quote:

originally posted by konata88:
I've had Knob Creek and a few others (can't recall names) and they were just too strong for me. I couldn't finish them, even when used in mint julep.

I think I prefer lower proof, smooth/mild, perhaps something on the sweeter side. Thinking of this, this is my preference for scotch, wine and sake as well. I'd like to drink straight or with a cube of ice but open to Old Fashioned.

I think you’re describing Angel’s Envy. It’s an 86.6 proof whiskey and too mild for me, but lots of people like it.

Basil Hayden is bottled at 80proof. Tasty and mild, Beam's most mild product and it's good.

Eagle Rare (cousin of Elmer, Blantons, and Stagg) is pretty mild tasting, to me, I tend to find it almost boring somehow. Which isn't the whiskey's fault. Lots of people like it.

Elmer on ice is super easy to drink, I think.

Saz Jr, too, though it's obviously a Rye.

And I think the Woodford Bourbon and Rye are quite mild and don't get enough attention.

You might try Old Forester at 86 proof or Old Forester Signature at 100

I landed on the Larceny (a single barrel version from 2014) because of limited choices at the store. They had a good 30-40 choices but many of them were pricey ($50+) with names not mentioned (at least in the context of suggestions to me). I don't think I've even seen the brands come up in last 10+ pages of this thread.

The choices in my initial price range ($25-50) were Makers, Larceny and a few others that are known brands but not suggested for me.

No Blantons, Eagle Rare, Weller and such.

They had Elijah Craig but I went with Larceny at the last minute because it seems to be wheat vs Elijah Craig rye. Not sure I made a good choice or not.

Hoping to taste after work today.....

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
Elijah Craig tastes like pine sol to me which goes to show you how different everybody is. But you have to try as many as you can to find out.

I know exactly what you are saying. Last Christmas season, I purchased a bottle of Makers Mark 101. I have tried twice to drink this liquor, but it just isn't happening. It just tastes nasty to me. Different strokes for different folks.

I’m not an expert. I’ve had Makers Mark shots and as the base for Old Fashioned’s. I like it but never drank it critically.

Larceny single barrel: It’s got a pretty good bite when straight. I was getting woozy from the vapors. But I like the tinge of sweetness and the fruitiness. Strong but drinkable neat. Then I added an ice cube and some water to dilute down to 40 proof. Very mild and sweetness still apparent. I think I diluted to much though. I want some more flavor back.

First impressions: I like it. Not sure relative to Monkey Shoulder or makers mark. But I can drink this. We’ll see after more tastes.

Konata, try using a large round or square ice cube and let it sit for a few minutes. The melt will dilute it enough most of the time without the need to add more water. I do this with high octane stuff and I love it. You'll find the balance that is right for you.

My favorite is Woodford Reserve. I have a couple of bottles of that but I normally mix with diet 7Up or Diet Sierra Mist in a tall glass with a lot of ice. I am no expert and I'm sure most would scoff at mixing good Bourbon but its the way I enjoy it.

I've also tried Makers Mark, 1792, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig, Bulleit, Eagle Rare and Basil Hayden at home, and probably one or two more that I can't remember off hand. I've only been drinking bourbon for a couple of years now.

Just got back from visiting Kentucky and went to 5 distilleries for tours. Started at Makers Mark, then to Lexington Brewery and Distillery the second day. Hit Buffalo Trace and Bulleit on the third day and finally Kentucky Artisan Distillery on the last day. Learned a lot and had a fun time seeing the different takes on how to make Bourbon the "right" way.

Bought a bottle of Blanton's at Buffalo Trace and picked up a bottle of Willett Pot Still Reserve at the class six store at Fort Knox on the way back home.

Even after all of that tasting I'm pretty sure that Woodford is still my favorite. Wanted to get a tour there but they were either closed or booked up the days we were there.

quote:

Diet Sierra Mist

Oh lawd, that poor Woodford.

I know!

quote:

Originally posted by mutedblade:
Konata, try using a large round or square ice cube and let it sit for a few minutes. The melt will dilute it enough most of the time without the need to add more water. I do this with high octane stuff and I love it. You'll find the balance that is right for you.

Thanks. Will try.

Just finished watching "Neat," a documentary currently on Hulu about bourbon. It's pretty good. Nothing earth shattering or anything that most of us don't know but there are some cool human interest stories as well as general history of the nectar of the Gods.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
I’m not an expert. I’ve had Makers Mark shots and as the base for Old Fashioned’s. I like it but never drank it critically.

Larceny single barrel: It’s got a pretty good bite when straight. I was getting woozy from the vapors. But I like the tinge of sweetness and the fruitiness. Strong but drinkable neat. Then I added an ice cube and some water to dilute down to 40 proof. Very mild and sweetness still apparent. I think I diluted to much though. I want some more flavor back.

First impressions: I like it. Not sure relative to Monkey Shoulder or makers mark. But I can drink this. We’ll see after more tastes.

Most of us aren't experts, but we like what we like. For me, the Larceny has more spice and "bite" than Elijah Craig or Woodford Reserve, but everyone tastes things a little differently. I still have half a bottle of Larceny from 6 months ago, which says something since most of it doesn't last too long at my abode.

Anyone know any good shops in Nashville or along 24 down to Chattanooga? (Obviously JD and Dickel distilleries.)

I travel this route from ATL at least once a month and need to take advantage.

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
Just finished watching "Neat," a documentary currently on Hulu about bourbon. It's pretty good. Nothing earth shattering or anything that most of us don't know but there are some cool human interest stories as well as general history of the nectar of the Gods.

Pretty good documentary!
Take a look at "Golden", same thing, but with Scotch.

The 10 yr Russell's Reserve is nice, slightly sweet with an oakey vanilla thing going on

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
Anyone know any good shops in Nashville or along 24 down to Chattanooga? (Obviously JD and Dickel distilleries.)

I travel this route from ATL at least once a month and need to take advantage.

I use to go to Nashville via I840, and I65, had business in Franklin then onto Nashville.

Grapevine Wine Spirts
Brentwood Tenn.

I usually found unique bourbons there soemtimes i bought them soemtimes price was a little steep. Look for displays just inside the door and around the counter. I almost walked by a Weller Full Proof display

Thanks Gator. I know that area and work both in Nashville proper and in Franklin.

The new (3 years old) Hilton on Cool Springs Blvd is ours.

Please let me know how you like the Kirkland.