The Evan Williams SB is $32 here and for the price one of my favorite bottles of the year. I prefer it over many of the $75+ bottles I’ve bought this year.
Thanks for mentioning whistlepig. I started my whiskey journey with whistlepig because it was recommended to me. I assumed that expensive meant it was good. Thanks to this channel, I now know that's not true. There are good whistlepig products, but for the most part, I dont think the juice is worth the price.
Economics 101, supply and demand. Alot of people have stopped opening their wallets and it has made a difference. Boubon is coming back down. Also, affecting this, tequila is riding high with their new types of offerings. They see what has done and they want a piece of the pie. Competition is also great for pricing. Maybe this will continue to help level out bourbon. Thanks for all you do.
I totally agree with the tequila take. I have two Costco's in my city, and both are very heavy in their tequila offerings, but only 4-8'ish offerings of bourbon. It shows me that at least in my city, tequila is the more popular of the two.
as a bourbon drinker, ive had the Clase Azul a few wks ago and it taste like sht.. im sorry if what i said might offend someone but Tequilla and Vodka dont taste the same anymore like how i remembered it during my college years. maybe my tastebuds had been tailored to become more of a whiskey bourbon drinker..lol
Interesting phenomena going on right now in Bourbon and whisk(e)y in general. As prices went up, investment and capital investment expanded, supply at those higher prices has exploded. Also, I think demand is not far from being satiated. How many bottles can you physically have at a point? You also had competing brown whiskeys follow suit trying to coat tail ride the bourbon explosion. So a lot of supply, an aging market (cycle age), and we must near the top and maybe over it. Saw this with cigars in the early 2000s. My kids, all in their 20s.....drink white liquor. Their peers drink white liquor. Also seeing more people drinking bottled beer again. I drink bourbon but have a collection of something else. One last point. Bourbon has a narrow flavor palette. The amount of quality bourbon out there is incredible but the difference in flavors does not vary enough if you get what I'm saying. Finished off a bottle of Still630 Rallypoint Rye last night. Enjoyed it, might replenish it. $46 for a 750ml. But might not. Not because it's not great but I have so much else to tap into. I think that's where the market is.
Anecdotally, a lot of people are over the Bourbon fad. The chase, the allocations, the lotteries, the inflated prices, the annoying and exacerbating youbewb and social media hunters, the trash celebrity offerings, etc.,etc. People are more than content with their 4Roses SB and other readily available well priced options. I see more and more Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whisky available. I see, and seethe, at more people entering into rums, my favorite, where 4square has suffered the Buffalo Trace effect: a run on all of their offerings. After all, forever it was the poor man’s scotch and may need a come back to earth moment. People realizing there are fine tequilas, mezcals, and rums to be sipped without the hassle, hype, and inflated price as bourbon… for the time being
I totally agree with Four Gate, Willett, and Whistle Pig. However, I find Evan Williams Single Barrels from $35 to $39. Henry McKenna 10 Year is available everywhere around me now and the prices are coming down. The last couple bottles I got were both $49.99, which is an automatic buy for me. As far as the Spots, I did spend a few years just trying to find a Blue Spot in the wild, not even thinking price. However, I have scored two bottles in the last five months. One was $108 and the other was closer to $120. Three weeks ago, I got two Yellow Spots for $107 each, and they are commonly $130+. Keep
I have been watching your TH-cam videos now for about a year, and I have found that I trust your judgment, because I have tried bottles that you guys have talked about, both good and not so good . I do believe I generally have the same pallet, so keep up the great work, and just know you are greatly appreciated 😊
Maybe, there are more whiskey enthusiasts who have won the lottery than I was aware of! Now, just as with everything, it's always a matter of who likes a product the most, the buyers or the sellers. Sooner or later, hopefully, these matters will all stabilize and the market will return to some form of normality. This was a great show as always! Cheers!
I think most of the distilleries are trying to capitalize on the last big economic wave before a major correction. I myself just stopped bottle hunting, altogether, six months ago. I'd rather fill my gas tank 2-3x instead of owning some allocated bottle.
As far as Whistle Pig goes, the only bottles I buy are the 10yr store picks. At least in my area, those picks tend to be 13-16 years old, cask strength, and still only $90ish. Those are a fantastic value, and I highly recommend them if you find any. One store locally was actually given the opportunity to pick a 19yr finished in PX cask. That was bottled at cask strength in the 18yr decanter bottle. Too rich for my blood, but I did get a sample of that, and it was spectacular. It was basically a single barrel Boss Hog.
Same. I assume they're still putting out the Canadian barrels they bought, but the 10yr is usually quite good. I'm sure the $700 bottles are quite good, though "quite good" and $700 don't necessarily go together.
100% agree. I have 5 WP SiBs now, and all of them are good to great and weren't too expensive. One of my legendary whiskeys ever, now sadly killed, was one of the first ones I found. I'm with SLB that others can be poor values, though I got the 15 year as a gift, and wow, silky and tasty though low proof.
Agree 100% on Henry McKenna. 3 or more years ago,,, one of my favorites. I currently have one on shelf from last year that honestly just doesn't compare to flavor profile of the 1st bottles I purchased.
750ml bottle = 12 shots (2oz) 1 liter is 17 shots. $300 bottle /12 shots = $25 per shot. /17 = $18 per shot. Being a long time scotch drinker…we are used to these (stupid) prices. I totally agree with SLB …many many great alternatives out there. Let the JD SBBP Rye flow!!
Appreciate you guys. Started my journey a few years back and by far, you are the best channel out there. Just two real guys, with no fluff. Keep it up. Have a great holiday.
My wallet tells me what I can afford. But I still will have that special pour. It is always fun to get an education of what exist out there. Great show. And it's my Grandson's Birthday today...
The vintage purple top Willetts are worlds better than their current distillate. Some of the older Heaven Hill sourced ones are some of the best products to ever come out of Heaven Hill. There are also some that are Buffalo Trace as well as Brown Foreman.
I have an evan williams single barrel vintage 2013 and it’s absolutely amazing and was $28. It is back out on shelves I’m in Oklahoma and it’s easy to find the 2015 release and it was $32. So it’s still cheap but have not opened it yet.
WhistlePig is a Vermont thing, so being a Vermonter i see it all over the place and i agree with you guys, i keep a 6yr PiggyBack on the shelf and its a good pour. But i do not hunt it.
Great video! Having a glass of wild turkey kentucky spirit this evening to relax and unwind while watching you guys! It's not as good as rare breed by far, but in my area the ky spirit is a little harder to find and still a really good pour.
Russell 10 for $39 has been my favorite for a while now, Four Roses Single Barrel for $40, or Benchmark Single Barrel for $20. Cheaper bottles still are going strong for me.
That EW single barrel is 32 bucks in NY currently lol,. 9 years old now and still one of my favs. And its not just 1 store, ive seen it in 3 stores for this price.
I agree on the mckenna. Just picked up my first and theres nothing wrong with it but its just not worth the $60 i spent on it. I can get comparable picks for half the price.
Found and was able to try the four gate lineup at a cigar bar a couple of years ago. Fell in love with four gate, but quickly realized that every release is different!!! So, I go to the same bar every year when they receive their new four gate releases and try them. If any blow me away, I go buy them. Will never again buy a four gate that I haven’t been able to try first. Enjoy!
I'm with you on all of these.. except for a couple I don't have experience with. This type of video is super helpful.. it helps confirm what we're all feeling about some of these things.. So, yeah, I'm not crazy .. McKenna is out for good at that price, for example.
Evan Williams Single Barrel is the only bottle I've ever drain poured. I refuse to play the McKenna roulette, especially because I can't find it at SRP.
Yeah ... most of the Irish Whiskeys have seen prices increase by more than most other whiskeys. Green Spot (my favorite) is even over $60 at most places around - I got it at $47 last month, and had previously gotten it at $37 during the summer AT COSTCO! They're still GREAT whiskeys ... but the value has certainly changed for most - at least here in the Greater Seattle area.
Outstanding as always guys and thank you for confirming how I feel about WhistlePig. I've had a few drams of it but I just have never been impressed enough to pony up the $'s to buy a bottle. Four Gate has always intrigued me, especially the Kelvin Collaborations but at $200+ a bottle I'll pass until I win the lottery. Thank you and keep up the great work. Cheers...
I agree on WhistlePig, my brother in law likes it so always has some on hand and I’m just not impressed. I think they were making rye back before rye took off and so were known back then as one of the better rye producers just because competition was low. But of those I have tried I would certainly never even pay over $60-$70 bucks for one let alone $500+
I have a 21 year old Balvenie Scotch we bought it in Scotland last year 2023. We paid 225 British pounds. I have seen it here in Texas for as right as 500+. Not lower than 400+. Not sure if tariffs is the reason.
Loving the McKenna I got last month for $55. Definitely a buy again at that price. Should’ve backed up my bottle but I don’t mind trying a different barrel down the road.
Love the channel and content.....Really enjoyed this episode especially due to budgeting....Money is really tight for most American's and you nailed....$50 is where most want to be at and what I have found to be the top bourbon for my palate at that price point has been Bardstown Origin Series Straight Bourbon. It carries so many of the characteristics that I find in bottles that are usually around the $100 price point. Again, thank you for this one guys
Whistle Pig 6 is my go to for manhattans at home. I have the ten year for special occasions. Its good stuff but yes the prices are too high for the over ten year one
Excellent video! As of October 2024, Evan William SB is $37.99 here in CA so fortunately for me, still buying and enjoying this particular product. McKenna on the other hand has almost tripled
Interesting list, I usually stay away from Ryes period. I've never tried WP and don't intend to. The Four Gate I have is a regular bourbon is good but expensive. I've never tried a Willet Purple top rye. They are super hard to find and really expensive. I don't mind coughing $ for high end bourbon but not the Ryes. McKenna is definitely hit or miss. I've never had EWSB but really want one. I was trying RYEs for a minute but am staying away from those. I haven't really crossed anything else off on my list unless it's low end like regular Four Roses or WT. I only like their higher or high end bottles.
I finished a Bkue Spot end of last year, saw the new price and may only sip by the pour. I was fortunate to purchase a Middleton Barry Crockett at Total Wine before that price blew up last spring. 8 have a New Riff store pick that I picked 1st in a blind. Four Gate Foundation 10 year bourbon a let down for the price
I've had EW siB that were like the coveted Mckenna 10 barrel that won whiskey of the year. I went back and grabbed more of the same barrel #. A honey barrel of EW is better than most allocated bottles.
This a great video! Love holding the vendors accountable for the pricing/value position. And kudos to ditching Willet; can’t be open and transparent with your clients then they don’t deserve the business!
Fortunately the stuff I like and was within my budget three years ago is still within my budget. Some of my standard bottles have gone up a couple of bucks, most are about where they were in September of 2021, and a few have actually gone down. Apparently that's not how things have been going in the rest of the country. 18:48 McDonald's has gotten to be nearly as expensive as Blake's Lotaburger or Whataburger, and while I like McDonald's now and again, it's not as good as the other places.
I used to get Henry Mckenna bib 10 year on sale at the Navy exchange for like 18.99 or 19.99. i have a picture from 2017 of a bottle so this was just 7 years ago
I live in RI and picked up a bottle of Evan Williams single barrel for $34 the other day and they have plenty of them on the shelf. Not sure where this huge pricing uptick you speak of is coming from but it’s not in New England.
Really enjoy your presentations! Fun and enlightening. None of what you talked about have I tried, and won’t, unless someone offers a sample. There are simple too many other great sipping whiskeys for affordable prices; ie. Larceny.
Agree regarding all of these, especially the WhislyPiggy. Have tried it, went Meh on a couple of bottles shared before, but… spent $289 on 15 Year recently with small liquor store owner here, well, just because. I didn’t have WP on shelf and thought 15 year, must be really good, right? It’s okay, but good grief! That is it. One time buy. Never again. Business isn’t built or sustained on one time buyers. I just don’t get this product myself. So many great comments in here about $50 bottles. Appreciate this channel and the people who watch it very much 👊
I love the Evan Williams single barrel. I was also disappointed when it went KY only. It briefly popped up again this summer in NJ for a limited time. The price was still under $40 so not sure where you are seeing it at double the price. It's not the distillery jacking the prices in this case. It may have just been the retailer.
Its the quintessential bourbon to me. I use it to calibrate my palate when I’m tasting at home. $65 at TW here at the moment and it often drops to $60.
I picked up a bottle of the Evan Williams Single Barrel here in Florida for $30 recently. Typically see it for $40 though and I’m still ok with it at that price but not higher than that.
I just picked up my first Evan Williams SB for $41 last week - not disappointed at all, in fact I'm very happy with it. It gives me JD SB BS vibes - I get a "sunflower seed with the shell" all throughout and I'm all about it. Added bonus - its, I think(it's not near me rn), like 43%, which means I can enjoy it a lot more before I'm too burnt up to know what's good for me - the JD at 67%-ish kind of burns away my taste buds and my throat a little too quick.
I am a whistle pig guy. I like the 6 year burbon and rye.I do think it was better and less expensive before it was sold. Raj Bhakta the original owner has now started a new company. I enjoy his new whiskey blend (you have to look it up to see what I mean). Both are $60 here in Massachusetts
Was checking around for bottles this weekend. Noticed Teeling Single Malt was up to 62 bucks from when I bought it at 49 a year ago. Red Breast 12 was 68. For that price difference I'll spring for the RB12.
I'm so impressed...🙄🙄🙄.. I absolutely agree that Irish whiskey has priced it's self out on some of their allocated items. Whistlepig is way overpriced and I don't like them after trying several of them.
Great video, gents. Blue spot is one of my favorites, but I'd never pay more than 180 for it (that includes shipping costs from the UK). I've no idea what's caused the exorbitant price increase in Red and Blue. But I agree neither are worth the money at current prices (299 in Arlington, TX). The Henry Mckenna's a different story for me. I just bought a bottle in WA state and paid 64 bucks....but that includes the ridiculous 20% liquor tax in that state. To me, it's excellent enough that at less than 70 dollars I'll get it. Had I been used to picking it up at 40 bucks a bottle, I may have thought differently. The two most expensive whiskeys I own are a Grey Label Barrel Dovetail and my Jameson Bow St 18 Year Cask strength. Both are close to 250 or so. The Dovetail's wonderful. 50th birthday present..but I wouldn't purchase it again at that price. The Bow St is simply the best Irish Whiskey I've ever had, and I'll happily pay that price again. I love these types of videos! Keep em coming!
I've always been skeptical about whistle pig. My go to local store has several of the 10yr rye for $100 and the 12 yr for $150 and they've been there for like 2 years. One of my local bars sells 1.5oz pours of the rye for $10 tax included but no one ever gets it (I don't go to that bar for personal reasons or I'd throw $10 at a pour to try it). $100 is just a lot to throw at a bottle I've never tried even though it seems like a good deal.
I drank a 10 yr Willet purple top couple weeks ago- might be the best bourbon I’ve had yet in my journey and I’ve had most of all the highly allocated bottles except for the Pappys
Evan Williams single barrel is on the shelf at my local store for 32 dollars and the last one I purchased was wonderful. I wonder why the price is so much more in your area.
Willett Purple top MSRPs (as of 3-4 months ago) are $250 for 7-year, $300 for 8-year, $345-350 for 9-year, and $450-500 for 10-year. I haven't seen MSRP on anything higher aged recently.
Whistle pig sources their rye from Alberta premium if I'm not mistaken but I think they blend it with American ryes. Also, from what I heard, rye is one of the hardest grains to work with/age. This being said, it doesn't excuse whistle pig for the price gouge.
I was able to get five or so bottles of the Evan Williams SiB in Louisiana for around $25-35 when a new shipment arrived a few months back, so the deals are out there.
I'm not a huge Whistle Pig fan, I do however keep a bottle of the 10yr around. I find that it makes the best Old Fashions. So when I'm really looking for a high end OF, I'll pull it down. When it come to the McKenna, I really enjoy it, 60 is steep for it but for now I'll keep pulling the trigger.
totally agree about the McKenna and I've never been a fan of any of the Whistle Pigs. During the hype, I found a bottle of McKenna and was really disappointed wasn't worth the money. I'm probably in the minority on this but the ECBP are starting to get to the point of not worth the money. That said, with all the prices going up, I've actually only bought 1 bottle this year, I found Eagle Rare for $32 at Costco. I stopped buying Eagle Rares when MSRP went up to $45-50. Great buy at $30-32 not so much at $50.
@Slbdrinks I’ve had most of the Whistle Pig line up at this point. The 6,10,12 all beat the 15 so there’s no point in buying that one. I’ve also had the 18 and 21 which are great in my opinion. As for the Boss Hogs, I’ve had 3 of them. The Boss Hog VII Lapulapu Pacific I thought was pretty good, Boss Hog XI Sirens Song I wasn’t the biggest fan of and the Boss Hog X Ten Commandments I thought was fantastic. Now they have a new one for this year called the Juggernaut but I’m not sure on that one. It’s taking a traditional Indian spice approach to it which I’m hesitant on. I’d try it in a bar though
EW SB was $24, now around $40 and HM was $35ish (in Florida), now over $70. Both were great at the old price point but when we can get 1792 FP for around $45. Easy choice
I’ve never had a Whistle Pig that I’ve liked. The McKenna isn’t as good of a value as it used to be, but depending on what is also avail it’s a good pickup esp at ~$50.
On McKenna, it's not longer allocated and prices are coming down. I saw it at Costco for $46 this week. When factoring inflation, that's close to it's "before whiskey of the year" price. I've got two in the cellar but haven't bought it in a few years. I can't speak to a quality change.
The first time I ever bought Henry McKenna 10 Year was back in 2011 for $32 (including tax). That bottle left such an impression being so smooth and easy to drink by itself, with heavy notes of butterscotch, nutmeg and oak. It was my favorite near-premium bourbon for a long time and reminded me of a fresh baked butter sugar cookie. But then in 2019 after they won that world spirit award in SF the quality became inconsistent, hard-to-find, and unreasonably expensive, topping out at $89 where I live during COVID. Things are getting back to normal but McKenna 10yo is still overpriced at $55 imho.
Totally agree on the whistle pig, I've never bought a bottle. The specs and the price just never made sense to me, and the pours I've had are just ok. Recently my local store did bundles of an 11 year willet purple top pick and another of their picks for a bit over $400. Seemed insane to me. I got to sample it. It was really good. But definitely wasn't burning a $350 hole in my pocket
I bought EW SiB in FL last week for 33 bucks at the large wholesale store you have to pay a membership that starts with a C. Opened and still a fantastic deal (though I do enjoy EW 1783 more).
haha Trenton is a Taco Bell fan!! Great video I love the openness about bottles not worth the money. I think you are one of the few doing these and keep up the great work
I just had some friends over yesterday, I set up a 5 way tasting. Everyone had the Port Perryperry in first or second. It beat Jack 12, CNF, EHT BNB, and JDSBBP Rye. We love the Sagamore port finish, but the Perryperry is special in our friends group
I know I have mentioned this in a prior video, but Mcallan has priced itself out of my range. I haven't bought a bottle in years. Personally, I found all of the "spot" whiskeys to be pricy compared Red Breast. I'm sure there is reasons beyond name recognition, but with the price I'd be hesitant to try something new. I don't want to spend $250 and be disappointed. If I see it offered at a bar or a restaurant I may give it a chance.
I think the standards like Rare breed, Bardstown, and then green river kind of prove good whiskey doesn’t have to be stupid expensive.
Fortunately, there is still some excellent whiskey hovering around that $50 mark.
I agree completely. Rare Breed and Green River full proof are Origins BIB 3 of my favorites.
None of these can beat Early Times Bottled in Bond for $26......too bad my state doesn't carry it in their ABC Stores.
Highly suggest trying Southern Star Paragon (Wheated)
Agreed. There's too much good bourbon out there at a reasonable price. I've got...maybe 25 bourbons that I really like and nearly all at $60 or less.
The Evan Williams SB is $32 here and for the price one of my favorite bottles of the year. I prefer it over many of the $75+ bottles I’ve bought this year.
I agree, but no longer available in Texas
To me... it's ok but would be MUCH better at a higher proof point. The flavors seem watered down to me.
@@clydekimsey7503 it’s come back to Texas the last couple weeks.🎉
@@clydekimsey7503 it’s been popping up around Austin and it’s going from $32-$39 a bottle
Thanks for mentioning whistlepig. I started my whiskey journey with whistlepig because it was recommended to me. I assumed that expensive meant it was good. Thanks to this channel, I now know that's not true. There are good whistlepig products, but for the most part, I dont think the juice is worth the price.
Trenton revealed the biker gang he joined was the Schwinn Bicycle gang.
😆 the Big Wheels bike club 👍🏼
Pow pow power wheels!
😂
I’m in that gang 😎
😂😂😂
You’re absolutely correct, there are just too many $40-$50 bottles out there to pay some of these outrageous prices.
When the Evan Williams SiB started showing up a couple months ago, it was $35 around here. I got one and it was good whiskey at a great price.
Add anything Kentucky Owl to that list lol
Economics 101, supply and demand. Alot of people have stopped opening their wallets and it has made a difference. Boubon is coming back down. Also, affecting this, tequila is riding high with their new types of offerings. They see what has done and they want a piece of the pie. Competition is also great for pricing. Maybe this will continue to help level out bourbon. Thanks for all you do.
I totally agree with the tequila take. I have two Costco's in my city, and both are very heavy in their tequila offerings, but only 4-8'ish offerings of bourbon. It shows me that at least in my city, tequila is the more popular of the two.
not too mention the growing trend in sipping rum
as a bourbon drinker, ive had the Clase Azul a few wks ago and it taste like sht.. im sorry if what i said might offend someone but Tequilla and Vodka dont taste the same anymore like how i remembered it during my college years. maybe my tastebuds had been tailored to become more of a whiskey bourbon drinker..lol
Interesting phenomena going on right now in Bourbon and whisk(e)y in general. As prices went up, investment and capital investment expanded, supply at those higher prices has exploded. Also, I think demand is not far from being satiated. How many bottles can you physically have at a point? You also had competing brown whiskeys follow suit trying to coat tail ride the bourbon explosion. So a lot of supply, an aging market (cycle age), and we must near the top and maybe over it. Saw this with cigars in the early 2000s. My kids, all in their 20s.....drink white liquor. Their peers drink white liquor. Also seeing more people drinking bottled beer again. I drink bourbon but have a collection of something else. One last point. Bourbon has a narrow flavor palette. The amount of quality bourbon out there is incredible but the difference in flavors does not vary enough if you get what I'm saying.
Finished off a bottle of Still630 Rallypoint Rye last night. Enjoyed it, might replenish it. $46 for a 750ml. But might not. Not because it's not great but I have so much else to tap into. I think that's where the market is.
Anecdotally, a lot of people are over the Bourbon fad. The chase, the allocations, the lotteries, the inflated prices, the annoying and exacerbating youbewb and social media hunters, the trash celebrity offerings, etc.,etc. People are more than content with their 4Roses SB and other readily available well priced options. I see more and more Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whisky available. I see, and seethe, at more people entering into rums, my favorite, where 4square has suffered the Buffalo Trace effect: a run on all of their offerings. After all, forever it was the poor man’s scotch and may need a come back to earth moment. People realizing there are fine tequilas, mezcals, and rums to be sipped without the hassle, hype, and inflated price as bourbon… for the time being
I totally agree with Four Gate, Willett, and Whistle Pig. However, I find Evan Williams Single Barrels from $35 to $39. Henry McKenna 10 Year is available everywhere around me now and the prices are coming down. The last couple bottles I got were both $49.99, which is an automatic buy for me. As far as the Spots, I did spend a few years just trying to find a Blue Spot in the wild, not even thinking price. However, I have scored two bottles in the last five months. One was $108 and the other was closer to $120. Three weeks ago, I got two Yellow Spots for $107 each, and they are commonly $130+. Keep
Same hear on the Evan’s William. I got mine around 35. I have only seen it expensive in Kentucky.
I get EWSB for $37 in South Dakota 🤷
Evan williams Single Barrel 33 in FL. And better than ever
@@Tom-in8jz Awesome! 😊
I bought a Green Spot and it is bland like water. One and done.
I have been watching your TH-cam videos now for about a year, and I have found that I trust your judgment, because I have tried bottles that you guys have talked about, both good and not so good . I do believe I generally have the same pallet, so keep up the great work, and just know you are greatly appreciated 😊
Maybe, there are more whiskey enthusiasts who have won the lottery than I was aware of! Now, just as with everything, it's always a matter of who likes a product the most, the buyers or the sellers. Sooner or later, hopefully, these matters will all stabilize and the market will return to some form of normality. This was a great show as always! Cheers!
I think most of the distilleries are trying to capitalize on the last big economic wave before a major correction. I myself just stopped bottle hunting, altogether, six months ago. I'd rather fill my gas tank 2-3x instead of owning some allocated bottle.
As far as Whistle Pig goes, the only bottles I buy are the 10yr store picks. At least in my area, those picks tend to be 13-16 years old, cask strength, and still only $90ish. Those are a fantastic value, and I highly recommend them if you find any. One store locally was actually given the opportunity to pick a 19yr finished in PX cask. That was bottled at cask strength in the 18yr decanter bottle. Too rich for my blood, but I did get a sample of that, and it was spectacular. It was basically a single barrel Boss Hog.
Same. I assume they're still putting out the Canadian barrels they bought, but the 10yr is usually quite good. I'm sure the $700 bottles are quite good, though "quite good" and $700 don't necessarily go together.
Whistle Pig doesn't taste good enough for the price. It's off pudding for me....$35 worth at best.
I generally stay away from off-pudding. That sounds disgusting!
100% agree. I have 5 WP SiBs now, and all of them are good to great and weren't too expensive. One of my legendary whiskeys ever, now sadly killed, was one of the first ones I found. I'm with SLB that others can be poor values, though I got the 15 year as a gift, and wow, silky and tasty though low proof.
@@bobbyjones7756😂pudding
Trenton looks like a bookkeeper for a biker gang 😂😂😂
Lol yup, he looks like a programmer the pirates are keeping hostage to work for them.
Agree 100% on Henry McKenna. 3 or more years ago,,, one of my favorites. I currently have one on shelf from last year that honestly just doesn't compare to flavor profile of the 1st bottles I purchased.
Just stopping my local Total Wine and they had a Wild Turkey master keep Triumph and MSRP was $449.99 absolutely NOT worth the money. Total rip off!!
Oh and by the way that was before all of out states taxes!!!
@@markloewen5768 Bourbon in Total Wine is a joke, especially their bottom barrel store brand picks.
750ml bottle = 12 shots (2oz) 1 liter is 17 shots. $300 bottle /12 shots = $25 per shot. /17 = $18 per shot. Being a long time scotch drinker…we are used to these (stupid) prices.
I totally agree with SLB …many many great alternatives out there.
Let the JD SBBP Rye flow!!
JD sbbp rye might be my favorite pour!
Appreciate you guys. Started my journey a few years back and by far, you are the best channel out there. Just two real guys, with no fluff. Keep it up. Have a great holiday.
My wallet tells me what I can afford. But I still will have that special pour. It is always fun to get an education of what exist out there. Great show. And it's my Grandson's Birthday today...
The vintage purple top Willetts are worlds better than their current distillate. Some of the older Heaven Hill sourced ones are some of the best products to ever come out of Heaven Hill. There are also some that are Buffalo Trace as well as Brown Foreman.
I have an evan williams single barrel vintage 2013 and it’s absolutely amazing and was $28. It is back out on shelves I’m in Oklahoma and it’s easy to find the 2015 release and it was $32. So it’s still cheap but have not opened it yet.
Happy and safe Labor Day, everyone!! 🥃
WhistlePig is a Vermont thing, so being a Vermonter i see it all over the place and i agree with you guys, i keep a 6yr PiggyBack on the shelf and its a good pour. But i do not hunt it.
Great video! Having a glass of wild turkey kentucky spirit this evening to relax and unwind while watching you guys! It's not as good as rare breed by far, but in my area the ky spirit is a little harder to find and still a really good pour.
Russell 10 for $39 has been my favorite for a while now, Four Roses Single Barrel for $40, or Benchmark Single Barrel for $20.
Cheaper bottles still are going strong for me.
Wish I could get Russell 10 in my area for that price. Easily one of my favorite bottles that just delivers, every single time!
The Benchmark is good, also the Full Proof!
@@chrishauser5505 I think the benchmark is over looked since it’s a bottom shelter honestly.
@@blakeparthenay3049 very lucky going through AAFES to get it at that price.
@@Josh_P_1992 yep. I'm definitely a bang-for-the-buck type of guy.
I have a WP 15 from years ago but it was a pick and barrel proof that was phenomenal the regular isn’t even close though.
That EW single barrel is 32 bucks in NY currently lol,. 9 years old now and still one of my favs. And its not just 1 store, ive seen it in 3 stores for this price.
I agree with this video 90%. I have a willett 10yr purple top and mine is absolutely amazing. My favorite bottle in my collection
Henry McKenna is $59-$79 here in Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’ll buy it at $59. I got an Evan Williams Single Barrel for $35 this summer.
They used to fly off the shelf, now my local total wine has way too many of them because nobody's buying.
Yup, $70--100 in southern California.
HMBiB used to sit for months at $28/bottle.
I agree on the mckenna. Just picked up my first and theres nothing wrong with it but its just not worth the $60 i spent on it. I can get comparable picks for half the price.
Found and was able to try the four gate lineup at a cigar bar a couple of years ago. Fell in love with four gate, but quickly realized that every release is different!!! So, I go to the same bar every year when they receive their new four gate releases and try them. If any blow me away, I go buy them. Will never again buy a four gate that I haven’t been able to try first. Enjoy!
I'm with you on all of these.. except for a couple I don't have experience with. This type of video is super helpful.. it helps confirm what we're all feeling about some of these things.. So, yeah, I'm not crazy .. McKenna is out for good at that price, for example.
Evan Williams Single Barrel is the only bottle I've ever drain poured.
I refuse to play the McKenna roulette, especially because I can't find it at SRP.
Gave away a bottle of EC toasted after one swig . Some jugs are just like that for different palates. It was so thin and whispy I was disappointed.
Yeah ... most of the Irish Whiskeys have seen prices increase by more than most other whiskeys. Green Spot (my favorite) is even over $60 at most places around - I got it at $47 last month, and had previously gotten it at $37 during the summer AT COSTCO! They're still GREAT whiskeys ... but the value has certainly changed for most - at least here in the Greater Seattle area.
Great Video! Good or bad we gotta have discussion that are real about the whiskeys we love! Price is a huge problem! Great line up as well!
Outstanding as always guys and thank you for confirming how I feel about WhistlePig. I've had a few drams of it but I just have never been impressed enough to pony up the $'s to buy a bottle. Four Gate has always intrigued me, especially the Kelvin Collaborations but at $200+ a bottle I'll pass until I win the lottery. Thank you and keep up the great work. Cheers...
I agree on WhistlePig, my brother in law likes it so always has some on hand and I’m just not impressed. I think they were making rye back before rye took off and so were known back then as one of the better rye producers just because competition was low. But of those I have tried I would certainly never even pay over $60-$70 bucks for one let alone $500+
I adore EWSB, but today, it’s ~$35 in Nashville TN
Great show, cheers fellas
Willett 4 year rye is an absolute steal, a grocery store near me has them for $55, however the 8-9year ryes are $300 at the local wine traders
I have a 21 year old Balvenie Scotch we bought it in Scotland last year 2023. We paid 225 British pounds. I have seen it here in Texas for as right as 500+. Not lower than 400+. Not sure if tariffs is the reason.
I just get wild turkey 101 and no complaints
Old Overholt 114 is under $20 here in Ohio.
Paid 28$ for a double of HMK10 at a bar having never had it (in Ohio). Loved it. Got my bottle at Party Source for 65$. Love it.
Loving the McKenna I got last month for $55. Definitely a buy again at that price. Should’ve backed up my bottle but I don’t mind trying a different barrel down the road.
Love the channel and content.....Really enjoyed this episode especially due to budgeting....Money is really tight for most American's and you nailed....$50 is where most want to be at and what I have found to be the top bourbon for my palate at that price point has been Bardstown Origin Series Straight Bourbon. It carries so many of the characteristics that I find in bottles that are usually around the $100 price point. Again, thank you for this one guys
Cant get enough of you guys
Whistle Pig 6 is my go to for manhattans at home. I have the ten year for special occasions. Its good stuff but yes the prices are too high for the over ten year one
This is a great topic/show fellas. A topic not discussed enough!! And the gun show!! 😂
Excellent video! As of October 2024, Evan William SB is $37.99 here in CA so fortunately for me, still buying and enjoying this particular product. McKenna on the other hand has almost tripled
other than the "farmstock" whistlepigs which are distilled in vt, the rest are sourced juice. mostly alberta premium i've heard.
Suns out, guns out!
Suns out, buns out! 😂
Interesting list, I usually stay away from Ryes period. I've never tried WP and don't intend to. The Four Gate I have is a regular bourbon is good but expensive. I've never tried a Willet Purple top rye. They are super hard to find and really expensive. I don't mind coughing $ for high end bourbon but not the Ryes. McKenna is definitely hit or miss. I've never had EWSB but really want one. I was trying RYEs for a minute but am staying away from those. I haven't really crossed anything else off on my list unless it's low end like regular Four Roses or WT. I only like their higher or high end bottles.
I finished a Bkue Spot end of last year, saw the new price and may only sip by the pour. I was fortunate to purchase a Middleton Barry Crockett at Total Wine before that price blew up last spring. 8 have a New Riff store pick that I picked 1st in a blind. Four Gate Foundation 10 year bourbon a let down for the price
I've had EW siB that were like the coveted Mckenna 10 barrel that won whiskey of the year. I went back and grabbed more of the same barrel #. A honey barrel of EW is better than most allocated bottles.
This a great video! Love holding the vendors accountable for the pricing/value position. And kudos to ditching Willet; can’t be open and transparent with your clients then they don’t deserve the business!
Fortunately the stuff I like and was within my budget three years ago is still within my budget. Some of my standard bottles have gone up a couple of bucks, most are about where they were in September of 2021, and a few have actually gone down. Apparently that's not how things have been going in the rest of the country.
18:48 McDonald's has gotten to be nearly as expensive as Blake's Lotaburger or Whataburger, and while I like McDonald's now and again, it's not as good as the other places.
Blue Spot in Ireland is €100 which i purchased recently straight from Midleton distillery. Redbreast 12 cask strength is around €110
I used to get Henry Mckenna bib 10 year on sale at the Navy exchange for like 18.99 or 19.99. i have a picture from 2017 of a bottle so this was just 7 years ago
I live in RI and picked up a bottle of Evan Williams single barrel for $34 the other day and they have plenty of them on the shelf. Not sure where this huge pricing uptick you speak of is coming from but it’s not in New England.
Really enjoy your presentations! Fun and enlightening. None of what you talked about have I tried, and won’t, unless someone offers a sample. There are simple too many other great sipping whiskeys for affordable prices; ie. Larceny.
Agree regarding all of these, especially the WhislyPiggy. Have tried it, went Meh on a couple of bottles shared before, but… spent $289 on 15 Year recently with small liquor store owner here, well, just because. I didn’t have WP on shelf and thought 15 year, must be really good, right? It’s okay, but good grief! That is it. One time buy. Never again. Business isn’t built or sustained on one time buyers. I just don’t get this product myself. So many great comments in here about $50 bottles. Appreciate this channel and the people who watch it very much 👊
Thanks for helping me avoid a costly mistake.
The Evan Williams single barrel is available all over CA, or at least near me, for about $32-35 right now.
I love the Evan Williams single barrel. I was also disappointed when it went KY only. It briefly popped up again this summer in NJ for a limited time. The price was still under $40 so not sure where you are seeing it at double the price. It's not the distillery jacking the prices in this case. It may have just been the retailer.
McKenna came back down from like $70 to $50 in Kentucky thankfully. Outside of that, I 100% agree with this list
yeah this year it's been popping up all over for $50 or so and at that I'll probably replace my bottle when it goes.
I picked up my latest McKenna about a month ago for $55. For me that seems like a fair value. When it was $85 that is a no go.
$50 seems like a perfect price for it, and I’d rather it be a tad bit pricier than what it used to be than not be able to find it at all.
@@xxjongjongxx 100%. It’s a 10 year single barrel bottled in bond product. There aren’t many bourbons on the market with stats as good as that.
Its the quintessential bourbon to me. I use it to calibrate my palate when I’m tasting at home. $65 at TW here at the moment and it often drops to $60.
I picked up a bottle of the Evan Williams Single Barrel here in Florida for $30 recently. Typically see it for $40 though and I’m still ok with it at that price but not higher than that.
I just picked up my first Evan Williams SB for $41 last week - not disappointed at all, in fact I'm very happy with it. It gives me JD SB BS vibes - I get a "sunflower seed with the shell" all throughout and I'm all about it. Added bonus - its, I think(it's not near me rn), like 43%, which means I can enjoy it a lot more before I'm too burnt up to know what's good for me - the JD at 67%-ish kind of burns away my taste buds and my throat a little too quick.
I am a whistle pig guy. I like the 6 year burbon and rye.I do think it was better and less expensive before it was sold. Raj Bhakta the original owner has now started a new company. I enjoy his new whiskey blend (you have to look it up to see what I mean). Both are $60 here in Massachusetts
Was checking around for bottles this weekend. Noticed Teeling Single Malt was up to 62 bucks from when I bought it at 49 a year ago. Red Breast 12 was 68. For that price difference I'll spring for the RB12.
I'm so impressed...🙄🙄🙄.. I absolutely agree that Irish whiskey has priced it's self out on some of their allocated items. Whistlepig is way overpriced and I don't like them after trying several of them.
Green Spot is bland and $$. Bushmills Peaky Blinders is more enjoyable, IMO.
I LOVE blue spot but for some reason it doubled in price over night and the new price is unjustified.
Great video, gents. Blue spot is one of my favorites, but I'd never pay more than 180 for it (that includes shipping costs from the UK). I've no idea what's caused the exorbitant price increase in Red and Blue. But I agree neither are worth the money at current prices (299 in Arlington, TX). The Henry Mckenna's a different story for me. I just bought a bottle in WA state and paid 64 bucks....but that includes the ridiculous 20% liquor tax in that state. To me, it's excellent enough that at less than 70 dollars I'll get it. Had I been used to picking it up at 40 bucks a bottle, I may have thought differently. The two most expensive whiskeys I own are a Grey Label Barrel Dovetail and my Jameson Bow St 18 Year Cask strength. Both are close to 250 or so. The Dovetail's wonderful. 50th birthday present..but I wouldn't purchase it again at that price. The Bow St is simply the best Irish Whiskey I've ever had, and I'll happily pay that price again. I love these types of videos! Keep em coming!
I've always been skeptical about whistle pig. My go to local store has several of the 10yr rye for $100 and the 12 yr for $150 and they've been there for like 2 years. One of my local bars sells 1.5oz pours of the rye for $10 tax included but no one ever gets it (I don't go to that bar for personal reasons or I'd throw $10 at a pour to try it). $100 is just a lot to throw at a bottle I've never tried even though it seems like a good deal.
I drank a 10 yr Willet purple top couple weeks ago- might be the best bourbon I’ve had yet in my journey and I’ve had most of all the highly allocated bottles except for the Pappys
Great episode! I’m sure you’ve done it before but what about the best value bottles?
Evan Williams single barrel is on the shelf at my local store for 32 dollars and the last one I purchased was wonderful. I wonder why the price is so much more in your area.
Here in Hawaii we started getting the Evan Williams single barrel and it’s still $36 here .
I love WP 12yr old world rye. But I don't know if I can justify the ~$400 18yr rye.
Willett Purple top MSRPs (as of 3-4 months ago) are $250 for 7-year, $300 for 8-year, $345-350 for 9-year, and $450-500 for 10-year. I haven't seen MSRP on anything higher aged recently.
Evan SB is regularly available here in CA for $37 at Total Wine. I bought one last year for $28 at TW when they first came back on the shelves.
Whistle pig sources their rye from Alberta premium if I'm not mistaken but I think they blend it with American ryes. Also, from what I heard, rye is one of the hardest grains to work with/age. This being said, it doesn't excuse whistle pig for the price gouge.
Evan Williams Single Barrel bottles were around our area not long ago for around $35. Couldn't bring myself to buy one.
A store near me always has willet purple tops for either 500 or 600 bucks. That’s a lot of money and I think that’s why they just sit on the shelf
I was able to get five or so bottles of the Evan Williams SiB in Louisiana for around $25-35 when a new shipment arrived a few months back, so the deals are out there.
You're timing is perfect. I walked into a random store yesterday and managed to pick up 2 bottles of Blue Spot at retail. Felt nice !
I'm not a huge Whistle Pig fan, I do however keep a bottle of the 10yr around. I find that it makes the best Old Fashions. So when I'm really looking for a high end OF, I'll pull it down. When it come to the McKenna, I really enjoy it, 60 is steep for it but for now I'll keep pulling the trigger.
totally agree about the McKenna and I've never been a fan of any of the Whistle Pigs. During the hype, I found a bottle of McKenna and was really disappointed wasn't worth the money. I'm probably in the minority on this but the ECBP are starting to get to the point of not worth the money. That said, with all the prices going up, I've actually only bought 1 bottle this year, I found Eagle Rare for $32 at Costco. I stopped buying Eagle Rares when MSRP went up to $45-50. Great buy at $30-32 not so much at $50.
I live in north Atlanta and jist between stores I see widely different prices for the same bottles. $30 swings or more.
EWSB out here in Vegas is $33. I like it. Henry Mc is $50. Keep up the good work fellas.
@Slbdrinks I’ve had most of the Whistle Pig line up at this point. The 6,10,12 all beat the 15 so there’s no point in buying that one. I’ve also had the 18 and 21 which are great in my opinion. As for the Boss Hogs, I’ve had 3 of them. The Boss Hog VII Lapulapu Pacific I thought was pretty good, Boss Hog XI Sirens Song I wasn’t the biggest fan of and the Boss Hog X Ten Commandments I thought was fantastic. Now they have a new one for this year called the Juggernaut but I’m not sure on that one. It’s taking a traditional Indian spice approach to it which I’m hesitant on. I’d try it in a bar though
Y’all nailed it on this one!
EW SB was $24, now around $40 and HM was $35ish (in Florida), now over $70. Both were great at the old price point but when we can get 1792 FP for around $45. Easy choice
I’ve never had a Whistle Pig that I’ve liked. The McKenna isn’t as good of a value as it used to be, but depending on what is also avail it’s a good pickup esp at ~$50.
On McKenna, it's not longer allocated and prices are coming down. I saw it at Costco for $46 this week. When factoring inflation, that's close to it's "before whiskey of the year" price.
I've got two in the cellar but haven't bought it in a few years. I can't speak to a quality change.
The first time I ever bought Henry McKenna 10 Year was back in 2011 for $32 (including tax). That bottle left such an impression being so smooth and easy to drink by itself, with heavy notes of butterscotch, nutmeg and oak. It was my favorite near-premium bourbon for a long time and reminded me of a fresh baked butter sugar cookie.
But then in 2019 after they won that world spirit award in SF the quality became inconsistent, hard-to-find, and unreasonably expensive, topping out at $89 where I live during COVID.
Things are getting back to normal but McKenna 10yo is still overpriced at $55 imho.
Totally agree on the whistle pig, I've never bought a bottle. The specs and the price just never made sense to me, and the pours I've had are just ok. Recently my local store did bundles of an 11 year willet purple top pick and another of their picks for a bit over $400. Seemed insane to me. I got to sample it. It was really good. But definitely wasn't burning a $350 hole in my pocket
My forty years experience with whiskey is that the "better" it is, the worse it tastes and the worse the hangover.
Evan Williams 😉
I bought EW SiB in FL last week for 33 bucks at the large wholesale store you have to pay a membership that starts with a C. Opened and still a fantastic deal (though I do enjoy EW 1783 more).
haha Trenton is a Taco Bell fan!!
Great video I love the openness about bottles not worth the money. I think you are one of the few doing these and keep up the great work
I just had some friends over yesterday, I set up a 5 way tasting. Everyone had the Port Perryperry in first or second. It beat Jack 12, CNF, EHT BNB, and JDSBBP Rye. We love the Sagamore port finish, but the Perryperry is special in our friends group
Last 2 bottles of Blue Spot in Ontario I picked up were 100 and 109 cad, now it is 143 cad so still a buy for you in Ontario.
I know I have mentioned this in a prior video, but Mcallan has priced itself out of my range. I haven't bought a bottle in years. Personally, I found all of the "spot" whiskeys to be pricy compared Red Breast. I'm sure there is reasons beyond name recognition, but with the price I'd be hesitant to try something new. I don't want to spend $250 and be disappointed. If I see it offered at a bar or a restaurant I may give it a chance.