As a bourbon enthusiast for the past 15 years, I love what you do. I am in the middle class and finding one of these bottles is a once a year kind of thing, so knowing if it’s worth it through your videos is super beneficial. Don’t let the Bourbon Karen’s get you down!
I agree. Some "unobtainable" bottles might not be worth picking up, or it's nice to know which bottle you'd be better off with if you do come across a bottle.
You all have such a huge variety of content. Some will fit, some won’t. I admire how genuine you all are with coming forward with this uncomfortable topic. I think as a creator wanting to please your audience is important, listening but also believing in the authenticity behind it is what’s true. You all work really hard, that does not go unnoticed in your videos as well as in the community. You all choose your path, we are along for the ride. Cheers to you both in 2023
I think it reflects the frustration in the Bourbon universe that many can't acquire or even taste many rare bottles these days, and/or the price gouging of retailers. At least here, 2022 was the year more stores started cranking prices to the moon, and most know I hunt, a lot, far and wide. You do you, it's your channel! Don't let anyone tell you how to do what you want, and you've got nearly 100K people who enjoy your content.
I appears to me that the individuals who complained only watched your end of year video and aren't regular viewers. As you showed, you've tried to cover the wide variety of whiskeys available at all price points. Don't change a thing! We love you just as you are!
Great point. Makes sense someone not familiar with bourbon would search “top 10 of 2022” to try to get the spark notes to take with them to their liquor store. I could see them not loving the video. They aren’t the target audience for that video.
Don't change the direction of your channel, you're doing a great job! Anyone who watches your channel regularly knows you guys provide a ton of information on widely available as well as allocated bourbons. I personally have obtained many great bottles based on your recommendations. Looking forward to a lot of great content from you two in the future!
Agreed. Even if I cant find the allocated ones I love to see them talking about them. Who wants videos on old forester, jack daniels, and makers mark all the time? Keep the channel the way it is.
I know some other channels place the rule of “have to have found and purchased a full bottle yourself” for it to make the list. Maybe a rule like this would help. The regular consumer doesn’t get samples from distilleries so most of us will never buy a BTAC. I do think separate videos of best overall and best you actually found would be good too.
We had something similar suggested in the top 10 video. It’s a cool idea and we appreciate the suggestion, but the Bourbon Community is all about sharing. We got some of the things that were in our blind scoring from friends. If you eliminate sharing then that’s kinda going against what we bourbon drinkers are all about, don’t ya think? Again, thank you for the comment, not trying to dump all over it 😁 haha
@@ItsBourbonNight I still subscribe to your channel but watch it a lot less because your videos about the le/allocated stuff is starting to come acrossed to me as bragging.
@@ItsBourbonNight "The Bourbon Community is about sharing" Do you mean distilleries sharing with you? Because I don't see you sharing bourbon with anyone in your videos... I actually enjoy watching a Tribe video of Rex sharing an expensive bottle with people. Your LE/allocated videos, not so much.
Keep doing what you’re doing! Yeah finding a BTAC or other allocated bottle may not happen, but I’ve been lucky enough to find them in bars a few times and your videos help me decide which ones I should splurge on and which I can pass on. Otherwise, I’m perfectly fine living vicariously through y’all! Cheers! 🥃
First off, you guys are one of the quickest channels to respond to any questions I have and are very respectful. I get both sides. I'm an educator and my wife is in healthcare. Combined, we make a good living. I have a a nice collection and can afford most findable things, but she would never allow me to spend the money on some of the high end, allocated things. I think it's cool to see the high end stuff for the bourbon hunters and for us who can grab one occasionally. My solution would just be to do one list of each at the end of the year. I had no hate. I enjoy seeing those things. Maybe the solution is to just add in a list of things that are like $100 and under and available in most states to go along with the other.
I agree with the suggestion that you assemble two lists at the end of the year, with "$100 and under" and "over $100" being the defining criteria for the lists. I am a retired college professor and have been watching your channel for about 3 years, which is about when I retired (on a fixed but not-too-modest income(=) and started expanding my bourbon collection. I only very recently (within 6 months) expanded my upper spending limit from $80 to $100, and feel somewhat guiklty for doing, perhaps because of what you described as "bourbon being a consumable." In any case, I enjoy your videos but I have the sense that duirng the last year, you have shiufted your attention more toward limited editions and allocated bottles, As long as you do not exclusively focus on these expensive and hard-to-find bottles, I will continue to watch, as you bring a unique perspective to the bourbon world. Thanks!
I second this comment. Honestly though. I think instead of $100.00 you raise it to about $150.00 or $200.00 to reflect the impact of inflation/secondary market. Most of my favorite bottles this year were around the $120.00 to 150.00 range and I am in a east coast market where I can somehow still purchase Buffalo Trace for around $35.00 (non-allocated). I will be honest that I was put off by your list because of the $1000.00+ bottles in your top 10. I get it…BTAC is the best. However, it was more the dismissal of a lot of the obtainable good bottles for me that I have truly enjoyed (and have received better/higher ratings in other You Tube channels) that well…rubbed me off in the wrong way (e.g., Calumet 16, Larceny C922, Remus Repeal VI). However kudos for willing to acknowledge the feedback, respond and be open to hear about ways to address your audience. I will continue to watch you guys because you are entertaining and there are so few knowledgeable women out there doing this.
My only suggestion is to identify which ones were samples provided vs actual bottles obtained. No problem putting both into top list, but like to know which ones were actually found in your hunt. Love the channel!
As a regular viewer, I feel like y'all always do a great job keeping a balance to things. Especially when pointing out when a sample was given to you (so kind!) or in pictures you put "picture of last years release." Always feels above board to me in that regard. Great work! You guys are one of my favorite follows for how open handed and balanced (value vs LE, etc) you approach things.
I am a recent bourbon collector and find your videos helpful. I appreciate the number of bottles and methodology you put into your year end review. Keep up the good work.
I think my issue is all the allocated stuff gets so hyped by channels like this that it makes it impossible to find anything. Some guy in the chat said it's jealousy, and sure that's true. Of course I would like the chance to try the crazy rare stuff at some point. And channels like this have random people sending them extremely rare bottles. And yeah, it's probably deserved with the hard work and quality of work they've done. But it still feels like a bummer that more people won't get the chance to experience a lot of the great whiskey you guys have reviewed. Unless of course your willing to pay crazy high prices for them.
My price point is $100 or less, mainly in the $40-$60 range. I'm in Alabama which is is an ABC board controlled store's. Alabama does really well in my opinion of offering allocated and barrel pick products each month at msrp. We have privately owned stores with stupid secondary prices that you can get specialty bourbon at used car prices. These secondary prices are hurting bourbon in my opinion, makes it unobtainable to a lot of people. I just wait each month for the release at the ABC store and I usually end up with at least 1 cool release at msrp. I really enjoy y'alls channe! I watch it alot. But I understand that there are a whole lot more bourbon available for y'all in Kentucky that will never cross the border into Alabama and I truly appreciate both of you and your channel. Keep up the good work.
I never took the other video negatively. I thought it was really cool to see high end whiskeys. That being said, maybe you guys can do multiple Best of The Year videos? Like Best Whiskey of 2023 under $100 and BEST OF THE BEST which has the top whiskey of the year? Something like that. Also remember you can't and will not please everyone so. Best of luck and I will continue to watch you guys till the end.
Drink and review whatever you can get your hands on.... Even if I can't obtain or afford something I still want to know about what I'm missing.... Best bottle I was able to find in 2022 was the Sam Houston 15....wanted to find others, but couldn't, or wouldn't pay a premium for some.... Just quit whining people!
I was introduced to Bourbon 3 years ago. As I was getting into bourbon and doing my research I came across your channel and it really helped me in this journey. I would say don't change a thing. I know that thier is a challenge in every state when it comes to finding certain bourbons. I also believe that you have to build relationships in order to be successful especially when it comes to the allocated products. I have been lucky this year as I have been able to obtain some LE's and allocated products at retail. It really takes time and patience unless you want to pay secondary prices and most of us refuse to do this, so we may get lucky and find one or two 🦄 at retail. We would all be bankrupt chasing and buying everything.
As a newer subscriber I’d say your content is great. It can be frustrating to not be able to afford or even find special whiskies and feel left out, but that’s not a fault in your channel. For those of us scraping by it’s still fun to imagine a special whisky or have your videos to fall back on if we actually get a chance to try or buy a bottle
Don't change what your are doing. You guy are very fortunate to have access to some of the best Bourbons on the planet. Never apologize for that. I love hearing your thoughts on everything, even things I'll never find.
Don’t stop doing what you two are doing. People will always complain, and credit to you all for being introspective. I love the fact that your reviews etc. have helped me to avoid making purchases I may have regretted. If someone’s complaint is that the bourbon you’re ranking/reviewing/blind tasting is impossible to obtain due to scarcity or price gouging, that is in no way your fault. Keep on keeping on
You guys have nothing to apologize for. Your content and and demeanour speaks volumes regarding how much you care about your community. You are allowed to like the bottles you have. You are going to have different bottles from others. It also isn’t your fault you like great whiskey. Keep doing what you do. However, I am excited about what is to come and how you combat the slightly unaware viewers
I know very little about bourbon compared to you and your pretentious critics and haters, but I enjoy drinking it and enjoy learning about it and enjoy your banter and critiques about it. A true artist (bourbon connoisseur artist in your case) cannot care about what other people think/feel, and they create content with what speaks to them and what they like; be true to yourself and don't take yourself so seriously.
When one door closes, another opens. My take is, when one bottle is finished, open a different one. I love to hear about all aspects of bourbon. There will be bottles I will never see or be able to buy. But, learning about them will help me if I get fortunate to find them. Keep doing what you are doing. Content opportunities are always presenting themselves.
I appreciate you making this video. I kind of like the trend I have seen with some other channels where they are posting their top 10 disappointments of the year. Those bottles that were highly sought but didn’t live up to the hype. That is what I think most people are looking for in top ten lists is what is worth hunting. I think a list that would be interesting that I have never seen before is the top 10 2022 whiskeys you would pay secondary prices for. Maybe break up a list of bourbons you would pay over 150, 250, 500, and 1000. That might make the BTACs and other unicorns more palatable to be included. Thanks for taking the time to do this video…that takes guts to acknowledge when something didn’t quite hit right.
Bourbon enthusiast from Europe here: Living outside the US, most of the bourbons I see swinging by on this channel are not obtainable for me, I have to settle for common bottles with the occasional exception (ECBP or Booker's for instance). However, thanks to this channel I know what to look for when I'm anywhere else in the world that may have a slightly different collection. I managed to find a OF1920 and Stagg Jr. in Europe thanks to this for reasonably okay prices. I spent some time in PA for work and knew what to look for in the local Good Spirits and Fine Wine's and snagged myself 10 bottles that I took back home, for a large part thanks to your videos. When I asked for "something special": "We get Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare for MSRP once every few weeks". I told them that I can get a hundred of both of these bottles back in Europe if I want to for even lower prices. Surprised the hell out of them. Anyway, you never know what you can get, whenever, where and for what price so I'm gladly educated on whether they are worth it or not. Long story short: I enjoy the hell out of your videos and keep on doing what you're doing.
Thanks guys, Im new to this channel but find it very informative. I went to college at UK in the mid 80's. We drank massive quantities of ET at football games. I switched to scotch in the early 2000's. Now i have a new found enthusiasm for bourbon. (not ET) There are a lot more good quality bourbons now than in the past. I appreciate the way that you do the flight tastings. I have picked up some great tasting bourbons and look forward to more videos. keep up the good work.
First as someone newly on their bourbon journey (less than a year) and on a tiny budget (only about 20 different bourbons so far) I have found your channel super entertaining and informative. I enjoy hearing about cool things I will never get to drink, but I think it’s all about balance. In December you spent 25 videos plus a top ten talking about things none of us will ever get a chance to taste, with no other content (which I get that was a lot of content) but I think it wore on people who a really frustrated with the bourbon market and not necessarily with you. Even in my less than a year I have seen prices jump and things that were common in June so I waited to try just disappear from selves. Where I live the only quality liquor store has a holiday raffle for all their fall “le’s” at 20 a ticket but more than half the bottles were just things like Buffalo Trace, Rare Breed, Eagle Rare because we can’t even get those most of the time. My point for this story is I think you tapped into a lot of general frustration unintentionally. So my recommendation is keep doing the LE stuff u are fortunate enough to get, but maybe a little more balance with things the rest of us can enjoy as well. Keep up the good work
Great video! I agreed with everything you said. This is your channel, and these were the best whiskies that you were lucky enough to taste this year. Just because you didn’t have Rare Breed or 1920 in your top 10 doesn’t mean it’s invalid or out of touch. Many of us enter lotteries, many of us can try these bottles at whiskey bars, and some us are just plain lucky enough to find them in the wild. Every hobbyist has dreams: a dream car, a dream computer, a dream guitar, etc. All of these hobbyists don’t force content creators to only show them what they can find/afford - they want to see their dreams every once in a while. If someone says you’ve lost your way because of your “best of” series, then they missed 11 months worth of content. Yes - whiskey is more expensive, secondary is out of control, and distilleries are pumping out pricey “limited releases” that can’t even out perform your everyday sipper. It can be hard to know where to put your money on these bottles that you can actually find, but that’s exactly what your channel helps us do throughout the rest of the year. Thank you for all that you do, and I hope 2023 is just as fortuitous for y’all!
You cover an insanely eclectic range of bourbons -- price points, distilleries, finished bourbons, easy to find, hard to find, gifted bottles/samples, those you went out and bought yourselves, all of it. I am always happy to tune in every Friday to see what you're trying this week -- often because if I'm in a different area that has something we don't in Central Iowa, I may want to go off your suggestion. Please keep up the great work! Thanks for the hours and hours that go into creating this content!
I may never catch a 44 inch snook, but that doesn't stop me from watching a video of someone else doing it. Many of us are interested in your opinion of the hard to find bottles just in case we ever have a chance at them. Case in point: I am just a regular middle class guy, but I lucked out and had my pick of a bunch of LE's from a Florida retailer. I picked up a WLR for $118 based on you guys consistently ranking it high, and I was very glad with my choice. This reminds me of when people freaked out because you called Rare Breed a value buy, which it most definitely is. It may not be a BUDGET buy, but is a VALUE for an aged barrel proof. Please keep the LE videos coming.
So... people complained that your list of the "best bourbons of 2022" was a list of the "best bourbons of 2022"? I'm missing the problem. You delivered what you said you would. If people are upset about the state of the bourbon industry, or upset that reviewers are able to access bourbons they don't the opportunity to... that's on them. What feels like is happening is that people have made the mistake of believing that the people on the other side of the video are a stand-in for themselves.
Chad & Sara, love the channel, you don't need to change anything! I never got the vibe that you two were trying to be bourbon snobs! 😀 I look at it as you're just trying to show what all is available in the bourbon world. I will admit that I'm sometimes envious that I still haven't had any WLW yet, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to know what your opinion of it is. Keep up the good work, I'll be watching! Thanks
Comments may be based on where people are in their stage of bourbon hunting. denial - C'mon, how hard can it be to find that bottle? I'll just ask at the store. anger - I hate that you have this bottle, and I don't! bargaining - anybody what to trade 10 x Evan Williams BiB for a George T Stagg??? depression - I give up, I'll never find anything. I will just drink all the Evan Williams BiB. acceptance - I will always look for allocated whiskey but will enjoy what I can find. Took me a while to get to acceptance stage 🙂 I say keep making the videos you want to make how you want to make them.
Happy New Year! First, just wanted to say that my husband and I have been watching your channel for a few years and love the content and do not want you to change anything. I think that the content is well rounded overall. People that are “disappointed” fail to appreciate what videos like your “Best Of” brings to the community. Sure, not all of these bourbons are available to everyone. That is not the point. If we are somewhere, either at a liquor store or a bar, and are considering laying out money for the purchase or the pour, we know in advance whether this is something that we may be interested in, or not, based on your videos. Your content is informative and extremely helpful. We appreciate what you do. ❤
Hey guys, I’m new to the channel, so with fresh eyes I can truly say, “don’t change your channel or anything about it.” Me and my wife enjoy watching your channel, and my wife likes hearing another woman’s thoughts and experiences with bourbon. We watched your live stream on Sunday night with SLB (which is another one of my favorite channels) and something they said really stuck out which I hope encourages you; when talking about how they started, they mentioned how the cocktail videos really weren’t sticking and they didn’t have as big a following until they started doing bourbon videos. In other words, trial and error. It’s good that you’re listening to your audience and never stop doing that, however I would say tweak, but don’t change. Keep up the great work!
I travel for work and spend most evenings on the road bourbon shopping- however, I am not a high roller. I appreciate your reviews to assist in my prioritization of what to buy if I see. I cheat towards Sarah's palette and really like the short reviews . Your videos and honest reviews have minimized my dissatisfaction with spending on a higher end bourbon if/when I see. I also have my don't buy list and save the funds for a higher priority. Keep it up- I, an average earner who is traverses between states and markets frequently as my home market is pathetic. I appreciate what you do.
Don't change a thing! I used your channel recently to trade up for a top 5 bourbon of 2022 based on your ranking, and was not disappointed! As someone who does pinch pennies, your feedback matters when it comes to paying good money for an affordable pour of a top 10 bourbon. Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work! To your health 🥃
You guys are doing a great job. Please note that! The issue is that a lot of the people are thinking about it in the wrong way. Yes yall have more of a accessibility to these bottles. I am in the middle class of obtaining bourbons (rare), but i have seen these bourbons easily accessible to try. like maybe 20-30 dollars a pour and this videos educate if it would be a good pour to try. the issue is that some places over price pour too much, but that is a issue with where people go to try pours. there are a lot of fair Bars and liquor stores that have fair prices and you just need to know where they are and who are. at the end of the day we are all have a hard time finding stuff its just need to understand that this is to educate people. if someone does decide to buy something that is in the secondary market they know what they are getting themselves into or are purchasing. people are going to be upset but your guys are doing a great job! again please note that!!! love yall
You guys do a great job providing a wide spectrum of bourbons from budget to unicorn tears. You guys have spent years building this channel and community, so it makes sense why you guys would have access to the most allocated bourbons. The 'villains' are not the Whiskeytubers who get access to some allocated stuff, the villains are store owners who gouge their customers and caterers who spend so much at a liquor store no regular customer can compete and of course those guys get the the suuuper rare stuff. However, what I really abhor is that we plebs now have to 'build credit' with store by buying their mediocre store picks and $1000s of bourbon we will have a hard time drinking to qualify for a raffle where I usually either don't spend enough or get the rare opportunity to buy some buffalo trace (sarcasm).
I cant compete with the work from home people. If a store announces something interesting on social media during work hours, then it is usually gone by the time I get out of work.
I watch regularly and I appreciate y’all doing the allocated LE and the normal regular one.. nothing wrong with the content and was actually a huge PLUS because you made 2 different brackets for two different categories. I found the super LE very informative and great to see the different variety of bottles I’ve never seen or heard of!
You guys didn’t need to justify your best of list. I think you do a good job of talking about LE and allocated whiskeys as well as off the shelf stuff. I like hearing about both types. Keep up the good work!
Love that you guys took the time to do this. But if people don’t like something, don’t watch. Don’t go away mad, just go away? Love you guys and love what you do. Keep up the great work! 🙌🏻
You are both AMAZING! I feel bad that you even felt the need to respond to the negative comments and/or have had any feelings that you are doing an inadequate job. I think that your regular viewers are more likely to make positive comments during your lives rather than commenting on here, but as a result of this, I will start adding more comments to your videos as well. If people don’t like a certain video or even your channel…they can respectfully move on. I agree with Chad…do not change! Go ahead with the video ideas that you talked about! They sound great! And just keep up the good work! We love you! ❤️
Your true fans continue to support you, Keep up the good work. I think that the allocated bottles will become more available in the future, distilleries are increasing their production. We just need to let them catch up.
Don't change anything!!! I watch you because I enjoy your content. There are many bottles you buy that I will never get. Whether or not I can afford it is not the point, I set my own personal limit. Keep doing what you do, the haters can move on. Love your content!!
As a recent bourbon lover, and not on a budget where I can spend 150 dollars on a bottle, I really enjoy when you categorize the videos. Such as best 25 dollar bottle , best 50 dollar bottle etc etc , but I enjoy your channel and always enjoy you guys. Im a Patreon member and just giving you my opinion.
Don’t change anything. Y’all rock! I have tried many bottles I would have never tried without watching your channel. Y’all’s channel is very informative and sometimes very surprising. That’s what this is all about. Get out of the box folks and drink bourbon.
To quote Abraham Lincoln “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time” Keep doing what you're doing guys.
love the battle concept. Personal favorite pour to throw into the bracket : Russel Reserve Single Barrel ( / private selection picks) - $60-$80 depending on where I find it.
Although some of your evaluated whiskies are very difficult to obtain they should not be eliminated in analysis. We consumers should know when we see one of these on the shelf if they are worth pulling the trigger based on your research and evaluation. One thing I have learned in business is that you can never make everyone happy and should not change yourself trying to do so. Keep up the good work! I love you guys and the channel.
First, while I hate chasing unicorns, I love to know about them. Like a Bugatti, I don’t need to own it to be awed. Second, my favorite thing is barrel picks, and IBN picks are the bomb, so while they’re not in your top 10, they’re rare, well priced and provide a great experience. Third, a big new
I think what people are not quite understanding when they make these comments, is that beyond the simple entertainment value, knowledge is power. Learning about allocated stuff, hearing reviews for it, having the information in your head and at the ready can be an immensely powerful tool IN acquiring those bottles. I don't have the time to go out and bourbon hunt beyond visiting local stores, but I have a decent amount of opportunity near me. By just consistently learning about allocated items, I've been able to acquire 2 bottles of allocated stuff that I wanted... in just the last week. Simply because I recognized what it was, knew the general consensus on it (whether I feel theres a good chance I'll like it ) and I'm always looking at the full selection both on the shelf and behind the counter. It's not impossible to find things. Improbable perhaps, but not impossible. Throwing up your hands and quitting is on you. And refusing to expose yourself to allocated reviews because they aren't easy to find is ironically very detrimental to your ability to find it and recognize it when the chance presents itself. It's okay to be frustrated, I'm pretty sure every serious collector feels that way from time to time. But letting your envy translate to anger doesn't make anything better for you or anyone. If you think these reviewers just wake up with all these bottles on the table, you're insane. Most of these guys and gals spend an extreme amount of time hunting, networking, building relationships and hell even traveling hundreds of miles on a lead. And you're mad at them for sharing that passion with you. C'mon now. "Who is this video for?"... everyone. The entire community. To discuss, educate, review, and to share enthusiasm for the hobby at every level. From easy to find to heavily allocated. It's just passion and fun.
The Best of 2022 was my first video I've watched of yours. I know that I will pretty much not be able to get any of these bottles... but the point was that the list was LIMITED RELEASES of 2022. I don't expect to get one of them. I liked the content, how you award points, interact with each other. It makes me want to watch more so that I might find bottles that I CAN get my hands on. Keep going, I'll keep watching and dreaming!
Been a fan of your channel for years and the videos have helped me develop my palette. While I see haters point I also think your reviews of the allocation bottles whether in a best of video or just a general video can help someone decide if they feel like chasing the bottle. As I’m sure most of us either lean towards having a palette similar to either Chad or Sara. Keep doing what you’re doing guys
Screw the haters. You worked hard to build the channel and your bourbon network for many years. I say you do a “haha you can’t get what we can-top 10”. I would still watch and dream about those bottles.
I'm just piling on with another... Keep doing what you are doing! I love the variety of your content and getting your take on bottles whether I can find them or not. Personally I think your balance of attainable and unattainable reviews is right were it should be. Thanks for all you do for the bourbon community and for just making really entertaining and enjoyable content! Happy 2023!
Don’t change anything. There will always be people who are haters and crabby about not getting what they want. My wife and I love hearing about the super hard to find bottles and value your content.
Yours was probably the most helpful channel when I started to get into whiskey a few years back beyond Jim/Jack and Coke. It helped me figure out I really like what Wild Turkey does. I also splurged on a bottle of Booker's. Over the last year or so, two things have happened. I haven't been drinking as much due to familial obligations, and the videos and lives on the channel seem to be more focused on lesser known/craft bourbons or allocated bourbons that only few people can get. Therefore, I haven't watched as many of your videos. That said, if what you're doing is growing your channel and you're happy with it, I can't fault you for doing what you need to do to continue that success. The idea about the top bourbons under $100 sounds like a good idea and something I may keep an eye out for. Perhaps a caveat or stipulation that widely available or non-allocated bourbons get first shot at being in the competition instead of something allocated could be worked in. Idk, I'm just some random TH-cam commenter, so take it with a grain of salt.
Just saw this video. I subscribed to your channel a few days ago. I dig you both. Love the chemistry. Words of encouragement...you don't need to explain your actions. Keep moving forward. "No" is a definitive answer that needs no explanation. So slay the TROLLS. They wish they could do what you do. Cars are ment to be driven. Firearms are ment to be shot. Bourbon is ment to be drank. So , enjoy the product you choose and the ones you love. People forget that a person's choice is like a fingerprint, they are all different. Stay true, strong, and to H. E . DOUBLE Hockey sticks with TROLLS. Sincerely with respect, enjoy life the best way you want because it is short.
Great video! I think you should keep doing what your doing. I feel a lot of the negativity stems from the inequality of the distribution and pricing of bourbon. I live in a state where they rarely distribute allocations and limited editions evenly making things hard to find. Thankfully, I live on the border of another state with two great stores that have access to barrel picks just for those stores. Looking forward to great content in the future!
When I find an allocated item, I will review your channel to get your thoughts, and watch your review. Your reviews assist in my decision making process. Please keep it going.
Appreciate addressing the audience. I was not a fan of the Top 2022 video but thats because I happen to watch several other channels Top 22 videos at the same time and felt pretty much the same way with those too. These super difficult to obtain bottles making these list over and over again just rubs so many people the wrong way, including myself. And I’ll admit it’s because I can’t spend hundreds of dollars on a bottle or wait in line at a store or distillery for hours to get these special releases. It tough to shake that feeling of missing out and the fact I won’t ever have one of these bottles. That doesn’t mean you all aren’t doing your job. It is what it is. I’ll add that like most people that are annoyed these bottles are not available to them, we all know a good portion of these bottles end up on the secondary market for 3-4x their msrp. There is nothing that can stop that market so again it is what it is. I can say I appreciate your time and effort put into this. My favorite content you all post is the hunting videos. Those are great and fun to watch.
You were the first TH-cam Bourbon channel I ever subscribed to - and I loved bourbon prior to finding your channel. Always appreciate the wide array of every-day and hard-to-find options as it gives us ideas on what to try next. Bourbon's popularity (and higher prices) and some being hard to find does cause a lot of frustration in the bourbon community.... keep rocking the content! I'll sip some Henry McKenna while watching the next one.
I found your channel this past year and I absolutely LOVE it! You're one of my favorite whiskey-tube channels on the platform. I am the sole bread-winner in our family so my personal collection won't really see a bottle over the $60 price range, but I still thoroughly enjoy your finds, reviews, and insight. I hope to see more videos of some of the awesome, rare, and expensive stuff you come across and how they stack up. I would not mind at all if you did add some sort of budget series or maybe did like a best of the year price bracket or something along that line for the pours I would probably be going after, but that would just be a bonus for me. I really do think you two create some of the best content out there and I hope to see more of what you've been doing continue through this year! Keep up the great work and I'm excited to see what 2023 brings!
For me, it’s knowing that you can afford it, the distilleries aren’t making enough to meet demand. The only way would be glass pour or trade. Hunting for me isn’t a full time job, it’s just a hobby. Your insights are always appreciated in helping develop my palate and likes. I started out loving BT products, then BIB’s, and now really liking heaven hill. Would have never dared to buy and try some of these without your channel.
The way I look at it, it's your channel and you can do whatever you want. And these people that have a problem with what you are doing, then they don't have to watch your videos. That they can control and end of their problem.
This is a good follow up video that I didn't expect. I actually stopped watching that video halfway through it because no way I could have gotten majority of the bottles. I usually watched all your vids to the end. Hopefully 2023 will be better for most of us that can come across some of those bottles. Cheers!
I just got into bourbon about 2 months ago. Your channel is my #1 channel! My Wife and I both watch your videos together and enjoy the information and content very much! Thank you both for all you do!
I actually found the top 2022 bourbons video cool to watch as I felt like it was an accurste representation of what truly was the best bourbon of the year. Alot of channels only include bottles that they could a full bottle of, which I think is great too, but I think your all encompassing best bourbon video was enjoyable!
Chad and Sara!! We love you and support you! Your insight is educational, useful, and entertaining.. You can't please everyone, and to your credit, you care about everyone. Keep true to your true selves, change only if you feel you need to and keep producing great videos we all enjoy!!
Let's be honest, it's envy. You guys, The Junkies, etc..get to try all of this great stuff. But you've worked hard to build your channel and get to where you're at. I could start a TH-cam whiskey channel, but I'm very lazy.
I love your “Top Ten Best Bourbons”, “25 Best Bourbons", "25 Most Notable Bourbons & Ryes", etc and really look forward to those episodes every December! Regardless of how many of the bottles are easily obtainable or affordable to most, I value the content. I don’t know anyone else presenting this information the way you do, and it would be a real loss to the bourbon community if you abandoned your mission! Thank you for all you do, and please drink more bourbon (rare, and not so rare).
I got the haters "attainable" best of list: ecbp, larceny bp, rare breed, single barrels from old forester/mgp/makers, makers special release, etc. The issue is not that people actually need new info, the issue is people want to feel good about what they have and that they aren't missing out. Bourbon, by technical specs and legal regulations, is not THAT complicated. People watching this already know what to buy, they just want their purchases to be on a list. Ps. I say this as a huge fan of the channel and of most whiskey tube channels. I just like listening to people talk about and give opinions on stuff I like. Like hanging out with IRL whiskey friends, we end up just repeating similar things over and over again... and we love it!
I am so sorry that you feel you need to explain yourselves. I watch every “best of the year” videos every year to see what YOU (tubers) find as best to YOUR palates. How else would we enthusiasts know what to purchase or taste at a well stocked bar. Kudos to you both. Love your videos and content. Cheers 🥃
End of year video idea. No budget, on shelf available best of… walk into you local liquor store and pick your favorite 10. Then blind them at home over December.
You guys do a great job on variety of products and reviews of those products. I'm an older bourbon fan and I truly enjoy your reviews which include the prime cuts. (Allocated) You guys need to keep in mind the bourbon crowd is getting younger and with that reviews of more obtainable and affordable products is expected. Keep it up, awesome job.
Hey guys! I didn't mind your best of '22 video at all. Although I've given up hunting for any of those bottles, I do usually enter the annual lottery that my go to liquor store holds. A show like yours helps me prioritize what I'm going to try to snag in the lottery. In 2017, I got a 2016 WLW at msrp and, if not for shows like yours, I might not have put my tickets in for it. It remains the best bourbon I have ever had. So, thanks! Cheers!
Love what you’re doing. Keep it up. I want to see a varied of available/unavailable bourbons reviewed. I may walk into a store one day and see a unicorn that i wouldn’t have recognized without your introduction to it.
For those of us in the wastelands of bourbon hunting, who won't get a chance to purchase/enjoy these bourbons, maybe a 'This tastes like that' series would be valuable. As for me, I love the channel and appreciate what you do. Just an idea. Cheers,
As we all know, not everyone will be pleased in any phase of life no matter what you do which is human nature. All you could do is keep doing your best to improve as long as it doesn't take away from your main and original purpose for the channel. The discussion and honesty of this video is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to that under 100 list this year. Yeah I will never have the chance to try some of those LEs unicorns but I still enjoy your content since the early days of the channel. Great job Chad and Sarah! Cheers!🤙
Very nice that you have taken time for introspection and talking to the community of viewers. I must say I like seeing all the information regardless of ease of purchase (either price or availability). I have been fortunate to be in so many different markets across the country and the ability to get something at a reasonable price depends on where you live or can look!! I have not purchased several $100-250 bottles based on reviews from you and other channels as the tasting notes were similar. Splurge bottles in that price range and above are not easily afforded buys for me so knowing what people who have been able to get them think, matters! Enjoy your show and would ask you to continue to evaluate but your channel fits in a series of different shows! I don’t want all of the content providers to be the same, so stay on your format!!Thank you!
As a long time fan of the show. In my opinion, you have never used your content to "flex". The fact that you insert daily staples into the end of the year event as well as this very video displays that. Your look at these allocated bottles with a genuine perspective free from ego is rare in this whiskey tube, and is a big reason I habitually tune in.
I wouldn't change a thing with your channel. I think that the people that complained missed the whole point of the video. It was a best of video. Everyone's bourbon collection is different. You guys just happen to be able to get your hands on really good bottles. Keep up the great work!
Highlights of the past year for me were Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Old Forester 1920, Penelope Toasted, Knob Creek 12 year. I never see the allocated or more special bourbons in PA.
First of all, this is a great response video! Logical, balanced, and well-thought out. And secondly, if I may be frank, these negative comments come from people who are "peanut butter and jealous." To your point, we all watch million dollar home videos, and high-end car videos, and ultra luxury vacation videos - aka videos about things most of us will never be able to afford. That's not the problem here. I think some level of unchecked zeal is apparent in these comments. People hunting allocated bottles (and being frustrated in that hunt) seems to be at an all-time high. And I think people also long to validate their own collection and purchases, and there's a level of frustration when none of what they personally own ends up on a list like this. Which says absolutely nothing about the two of you or your channel; it simply says something about themselves. Unfortunately, they seem to have taken out their need for validation on you (in the comments). Loveyameanit - keep doing what you're doing. A vast majority of us appreciate you just the way you are. - David & Kira
Your best of is one of my favorites! Helps me know what pours to look for at bars and helps me decide if I were to find one, should I buy it. Change nothing! Negative commenters are real quiet on this video..
Chad and Sara, your channel is my favorite bourbon channel and one of my favorite whiskey channels. I love how you shared your mission statement of your channel in this video, and I think you have stayed true to it all this time. Keep up your innovative work and don’t listen to the haters. Honestly, I enjoy drinking vicariously through you guys. I know I will only have maybe one of the top or LE bottle in a year, but like expensive cars or watches, I enjoy the content of someone drinking or enjoying them. That is what TH-cam is for. Just my opinion. Keep up the good work you two!!!
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As a bourbon enthusiast for the past 15 years, I love what you do. I am in the middle class and finding one of these bottles is a once a year kind of thing, so knowing if it’s worth it through your videos is super beneficial. Don’t let the Bourbon Karen’s get you down!
I agree. Some "unobtainable" bottles might not be worth picking up, or it's nice to know which bottle you'd be better off with if you do come across a bottle.
You all have such a huge variety of content. Some will fit, some won’t. I admire how genuine you all are with coming forward with this uncomfortable topic. I think as a creator wanting to please your audience is important, listening but also believing in the authenticity behind it is what’s true. You all work really hard, that does not go unnoticed in your videos as well as in the community. You all choose your path, we are along for the ride. Cheers to you both in 2023
We appreciate that very much
I think it reflects the frustration in the Bourbon universe that many can't acquire or even taste many rare bottles these days, and/or the price gouging of retailers. At least here, 2022 was the year more stores started cranking prices to the moon, and most know I hunt, a lot, far and wide.
You do you, it's your channel! Don't let anyone tell you how to do what you want, and you've got nearly 100K people who enjoy your content.
Thanks, Ben!
I appears to me that the individuals who complained only watched your end of year video and aren't regular viewers. As you showed, you've tried to cover the wide variety of whiskeys available at all price points.
Don't change a thing! We love you just as you are!
This!
Great point. Makes sense someone not familiar with bourbon would search “top 10 of 2022” to try to get the spark notes to take with them to their liquor store. I could see them not loving the video. They aren’t the target audience for that video.
Don't change the direction of your channel, you're doing a great job! Anyone who watches your channel regularly knows you guys provide a ton of information on widely available as well as allocated bourbons. I personally have obtained many great bottles based on your recommendations. Looking forward to a lot of great content from you two in the future!
Agreed. Even if I cant find the allocated ones I love to see them talking about them. Who wants videos on old forester, jack daniels, and makers mark all the time? Keep the channel the way it is.
I know some other channels place the rule of “have to have found and purchased a full bottle yourself” for it to make the list. Maybe a rule like this would help. The regular consumer doesn’t get samples from distilleries so most of us will never buy a BTAC. I do think separate videos of best overall and best you actually found would be good too.
We had something similar suggested in the top 10 video. It’s a cool idea and we appreciate the suggestion, but the Bourbon Community is all about sharing. We got some of the things that were in our blind scoring from friends. If you eliminate sharing then that’s kinda going against what we bourbon drinkers are all about, don’t ya think? Again, thank you for the comment, not trying to dump all over it 😁 haha
@@ItsBourbonNight Maybe just do a separate list for media samples?
@@ItsBourbonNight You misspelled, "We don't understand, nor do we care."
@@ItsBourbonNight I still subscribe to your channel but watch it a lot less because your videos about the le/allocated stuff is starting to come acrossed to me as bragging.
@@ItsBourbonNight "The Bourbon Community is about sharing" Do you mean distilleries sharing with you? Because I don't see you sharing bourbon with anyone in your videos... I actually enjoy watching a Tribe video of Rex sharing an expensive bottle with people. Your LE/allocated videos, not so much.
Keep doing what you’re doing! Yeah finding a BTAC or other allocated bottle may not happen, but I’ve been lucky enough to find them in bars a few times and your videos help me decide which ones I should splurge on and which I can pass on. Otherwise, I’m perfectly fine living vicariously through y’all! Cheers! 🥃
First off, you guys are one of the quickest channels to respond to any questions I have and are very respectful. I get both sides. I'm an educator and my wife is in healthcare. Combined, we make a good living. I have a a nice collection and can afford most findable things, but she would never allow me to spend the money on some of the high end, allocated things. I think it's cool to see the high end stuff for the bourbon hunters and for us who can grab one occasionally. My solution would just be to do one list of each at the end of the year. I had no hate. I enjoy seeing those things. Maybe the solution is to just add in a list of things that are like $100 and under and available in most states to go along with the other.
I agree with the suggestion that you assemble two lists at the end of the year, with "$100 and under" and "over $100" being the defining criteria for the lists. I am a retired college professor and have been watching your channel for about 3 years, which is about when I retired (on a fixed but not-too-modest income(=) and started expanding my bourbon collection. I only very recently (within 6 months) expanded my upper spending limit from $80 to $100, and feel somewhat guiklty for doing, perhaps because of what you described as "bourbon being a consumable." In any case, I enjoy your videos but I have the sense that duirng the last year, you have shiufted your attention more toward limited editions and allocated bottles, As long as you do not exclusively focus on these expensive and hard-to-find bottles, I will continue to watch, as you bring a unique perspective to the bourbon world. Thanks!
I second this comment. Honestly though. I think instead of $100.00 you raise it to about $150.00 or $200.00 to reflect the impact of inflation/secondary market. Most of my favorite bottles this year were around the $120.00 to 150.00 range and I am in a east coast market where I can somehow still purchase Buffalo Trace for around $35.00 (non-allocated). I will be honest that I was put off by your list because of the $1000.00+ bottles in your top 10. I get it…BTAC is the best. However, it was more the dismissal of a lot of the obtainable good bottles for me that I have truly enjoyed (and have received better/higher ratings in other You Tube channels) that well…rubbed me off in the wrong way (e.g., Calumet 16, Larceny C922, Remus Repeal VI). However kudos for willing to acknowledge the feedback, respond and be open to hear about ways to address your audience. I will continue to watch you guys because you are entertaining and there are so few knowledgeable women out there doing this.
My only suggestion is to identify which ones were samples provided vs actual bottles obtained. No problem putting both into top list, but like to know which ones were actually found in your hunt. Love the channel!
As a regular viewer, I feel like y'all always do a great job keeping a balance to things. Especially when pointing out when a sample was given to you (so kind!) or in pictures you put "picture of last years release." Always feels above board to me in that regard. Great work! You guys are one of my favorite follows for how open handed and balanced (value vs LE, etc) you approach things.
I am a recent bourbon collector and find your videos helpful. I appreciate the number of bottles and methodology you put into your year end review. Keep up the good work.
I think my issue is all the allocated stuff gets so hyped by channels like this that it makes it impossible to find anything. Some guy in the chat said it's jealousy, and sure that's true. Of course I would like the chance to try the crazy rare stuff at some point. And channels like this have random people sending them extremely rare bottles. And yeah, it's probably deserved with the hard work and quality of work they've done. But it still feels like a bummer that more people won't get the chance to experience a lot of the great whiskey you guys have reviewed. Unless of course your willing to pay crazy high prices for them.
My price point is $100 or less, mainly in the $40-$60 range. I'm in Alabama which is is an ABC board controlled store's. Alabama does really well in my opinion of offering allocated and barrel pick products each month at msrp. We have privately owned stores with stupid secondary prices that you can get specialty bourbon at used car prices. These secondary prices are hurting bourbon in my opinion, makes it unobtainable to a lot of people. I just wait each month for the release at the ABC store and I usually end up with at least 1 cool release at msrp. I really enjoy y'alls channe! I watch it alot. But I understand that there are a whole lot more bourbon available for y'all in Kentucky that will never cross the border into Alabama and I truly appreciate both of you and your channel. Keep up the good work.
I never took the other video negatively. I thought it was really cool to see high end whiskeys. That being said, maybe you guys can do multiple Best of The Year videos? Like Best Whiskey of 2023 under $100 and BEST OF THE BEST which has the top whiskey of the year? Something like that. Also remember you can't and will not please everyone so. Best of luck and I will continue to watch you guys till the end.
Drink and review whatever you can get your hands on.... Even if I can't obtain or afford something I still want to know about what I'm missing.... Best bottle I was able to find in 2022 was the Sam Houston 15....wanted to find others, but couldn't, or wouldn't pay a premium for some.... Just quit whining people!
@@RobertMichaelStewart yes!!!!
I was introduced to Bourbon 3 years ago. As I was getting into bourbon and doing my research I came across your channel and it really helped me in this journey. I would say don't change a thing. I know that thier is a challenge in every state when it comes to finding certain bourbons. I also believe that you have to build relationships in order to be successful especially when it comes to the allocated products. I have been lucky this year as I have been able to obtain some LE's and allocated products at retail. It really takes time and patience unless you want to pay secondary prices and most of us refuse to do this, so we may get lucky and find one or two 🦄 at retail. We would all be bankrupt chasing and buying everything.
Your sensitivity and reflection in response to the viewer comments is a testament to the quality and relevance of your channel. Cheers!
As a newer subscriber I’d say your content is great.
It can be frustrating to not be able to afford or even find special whiskies and feel left out, but that’s not a fault in your channel. For those of us scraping by it’s still fun to imagine a special whisky or have your videos to fall back on if we actually get a chance to try or buy a bottle
Don't change what your are doing. You guy are very fortunate to have access to some of the best Bourbons on the planet. Never apologize for that. I love hearing your thoughts on everything, even things I'll never find.
Don’t stop doing what you two are doing. People will always complain, and credit to you all for being introspective.
I love the fact that your reviews etc. have helped me to avoid making purchases I may have regretted. If someone’s complaint is that the bourbon you’re ranking/reviewing/blind tasting is impossible to obtain due to scarcity or price gouging, that is in no way your fault. Keep on keeping on
You guys have nothing to apologize for. Your content and and demeanour speaks volumes regarding how much you care about your community. You are allowed to like the bottles you have. You are going to have different bottles from others. It also isn’t your fault you like great whiskey. Keep doing what you do. However, I am excited about what is to come and how you combat the slightly unaware viewers
I know very little about bourbon compared to you and your pretentious critics and haters, but I enjoy drinking it and enjoy learning about it and enjoy your banter and critiques about it. A true artist (bourbon connoisseur artist in your case) cannot care about what other people think/feel, and they create content with what speaks to them and what they like; be true to yourself and don't take yourself so seriously.
When one door closes, another opens. My take is, when one bottle is finished, open a different one. I love to hear about all aspects of bourbon. There will be bottles I will never see or be able to buy. But, learning about them will help me if I get fortunate to find them. Keep doing what you are doing. Content opportunities are always presenting themselves.
I appreciate you making this video. I kind of like the trend I have seen with some other channels where they are posting their top 10 disappointments of the year. Those bottles that were highly sought but didn’t live up to the hype. That is what I think most people are looking for in top ten lists is what is worth hunting. I think a list that would be interesting that I have never seen before is the top 10 2022 whiskeys you would pay secondary prices for. Maybe break up a list of bourbons you would pay over 150, 250, 500, and 1000. That might make the BTACs and other unicorns more palatable to be included.
Thanks for taking the time to do this video…that takes guts to acknowledge when something didn’t quite hit right.
Sending love from a huge It’s Bourbon Night fan from England. Don’t change a thing, only you and SLB that keep it real on Whiskey tube nowadays!
Bourbon enthusiast from Europe here: Living outside the US, most of the bourbons I see swinging by on this channel are not obtainable for me, I have to settle for common bottles with the occasional exception (ECBP or Booker's for instance). However, thanks to this channel I know what to look for when I'm anywhere else in the world that may have a slightly different collection. I managed to find a OF1920 and Stagg Jr. in Europe thanks to this for reasonably okay prices. I spent some time in PA for work and knew what to look for in the local Good Spirits and Fine Wine's and snagged myself 10 bottles that I took back home, for a large part thanks to your videos. When I asked for "something special": "We get Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare for MSRP once every few weeks". I told them that I can get a hundred of both of these bottles back in Europe if I want to for even lower prices. Surprised the hell out of them.
Anyway, you never know what you can get, whenever, where and for what price so I'm gladly educated on whether they are worth it or not.
Long story short: I enjoy the hell out of your videos and keep on doing what you're doing.
Thanks guys, Im new to this channel but find it very informative. I went to college at UK in the mid 80's. We drank massive quantities of ET at football games. I switched to scotch in the early 2000's. Now i have a new found enthusiasm for bourbon. (not ET) There are a lot more good quality bourbons now than in the past. I appreciate the way that you do the flight tastings. I have picked up some great tasting bourbons and look forward to more videos. keep up the good work.
Thanks! And go Cats!
First as someone newly on their bourbon journey (less than a year) and on a tiny budget (only about 20 different bourbons so far) I have found your channel super entertaining and informative. I enjoy hearing about cool things I will never get to drink, but I think it’s all about balance. In December you spent 25 videos plus a top ten talking about things none of us will ever get a chance to taste, with no other content (which I get that was a lot of content) but I think it wore on people who a really frustrated with the bourbon market and not necessarily with you. Even in my less than a year I have seen prices jump and things that were common in June so I waited to try just disappear from selves. Where I live the only quality liquor store has a holiday raffle for all their fall “le’s” at 20 a ticket but more than half the bottles were just things like Buffalo Trace, Rare Breed, Eagle Rare because we can’t even get those most of the time. My point for this story is I think you tapped into a lot of general frustration unintentionally. So my recommendation is keep doing the LE stuff u are fortunate enough to get, but maybe a little more balance with things the rest of us can enjoy as well. Keep up the good work
Great video! I agreed with everything you said. This is your channel, and these were the best whiskies that you were lucky enough to taste this year. Just because you didn’t have Rare Breed or 1920 in your top 10 doesn’t mean it’s invalid or out of touch. Many of us enter lotteries, many of us can try these bottles at whiskey bars, and some us are just plain lucky enough to find them in the wild. Every hobbyist has dreams: a dream car, a dream computer, a dream guitar, etc. All of these hobbyists don’t force content creators to only show them what they can find/afford - they want to see their dreams every once in a while. If someone says you’ve lost your way because of your “best of” series, then they missed 11 months worth of content. Yes - whiskey is more expensive, secondary is out of control, and distilleries are pumping out pricey “limited releases” that can’t even out perform your everyday sipper. It can be hard to know where to put your money on these bottles that you can actually find, but that’s exactly what your channel helps us do throughout the rest of the year. Thank you for all that you do, and I hope 2023 is just as fortuitous for y’all!
You cover an insanely eclectic range of bourbons -- price points, distilleries, finished bourbons, easy to find, hard to find, gifted bottles/samples, those you went out and bought yourselves, all of it. I am always happy to tune in every Friday to see what you're trying this week -- often because if I'm in a different area that has something we don't in Central Iowa, I may want to go off your suggestion. Please keep up the great work! Thanks for the hours and hours that go into creating this content!
I may never catch a 44 inch snook, but that doesn't stop me from watching a video of someone else doing it. Many of us are interested in your opinion of the hard to find bottles just in case we ever have a chance at them. Case in point: I am just a regular middle class guy, but I lucked out and had my pick of a bunch of LE's from a Florida retailer. I picked up a WLR for $118 based on you guys consistently ranking it high, and I was very glad with my choice. This reminds me of when people freaked out because you called Rare Breed a value buy, which it most definitely is. It may not be a BUDGET buy, but is a VALUE for an aged barrel proof. Please keep the LE videos coming.
So... people complained that your list of the "best bourbons of 2022" was a list of the "best bourbons of 2022"? I'm missing the problem. You delivered what you said you would. If people are upset about the state of the bourbon industry, or upset that reviewers are able to access bourbons they don't the opportunity to... that's on them. What feels like is happening is that people have made the mistake of believing that the people on the other side of the video are a stand-in for themselves.
Chad & Sara, love the channel, you don't need to change anything! I never got the vibe that you two were trying to be bourbon snobs! 😀 I look at it as you're just trying to show what all is available in the bourbon world. I will admit that I'm sometimes envious that I still haven't had any WLW yet, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to know what your opinion of it is. Keep up the good work, I'll be watching! Thanks
Comments may be based on where people are in their stage of bourbon hunting.
denial - C'mon, how hard can it be to find that bottle? I'll just ask at the store.
anger - I hate that you have this bottle, and I don't!
bargaining - anybody what to trade 10 x Evan Williams BiB for a George T Stagg???
depression - I give up, I'll never find anything. I will just drink all the Evan Williams BiB.
acceptance - I will always look for allocated whiskey but will enjoy what I can find.
Took me a while to get to acceptance stage 🙂
I say keep making the videos you want to make how you want to make them.
Love how you broke it down by the stages 😂 might have to borrow that!
I like the idea of a top 10, with realistic alternatives for those that would be considered unobtainable for most. Keep doing you!
Happy New Year! First, just wanted to say that my husband and I have been watching your channel for a few years and love the content and do not want you to change anything. I think that the content is well rounded overall. People that are “disappointed” fail to appreciate what videos like your “Best Of” brings to the community. Sure, not all of these bourbons are available to everyone. That is not the point. If we are somewhere, either at a liquor store or a bar, and are considering laying out money for the purchase or the pour, we know in advance whether this is something that we may be interested in, or not, based on your videos. Your content is informative and extremely helpful. We appreciate what you do. ❤
Hey guys, I’m new to the channel, so with fresh eyes I can truly say, “don’t change your channel or anything about it.” Me and my wife enjoy watching your channel, and my wife likes hearing another woman’s thoughts and experiences with bourbon. We watched your live stream on Sunday night with SLB (which is another one of my favorite channels) and something they said really stuck out which I hope encourages you; when talking about how they started, they mentioned how the cocktail videos really weren’t sticking and they didn’t have as big a following until they started doing bourbon videos. In other words, trial and error. It’s good that you’re listening to your audience and never stop doing that, however I would say tweak, but don’t change. Keep up the great work!
I travel for work and spend most evenings on the road bourbon shopping- however, I am not a high roller. I appreciate your reviews to assist in my prioritization of what to buy if I see. I cheat towards Sarah's palette and really like the short reviews . Your videos and honest reviews have minimized my dissatisfaction with spending on a higher end bourbon if/when I see. I also have my don't buy list and save the funds for a higher priority. Keep it up- I, an average earner who is traverses between states and markets frequently as my home market is pathetic. I appreciate what you do.
Don't change a thing! I used your channel recently to trade up for a top 5 bourbon of 2022 based on your ranking, and was not disappointed! As someone who does pinch pennies, your feedback matters when it comes to paying good money for an affordable pour of a top 10 bourbon. Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work! To your health 🥃
Thanks! And to your health!
You guys are doing a great job. Please note that! The issue is that a lot of the people are thinking about it in the wrong way. Yes yall have more of a accessibility to these bottles. I am in the middle class of obtaining bourbons (rare), but i have seen these bourbons easily accessible to try. like maybe 20-30 dollars a pour and this videos educate if it would be a good pour to try. the issue is that some places over price pour too much, but that is a issue with where people go to try pours. there are a lot of fair Bars and liquor stores that have fair prices and you just need to know where they are and who are.
at the end of the day we are all have a hard time finding stuff its just need to understand that this is to educate people. if someone does decide to buy something that is in the secondary market they know what they are getting themselves into or are purchasing.
people are going to be upset but your guys are doing a great job! again please note that!!! love yall
You guys do a great job providing a wide spectrum of bourbons from budget to unicorn tears. You guys have spent years building this channel and community, so it makes sense why you guys would have access to the most allocated bourbons. The 'villains' are not the Whiskeytubers who get access to some allocated stuff, the villains are store owners who gouge their customers and caterers who spend so much at a liquor store no regular customer can compete and of course those guys get the the suuuper rare stuff.
However, what I really abhor is that we plebs now have to 'build credit' with store by buying their mediocre store picks and $1000s of bourbon we will have a hard time drinking to qualify for a raffle where I usually either don't spend enough or get the rare opportunity to buy some buffalo trace (sarcasm).
I cant compete with the work from home people. If a store announces something interesting on social media during work hours, then it is usually gone by the time I get out of work.
I watch regularly and I appreciate y’all doing the allocated LE and the normal regular one.. nothing wrong with the content and was actually a huge PLUS because you made 2 different brackets for two different categories. I found the super LE very informative and great to see the different variety of bottles I’ve never seen or heard of!
You guys didn’t need to justify your best of list. I think you do a good job of talking about LE and allocated whiskeys as well as off the shelf stuff. I like hearing about both types. Keep up the good work!
Love that you guys took the time to do this. But if people don’t like something, don’t watch. Don’t go away mad, just go away? Love you guys and love what you do. Keep up the great work! 🙌🏻
I love this idea! Blinds of Bourbons under $100 sounds like a great idea.
You are both AMAZING! I feel bad that you even felt the need to respond to the negative comments and/or have had any feelings that you are doing an inadequate job. I think that your regular viewers are more likely to make positive comments during your lives rather than commenting on here, but as a result of this, I will start adding more comments to your videos as well. If people don’t like a certain video or even your channel…they can respectfully move on.
I agree with Chad…do not change! Go ahead with the video ideas that you talked about! They sound great! And just keep up the good work! We love you! ❤️
Your true fans continue to support you, Keep up the good work. I think that the allocated bottles will become more available in the future, distilleries are increasing their production. We just need to let them catch up.
Don't change anything!!! I watch you because I enjoy your content. There are many bottles you buy that I will never get. Whether or not I can afford it is not the point, I set my own personal limit. Keep doing what you do, the haters can move on. Love your content!!
As a recent bourbon lover, and not on a budget where I can spend 150 dollars on a bottle, I really enjoy when you categorize the videos. Such as best 25 dollar bottle , best 50 dollar bottle etc etc , but I enjoy your channel and always enjoy you guys. Im a Patreon member and just giving you my opinion.
Don’t change anything. Y’all rock! I have tried many bottles I would have never tried without watching your channel. Y’all’s channel is very informative and sometimes very surprising. That’s what this is all about. Get out of the box folks and drink bourbon.
Don't change a thing. I can enjoy watching people, like you, enjoying great whiskey without getting jealous. thanks.
AGREED!
To quote Abraham Lincoln “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time”
Keep doing what you're doing guys.
love the battle concept. Personal favorite pour to throw into the bracket : Russel Reserve Single Barrel ( / private selection picks) - $60-$80 depending on where I find it.
Although some of your evaluated whiskies are very difficult to obtain they should not be eliminated in analysis. We consumers should know when we see one of these on the shelf if they are worth pulling the trigger based on your research and evaluation. One thing I have learned in business is that you can never make everyone happy and should not change yourself trying to do so. Keep up the good work! I love you guys and the channel.
First, while I hate chasing unicorns, I love to know about them. Like a Bugatti, I don’t need to own it to be awed. Second, my favorite thing is barrel picks, and IBN picks are the bomb, so while they’re not in your top 10, they’re rare, well priced and provide a great experience. Third, a big new
I think what people are not quite understanding when they make these comments, is that beyond the simple entertainment value, knowledge is power. Learning about allocated stuff, hearing reviews for it, having the information in your head and at the ready can be an immensely powerful tool IN acquiring those bottles. I don't have the time to go out and bourbon hunt beyond visiting local stores, but I have a decent amount of opportunity near me. By just consistently learning about allocated items, I've been able to acquire 2 bottles of allocated stuff that I wanted... in just the last week. Simply because I recognized what it was, knew the general consensus on it (whether I feel theres a good chance I'll like it ) and I'm always looking at the full selection both on the shelf and behind the counter.
It's not impossible to find things. Improbable perhaps, but not impossible. Throwing up your hands and quitting is on you. And refusing to expose yourself to allocated reviews because they aren't easy to find is ironically very detrimental to your ability to find it and recognize it when the chance presents itself. It's okay to be frustrated, I'm pretty sure every serious collector feels that way from time to time. But letting your envy translate to anger doesn't make anything better for you or anyone. If you think these reviewers just wake up with all these bottles on the table, you're insane. Most of these guys and gals spend an extreme amount of time hunting, networking, building relationships and hell even traveling hundreds of miles on a lead. And you're mad at them for sharing that passion with you. C'mon now.
"Who is this video for?"... everyone. The entire community. To discuss, educate, review, and to share enthusiasm for the hobby at every level. From easy to find to heavily allocated. It's just passion and fun.
The Best of 2022 was my first video I've watched of yours. I know that I will pretty much not be able to get any of these bottles... but the point was that the list was LIMITED RELEASES of 2022. I don't expect to get one of them. I liked the content, how you award points, interact with each other. It makes me want to watch more so that I might find bottles that I CAN get my hands on.
Keep going, I'll keep watching and dreaming!
Been a fan of your channel for years and the videos have helped me develop my palette. While I see haters point I also think your reviews of the allocation bottles whether in a best of video or just a general video can help someone decide if they feel like chasing the bottle. As I’m sure most of us either lean towards having a palette similar to either Chad or Sara. Keep doing what you’re doing guys
Screw the haters. You worked hard to build the channel and your bourbon network for many years. I say you do a “haha you can’t get what we can-top 10”. I would still watch and dream about those bottles.
I'm just piling on with another... Keep doing what you are doing! I love the variety of your content and getting your take on bottles whether I can find them or not. Personally I think your balance of attainable and unattainable reviews is right were it should be. Thanks for all you do for the bourbon community and for just making really entertaining and enjoyable content! Happy 2023!
Don’t change anything. There will always be people who are haters and crabby about not getting what they want. My wife and I love hearing about the super hard to find bottles and value your content.
Yours was probably the most helpful channel when I started to get into whiskey a few years back beyond Jim/Jack and Coke. It helped me figure out I really like what Wild Turkey does. I also splurged on a bottle of Booker's.
Over the last year or so, two things have happened. I haven't been drinking as much due to familial obligations, and the videos and lives on the channel seem to be more focused on lesser known/craft bourbons or allocated bourbons that only few people can get. Therefore, I haven't watched as many of your videos.
That said, if what you're doing is growing your channel and you're happy with it, I can't fault you for doing what you need to do to continue that success.
The idea about the top bourbons under $100 sounds like a good idea and something I may keep an eye out for. Perhaps a caveat or stipulation that widely available or non-allocated bourbons get first shot at being in the competition instead of something allocated could be worked in. Idk, I'm just some random TH-cam commenter, so take it with a grain of salt.
Just saw this video. I subscribed to your channel a few days ago. I dig you both. Love the chemistry. Words of encouragement...you don't need to explain your actions. Keep moving forward. "No" is a definitive answer that needs no explanation. So slay the TROLLS. They wish they could do what you do. Cars are ment to be driven. Firearms are ment to be shot. Bourbon is ment to be drank. So , enjoy the product you choose and the ones you love. People forget that a person's choice is like a fingerprint, they are all different. Stay true, strong, and to H. E . DOUBLE Hockey sticks with TROLLS. Sincerely with respect, enjoy life the best way you want because it is short.
Thank you so much! Glad to have you aboard and thanks for the kind words. Means a lot.
Great video! I think you should keep doing what your doing. I feel a lot of the negativity stems from the inequality of the distribution and pricing of bourbon. I live in a state where they rarely distribute allocations and limited editions evenly making things hard to find. Thankfully, I live on the border of another state with two great stores that have access to barrel picks just for those stores. Looking forward to great content in the future!
When I find an allocated item, I will review your channel to get your thoughts, and watch your review. Your reviews assist in my decision making process. Please keep it going.
Appreciate addressing the audience. I was not a fan of the Top 2022 video but thats because I happen to watch several other channels Top 22 videos at the same time and felt pretty much the same way with those too. These super difficult to obtain bottles making these list over and over again just rubs so many people the wrong way, including myself. And I’ll admit it’s because I can’t spend hundreds of dollars on a bottle or wait in line at a store or distillery for hours to get these special releases. It tough to shake that feeling of missing out and the fact I won’t ever have one of these bottles. That doesn’t mean you all aren’t doing your job. It is what it is. I’ll add that like most people that are annoyed these bottles are not available to them, we all know a good portion of these bottles end up on the secondary market for 3-4x their msrp. There is nothing that can stop that market so again it is what it is.
I can say I appreciate your time and effort put into this. My favorite content you all post is the hunting videos. Those are great and fun to watch.
You were the first TH-cam Bourbon channel I ever subscribed to - and I loved bourbon prior to finding your channel. Always appreciate the wide array of every-day and hard-to-find options as it gives us ideas on what to try next. Bourbon's popularity (and higher prices) and some being hard to find does cause a lot of frustration in the bourbon community.... keep rocking the content! I'll sip some Henry McKenna while watching the next one.
I found your channel this past year and I absolutely LOVE it! You're one of my favorite whiskey-tube channels on the platform. I am the sole bread-winner in our family so my personal collection won't really see a bottle over the $60 price range, but I still thoroughly enjoy your finds, reviews, and insight. I hope to see more videos of some of the awesome, rare, and expensive stuff you come across and how they stack up. I would not mind at all if you did add some sort of budget series or maybe did like a best of the year price bracket or something along that line for the pours I would probably be going after, but that would just be a bonus for me. I really do think you two create some of the best content out there and I hope to see more of what you've been doing continue through this year! Keep up the great work and I'm excited to see what 2023 brings!
For me, it’s knowing that you can afford it, the distilleries aren’t making enough to meet demand. The only way would be glass pour or trade. Hunting for me isn’t a full time job, it’s just a hobby. Your insights are always appreciated in helping develop my palate and likes. I started out loving BT products, then BIB’s, and now really liking heaven hill. Would have never dared to buy and try some of these without your channel.
The way I look at it, it's your channel and you can do whatever you want. And these people that have a problem with what you are doing, then they don't have to watch your videos. That they can control and end of their problem.
This is a good follow up video that I didn't expect. I actually stopped watching that video halfway through it because no way I could have gotten majority of the bottles. I usually watched all your vids to the end. Hopefully 2023 will be better for most of us that can come across some of those bottles. Cheers!
I watch your channel all the way from Prague, Czech Republic. I love it, and I buy bourbon based on your recommendations. Great job you two.
Thank you!
I just got into bourbon about 2 months ago. Your channel is my #1 channel! My Wife and I both watch your videos together and enjoy the information and content very much! Thank you both for all you do!
Although I do agree with the salty comments, it’s great you guys are being attentive to your audience.
I actually found the top 2022 bourbons video cool to watch as I felt like it was an accurste representation of what truly was the best bourbon of the year. Alot of channels only include bottles that they could a full bottle of, which I think is great too, but I think your all encompassing best bourbon video was enjoyable!
Chad and Sara!! We love you and support you! Your insight is educational, useful, and entertaining.. You can't please everyone, and to your credit, you care about everyone. Keep true to your true selves, change only if you feel you need to and keep producing great videos we all enjoy!!
Let's be honest, it's envy. You guys, The Junkies, etc..get to try all of this great stuff. But you've worked hard to build your channel and get to where you're at.
I could start a TH-cam whiskey channel, but I'm very lazy.
Nailed ot Rob.
And if we all started a bourbon channel tomorrow, I don't think the free samples will start to magically appear out of thin air 😂
I love your “Top Ten Best Bourbons”, “25 Best Bourbons",
"25 Most Notable Bourbons &
Ryes", etc and really look forward to those episodes every December! Regardless of how many of the bottles are easily obtainable or affordable to most, I value the content. I don’t know anyone else presenting this information the way you do, and it would be a real loss to the bourbon community if you abandoned your mission! Thank you for all you do, and please drink more bourbon (rare, and not so rare).
I got the haters "attainable" best of list: ecbp, larceny bp, rare breed, single barrels from old forester/mgp/makers, makers special release, etc. The issue is not that people actually need new info, the issue is people want to feel good about what they have and that they aren't missing out. Bourbon, by technical specs and legal regulations, is not THAT complicated. People watching this already know what to buy, they just want their purchases to be on a list.
Ps. I say this as a huge fan of the channel and of most whiskey tube channels. I just like listening to people talk about and give opinions on stuff I like. Like hanging out with IRL whiskey friends, we end up just repeating similar things over and over again... and we love it!
I am so sorry that you feel you need to explain yourselves. I watch every “best of the year” videos every year to see what YOU (tubers) find as best to YOUR palates. How else would we enthusiasts know what to purchase or taste at a well stocked bar. Kudos to you both. Love your videos and content. Cheers 🥃
End of year video idea. No budget, on shelf available best of… walk into you local liquor store and pick your favorite 10. Then blind them at home over December.
You guys do a great job on variety of products and reviews of those products. I'm an older bourbon fan and I truly enjoy your reviews which include the prime cuts. (Allocated) You guys need to keep in mind the bourbon crowd is getting younger and with that reviews of more obtainable and affordable products is expected. Keep it up, awesome job.
Y’all are being your perfect selves!!! Keep doing what makes you happy ✊🏾
Hey guys! I didn't mind your best of '22 video at all. Although I've given up hunting for any of those bottles, I do usually enter the annual lottery that my go to liquor store holds. A show like yours helps me prioritize what I'm going to try to snag in the lottery. In 2017, I got a 2016 WLW at msrp and, if not for shows like yours, I might not have put my tickets in for it. It remains the best bourbon I have ever had. So, thanks! Cheers!
Haters, they gonna hate. You guys stay true to you and people who watch will keep watching.
The butt hurt of people commenting on FREE content, is hilariously insane.
I honestly love the best of year end video but I'd also ADORE a second video by budget at the end of the year
Love what you’re doing. Keep it up. I want to see a varied of available/unavailable bourbons reviewed. I may walk into a store one day and see a unicorn that i wouldn’t have recognized without your introduction to it.
For those of us in the wastelands of bourbon hunting, who won't get a chance to purchase/enjoy these bourbons, maybe a 'This tastes like that' series would be valuable. As for me, I love the channel and appreciate what you do. Just an idea. Cheers,
As we all know, not everyone will be pleased in any phase of life no matter what you do which is human nature. All you could do is keep doing your best to improve as long as it doesn't take away from your main and original purpose for the channel. The discussion and honesty of this video is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to that under 100 list this year. Yeah I will never have the chance to try some of those LEs unicorns but I still enjoy your content since the early days of the channel. Great job Chad and Sarah! Cheers!🤙
Very nice that you have taken time for introspection and talking to the community of viewers. I must say I like seeing all the information regardless of ease of purchase (either price or availability). I have been fortunate to be in so many different markets across the country and the ability to get something at a reasonable price depends on where you live or can look!!
I have not purchased several $100-250 bottles based on reviews from you and other channels as the tasting notes were similar. Splurge bottles in that price range and above are not easily afforded buys for me so knowing what people who have been able to get them think, matters!
Enjoy your show and would ask you to continue to evaluate but your channel fits in a series of different shows! I don’t want all of the content providers to be the same, so stay on your format!!Thank you!
As a long time fan of the show. In my opinion, you have never used your content to "flex". The fact that you insert daily staples into the end of the year event as well as this very video displays that. Your look at these allocated bottles with a genuine perspective free from ego is rare in this whiskey tube, and is a big reason I habitually tune in.
I wouldn't change a thing with your channel. I think that the people that complained missed the whole point of the video. It was a best of video. Everyone's bourbon collection is different. You guys just happen to be able to get your hands on really good bottles. Keep up the great work!
Heck, I'll probably never get a chance to try most of the allocated stuff, so knowing what to look for just in case, is helpful.
Highlights of the past year for me were Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Old Forester 1920, Penelope Toasted, Knob Creek 12 year. I never see the allocated or more special bourbons in PA.
Also yes. Bring back that series. Loved those older videos
Don't change your "best of" videos, I really enjoy your videos and reviews
People just hate everything. Don’t change a thing. I really enjoy your videos the way they are.
First of all, this is a great response video! Logical, balanced, and well-thought out.
And secondly, if I may be frank, these negative comments come from people who are "peanut butter and jealous." To your point, we all watch million dollar home videos, and high-end car videos, and ultra luxury vacation videos - aka videos about things most of us will never be able to afford. That's not the problem here.
I think some level of unchecked zeal is apparent in these comments. People hunting allocated bottles (and being frustrated in that hunt) seems to be at an all-time high. And I think people also long to validate their own collection and purchases, and there's a level of frustration when none of what they personally own ends up on a list like this. Which says absolutely nothing about the two of you or your channel; it simply says something about themselves. Unfortunately, they seem to have taken out their need for validation on you (in the comments).
Loveyameanit - keep doing what you're doing. A vast majority of us appreciate you just the way you are. - David & Kira
Your best of is one of my favorites! Helps me know what pours to look for at bars and helps me decide if I were to find one, should I buy it. Change nothing! Negative commenters are real quiet on this video..
Chad and Sara, your channel is my favorite bourbon channel and one of my favorite whiskey channels. I love how you shared your mission statement of your channel in this video, and I think you have stayed true to it all this time. Keep up your innovative work and don’t listen to the haters. Honestly, I enjoy drinking vicariously through you guys. I know I will only have maybe one of the top or LE bottle in a year, but like expensive cars or watches, I enjoy the content of someone drinking or enjoying them. That is what TH-cam is for. Just my opinion. Keep up the good work you two!!!