This isn't for the bourbon aficionados out there. This list is for anyone who likes putting back a few fingers of the popular bourbons, but isn't sure what to try next. Give one of these lesser known, but premium quality bourbons a shot and you won't be disappointed.
George T. Stagg Known as the “granddaddy of bourbons” for its insanely high proof (do NOT do shots of this. I am serious.) and multiple awards. The Stagg, which is aged for 15 years and bottled unfiltered (you'll notice a cloudiness) has achieved cult status among bourbon drinkers worldwide. Opening a bottle of this will impress any connoisseur. Tastes Like: Dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, rich oak Proof: 141.8 Most Similar To: Booker’s Price: $60 Where to Buy:Bevmo
Russell's Reserve
You've probably heard of Wild Turkey, and while that's a fine, upstanding bourbon it's no Russell's Reserve. Named after Jimmy Russell, Wild Turkey's legendary Master Distiller, this small batch bourbon is aged 10 years and is produced in limited quantities.
The "best bourbon for the buck," Elijah Craig, which is named after a Baptist minister who is known as the "father of bourbon," has all the complexity and flavors you would get from bourbons that cost five times as much. This original "small batch" bourbon (it was produced in small batches before the term had existed) is aged for 12 years in the middle and upper floors of metal rackhouses in Kentucky and is bottled from only 70 barrels.
This is the most expensive bourbon on the market for two reasons: 1) it is made using the pot still method, which is they way they used to make bourbon. It's a much more expensive process but is considered the purest form of bourbon-making. And 2) the distillery (Michter's) that made Hirsch closed down back in the 1980s. The story is that this bourbon was distilled in 1974, then transferred to stainless steel vats to stop the aging, then bottled a few years later. So, what your actually getting is a bourbon that was made 34 years ago but once this is gone, it's gone forever. (As a side note, this Pennsylvania bourbon is the only one on this list not made in Kentucky.)
Tastes Like: Caramel, orange rind, airy, oaky
Proof: 91.6
Most Similar To: Michter's
Price: $90-$250
Where to Buy: Scour your local specialty liquor stores and you might be able to find this gem for under $90 (check here for your closest distributor). If you're lazy and have a lot of money, you can find a bottle for $195 at WineX.
Old Forester Birthday
Bottled as a tribute to George Garvin Brown, founder of Brown-Forman distillery, this bourbon comes in an 1800's style decanter nad has a one-of-a-kind flavor. It kicks off with some spicy notes and is cooled down with a slight, but definitely noticeable hints of mint. I'm not sure if George Brown had a split personality, but if he did, this bourbon would be right up his alley.
Each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel is vintage-dated, so you know exactly when it was pulled out of its barrel and put into your bottle. No other bourbon does this. But its dark, rich flavor makes it more than just a conversation piece.
Similar to Basil Hayden, Bulleit uses a lot of rye in their mashbill (30%) which gives it a little heat. Using a recipe that dates back to the 1830s, Bulleit bills itself as a "frontier whiskey" so you can feel like a cowpoke when you're putting back a few fingers of this. And the best part, you won't have to worry about dysentary.
Rich, dark, but not overbearing, this is one of the best bourbons on the market. Using a wheated recipe, Pappy, which was named after an 1893 bourbon salesman, is hand picked from the middle section of the rack houses, which provide the most even aging.
Aged 11 years, Weller is uncut and unfiltered, which means it's straight out of the barrel. This is also a wheat-heavy recipe that has a little more sweetness to it than the rye or barley recipes. Much like the Stagg (they're made by the same Buffalo Trace distillery), this has a high proof that should be approached with caution. Well, caution and a glass.
Tastes Like: Dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon
Proof: 125.3
Most Similar To: Maker's Mark (but waaaay stronger)
Price: $60
Where to Buy: You local specialty store, if there's any left.
Basil Hayden's
Aged for eight years, Basil Hayden's uses more rye than most other bourbons which gives it a spicy kick. But the toned down proof balances it out so it doesn't blow your tongue off.
Tastes Like: Spicy peppers, tea, slight hint of peppermint
Good picks, Old Forresters standard bourbon is the best dollar for dollar buy i have found. Bulleit is great too, a personal favorite to celebrate with.
Ill have to try the Elijah Craig and get back to you...
I love bourbon and by far the best stuff I've had (another buffalo trace bourbon) is Eagle Rare. There are a few but I had the 17yo 90 proof. If you really enjoy bourbon, you owe it to yourself to try it out.
your list is quite nice thou i am surprised to see that you do not have Buffalo Trace in the mix. one of my favorite bourbons i've ever had. i have only had half on the list here so i've got some work cut out for me but i suggested that yall check out Buffalo Trace.
Rick is right, Eagle Rare 17Year is in a class by its self, if you could only buy one bottle of bourbon this year that should be it. Best bang for the buck "Old Grand Dad 114", don't carry your bias for the shitty 80 proof over to this low priced kick in the pallet, If you cant trust me men.....I ask you, who can you trust.
Four Roses (single barrel, small batch or regular) is a badass bourbon that is only sold in KY. It's one of the whiskies mixed into Crown Royal, Canadian Mist, Seagrams 7 and some other blends and, by contract, can't be sold out of the state.
Best thing is, you can get it cheap. Try it when you're here.
Woodford and Old Forrester are made at the same place. Not sure if the "Birthday" blend is a small batch or what, but Old Forrester (regular) is widely considered a crap whiskey. Tastes like a cleaning product of some sort.
Much respect for the Bulleit shout out...... Quality both on the taste and on the pricing. I also must agree with Ashton above... about the Eagle Rare and the OGD..... Old Grand Dad Heavy(as i refer to the 114) packs quite a whallop and is a bargin for those days when you're trying to put your liver out of commission for less money.
The Evan Williams Single Barrel is absolutely by far the best value on the list. The flavor is amazingly smooth, yet surprisingly deep and rich. Great choice!
GREW UP IN KY, WENT TO HENRY CLAY HS AND UK... BULLEIT SHOULDN'T BE LABLED BOURBON. I've never tried to disern the flavors in my bourbon. I have been working on getting the most out of my fine wines. I'll print this out and start notching my belt and collecting dead soilders
The article says that george t stagg bourbon is available at Bevmo, I went to their web site and could not find it listed anywhere.I live in the moonshine area of Ga where we have a moonshine festival every fall and would like to have a tasting of that bourbon with my friends.?????????
It's sad when the pretence that usualy is reserved for wine and other spirits is now being applied to
bourbons.Just another way for for fools and their $$$ to soon be parted.Over-proof single barrel crap that burns the mouth paired with under proof weak tasting poorly aged whiskey is now the standard of taste? Enjoy it you fools. I'll be sticking with my traditional sour mash.Knob Creek, Ezra Brooks,etc.Real Bourbon, for a real man.
Black Maple Hill is a private label made for a California distributor by the Willet Family distellery AKA Kentucky Distillers Limited. Im shocked to not see any of these amazing distillers products on the list. I love the Rowans Creek, Noahs Mill, Vintage 17yr and even the less expensive Johnny Drum and Old Bardstown. If your really looking for the best this distiller has to offer though watch out for the white label bottles with the family crest on them. This signifies a single barrel, unfiltired, uncut selection. To. Die. For.
Where does George Dickel 25 year come in on this list. I know you can no longer buy it as it was in limited quantity but it was the best I was ever privileged to sip.
Not a hard liqour afficiado by any means (the half-bottle of Wild Turkey after a high school football team win at age seventeen took care of me for years to come!); however, a fishing guide broke out a flask brimming with Basil Hayden after ten hours on Wisconsins Bois Brule River a few years back. It was manna from heaven and sure to convert even the most intransigent scotch snobs over to bourbon.
(37 Comments)
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Holy Taco Goes to the Bahamas
November 7th, 2008 at 01:31 pm
November 7th, 2008 at 09:30 am
That's a nice list of lesser known names. Elijah Craig is great for the money.
November 7th, 2008 at 09:43 am
Hrmm, I guess living in Kentucky has it's privileges. I've tried most of these.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Where's your KD?
November 7th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Dude, Elijah will not just get you drink. It will make you rob banks...
http://fiturl.com/1jj
November 7th, 2008 at 01:24 pm
you forgot blanton's. that shit is delicious
November 7th, 2008 at 02:21 pm
Good picks, Old Forresters standard bourbon is the best dollar for dollar buy i have found. Bulleit is great too, a personal favorite to celebrate with.
Ill have to try the Elijah Craig and get back to you...
November 7th, 2008 at 04:54 pm
The Van Winkle is phenomenal, but not nearly as good as their Rye.
November 7th, 2008 at 07:02 pm
Michter's American Whiskey, made in Kentucky is damned fine as well.
June 1st, 2009 at 02:45 pm
i agree. got my brother a bottle for his bday and its pertty good.
November 7th, 2008 at 09:09 pm
I love bourbon and by far the best stuff I've had (another buffalo trace bourbon) is Eagle Rare. There are a few but I had the 17yo 90 proof. If you really enjoy bourbon, you owe it to yourself to try it out.
November 8th, 2008 at 04:18 pm
your list is quite nice thou i am surprised to see that you do not have Buffalo Trace in the mix. one of my favorite bourbons i've ever had. i have only had half on the list here so i've got some work cut out for me but i suggested that yall check out Buffalo Trace.
November 8th, 2008 at 08:08 pm
Rick is right, Eagle Rare 17Year is in a class by its self, if you could only buy one bottle of bourbon this year that should be it. Best bang for the buck "Old Grand Dad 114", don't carry your bias for the shitty 80 proof over to this low priced kick in the pallet, If you cant trust me men.....I ask you, who can you trust.
November 8th, 2008 at 09:54 pm
Elmer T lee should be on this list. It's a fantastic wheated bourbon
November 9th, 2008 at 08:59 pm
Four Roses (single barrel, small batch or regular) is a badass bourbon that is only sold in KY. It's one of the whiskies mixed into Crown Royal, Canadian Mist, Seagrams 7 and some other blends and, by contract, can't be sold out of the state.
Best thing is, you can get it cheap. Try it when you're here.
June 1st, 2009 at 02:44 pm
i have seen the four roses here in AZ at Bevmo...
July 25th, 2009 at 09:44 pm
I used to think Four Roses wasn't sold here in KY, I first tried it in Sicily and then saw it here once I got back. Good Stuff Maynard.
October 11th, 2009 at 07:10 am
The local Bevmo has
Four Roses Bourbon
Four Roses Marriage
Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Single Barrel
November 9th, 2008 at 09:01 pm
Woodford and Old Forrester are made at the same place. Not sure if the "Birthday" blend is a small batch or what, but Old Forrester (regular) is widely considered a crap whiskey. Tastes like a cleaning product of some sort.
November 10th, 2008 at 07:03 am
Much respect for the Bulleit shout out...... Quality both on the taste and on the pricing. I also must agree with Ashton above... about the Eagle Rare and the OGD..... Old Grand Dad Heavy(as i refer to the 114) packs quite a whallop and is a bargin for those days when you're trying to put your liver out of commission for less money.
November 10th, 2008 at 07:56 am
The Evan Williams Single Barrel is absolutely by far the best value on the list. The flavor is amazingly smooth, yet surprisingly deep and rich. Great choice!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Where is Old Crow? The Crow goes slow, down to your toe, and it's cheap if you're poe.
November 20th, 2008 at 10:27 am
everyone should try Elijah Craig...only the best
December 14th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
4 cheap fioricet 4 sale or fioricet drug information or fioricet addiction detox or
July 25th, 2009 at 07:12 pm
The Evan Williams single barrel is awesome but for the buck try the Evan illiams 10 year old, what a bargin!
July 25th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
GREW UP IN KY, WENT TO HENRY CLAY HS AND UK... BULLEIT SHOULDN'T BE LABLED BOURBON. I've never tried to disern the flavors in my bourbon. I have been working on getting the most out of my fine wines. I'll print this out and start notching my belt and collecting dead soilders
August 6th, 2009 at 06:51 pm
The article says that george t stagg bourbon is available at Bevmo, I went to their web site and could not find it listed anywhere.I live in the moonshine area of Ga where we have a moonshine festival every fall and would like to have a tasting of that bourbon with my friends.?????????
October 11th, 2009 at 07:13 am
Picked up 4 bottles of 2009 Stagg at 2 local Bevmos.
I know where I can get 5 more at 2 other Bevmos.
Just look for stores where you can pick up and check all the stores in your area.
August 7th, 2009 at 08:21 pm
It's sad when the pretence that usualy is reserved for wine and other spirits is now being applied to
bourbons.Just another way for for fools and their $$$ to soon be parted.Over-proof single barrel crap that burns the mouth paired with under proof weak tasting poorly aged whiskey is now the standard of taste? Enjoy it you fools. I'll be sticking with my traditional sour mash.Knob Creek, Ezra Brooks,etc.Real Bourbon, for a real man.
October 5th, 2009 at 07:02 pm
agreed, old timer, knob creek does kick ass...and while i do love wild turkey, i gotta say my favorite is still maker's mark.
August 10th, 2009 at 03:16 pm
The supposed authority simply hasn't savord enough good bourbon ....
He forgot Black Maple Hill ..simply the bestkentucky Bourbon and Rye!
August 12th, 2009 at 08:45 am
Black Maple Hill is a private label made for a California distributor by the Willet Family distellery AKA Kentucky Distillers Limited. Im shocked to not see any of these amazing distillers products on the list. I love the Rowans Creek, Noahs Mill, Vintage 17yr and even the less expensive Johnny Drum and Old Bardstown. If your really looking for the best this distiller has to offer though watch out for the white label bottles with the family crest on them. This signifies a single barrel, unfiltired, uncut selection. To. Die. For.
August 21st, 2009 at 01:11 pm
Where does George Dickel 25 year come in on this list. I know you can no longer buy it as it was in limited quantity but it was the best I was ever privileged to sip.
A great looking site
www.dickel.com/home.htm?me=4cxc0k550miapg45rzexlxru
August 25th, 2009 at 06:55 am
I thought to be labeled 'Bourbon', the whiskey had to be made in Kentucky. AH Hirsch has a bourbon label, but is made in Pennsylvania.
August 27th, 2009 at 08:13 am
Not a hard liqour afficiado by any means (the half-bottle of Wild Turkey after a high school football team win at age seventeen took care of me for years to come!); however, a fishing guide broke out a flask brimming with Basil Hayden after ten hours on Wisconsins Bois Brule River a few years back. It was manna from heaven and sure to convert even the most intransigent scotch snobs over to bourbon.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I SO AGREE WITH nonotmiketoo
October 11th, 2009 at 06:58 am
The local Bevmo has
Four Roses Bourbon
Four Roses Marriage
Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Single Barrel
So you can buy out of Kentucky
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