Not every bottle is a winner! Check out our picks for the most disappointing bourbons and whiskeys of 2024. Do you agree with the list? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Cheers! 🥃
I agree on the Angels Envy and OGD 16. I never had the others. The OGD is overpriced for the juice and the AE had a funky after taste to me. To be fair its a love hate relationship with me and AE.
disagree on the eht BP rye.. would love to get my hands on at least 2 of them.. as far as bookers, the only batch I thought was really good the last couple years was Mighty Fine.
Please continue to make these types of videos! Everyone in the You Tube Bourbon universe needs to produce a few of these a year. I know its not "fun" to bash a bottle or brand........but because so many in the Bourbon community consider bottles through word of mouth, presenting the bad along with the good is needed! I've curtailed my purchases in 2024 and will most likely do the same in 2025 I've got too many "what the heck" purchases on my shelf........I just dont want to spend my hard earned money on the "latest boutique release" hoping it'll knock my socks off, because none of them have. Cheers!
Telling you. I enjoy watching you guys. Yall are the benchmark for Bourbon and Whiskey tasting channels, setting the bar pretty high, great chemistry. I was watching another video and you guys went over that Grand Dad 16. So glad I saw it because a local store had a few bottles I went into, they pushed it pretty hard for $200, so glad I passed.. Keep it up!!
Samples of the Cream of Kentucky were offered by a friend and when I picked mine up he gave me the remainder of the bottle. I shared it at my next bourbon tasting and after a sip we all drain-poured it. Your comments are great!
Bookers 2024-03 was great to me. I paid $90. Im actually seeing bookers come down in price around me in CO. They were $119.99 at most places 2 years ago.
Trenton: You need to try a driftless Glen single barrel cask strength rye. They have some 8 year picks around Wisconsin. They’re delicious. If you can swing getting one muled to you, I don’t think you’d regret it. They’re 60-70 bucks to. Super great deal
I'm sad to see Angels Envy on this list. For $65, that is a good bottle to have, especially if you like vanilla, oak, and oranges. I was happy to see them doing something different and experimenting with something new. The proof was low, and so the finish was a quick one but I've had that in a glass with big block of ice and sipped that all night. Booker's - I 100% agree with. Very disappointed with Booker's and this being the second year I've had them; I think I can just say I'm not a Bookers fan.
You got the triple oaked AE for 65$? Pretty good price. They did a sample at the store by me and I didn’t think it was that bad. But didn’t want to drop 80$.
That had to be a batch issue with that specific bottling date on their bottle. I’ve bought over a dozen bottles throughout this year, but none have had any noticeable off flavors like they’ve described. And I’ve purchased bottles from Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois. They should emailed the distillery and sent a sample to them so those bottles could possibly be pulled from shelves. Cheers 🥃
I didn't get that much oak on the Angel's Envy Triple Oak. I think it is quite a decent bourbon. Now, the price is another story. I got mine for $56. I'm pretty happy with it at that price, but I normally see them $80-ish and I wouldn't spend that on one. I'd be a buyer again if it were more around $45.
Funny thing about that New Riff single malt. Patty and I tried it at the distillery, liked it in the moment, and bought some home. When we opened it here with a friend, though, the friend and I did not enjoy it. Too much coffee on the palate. (Patty still likes it.) The rest of us - we moved in the direction of Westward pinot noir cask finish, thanks to you all, and all of us like that one a lot.
You guys are just an outstanding watch! Down to earth, relaxed, no drama and you guys just mesh. And Trent does look like a Monk, he should do one gig in a brown rope with a gold sash.
Thanks for these type videos, and all of your reviews. You have saved me and others some money. I've had a couple of chances at Booker's lately at $100 (Ohio prices) and have skipped on them. $100 is more than I want to spend anyway, but I would have been tempted without having seen your and other reviews from people I trust to give us the straight shot. Thanks, TonyB
I actually really enjoyed this Angels Envy triple oak release. Very woody but not harsh or off-putting. It was really more unique in an interesting way and I thought the oak came through pretty nicely. I did think it held some of the usual Angels base port sweetness to accompany the woodiness.
I don’t think it’s amazing, but I do think it’s better than everything else in their lineup. Got mine in California for $45 which isn’t bad for the price. Where I live in Virginia it’s almost $90. Definitely wouldn’t drop that much
Is so refreshing to watch a channel for people are actually honest. when Trent said it tastes like garbage that's solidified my feelings on how much I love I see of this channel. So many channels would NEVER have the balls to say that! 😂
I really like a lot of Beam product and I like American Single Malt, but Clermont Steep is the only American Whiskey bottle I have ever drain poured. I could not get rid or the mildew fish taste even in a cocktail.
I watch your videos as much as I can. I really enjoy them . I haven't seen you do a video of the Knob Creek Bourbon and Rye blend. It is 113 proof. A mixture of 9yr Bourbon and a 7yr Rye.
I agree 100%! I don’t find it woody either. It is not nearly as woody as Woodford’s Double-Oaked. I am wondering if they actually tried this bottle because they seemed to believe that it was port-finished. Btw, the local Total Wine has this bottle for $61.
I had their Little Book release from this year and if it is at all comparable to regular Bookers, it is absolutely not worth anything over like 50 bucks to me. Pretty bad, in my opinion.
I have the Angels Envy Triple Oak and I get a lot more on the palate than just the wood notes that you described. I think it is a decent bourbon for the price.
The OGD 16 should’ve never been released at 100 proof, and should’ve been straight from the barrel. I’m sure it was tasted first before bottling and that’s a really concerning issue. Watering it down that much gave it overpowering tannic oak and dulled all the other flavors. Great video, gentlemen 🥃
Got to try the OGD 16 year and it’s really good, but I went into it without any hype. It’s good whiskey, so maybe I got a different batch. The Cleremont steep though is AWFUL! Talk about disappointment! The Cream of Kentucky is all hype, it’s not just you guys. Great list guys!.
Oh boy.... Jim Beam got killed in this video! Nearly half the products were theirs. I agree with the OGD16 sentiments. If they had gotten the proof to 114 and the price down to 125-150, I think it would be worth it. I have enjoyed all 4 Booker's so far this year and think they all have unique profiles 2024-01 The Springfield Batch: Vanilla and Brown Sugar bomb! 2024-02 The Beam House Batch: Really nice baked apple notes. Really reminds me of Little Book chapter 7. 2024-03 The Master Distiller's Batch: Awesome Vanilla and Baking spice notes. Char and Oak really shine. 2024-04 Jimmy's Batch: What an amazing tribute to Jimmy Russell. Once I opened the bottle, I got pungent notes of tobacco. First sip, I got classic red-fruit/berry notes and great spice that are typical of a Wild Turkey product.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks Cream of Kentucky sucks! The bottle makes promises that the whiskey fails to meet. One of the bottles that I think about putting down the drain all the time.
I was just at Party Source and saw so many bottles of Old Grand Dad 16 for MSRP and I instantly thought of your review and understood why so many were sitting on that display.
The way y’all described the Kavalan whiskey is exactly how I felt about Starward’s single barrel Binny’s select. I bought a bottle a few months ago and I was puzzled why it just tasted moldy. The port finish was there but totally masked by a rancid taste.
For me it was my bottle of Blanton´s from 2024. I´ve never had a Blanton´s and got me one bottle earlier this year. Did not open it tho cause i wanted to wait for "the right moment". Last week a good friend came to see me so i opened the Blanton´s..man was it disappointing..what´s all the hype about?? For 80.-€..pff.. We both had a sip and then each picked another whiskey from my collection. I still have hope that it being a "neck pour" might be the reason and future pours will enfold its full potential. If not..well i´ll do what i do with every whiskey i dont like: mix with coca cola and telling it "that´s what you deserve b....".
I walked in our local store I frequent and there was a whole barrel top of the Bookers. That used to be disappearing as fast as it hit the shelves. I think people like you mentioned on here are tired of paying the higher price for mediocre bourbon.
I can get on board with all of those picks. I had so many disappointing experiences earlier in the year, I gave up. I went to only purchasing bottles I knew were in my wheelhouse. It's really disappointing because I found some of my favorite bottles when I went out on a limb and tried something new. This year it just didn't happen for me.
I agree with what some other folks have said. Please keep making these kinds of videos. I find them really informative. However, palates being what they are, I would have to disagree on the angel's envy. It's one of only 2 or 3 higher end bottles. I had bought this year that I went back and bought a backup. Because I really, really enjoyed that one, but pallets are different. Thank you for all you do.
Cream of Kentucky were some of my first $$$$$ bottles I ever bought and still find them good (ie, COK 11.X or 13 etc). I think I have one of those SiB and will have to figure out which one it is ... seems like you're not the first one to not like it. Good videos - appreciate the truth!
Thanks for the input! I had a small sample at my local store of OGD 16 yr and I thought it was really nice but not a buyer unless it was under 100 bucks. I enjoy most (72-75.00 bucks)Booker’s batches and I really like Jimmy’s (2024-04)Batch. The others I’ve never had. Cheers!
Glad that I saw your previous review on the OGD16. When I first heard of it, it was on my chase list. But the combination of the price, not being 114 proof, and your review made me focus elsewhere by not going after it. Thanks!
I like the Angel’s Envy Triple Oak. The only thing I found disappointing about is the price where I live. It goes for around $85 which I think is too high. Here is my little review I wrote up on it. Angel’s Envy Triple Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In A Blend Of Hungarian, Chinkapin & French Oak Barrels 92 Proof 46% ABV Nose: floral honey, vanilla, light apricot, toasted oak Palate: sweet honey and vanilla upfront with some baking spices mid palate with a touch of dark chocolate and caramel with a mouthfeel that is a little thin yet somewhat creamy leading into the finish. Finish: the toasted oak leads the way balancing out the sweetness with more of those baking spices rounding out this bourbon with a medium finish. Overall: I find the Angel’s Envy Triple Oak to be crushable and a very easy sipper that would be a good bourbon to start someone down the oaked finished journey. I did do a side by side comparison with Old Forester 1910 and I thought it stood up to it rather well.
I'm heartbroken 😂. Cream of KY was one of my favorites of the year. I have barrel 29. It's Christmas in a glass for me. Crazy how pallettes vary. I guess I like garbage 😂. Love the channel.
The on,y one I’ve had of these is clermont steep. And I would agree with you. Not my fav America single malt, and that category is tough for me to be bottles of.
After letting the OGD 16 year open up in the bottle, it didn’t seem as bad as it was initially but the biggest thing for me is the price tag. To me Bookers releases this year were hit or miss like always. The 2024-03 was a pretty solid batch but Bookers The Reserves was a home run. I know taste is subjective though. Cheers guys
I’m probably on an island with my most disappointing pick ….. Westward Milestone. I won’t say there was anything wrong with it but it didn’t hit me as being extra special and worth the price. Here’s to hoping it grows a bit more on me over time.
I was just chatting with a friend about whether to try the AE Triple Oak. The profile sounds nothing like we hoped it would be, so thanks for saving us some cash!
I disagree 100% with this videos review of the AE triple oak. I think it’s great. As do my friends. Not nearly as woody as you might expect. Give it a try.
I got the Angel’s Envy Triple Oak for $55 so I don’t think MSRP is $90 unless the store I went to had it in release week at discount. I thought it was good I got a backup bottle at $55 price point
As an enjoyer of "bad" whiskies (both debatably gross and otherwise disappointing) and the server dumpster, I definitely need to try all of these...especially the Kavalan and the Cream of Kentucky. I've only had the pleasure of owning the Clermont Steep at this point, but I understand the disappointment. It tasted like cooked pasta with a slight hint of watermelon Jolly Rancher, in my opinion. I'd wager those are all still better than any of the baijiu I've ever had.
The Kavalan Solist releases are incredible - very heavy cask influence, but absolute flavor bombs. I haven't tried the Concermaster but it would be like comparing Old N° 7 to the barrel proof.
My first try at an American Single Malt was Cleremont Steep. Sooo Bad. I'm glad to see it on the list, so I am more willing to try Amer. Single Malts again.
Mid pours/bottles I had in 2024, my first real year trying whiskeys: Angel's Envy Triple Oak (had a pour, super mid) Grain To Glass Bourbon (Blue Label, from HH) (had a pour, hated it) **** Was told the Rye and the Wheated are MUCH better. Booker's 2024-01 (I've grown on it a bit, but I would never pay 100$ blind on another batch of Booker's w/o a pour first to know it's good) Westward American Single Malt (not the biggest fan of it, bought it on sale in Ohio for 39$) Elijah Craig Toasted Rye (my most hyped bottle of 2024, because I love the regular toasted.... super super mid to me)
Trent...you have not tasted Bookers Reserves. You must not have the way you just generalized all Booker releases. Reserves imo is possibly in running for whiskey of the year. Its nothing like the other 4 releases. I hope you taste it one day on video. I agree with your sentiment on price vs palate on Bookers but Reserves is on another level. Great video, cheers
100% can agree on the clermont steep, picked it up at costco maybe 5 months ago and it was my first whiskey I had ever had, not knowing it was a single malt or what that even meant. Terrible just not good in any way. Since then I have been watching you guys religiously and have a decent collection and even some hard to finds that I really enjoy, I have gone back to it a few times thinking "maybe now that I have had a many other whiskeys my taste or pallet has changed" nope still terrible
OGD16, man that's a lot of money for a 100 proof, Bookers is pretty good stuff I'll pay $100 for most batches and 2024 was good, AEX3 was a little disappointing will not buy another, haven't seen an EHTBPR but I WANT that bottle, haven't tried the other 3 and no interest in them for the most part.
I love bourbon and have been drinking it since 1985 when my friend left a bottle behind after a vacation visit. (WT 101, natch.) But Scotch tastes like dirt to me. I can't even get close to it. I'm definitely one of those "bourbon only" guys.
One disappointing bottle i had was a Whistle Pig Small Batch 10yr Rye. Biggest waste of $100 & it had nothing going for it. Purely tasted like mud puddle water with a heavy proof
I still think you're crazy for including the Kavalan in this list. I've had the concert master, and it's freakin' delicious, or at least the bottle I had 3+ years ago was.
Worst whiskey I've had was a bottle of Westward American Single Malt Cask Strength. The finish was like you eat some dirt and licked an ashtray. $104 drain pour.
Based on your comments, I have a feeling that your bottle of Kavalan may be corked. It’s something more common with wine, but it does happen with whiskey. I’ve come across several different bottles of whiskey that were corked in the past few years as a retail wine and liquor store owner. I’m actually a fan of Kavalan products, and think you should try some again. I’d also take that bottle back to the store you bought it from and see what they think. We’ve also been fans of the Angels Envy Triple Oak since we tasted it on its introduction, and have had repeat buyers on it.
I liked the Cream of Kentucky 2023 bottle - I picked it up for $80. It wasn't fantastic, but it was good. I wouldn't personally write off all future bottles because there was one bad one. It happens. I find most BT products are underwhelming - exception is the Antique 107 and the CYPB.
I am happy with my OGD16. I like the oak. I also preferred the AE TO over the regular AE. I didn’t but the Triple Oak, but would drink it over the port finish. Tried Clermont and would not buy that EVER!
"Bourbons and whiskies" is redundant - bourbon is whisky. It's like saying "Fords and cars." 🙂 3:51 My current bottle of Old Grand-Dad 114 was $32.99. 7:08 Hear, hear! I acknowledge that my experience is limited, but within that experience I've learned that as a general rule good, affordable shelf whisky is as good as, or better than, the stuff that receives a lot of hype and costs a ton. 11:30 Cursive is getting to be a secret code that y'all kids can't break. 😂
Regarding Angels Envy Triple Oak. I think it’s great, and it’s not nearly as woody as you say. Also, Total Wine has it for like $61. I suggest you give it another try.
I'd disagree on the AE 3 Oak. I got a lot of different flavors and notes on it and I think for ~$70 I will absolutely buy again. Over $80, probably not
@@thebigdubnetworkyea $199.95 everywhere in NC. Didn’t think they could go that far above msrp. Unless other places are charging less than msrp to get rid of it?
Not every bottle is a winner! Check out our picks for the most disappointing bourbons and whiskeys of 2024. Do you agree with the list? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Cheers! 🥃
I agree on the Angels Envy and OGD 16. I never had the others. The OGD is overpriced for the juice and the AE had a funky after taste to me. To be fair its a love hate relationship with me and AE.
disagree on the eht BP rye.. would love to get my hands on at least 2 of them.. as far as bookers, the only batch I thought was really good the last couple years was Mighty Fine.
Funny how Whiskey Advocate’s got Booker’s 2024-01 in the top 10 this year.
Please continue to make these types of videos! Everyone in the You Tube Bourbon universe needs to produce a few of these a year. I know its not "fun" to bash a bottle or brand........but because so many in the Bourbon community consider bottles through word of mouth, presenting the bad along with the good is needed! I've curtailed my purchases in 2024 and will most likely do the same in 2025 I've got too many "what the heck" purchases on my shelf........I just dont want to spend my hard earned money on the "latest boutique release" hoping it'll knock my socks off, because none of them have. Cheers!
Couldn’t have said it better. Cheers!
Having commonalities in my own palate, it helps to know what I probably shouldn't take chances on
We need a full tour of the basement bourbon bar! And your full bottle collection.
They’ve done it before but it’s time for an updated video
Telling you. I enjoy watching you guys. Yall are the benchmark for Bourbon and Whiskey tasting channels, setting the bar pretty high, great chemistry. I was watching another video and you guys went over that Grand Dad 16. So glad I saw it because a local store had a few bottles I went into, they pushed it pretty hard for $200, so glad I passed.. Keep it up!!
Can’t wait to watch Trenton’s bookers review in January for batch 1 of 2025.
I consider my Booker's purchase to count for two bottles. It is my first and last.
Samples of the Cream of Kentucky were offered by a friend and when I picked mine up he gave me the remainder of the bottle. I shared it at my next bourbon tasting and after a sip we all drain-poured it. Your comments are great!
The one pour of C of K SB rye I had was the worst pour of 5. A wasted Benjamin. #1 dud on this list.
Bookers 2024-03 was great to me. I paid $90. Im actually seeing bookers come down in price around me in CO. They were $119.99 at most places 2 years ago.
I liked Booker's 2024-3 too! Haven't got 2024-4 yet.
I agree the 2024-03 was fire. The 24-04 is ok
I liked this one too.
I loved 2024-03, I thought it was the best one in a while.
@@scotdecaire471
I definitely agree best in awhile
Trenton: You need to try a driftless Glen single barrel cask strength rye. They have some 8 year picks around Wisconsin. They’re delicious. If you can swing getting one muled to you, I don’t think you’d regret it. They’re 60-70 bucks to. Super great deal
I have one. Funny thing is it was imported here to Germany. I am trying hard to get another one. Chocolate lemon grass and caramel. Cheers
I have a 5 year from them it’s no joke one of the best eyes I’ve had this year
@@pillcozby431 that’s awesome!
@@joram744 I have an 8.5 distillery only release that’s hazmat. It’s crazy whiskey. Looks like motor oil
@ dang that sound incredible I’m definitely gonna try to get my hands on more of their stuff
I'm sad to see Angels Envy on this list. For $65, that is a good bottle to have, especially if you like vanilla, oak, and oranges. I was happy to see them doing something different and experimenting with something new. The proof was low, and so the finish was a quick one but I've had that in a glass with big block of ice and sipped that all night.
Booker's - I 100% agree with. Very disappointed with Booker's and this being the second year I've had them; I think I can just say I'm not a Bookers fan.
You got the triple oaked AE for 65$? Pretty good price. They did a sample at the store by me and I didn’t think it was that bad. But didn’t want to drop 80$.
I'm really surprised Wild Turkey 101 was not on the list. Especially with all of the off profile bottles this year.
That had to be a batch issue with that specific bottling date on their bottle. I’ve bought over a dozen bottles throughout this year, but none have had any noticeable off flavors like they’ve described. And I’ve purchased bottles from Indiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois. They should emailed the distillery and sent a sample to them so those bottles could possibly be pulled from shelves. Cheers 🥃
@b1gsteve251 Maybe the first one was a bad batch, but they did buy a second bottle several months later. That one was off for them too.
Dude it's $20
As a Taiwanese,I can’t not agree anymore about what you said about Kavalan
I don’t know why their whisky has huge differences between batch and batch
I didn't get that much oak on the Angel's Envy Triple Oak. I think it is quite a decent bourbon. Now, the price is another story. I got mine for $56. I'm pretty happy with it at that price, but I normally see them $80-ish and I wouldn't spend that on one. I'd be a buyer again if it were more around $45.
Guy at work brought me a sample of Cream of Kentucky . Barrel 13 bottle 187. It was terrible. I was so excited to try it
Funny thing about that New Riff single malt. Patty and I tried it at the distillery, liked it in the moment, and bought some home. When we opened it here with a friend, though, the friend and I did not enjoy it. Too much coffee on the palate. (Patty still likes it.) The rest of us - we moved in the direction of Westward pinot noir cask finish, thanks to you all, and all of us like that one a lot.
I have actually been seeing bookers for $86 in my area. Batch 24-02 was a bottle I really enjoyed at that price.
Top WhiskeyTube Channels out there. Consistently great content.. Thank you guys!!
You guys are just an outstanding watch! Down to earth, relaxed, no drama and you guys just mesh. And Trent does look like a Monk, he should do one gig in a brown rope with a gold sash.
Thanks for these type videos, and all of your reviews. You have saved me and others some money. I've had a couple of chances at Booker's lately at $100 (Ohio prices) and have skipped on them. $100 is more than I want to spend anyway, but I would have been tempted without having seen your and other reviews from people I trust to give us the straight shot. Thanks, TonyB
I actually really enjoyed this Angels Envy triple oak release. Very woody but not harsh or off-putting. It was really more unique in an interesting way and I thought the oak came through pretty nicely. I did think it held some of the usual Angels base port sweetness to accompany the woodiness.
I don’t think it’s amazing, but I do think it’s better than everything else in their lineup. Got mine in California for $45 which isn’t bad for the price. Where I live in Virginia it’s almost $90. Definitely wouldn’t drop that much
Old Grandad 16 and 2024 Bookers were all my favorite bottles of the year ❤👍👍💯😋
Is so refreshing to watch a channel for people are actually honest. when Trent said it tastes like garbage that's solidified my feelings on how much I love I see of this channel. So many channels would NEVER have the balls to say that! 😂
I really like a lot of Beam product and I like American Single Malt, but Clermont Steep is the only American Whiskey bottle I have ever drain poured. I could not get rid or the mildew fish taste even in a cocktail.
I watch your videos as much as I can. I really enjoy them .
I haven't seen you do a video of the Knob Creek Bourbon and Rye blend. It is 113 proof. A mixture of 9yr Bourbon and a 7yr Rye.
Couldn't be happier in that i passed on some Booker's for close to $100 this weekend
They are always 100 msrp
I really like the AE triple oak. I paid 70 for it and would do it again. It’s didn’t seem as woody as you say and I found it very smooth.
I agree 100%! I don’t find it woody either. It is not nearly as woody as Woodford’s Double-Oaked.
I am wondering if they actually tried this bottle because they seemed to believe that it was port-finished.
Btw, the local Total Wine has this bottle for $61.
Never bought a Bookers and never will unless they bring the price back down! I'm not missing anything!
I had their Little Book release from this year and if it is at all comparable to regular Bookers, it is absolutely not worth anything over like 50 bucks to me. Pretty bad, in my opinion.
Appreciate your candor and hard truth on whiskey. Few do it and it says ALOT!!!!
I absolutely love all the Bookers batch from this year!
I have the Angels Envy Triple Oak and I get a lot more on the palate than just the wood notes that you described. I think it is a decent bourbon for the price.
The OGD 16 should’ve never been released at 100 proof, and should’ve been straight from the barrel. I’m sure it was tasted first before bottling and that’s a really concerning issue. Watering it down that much gave it overpowering tannic oak and dulled all the other flavors. Great video, gentlemen 🥃
Got to try the OGD 16 year and it’s really good, but I went into it without any hype. It’s good whiskey, so maybe I got a different batch. The Cleremont steep though is AWFUL! Talk about disappointment! The Cream of Kentucky is all hype, it’s not just you guys. Great list guys!.
Oh boy.... Jim Beam got killed in this video! Nearly half the products were theirs. I agree with the OGD16 sentiments. If they had gotten the proof to 114 and the price down to 125-150, I think it would be worth it. I have enjoyed all 4 Booker's so far this year and think they all have unique profiles
2024-01 The Springfield Batch: Vanilla and Brown Sugar bomb!
2024-02 The Beam House Batch: Really nice baked apple notes. Really reminds me of Little Book chapter 7.
2024-03 The Master Distiller's Batch: Awesome Vanilla and Baking spice notes. Char and Oak really shine.
2024-04 Jimmy's Batch: What an amazing tribute to Jimmy Russell. Once I opened the bottle, I got pungent notes of tobacco. First sip, I got classic red-fruit/berry notes and great spice that are typical of a Wild Turkey product.
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks Cream of Kentucky sucks! The bottle makes promises that the whiskey fails to meet. One of the bottles that I think about putting down the drain all the time.
It’s thanks to videos like yours that I’m lucky enough to never have bottles I hate. Maybe underwhelming ones, but never bad. Thanks for that!
I was just at Party Source and saw so many bottles of Old Grand Dad 16 for MSRP and I instantly thought of your review and understood why so many were sitting on that display.
I saw that same display in the back on Thanksgiving weekend. I don't think those bottles will sell until they get marked down to around $100.
The way y’all described the Kavalan whiskey is exactly how I felt about Starward’s single barrel Binny’s select. I bought a bottle a few months ago and I was puzzled why it just tasted moldy. The port finish was there but totally masked by a rancid taste.
For me it was my bottle of Blanton´s from 2024. I´ve never had a Blanton´s and got me one bottle earlier this year. Did not open it tho cause i wanted to wait for "the right moment".
Last week a good friend came to see me so i opened the Blanton´s..man was it disappointing..what´s all the hype about?? For 80.-€..pff.. We both had a sip and then each picked another whiskey from my collection.
I still have hope that it being a "neck pour" might be the reason and future pours will enfold its full potential. If not..well i´ll do what i do with every whiskey i dont like: mix with coca cola and telling it "that´s what you deserve b....".
The bottle is the best part of blantons
I walked in our local store I frequent and there was a whole barrel top of the Bookers. That used to be disappearing as fast as it hit the shelves. I think people like you mentioned on here are tired of paying the higher price for mediocre bourbon.
I’m glad when one of my local store had both the EH Barrel Proof Rye and the Straight Rye, I chose the Straight Rye.
Looking forward to seeing your best of 24. ❤️
Cheers fellas
Tab
I can get on board with all of those picks. I had so many disappointing experiences earlier in the year, I gave up. I went to only purchasing bottles I knew were in my wheelhouse. It's really disappointing because I found some of my favorite bottles when I went out on a limb and tried something new. This year it just didn't happen for me.
Stagg for $65? You live in paradise. At least $250 in my market.
Cream of Kentucky, Cream of Wheat, Creamed Corn...HARD PASS ! Great video, as always... Thanks
I agree with what some other folks have said. Please keep making these kinds of videos. I find them really informative. However, palates being what they are, I would have to disagree on the angel's envy. It's one of only 2 or 3 higher end bottles. I had bought this year that I went back and bought a backup. Because I really, really enjoyed that one, but pallets are different. Thank you for all you do.
Cream of Kentucky were some of my first $$$$$ bottles I ever bought and still find them good (ie, COK 11.X or 13 etc). I think I have one of those SiB and will have to figure out which one it is ... seems like you're not the first one to not like it. Good videos - appreciate the truth!
Thanks for the input! I had a small sample at my local store of OGD 16 yr and I thought it was really nice but not a buyer unless it was under 100 bucks. I enjoy most (72-75.00 bucks)Booker’s batches and I really like Jimmy’s (2024-04)Batch. The others I’ve never had. Cheers!
Glad that I saw your previous review on the OGD16. When I first heard of it, it was on my chase list. But the combination of the price, not being 114 proof, and your review made me focus elsewhere by not going after it. Thanks!
"For reasons of being awful, I put it up there." That's what I like to hear ... plain talk!!
EH taylor barrel proof rye was amazing to me. aslo, the bookers 2024-03 was top notch also
I bought the triple oak Angels envy in California for $45. In Virginia it’s almost $90. For $45 it’s not bad.
You have to get Kavalan Solist. The Vihoe Barrique or the Olorosso Sherry. It will change Kurt's life.
I like the Angel’s Envy Triple Oak. The only thing I found disappointing about is the price where I live. It goes for around $85 which I think is too high. Here is my little review I wrote up on it.
Angel’s Envy Triple Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished In A Blend Of Hungarian, Chinkapin & French Oak Barrels
92 Proof 46% ABV
Nose: floral honey, vanilla, light apricot, toasted oak
Palate: sweet honey and vanilla upfront with some baking spices mid palate with a touch of dark chocolate and caramel with a mouthfeel that is a little thin yet somewhat creamy leading into the finish.
Finish: the toasted oak leads the way balancing out the sweetness with more of those baking spices rounding out this bourbon with a medium finish.
Overall: I find the Angel’s Envy Triple Oak to be crushable and a very easy sipper that would be a good bourbon to start someone down the oaked finished journey. I did do a side by side comparison with Old Forester 1910 and I thought it stood up to it rather well.
Ah geez, I love that Angels Envy Triple Oaked...it's amazing!
I'm heartbroken 😂. Cream of KY was one of my favorites of the year. I have barrel 29. It's Christmas in a glass for me. Crazy how pallettes vary. I guess I like garbage 😂. Love the channel.
The on,y one I’ve had of these is clermont steep. And I would agree with you. Not my fav America single malt, and that category is tough for me to be bottles of.
Bookers were rather strong in 24 IMHO. The Reserves is awesome...
Kurt you would love the Kavalan Solist, have a bottle at 117.6 proof and it’s delicious.
After letting the OGD 16 year open up in the bottle, it didn’t seem as bad as it was initially but the biggest thing for me is the price tag. To me Bookers releases this year were hit or miss like always. The 2024-03 was a pretty solid batch but Bookers The Reserves was a home run. I know taste is subjective though. Cheers guys
I’m probably on an island with my most disappointing pick ….. Westward Milestone. I won’t say there was anything wrong with it but it didn’t hit me as being extra special and worth the price. Here’s to hoping it grows a bit more on me over time.
I was just chatting with a friend about whether to try the AE Triple Oak. The profile sounds nothing like we hoped it would be, so thanks for saving us some cash!
I disagree 100% with this videos review of the AE triple oak. I think it’s great. As do my friends. Not nearly as woody as you might expect. Give it a try.
I had the AE at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Sept. It was like sucking on a toothpick to me.
I got the Angel’s Envy Triple Oak for $55 so I don’t think MSRP is $90 unless the store I went to had it in release week at discount. I thought it was good I got a backup bottle at $55 price point
I agree...$62 for me and I enjoyed it. Nothing great, but a little different and nice.
Regarding the Cream of Kentucky, i have the cask strength bourbon and i love it. I have not tried the rye yet.
As an enjoyer of "bad" whiskies (both debatably gross and otherwise disappointing) and the server dumpster, I definitely need to try all of these...especially the Kavalan and the Cream of Kentucky. I've only had the pleasure of owning the Clermont Steep at this point, but I understand the disappointment. It tasted like cooked pasta with a slight hint of watermelon Jolly Rancher, in my opinion.
I'd wager those are all still better than any of the baijiu I've ever had.
The Kavalan Solist releases are incredible - very heavy cask influence, but absolute flavor bombs. I haven't tried the Concermaster but it would be like comparing Old N° 7 to the barrel proof.
My first try at an American Single Malt was Cleremont Steep. Sooo Bad. I'm glad to see it on the list, so I am more willing to try Amer. Single Malts again.
Mid pours/bottles I had in 2024, my first real year trying whiskeys:
Angel's Envy Triple Oak (had a pour, super mid)
Grain To Glass Bourbon (Blue Label, from HH) (had a pour, hated it) **** Was told the Rye and the Wheated are MUCH better.
Booker's 2024-01 (I've grown on it a bit, but I would never pay 100$ blind on another batch of Booker's w/o a pour first to know it's good)
Westward American Single Malt (not the biggest fan of it, bought it on sale in Ohio for 39$)
Elijah Craig Toasted Rye (my most hyped bottle of 2024, because I love the regular toasted.... super super mid to me)
Trent...you have not tasted Bookers Reserves. You must not have the way you just generalized all Booker releases. Reserves imo is possibly in running for whiskey of the year. Its nothing like the other 4 releases. I hope you taste it one day on video. I agree with your sentiment on price vs palate on Bookers but Reserves is on another level. Great video, cheers
I only paid $65 for my Angel’s Envy Triple Oak and enjoy it more than their normal offerings with that said, it is overpriced at $65.
100% can agree on the clermont steep, picked it up at costco maybe 5 months ago and it was my first whiskey I had ever had, not knowing it was a single malt or what that even meant. Terrible just not good in any way. Since then I have been watching you guys religiously and have a decent collection and even some hard to finds that I really enjoy, I have gone back to it a few times thinking "maybe now that I have had a many other whiskeys my taste or pallet has changed" nope still terrible
Nooooooo, I was so bummed when you brought out the Angels Envy Triple Oak. I have an unopened bottle and I had really high hopes for that.
Only drain pour I had this year was a Cream of Kentucky BiB rye
OGD16, man that's a lot of money for a 100 proof, Bookers is pretty good stuff I'll pay $100 for most batches and 2024 was good, AEX3 was a little disappointing will not buy another, haven't seen an EHTBPR but I WANT that bottle, haven't tried the other 3 and no interest in them for the most part.
A certain brand at a certain large chain liquor store did a triple and quad oak that are both fairly nice.
I love bourbon and have been drinking it since 1985 when my friend left a bottle behind after a vacation visit. (WT 101, natch.) But Scotch tastes like dirt to me. I can't even get close to it. I'm definitely one of those "bourbon only" guys.
3 out of 7 from Jim Beam…..imagine that!!
One disappointing bottle i had was a Whistle Pig Small Batch 10yr Rye. Biggest waste of $100 & it had nothing going for it. Purely tasted like mud puddle water with a heavy proof
I have never had a Whistle Pig worth the price
I've loved the Kavalan Solist series, but I did not enjoy any of their other offerings.
The Crown single malt was very good!
I have a soloist Kavalan vinho barrique, it is amazing. I was always worried about the other expressions.
Springfield batch was delicious but for the price i agree, its a 68$ bottle at most
I still think you're crazy for including the Kavalan in this list. I've had the concert master, and it's freakin' delicious, or at least the bottle I had 3+ years ago was.
Worst whiskey I've had was a bottle of Westward American Single Malt Cask Strength. The finish was like you eat some dirt and licked an ashtray. $104 drain pour.
The garbage bag comment is one of the best comments I've heard this year. That actually did make me laugh out loud.
Can confirm Cream of Kentucky barrel 5 tastes like burnt rubber
Based on your comments, I have a feeling that your bottle of Kavalan may be corked. It’s something more common with wine, but it does happen with whiskey. I’ve come across several different bottles of whiskey that were corked in the past few years as a retail wine and liquor store owner. I’m actually a fan of Kavalan products, and think you should try some again. I’d also take that bottle back to the store you bought it from and see what they think.
We’ve also been fans of the Angels Envy Triple Oak since we tasted it on its introduction, and have had repeat buyers on it.
Another great episode.
I liked the Cream of Kentucky 2023 bottle - I picked it up for $80. It wasn't fantastic, but it was good. I wouldn't personally write off all future bottles because there was one bad one. It happens. I find most BT products are underwhelming - exception is the Antique 107 and the CYPB.
I will pay for the shipping of that EHT Rye to Oklahoma!
The Kavalan Lan is an awesome single malt. Try it , you wont be dissapointed.
I really liked the EHT SR
I am happy with my OGD16. I like the oak. I also preferred the AE TO over the regular AE. I didn’t but the Triple Oak, but would drink it over the port finish.
Tried Clermont and would not buy that EVER!
Kurt worked hard not to laugh when Trenton said “…all wood right in your face…” and actually succeeded. But there was a moment…
"Bourbons and whiskies" is redundant - bourbon is whisky. It's like saying "Fords and cars." 🙂
3:51 My current bottle of Old Grand-Dad 114 was $32.99.
7:08 Hear, hear! I acknowledge that my experience is limited, but within that experience I've learned that as a general rule good, affordable shelf whisky is as good as, or better than, the stuff that receives a lot of hype and costs a ton.
11:30 Cursive is getting to be a secret code that y'all kids can't break. 😂
I've had one bottle of Law's and one bottle of Larceny that were rancid moldy and both were caused by bad corks.
Regarding Angels Envy Triple Oak. I think it’s great, and it’s not nearly as woody as you say. Also, Total Wine has it for like $61. I suggest you give it another try.
I'd disagree on the AE 3 Oak. I got a lot of different flavors and notes on it and I think for ~$70 I will absolutely buy again. Over $80, probably not
Cream of Kentucky was my biggest whiskey purchase regret of 2024, so your bottle definitely is not an outlier
I actually really enjoy the OGD 16, msrp is $159.
I also only paid $159 for mine it’s good not my favorite but pretty good
Agreed. A sixteen-year-old bourbon tasting mostly like oak. Who would’ve thought?
I also like the OGD 16 Year. Very flavorful for 100 Proof. Bought a backup. 🥃
I've only seen it for $200 in NC
@@thebigdubnetworkyea $199.95 everywhere in NC. Didn’t think they could go that far above msrp. Unless other places are charging less than msrp to get rid of it?
EHT rye also underwhelmed me. Never had the BP Rye but I wasn’t all that curious to try it.