Makers 46 is a solid drink. Lots of flavor, a little spice for a wheat.
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Makers 46 is a solid drink. Lots of flavor, a little spice for a wheat.
They possibilities for a middle-school-level back and forth about who likes "Dickel" the most are endless . . . .
Dickel is what got me into whisky. It started as a mixer -- Dr. Dickel (Dr. Pepper and Dickel) was so, so good -- and gradually evolved into something I'd drink on ice and then eventually neat. Dickel Barrel Select, a blend of stuff roughly 10 - 12 years old, became my favorite. At the $30 - $35 level, it was hard to beat. (It's now usually between $40 and $45 around here.) I've had several Dickel single barrel and limited releases, too, and most have been great. And then just the basic black and gold label whiskies are good for cocktails (though they can make sweet ones especially sweet if you're not careful), cooking, and casual sipping on ice.
I've been on the lookout for Michter's American Whiskey for a while. I've never seen a bottle in a liquor store in Tennessee. Is it as good as it's made out to be? And do you think it warrants its price point? I've enjoyed the Micheter's rye that I've had and I've heard great things about all their other stuff.
Who has some good recommendations for inexpensive whiskey. Let?s say under $30
If you can find them, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Weller Antique, Weller Special Reserve, Weller 12, Elmer T. Lee. These, especially the last 4, are getting very tough to find, but all are great options.
Easily found, and good: Dickel 12, Dickel Rye, Jefferson Reserve, Granddads B.I.B., Henry McKenna 10 year, Four Roses, Elijah Craig.
Can't believe I got this far without seeing 1910 and 1920 mentioned. I personally prefer 1910 but I know a lot prefer the higher proof 1920. Great bottles for the price, and haven't been picked up by the scalpers yet. 1792 Full Proof is also great if you can get it for MSRP.
Man, I've only seen one of those (Buffalo Trace) in a store anywhere close to me for under $30, and that was a while ago. Most I don't see at all. But dude, if you see them at that price, rock out.
There are lots of good options but price varies a ton state to state. What I can get in Chattanooga for $30 is way, way different than what I can get in Atlanta or even Knoxville for the same price.
That said, I'd look at any of these in addition to the ones that Beardo mentioned (all of which are great options): Wild Turkey 101, Knob Creek, Knob Creek Rye, Maker's Mark, Larceny, Evan Williams Single Barrel, and Russell's Reserve 10 year. There are probably many others that I'm forgetting, too.
Wild Turkey and Elijah Craig are solid options. Four Roses is starting to disappear depending on which you want.
Freaking guns and whiskey are flying off the shelves. Don't forget tax free guns & ammo this weekend!
Before I moved up here, Corkey's in Starkville sold Buffalo Trace for $18 I think (about 4 years ago). In Mass I regularly see it between $23 and $28, a few times as high as $38 (ha! nope). Our local total wine gets Weller pretty regularly, and though the prices have all gone up, I still get all 3 for under $30. If they didn't have a "one bottle per customer" policy, I'd buy the entire case when they get 'em in.
You're right about the state to state thing. It's funny what things are more expensive and less expensive. Bourbon for the most part is priced higher up here. But vodka and gin, holy hell...I get get a handle of Ketel for $26. Stoli about the same. A handle of Bombay Sapphire for $28. Rum is also crazy cheap up here. Scotch is about the same I guess.
Weller 107 is always a favorite!
Now that Mississippi has Costco Mississippians have access to the best deals in whisky or whiskey. The best deal is Kirkland Costco the brand. Upper tiered product with mid-range price. There is severe competition among distillers to gain access to the Kirkland brand. Cheers
It's certainly worth buying once to see what you think. It's not dramatically different than anything else you've probably had, but the fact that it is aged in used barrels rather than new barrels like bourbon does add a little uniqueness, assuming you drink it neat. If on the rocks is your thing I wouldn't spend the extra. It also wouldn't be your thing if you like high proof stuff, but it's a fairly easy sipper without being boring, so I like it. I think I paid $45 for it just at a ABC store here in Birmingham.
These are the things I enjoy and can find pretty easily. Things in bold are my favorites:
Approachable Bottles(<$50, easy to find around here):
Bourbon
Wild Turkey 101 ($20/750mL)
Woodford Reserve ($30/750mL)
Jefferson's Reserve ($40/750mL)
Bail Haydens ($30/750mL)
Four Roses Small Batch ($35/750mL)
Old Grand Dad 114 ($20/750mL) - lots of heat, not for everyone
Wheated Bourbon
Weller Special Reserve ($35/1.75L)
Larceny Straight Bourbon ($20/750mL)
Willett Pot Still Bourbon (the price fluctuates on this. I buy it when it drops to <$30/750mL)
Rye
Michter's Straight Rye ($40/750mL)
Bulleit Rye ($20/750mL)
Special Occasions
WhistlePig Old World Cask Finish Rye ($120/750mL)
Balvenie 14y Caribbean Cask ($70/750mL)
Balvenie 15y Sherry Cask ($110/750mL)
I've been a craft beer guy for a while but when the pandemic started I decided to learn a little more about bourbon. I bought mostly some midrange bourbons and tried them. Some I really enjoyed were Eagle Rare, Jefferson's Reserve, Larceny, and Maker's 46. A big favorite was Rare Breed and I liked it over Russell's Reserve. I haven't had many big disappointments except that Angel's Envy didn't stand up to the hype.
One thing I discovered along the way is that I really like gin. I love IPAs so the bitterness of gin probably was attractive but I enjoy all the options you have with gin - neat, rocks, martini, g&t, and many cocktails. I really enjoy Hendrick's, Botanist, Aviation, Bristow, and Plymouth. Any of you guys into gin very much?
Its simple to remember All bourbon is whisky. Not all whisky is bourbon.
Bourbon as mentioned is 51% corn or more by law and has to be aged in new american oak.