot
Would bet the a 12 year old Makers Mark Cask strength would be available on the shelf and available considering their volume. Maybe even batch it for three batches a year?
I want a MM 12 yr CS too. But regular MM CS is a far cry from any thing with 12yrs on it.
WT RB is good, but not hardly as robust & complex. U b smoking something good. Ive had some CS mgp 13yr stuff inthought was as good and actually close in flavor complexity to stagg. THH can be replaced with a decent CS mgp 6-8 yr or WP. That said, thh has a plummy note that i havent found in any other rye. Good call on the kc rye CS.
Saz18 replacement? Ha ha ha…good luck finding that leather woody note in something 6 yr aged.
KC is not overlooked, folks just dont think the square bottle & label is sexy or appealing. Get past that & theres just great value bourbon sipping in there.
Vodka SUCKS! Thanks Fred. Really loved this one. Great list idea.
Hi Fred, that acidic wood note you mentioned not liking in GTS; is there anything else out there you think is pretty good, but loses points for that same acidic note? Thanks!
11:29 so true. I actually found some 14 year old KC store picks for $50 at TARGET of all places! It was as dusty as can be.
those KC store picks are money!
Makers Mark Cask Strength is a sold buy, in NH you can get it for $39.99.
Hi Fred. I got an out there idea for a list. Pair up whiskeys that are a match made in heaven when enjoying side by side.
With flights, blind or otherwise, Ive had notes jump out at me when coming off of another whiskey. Complimentary or a study in contrasts? Call me crazy but you asked!
i like it!
That 3 Chamber Rye if it's released more widely and the price drops is... 🍯🍫🌶️🌿🍭🌼🥒🍓🍎🍑🥧, etc., etc., etc.
How does RR6 compare to Rarebreed Rye?
Yum! Like that 3 Chamber!
This was a great list of alternatives to BTAC.
I am fascinated by the idea to substitute Maker's Mark Cask Strength for William LaRue Weller. I have been hearing that Larceny Barrel Proof is a good substitute. That sounds like the beginning of an episode right there.
Throw Rebel 10 Year SiB in that mix as well
Fred killin Buffalo trace
Leopold 4 year, over oaked. I havened had their 5. I think location has a lot to do with it. We be dry here.
I'll have a Blanton's and White Claw please, with a splash of grenadine.
Now that’s funny
@@FredMinnick 🤣🤣🤣
I’ve gotten in the habit of ordering a “blanton’s and coke”
The go together great. Both are rather ordinary.
I’ve gotten in the habit of ordering a “blanton’s and coke”
The go together great. Both are rather ordinary.
@tscherer @FredMinnick there are far better things to mix with a coca-cola than a hyperoaked candy bomb.
Good info. Question? Is Russell’s Reserve Rye a yearly release 🤔👀? Or is it released every year.?
Thank you Aldo
Fred, am I crazy to think that Buffalo Trace has a very similar taste (flavor profile?) to Blanton's Single Barrel? Just asking because I can occasionally get my hands on Blanton's from a bar owner I know who sells it to me at his price which is incredible kind of him. However, after trying Buffalo Trace, it seems to be a rather inexpensive substitute for Blanton's. Am I simply talking myself into that? Thanks for any info or opinion.
Old Forester just released a cask strength Rye
Not a fan of that one
Knob has that funky yeast taste to me, like all JB products
Really like this list, super interesting.
My friends and I are big fans of Angel Envy Rye. I noticed you didn’t mention it,, and I’m wondering what you think of it?
I've yet to even try a rye come to think about it....🤔🤔
I've probably told this story in another video but it's fitting, I was lucky enough to try GTS in a bar for 25 bucks, had Lot B at the same place for probably the same price. So I can say I've both GTS and some variant of Van Winkle without breaking the bank. I can go and stare at a bottle of GTS for 999.99 literally 150 feet away from my apartment, or I can go back to that bar, pay a bit more for a pour, and enjoy it there. Great list, people do sleep on Knob Creek and Maker's Cask Strength, and I really need to get on the Russell's bandwagon. Is it the same "prestige" as paying up the keister for BTAC or some other LE, no but who cares, just drink the friggin stuff.
great story. tell it in all the videos! :)
Overoaked is real KC 12 is WAAAAYYYY better than KC 15
Great video! Thanks for your expert opinion.
List idea (if you havent already done it) top 5 Scotches for bourbon lovers.
Great video!
Knob Creek is Dat 🔥
Very solid list. 👍🏻
I totally agree with you 100% about the Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye! A truly superb rye!
Incredible video
Let’s do a Fall/Holiday Whiskey List
Other channels are loosing their shit over the MM Cask Strength comparison to WLW. They all missed the 12 year aged MM referenced. This goes way back to Fred’s interview of Bill Jr. at the Bourbon Hall of Fame when Bill surprised Fred and the audience with an aged MM sample.
Great video
Last time I did a blind Rare Breed was blown out by OF 1920
I love your content! Great video.
I love this!! Ty
Coopers Craft Reserve. Your friends will be impressed.
Don't forget High West Double Rye
Replace maker cask strength, for 46 cask strength ;)
Maybe there will be enough BTAC on the market in like 20 years!
Also love Knob Creek 12 and can find it somewhat regularly for a decent price
Loved the recommendations for alternates to BTAC. I was sipping along as I watched as I have most on the shelf now, but it’s time to venture into Russell’s world. Heading to pick up a RR6 now!
#vodkasucksunlessitsusedforhandsanitizer
I forgot to say thanks
cool video... like the list
IMHO, ER17 is the epitome of what Conor O’Driscoll calls "expensive whiskey that tastes like a dirty oak stick".
rare breed rye in contention??
The whiskey inside my bottle of Eagle 17 is not worth anywhere near what I paid for it.