Holy crap, this episode was bomb. I’ve been on my whiskey journey for any 1.5 year and have grown to sincerely enjoy over 10 whiskey channels on TH-cam. I’ve recently come across your channel and this is about the third episode Ives seen. I need to compliment you on a few levels bro: 1) the topic hit a nail on its head. In my journey, I’ve kind of been confused about certain whiskeys and if they are highly regarded or not. To your point, they are polarizing. They have some hype and / or are marketed well and at the same time, they seem to sit on the shelf. Your discussion explains these dynamics. Moreover, this is a good topic that other channels haven’t addressed so much. 2)when you mentioned you were going to talk about your channel’s be philosophy, I kind of thought, “whatever.” But when you laid it out, I believed you. And, I have experienced what you are saying. I AM very exhausted from the extent to which our country, let alone my friends and family, are so damn polarized. I have and am experiencing bonding with strangers as we need out over whiskey. Whiskey and enthusiasm around it really is positive in the muck. 3) your sincerity came through when you shared the loss of your brother. Thanks for being real and I am truly sorry that you lost your brother. My best to you and your family and thanks for a great episode.
The TH-cam whiskey channels are soooo much more supportive of one another than just about any other group of channels. Take a tour through the wristwatch channels to see the exact opposite: criticism, snobbery, backstabbing, etc. Thanks for a great episode. In pointing out the polarizing whiskeys you also provided a whole bunch of additional history and insights on whiskeys in general. I'm working my way through an Old Bardstown right now and might risk being labeled a noob by going out and buying a Willet's!
When I send out double blind sample packs with WPS in it, people rate it in the middle. The hate it gets is because of the bottle and not because of the flavor in my opinion.
Great episode. I did stick around until the end and really loved your ending message. I’m sorry about your brother and applaud you for talking about it while relating current times. You do a great job and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work and much love to you and your family.
Wow! What an episode! So sorry for your loss. Your message is a powerful one and you're so right. People come together over food and drink regardless of their differences. While I am hardly an aficionado, I am trying to learn more about Whiskey and Bourbon from others. I was so happy to see Mellow Corn on the list. I love it because it's not only good, but it's also versatile and works well in cocktails. I have actually seen it around less and asked one liquor store owner why and he very honestly told me it was because it was "too inexpensive," and people were bypassing the bigger names for the simple label and the "cheap" one. Thanks for spreading the love and the knowledge.
One of most informative Whiskey channel I've encounter in on all of TH-cam history. Love all the details ,that come with every whiskey review. Not just , plain and laim " I give it 86 and I give it 89 " . Thank you
Mellow corn is an amazing value. One of the rarest bottles is a mellow corn single barrel. They lose money doing them, so they don't do them often. Have you ever seen one?
I’ve never really liked Dickel and didn’t know about the vitamin thing till recently. I love barrell bourbon which has dickel in it so for me maybe it just needs to blended with something. Great positive video as always.
I've been checking out some of the whiskey-related content on TH-cam lately, and the algorithm sent me here. It is good to hear a clear and concise explanation of how the small, experimental craft distilleries are operating. They are trying new things, and they are pushing the stylistic envelope on established categories. I like all kinds of whiskey, and most other kinds of spirits, so I'm not particularly attached to the idea that bourbon should have a narrow stylistic range. I recently tried a cask strength straight bourbon from Pacific Coast Spirits in Oceanside, California, and I brought a bottle home with me. It is a pot still whiskey, non chill filtered, with an age statement of 5 years 10 months. Based on the woody flavor, I suspect that the barrels are small. They distill their own spirit; before they had their own stills up and running, they gained access to stills at another nearby distillery. It is interesting to compare it to the typical Kentucky bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys in my collection; it is darker in color and a lot more aggressive on the nose and palate. The potent grain flavor hits at first, and then the dusty wood and some mild wood tannins kick in. I love this flavor profile, but it would certainly be a polarizing bourbon if it were better known, just like the products of other craft distilleries. I suspect that I would like Garrison Brothers and Hudson. (Recently, I tried Hudson Manhattan Rye at a bar, and I loved it. Now, I need to look for a bottle.) The products of these craft distilleries are rather expensive, but for good reason, as indicated in the video. I don't mind paying the price, because this sector of the industry is where some real innovation is taking place, and I'm happy to contribute to it. I would rather pay for an interesting experimental product than overpay for a bottle of the latest allocated bourbon that is driving everybody nuts. I like the standard Kentucky style of bourbon, but these small upstart distilleries demonstrate that bourbon can have a much wider stylistic range and can have an authentic sense of place when it is made outside of its traditional homeland. These whiskeys can be challenging, and when you drink them, they will grab your full attention, for better or worse. They are not for everybody, and they may not appeal to beginners, but for the adventurous whiskey drinker who wants to try some interesting and unusual variations on the theme of bourbon (or any other spirit), I recommend paying a visit to your friendly neighborhood microdistillery. On another note, I find it interesting how polarizing Basil Hayden's is. It is an easy, inoffensive whiskey that I would not hesitate to recommend to a beginner. I find it to be a bit watered down, but it still has a nice flavor. It is the polar opposite of the monster bourbon from Pacific Coast Spirits, but it has its place. It is commonly encountered in bars; in that environment, a whiskey that is light and easygoing is sometimes appealing.
@@BourbonRealTalk I don't use Facebook, but I have subscribed, and I'll watch for more videos on this channel and others. Incidentally, I just went out to stock up on some booze, and I found Garrison Brothers Boot Flask, their standard bourbon in a 375ml bottle. It is the most economical way to try their product, so I grabbed it. My intuition was correct; I love it, but I can understand how it would be polarizing. This isn't your grandpa's bourbon. I get strong earthy and grainy notes on the nose and on the palate. The characteristic bourbon corn flavor is present on the palate, but it is in the background. On the finish, I'm getting some of that nice dusty wood that comes from extensive barrel interaction. This bourbon doesn't taste nearly as "sweet" as the typical Kentucky style. Scotch drinkers might find this bourbon appealing. After I run through this small bottle, I'll likely get a bottle of one of their premium offerings and see how it compares. Compared to other types of whiskey that I drink, bourbon traditionally has a rather narrow stylistic range. I appreciate distilleries that are pushing the envelope and showing that bourbon can be just as varied and interesting as any other whiskey.
@33:53 Right on. No need to hate on somebody else's whiskey tastes. Good info. I've had my eye on Mellow Corn for a very long time. I think I'll pick some up the next time I'm at my local shop.
You know your stuff better than anyone I’ve seen on TH-cam. I’ve seen a dozen whiskey channels and nobody knows their history like you. Well done. I’m local. I need to come to y’all’s club sometime.
Join Someone Say Whiskey right away. We are about to do an event at the house. If you see it posted in the club and PM me you will be invited. All drinks are free! facebook.com/groups/someonesaywhiskey
You are truly the antithesis of a whisk(e)y snob! Drink what you like and don't pass judgement. Love it! I appreciate that you actually explain why you do and do not like about whiskies without putting down someone with different tastes. You really come across as a guy I'd like to share a dram with. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, enthusiasm, & kindness!
Again, another great episode. I don't love or hate Basil Haden and I enjoy having it on the shelf with the other better Beam offerings to add perspective. However, I was just gifted a bottle of BH 9 yr and was sorely disappointed, especially the same low proof, no doubt, given the price. What I find most gratifying and special about your channel is that you reply so graciously to most, if not all comments. A true gentleman, indeed.
I try to reply to everyone! Sorry you didn't like the BH9. I have not tried it. As I said in the video I don't love BH, but I don't hate it. It is just a little too low proof. I do love OGD which is basically the same thing.
Fantastic episode full of great information that took a lot of time to gather. The back stories to the bourbons and distillers is what makes this a wonderful beverage journey. Enjoy your pour tonight, it is well earned.
Thank you for your positive feedback on the episode! It's great to hear that you found the backstories of the bourbons and distillers to be informative and enjoyable. Have you tried any of the polarizing whiskeys mentioned in the video? If so, what was your experience with them?
This is literally only the third episode I have watched from this channel. In those Three episodes I have learned more about whiskey than any other channel that I have been watching for years! Thank you for discussing all this very interesting information
Another great video. If that's a Kavalan Vinho Soloist on the shelf behind you it's definitely the first I've seen on anyone's shelf (other than mine). I'd love to get your thoughts on that one - maybe a blind taste test well! Cheers...
It is a single barrel my club Someone Say Whiskey did. I am not a big single malt guy, and I loved it. I had the sample we kept to let the rest of the team taste that were not at the pick, it took everything I had not to drink it.
Wow. I just discovered your channel sir and I loved this episode. As I was watching, I was thinking "I should follow this guy", then you hit us with the story about your brother. I'm so sorry. You really caught my attention. My son served a combat tour in Iraq and came back a different person. Got addicted to herion and died of a fentanyl overdose in 2016. I sympathize with your loss and applaud you for sharing your story.
George Dickel #12 was my favorite go to whisk(e)y for value, I felt like it was complex and I loved the bite. When I heard about the "Flintstones vitamin" thing, it completely ruined it for me. One interesting thing i've found watching blind tastes is that people value Dickel very highly if they don't know what they're drinking. It's very interesting. I HATE that the "Flintstones vitamin" thing has proliferated because it's all I can think about, but before I knew about it I really enjoyed it. It makes for a very interesting case study imo. To me, it speaks to the power of the mind more than the quality of the whiskey. Once you get something in your mind it can be very hard to ignore your biases. I'm still a Dickel fan, I would love to try a cask strength Dickel and I LOVE when people try it in blind tests and love it, until the reveal.
Re: Garrison Bros and Hudson. I’m not sure how you get similar tasting notes. I was 100% with you on the Garrison, with the grain forward corn profile. I love Garrison for that reason. I bought a bottle of Hudson and literally had to give it away because it was so horrible! But enjoyed the video. Once I recognized the vitamin flavor of Dickel, it ruined every Dickel-sourced bottle I had. 😂 Strangely, I have a bottle of Dickel labeled 15 year single barrel that I really like. And thanks for a good positive message. 👍
I appreciate it. If you spend a little time analyzing pot still bourbon vs column still bourbon, I think you will find they have some similarities. Super oily, thick mouth feel, coffee and dark chocolate bitter notes, and an overall flavor profile that is much more robust than column still whiskey. Once you have the ability to identify pot vs column still, you will start to see overlap between different pot still bourbons.
Hello again. As always, quality and inspiring. Haven't tried any of these yet. Aside from Hudson, cannot wait to try them. That 1/2 bottle really annoys me. Up here in AK, a little harder to find stuff, but there are some good ones around so there is a chance.
I just came here because your video was one of those suggestions TH-cam puts on the right column. Pure serendipity, and well worth it. The video was interesting, and that was a very nice note at the end. Thank you. Peace.
Great rundown. I drank a lot of Willet product back around 2009. I really liked Rowan Creek. Then every bottle I bought tasted off/ different. I learned what NDP meant the hard way. The inconsistency of flavor turned me off and I’ve never been back.
Great job! I'm really looking forward to a visit to the TX Whiskey distillery here in Fort Worth when they can re-open for tours after the pandemic is over or controlled. I especially love your outro. Thanks for bringing people together. You're right, whiskey is a good way to get people of various cultures, orientations, beliefs together. Thanks for spreading love instead of hate.
Just subscribed to this channel. Thank you Randy for being Honest & Real with so many awesome topics(specifically the Love Message & Bringing People Together).This episode compelled me to follow you and your channel. I also have a brother over there in San Antonio (Lackland) that I visit once in awhile. Thanks Randy! ...much Love to You and Yours!
My issue with Basil Hayden's is that it is a lower proof than OGD at twice the price. If I am spending Basil Hayden money I am going to get something that I feel is closer to that value. (which is usually a local craft distillery option)
Up to 11 bottles in my collection. Many more to come this year. Randy you're one of the top guys that got me into the world of bourbon . I can't thank you enough for the inspiration. Keep up the great work and God bless.
Haven't been into bourbon as long as a journey goes. Raised by my father, he always said, "you can try any beverage I have, and he had several, but I ask that you drink it around me". That took all the fun out of it. However, at a very young age, say 7-13, Jack Daniels was my Tylenol.
That was my upbringing too. I didn't start drinking until I was 28. I have made the same offer to both of my kids, and neither of them have shown any interest.
This was a great video. I live in Kentucky and have literally been drinking Bourbon Whiskey my entire life. It's a way of life here just as Scotch is in Ireland. I know a lot about Whiskey but you definitely had some information in the video I didn't know. Many of the products in this video are quite different from Bourbon. If you like Bourbon, there are definitely products in this video you may not like. There are several that are just unpalatable too me. While I love Bourbon and I'm very proud of the legacy of Kentucky Bourbon, I do feel like I'm not biased towards products made outside of Kentucky. There are several products made outside of Kentucky that I love. I love Smoke Wagon, Woodinville, and there are tons of MGP products I love. I think having more options is great for consumers. While I appreciate that distillers are doing something different and not trying to copy Kentucky Bourbon, some of these products just miss the mark. I would not want any of them to fail, but some are really bad. Everyone should know that of you're a Bourbon fan, you may not like a lot of these products. One of the products you showed and discussed was the worst bottle of Whiskey I ever bought and that bottle was actually made in Kentucky. The important thing is that everyone should know that there's something out there for you. Find a bottle you love, and you will be the winner. While I love a great bottle of whiskey, it's really more about the people you share it with.
Solid advice. I would say I have learned not to totally write off a whiskey as "bad" since everyone has their own palate. I try to characterize them as bad to me. That way I don't alienate another drinker simply because we don't like the same thing. For me nothing really matters except your last line..."While I love a great bottle of whiskey, it's really more about the people you share it with." Cheers!
Awesome and informative video. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. My prayers are with you. I've always wanted to try Willett just because of the bottle. Then I remember never to judge the outward appearance of anything. I still haven't tried it. I do like and own Basil Hayden and like them. It seems to me that a lot of the bourbons taste so similar to my palate which really aggravates me. I may have to get one of those boxes that you mentioned at the end of your video. That might help me differentiate what I'm tasting. Thx again for this video. I love you too!
There isn't as much variability in flavor for bourbon as scotch and other spirits because the manufacturing requirements are so narrow. I would say just drink what you like and don't worry too much about the details.
@@BourbonRealTalk , I guess that must be true and now I do just drink what I think is good. When I don't like a bottle I give it to my roommate who is very appreciative about that.😅
Out of curiosity-you being from Texas-do you like Balcones Pot Still bourbon. I'm on my third bottle right now. I find that when first opening it's really rough in the way of turpentine or gasoline. After an hour or so it opens up to some really nice flavors but still has a harsh finish. I buy it from our grocery here in WI at $20 a bottle. I know you're from Texas and distillers there use different levels of ingredients. Thank you for the info on Garrison Bros. Can't wait to try it.
I am a huge fan of Balcones. I did not mention them in this podcast because their notes are so similar to Garrison brothers. There are several products of theirs that do not line up well with my palate. They toast their grain on several products and it adds a coffee and dark chocolate not. I have the bitterness gene so those flavors are not for me. I do truly respect what they are doing and there are several products that I love.
I love Balcones Pot Still. In a blind it beat some stellar Bourbons (Eagle Rare, Old Forester Single Barrel, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses SBS). Really unique and has a good punch of flavor.
I've got a bottle of pot still that is nothing but oak and leather. Was almost undrinkable when first opened but its mellowed out quite a bit and is perfectly serviceable now (although I suspect that bottle will outlive me)
Great information as usual! I love your positivity and the message that your putting out to the world. What better way to spread love than through whiskey. Thank you!
My sincere condolences for you and the loss of your brother. I have a couple of bottles of Willet Pot Still. I have toured the distillery several times without any issues. Now they have added on to their visitor center and getting a tour now is a challenge. I never developed a true liking to Willett, its OK and the bottle is cool. Rowans Creek and Johnny Drum are also not high on my list.
@@BourbonRealTalk I like the flavors they produce. Woodford Reserve is tripple pot stilled and I like it. I have Bourbons in my collection that I liked at a tour tasting and so I bought a bottle. Then later when I opened them it wasnt as I remebered. So back on the shelf to be tried at another day.
@@thomasaccuntius9946 They advertise that they triple distill woodford, but they also have a column still and admit the blend the two together. They will not disclose what the percentage is, which leads me to believe it is a significant amount and they don't want to lose the "pot still" marketing. Triple distillation also goes a long way to clean up the distillate. Most craft producers double distill and end up with a very viscous product. For these reasons you may be able to love Woodford and still have an aversion to double distilled pot still whiskey.
I like Willett Pot Still Reserve a wheated Bourbon, I tried at the the Distillery in Bardstown on 13 October 2021 we went on a tour and tasting, I liked it, a lot. The young lady tour guide, new something about bourbon as her mother is a one of the three tasters at Heaven Hill. I understand the mash bill has changed to wheat not rye. I believe the first "made in Bardstown at Willett" has only been released in the last year or so.
I don't drink much at one time but have been having one a night for 10 years or so, since I was 60. I use to drink Canadian, but then I tried Markers, and went to Bourbon, and tried many Bourbons, most Four Rosas products are hotter than I like, I tasted most of their offering as Lawrenceburg, of course I went Wild Turkey which I like more. Oh, yes, TX whiskey is very sweet.
Recently found your channel and really enjoy it. Very informative and great information for a newbie like me. I too am a survivor, my oldest son and father. I did work with military families going through the same thing, but after awhile it ate me up and spit me out. So I fish, hunt drink good bourbon and whisky, not in that order!
Thank you and I look forward to catching up on your older vlogs and I am subscribed and notified so I will not miss any! And yes we do share a great name!
Garrison Brothers are really fighting an uphill battle with their prices. There is just too much really good Kentucky bourbon sitting on the shelf next to them at much lower prices. They need a more "entry level" product to get people in. If I could get a bottle of something from them for $35-$40 then I'd be game. Get me in the door. The $80 entry point into their products gets me to walk on by their door and not even take a peak inside.
@@clydekimsey7503 Their materials input costs are very high. They use small barrels that cost about the same as a full size. Their grain is more expensive. Their still is very inefficient compared to big KY column stills. They don't have economies of scale.They had heavy costs for brand expansion, but didn't yet have the sales to support it. It all worked out in the long run. They are doing good now.
I’m trying to understand Texas whiskey style more so I can enjoy it. How is it that the hot Texas weather can pull lots of barrel flavor in a short time, but still have that harsh flavor of alcohol that is typically found in young whiskey? It seems Texas style whiskey matures quicker in some ways but not in others? Is there a catch 22 in Texas whiskey aging? I love your channel, Thank you!
Likely the most insightful question to date on this channel. The answer is complicated, but I think I have an answer so I am going to try. The "youthful" flavor of some whiskey IMO is a lack of balance between the flavor compounds and the ethanol. Those things work themselves out with time as chemical reactions happen in the barrel. Those reactions do not have the chance to take place in TX because they have to stop the aging process before it can take place due to over extraction and evaporative loss. These flavors are intensified by the excess grain flavor left in the distillate by pot stills as apposed to column stills. This means that if people perceive grain flavor as youthful and off balanced, anyone who has that opinion is going to always think TX whiskey is youthful and off balanced. This is because of aging environment and because of the stills we use. This is why I tell people that TX whiskey was never supposed to tasted like KY bourbon. Interesting side note. I had a conversation with a TX distiller about the additional grain flavor left in the distillate by the pot still. I asked if you aged the bourbon in a softer climate and gave the barrels time to age would that youthful grain flavor go away, and he said no. His belief is that the grain flavor in TX whiskey left by the still is too intense to ever be mellowed out by aging...in any environment. So with that in mind TX whiskey is going to have to be TX whiskey and people who only like KY whiskey are going to have to decide not to drink it...unless we start to see some column still whiskey like that made by Still Austin called the Musician! Hope this helps.
You've successfully convinced me to buy a bottle of Mellow Corn, despite being fairly certain that I'll dislike it. Even if it's not for me, the experience is easily worth the price of admission. Your discussion of Basil Hayden and the Suntory Beam brand generally makes me wonder why Knob Creek is so rarely mentioned, even while similarly ubiquitous and similarly (or higher) priced offerings like Wild Turkey 101, Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, etc. constantly come up in "Best Value" or "Best for the price" type lists. I've got a bottle of Booker's, and I think I enjoy the Knob Creek more (since the Booker's has an upsetting cherry flavor to which I seem to be sensitive).
I buy a lot to stuff I think I won't like...including pappy 20. I share most of my whiskey so it doesn't mater it I don't like it because it always gets drank. I have knob creek in my value bourbons under $40. Just have not released it yet.
@@BourbonRealTalk Yeah, unfortunately I've only really started paying attention to whiskey since the pandemic, which puts a damper on the social aspect to large degree. Previously, I'd drank and enjoyed various whiskeys, but hadn't really paid as much attention as I probably should have. That said, I'm also sympathetic to the solitary enjoyment of whiskey at home, where there are fewer distractions to keep you from appreciating every sip as much or more than the last.
There are some good ones in TX, but most are pot still bourbon which are very different from KY. Still Austin has a column still bourbon and a new rye that any bourbon drinker would love.
I have never seen one. I just know they exist because I interviewed Bernie Lubbers and he explained they sometimes do them for really important accounts. They lose money on them, so there are not very many.
I'm watching this one even as I type, and I notice that you don't cover anything from Balcones Distilling. Now I'm still pretty new to whisky - I've been drinking it for just over a year - and it may be that my experience is anomalous. It may be that the whiskies you touch on do in fact divide people far more than anything from Balcones. But in my experience a sure way to get some people up in arms is to praise anything from Balcones. Now it happens that my two favorite whiskies - they're tied for first place - are from Balcones Distilling, and the first one (Texas Pot Still Bourbon) I tried and loved before I realized that some people will metaphorically spit at the name of the distiller. I don't know why those who hate Balcones do so - I've not received a single explanation of it, though one guy did say that the Pot Still Bourbon is a single note whisky, which to him it may be - but the best guess I can come up with is that nothing they produce tastes like the standard stuff (e.g. their bourbon is much richer and bolder and flavorful than Kentucky bourbon, with different notes than you commonly find in Kentucky bourbon). Anyway, that's my experience - others' experience may differ. :) Oh, one more thing. Garrison Brothers is the first legal BOURBON distillery in Texas, but Balcones Distilling is the first legal WHISKY distillery in Texas, beginning in 2008 (their first run was in 2009). It's just that they didn't begin with bourbon, so Garrison Brothers had bourbon in the market first.
Thanks for the clarification! I didn't have balcones because the reason for people being upset with it are the same as Garrison, and it would be redundant.
TX Blended got me into whiskey after bad experiences in college. Great for new whiskey/bourbon drinkers. I get nothing but vanilla in the flavor profile with sweet.
Thanks so much for videos like this explaining the importance of inclusion and acceptance. I've found the whiskey community (from my experience) to be exclusive and judgmental and I appreciate you taking time to break down those barriers. Cheers
The online community is mostly filled with trolls who's mommy didn't hold them enough when they were a baby...or held them too much...not sure which. In person the community is almost always amazing. I have spend the last few years building an online community that has a culture of inclusion. You are welcome to join. It is called Someone Say Whiskey and it is on Facebook.
Fast forward to 2023, TX makes some of the best Bourbon in Texas and bought a PGA Golf Course and restored it as their new Fort Worth Distillery. It’s an awesome brand!!!
TX Whiskey - have to agree with the host. Because it is a sweet whiskey, I place it in the desert whiskey group. While it is on the sweeter side, it has a more complex flavor. Found it a pleasurable summer drink.
Same tactics with this year's Woodford release. They have a big 16 on the bottle . That actually means it's the 16th bottle in the series as well changing the shape of the bottle.
Garrison is an over 200 acre location. They grow some of their own grain and have had failed crops. The use 30 gallon barrels that cost the same as 53 gallon barrels, but can only age about 1/2 the whiskey. Not sure about Treaty Oak, but I have been told that Balcones and Andelusia are still loosing money too. It is hard for people to wrap their heads around this, but most of the TX distilleries entire production per year is less than the amount of whiskey Buffallo Trace or Heaven Hill spills. The economy of scale just isn't there.
Willett put out very herbaceous whiskey. Its either a cinnamon bomb, eucalyptys/mint thing... That you either love or hate. Super cinnamon forward whiskey always reminds me of Willett.
That is fair, which is why when I did the blind I put it against ryes even though it was a bourbon. People liked it when they had it in a blind. Has anyone ever blinded you on WPS?
At the price, old granddad 114 is what basil hayden should be. I just wish I could find ogd 114. Seems to be missing in action.so for me, the hate for basil hayden is easy to understand. Price is totally out of whack. And a much lesser proof.
I actually recorded a short segment on Blanton's but edited it out because the piece was too long. Basically nothing wrong with Blanton's. Good bourbon, but for people who search for it for years it can be a letdown when they try it and it isn't significantly better than some other shelfers they were drinking all along.
@@victorsommo1822 definitely great marketing especially with the horses that spell out blantons. One of those if I see it at retail I'll pick it up but not way over msrp
I personally enjoy Garrison Brothers and drank it often on over ice. The TX whiskey I will use as a mixing whiskey I haven’t tried the others except for George Dickel which I enjoy over Ice.
I'm starting to see more and more 'hate' geared towards Balcones. A lot of this I believe comes from the hype combined with its fairly low distribution. Some coming from it being the quintessential Texas whisky with that 'punch' you get from an honest Texas drink. The rest of the hate comes from folks who try just one offering. You can't judge Balcones by just one offering. I cannot stand Brimstone. Absolutely disgusting to me. However, the Wheated Bourbon is my #2 drink after Old Weller. Don't like Baby Blue. Worship the Texas Single Malt. Meh on the Grand Cru, Adored the Shiner. And this list continues (though there are more Loves than Hates). The folks at Balcones love to experiment, of that there is no doubt.
Eating lunch with their brand ambassador in 2 hours. Love Balcones. Didn't include them since the comments would be about the same for them as Garrison Bros. Bottom line, Balcones was never meant to taste like KY bourbon. It is potstill and very grain forward. It may not be to your profile, but that doesn't make it bad and it doesn't mean people should not like it. Your palate likes what it likes.
Hudson has a unique flavor created by its potstill processes and grains. Not good. Not bad. Just being what it is. If it is mediocre for you I totally understand. I just don't want others to see this an assume it is a bad pour without trying it for themselves. There are a lot of people that this whiskey matches their palate. People need to try for themselves to decide.
Sorry about that. I tend to run a little hot and the A/C on my second floor had a small leak in the coil at this time. It worked, but it had a hard time keeping up. Replaced the coil, so all good now. Cheers.
Holy crap, this episode was bomb. I’ve been on my whiskey journey for any 1.5 year and have grown to sincerely enjoy over 10 whiskey channels on TH-cam. I’ve recently come across your channel and this is about the third episode Ives seen. I need to compliment you on a few levels bro: 1) the topic hit a nail on its head. In my journey, I’ve kind of been confused about certain whiskeys and if they are highly regarded or not. To your point, they are polarizing. They have some hype and / or are marketed well and at the same time, they seem to sit on the shelf. Your discussion explains these dynamics. Moreover, this is a good topic that other channels haven’t addressed so much. 2)when you mentioned you were going to talk about your channel’s be philosophy, I kind of thought, “whatever.” But when you laid it out, I believed you. And, I have experienced what you are saying. I AM very exhausted from the extent to which our country, let alone my friends and family, are so damn polarized. I have and am experiencing bonding with strangers as we need out over whiskey. Whiskey and enthusiasm around it really is positive in the muck. 3) your sincerity came through when you shared the loss of your brother. Thanks for being real and I am truly sorry that you lost your brother. My best to you and your family and thanks for a great episode.
This encourages my heart! Thank you!
The TH-cam whiskey channels are soooo much more supportive of one another than just about any other group of channels. Take a tour through the wristwatch channels to see the exact opposite: criticism, snobbery, backstabbing, etc. Thanks for a great episode. In pointing out the polarizing whiskeys you also provided a whole bunch of additional history and insights on whiskeys in general. I'm working my way through an Old Bardstown right now and might risk being labeled a noob by going out and buying a Willet's!
When I send out double blind sample packs with WPS in it, people rate it in the middle. The hate it gets is because of the bottle and not because of the flavor in my opinion.
Great episode. I did stick around until the end and really loved your ending message. I’m sorry about your brother and applaud you for talking about it while relating current times. You do a great job and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work and much love to you and your family.
I read this to my mom!
Wow! What an episode! So sorry for your loss. Your message is a powerful one and you're so right. People come together over food and drink regardless of their differences. While I am hardly an aficionado, I am trying to learn more about Whiskey and Bourbon from others. I was so happy to see Mellow Corn on the list. I love it because it's not only good, but it's also versatile and works well in cocktails. I have actually seen it around less and asked one liquor store owner why and he very honestly told me it was because it was "too inexpensive," and people were bypassing the bigger names for the simple label and the "cheap" one. Thanks for spreading the love and the knowledge.
My pleasure. Thank you for the support!
Excellent episode as always Randy! But why you gotta tell everyone about the Mellow Corn??? :). Love you buddy!
If my channel has the power to affect MC availability I am going to retire can crown myself awesome!
One of most informative Whiskey channel I've encounter in on all of TH-cam history. Love all the details ,that come with every whiskey review. Not just , plain and laim " I give it 86 and I give it 89 " . Thank you
Thank you so much for the support!
Bottled in bond always makes a good whiskey at least for what I've had. My even Williams bib is one of my favorites. I want to get some mellow corn.
Mellow corn is an amazing value. One of the rarest bottles is a mellow corn single barrel. They lose money doing them, so they don't do them often. Have you ever seen one?
@@BourbonRealTalk nice and no I've only seen the bib.
I’ve never really liked Dickel and didn’t know about the vitamin thing till recently. I love barrell bourbon which has dickel in it so for me maybe it just needs to blended with something. Great positive video as always.
Not all barrel includes Dickel. You have to check the states of distillation on the back label. If it is TN it is generally Dickel.
I've been checking out some of the whiskey-related content on TH-cam lately, and the algorithm sent me here. It is good to hear a clear and concise explanation of how the small, experimental craft distilleries are operating. They are trying new things, and they are pushing the stylistic envelope on established categories. I like all kinds of whiskey, and most other kinds of spirits, so I'm not particularly attached to the idea that bourbon should have a narrow stylistic range. I recently tried a cask strength straight bourbon from Pacific Coast Spirits in Oceanside, California, and I brought a bottle home with me. It is a pot still whiskey, non chill filtered, with an age statement of 5 years 10 months. Based on the woody flavor, I suspect that the barrels are small. They distill their own spirit; before they had their own stills up and running, they gained access to stills at another nearby distillery. It is interesting to compare it to the typical Kentucky bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys in my collection; it is darker in color and a lot more aggressive on the nose and palate. The potent grain flavor hits at first, and then the dusty wood and some mild wood tannins kick in. I love this flavor profile, but it would certainly be a polarizing bourbon if it were better known, just like the products of other craft distilleries. I suspect that I would like Garrison Brothers and Hudson. (Recently, I tried Hudson Manhattan Rye at a bar, and I loved it. Now, I need to look for a bottle.)
The products of these craft distilleries are rather expensive, but for good reason, as indicated in the video. I don't mind paying the price, because this sector of the industry is where some real innovation is taking place, and I'm happy to contribute to it. I would rather pay for an interesting experimental product than overpay for a bottle of the latest allocated bourbon that is driving everybody nuts. I like the standard Kentucky style of bourbon, but these small upstart distilleries demonstrate that bourbon can have a much wider stylistic range and can have an authentic sense of place when it is made outside of its traditional homeland. These whiskeys can be challenging, and when you drink them, they will grab your full attention, for better or worse. They are not for everybody, and they may not appeal to beginners, but for the adventurous whiskey drinker who wants to try some interesting and unusual variations on the theme of bourbon (or any other spirit), I recommend paying a visit to your friendly neighborhood microdistillery.
On another note, I find it interesting how polarizing Basil Hayden's is. It is an easy, inoffensive whiskey that I would not hesitate to recommend to a beginner. I find it to be a bit watered down, but it still has a nice flavor. It is the polar opposite of the monster bourbon from Pacific Coast Spirits, but it has its place. It is commonly encountered in bars; in that environment, a whiskey that is light and easygoing is sometimes appealing.
I love your perspective. If you have not already done so I would like to personally invite you to join facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
@@BourbonRealTalk I don't use Facebook, but I have subscribed, and I'll watch for more videos on this channel and others. Incidentally, I just went out to stock up on some booze, and I found Garrison Brothers Boot Flask, their standard bourbon in a 375ml bottle. It is the most economical way to try their product, so I grabbed it. My intuition was correct; I love it, but I can understand how it would be polarizing. This isn't your grandpa's bourbon. I get strong earthy and grainy notes on the nose and on the palate. The characteristic bourbon corn flavor is present on the palate, but it is in the background. On the finish, I'm getting some of that nice dusty wood that comes from extensive barrel interaction. This bourbon doesn't taste nearly as "sweet" as the typical Kentucky style. Scotch drinkers might find this bourbon appealing. After I run through this small bottle, I'll likely get a bottle of one of their premium offerings and see how it compares. Compared to other types of whiskey that I drink, bourbon traditionally has a rather narrow stylistic range. I appreciate distilleries that are pushing the envelope and showing that bourbon can be just as varied and interesting as any other whiskey.
@33:53 Right on. No need to hate on somebody else's whiskey tastes. Good info. I've had my eye on Mellow Corn for a very long time. I think I'll pick some up the next time I'm at my local shop.
It is tasty stuff. I drank it while I edited this episode and really enjoyed it. Not mind blowing stuff, but for $16 it more than gets the job done!
You know your stuff better than anyone I’ve seen on TH-cam. I’ve seen a dozen whiskey channels and nobody knows their history like you. Well done.
I’m local. I need to come to y’all’s club sometime.
Join Someone Say Whiskey right away. We are about to do an event at the house. If you see it posted in the club and PM me you will be invited. All drinks are free!
facebook.com/groups/someonesaywhiskey
@@BourbonRealTalk thanks! Just requested to join.
You are truly the antithesis of a whisk(e)y snob! Drink what you like and don't pass judgement. Love it! I appreciate that you actually explain why you do and do not like about whiskies without putting down someone with different tastes. You really come across as a guy I'd like to share a dram with. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, enthusiasm, & kindness!
Maybe we can. Where do you live?
@@BourbonRealTalk I'm in WI but do get to the Dallas area at times to visit my brother.
@@badgerjeff6081 Next time you come to Dallas email me bourbonrealtalk@gmail.com. Maybe you and your brother can come over for a pour.
Again, another great episode. I don't love or hate Basil Haden and I enjoy having it on the shelf with the other better Beam offerings to add perspective. However, I was just gifted a bottle of BH 9 yr and was sorely disappointed, especially the same low proof, no doubt, given the price.
What I find most gratifying and special about your channel is that you reply so graciously to most, if not all comments. A true gentleman, indeed.
I try to reply to everyone! Sorry you didn't like the BH9. I have not tried it. As I said in the video I don't love BH, but I don't hate it. It is just a little too low proof. I do love OGD which is basically the same thing.
Fantastic episode full of great information that took a lot of time to gather. The back stories to the bourbons and distillers is what makes this a wonderful beverage journey.
Enjoy your pour tonight, it is well earned.
Thank you for your positive feedback on the episode! It's great to hear that you found the backstories of the bourbons and distillers to be informative and enjoyable. Have you tried any of the polarizing whiskeys mentioned in the video? If so, what was your experience with them?
This is literally only the third episode I have watched from this channel. In those Three episodes I have learned more about whiskey than any other channel that I have been watching for years!
Thank you for discussing all this very interesting information
Glad you enjoy it! Thank you for watching!
I agree completely. This is the channel I’ve been looking for for years.
@@mequix2112 Thank you so much! I tried to create content I would have wanted when I was learning. So glad you enjoy it.
Another great video. If that's a Kavalan Vinho Soloist on the shelf behind you it's definitely the first I've seen on anyone's shelf (other than mine). I'd love to get your thoughts on that one - maybe a blind taste test well! Cheers...
It is a single barrel my club Someone Say Whiskey did. I am not a big single malt guy, and I loved it. I had the sample we kept to let the rest of the team taste that were not at the pick, it took everything I had not to drink it.
Wow. I just discovered your channel sir and I loved this episode. As I was watching, I was thinking "I should follow this guy", then you hit us with the story about your brother. I'm so sorry. You really caught my attention. My son served a combat tour in Iraq and came back a different person. Got addicted to herion and died of a fentanyl overdose in 2016. I sympathize with your loss and applaud you for sharing your story.
I am so sorry! I don't know what else to say.
George Dickel #12 was my favorite go to whisk(e)y for value, I felt like it was complex and I loved the bite. When I heard about the "Flintstones vitamin" thing, it completely ruined it for me. One interesting thing i've found watching blind tastes is that people value Dickel very highly if they don't know what they're drinking. It's very interesting. I HATE that the "Flintstones vitamin" thing has proliferated because it's all I can think about, but before I knew about it I really enjoyed it. It makes for a very interesting case study imo. To me, it speaks to the power of the mind more than the quality of the whiskey. Once you get something in your mind it can be very hard to ignore your biases. I'm still a Dickel fan, I would love to try a cask strength Dickel and I LOVE when people try it in blind tests and love it, until the reveal.
Same here. Once I tasted it that was all I could taste every time I had it after.
Re: Garrison Bros and Hudson. I’m not sure how you get similar tasting notes. I was 100% with you on the Garrison, with the grain forward corn profile. I love Garrison for that reason. I bought a bottle of Hudson and literally had to give it away because it was so horrible! But enjoyed the video. Once I recognized the vitamin flavor of Dickel, it ruined every Dickel-sourced bottle I had. 😂 Strangely, I have a bottle of Dickel labeled 15 year single barrel that I really like. And thanks for a good positive message. 👍
I appreciate it. If you spend a little time analyzing pot still bourbon vs column still bourbon, I think you will find they have some similarities. Super oily, thick mouth feel, coffee and dark chocolate bitter notes, and an overall flavor profile that is much more robust than column still whiskey. Once you have the ability to identify pot vs column still, you will start to see overlap between different pot still bourbons.
Love the Factoids and the positivity. Appreciate what you're doing, keep bringing it!
Thank you for the support!
Hello again. As always, quality and inspiring. Haven't tried any of these yet. Aside from Hudson, cannot wait to try them. That 1/2 bottle really annoys me. Up here in AK, a little harder to find stuff, but there are some good ones around so there is a chance.
Hope you enjoy!
I just came here because your video was one of those suggestions TH-cam puts on the right column. Pure serendipity, and well worth it. The video was interesting, and that was a very nice note at the end. Thank you. Peace.
Thank you for the support!
Great rundown. I drank a lot of Willet product back around 2009. I really liked Rowan Creek. Then every bottle I bought tasted off/ different. I learned what NDP meant the hard way. The inconsistency of flavor turned me off and I’ve never been back.
The products have stabilized. You should give it another try IMO.
Great job! I'm really looking forward to a visit to the TX Whiskey distillery here in Fort Worth when they can re-open for tours after the pandemic is over or controlled. I especially love your outro. Thanks for bringing people together. You're right, whiskey is a good way to get people of various cultures, orientations, beliefs together. Thanks for spreading love instead of hate.
It is my pleasure! Thank you for the support!
Just subscribed to this channel. Thank you Randy for being Honest & Real with so many awesome topics(specifically the Love Message & Bringing People Together).This episode compelled me to follow you and your channel. I also have a brother over there in San Antonio (Lackland) that I visit once in awhile. Thanks Randy! ...much Love to You and Yours!
Thank you! Messages like this mean a lot to me. Cheers!
My issue with Basil Hayden's is that it is a lower proof than OGD at twice the price. If I am spending Basil Hayden money I am going to get something that I feel is closer to that value. (which is usually a local craft distillery option)
I don't buy BH for this reason. Same whiskey at OGD, an average of 2 years younger, lower proof, and twice the money. I buy OGD!
Up to 11 bottles in my collection. Many more to come this year. Randy you're one of the top guys that got me into the world of bourbon . I can't thank you enough for the inspiration. Keep up the great work and God bless.
Wow, thank you for your support!
Haven't been into bourbon as long as a journey goes. Raised by my father, he always said, "you can try any beverage I have, and he had several, but I ask that you drink it around me". That took all the fun out of it. However, at a very young age, say 7-13, Jack Daniels was my Tylenol.
That was my upbringing too. I didn't start drinking until I was 28. I have made the same offer to both of my kids, and neither of them have shown any interest.
This was a great video. I live in Kentucky and have literally been drinking Bourbon Whiskey my entire life. It's a way of life here just as Scotch is in Ireland. I know a lot about Whiskey but you definitely had some information in the video I didn't know. Many of the products in this video are quite different from Bourbon. If you like Bourbon, there are definitely products in this video you may not like. There are several that are just unpalatable too me. While I love Bourbon and I'm very proud of the legacy of Kentucky Bourbon, I do feel like I'm not biased towards products made outside of Kentucky. There are several products made outside of Kentucky that I love. I love Smoke Wagon, Woodinville, and there are tons of MGP products I love. I think having more options is great for consumers. While I appreciate that distillers are doing something different and not trying to copy Kentucky Bourbon, some of these products just miss the mark. I would not want any of them to fail, but some are really bad. Everyone should know that of you're a Bourbon fan, you may not like a lot of these products. One of the products you showed and discussed was the worst bottle of Whiskey I ever bought and that bottle was actually made in Kentucky. The important thing is that everyone should know that there's something out there for you. Find a bottle you love, and you will be the winner. While I love a great bottle of whiskey, it's really more about the people you share it with.
Solid advice. I would say I have learned not to totally write off a whiskey as "bad" since everyone has their own palate. I try to characterize them as bad to me. That way I don't alienate another drinker simply because we don't like the same thing. For me nothing really matters except your last line..."While I love a great bottle of whiskey, it's really more about the people you share it with." Cheers!
Awesome and informative video. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. My prayers are with you.
I've always wanted to try Willett just because of the bottle. Then I remember never to judge the outward appearance of anything. I still haven't tried it. I do like and own Basil Hayden and like them. It seems to me that a lot of the bourbons taste so similar to my palate which really aggravates me. I may have to get one of those boxes that you mentioned at the end of your video. That might help me differentiate what I'm tasting. Thx again for this video. I love you too!
There isn't as much variability in flavor for bourbon as scotch and other spirits because the manufacturing requirements are so narrow. I would say just drink what you like and don't worry too much about the details.
@@BourbonRealTalk , I guess that must be true and now I do just drink what I think is good. When I don't like a bottle I give it to my roommate who is very appreciative about that.😅
Out of curiosity-you being from Texas-do you like Balcones Pot Still bourbon. I'm on my third bottle right now. I find that when first opening it's really rough in the way of turpentine or gasoline. After an hour or so it opens up to some really nice flavors but still has a harsh finish. I buy it from our grocery here in WI at $20 a bottle. I know you're from Texas and distillers there use different levels of ingredients. Thank you for the info on Garrison Bros. Can't wait to try it.
I am a huge fan of Balcones. I did not mention them in this podcast because their notes are so similar to Garrison brothers. There are several products of theirs that do not line up well with my palate. They toast their grain on several products and it adds a coffee and dark chocolate not. I have the bitterness gene so those flavors are not for me. I do truly respect what they are doing and there are several products that I love.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks for your input. I'll encourage myself to try other products by Balcones. Cheers!
I love Balcones Pot Still. In a blind it beat some stellar Bourbons (Eagle Rare, Old Forester Single Barrel, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses SBS). Really unique and has a good punch of flavor.
Wow, $20 for Balcones Pot Still,... that's $10-15 less than it costs here in Texas.
Not bad!
Get the Balcones Single Malt if you can afford it, its the chocolate milk of whiskies.
I've got a bottle of pot still that is nothing but oak and leather. Was almost undrinkable when first opened but its mellowed out quite a bit and is perfectly serviceable now (although I suspect that bottle will outlive me)
It is an interesting one because people's opinions are so divided.
Great Great show 👏! Nothing but love for you brother! So sorry for your loss!
Thank you for the encouragement!
Great information as usual! I love your positivity and the message that your putting out to the world. What better way to spread love than through whiskey. Thank you!
Whiskey brings people together! Cheers!
Great video. As someone starting out their bourbon journey, I’ve found your videos very helpful. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you for the support! Glad you are enjoying the content.
Great epsiode and really liked your intro. Always good that not everyone likes the same whiskeys.
Glad you enjoyed it!
My sincere condolences for you and the loss of your brother.
I have a couple of bottles of Willet Pot Still. I have toured the distillery several times without any issues. Now they have added on to their visitor center and getting a tour now is a challenge. I never developed a true liking to Willett, its OK and the bottle is cool. Rowans Creek and Johnny Drum are also not high on my list.
You may not be a fan of the flavors produced by a pot still when making a bourbon.
@@BourbonRealTalk I like the flavors they produce. Woodford Reserve is tripple pot stilled and I like it. I have Bourbons in my collection that I liked at a tour tasting and so I bought a bottle. Then later when I opened them it wasnt as I remebered. So back on the shelf to be tried at another day.
@@thomasaccuntius9946 They advertise that they triple distill woodford, but they also have a column still and admit the blend the two together. They will not disclose what the percentage is, which leads me to believe it is a significant amount and they don't want to lose the "pot still" marketing. Triple distillation also goes a long way to clean up the distillate. Most craft producers double distill and end up with a very viscous product. For these reasons you may be able to love Woodford and still have an aversion to double distilled pot still whiskey.
I like Willett Pot Still Reserve a wheated Bourbon, I tried at the the Distillery in Bardstown on 13 October 2021 we went on a tour and tasting, I liked it, a lot. The young lady tour guide, new something about bourbon as her mother is a one of the three tasters at Heaven Hill. I understand the mash bill has changed to wheat not rye. I believe the first "made in Bardstown at Willett" has only been released in the last year or so.
I don't drink much at one time but have been having one a night for 10 years or so, since I was 60. I use to drink Canadian, but then I tried Markers, and went to Bourbon, and tried many Bourbons, most Four Rosas products are hotter than I like, I tasted most of their offering as Lawrenceburg, of course I went Wild Turkey which I like more. Oh, yes, TX whiskey is very sweet.
Yes. It is a wheater.
Recently found your channel and really enjoy it. Very informative and great information for a newbie like me. I too am a survivor, my oldest son and father. I did work with military families going through the same thing, but after awhile it ate me up and spit me out. So I fish, hunt drink good bourbon and whisky, not in that order!
Sweet name! Glad to have you! Sorry to hear about your struggles, but glad to be a part of us all collectivizing pushing forward.
Thank you and I look forward to catching up on your older vlogs and I am subscribed and notified so I will not miss any! And yes we do share a great name!
My first episode, I totally love it! Hi to everyone here! Keep doing what you're doing Brother!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Great channel. Very informative even for an old bourbon drinker like myself. Thanks, Bill
If an experienced drinker likes my content I am going to call that a win!
Garrison Brothers are really fighting an uphill battle with their prices. There is just too much really good Kentucky bourbon sitting on the shelf next to them at much lower prices. They need a more "entry level" product to get people in. If I could get a bottle of something from them for $35-$40 then I'd be game. Get me in the door. The $80 entry point into their products gets me to walk on by their door and not even take a peak inside.
It is tough. Even at those prices they lost money something like 11 out of 12 of their first years.
Way too pricey
Yeah their small batch is like $80 2 yr old... Tastes like an ashtray at a bar after i spilled knob creek in it.
@@BourbonRealTalkwhat made them lose money? Too much overhead costs, or ? Other brands at half that costs are making good money
@@clydekimsey7503 Their materials input costs are very high. They use small barrels that cost about the same as a full size. Their grain is more expensive. Their still is very inefficient compared to big KY column stills. They don't have economies of scale.They had heavy costs for brand expansion, but didn't yet have the sales to support it. It all worked out in the long run. They are doing good now.
I’m trying to understand Texas whiskey style more so I can enjoy it. How is it that the hot Texas weather can pull lots of barrel flavor in a short time, but still have that harsh flavor of alcohol that is typically found in young whiskey? It seems Texas style whiskey matures quicker in some ways but not in others? Is there a catch 22 in Texas whiskey aging? I love your channel, Thank you!
Likely the most insightful question to date on this channel. The answer is complicated, but I think I have an answer so I am going to try.
The "youthful" flavor of some whiskey IMO is a lack of balance between the flavor compounds and the ethanol. Those things work themselves out with time as chemical reactions happen in the barrel. Those reactions do not have the chance to take place in TX because they have to stop the aging process before it can take place due to over extraction and evaporative loss. These flavors are intensified by the excess grain flavor left in the distillate by pot stills as apposed to column stills. This means that if people perceive grain flavor as youthful and off balanced, anyone who has that opinion is going to always think TX whiskey is youthful and off balanced. This is because of aging environment and because of the stills we use. This is why I tell people that TX whiskey was never supposed to tasted like KY bourbon.
Interesting side note. I had a conversation with a TX distiller about the additional grain flavor left in the distillate by the pot still. I asked if you aged the bourbon in a softer climate and gave the barrels time to age would that youthful grain flavor go away, and he said no. His belief is that the grain flavor in TX whiskey left by the still is too intense to ever be mellowed out by aging...in any environment. So with that in mind TX whiskey is going to have to be TX whiskey and people who only like KY whiskey are going to have to decide not to drink it...unless we start to see some column still whiskey like that made by Still Austin called the Musician!
Hope this helps.
@@BourbonRealTalk This helps a lot! Thank you for taking the time.
I love Giant. Tastes like you just opened a bag of chicken feed and that takes me back to when I owned an orchard and had chickens. Love it.
Glad you love it!
You've successfully convinced me to buy a bottle of Mellow Corn, despite being fairly certain that I'll dislike it. Even if it's not for me, the experience is easily worth the price of admission.
Your discussion of Basil Hayden and the Suntory Beam brand generally makes me wonder why Knob Creek is so rarely mentioned, even while similarly ubiquitous and similarly (or higher) priced offerings like Wild Turkey 101, Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, etc. constantly come up in "Best Value" or "Best for the price" type lists. I've got a bottle of Booker's, and I think I enjoy the Knob Creek more (since the Booker's has an upsetting cherry flavor to which I seem to be sensitive).
I buy a lot to stuff I think I won't like...including pappy 20. I share most of my whiskey so it doesn't mater it I don't like it because it always gets drank. I have knob creek in my value bourbons under $40. Just have not released it yet.
@@BourbonRealTalk Yeah, unfortunately I've only really started paying attention to whiskey since the pandemic, which puts a damper on the social aspect to large degree. Previously, I'd drank and enjoyed various whiskeys, but hadn't really paid as much attention as I probably should have.
That said, I'm also sympathetic to the solitary enjoyment of whiskey at home, where there are fewer distractions to keep you from appreciating every sip as much or more than the last.
@@gmofftarki I find that a whiskey drinking experience is a special as you make it in your mind. Cheers!
Great videos! Love the outro! Thank you for spreading positivity, especially these days!
You are so welcome! You seem like you might be a good fit for our free member community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
I really enjoyed this video. I haven’t tried any of the Texas offerings yet, they are on my list now.
There are some good ones in TX, but most are pot still bourbon which are very different from KY. Still Austin has a column still bourbon and a new rye that any bourbon drinker would love.
Great piece. However, your basic philosophy is what i truly find inspiring! Keep it up!
Thank you very much, and thank you for the support!
Really liking the channel Randy. Your positivity and enthusiasm definitely shine through!
Thank you for the support!
first time i have watched your content, already subscribed. great information with an even better message! god bless!
Thank you for your support!
Where in the bejesus did you see a Mellow Corn SiB? I have to have one.
I have never seen one. I just know they exist because I interviewed Bernie Lubbers and he explained they sometimes do them for really important accounts. They lose money on them, so there are not very many.
Your closing thoughts is spectacular and inspirational. I’m a fan. Cheers!
I appreciate that! Thank you for the support.
Randy i see the Michter's 10 and KY Owl over your head and I am so envious, can't find em, can't wait to try em, btw love you bro.
If you are ever in the Dallas area you are welcome to come try them at my house. Love you to man!
New to the channel. Love the research. Not helping me climb out of the rabbit hole. In FloMo. Curious of your geography in Texas
I live in Prosper north of Dallas.
I'm watching this one even as I type, and I notice that you don't cover anything from Balcones Distilling. Now I'm still pretty new to whisky - I've been drinking it for just over a year - and it may be that my experience is anomalous. It may be that the whiskies you touch on do in fact divide people far more than anything from Balcones. But in my experience a sure way to get some people up in arms is to praise anything from Balcones. Now it happens that my two favorite whiskies - they're tied for first place - are from Balcones Distilling, and the first one (Texas Pot Still Bourbon) I tried and loved before I realized that some people will metaphorically spit at the name of the distiller. I don't know why those who hate Balcones do so - I've not received a single explanation of it, though one guy did say that the Pot Still Bourbon is a single note whisky, which to him it may be - but the best guess I can come up with is that nothing they produce tastes like the standard stuff (e.g. their bourbon is much richer and bolder and flavorful than Kentucky bourbon, with different notes than you commonly find in Kentucky bourbon). Anyway, that's my experience - others' experience may differ. :)
Oh, one more thing. Garrison Brothers is the first legal BOURBON distillery in Texas, but Balcones Distilling is the first legal WHISKY distillery in Texas, beginning in 2008 (their first run was in 2009). It's just that they didn't begin with bourbon, so Garrison Brothers had bourbon in the market first.
Thanks for the clarification! I didn't have balcones because the reason for people being upset with it are the same as Garrison, and it would be redundant.
Subscribed after hearing the closing monologue. Yes, we need more positivity in this world!
Thank you!
This is awesome and much needed to get thoughts about some interesting pours. As always..
As always a great show.
I am drinking mellow corn right now...which as I mention is $12-$16 and isn't a bourbon. Anyone trashing it...I question their palate.
Awesome information. Thanks and God bless you and your family!
Same to you!
TX Blended got me into whiskey after bad experiences in college. Great for new whiskey/bourbon drinkers. I get nothing but vanilla in the flavor profile with sweet.
I tastes like captain crunch to me 🤣
Great video! I can’t wait to get my bourbon aroma kit 😍
Truly appreciate the support!
i've never tried mellow corn - gonna get a bottle and give it a try
For the price it is a solid pour!
@@BourbonRealTalk looking forward to it!
Thanks so much for videos like this explaining the importance of inclusion and acceptance. I've found the whiskey community (from my experience) to be exclusive and judgmental and I appreciate you taking time to break down those barriers. Cheers
The online community is mostly filled with trolls who's mommy didn't hold them enough when they were a baby...or held them too much...not sure which. In person the community is almost always amazing. I have spend the last few years building an online community that has a culture of inclusion. You are welcome to join. It is called Someone Say Whiskey and it is on Facebook.
Love Mellow Corn. It is amazing for the price, and the ignorance of the process is the biggest issues.
Agreed!
@@BourbonRealTalk Right now I do not have it, but I find Mellow Corn and Balcones Baby Blue always make me really happy.
I think it's the packaging. It's kinda cartoonish. Whiskey is like any other product in that respect. Marketing and packaging directly affect sales.
Wow. Excellent whiskey education going on here. Thanks for a fun and high quality show!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your channel is a cornucopia of information. LOvE iT !!!
OMG! This makes my heart happy!
Gotta love the rye humor! ;-)
I just found your channel. Great content and I love your message at the end. Im sorry for your loss love you to brother.
Thanks for the love and the support!
I am in Greenville tx. Where in tx are you? Love your content.
Not far. I living in Prosper.
Bravo! Loved your closing comments.
Thank you for the support!
Willett pot still is wheated, and I like it. I have been to the Willett distillery 2 or 3 times in Bardstown, very nice people
This is an old video. I don't think I said it was rye based, but if I did I was mistaken. It is extremely spicy for a wheated bourbon.
Fast forward to 2023, TX makes some of the best Bourbon in Texas and bought a PGA Golf Course and restored it as their new Fort Worth Distillery. It’s an awesome brand!!!
I have been impressed with TX's progress.
Tx whiskey is good to me. I've had several bottles and I get alot of vanilla. I really enjoy it. It's a good whiskey to get started sipping.
It is just too much flavor for some people. I hate it when they say it is bad. I am always thinking, you just can't handle all the flavor 😂
Never seen a light tan Caribou Crossing bottle. Is that a special release?
No, my wife liked the bottle so she applied a paint treatment to the inside of the glass to make it a whiskey room decoration.
Basil is a family favorite. One loves the high rye even more than what you featured. Love you too bourbon lovers!
All love! Thank you for the support.
That's a big bottle of pot still special reserve! I just got a bottle in FL, can't get it in MI. Paid $52.
For a whiskey that no one likes it sure is hard to find...that was the only bottle I could get ahold of for the recording.
Agree! A friend who is a much bigger collector than I am, told me 52 was a fantastic price for it.
I’m sorry to hear about your brother. God bless
Thank you!
TX Whiskey - have to agree with the host. Because it is a sweet whiskey, I place it in the desert whiskey group. While it is on the sweeter side, it has a more complex flavor. Found it a pleasurable summer drink.
Glad you liked the content.
Dickel 12 is aged between 5-8 years. The "12" on the label isn't an age statement.
Shit! Diageo strikes again with their dishonest marketing tactics! You are correct. I am sorry for my mistake.
'ff Diageo.
Same tactics with this year's Woodford release. They have a big 16 on the bottle . That actually means it's the 16th bottle in the series as well changing the shape of the bottle.
Why is Garrison Brothers so expensive? I bought other quality TX whiskey from Balcones, Treaty Oak, Andelusia, ect that have more reasonable prices.
Garrison is an over 200 acre location. They grow some of their own grain and have had failed crops. The use 30 gallon barrels that cost the same as 53 gallon barrels, but can only age about 1/2 the whiskey. Not sure about Treaty Oak, but I have been told that Balcones and Andelusia are still loosing money too.
It is hard for people to wrap their heads around this, but most of the TX distilleries entire production per year is less than the amount of whiskey Buffallo Trace or Heaven Hill spills. The economy of scale just isn't there.
Thanks for your positive and understanding massage
My pleasure. Have you joined our community facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity?
Beautiful message at the end.
Thank you! Also, thank you for the support.
Awesome episode, thanks for the insight!
Glad you enjoyed it!
You're a sincere dude...subbed.
Thank you for the support!
Basil Haden is ‘hated’ because it has a much lower proof and more expensive than OGD. People don’t like getting ripped off.
That is fair, but the comments I got were not about quality price ratio but flavor which I found interesting.
On Garrison, I taste way too much wood🙄
That is fair. They use small barrels and age in TX. Lots of extraction.
Bravo 👏 well done sir and cheers 🍻
Thank you for the support!
Thank you brother I love you too... Your brother lives with me now... RIP Hope you all have a wonderful day. From the Cognac Mountain boys ;)
I appreciate that! Glad to have friends named the Cognac Mountain Boys!
Willett put out very herbaceous whiskey. Its either a cinnamon bomb, eucalyptys/mint thing... That you either love or hate. Super cinnamon forward whiskey always reminds me of Willett.
That is fair, which is why when I did the blind I put it against ryes even though it was a bourbon. People liked it when they had it in a blind. Has anyone ever blinded you on WPS?
At the price, old granddad 114 is what basil hayden should be. I just wish I could find ogd 114. Seems to be missing in action.so for me, the hate for basil hayden is easy to understand. Price is totally out of whack. And a much lesser proof.
OGD was hard to find here for a bit, but I have seen it lately. Currently out of BiB.
Dickel 12 is "Recipe 12“ not 12 years old. It's actually about 8 years old, BTW.
I am an idiot. Someone pointed that out to me and I added a disclaimer to the description.
Gahhhh you are a cool ass dude. Love the attitude towards whisky
Thanks man! I really appreciate that.
H.M Blanton's basically the holy grail for new people and a lot gatekeepers acting like it's the worst bourbon ever
I actually recorded a short segment on Blanton's but edited it out because the piece was too long. Basically nothing wrong with Blanton's. Good bourbon, but for people who search for it for years it can be a letdown when they try it and it isn't significantly better than some other shelfers they were drinking all along.
Bottle is better then the juice! Tons of bourbon i rather drink at 60.00(will never get that price) OF 1920 and Rare Breed blow the doors off Blantons
@@victorsommo1822 definitely great marketing especially with the horses that spell out blantons. One of those if I see it at retail I'll pick it up but not way over msrp
i will die on mellow corn hill. truly legendary bottle
If someone tells me how bad mellow corn is...I feel like they are telling me something about them, not the whiskey.
I personally enjoy Garrison Brothers and drank it often on over ice. The TX whiskey I will use as a mixing whiskey I haven’t tried the others except for George Dickel which I enjoy over Ice.
Nice!
Do you find the TX Whisky on the sweet side? Tried a bottle and enjoyed it.
@@JE-western-rider yes but enjoyed it
@@JE-western-rider Absolutely! It is on the sweet side for me too.
@@BourbonRealTalk It was a more complex sweet which I appreciated, however, I would not buy it again.
I didn’t think the Dickel 12 means 12 years old.
It doesn't . I am an idiot. Someone pointed that out to me and I added a disclaimer to the description.
I'm starting to see more and more 'hate' geared towards Balcones. A lot of this I believe comes from the hype combined with its fairly low distribution. Some coming from it being the quintessential Texas whisky with that 'punch' you get from an honest Texas drink. The rest of the hate comes from folks who try just one offering. You can't judge Balcones by just one offering.
I cannot stand Brimstone. Absolutely disgusting to me. However, the Wheated Bourbon is my #2 drink after Old Weller. Don't like Baby Blue. Worship the Texas Single Malt. Meh on the Grand Cru, Adored the Shiner. And this list continues (though there are more Loves than Hates).
The folks at Balcones love to experiment, of that there is no doubt.
Eating lunch with their brand ambassador in 2 hours. Love Balcones. Didn't include them since the comments would be about the same for them as Garrison Bros. Bottom line, Balcones was never meant to taste like KY bourbon. It is potstill and very grain forward. It may not be to your profile, but that doesn't make it bad and it doesn't mean people should not like it. Your palate likes what it likes.
Polarizing whiskeys with an 'e'... could have included some Irish whiskey!
None came up when I asked the question of my whiskey club
💋
Cheers!
I *love* Garrison Brothers. I’ve never been crazy about TX, though.
In all fairness that are two TOTALLY different whiskeys.
@@BourbonRealTalk True...and after this video I know way more about TX than I did before. Love the channel. Great work.
Hudson is very mediocre especially for the price but I fully respect the distillery for being the trailblazer for NY craft spirits.
Hudson has a unique flavor created by its potstill processes and grains. Not good. Not bad. Just being what it is. If it is mediocre for you I totally understand. I just don't want others to see this an assume it is a bad pour without trying it for themselves. There are a lot of people that this whiskey matches their palate. People need to try for themselves to decide.
I like dudes sweaty pits. Was he filming in a sauna or most likely the morning after a bender
Sorry about that. I tend to run a little hot and the A/C on my second floor had a small leak in the coil at this time. It worked, but it had a hard time keeping up. Replaced the coil, so all good now. Cheers.