Proof: The percentage of alcohol, displayed as double that of the alcohol percentage. ABV: 50% That works out to 1.75 barrels of bourbon per resident or over 500 bottles of whiskey per capita. There is also a Russel Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon that is bottled at 55% ABV, and is matured in barrels that have been toasted to a #4 alligator char. The 10 YO sells for around $35 per bottle, while the single barrel expression sells for around $55. Old Grand-Dad is based on the high-rye bourbon recipe made famous by Basil Hayden its his picture on the bottle. Old Forester is richer, so it's less prevalent in this comparison, but it's definitely still there on its own without Jack Daniel's to cover it up. You can have five different notes hitting at once. It is bottled at 92 proof. Ill have to revisit this sometime soon and update the list. Each release represents a historical year for the distillery. Ive always found a bright nutmeg note, which can really stand out in blind tastings. Yes. Old Grand-Dad was a contender for Best Everyday Bourbon. Its mash bill consists of corn, rye, and malted barley. The current distiller is rumored to be Heaven Hill. And in Division Two we have Old Forester Signature 100 proof up against Wild Turkey 101. If I tasted this flight again, theres a very good chance Id have different results. Average Price: $90. Am looking forward to trying some of the others you listed. Medley Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, NAS, 51% ABV. Elijah Craig Small Batch came in sixth. He has conducted various bourbon and whiskey tastings in cities across the country, and consulted for multiple national labels. Entry proof is 125 proof/62.5 percent. One of the few universally praised non-macro whiskey makers in the U.S., its 6-year-old offering is Bottled-in-Bond, sweet mash bourbon with flavor that suggests the "6" on the label is a typo this bourbon tastes significantly older. Theres more of sweetness at play with toffee and vanilla up top. And THAT I can provide some help on. It's our best overall bourbon not by way of life-altering tasting notes which include marmalade, honey and maple but by stuffing the stat sheet in a way no other bourbon can. Larceny and Maker's Mark can be viewed as offshoot descendants of that distillery due to the connections the labels have with those original three or connections the distillers had with the principal players in that distillery. The price stops most people from ever getting to drink it and thats a shame. He has written multiple books on bourbon, has served as a judge at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World Whiskey Awards, is the founder of Bourbon+ magazine, was the former lead American whiskey reviewer at Whiskey Advocate, hosts The Fred Minnick Show podcast (about bourbon) and is the Bourbon Authority for the Kentucky Derby Museum. Average Price: $12. Had a shot in Kentucky a few years back when it was introduced. The whiskey has already won an impressive array of awards. This mash bill leans more heavily into the rye, creating a solid base for two very closely related bourbons. Simply, this is Heaven Hills famous wheated bourbon thats aged for nine years and bottled-in-bond. Today the brand is owned by Luxco. Charles is a 50-year veteran of the Kentucky distilling industry and his familys history is closely intertwined with Kentucky bourbon. In 2018, Luxco opened Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, KY so expect the bourbon to be made there in the future. The first Black blender at a major distillery, Major previously made waves as the Whiskey Blender at Bulleit. Okay, this isnt exactly a huge price tag for a quality spirit. They were right. The dram leans into a honey-sweet edge with the oak, mild spice, and hint of dark chocolate popping at the end. It was a great taste but will never pay that much for it again. Everything you ever wanted to know about Americas favorite brown spirit, including, of course, the best bottles you can actually buy. It has a suggested MSRP of $150, and Reserve Bar is your best bet for snagging a bottle. There is no shortage of good bourbon available today, although prices keep rising and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. For my qualifications, I limited them to products under $40, available in the majority of the states and it could not be a limited edition. Slightly peppery wheat next to a light fruit, vanilla, and fresh maple syrup greet you. ABV: 50% If you come across its charged, barrel-proof older sibling, be sure to pick up a bottle, too.. Distiller Score: 82. I have a couple of them in my bunker. // < ! Average Price: $40. On the flip side, expensive bourbon isnt always as refined as it seems. At a minimum, bourbon must be 80 proof (or 40 percent alcohol), with its mash never allowed to exceed 160 proof (or 80 percent alcohol). Nice article Bill. ABV: 40% Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY (Sazerac Company) Like in-state rivals Jack Daniel's, the brand is keen to remind drinkers that the two are not the same (even though they kind of are). Distiller Score: 86. The juice is a throwback to Colonel Blanton who expanded the distillery in the 20th century and used to handpick barrels for his personal stash in warehouse H. The bottle in-and-of-itself has become a collectors item with the small horse on each cork varying slightly. All the Makers versions, and Larceny should sate your wheater crave. Sazerac 18 typically demands the highest price in the Buffalo Antique Collection line. Old Forester packs a banana note that I thought could dominate the competition if I happened to be in a banana mood.. Ive been drinking bourbon for 50 years and liked your article on wheated bourbons. If they land in my lap at MSRP, like some have, Ill bite. Flavor is smooth and a bit musty, with hints of vanilla, banana, cinnamon and a dash of charred oak spice providing a bitter note. In addition, Minnick is the editor-in-chief of Bourbon+ Magazine and host on the Spirits Network. A pioneering brand, it was originally released as an exclusively bottled 90 proof bourbon whisky. Bourbon drinkers who enjoy spice and dark fruit will be fans of this release. Sometimes even exactly the same. Henry McKenna Single Barrel, 10 YO, 50% ABV, is bottled by the Heaven Hill distillery. ABV: 45% Makers is my flagship wheated bourbon. Where we have full reviews, scores, or tasting notes, I have included links: // < ! The end is rich with a note of toffee and a whisper of salted caramel. You can get a lot of satisfaction out of that. It's a classic tasting bourbon with notes of oak, caramel and brown sugar. Theres certainly less refinement at play. Last year, I tasted a dozen bourbons that were widely available and selected Ezra Brooks 7-year-old Cask Strength. Below are 8 brands of bourbon that retail for less than $50, many are under $30, that represent excellent values and that you have probably never heard of. Its 100 proof retains a full body and mixes bonafides without lighting your mouth on fire. For the uninitiated, wheat used as a secondary grain was really pioneered at the old Stitzel-Weller distillery in Louisville, birthplace of the Weller lineup, the Van Winkle lineup, and the Old Fitzgerald Lineup. The spice gets a little peppery as a final cut if citrus arrives to help the end slowly fade out. Hardins Creek Jacobs Well: In summer 2022, bourbon legend Jim Beam launched a new high-end label called Hardins Creek. The McKenna distillery was established in 1855, founded by the noted Irish immigrant distiller. Distiller Score: 88. I have always found a peanut butter note in this bourbon, and that can be incredibly enticing during a blind tasting. This is a BETA experience. Don't take Woodford Reserve's Double Oaked's ubiquity for mediocrity. A leather note emerges and lingers at the end. Old Forester Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (Barrel Proof) - T3. It is a wheated whiskey, that shares a common DNA with Old Fitzgerald and the Pappy wheated bourbons. #4 barrel char. One of the comparisons I did was a side-by-side review of two Bottled-in-Bond bottlings: Old Forester's 1897 BiB versus Old Grand Dad BiB. Age statement in the double digits for $40 or less? It is 115 proof and reminiscent of the style of bourbon distilled by the brand during the prohibition era. Bottled and sealed, his signature guaranteed quality. A rich leather note, along with some pepper, emerges at the end and lingers. Other states have much lower thresholds, however, some considering anything over $400 to be grand larceny. Larceny becomes grand larceny when the property taken exceeds a certain value as defined by each state. Simply put, Minnick knows bourbon better than almost anyone in America. But that is why I taste blind: I dont want to be influenced by brand name. The finish has a velvet texture that helps it fade fairly slowly while staying warm. Evan William's Black Label is hard to beat for the money. This was a single release of only 2,500 bottles. Perhaps thats why it was in the running to win it all. It bears no age statement and is bottled at 92 proof. I bought two. Press Esc to cancel. Production is limited to 8,600 bottles nationwide, and it sells for $250.Pappy Van Winkle 2022 Lineup: No list of the best bourbons is complete without a mention of Pappy Van Winkle. The sip leans more into the caramel apples on the end and skips the citrus yet stays warm and mellow. In fact, a lot of bourbons are cut from the exact same mash bills (grain recipes), barrels, and even proofs when they start aging. Early Times had already won a blind tasting with me previously, having captured gold in theBourbon Pursuit blind BIB Showdown. Old Forester was launched in 1870 by George Garvin Brown and named for Dr. William Forrester, who prescribed bourbon to his patients. The Main Differences Between Larceny Bourbon vs Maker's Mark The main differences between Larceny Bourbon vs Maker's Mark are: Larceny's distiller is Heaven Hill, whereas Maker's Mark is Beam Suntory. There is also a 57% ABV (114 proof) version that is priced under $30. Weller, and to a lesser extent Old Fitzgerald, has been caught up in the cult frenzy that now surrounds Pappy Van Winkle. Makers Mark could double their price and people would still buy it by the case. I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, Whisky Review: 50 Year Old Glenfarclas, Bowmore, Cardrona, And More, Hendricks Gin Debuts Flora Adora As New Limited Release, Thinking About Black Wine Business Beyond Black History Month, Whisky Review: Compass Box, Benriach, Tobermory, And More, Vibrant Whites, Distinctive RedsAppreciating The Wines Of Friuli, Appreciating Some Of Italys Lesser Known Varietals And Grapes, Wine Cocktails That Take The Chill Off Winter, Bacardis Latest Cask Finished Rum Expressions Are Exceptional. Pick up *several* bottles of 46 Cask Strength! The spirit is one of those rare drinks that is loved by both bourbon enthusiasts and amateurs. Thanks for a great article. These are two of my favorite daily drinkers both coming in at roughly the same proof, roughly the same price, and both readily available from respected distilleries. At the very least, this experiment is a good way to see how much luck and refinement go into making expensive bourbons worth the price when you can quite literally compare them to the cheaper expressions of the exact same juice. Tasting notes include Heath Bar and leather on the nose, with cinnamon candies, roasted vanilla and rye coming through in the palate. While it has an MSRP of just $40 (and costing half that much just a couple of years ago), its become one of the industrys hottest bottles more recently, and these days market prices hover around $300. The 2021 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is bold, spicy, and fruit forward. Head on over to Distiller, or download the app for iOS and Android today! This is all about the sweetness.. Limited edition and long-aged bourbons go as quickly as they hit the shelves. His son, Eddie Russell, took over as Wild Turkeys Master Distiller in 2015, after 35 years with the company. Yet, it always sort of baffles me when people go on about Evan Williams (which is the same mash bill as Elijah Craig at Heaven Hill) but not this. I'd say this is a bit of a draw on the nose. Sour mash and bottled-in-bond, non-distiller-producers and high-ryes. It bears no age statement and is bottled at 92 proof. It now goes on to compete for Best American Whiskey. Weller Special reserve has much in common with its more famous cousins, but sells, at least officially, at an average price of around $30a fraction of the cost of the Pappy expressions. In my early review days, I wanted to compare anything and everything that seemed similar. It can claim to be extremely full flavored thanks to its 115 proof, and its taste profile is like a synthesis of. Uncle Nearest Straight Rye . Its mellow balance helped by the prominent caramel notes of its wheated mash bill doesnt overpower meaty flavors. This one is more of a sipper. This is a classic bourbon thats been around for a long time. Best I ever had was a couple weeks ago in a Chicago speakeasy the Office. Jeffersons has released a few wheaters in their Presidential Select lineupthat were great, as did Parkers Heritage. Russells Reserve has been hitting my sweet spot of late, and many, including myself, thought this would definitely be in the running. In this blind tasting, I picked up a cornbread note and thought it to be too young to make my Top 5. Larceny, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, NAS. His bourbon incorporated a large percentage of rye, giving the whiskey a spicy and powerful flavor. Unfortunately, both also have that unpleasant metallic vodka-y alcohol taste, which I don't find in other bourbons. Larceny Bourbon ABV: 46% Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery, Louisville, KY Average Price: $26 The Whiskey: This is the exact same juice that's just aged a little less. It is a small batch barrel selection based on casks hand-picked by Wild Turkeys father and son master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell. Flavor Profile: Sweet & Vanilla Produced by a respected distiller (Wild Turkey)? Weve already talked about how Weller and Pappy are the same wheated bourbon, so lets give Heaven Hills wheated bourbons some love. Tasting notes include monkey bread aroma and Texas-style Dublin Dr. Pepper, making for one interesting palate. Maker's Mark Cask . Honey and fruit mix with a clear peppery rye note next to a slight hint of oak, apple, and more vanilla. Old Forester Signature Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, NAS, 50% ABV, is the oldest bourbon brand in the US and the first bourbon to be sold in bottle. It's got a good amount of heat on account of being 117 proof, but you'll still be able to make out classic bourbon tasting notes like caramel, brown sugar, vanilla and oak. Try it on the rocks. image via via modernthirst.com This is an easy drinking whiskey with a classic bourbon nose and taste and a smooth mouthfeel. On the nose, there is caramel, cooked corn sweetness and pralines (think almond roca candy), along with plenty of cinnamon and clove spice. There have been quite a few individual barrels of wheated bourbon released, or reportedly released over they ears. // < ! Could this be its year? To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit, Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter for new bottle & feature updates, Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon 90 Proof, Very Old Barton 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Evan Williams White Label Bottled in Bond Bourbon. And its a bartenders dream for its mixability. The whiskey inside Early Times' wicked affordable Bottled-in-Bond expression is Brown-Forman-made, though, and it has that sweet-and-smooth Basil Hayden's thing going on, just more a more solid boozy backbone with a recurring note of caramel corn throughout. The latter is a blend of a 16-year-old bourbon and a 15-year-old high-rye bourbon that pays tribute to the familys first distiller, Jacob Beam, and its said to be some of the best bourbon being produced at the busy distillery. The whiskey carries no age statement but is believed to be a blend of whiskeys between four and 20 years old. And the little factors between bottles do matter. ABV: 46% Flavor Profile: Sweet & Rich Distiller Score: 88 Very Old Barton 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Very Old Barton, owned by the Sazerac Company, is produced in Bardstown, Kentucky. Were just sayin. Bernheim wheated whiskey a bit harsh imo. Ive had/have 5 of the 8 limited/hard to find editions and they are not worth the effort, schmoozing, and gouging required to obtain. Because its not a hype whiskey, doesnt have a famous name and isnt a limited release, it doesnt get talked about but I challenge you to find a bourbon with this much firepower at the price point. I have not had the VW 23, VW 20, and VSOF12. Hi Dave! Great mouth flavors. From your daily sipper to the best bottle to bring to a party, here are the best bourbons to drink in 2023. It did not make my Top 6. Average Price: $20. Really enjoyed reading it and appreciated your message. But by and large, I find traditional bourbons aged past 12 years to be more often worse than their younger siblings (Elijah Craig is a good example). I believe that to be the definition of nuance. Among that plethora of lingering notes, you'll find interesting tastes like maple syrup, green peppercorn, coriander, and even a s'mores-like finish of chocolate, graham cracker and toasted marshmallow. I assessed all nominations, validated them and tasted them live on YouTube to select my 2019 favorite for Best Everyday Bourbon. Retail - $250; . Its a good, inexpensive, wheated everyday sipper.. At $20 per bottle, this is a fantastic bourbon and an excellent introduction to wheated bourbons. The mash bill consists of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley. I didnt find this note, however, and it failed to impress in the field. As it turns out, it came in my top 10. This juice is. The mash bill consists of 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley. Hope I can find some of them here in the Pac-NW. The brand was resurrected by Diageo in 2015 as both a NAS and a 15 YO version. Wheaters are my favorites, but I like ryes too. Maybe even one day I will get to try some Pappy!! Its a little smoother and feels softer on the palate. Theres no way around it, Wild Turkey 101 is great for the money. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. The whiskey is produced by. There are plenty of expressions of excellent bourbon priced under $50 from the national brands. The juice is really crafted as an entry point to Woodfords wider line that showcases their aging and blending prowess. It is available everywhere and thus resistant to the price gouging associated with brands like Buffalo Trace. Wheat as the secondary grain provides a bit of a subtle, yet noticeable contrast to the traditional rye component of standard bourbons. This bourbon won Whisky Advocates whiskey of the year, and Minnick was on the tasting panel. Old Forester Signature Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, NAS, 50% ABV, is the oldest bourbon brand in the US and the first bourbon to be sold in bottle. Thats nuts in todays whiskey world. I usually find Makers Mark to be sweet. Its bottled at 115 proof for this distillery, thats the perfect proof, Minnick says. ModernThirst's Comparison Reviews of Wheated Bourbons: 2020 ModernThirst. I walk in and find 15 year old Pappy in a red velvet sack sitting on the shelf for about sixty dollars a bottle. With all the easily available wheaters around, it really makes little sense to go through the Herculean effort and expense to obtain the limited editions. He has contributed frequently to our bourbon coverage over the years and is someone we regard as a friend. Distiller Score: 88. Theres a sense of sweet yet slightly bitter tea next to rye spice and a flutter of fresh mint. Larceny is a bourbon produced by the Heaven Hill distillery made from a mash bill that is 20 percent wheat. Its essentially a barrel finished bourbon, and that extra spice is a nice kick to an otherwise soft, wheated profile. With time, the spirit may seem more balanced. Here we go.. George T Stagg (Some days I prefer it to just about anything) 5. Give the whiskey a few minutes to open up and for the alcohol burn to dissipate.
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