Bourbon.

[Dusty Heaters]

Have you tried any of the 1920 or single barrel stuff?

Personally brother, I think the OF1920 is thee best readily available bourbon at fair MSRP. Admittedly, I am an OF fanboy. Their mashbill is right up my alley.

 

[venividivicibj]

Personally brother, I think the OF1920 is thee best readily available bourbon at fair MSRP. Admittedly, I am an OF fanboy. Their mashbill is right up my alley.

Nice- Recently bought one but haven’t tried it yet. Have been trying to explore different house styles

 

[Girardian]

+1 on the OF1920. While there are some exceptions, it's about the only off the shelf I buy right now (other than good store picks) for straight drinking; others I buy are all for cocktails. I am fortunate to have a stash of older bourbons to enjoy.

 

[Dusty Heaters]

Ran into a Blanton’s cashe on the PA wine and spirits website and snagged the checkout limit prior to sellout. Shipped the bottles to a friends house. Always nice to have these stashed away in the bunker.

Polished off a personal favorite of mine from 2013 tonight. Sad to see you go old friend.

 

[Dusty Heaters]

Ran into some luck over holiday break and added a few more drinkers to the bunker.

The KOb2 is everywhere locally, but it was a hard pass for me at the new retail of $199. When I found it for $109 on clearance I decided to pull the trigger.

 

[heldentenor]

Nice scores. Any more where that Kentucky Owl came from?

 

[Dusty Heaters]

Nice scores. Any more where that Kentucky Owl came from?

Not near us unfortunately... I picked these up over holiday break in Florida. All scooped up at Total Wine & More if you can believe it.

 

[Piobaire]

Got into the Pappy 15 on Sunday night with a neighbor. He's eternally grateful and I shall be treated to some King George Scotch next time I'm at his place.

 

[wojt]

As it should be given your locality. That’s a much more ‘relative’ whiskey for you. I enjoy scotch...I’m just not not wealthy enough to partake in good scotch.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say, we’d love to turn you on you other readily available bourbons that might sway your opinion on woodford.

It just turns out I will be in Texas in 2months, so if you could suggest some good value bourbon for a novice that is easily accessible in HOU or DAL I'd be grateful.

I enjoy scotch...I’m just not not wealthy enough to partake in good scotch.

Just out of curiosity what would you call a good scotch/bourbon, and at what price range that would generally start? Being much more advanced in my beer and wine exploration I can definitely tell there's a point of diminishing returns, that the more dollars you spend the less difference it makes on average the further you go- at least in my own experience.

 

[Dusty Heaters]

Got into the Pappy 15 on Sunday night with a neighbor. He's eternally grateful and I shall be treated to some King George Scotch next time I'm at his place.

Awesome, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. P15 is my favorite of the Van Winkle fleet.

It just turns out I will be in Texas in 2months, so if you could suggest some good value bourbon for a novice that is easily accessible in HOU or DAL I'd be grateful.

Just out of curiosity what would you call a good scotch/bourbon, and at what price range that would generally start? Being much more advanced in my beer and wine exploration I can definitely tell there's a point of diminishing returns, that the more dollars you spend the less difference it makes on average the further you go- at least in my own experience.

I'd be happy to, but note that the following picks are just one random internet guy's selections who is by no means credible in anyway. What appeals to my palette and the 'notes' I pick up on will vary from person to person.

Budget Picks (Sub $20)

• Very Old Barton - Bottled in bond (100 proof)
• Old Grand Dad - Bottled in bond (100 proof)

Daily Drivers ($20-$30)

• Buffalo Trace
• Elijah Craig
  
• Evan Williams Single Barrel
• Henry McKenna 10yr
  
• Larceny

All Purpose ($30-$40)

• Four Roses Single Barrel
• Eagle Rare 10yr
• Knob Creek Single Barrel
• E.H. Taylor Small Batch
• Willett Pot Still Reserve

Spendy by Worth It ($40-$65)

• Old Forester 1920
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (Series A,B, and C are all fantastic)
• Maker's Mark Cask Strength

 

[heldentenor]

That's a very good list. I'd add two things to the top end: Knob Creek barrel picks (bottled at 120 and often 12-14 years old; $40), and Russell's Reserve single barrel (110 proof, 7-9 years, $55-$60).

Nothing, except some of the BTACs, beats the Elijah Craig barrel proof. A118 and B518 are both incredible.

 

[venividivicibj]

That's a very good list. I'd add two things to the top end: Knob Creek barrel picks (bottled at 120 and often 12-14 years old; $40), and Russell's Reserve single barrel (110 proof, 7-9 years, $55-$60).

Agree. I'd add (technically not bourbon but whatever) - the George Dickel single barrel (100 proof, 9 year, ~$45)

 

[Piobaire]

Go to a quality bar, which I know in at least Dallas, there are plenty of. Taste through several bourbons and/or bourbon based cocktails while enjoying some food and a good atmosphere.

 

[wojt]

Thanks a lot everybody and especially @Dusty Heaters , much appreciated

 

[Dusty Heaters]

Happy to help and ditto all the recommendations (Except for Dickel...but that doesn't mean it's a bad choice! Just personal preference. I absolutely hate Pâté, but folks in my region love it. Go figure.)

PS: If a particular store has any private barrel (store pick) in stock they likely have an open bottle for you to try before you buy. If the flavor suits you, that's likely one of the better buys in the store.