Bourbons

[CoventryCat86]

I've been drinking quite a few different bourbons lately and I also like rye as well. I drink them neat, no ice and no mixers.

Rye:

Old Overholt: An inexpensive "mixing" rye that isn't bad straight up, 86 proof, ~$15.00.
Rittenhouse: Another mixing rye that is very good straight up, 100 proof. From Heaven Hill Distilleries ~20.00.

Bourbon:

Blanton's: Pretty darn good bourbon from Buffalo Trace, two thumbs up, ~$45.00. Tough to get, it's "highly allocated" at my local liquor store meaning that it's kept in hiding for the "good" customers.

Two Stars: A Total Wine product also distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Buffalo Trace Distillery is where the famous Pappy Van Winkles is made which is supposedly the holy grail of bourbon. Two Stars isn't bad, it's a "value" bourbon for about $20.00 that is pretty good but a little thin for me, it's 86 proof

Old Grand Dad "Bottled in Bond" 100 proof bourbon. Wow, for something that's supposedly a cheap, mixing bourbon I think this is the best value I've come across. I really like this stuff. My father used to drink it long, long ago and I found two bottles he bought over 30 years ago buried in the cabinet under the bar. They're both gone now and I really enjoyed them.

McKenna single barrel, Bottled in Bond, 100 proof bourbon. Supposedly a step up from Old Grand Dad and yes it's smoother but not as much caramel taste as Old Grand Dad. I find it smoother than the Old Grand Dad which is a plus for the McKenna. I think I paid in the low $20.00 range for it. This is also from Heaven Hill Distilleries and an excellent value. To me, it's on the level of a Blantons for half the price.

Pappy Van Winkle 12 year old, 90 proof. Yes, I'm lucky enough to have gotten my hands on this and yes, it's freakin' fantastic but the MSRP is $95.00. Is it five times better than Rittenhouse Rye and Old Grand Dad? I don't think so BUT it's a nice bottle to have on hand for a treat once every other month or so. I use the same strategy with my high-end bottles of scotch, save them to savor on special occasions. My nicest bottle of scotch is Ardbeg Lord of the Isles which cost me about $285.00 ten or so years ago and if you could find one now, it would run over $1,500.00. I still have about a third of it left and only treat myself to a glass of it every other year or so, usually on a holiday. Anyway, back to the Pappy's yes it is incredibly good and if I ever secure another bottle of it, I might drink it more than once every other month but for now, I'm saving it for when my bourbon palate is better developed.

Gentleman Jack: I had this a long time ago and remember liking it.

Woodford Reserve: Had this one a long time ago too and liked it more than the Gentleman Jack.

Maker's Mark: I think it's overpriced and over rated. I found it harsh and not to my liking. I've heard the Makers 46 is better so I'll give that one a try in the future.

I had a Knob Creek earlier this evening, nothing special, better than the Maker's Mark but I won't run out and buy it.

Bottom line is the Two Stars is an excellent value and not too harsh but if you're looking for a value with a little more oomph, then Old Grand Dad 100 is the go to.

A step up from the Two Stars is the McKenna 100 proof, Blantons is nice but pricey.