10 Bourbons to Start Your Collection
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
- #WhiskeyTube #Bourbon #FredMinnick
Are you new to bourbon? Are you wanting to start a collection? These 10 bourbons will get you in the right direction for starting your collection.
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Wild Turkey 101
Always my favourite and i pray wild turkey never to stop making wild turkey 101 and rare breed .
You misspelled RARE BREED ❤❤
My favorite. So good
Wild Turkey is king for bourbon in my opinion. WT 101, Rare Breed, Kentucky Spirit, Russell Reserve. There isn’t a better product line up in bourbon for me and all of it is available for purchase on the shelf. The price of Kentucky Spirt is a little steep but it is still delicious.
Spend a few extra bucks and get the Makers 46 instead of regular Makers Mark.
Absolutely correct sir!
Definitely!
The cask strength is also yummy!!!
Wild Turkey 101...can find it anywhere, a brand that’s stood the test of time, very versatile - drink it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail
Rare Breed is my go to
Wild Turkey 101 is a staple and a fantastic daily sipper due to its price, availability, and taste. Elijah Craig is next for me after WT 101.
Totally new to bourbon as a sipper and have to say 101 has set the bench high, I bought a few more highly rated bourbons and I keep judging them against 101 and can't find better. I can't believe my quest stops here. I'm no stranger to high proof, as a Scot and malt drinker but 101 has something special.
I would say for price and availability, Wild Turkey 101 or Elijah Craig small batch are both insanely good!
ECSB has been tatered everywhere I go. It's like the new Pappy now so good luck finding it and at MSRP.
Depends on what you’re paying for them. 101 is €38 here in Ireland
@@murphyebass7837 $40 for a handle where I am. Evan Williams BiB is nearly as good and at $25 for a handle, it's my go-to.
@@prestonorrick3498 ah don’t get me wrong €38 isn’t bad for a decent 50% abv bourbon but still when you hear how much certain places in the states pay for it it becomes a hard pill to swallow.
Fred, I just finished Bourbon Curious. Great read. Also, thanks for supporting my local distillery, Whiskey Acres. I've got the same hat and wear it often! Your first 10 bourbon suggestions are right on. I would almost throw in a high proofer just to diversify and kick things up a bit. One of my first bottles was Old Forester 1920, which was fun to keep going back to as I learned more and more about tasting whisky (without the "e", old forester style ;) ) It also was fun to play around with adding water, adding an ice cube, and learning where my tastes lie.
Great video. I still love to watch videos like this, brings me back to the roots of getting into bourbon. Four roses single barrel was prob my first big purchase back in the day. Totally agree with old forester, I think it’s a must have
As usual great list Fred and I always appreciate your wide variety of flavors and cost. There is something for everyone on this list.
Thx for your service from retired USAF and thx for the great content.
-These helped me understand the ingredients and seperate grain smells....Bulleit Rye (straight rye helped teach me the rye smell and taste), Mellow Corn (Straight Corn to help understand with that smell and taste) and Nikka Coffey Malt Whiskey for the malt notes...Not Bourbons but great teachers for my bourbon journey.
-My ten first bourbons as a newb, Wild Turkey Rare Breed (didn't know this wasn't where to start), Buffalo Trace (first completed bottle), Elijah Craig, 1792, Evan Williams single barrel (because it was delicious and $27 for an almost 8 year old I got a second bottle), Michter's small batch US 1 (cause 'Merica), Horse Soldier the trio (supporting those who did more than most), Old Forester Statesman, 4 Roses, and Bardstown Discovery 3 (thx ADHD).
Solid list Fred. Thanks.
Love me some Barrell Bourbon!!!! Must have for sure
Love the video Fred! I got lucky. This is my second year and I have 2 bottles of cigar blend. I love the blended bourbons and finished. Regular Buffalo trace is wonderful.
Old Bardstown 101, Knob Creek 100, Russell's 90, Yellowstone, Four Rose's Sjngle Barrel , Michter's 90, Old Fotrster 1897, Belle Meade Cask Strength, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Old Forester 1920.
McKenna, if you can find.
Thanks for the info Fred, I think I have at least 8 of the brands you mentioned. I still feel new to the whisky world but my collection is over 100 bottles now including some Irish and Scotch. 🥃
Good list. I have BTrace, ERare and OF100 here in Iowa.
Great advice. I would choose Maker's 101 over regular Maker's
Nice selection of mostly obtainable stuff with a wide price range. I dig it!
When I first got into sipping whiskey neat around 2016 I will never forget finding the Henry McKenna. It was 10 years old, single barrel BIB for $35. I picked up a few bottles and enjoyed it with friends all the way around thinking it would last forever. Well…..
I've only recently started to explore bourbons. My initial entry has been Buffalo Trace, which is generally very easy to find in northern New Jersey. I'm not a sipper by any means, but I have grown very fond of Old-Fashioneds and Manhattans with Buffalo Trace. Many restaurants don't have Buffalo Trace on the shelf, so when I order an Old-Fashioned at a restaurant they usually have Makers Mark which is also very enjoyable. These are great tips and I'll certainly consider some of the bottles that Fred has mentioned here.
Hey Fred, Great video. I wish you had been around when I started drinking bourbon. I had to come up with my own list. I broke my bourbon cherry with Jim Beam. But once I got serious about it, my first collection building bottle was a well researched purchase of Eagle Rare. Loved it and been drinking bourbon ever since. Added Elijah Craig next... love the story of a Baptist preacher creating bourbon. Then added Four Roses Single Barrel to my collection. Rounding out my initial top ten were Knob Creek, 1792, Jefferson’s Ocean, Woodford Reserve, Angel’s Envy, and Buffalo Trace. Thanks for the tip on Woodenville!
My first for sipping was Four Roses small batch, EW 1783, Gentleman Jack. Now I have like 40-50 bottles of bourbon. Thanks for recommending Wilderness Trail in several videos. My first impressions of their standard BiB product is amazing.
Great list and good to see I have most of them in my collection.. One thing I have to say is I am a Texan living in Washington. Woodinville Bourbon is one of the best, but I rotate that with Balcones Bourbon... and lucky for me the local ""Big Box" liquor store carries them both, although I do go to the Woodinville Distillery every few months to resupply...
I can't wait till Bardstown Bourbon company's stock really comes of age. I hear their blends are amazing.
Great video. 4R SB, BT, 1792 BiB and KC are all on my shelf right now!
I am new to the Bourbon world (only 4 months) so this is a great video for me.
Love this look on you, Fred! Have to agree that Evan Williams B-in-B is an outstanding everyday drinker (and cocktail ingredient), especially at the price.
Woodinville has really surprised me. I saw something about it on social media and bought it REALLY early on because I got lucky and just so happened to be taking a vacation right next to a shop that had a few. They have grown so fast. Crazy.
Great list here buddy! Gotta have that leveled up bottle in the collection for sure. Agreed about 4 Roses. Now I’m thirsty 🥃
Great list! Russell's 10 and Knob Creek are both great bourbons and excellent value that are great in cocktails and splendid sippers. I'd also put WT101 in here because it's the swiss army knife of bourbons at a great price.
WT101 amazing bottle for the price!!!
I am just getting into the collection status...I’ve got a good selection going but one that I’ve found early in my hunting is Old Elk, it’s really good and I recommend it to everyone one who is looking for something new, I also have started to recommend Kelsey Creek Special Reserve Single Barrel
Loving the Whiskey Acres hat! I like seeing local distilleries represented in places I wouldn't expect it.
No Elijah Craig Small Batch? I might be biased because it is the "starter" bourbon that I cut my teeth on. Still hits above it's price point and a great introduction to bourbons beyond the 80 proof minimum.
Fred loved your book, enjoying your TH-cam channel. Fell down the bourbon rabbit hole during the pandemic and I will say, I have always loved Blanton’s and when it became obvious that it was gonna be a chore to find I began looking for something that could be a good substitute. I think a great starter for most people is the Woodford Reserve Double Oak. Also, EH Taylor small batch if you can find one!
Cheers!
Solid lineup, Fred.
Great list! Wish I had this a year ago! EH Taylor small batch is a great starter
Great list Fred. I had a coworker ask me a similar question recently and Here is my list I gave him (in no particular order) I think if someone gets into Bourbon they still wouldn’t outgrow it and all can be found between $30-70 fairly easily. Keep up the great vids.
1) Rare breed or Wild Turkey 101
2) Old forester 1920
3) Eagle Rare
4) Elija Craig Barrel Proof
5) Jack Daniels single barrel barrel proof
6) Bell Mead reserve or Smoke Wagon Uncut unfiltered (need a good high rye MGP)
7) Makers mark 101 (great sleeper bottle and need at least one wheater, the extra $15 over the standard Makers is well worth it IMO)
8) Knob Creek 10-15 year 120 proof store pick
9) Remus repeal reserve
10) Michters American whiskey
Thank you. Great list
My "hard to find" is Blue Note Uncut. My barrel was #15046, 116.5 proof, and it is my new favorite bourbon. A barrel pick at a store I don't go to because their prices are really high, but this was a steal at $43. I am going back to get a couple more before they are gone.
Wild Turkey 101, OGD 114, Old Forester 100, Larceny, Early Times BIB, Belle Meade Cask Strength, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Evan Williams Black Label, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Cooper's Craft
I was just about to suggest a few of those you have listed. I may suggest OGD BIB, EW Sib, Col E H Taylor Small Batch & SiB if you can find it now, 1792 Full Proof, Jim Beam Double Age or Distillers Cut (discontinued) or new SiB and Micthers.
Shhhhh on ECBP.
Cool. I guess the Larceny was a good call.
You're a Pro!
Being in BC, Canada the variety is somewhat limited and, with exchange rates and duty, prices are always higher (though equivalent for the most part with Washington State). I actually started with Knob Creek and enjoy it. I have just started to create a collection though since prior to that I was collecting BC craft whiskey and a few other Canadian distillery products. I have a few listed on here but, for the most part, they are hard to find (private liquor stores only and they really vary on what they have).
I had the opportunity when I was in Lexington KY to go over to the plant and hand dip my own reserve Makers Mark. But my brother in law had the bottle finished within a few hours of it setting in my kitchen while I was at work.
I would add Ezra Brooks 90 proof. It is fantastic, and $14. It's one of my daily drinkers. Keep up the great work.
oh that's a good one
Solid list Fred. Coopers Craft Barrel Reserve would be another great add to the list. Old Forrester is a staple in my collection. Gotta trip coming up to Fort Lewis, will hunt around for some Woodenville. 🥃🇺🇸
OG Maker's Mark and Cask Strength were 2 of my first bottles and they treated me so kindly
The OG Maker's gave me that sweet gentle sip I wanted as a beginner, and the CS gave me that moment of understanding; that realization that behind the burn and the spicy barrel notes, there's a rollercoaster of flavor potential
I would happily recommend them both to anyone who's looking to cut their teeth in the hobby
In Colorado, Buffalo trace is readily available on the shelves. Anything else however, not so much.
That Evan Williams B&B is the best of my first five of my collection I started last week.
Woodinville.. sooooo good!!
Available at Costco Seattle region
Great list and very happy to see the Angel’s Envy and Barrel get some love.
Evan Williams BiB was the first bottle I bought when I started getting into Bourbon 🥃 I have never looked back! It is spectacular and for the price, unbeatable!
I'm a big fan of Elijah Craig myself.
Nailed it!
Two questions, sir: What would be your next 10 (or 20) suggestions?!
And, was, by any chance, that hat sourced?
If there was a time machine to say 2014 I’d add Blanton’s to the list.
I think Bulleit could be thrown in here. WT 101 for sure. For non Kentucky ones, No. 9 slipknot and Steeple Ridge Bourbon both from Iowa.
Old Forester has never really done it for me. I’ve been to the distillery, great tour! Great history no doubt! But I’ve tried a handful of the different ones and never can seem to be too excited about them. Perhaps some of the ones I haven’t had would do it! Who knows? Great list though, definitely going to strive to get some more of these at the ready in my collection!
Old Forester Rye (I know you mentioned the OF line, but specifically this one)
$22 here in FL. Harder to find now so I buy them when I see them. Have 9 bottles ATM
Just did a blind taste test w best friend "5 ryes under $30" and far away this stood out as #1 for both of us (over Knob Creek, Bulleit, Redemption and Sazerac ryes)
Thanks Man.You try the best.and never shame those of us that don’t have infinite access to the best.Class act..Still wanna know if the 2020 Michters 10.yr is great or just ok.
Thanks - Interesting mix. Agree on the EW BIB. I love that bourbon and it is so affordable. I like the Knob 9, but not as much as others in the same price range. Surprised about Old Tub - I have never had it, but it seems to be almost universally hated in the lineups I have listened to. Can't go wrong with Maker's. But where I live you can't find Buffalo Trace (and when you do, it's $60). I've just missed Eagle Rare 10 for $40 by one day. Hope I catch it again next time they get some.
I’m very new to bourbon but enjoying it. I like the 4 Roses single barrel best so far. Also liked Woodford Reserve double oaked & Makers Mark.
I guess I'll have to finally try 4 roses. The Woodford reserve double Oaked is my favorite so far.
Good to see 1792 BiB getting the love. It's really good and you don't hear people talking about that one.
7 of 10 in the current stash, plus the Eagle Rare and Old Forrester
Great list my next purchases will be to try a couple of those 1792's and OF 1910 & 1920.
I was pleasantly surprised that I have every one of these bottles except the Woodinville. I gave a Woodinville bottle as a gift but don't have one of my own will have to pick one up. The 4 Rose's single barrell I really think is tremendous such depth of flavor.
Yet again this list just proves that there is absolutely no reason to search out over priced 🦄 for an actual bourbon drinker. If this would stop prices would come down where they should be..
You're right. I never have or will pay secondary. I don't even shop at the liquor stores that have overpriced secondary. I let them know about that too. Hopefully more people will stop buying secondary. It's not worth it.
Hello 🙏 I was wondering with the Wilderness Trail Rye with your Name stamped on the bottle. Is this the barrel your picked or is it general information on a rye bourbon you agree to be delicious?
Great video and list Fred. Love the Old Tub I’ll have to check out the EW BIB
For the price, EW BIB is a really nice pour. Cheers.
Good look on that 1792 BiB. I had a barrel proof 1792 several months back and it was magic
I just got a 1792 barrel proof single barrel store pick a couple days ago. Big win.
Best bourbon I've ever tasted was during a tour of Barton's- 1792 when a group doing a barrel pick invited our small tour group to taste with them. It was amazing!
Would be curious if you have had the opportunity to taste any of the Joseph Magnus offerings. Their cigar blend is wonderful.
Must concur with the Wild Turkey 101 crowd. Great value bourbon and available!
OGD 114 for an easy journey into a higher proof at a very reasonable price. Maybe one day we can add Pursuit United to this list once it becomes more available... Absolutely delicious!
I needed some water to tone down the OGD 114. I don't think I'm ready for barrel proof yet.
@@rurugby OGD BIB 100 Proof and its a few bucks cheaper.
Rowans Creek. Just got my first bottle, awesome pour!
I started on Makers! Kinda hard to find but for under $20 Very old barton 100. Mckenna sour mash also
Great starter list! My journey is just beginning and I was very pleased to find some of these in my collection. A few I have that were not mentioned in your list, but are readily available in my area, are Early Times BiB ($28), OGD 114 ($26), and Wild Turkey 101 ($18). Thanks for continuing to give us quality content and fantastic advice and information. Cheers!
i had to check 7 stores before i could find Early Times BIB. what a great bourbon for $25 a liter! WT101 is at least $20 here (I actually paid $26 - I am ashamed)
Iv’e heard mixed reviews on the Old Tub. Gonna break down & get a bottle. Great video
Had 4 of these at the house now. Also found an eagle rare and weller s.r. in the last week
Anyone ever try Wilderness Trail 6 year? It's a sweet mash, wheated bourbon. They bottle it at 100 proof. It's damn good juice. I tried blending some with Four Roses single barrel in a glass. I think the Rye took over. I'd love to try adding it to an infinity bottle with some Angels Envy.
Fred, I really like that you handed the reins to a guest host (a relative of yours, I'm guessing) for this episode. Can't wait for you and your ascot to return for the next episode.
I laughed so hard at this. Thank you!
I work at a PA state store and have been an advocate for Old Tub since we got it many months ago. We sell it for $16.95 and it is shockingly good for the price. So glad this was on your list as I refer many bourbon beginners and more seasoned drinkers to it. I'm a real fan of yours and appreciate your channel.
Awesome. You’re doing God’s work, my friend!!!
Hey Fred,
Curious to hear your thoughts on Iron Wolf Distillery Bourbon in Spicewood, TX if/when you can get around to tasting it.
When i really want to drink some great ones i start with four roses small batch 90proof or buffalo trace 90proof and then move to either knob creek small batch 100 proof or evan william 100 proof bottle in bond or wild turkey 101proof and end with either wild turkey rare breed or elijah craig barrel proof or either jack daniel single barrel barrel proof or knob creek 120proof single barrel . Keep it within us pls and i pray heaven hill / jack daniels /wild turkey and knob creek please keep my mentioned whiskey keep coming and please please please don’t stop making them at the price they offer now 🙏🏻
Oh snap, was not expecting to see Woodinville here. My current favorite new brand! Shhhh... And the port finished option...wooow!!! Love the love for Russel's 10yr. I feel like that bottle just doesn't get the respect it deserves. As for EW bib, y'all can go buy it all up. What do you think of the shorter neck and new label for it? I'm not a fan. I would add OF or Woodford, and OGD bib or 114.
Love BT, but it's almost impossible to get around here, and when you can it's way overpriced -- last time I saw it it was over $60. And we here in MD don't have the ability to buy liquor online yet. So my gotos these days are Old Forester 100 and Wild Turkey 101, and an OF 1920 when I can find one for a reasonable price.
I've got 7 of those and I'm an Irish Whiskey guy.
10 bourbons for me to recommend, all mostly under $30 with two Irish Whiskey's tossed in at the bottom for good measure:
Evan Williams Black Label, White Label, Single Barrel
Ezra Brooks (80 proof)
Old Grand Dad 114, Old Grand Dad Bonded
Fighting Cock 103
Old Forester Signature 100
Bushmills Black Bush
Jameson Green Label (original)
Out of the ones above, I almost always have a bottle of Evan Williams BiB on hand. $25 for 1.75 liters is a steal and it hits all the right notes for me. Great flavor and has the alcohol burn I love. I guess I'm more into a strong burn finish than smoothness. You'd be hard pressed to find a better bourbon at $25, especially when it comes in 1.75 liters at that price point. Concerning the Irish that I've listed, Bushmills is just fantastic and cheap. I like the change-up from strong bourbons to a more mellow Irish.
Just curious. I’ve watched a few videos and I don’t ever see anyone talk bout bulliet. What are your thoughts on bulliet ?
Great list - but easily replace that skanky Old Tub with WT101 for the same price or less. And yes, OF100 or 1920 need to be on your shelf....enjoyed this video....thanks
Love Knob Creek
Fred,
What are your thoughts on
Evan bottled in bond?
George Remus got me started. I like high rye bourbon too!
Have you ventured into Repeal Reserve? II & III were sublime
@@michaelkoehler269 No. Have a bottle of IV that I'll crack open for Valentines Day with the Mrs. Can't wait!
On my shelf atm, all four Old Forester whiskey rows, Buffalo Trace, Weller SR, Garrison Brothers, Redemption wheated, Knob Creek, Bulleit, and Maker’s. I need some kind of high tone rare-ish bourbon to finish it off.
(Even though Weller and BT are damn near impossible to find where I live, and I count myself lucky to have what I do, I don’t count those as rare).
I'm just finishing my first bottle of Garrison Brothers. Love it! Its a store pick and now I don't want to drink my other bourbons.
Great hat! Whiskey Acres👍
Love Angels Envy. I can get Buffalo Trace at Walmart where I live. I am not a beginner, have 75 open bottles. But, I do like this list, thanks.
Is there a certain blend or style of Buffalo Trace bourbon that is best?
If you want a nice, impressive, harder-to-find bourbon (but not nearly as hard to find as BTAC or Pappy), the Four Roses Barrel Proof store picks or the Old Forrester Barrel Proof store picks are consistently excellent bottles.
I had the Old Forester 1910. Holy hell that was awesome!
Makers Mark 46 is a good one too.
Great list, Fred. There is a 1792 Bottled in Bond store pick in Claremore...I'd be glad to grab you one and get it to you when you're in Tulsa.
best grab it for that trip of mine coming up. :)
@@FredMinnick already got it! It's sitting here on my bar waiting for you.
I love mckenna 10!
Here are my 10 bourbons for SHTF prepping and extended grid down situations. 1 case of
12 year small batch Elijah Craig, 6 - 1.75L (the old labels yes)
5 Blanton's.
5 Henry McKenna
5 Eagle Rare
4 four Roses SBS
2 Joseph Magnus
12 Buffalo Trace (only $19.99 here in Cali so bought a case)
1 - Blood Oath Pact 6 (just curious to try it)
5 Tullimoore Dew
4 Seagrams 7 (high school nostalgia).
Bonus stocked up on all bitters, Amarena Fabbri Cherries, and sugar cubes. Have an orange tree out back.
Great video - would like to see similar with picks 11-30 or so.
Buffalo Trace
Eagle Rare
Stagg JR
WT101
Rare Breed
Knob Creek
Old Tub
Four Roses SiB
Elijah Craig
ECBP
HMK10
OF1920
Makers 101
Belle Meade Reserve
There's my 10 :-)
4 roses small batch, woodford reserve and double oaked, Larceny, old grand dad bib, wild turkey 101 and rare breed, old forester 86, 100, rye, 1910 and 1920, bulleit, mitchers, eagle rare
Solid
I love all of michters bottles. I keep seeing eagle rare and old forrester in people's mentions. Are they that good?
Larceny. I just plain love it. But not the $45 price here in 🇨🇦
Love the hat, Fred. Illinois bourbon! Whiskey Acres
I would add Wild Turkey 101, Gentleman Jack, and I agree Knob Creek is good stuff.
I found you through Mash & Drum this week. I'd love to hear your rum recommendations! My wife turned me onto them and there are so many good ones out there. It's a market full of amazing sippers.
Thanks for hopping by. I wrote a rum book called Rum Curious and it's got my love for rum all in there. But Appleton and Foursquare are two faves... www.amazon.com/Rum-Curious-Indispensable-Tasting-Worlds/dp/0760351732/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rum+curious&qid=1612577473&sr=8-1
@@FredMinnick wow! Thanks for responding. I've been overwhelmed at the sheer number of products out there although the first 10 or so sippers we've purchased haven't disappointed. Definitely buying that book. Thanks again!
@@alanpawlowski1202Foursquare Distillery puts out some amazing product under their parent line. It's all non chill filtered with no additives such as added sugar or coloring.
Plantation XO 20 is a fantastic Rum. My wife loves it.