I like Beam products.
Basil Hayden and Bakers is a sweeter Beam Mash bill and i have never tried Bookers but i hope to soon

Basil Hayden 10 yr or Bookers should fit your budget. I don't see it a lot, so it may be a treat for them.

It would help if you know where their tastes in bourbon run, i.e. more spice, or more sweet/mellow on the tongue.

Having said that, I believe these have fairly universal appeal in the price range you are seeking, some of these our fellow board members have already suggested:

-Angel's Envy Rye, Rum Cask Finish(very sweet for a rye, but smooth and excellent)

-Angel's Envy Bourbon, Port Wine Barrel Finished

-Jefferson's Ocean- Aged at Sea

-Eagle Rare

-Woodford Reserve, Double-Oaked

-1792 Full Proof- Strong, but an amazing sip bourbon.



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quote:

Originally posted by dbgeek:
We keep the knob creek 9 in the house, but will buy the 12 year when we see it. The 12 is everything we like in the 9, but just better.

This guy gets it. My exact thoughts.
Whomever said Blantons, pffftttt. It's just the name as the juice certainly isn't the same. Penelope is another great brand. The architect and finished Valencia are great options under $80. Old Forester stuff is good juice. Short Barrel also makes some good stuff. See if your local stores have their own barrel picks as they're probably pretty good.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: steelcityfishanddive,

Knob Creek 12 year is an excellent buy in the $80 range.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
Great suggestions guys. Keep ‘em coming!

As I said initially I’d like to spend around $70-100.

https://www.barrellbourbon.com/

This line is available at the store you posted.
In your price range and your friends won’t be disappointed!

Garrison Brothers small batch is a great bourbon.
Knob Creek 12 yr mentioned earlier is a crowd pleaser also.
Widow Jane 10yr is good.
Four Roses Single Barrel is always good.
Woodford Double Oakes also very good.
High West Rendezvous Rye if they drink rye go with this. It’s a winner.
Jefferson's Reserve Twin Oak Custom Barrel, if you want Jefferson’s brand.

Another thumbs up for Angels Envy. At $60 it is a lot of bang for the buck

Most liquor stores have store picks that are specific to that store, selected for taste by employees of that store. They are unique especially if the giftees are not in your area. They usually have a store pick label on them and if I were giving gifts to out of towners, I’d give them store picks from my local shop. It is literally something they can not get anywhere else.

^^^Good advice

I have a single barrel store pick Eagle Rare and single barrel Angels Envy that are fantastic

High Desert
They will be even better friends

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Link

Maker's Mark Private Selection - Ambassador Release #1

Not so much this release, but Maker's Mark is one of those brands that works a lot with local liquor stores to make a version of this for their store. I'd also look out for Knob Creek and Angel's Envy for similar specials.

The 1792 on page one of your link (my memory saiys it was the "small batch" one but they're all good) won a gold at the SanFrancisco spirt taste tests. at @$40, it's at least as good as most other bourbons noted here.

A note about the Spirit competition there. They are "experts" who taste things blindly, that is, there is no marking. They write notes and grade things without knowing the label. I've found a bunch of great booze this way. Simply by looking at the results of these competitions. Now the top rating is platinum. Use to be double gold.

Note that lots of established makers feel no need to enter these things. I mean, if you are selling out all your stock, why bother? So just because you are buying the best from the comp, doesn't mean something not entered isn't much better. However, it can be a good starting point to feel around for what you might prefer. Link https://thetastingalliance.com/competitions/

If I was purchasing bourbon for people in to bourbon, I'd look for some craft labels not available everywhere.
Something like Ben Holladay or Bowman Brothers. Ben Holladay we just started seeing in FL but Bowman Brothers (several different labels) I still cant find anywhere down here.

Bulleit Bourbon Rye is a favorite of mine and not too expensive.

If you can find out what they normally drink, that brand probably has a higher-end bottle.

Extra years in the barrel, small batch, etc.

I am a Bulleit drinker most of the year and Basil Hayden in the summer.

You can't go wrong with either.

You can't go wrong with any of the bourbons listed . All are class acts, many of them I've tried and love.