Received a gift of Jimmy Red Classic Bourbon by High Wire out of Charleston. It is exactly the kind of thing I would not buy for myself (I generally dislike bourbon "gimmicks.")

It's a 100% corn mashbill, made with jimmy red corn, apparently a strain of the grain that is not farmed much anymore, anywhere. It's a young product, as the distillery itself. I haven't tasted it yet but always nice to try something new.

Was able to pick up a EH Taylor Single Barrel from my local store for $79.99. I love the small batch so I'm hoping this one stands up to that. It definitely pays off to have a good relationship with a good local place. This guy puts out the Blanton's Gold, Weller Antique and Stagg Jr. on Christmas Eve. Since I already had some I left them on the shelf but sent a text out to some buddies to pick it up.

My house bourbon is usually Rebel 100. It's a 100 proof wheater. Very smooth with a sweet wheat profile, in the vein of Makers Mark, but better - and less expensive and higher proof.

If you are looking for a bourbon with a bite, this might not be your gig. Great straight up and mixes well too. We love whiskey Sours made with Rebel 100 and fresh squeezed Lime, Lemon and Orange juice.

I drank Rebel Yell (now, just Rebel)for years when I could find it. I moved around quite a lot for several years. I still have some in my backbar, plus a nice decanter full of Rebel Yell.

quote:

Originally posted by Peanut71:
Was able to pick up a EH Taylor Single Barrel from my local store for $79.99. I love the small batch so I'm hoping this one stands up to that. It definitely pays off to have a good relationship with a good local place. This guy puts out the Blanton's Gold, Weller Antique and Stagg Jr. on Christmas Eve. Since I already had some I left them on the shelf but sent a text out to some buddies to pick it up.

That’s a great price for single barrel, that’s the price for small batch here, but it sits on the shelf. Single Barrel is $100 +\- I picked up an EH barrel proof. I’ll open it next holiday season.

The brick and mortar stores have found a point just below the secondary market. The Buffalo Trace Antique collection sit on the shelf at $600 - $900. They’ll sell. The three EHT BP all went first. I almost got the rye. But I use to buy that when it $50 and it was meh plus.

quote:

Originally posted by GA Gator:

quote:

Originally posted by Peanut71:
Was able to pick up a EH Taylor Single Barrel from my local store for $79.99. I love the small batch so I'm hoping this one stands up to that. It definitely pays off to have a good relationship with a good local place. This guy puts out the Blanton's Gold, Weller Antique and Stagg Jr. on Christmas Eve. Since I already had some I left them on the shelf but sent a text out to some buddies to pick it up.

That’s a great price for single barrel, that’s the price for small batch here, but it sits on the shelf. Single Barrel is $100 +\- I picked up an EH barrel proof. I’ll open it next holiday season.

The brick and mortar stores have found a point just below the secondary market. The Buffalo Trace Antique collection sit on the shelf at $600 - $900. They’ll sell. The three EHT BP all went first. I almost got the rye. But I use to buy that when it $50 and it was meh plus.

I do kinda feel like the secondary market is slowing down for a lot of stuff, though. Maybe not the ultra premiums (BTAC, Bday Bourbon, etc.) but for stuff that never should have been that high to begin with. I know the line for the Black Friday event at Tower in Buckhead was a lot shorter than in past years. My buddy said you could have shown up at 10 am and gotten whatever you wanted this year.

There are just soooo many good products out there.

Welp Friday my son texts me that my closest liquor store has a Blanton's Gold store pick.

Hmm - I think I'll leave work early to see. Sure enough I had to bring one home as I've never tried the Gold before.

I have to say it does not drink to it's proof. Very sweeet caramel and mild. I'll enjoy having it in the rotation to sip on for a bit.

Definitely more than I like to spend on a bottle. So at $129 it's going to be savored for a while.

Cheers~

Blanton's is like the Nickelback of bourbon. It is good, I wouldn't pay scalper prices but I still enjoy it even though it's fashionable to hate on it.

I think any of them at retail are good. People that pay 2x-4x can find better alternatives for less.

Link

The Collectible $2,000 Bourbon Costco Is Currently Offering For $260



Costco is known for its large selection of well priced, high-quality liquor. In addition to the best and worst bargain liquor to buy at Costco, shoppers of the members-only wholesale club might like to know some of the secrets of Costco liquor. For instance, the retailer often has rare finds in the liquor aisle that only savvy customers discover. Bourbon drinkers will be excited to know that select warehouses are stocking a 750 milliliter bottle of King of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon for only $260 (limit one). While this seems like a high price for a fifth of whiskey, it's actually quite the bargain considering this collectible bottle of bourbon is currently listed for a whopping $2,000 at most other stores where it's available. The amazing markdown is even better than a different rare $150 bourbon Costco shoppers can buy for $60.

I received a bottle of Blanton's Gold as a gift. I have yet to try it, but look forward to it, as it is a little hotter than std. Blanton's.

I have had several bottles of Blanton's and while I do enjoy it, for me there are better Bourbons for the money.

Hats off to Sazerac for the marketing of Blanton's. It is always about the chase, for that first bottle.


All that said, if I walk into a liquor store and there is Blanton's on the shelf for less than $80-90, It is going home with me.

Found a bottle of EH Taylor rye last Friday and was able to sample some that evening. Nice flavor and at 100 proof it is very drinkable neat.

I find the Taylor line to always be of good quality and appeal to my palate.

Cheers~

quote:

Originally posted by P-220:
I received a bottle of Blanton's Gold as a gift. I have yet to try it, but look forward to it, as it is a little hotter than std. Blanton's.

I have had several bottles of Blanton's and while I do enjoy it, for me there are better Bourbons for the money.

Hats off to Sazerac for the marketing of Blanton's. It is always about the chase, for that first bottle.


All that said, if I walk into a liquor store and there is Blanton's on the shelf for less than $80-90, It is going home with me.

Blanton's has gotten a bit of a bad rap because it's price and popularity went supersonic. But I think it's still a very good bourbon AND I like having it around for guests who think it is very special. I like to offer Blantons and then something that I also like a lot that costs a lot less and perhaps get them to see that, while it is very good, you don't have to spend $100+ to get a great pour.

quote:

you don't have to spend $100+ to get a great pour.

No you don't, Eagle Rare, Woodford Reserve and Dickel 8 year have everything I want in a bourbon

The bottles of Blanton's I have, I paid $60-$70 for them. I'm not paying $130 for it

Completely agree that there are plenty of bourbons that spending a lot on has diminishing return.

I'm fortunate to have enough variety and be able to try quite a few different types. Everybody's palette is unique. My favorite part of the process is learning what I like and do not.

Eagle Rare, Weller 107, Woodford are each great pours.

I've also found I like a few ryes like Jack Daniels single barrel and Russell's reserve.

Cheers~

The Buffalo Trace Distillery has been having some amazing drops over the last 8 weeks or so.

I guess they had to do something to keep the crowds coming. It appears to be working.

They will release 50-200 bottles of something special, like Elmer T, Single Oak Project, CYPB, Rock Hill Farms, and many more.


Eagle Rare is still one of my favorites.

quote:

Originally posted by P-220:
The Buffalo Trace Distillery has been having some amazing drops over the last 8 weeks or so.

I guess they had to do something to keep the crowds coming. It appears to be working.

They will release 50-200 bottles of something special, like Elmer T, Single Oak Project, CYPB, Rock Hill Farms, and many more.


Eagle Rare is still one of my favorites.

They had Thomas H Handy today. Sold out in 15 minutes.

Hit some shops in the Metro area yesterday and saw some ridiculous prices on some good bottles.

$235 for a Blantons
$225 for a High West A Midwinter Nights Dram. Good bottle at $100, insane at $225.
$350 for a Michter's 10yr Rye

Picked up a Redwood Empire Pipe Dream Cask Strength for $59.99 which usually runs $80-$119 depending on where you see it around here. Also picked up a Green River Wheated and Full Proof. I've heard some good things about the Green River offerings and snagged those two before people really start liking them and the price skyrockets like everything else that is possible.

Hopefully I've also secured a connection that will let me purchase just by calling them after they post special drops on Facebook. I talk with the owner every time I'm in the shop and he knows I live a couple of hours away so I asked him if I called after they posted bottles online if I could do a purchase over the phone and he said absolutely, they do it all the time for guys that live out of town or can't get down right away after they post.

quote:

Originally posted by P-220:
The Buffalo Trace Distillery has been having some amazing drops over the last 8 weeks or so.

I guess they had to do something to keep the crowds coming. It appears to be working.

They will release 50-200 bottles of something special, like Elmer T, Single Oak Project, CYPB, Rock Hill Farms, and many more.


Eagle Rare is still one of my favorites.

I'll be there at 9 Friday morning, then head over to SOS/NGD

quote:

Originally posted by lyman:

quote:

Originally posted by P-220:
The Buffalo Trace Distillery has been having some amazing drops over the last 8 weeks or so.

I guess they had to do something to keep the crowds coming. It appears to be working.

They will release 50-200 bottles of something special, like Elmer T, Single Oak Project, CYPB, Rock Hill Farms, and many more.


Eagle Rare is still one of my favorites.

I'll be there at 9 Friday morning, then head over to SOS/NGD

Looks like you may score 2 good bottles today.

Because the Distillery was closed earlier this week, due to flooding, many (including myself) thought they may release something even a little more special today. Either way, great scores, IMO!!

Hanging in Roatan, Honduras. Scored 2 bottles of Eagle Rare for less than $40. Buffalo Trace was $60, LOL.