Best bourbon under $50?

[melensdad]

Took another trip down to Jim Beam today. ... This time I tried Booker's, and was not really impressed. I'm a fan of higher proof bourbouns like Knob Creek Single or Baker's, but this one didn't seem to have as much flavor. The alcohol was extremely noticeable and overpowered the other flavors...

I like the Knob Creek Single and Bookers but I find the Bakers to have a washed out flavor.

I suppose part of the problem with the single barrel barrel proofs is that the flavors can vary so you can have a great bottle and the next may be a disappointment.

I'm trying to kill some of my lesser bottles to make room for stuff I would prefer. Right now killing a 5 Fathers. Its got a sour mash smell to it but a decent flavor. But the aroma tends to dominate and not in a good way. It makes a decent Manhattan but I do not enjoy it straight. So its one that can go.

 

[Ballstater98]

Found New Holland's Beer Barrel Bourbon 80 proof 750ml for $28.99. I like their Dragon's Milk aged stout, so why not give her a whirl.

 

[danielocean03]

Report back on the New Holland please, I've been curious about that.

 

[Brandon]

Anyone find a bottle of the Makers Mark American Pharoah bottle? Anyone willing to sell me one?

 

[danielocean03]

Anyone find a bottle of the Makers Mark American Pharoah bottle? Anyone willing to sell me one?

If I see one I'll buy it and sell it to you for whatever it costs, providing you're of age.

 

[melensdad]

Trying the younger, cheaper version of I W HARPER straight bourbon tonight. It is unremarkable but basically a capable bourbon. There is a hot finish and a bit of an astringent tone but its not bad. And there is some alcohol tingle on the lips. It also has a bit of vanilla, but its not a strong flavor. There is also a light flaver of almond. This would probably make a very good mixed drink because it has some body too it.

At $35, however, there are plenty of other brands that are as good, if not better. So this is clearly an 82 proof bourbon many will want to bypass. I would not argue with anyone who takes a pass on this young version of I W HARPER. I'm more curious about the 15 year old $75/bottle version of I W HARPER.

Report back on the New Holland please, I've been curious about that.

Its awesome!

Anyone find a bottle of the Makers Mark American Pharoah bottle? Anyone willing to sell me one?

I have a bottle but I'm not looking to sell.

 

[melensdad]

Up in Oakbrook, IL today so I stopped at Binny's.

Just for a jar of Luxardo cherries.

But while I was there I also picked up a bottle of I.W.Harper 15 yr Bourbon $79

A bottle of Oppidan Solara Aged Bourbon $45

And 1 bottle each of Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth and Carpano Punt E Mes Vermouth. Antica Formula is my favorite, but I've been hearing great things about Punt E Mes so I pulled the last bottle off their shelf and put it in my cart.

 

[EyeCarry]

Sitting down to a second glass of Henry McKenna, my Grandfather's brand that I fondly remember him by. A fine night outside with the stars....so relaxing.

 

[Brandon]

Got one! Well 2 actually. I'm calling off my search!

 

[danielocean03]

Nice! I haven't had any luck finding one of those. I have a bottle of Cardinal Spirit's 2015 Single Barrel Summer Whiskey on my desk this morning, looking forward to trying this one soon.

 

[AtTheMurph]

Michters

 

[Hohn]

I thought only products made in Kentucky could be called "Bourbon"?

 

[danielocean03]

I thought only products made in Kentucky could be called "Bourbon"?

That applies to "Kentucky Straight Bourbon."

Good article on the topic: http://mentalfloss.com/article/18839/what-makes-whiskey-bourbon-and-other-bourbon-faqs

Standards of identity for spirits: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/27/5.22

 

[danielocean03]

Nice! I haven't had any luck finding one of those. I have a bottle of Cardinal Spirit's 2015 Single Barrel Summer Whiskey on my desk this morning, looking forward to trying this one soon.

Not a big fan of this one. They say it's "fruit forward", but it comes off a bit rough. Kinda moonshine-y and really sweet. Bottle says 60% corn, 20% barley, 10% wheat and 10% rye for the mashbill.

May have to revisit it in a while and give it another shot, but the first pour between me and a few of my co-workers wasn't well really received. Interesting for sure. Picked it up for around $23 through the Big Red Liquors VIP newsletter.

 

[indiucky]

If I see one I'll buy it and sell it to you for whatever it costs, providing you're of age.

MODS!!!!!!

Danielocean03 bootlegging again!!!!!!!!!

 

[melensdad]

I thought only products made in Kentucky could be called "Bourbon"?

That applies to "Kentucky Straight Bourbon."

But it does not apply to simply "Straight Bourbon" without the word Kentucky preceding that phrase.

Here is a Colorado Straight Bourbon:

Here are 3 (totally amazing tasting) Texas Straight Bourbons:

 

[ArcadiaGP]

Related to bourbon... avoid the bourbon at the Blue Ash Hilton Garden Inn.

Very watered down.

 

[melensdad]

Related to bourbon... avoid the bourbon at the Blue Ash Hilton Garden Inn.

Very watered down.

Probably not actually watered down, because that is not legal. But likely just nearly flavorless bourbons. Have you ever had Jim Beam White Label served with ice? Tastes an awful lot like melted ice! There are quite a few bourbons that have very little body to their flavor profiled don't stand up will in mixed drinks or served over ice. Elijah Craig is another that quickly comes to mind as having very little to offer the palate.

 

[ArcadiaGP]

Probably not actually watered down, because that is not legal. But likely just nearly flavorless bourbons. Have you ever had Jim Beam White Label served with ice? Tastes an awful lot like melted ice! There are quite a few bourbons that have very little body to their flavor profiled don't stand up will in mixed drinks or served over ice. Elijah Craig is another that quickly comes to mind as having very little to offer the palate.

Eh, as an avid bourbon drinker... this definitely wasn't right. I order neat, and the bourbon I ordered is typically a brown/amber color with a pretty strong taste. What I got from the bottle I watched him pour from was a tan/caramel color with a very light body, nearly no up-front taste, and an ashy finish.

The only thing I can guess is it's watered down, or they refill bottles with the wrong stuff.

 

[danielocean03]

What kind of bourbon did you order? Something you're familiar with I'm guessing?