Just FYI: Wild Turkey Rare Breed has been nominated in the OSWAs each year winning Best Non-Malt Whisky in 2021 and 2023 and Best World Whisky in 2023 (other winners in previous years were Redbreast 15 and Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Irish whiskeys). This year it received 1007 votes in the Non-Malt category and 928 votes in the World category.
I think the RB 12 cask strength is way better than WT Rare Breed, but it is also twice the price. I think the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a great bourbon but I wish they made a higher proof bottle. Cheers!
Rare Breed, Knob Creek 12 and Old Forrester 1920 are the 3 Whiskeys a person could live with for the rest of your life, if you had to choose only 3. (My opinion)
@@Ona1000 agreed. KC12 is 100 pf and slightly more expensive. The regular Knob Creek 9-year 120pf Single Barrel Reserve (i.e., not a pick with the word "Select" on it) would be the Beam product that fits in the criteria for competition with WTRB (available everywhere, at or near cask strength, under $60).
Would just like to clarify, OSWAs World Whisky is all excluding Scotch. WT Rare Breed won in Best Non-Malted Whisky and Best World Whisky. This year’s nominees for Best Non-Malted Whisky were Blue Spot 7yo, ECBP, JD Single Barrel Barrel Proof, Loch Lomond Single Grain Peated, WT101 & WT Rare Breed. This year’s nominees for Best World Whisky were Blue Spot 7yo, Indri Trini Three Wood, Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique, Nikka Yoichi, Power’s John’s Lane 12yo & WT Rare Breed. As always thanks for the videos! Fell me into the bourbon rabbit hole from primarily drinking scotch
I am a Woodford guy, but for my Christmas present, I bought a bottle of Rare Breed. Sipping it now. Wow! You are right on this lighter fluid! Actually it is very good from a flavor profile and on the nose. My esophagus hates me right now, so maybe I will do the next tasting with an ice cube.
You convinced me to give Rare Breed a try. Got a bottle yesterday and must say I'm quite impressed. One of my favorites now and will stay in my cabinet.
I just bought my first bottle of Rare Breed, and it's some dangerous stuff. It's so good! It's a barrel proof, mid-high proof, easy sipper that drinks way better than its price point and availability. I think it's much better than Maker's Mark Cask Strength, which is good but gets a lot of undeserved love.
Kurt, I think you missed your calling in life. You should have been a whiskey salesman. I'll bet Jimmy and Eddie are trying to get in touch with you as we speak to get onboard with the Wild Turkey team! It's 9AM on Monday morning and I can barely keep myself from going to the bar and getting a pour of Rare Breed. Great video. Rare Breed is still $49.99 in Ohio and I always have a bottle on hand. Love it!!
I hope that this video doesn't change the availability of Rare Breed in the future market. I am on board with the fact that at the $50 - $55 price point, it is perhaps the best value in bourbon. As Trent suggested, it might be nice to see a blind between it and Old Foster 1920, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and the Rare Breed Uncut Unfiltered. Great show as always. Cheers!
@@TravisB7299 Agreed. ECBP is also usually in a higher price bracket($90-ish for me). Meanwhile Makers CS is usually cheaper than all these($45-ish for me, if I remember correctly).
@shmuckling I'd like to easily find ECBP but I've gotten 1 in the last 2 years. Hard when the bigger store is minimum 30 minutes away or else it's in raffles or $90. I need to give makers cask strength another chance.
Rare breed is my favorite thing I've tried so far. Only been into bourbon about a year. But it ticks all the boxes. It's priced well , it's delicious, widely available and easy to find. It punches way above the price point. I still hunt for some hard to find stuff. I'm sure one day I'll find something I like better. But I bet it won't be as easy to get my hands on.
@@glenhalstead2301agreed. I hate to say it because everyone and their mother compares it to this, but 1920 is bananas foster in a bottle. I guess if someone is crazy enough not to enjoy banana flavor, 1920 wouldn’t be for them. Out of every bourbon I’ve had, including some hard to find unicorns, 1920 is the most viscous bourbon ever; So thick and so flavorful.
I voted for Wild Turkey in both categories. Glad it won. It probably won because overseas in Germany I can get it for 35 euros a bottle. Please do an OSWA tasting. That would be awesome.
I just picked up my first Rare Breed barrel proof (116.8). Pretty darn good. I've really been enjoying your channel and reviews lately. Especially as a fellow Hoosier. I used to work at a real estate agency in Valpo!
Seeing how it’s always available for a great price certainly doesn’t hurt it in this crazy industry. I’m not a unicorn hunter nor do I have time to camp to try and get something that rarely comes around. If I come across a bottle of something I don’t normally see then yes I’ll get it but for me I can walk into most of the stores in my area and get this and other great bottles at a great price and that makes it worth it. Enjoy!!
1. Definitely do a tasting of all the winners of OWSA. 2. Trentons idea of the Rare Breed against other distilleries #1 whiskey in a blind taste test is great. 3. Please put a link to those gents you said that you follow. Thanks
God y’all are hilarious when you really lean into the disagreements 😂 I’ve loved this channel since well before Trenton would come on camera, and it’s grown on me so much over time. Thanks for everything y’all put out
I just bought a bottle of WT Rare Breed. Very excited based on positive comments from multiple bourbon reviews. Have bought Russell's Reserce and WT 101 and have loved them both. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with the Rare Breed. Maybe it was because it was the "neck pour." I'll try it again this week and see how it tastes.
I don't consider myself an expert on bourbon, but I just tried WT Rare Breed for the first time and I defiantly side with team Kurt. WT Rare Breed is hands down one of the best tasting bourbons I've tried in this price point. Great recommendation!
I agree with Kurt on the versatility. Rare Breed is the Swiss Army knife of bourbon. It’s very good neat, over a block of ice, with a few drops of water, or even in an Old Fashioned if you’re willing to splurge making a cocktail.
Interesting video. I recently commented on FB that all I need in life to make a great Manhattan was a bottle of OF100. I have on hand both a WT Rare Breed and OF 1920. So I a/b’d them. Too close to call, but RB has a more prominent toffee nose than OF1920 and a tad smoother on the finish. Both may be more sippable than the av-gas bottle of EC Private Barrel store pick I recently got. But the nose on EC does knock it out of the park. I think this weekend I’ll get my wife to help me blind the WT, OF, EC and a recent purchase Larceny BP C923. Somehow, I feel like the WT will come out on top. Keep up the great content, we enjoy it very much.
You can get Wild Turkey and Makers Mark in every liqueur store in Australia, lots of the other Bourbons you mention can be hard to find here. That maybe the case in many other countries around the world as well which would help the Rare Breed win.
Thanks for the fun video. For my money, though, the best whiskey in the world is always the one I'm enjoying at the moment. I do agree on the non-chill filtering. My only complaint is Rare Breed is overpriced by taxes and importers where I am jacking up the price to unacceptable levels beyond the rare buy.
I first had RB about a year ago. Saw it on the shelf and gave it a try. Was never a big Wild Turkey fan. I keep trying to find something that compares or is better at the price point and keep going back to it. Hands down, it has become one of my favorite bottle. When I say this to my friends, they look at me like I may have lost my mind. But when I pour some for them they are quickly sold. I would drink (and be happy about it) any of the other bottles mentioned in this video, but when I have to put my money down on the counter, Rare Breed is coming home with me.
WTRB (Bourbon) has earned a permanent spot in my cabinet despite it not being my all-time favorite. That being said, for the price-point and for the drinking experience from start to finish (not taking into account the flavor profile itself, which is where opinions will always differ), WTRB checks all of the right boxes for a well-balanced bourbon from front of the pallet to the middle and to the back. And from the mouth experience to the way it goes down and the way the warmth rises back up from the belly, this whiskey has it all in my opinion. And as Kurt mentioned, and very important it is to note, WTRB is readily available worldwide and therefore a benchmark by which all great bourbon can be judged.
WTRB One of best values for sure. At a perfect proof level for me and a bottle I always want on the shelf. Can fit any of these categories- Daily drinker, Friday night pour, impress the guests. Would pick ECBP over it for a special occasion but much harder to find and more expensive
I bought a bottle of Rare breed on your recommendation drinking it neat and on ice while playing poker and before I knew it I had drank over half the bottle it's a winner in my books I enjoy your videos I did try again to get some Pappy but no more! I was drinking Stranahans from Colorado , before now Rare breed is my go to whiskey, it's available and i can enjoy it, that makes all the difference in the world keep up the good work thanks .
I love Rare Breed and drink it frequently. Mixes so well too. However, for me Kentucky Spirit is my current favorite. Single Barrel and 8 year old. A bit pricey but it’s one fine American whiskey
I agree. Though because he’s in New Zealand he drinks a lot of whisky that isn’t readily available in most of America. Fir example, I’ve never seen an Australian whisky in Pennsylvania.
I don't know if I would call it the best, but it's always on my shelf, and I very much appreciate a good, accessible, reasonably-priced bottle. Definitely one of my favorite shelfers.
I’m new to bourbon as in been trying them for about 2 years now. I’ve tried several highly rated bottles from TH-camrs. I always come back to wild turkey and wilderness trail products.
Funny how we all taste things differently. I bought the WT Rare Breed Cask Strength Rye based on one of your videos and it is now my go to Rye to drink neat. I also have a bottle of the WT Rare Breed Bourbon and, again to me, it tastes like swill. I'll keep it around for someone who likes it unless I have to just pour down the drain to make room on the shelf for something drinkable.
I have only tried maybe 25 different whiskies in my life, so I can't personally proclaim the best in the world. BUT. I will always have a bottle of Rare Breed in my cabinet as it has been my personal favorite for quite some time. Considering its relatively reasonable price the overall value is incredible, in my opinion.
Great video / topic guys. Global availability, proof and price is what makes Rare Breed King. And to be honest I have both the standard and NCF version open atm and there is really not alot of difference IMO. Both are fantastic.
Great to see it win 1st place in 2 different categories at the OSWA Awards this year! I voted for it in the non malt category. I like some of the other whiskies in the World Whiskey category, The bottle I bought in Oregon last year for $45 says that it is non chill filtered on the label.
I have not tried rare breed yet, but I want to. Still early in trying bourbons. Tried WT 101 and liked it. Its a toss up between Rare Breed and Old Forester 1920 as to which will be the first higher proof bottle I get at this point, but I will get both eventually.
Wild Turkey 101 was my go-to for years. I picked up some Rare Breed a few years back, and WOW! I always keep a back-up Rare breed. Even tho it's higher proof I don't get the bite that everyone else comments about. To me the 101 has more bite, the Rare breed is just Smooth. Also luv luv luv the Russell reserve straight Rye whiskey (non-chill filtered)
Rare breed ticks all the boxes for me and is easily one of the best bourbons for the price range, availability, proof and it’s delicious. I just hope it doesn’t start flying off the shelves
I agree, Rare Breed has remained available on the shelf in the $50 - $55 price range. For years my No. 1 Bourbon was Henry McKenna 10 yr.; always available for under $30. Then it won the Best-of award and rocketed to $55+ and disappeared from shelves, still hard to find here in WI.
Just posted a comment re: my impression of a single pour from a new bottle. I was a bit disappointed after all the good things I've heard. Maybe I just need to let it open up a bit.
The whiskey has been "opening up" for years and years in the barrel, then it was splashed into a trough prior to being bottled. What makes either of you think that a few more weeks or months after you open the bottle is going to change it in any way?
@dnett57 You may be right. Your comment seems logical enough. The only issue is that Kurt and Trenton comment all the time on how they feel that tastes change for bottles over time. I believe I have noted this as well, mostly with scotch, as that is the type I am most familiar with. I have heard this from other reviewers as well. So, we may all be under a collective delusion, or maybe there is something to this. Who knows.
Bottles absolutely do change when they’ve been open for a while - or at least some do. I suspect that the impact is more significant on higher proof bottles (or at least that’s where I’ve noticed it most)
Nice! It just depends on who is “Crowning the King” there are so many choice’s and depending on who you poll and where you poll. That being said it’s a very nice pour!
So what is the difference between the two Rare Breed bottles? The one Trenton kept bringing out and the standard one here in the states? Do they have different proof points, ages, etc??
I don't know if it 's the King of Bourbon, but I enjoy it. This is the first spirit that I poured, was walking away, took a sip and it stopped me in my tracks to check the bottle. I did not know it was barrel proof. Not my #1 but it is great great juice.
Wild Turkey makes good bourbon and they have good people at the distillery. I always enjoy visiting and often see Jimmy Russell himself there mingling with folks. How great is that?
Agree, saw Jimmy last year in the gift shop waiting for the next visitors to come in. Talked for 15 minutes about life, not much bourbon talk. A picture and a signed bottle always brings a smile.
Rare Breed and Four Roses Small Batch Select are two of my hands-down favorites. I am a sucker for Blantons and Eagle Rare and Bookers. I would happily place Rare Breed near the top due the price, the product and availability. Great video guys.
I'm pretty much with Trenton on this one...I have like 20-30 bottles at home that I would rather sip on than WTRB. It's good, but it doesn't blow me away. There's a little anise/licorice note that I pick up that I don't really care for. It's fun watching you guys argue about it though...definitely more fun than watching a presidential debate 😆 Also, I've been watching Ralfy on TH-cam for years...he has pretty much taught me everything I know about single malt Scotch whisky. He is an authentic Scotsman and he knows his stuff.
SLB Classics 0:01 new audio? 3:09 Kurt validates that his opinions are correct that wild Turkey is best 4:09 Trenton goes missing 4:44 Trenton has some fighting words 6:07 Great video idea 7:21 Kurt is sucker for a good price 10:25 Kurt’s wheel house is a bit lower 10:48 Trenton wants to fire back but Kurt’s points are too good 11:08 Trenton gets sent off the video 14:33 Kurt won’t let it die that Trenton has the wrong opinion 14:53 Trenton completely goofs on the names 17:08 excluding the fact that Trenton is wrong 17:37 always love in the house
I can get on board with Rare Breed. It’s damn good and everywhere. The others I would put against it would be OF 1920, Knob Creek 9 SiB, and Makers CS. I feel like those are the normal easy to find barrel proof bourbons. And Rare breed is still my favorite of those. I substitute the Knob in for the Bakers because even though Trenton says it’s available I haven’t seen a bottle of Bakers since they changed the bottle design away from the wine bottle, and that has been a few years now at least.
I have Bakers 7 and love it, also WT Rare Breed, love it also. Trying to choose a "best" is not fair as each has a different taste profile, both are delicious. Rare Breed is proper Bourbon, all the classic taste notes; butterscotch, rye spice, very satisfying. Bakers has dark brown sugar, full mouth feel of toasted grain and a smooth finish. It's a personal taste preference issue. Rare Breed has the edge as it has a great classic bourbon taste. 8:51
When I drink a Wild Turkey product on ice, I taste a hint of the same flavor notes that you find in an Old Fashioned cocktail only watered down. There's the sweetness, some citrus, and slight bitterness. I love me some whiskey on ice here in Texas especially during the summertime. Cheers! 🥃
For me personally the king of bourbon would be Woodford Reserve Double Oak, but for people in general and amongst the bourbons with typical flavor profiles, it's definitely Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Russell's 13, depending on whether or not we're factoring in the price. I sure would love a WRDO Cask Strength, though.
Woodford Double Oaked is my favorite too and the availability and price makes it the best value, I never have to go over $45. Even at the lower proof it edges out rare breed for me overall. A cask strength Woodford Double Oaked unfortunately would inevitably be tougher to find and much more expensive though.
Rare breed is great for the money, but my favorite wild turkey is still russels single barrel for $60. I get everything rare breed has with some berry on russels. Excellent video ty.
Love y’all’s content! Here’s an add on to Kurt’s idea. Do a blind of the top scotch’s and then line the top American whiskeys from Fred or San Fran. Then blind the top three or two from both to have your overall!
For the price, Rare Breed is pretty darn Great! And an awesome buy. Certainly one of my favorites. In my market and vicinity, I can get it for $44-49.95 (depending on where I go). Keep up the good work guys!
TRENTON IS not buying into this bourbon. I actually Love this one and the Kentucky spirit. I could drink it everyday. I am a big Wild Turkey fan along with the Russells. It’s just another example of how many good not pricey bourbons there are out there. Love watching you guys discuss it. When do I get an invitation???? DD
Kurt is spot on here. Rare Breed is always on my shelf and I can find it at Kroger here in NW Ohio for $49.99. Barrel proof isn’t always my favorite, but the flavors in RB are so delicious and concentrated. Excited to try WT Generations when (or if) it becomes available around here.
The Mash & Drum guy did a 4-way blind of Russell's 13 yr old, Russell's Warehouse D (or whatever it's called), Generations and Rare Breed. He picked the 13 yr as his favorite, Warehouse D in 2nd, Generations 3rd followed by Rare Breed.
In that price range, I’d throw in a New Riff Single Barrel, OF1920, KC12, and Trenton’s Bakers7 for a five blind trial. I do love the Rare Breed and it’s a frequent visitor of mine.
I've not had Rare Breed (yet), though the quality of the 101 causes me to expect that when I can, I'll enjoy it. However, it'll have to be *enormous* to beat Knob Creek single barrel, Old Grand-Dad 114, Four Roses small batch, and some others I love. I would have put Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon first in that list, but I'm not sure of its primacy these days - the last couple of bottles I've had have seemed to indicate that either the whiskey's changing, or my palate is.
The best whiskey for me is one that I can easily find, where every dram brings joy, with a higher proof and that doesn't break the bank. Rare Breed is definitely one of those -for me.
Rare Breed is great for its accessibility, price point, and overall taste. It's a great weekend pour for me. I'm in the Elijah Craig, Knob Creek 9, and Rare Breed range for pricing. I like to rotate those.
WT101 is my "desert island" whiskey. Sure, I can find "better" bourbons, but nothing hits the spot for me on a daily basis like WT101. It is my "favorite" go-to whiskey.
I had never tried any WT Whiskeys and always thought they weren't good quality for whatever reason. From this channel alone, I decided I had to try WT101 and was shocked at how much I liked it. Been my most consumed Whiskey since. The RB is really good but a bit hot to me.
100% agree with every well made point you made Kurt! I figure this: with the massive volume of bourbon options out there, the bottles you return to over and over are the ones you truly love! This is always tops for me too!! Enjoyed the show…despite the hazing you got from Trent!
The more I put Rare Breed against others in a taste test the more and more I like it. And as an added bonus you don't have to deal with the frustration of it not being available. The more I drink it and the more I compare it the more it is growing on me as a top 5 favorite
IDK bc last time I did a taste test vs Eagle Rare & Four Roses single Barrel, I woke up on floor, was about to get ready for work, but it was already 4pm. Was smooth, but I'm still skittish to try it again,🥃 Old Forrester 1920, Eagle Rare, & Four Roses Single some my favs.
Not sure if I simply got a bad bottle but I prefer the 101 to Rare Breed by a landslide, though I do want to try another Rare Breed bottling sometime to compare, if given the chance.
I've only been into whiskey for a little over a year now, and I have to be honest... I thought whiskey was pretty great, I thought I understood what a good bourbon especially should taste like... Then I tried Rare Breed. To me it's head and shoulders better than anything else I've ever tried. It was kind of a shock.
Since WT 101 is my second favorite whiskey, I figured I'd give rare breed a try. I think its a little too hot as a neat pour, but its really tasty on ice or mixed with coke. Strangely my RB disappeared from my house about 5 months ago. We had company over at the time so I'm 99% sure of who took it. I had only gotten the bottle down to the halfway point and I'm more annoyed about not getting my money's worth ($52-$55) than the missing juice, but I guess I just have to swallow the loss, and stick to 101.
That was my exact thoughts too (minus the coke... but a little bitters and some ice...) And nobody stole my bottle tho... I'd be pretty unhappy about that!
Hi guys, well as far as pallets go, mine is still in the garage with my new safe on it…. BUT, just brought home my first bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I must admit, it’s WAY up there as being one of my new found favorites…. Thanks for the recommendation
I know this is an older video, but I recently got hooked on SLB. I am a relative rookie to nicer bourbons. I brought a few bottles to my buddies house for an event the other day. Assuming he would like sweeter juice, I brought Woodford DO and Old Forester 1910. He wasn't very impressed. Luckily I packed Rare Breed as my 3rd and final bottle. Blew him away. Big dent put in that sucker that night. Anyways - Cheers from Kansas 👍🏻
Great video boys! WT Rare Breed and OF 1920 are my favorites bottles of all….great juice at reasonable price points. Sorry Trenton doesn’t agree. Bring on the Wild Turkey Friday blind as well as the Scotch blind! Cheers!
I haven't (yet) tried Rare Breed, and it would be difficult to pick one King. For me, bourbon is always over ice, and it's almost impossible to spend $80 for a bottle. Recently it seems something from Old Forester, a New Riff single barrel, and Russell's Reserve single barrel are what I enjoy. Certainly there are others, and it's fun to try them, but finding an affordable bottle or two to keep on the shelf works for me. And yes, 101 is usually around also, and maybe a couple others.
Agree, rare breed is hard to beat! Knob Creek 9 year single barrel select would be good in a blind. It's about the same price as rare breed and 120 proof.
I just sampled the two and I have to go with the KC 9 SBS. For 120 proof it's such a pleasant sipper - maple syrup and dark oak, I wanna poor it over a pancake.
I agree with the father, I can get regular RB which I like alot, but can't get the export or whatever the other one is. I can't even get Kentucky Spirit which I would love to try.
In terms of value for the money - WTRB is one of the best for sure. Along side Bardstown Origin, Four Roses Small Batch Select, and Bakers 7 (all 45-55 in my area) I would call top4 in no particular order.
Im a whiskey noob. For anybody looking to get into whiskey, get you some Wild Turkey 101. Sip on it over the course of a month or so till you really get the pros and cons of that whiskey. Buy some wild turkey Rare Breed. Acclimate to the proof of the 101 then sip on half an Oz of rare breed. It's delicious, night and day, and helps you understand the difference of proof and ethanol flavor. If I had to guess in a blind the 101 tastes higher proof the the Rare Breed at 116. The way it coats the pallet, the different flavors... then buy some more cask strength bourbons, sip, and enjoy! That's just my pallet, those cask strength bourbons are so much more complex, depth of flavor. The lower proof cheap whiskeys all leave me with a very one-note flavor after really sitting with them over a few pours. I've still got a lot to learn, but just American whiskey and bourbons in my opinion... get you some barrel proof/cask strength whiskeys!
Just FYI: Wild Turkey Rare Breed has been nominated in the OSWAs each year winning Best Non-Malt Whisky in 2021 and 2023 and Best World Whisky in 2023 (other winners in previous years were Redbreast 15 and Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Irish whiskeys). This year it received 1007 votes in the Non-Malt category and 928 votes in the World category.
Thank you for the knowledge! I am going to pin your comment so others can reference!
1910!
those categories doesnt contain any scotch whisky, and all the competition is based on mid price whiskys.
@@KrenarKabashi There is Loch Lomond Peated Single Grain in the Non-Malt category - that is Scotch...
I think the RB 12 cask strength is way better than WT Rare Breed, but it is also twice the price. I think the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a great bourbon but I wish they made a higher proof bottle. Cheers!
Rare Breed, Knob Creek 12 and Old Forrester 1920 are the 3 Whiskeys a person could live with for the rest of your life, if you had to choose only 3. (My opinion)
ill take elijah craig bp over the knob but agreed otherwise
Maybe that knobb CREEK 9 year instead of the 12yr
I totally agree!!
Yea theknob creek is the only debatable one in my opinion. I’d take rare, old, and woodford double oaked 👍
@@shawnray281 i actually agree and prefer the 9 to the 12
Rare Breed, Old Forester 1920, Makers CS, and Knob Creek 12 would be a solid blind of top bottles that are always on shelf.
I could live happily with these 4 as the only 4 I could drink. Good list!
I think Knob 120 proof would be a better comparison. More in line with the prices of the others and more in line with proof
@@Ona1000 agreed. KC12 is 100 pf and slightly more expensive. The regular Knob Creek 9-year 120pf Single Barrel Reserve (i.e., not a pick with the word "Select" on it) would be the Beam product that fits in the criteria for competition with WTRB (available everywhere, at or near cask strength, under $60).
Also think that its a bourbon for scotch drinkers as the awards are mainly about scotch
MM 46 CS would be my vote over regular MM CS and closer to price of the others
12:05 right on the nail , this is why i appreciate you guys you really encourage people to explore what they like and not push what they “should like”
Would just like to clarify, OSWAs World Whisky is all excluding Scotch.
WT Rare Breed won in Best Non-Malted Whisky and Best World Whisky.
This year’s nominees for Best Non-Malted Whisky were Blue Spot 7yo, ECBP, JD Single Barrel Barrel Proof, Loch Lomond Single Grain Peated, WT101 & WT Rare Breed.
This year’s nominees for Best World Whisky were Blue Spot 7yo, Indri Trini Three Wood, Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique, Nikka Yoichi, Power’s John’s Lane 12yo & WT Rare Breed.
As always thanks for the videos! Fell me into the bourbon rabbit hole from primarily drinking scotch
“Go sit down. You’re ruining the video.” Best Dad comment ever!!
I am a Woodford guy, but for my Christmas present, I bought a bottle of Rare Breed. Sipping it now. Wow! You are right on this lighter fluid! Actually it is very good from a flavor profile and on the nose. My esophagus hates me right now, so maybe I will do the next tasting with an ice cube.
You convinced me to give Rare Breed a try. Got a bottle yesterday and must say I'm quite impressed. One of my favorites now and will stay in my cabinet.
Remember... although Rare Breed won the $50-$60 range in your blind tastings, it came in dead last (#8) in your winner tasting episode.
Another great show…….
What is the title of that show? I have watched all the ones leading up to this one but can't identify the winners tasting episode?
I just bought my first bottle of Rare Breed, and it's some dangerous stuff. It's so good! It's a barrel proof, mid-high proof, easy sipper that drinks way better than its price point and availability. I think it's much better than Maker's Mark Cask Strength, which is good but gets a lot of undeserved love.
Love to see you guys go over the winners of the OSWAs. You guys are always a good time
Me too!
Kurt, I think you missed your calling in life. You should have been a whiskey salesman. I'll bet Jimmy and Eddie are trying to get in touch with you as we speak to get onboard with the Wild Turkey team! It's 9AM on Monday morning and I can barely keep myself from going to the bar and getting a pour of Rare Breed.
Great video. Rare Breed is still $49.99 in Ohio and I always have a bottle on hand. Love it!!
I hope that this video doesn't change the availability of Rare Breed in the future market. I am on board with the fact that at the $50 - $55 price point, it is perhaps the best value in bourbon. As Trent suggested, it might be nice to see a blind between it and Old Foster 1920, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and the Rare Breed Uncut Unfiltered. Great show as always. Cheers!
Russles Single Barrel is about 80 near me the 1 time I saw it and I passed. While the RB is 45 to 50.
@@TravisB7299 Agreed. ECBP is also usually in a higher price bracket($90-ish for me). Meanwhile Makers CS is usually cheaper than all these($45-ish for me, if I remember correctly).
@shmuckling I'd like to easily find ECBP but I've gotten 1 in the last 2 years.
Hard when the bigger store is minimum 30 minutes away or else it's in raffles or $90.
I need to give makers cask strength another chance.
ECBP blows Rare Breed away, especially the C923
I think it's a testament to how good RB is that we have to reach up the shelf $10-$20- even $30 to compete with it.
For their price points and general availability, IMO, Rare Breed and Jack Daniel’s SB BP are both hard to beat in the bourbon world 🥃
Absolutely true
I love the father/son relationship between you two. Really enjoyed seeing Dad take over tonight though. Good stuff!
Rare breed is my favorite thing I've tried so far. Only been into bourbon about a year. But it ticks all the boxes. It's priced well , it's delicious, widely available and easy to find. It punches way above the price point. I still hunt for some hard to find stuff. I'm sure one day I'll find something I like better. But I bet it won't be as easy to get my hands on.
Have you tried Old Forester 1920? If not, do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle.
@@glenhalstead2301agreed. I hate to say it because everyone and their mother compares it to this, but 1920 is bananas foster in a bottle. I guess if someone is crazy enough not to enjoy banana flavor, 1920 wouldn’t be for them. Out of every bourbon I’ve had, including some hard to find unicorns, 1920 is the most viscous bourbon ever; So thick and so flavorful.
I voted for Wild Turkey in both categories. Glad it won. It probably won because overseas in Germany I can get it for 35 euros a bottle. Please do an OSWA tasting. That would be awesome.
What proof point (ABV) is Rare Breed in Germany?
@@davidwarburton2915 The same, 116.8
An OSWAs review would be awesome!
I just picked up my first Rare Breed barrel proof (116.8). Pretty darn good. I've really been enjoying your channel and reviews lately. Especially as a fellow Hoosier. I used to work at a real estate agency in Valpo!
You guys got me building out my bourbon cabinet, lower cost bottles in my value range. I enjoy Rare Breed and thanks to you for getting me to try it.
Seeing how it’s always available for a great price certainly doesn’t hurt it in this crazy industry. I’m not a unicorn hunter nor do I have time to camp to try and get something that rarely comes around. If I come across a bottle of something I don’t normally see then yes I’ll get it but for me I can walk into most of the stores in my area and get this and other great bottles at a great price and that makes it worth it. Enjoy!!
1. Definitely do a tasting of all the winners of OWSA.
2. Trentons idea of the Rare Breed against other distilleries #1 whiskey in a blind taste test is great.
3. Please put a link to those gents you said that you follow.
Thanks
God y’all are hilarious when you really lean into the disagreements 😂
I’ve loved this channel since well before Trenton would come on camera, and it’s grown on me so much over time. Thanks for everything y’all put out
I just bought a bottle of WT Rare Breed. Very excited based on positive comments from multiple bourbon reviews. Have bought Russell's Reserce and WT 101 and have loved them both. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with the Rare Breed. Maybe it was because it was the "neck pour." I'll try it again this week and see how it tastes.
Just bought Wild Turkey Rare Breed because I watched your video and I'm in love with this bottle. It is definitely my favorite currently...
I don't consider myself an expert on bourbon, but I just tried WT Rare Breed for the first time and I defiantly side with team Kurt. WT Rare Breed is hands down one of the best tasting bourbons I've tried in this price point. Great recommendation!
I agree with Kurt on the versatility. Rare Breed is the Swiss Army knife of bourbon. It’s very good neat, over a block of ice, with a few drops of water, or even in an Old Fashioned if you’re willing to splurge making a cocktail.
Got my first bottle of Rare Breed yesterday. Will be having a glass tonight. Can't wait. Had JD Single Barrel last night and loved it.
Interesting video. I recently commented on FB that all I need in life to make a great Manhattan was a bottle of OF100. I have on hand both a WT Rare Breed and OF 1920. So I a/b’d them. Too close to call, but RB has a more prominent toffee nose than OF1920 and a tad smoother on the finish. Both may be more sippable than the av-gas bottle of EC Private Barrel store pick I recently got. But the nose on EC does knock it out of the park. I think this weekend I’ll get my wife to help me blind the WT, OF, EC and a recent purchase Larceny BP C923. Somehow, I feel like the WT will come out on top. Keep up the great content, we enjoy it very much.
I enjoy these videos, not because they tell me what is “best”, but what I should try next.
Thanks again guys
You can get Wild Turkey and Makers Mark in every liqueur store in Australia, lots of the other Bourbons you mention can be hard to find here. That maybe the case in many other countries around the world as well which would help the Rare Breed win.
Just bought my first bottle and loved it!
Thanks for the fun video. For my money, though, the best whiskey in the world is always the one I'm enjoying at the moment. I do agree on the non-chill filtering. My only complaint is Rare Breed is overpriced by taxes and importers where I am jacking up the price to unacceptable levels beyond the rare buy.
I first had RB about a year ago. Saw it on the shelf and gave it a try. Was never a big Wild Turkey fan. I keep trying to find something that compares or is better at the price point and keep going back to it. Hands down, it has become one of my favorite bottle. When I say this to my friends, they look at me like I may have lost my mind. But when I pour some for them they are quickly sold. I would drink (and be happy about it) any of the other bottles mentioned in this video, but when I have to put my money down on the counter, Rare Breed is coming home with me.
WTRB (Bourbon) has earned a permanent spot in my cabinet despite it not being my all-time favorite. That being said, for the price-point and for the drinking experience from start to finish (not taking into account the flavor profile itself, which is where opinions will always differ), WTRB checks all of the right boxes for a well-balanced bourbon from front of the pallet to the middle and to the back. And from the mouth experience to the way it goes down and the way the warmth rises back up from the belly, this whiskey has it all in my opinion. And as Kurt mentioned, and very important it is to note, WTRB is readily available worldwide and therefore a benchmark by which all great bourbon can be judged.
WTRB One of best values for sure. At a perfect proof level for me and a bottle I always want on the shelf. Can fit any of these categories- Daily drinker, Friday night pour, impress the guests. Would pick ECBP over it for a special occasion but much harder to find and more expensive
Sure is! Picked up my first bottle 3 weeks ago and I am in LOVE.
I bought a bottle of Rare breed on your recommendation drinking it neat and on ice while playing poker and before I knew it I had drank over half the bottle it's a winner in my books I enjoy your videos I did try again to get some Pappy but no more! I was drinking Stranahans from Colorado , before now Rare breed is my go to whiskey, it's available and i can enjoy it, that makes all the difference in the world keep up the good work thanks .
I love Rare Breed and drink it frequently. Mixes so well too. However, for me Kentucky Spirit is my current favorite. Single Barrel and 8 year old. A bit pricey but it’s one fine American whiskey
I'm a fan of First Phil Whisky too. Very good channel.
I agree. Though because he’s in New Zealand he drinks a lot of whisky that isn’t readily available in most of America. Fir example, I’ve never seen an Australian whisky in Pennsylvania.
I don't know if I would call it the best, but it's always on my shelf, and I very much appreciate a good, accessible, reasonably-priced bottle. Definitely one of my favorite shelfers.
I’m new to bourbon as in been trying them for about 2 years now. I’ve tried several highly rated bottles from TH-camrs. I always come back to wild turkey and wilderness trail products.
Funny how we all taste things differently. I bought the WT Rare Breed Cask Strength Rye based on one of your videos and it is now my go to Rye to drink neat. I also have a bottle of the WT Rare Breed Bourbon and, again to me, it tastes like swill. I'll keep it around for someone who likes it unless I have to just pour down the drain to make room on the shelf for something drinkable.
I have only tried maybe 25 different whiskies in my life, so I can't personally proclaim the best in the world. BUT. I will always have a bottle of Rare Breed in my cabinet as it has been my personal favorite for quite some time. Considering its relatively reasonable price the overall value is incredible, in my opinion.
Great video / topic guys. Global availability, proof and price is what makes Rare Breed King. And to be honest I have both the standard and NCF version open atm and there is really not alot of difference IMO. Both are fantastic.
Great to see it win 1st place in 2 different categories at the OSWA Awards this year! I voted for it in the non malt category. I like some of the other whiskies in the World Whiskey category, The bottle I bought in Oregon last year for $45 says that it is non chill filtered on the label.
I agreed with you on Rare Breed until i tried Kentucky Spirit...my new favorite!
I have not tried rare breed yet, but I want to. Still early in trying bourbons. Tried WT 101 and liked it. Its a toss up between Rare Breed and Old Forester 1920 as to which will be the first higher proof bottle I get at this point, but I will get both eventually.
Maker’s 46 CS amazing
Wild Turkey 101 was my go-to for years. I picked up some Rare Breed a few years back, and WOW! I always keep a back-up Rare breed. Even tho it's higher proof I don't get the bite that everyone else comments about. To me the 101 has more bite, the Rare breed is just Smooth.
Also luv luv luv the Russell reserve straight Rye whiskey (non-chill filtered)
Rare breed ticks all the boxes for me and is easily one of the best bourbons for the price range, availability, proof and it’s delicious. I just hope it doesn’t start flying off the shelves
I agree, Rare Breed has remained available on the shelf in the $50 - $55 price range. For years my No. 1 Bourbon was Henry McKenna 10 yr.; always available for under $30. Then it won the Best-of award and rocketed to $55+ and disappeared from shelves, still hard to find here in WI.
Agree. I left this exact comment and then saw yours.
@@nodaysoff23 I say we leave a bunch of comments saying “if you see this on the shelves walk away immediately don’t waste your money on it” 🤣
For available bottles, I really like Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof.
@jacobflores8666 it's on my list to try but it's near impossible to find in my area. So doesn't meet the criteria.
Halfway through my first bottle of Rare Breed and I’m actually shocked how good it is after a couple weeks especially
Just posted a comment re: my impression of a single pour from a new bottle. I was a bit disappointed after all the good things I've heard. Maybe I just need to let it open up a bit.
The whiskey has been "opening up" for years and years in the barrel, then it was splashed into a trough prior to being bottled. What makes either of you think that a few more weeks or months after you open the bottle is going to change it in any way?
@dnett57 You may be right. Your comment seems logical enough. The only issue is that Kurt and Trenton comment all the time on how they feel that tastes change for bottles over time. I believe I have noted this as well, mostly with scotch, as that is the type I am most familiar with. I have heard this from other reviewers as well. So, we may all be under a collective delusion, or maybe there is something to this. Who knows.
Bottles absolutely do change when they’ve been open for a while - or at least some do. I suspect that the impact is more significant on higher proof bottles (or at least that’s where I’ve noticed it most)
I suspect it's your palate that changed. Not the whisky.
Nice! It just depends on who is “Crowning the King” there are so many choice’s and depending on who you poll and where you poll. That being said it’s a very nice pour!
So what is the difference between the two Rare Breed bottles? The one Trenton kept bringing out and the standard one here in the states? Do they have different proof points, ages, etc??
Nice to hear you takling about Ralfy and Roy, just love their channels
Bought my first rare breed last week after a promotion. It’s now one of my favorites!
I don't know if it 's the King of Bourbon, but I enjoy it. This is the first spirit that I poured, was walking away, took a sip and it stopped me in my tracks to check the bottle. I did not know it was barrel proof. Not my #1 but it is great great juice.
As much as I enjoy Rare Breed, Old Forester 120 is my preference, and also Michters 10, but it is not a readily available bourbon.
Wild Turkey makes good bourbon and they have good people at the distillery. I always enjoy visiting and often see Jimmy Russell himself there mingling with folks. How great is that?
Agree, saw Jimmy last year in the gift shop waiting for the next visitors to come in. Talked for 15 minutes about life, not much bourbon talk. A picture and a signed bottle always brings a smile.
Rare Breed and Four Roses Small Batch Select are two of my hands-down favorites. I am a sucker for Blantons and Eagle Rare and Bookers. I would happily place Rare Breed near the top due the price, the product and availability. Great video guys.
I'm pretty much with Trenton on this one...I have like 20-30 bottles at home that I would rather sip on than WTRB. It's good, but it doesn't blow me away. There's a little anise/licorice note that I pick up that I don't really care for. It's fun watching you guys argue about it though...definitely more fun than watching a presidential debate 😆
Also, I've been watching Ralfy on TH-cam for years...he has pretty much taught me everything I know about single malt Scotch whisky. He is an authentic Scotsman and he knows his stuff.
SLB Classics
0:01 new audio?
3:09 Kurt validates that his opinions are correct that wild Turkey is best
4:09 Trenton goes missing
4:44 Trenton has some fighting words
6:07 Great video idea
7:21 Kurt is sucker for a good price
10:25 Kurt’s wheel house is a bit lower
10:48 Trenton wants to fire back but Kurt’s points are too good
11:08 Trenton gets sent off the video
14:33 Kurt won’t let it die that Trenton has the wrong opinion
14:53 Trenton completely goofs on the names
17:08 excluding the fact that Trenton is wrong
17:37 always love in the house
You forgot a notable one:
15:12 Kurt calls Trenton a Ding-Dong
Great addition!
Hahaha spot on
I can get on board with Rare Breed. It’s damn good and everywhere. The others I would put against it would be OF 1920, Knob Creek 9 SiB, and Makers CS. I feel like those are the normal easy to find barrel proof bourbons. And Rare breed is still my favorite of those. I substitute the Knob in for the Bakers because even though Trenton says it’s available I haven’t seen a bottle of Bakers since they changed the bottle design away from the wine bottle, and that has been a few years now at least.
I have Bakers 7 and love it, also WT Rare Breed, love it also. Trying to choose a "best" is not fair as each has a different taste profile, both are delicious. Rare Breed is proper Bourbon, all the classic taste notes; butterscotch, rye spice, very satisfying. Bakers has dark brown sugar, full mouth feel of toasted grain and a smooth finish. It's a personal taste preference issue. Rare Breed has the edge as it has a great classic bourbon taste. 8:51
When I drink a Wild Turkey product on ice, I taste a hint of the same flavor notes that you find in an Old Fashioned cocktail only watered down. There's the sweetness, some citrus, and slight bitterness. I love me some whiskey on ice here in Texas especially during the summertime. Cheers! 🥃
4:40 - thank you Trenton! Craig admitted, in your video in April, that WTRBNCF was better than WTRB.
For me personally the king of bourbon would be Woodford Reserve Double Oak, but for people in general and amongst the bourbons with typical flavor profiles, it's definitely Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Russell's 13, depending on whether or not we're factoring in the price.
I sure would love a WRDO Cask Strength, though.
Woodford Double Oaked is my favorite too and the availability and price makes it the best value, I never have to go over $45. Even at the lower proof it edges out rare breed for me overall. A cask strength Woodford Double Oaked unfortunately would inevitably be tougher to find and much more expensive though.
Rare breed is great for the money, but my favorite wild turkey is still russels single barrel for $60. I get everything rare breed has with some berry on russels. Excellent video ty.
Love y’all’s content! Here’s an add on to Kurt’s idea. Do a blind of the top scotch’s and then line the top American whiskeys from Fred or San Fran. Then blind the top three or two from both to have your overall!
For the price, Rare Breed is pretty darn Great! And an awesome buy. Certainly one of my favorites. In my market and vicinity, I can get it for $44-49.95 (depending on where I go).
Keep up the good work guys!
Never tried any Wild Turkey, but I have Russell's Reserve 10 and like it.
TRENTON IS not buying into this bourbon. I actually Love this one and the Kentucky spirit. I could drink it everyday. I am a big Wild Turkey fan along with the Russells. It’s just another example of how many good not pricey bourbons there are out there. Love watching you guys discuss it. When do I get an invitation???? DD
Kurt is spot on here. Rare Breed is always on my shelf and I can find it at Kroger here in NW Ohio for $49.99. Barrel proof isn’t always my favorite, but the flavors in RB are so delicious and concentrated. Excited to try WT Generations when (or if) it becomes available around here.
Generations retails for $450 a bottle!
The Mash & Drum guy did a 4-way blind of Russell's 13 yr old, Russell's Warehouse D (or whatever it's called), Generations and Rare Breed. He picked the 13 yr as his favorite, Warehouse D in 2nd, Generations 3rd followed by Rare Breed.
In that price range, I’d throw in a New Riff Single Barrel, OF1920, KC12, and Trenton’s Bakers7 for a five blind trial. I do love the Rare Breed and it’s a frequent visitor of mine.
I've not had Rare Breed (yet), though the quality of the 101 causes me to expect that when I can, I'll enjoy it. However, it'll have to be *enormous* to beat Knob Creek single barrel, Old Grand-Dad 114, Four Roses small batch, and some others I love. I would have put Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon first in that list, but I'm not sure of its primacy these days - the last couple of bottles I've had have seemed to indicate that either the whiskey's changing, or my palate is.
The best whiskey for me is one that I can easily find, where every dram brings joy, with a higher proof and that doesn't break the bank.
Rare Breed is definitely one of those -for me.
Rare Breed is great for its accessibility, price point, and overall taste. It's a great weekend pour for me. I'm in the Elijah Craig, Knob Creek 9, and Rare Breed range for pricing. I like to rotate those.
Wild Turkey 101 has been my go to. Watching this video my next bottle will be the Rare Breed.
You won't regret it.
WT101 is my "desert island" whiskey. Sure, I can find "better" bourbons, but nothing hits the spot for me on a daily basis like WT101. It is my "favorite" go-to whiskey.
I had never tried any WT Whiskeys and always thought they weren't good quality for whatever reason. From this channel alone, I decided I had to try WT101 and was shocked at how much I liked it. Been my most consumed Whiskey since. The RB is really good but a bit hot to me.
WT Rare Bread is on the top of my list, followed very closely by Bakers 7. Both on my bar at all times.
I really find Kentucky Spirit enjoyable.
100% agree with every well made point you made Kurt! I figure this: with the massive volume of bourbon options out there, the bottles you return to over and over are the ones you truly love! This is always tops for me too!! Enjoyed the show…despite the hazing you got from Trent!
The more I put Rare Breed against others in a taste test the more and more I like it. And as an added bonus you don't have to deal with the frustration of it not being available. The more I drink it and the more I compare it the more it is growing on me as a top 5 favorite
IDK bc last time I did a taste test vs Eagle Rare & Four Roses single Barrel, I woke up on floor, was about to get ready for work, but it was already 4pm. Was smooth, but I'm still skittish to try it again,🥃 Old Forrester 1920, Eagle Rare, & Four Roses Single some my favs.
Not sure if I simply got a bad bottle but I prefer the 101 to Rare Breed by a landslide, though I do want to try another Rare Breed bottling sometime to compare, if given the chance.
I've only been into whiskey for a little over a year now, and I have to be honest... I thought whiskey was pretty great, I thought I understood what a good bourbon especially should taste like... Then I tried Rare Breed. To me it's head and shoulders better than anything else I've ever tried. It was kind of a shock.
I had Rare Breed last night for the first time and I love it. I'll get a backup bottle for Christmas.
This bottle got me into whiskey. I always go back to this bottle every now and then.
Since WT 101 is my second favorite whiskey, I figured I'd give rare breed a try. I think its a little too hot as a neat pour, but its really tasty on ice or mixed with coke. Strangely my RB disappeared from my house about 5 months ago. We had company over at the time so I'm 99% sure of who took it. I had only gotten the bottle down to the halfway point and I'm more annoyed about not getting my money's worth ($52-$55) than the missing juice, but I guess I just have to swallow the loss, and stick to 101.
That was my exact thoughts too (minus the coke... but a little bitters and some ice...)
And nobody stole my bottle tho... I'd be pretty unhappy about that!
Hi guys, well as far as pallets go, mine is still in the garage with my new safe on it…. BUT, just brought home my first bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I must admit, it’s WAY up there as being one of my new found favorites…. Thanks for the recommendation
Just bought a bottle 9 days ago. Have yet to open, but this video makes me want to pop the cork tonight!😂🎉
I know this is an older video, but I recently got hooked on SLB. I am a relative rookie to nicer bourbons. I brought a few bottles to my buddies house for an event the other day. Assuming he would like sweeter juice, I brought Woodford DO and Old Forester 1910. He wasn't very impressed. Luckily I packed Rare Breed as my 3rd and final bottle. Blew him away. Big dent put in that sucker that night. Anyways - Cheers from Kansas 👍🏻
Great video boys! WT Rare Breed and OF 1920 are my favorites bottles of all….great juice at reasonable price points. Sorry Trenton doesn’t agree. Bring on the Wild Turkey Friday blind as well as the Scotch blind! Cheers!
I haven't (yet) tried Rare Breed, and it would be difficult to pick one King. For me, bourbon is always over ice, and it's almost impossible to spend $80 for a bottle. Recently it seems something from Old Forester, a New Riff single barrel, and Russell's Reserve single barrel are what I enjoy. Certainly there are others, and it's fun to try them, but finding an affordable bottle or two to keep on the shelf works for me. And yes, 101 is usually around also, and maybe a couple others.
Rare Breed Rye is hands down one of my favorites. Unfortunately allcoated now in VA
Best overall bang for your buck =Knob Creek Sib, 120 proof, great flavor, drink over ice, mix it, or neat. My vote is KC9 Sib
Agree, rare breed is hard to beat! Knob Creek 9 year single barrel select would be good in a blind. It's about the same price as rare breed and 120 proof.
I just sampled the two and I have to go with the KC 9 SBS. For 120 proof it's such a pleasant sipper - maple syrup and dark oak, I wanna poor it over a pancake.
Wild Turkey 101 is the first bourbon that I enjoyed neat. Now that I have a wonderful little selection, I reach for my turkey products most often.
Rare Breed and Old Forester 1920 are two of my favorites. Especially with the $50-$60 price point.
It’s not available in CO, Kirk and it drives me crazy because I agree with you. It’s so good. Not quite as good as Forester 120 but really close
I agree with the father, I can get regular RB which I like alot, but can't get the export or whatever the other one is. I can't even get Kentucky Spirit which I would love to try.
I love watching your videos. I did order today my first bottle of Wild Turkey 101 I'm excited to get my hands on in few days :p
15:11
The “ya ding dong” got me 🤣🤣🤣
In terms of value for the money - WTRB is one of the best for sure. Along side Bardstown Origin, Four Roses Small Batch Select, and Bakers 7 (all 45-55 in my area) I would call top4 in no particular order.
Im a whiskey noob. For anybody looking to get into whiskey, get you some Wild Turkey 101. Sip on it over the course of a month or so till you really get the pros and cons of that whiskey. Buy some wild turkey Rare Breed. Acclimate to the proof of the 101 then sip on half an Oz of rare breed. It's delicious, night and day, and helps you understand the difference of proof and ethanol flavor. If I had to guess in a blind the 101 tastes higher proof the the Rare Breed at 116. The way it coats the pallet, the different flavors... then buy some more cask strength bourbons, sip, and enjoy! That's just my pallet, those cask strength bourbons are so much more complex, depth of flavor. The lower proof cheap whiskeys all leave me with a very one-note flavor after really sitting with them over a few pours. I've still got a lot to learn, but just American whiskey and bourbons in my opinion... get you some barrel proof/cask strength whiskeys!