Let's get started with the basics, I know everyone's got an obscure favorite whiskey, aged 40 years and produced only in one of the flyover states twice a year yadda yadda yadda but thinking about all of that right now is making me verklempt.
But I'm wondering about the basics that you can pick up at any local liquor store. I tried some Jim Beam for the first time last week and deeply enjoyed it, so I'm looking for testimonies about the major brands. Evan Williams, Jack Daniels, Makers Mark, Jonny Walker, Woodford Reserve? What's your go to stand-by and what do you think is over-rated?
Yamazaki 12 year, you can find it anywhere for under 100$
That sounds like the price a few years ago. Since Yamazaki 12 got discontinued its price has raised. Also, it is hard to find now. Do you mind to tell me where did you find those under $100? I kinda want to stock few bottles before they all disappear from the market.
is it really discontinued? there are three or four bottles at a liquor store near me - like 84.99 a bottle. i'm going to go back over tonight and buy them.
I get it right at the Fairway supermarket liquor store. Its like 80$ I believe. Fairway has the best liquor selection out of any place I can find at the moment. Weird I know.
i bought a case last week at $85 per
Also one of my favorites is Glenfiddich 12 - which is easily found anywhere for about 40$
Jack is overpriced. Ezra brooks is a better version for like $12. Occasionally get makers. Most liquor stores have Blanton's which is one of the more common intro to high end bourbons. But I'm over the trying to be cool by drinking whiskey and have resorted back to my 12 year old girl phase of sticking to shots of vodka/tequila or mixed drinks of vodka water
Bourbon: Woodford, Knob Creek, Jefferson's Reserve (may be harder outside midwest to get that). Woodford is just tasty and fun to drink. Knob gets me tipsy quickly. Jefferson's is almost a mix between the two.
Scotch: Macallan 12. 1st Scotch I truly love...sounds emotional but I have great memories attached to Macallan
@2trickpony" Knob Creek is the absolute worst. You should be ashamed. Where do you work? The mail room?
Knob is bathtub swill. Woodford is an outstanding affordable, easy-to-find bourbon.
Recently split a bottle of Jeffersons with a friend for a pregame cuz it was on sale. It was okay but didn't think it was much better than some of the cheaper stuff. Is the reserve much better than regular?
Yes, but probably not going to wow you. I have a bottle that was gifted to me, noticed I've pulled another before Jefferson's mostly. Worth a try if you see it on sale, though.
Adding to the Bourbon list: Breckenridge
Evan Williams is a better bourbon than many pricier bottles. imo. Best bang for your buck.
If you're going up a tier in price, Elijah Craig stands out if you want something full-flavored.
+1 on the Evan Williams. I received a small bottle of it (like what you get on an airplane) as a gift set and it was my first exposure to it. Not something that I would buy on my own, so glad to try it - overall positive reaction, would definitely consider getting a full bottle of it.
Balvenie 14 year single malt - Caribbean Cask. It's scotch, not rye or bourbon whiskey, but I highly recommend.
Caribbean Cask is a great affordable Scotch!
ip
I agree.
High West has some really great bottles. The bourye is probably my favorite
Only good thing about my old gig was the owners also owned High West. Christmas party's were enjoyable.
If we're going to rule out all liquor from the mid-tier and up, I would opt for Maker's with a splash of coke.
Maker's isn't mid-tier to you? Must be rolling in Sheckels.
I think if you look at the whiskey/whisky market more broadly, it becomes pretty obvious that it is not mid-tier either in terms of price or quality. I'm not saying that I personally find it cheap or of poor quality, what I am saying is that it is significantly less expensive and imo of a lesser quality than something like a Lagavulin 16 y.o or or a Glenlivet 18 y.o which for me are mid-tier. Then of course you have the $100+ bottles such as the higher end Ardbegs and Bunnahabhains which represent a whole other echelon, and would be what I think of as top-tier.
Splash of Coke?
That’s for sorority girls who like getting drunk but don’t want to taste the booze.
It's a nice drink. Are you one of those guys that orders the spiciest demon-j*zz hot wings when you're out with friends just to prove you're a tough guy? Insecurity for days.
You know, to get a better flavor of the whiskey supposedly it is at its best when it is mixed with water, or so I read somewhere. I personally have it either with water or just plain. Maker's its a very good one, in the same range also Knob Creek and Breckenridge. I dislike scotch
A splash of water can sometimes be added to cask strength or near cask strength whiskies in order to knock back the alcohol and open up the nose and flavor palate of the whisky. Personally, I wouldn't add water to something bottled at 40-43% alcohol like a Maker's.
Stagg Jr 100% if you can find it, I agree with Slippy777 above about Blanton's being the intro to better whiskeys.
My go-to right now is Aberlour 12yr. smooth and sweet. I highly recommend it.
Regular old Jameson always does it for me. But I also don't know much about whiskey
I'm more into scotch than bourbon, but recently discovered Basil Hayden's bourbon. Pretty solid.
Macallan 12 is great, Macallan 18 is amazing. One of the best I've had is Glengoyne 25.
Yes they're great...but do yourself a favor and have a Lagovulan or Lapfroaig. If you like peetie, you'll LOVE these. Please no ice, I beg you!
Definitely going to check those out. And of course no ice!
Especially if you can get your hands on a 18-year Laphroaig. Such a pity they discontinued it.
Lagavulin 16 and Laphroaig 10 are some of my favorites. For those that want to get into scotch, but don’t like too much smoke I suggest Glengoyne 10 year.
Bulleit and Knob Creek
If you like the flavor of sazerac, you can do a quick/easy one with Bulleit Rye...I call it the lazy man's sazerac (I don't coat the glass in absynthe, sorry to the purists out there):
1 monster cube of ice
2 shots of Bulleit (I prefer the Rye but can work with Bourbon)
3-5 dashes of peychard bitters
1-2 dashes of angosturo bitters
1-2 bada bing cherries
....and BADA BING, you got yourself a pretty delicious drink.
I don't add any sugar (besides what's on the cherries), but if you are serving it to someone that is a bit more sensitive (ie has a tough time with how "harsh/dry" the drink is), add a touch of sugar and/or let the ice melt for ~1min before serving to soften it a bit.
Enjoy!
You're basically making an Old-Fashioned....which is my go-to for a quick cocktail after work or when at home.
Try it with Rittenhouse Rye. Levels better than Bulleit and a couple dollas less as well. You can thank me later.
I drink mostly scotch and rye. All of the ones listed below are relatively affordable (=$100).
Scotch whisky:
Lagavulin 16 is hands down my favorite whisky--Scotch or otherwise. Wonderful peatiness but smoother than many other Islay whiskies. You can grab a bottle for under $100 at most legit liquor stores.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask will kick your ass. One of the most peat-heavy drinks you can find. This is some intense stuff. Not for the faint of heart, but some days there is nothing better.
Macallan 12: Can't go wrong with this ol' standby. Solid.
Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Finished in sherry casks. I'm no expert palette but it seems to add something. Super smooth and flavorful.
Rye whiskey:
WhistlePig: Some of their bottles can get a little pricey, but their 10-, 12-, and 15-year rye are all really good. Rye is a bit "spicier" than bourbon and can be a little harsher on the tongue, but once you develop a taste for it, you'll find bourbon almost too sweet!
Bulleit Rye: Bulleit is known more for their bourbon, but they make a really solid small batch rye with loads of flavor. Generally more affordable than other American ryes.
Amen on the Bulleit Rye (see my post above about how I use it for my lazy man sazerac)...
Agree on the Macallan and encourage you to try the Aberlour 12... Macallan 12 used to be my go-to but I prefer the Aberlour (slightly more fruity/more sherry/darker and still very smooth).
Have you ever tried Bowmore 15 "darkest"? bought it for a trip while in San Diego. It's very dark red but with the traditional peatiness of an Islay. https://dandm.com/bowmore-darkest-15-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky…
I was a fan (also enjoy Lagavulin 16 :-)
No, haven't had the Bowmore 15 Darkest, but will stay on the lookout for it. I enjoy the regular Bowmore 12 quite a bit so I imagine I'd like that one, too.
I've seen Aberlour on the shelf but have never grabbed it (so many different whiskies in well stocked stores; a good problem!). Will buy it the next time I re-up.
you are the man! Let me know if you get to Tampa and we'll enjoy some of that.
SB'ed for the Lagavulin 16. Was going to be my comment but saw yours. Macallan 12 is also a very solid choice. I would add in Balvenie into this list as well.
Solid.
Would also add Talisker 10 year. Quite affordable and a decent fire water.
I really enjoy Bulleit and Wild Turkey. I've heard great things about Woodford as well.
Maker's Mark is my go to
Holy shit I am drunk. I got myself a fifth of Bulleit and some cherries for a few Old Fashioneds and I am absolutely inebriated. I have to present a memo tomorrow and I am schvitzing alcohol out of my tits right now. I'm gonna call my ex girlfriend from college! World Domination !!!!!
hahahaha, hang in there!
Lol most proper post in this thread
what a sad man you are to be posting on here while you're drunk
Woodford Reserve is my favorite go to Bourbon/Whiskey. Affordable and smooth as hell.
Gentleman’s Jack, Jameson, Macallan 12/18 as well.
+SB for listing two of my favorites; we have very similar tastes
Prices are based on liquor stores in Manhattan. You'll pay much less in NJ or at wholesale clubs.
Best budget whiskey for all you alcoholics out there:
1) Bastille Hand-crafted French Whiskey ~$40, guaranteed smoother than Glenlivet 12. 2) Four Roses ~$20, tasty & sweet. 3) Most 12 year / 10 year scotches ~$80
Personal Favorite:
1) Bastille, seriously can't beat the price or the taste. 2) Laphroaig 10 Yr ~$60, I'd argue its one of the more tastier options out there. 3) Glenlivet 18 Yr ~$200.
Rule of thumb that's been passed down to me, try a 20 Yr + whiskey before you turn that age (try a 24 Yr Whiskey before you turn 24, etc) to know what fancy whiskey tastes like. Then get drunk off ~$80 whiskey.
Yamazaki 12 and 17 years old. Mostly at Japanese airports (duty free shops).
Personal low-cost favourites:
These are all great quality and something you can enjoy several days in a row.
https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/talisker/talisker-2006-bottled-20…</a">Talisker 2006 (bottled 2016) Amoroso Cask Finish - Distillers Edition
Few of my faves, but I'm in Canada so not sure about availability:
Highland Park 12 -- my go to. Good price, smooth, not too complex. I won't feel guilty downing half the bottle vs. some of the more expensive ones.
Lagavulin 16 / Oban 14 -- very peaty. Good for sipping something with more "oomph"
Balvenie Doublewood 12 -- 2nd round of maturing in fresh sherry casks. A different taste but very good as well, kind of in between the two above.
+1 for the Highland Park. Trying to figure out why nobody else mentioned it. Best range for the price imo and is a little more "off the beaten path" than things like Dalmore, Glenlivet and the like.
yes on the Balvenie Doublewood 12 - actually served at my wedding :-) ...somehow went through like 30 bottles
I find the best way to add-value in a high-impact and socially innovative way is with Johnnie Walker
Bulleit Bourbon is my commonly available go-to. Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve is unreal for the price if you can find it.
Went home and did a blind taste with my wife (also a whisky drinker) on some bottles we had:
Wasn't trying to ID, just what we liked best. She picked Bulleit and I (suprisingly) chose Booker's, although the taste of that is quite a shift from WR or Bulleit.
If you are lucky enough to get your hands on some Pappy Van Winkle, then I would say that's the best night-cap whiskey/bourbon available. Aside from any of the Van Winkle family of whiskeys, do yourself a favor and go buy a bottle of Black Ridge. It's ~$30 and is as good as almost any bourbon I have tried. It doesn't have some fancy label, and it's not super well known, but it is surprisingly smooth and a solid example of what bourbon should taste/feel like.
Bulleit, Woodford, Makers 46
Blanton's or Jefferson Reserve for bourbon. $50-60 bottles and great. For $40 or under, Bulleit and Maker's are good (I give the edge to Bulleit)
Rusty nail
I drink rye. Canadian Club and J.P. Wiser's are good enough for me.
Buffalo Trace is a highly underrated, extremely affordable bourbon
Couldn't agree more. The past few years it has started coming up in price, but I prefer it significantly more than something like Basil Hayden's.
accidently MS'd you, my bad, Buffalo Trace was going to be my addition to the list and you beat me to it.
Regular Day Weller 12 Year Hibiki 12 Elijah Craig Small Batch
Bonus Day Pappy Van Winkle 15 year Elijah Craig 23 year George T Stagg
Big fan of Angel's Envy, Basil Hayden's, and Eagle Rare for bourbon. For scotch I find that I keep coming back to the Glenmorangie Nectar D'or.
If you're looking for a real treat/special occasion (or are loaded), you should try the Middleton Very Rare: https://www.mashandgrape.com/products/midletonveryrareirishwhiskey?utm_…
It's expensive but incredibly smooth and delicious (lots of vanilla)...I like this neat more than any of the single malt scotches (with the exception of a few) and it's a blend :-).
Kirkland brand whiskey (or god forbid Black Velvet) since I drink to forget Monday-Friday and I'm a cheap fuck when it comes to booze. Like Basil Hayden's and Bulleit otherwise though
Really enjoy Basil Hayden's as well.
Going to look for Yamazaki 12 at liquor store on my next run.
For some other good values for everyday bourbons/rye here are a few of my favorites:
Old Weller 107 (good luck finding it....this is the same corn squeezins that goes into Pappy only younger)
Anything $30 and "Bottled in Bond" (Old Forester, Old Grand Dad, etc.) these are 100-proof bottlings and i've yet to find one that wasn't damned tasty especially for the $
Rittenhouse Rye. My go-to for an Old Fashioned
George Dickel anything. But especially their White Label (90 proof) and their rye. The best Tennessee whisky made and I'm from Tennessee. Jack Daniels is all marketing.
Second George Dickel. So much better than jack and generally much cheaper
Absolutely right on Bottled in Bond recommendation. They're not incredibly easy to find around me but are an amazing bang for your buck and stand up against some bottles 2x or more the cost.
Nothing beats old school Johnny Walker Blue in my opinion...
Good ol Macallan 12 is great, goes for around $70.
God I'm cheap: 7&7
From most to least expensive, my favorite 3 whiskey/rye’s are: Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, and Bulleit. Super easy to mix too if you buy a bottle of vermouth (like Rossi) and bitters.
Had a nice 14 yr Oban yesterday with a great cigar (Fuente Don Carlos double robusto). Made the whole day worthwhile.
Surprised there’s no mention of Crown. You can taste the maple from the tees of the north
Speyburn 10 year old scotch is solid choice. Available at most liqour stores it is a great buy for about $30. They spend zero money on marketing and focus on the quality of the product.
Belle Meade Bourbon is pretty good (if a blend--but the distillery is coming out in a couple years with a proper in-house Tennessee whiskey I'm very excited for) but I don't know if they have it so much outside of the South/Midwest currently
I wanted to like it, but I really didn't. It was pretty damn rough.
Basil Hayden's is Old Grand Dad, literally the same juice
As you know, there are literally thousands of whiskies out there and it all comes down to personal choice. If you are up for trying new ones, I suggest getting a tasting collection and then going from there. Its a good way to narrow down choices and find something you can like.
My girlfriend got me one of these (https://www.tastingcollection.com/whisky-tasting-collection-24-tubes-in…) and now I drink Bowmore 18 Years regularly when I hadn't tried it once 3 months before.
Everyone has an opinion, so it's a tough question. But if you want something off the beaten path that goes down incredibly easily and tastes like pure joy then pick up a bottle of 10-year Edradour. Highland single malt, Scotland's smallest distillery. Under $70. The 12-year is a bit much in taste and price, so recommend sticking to the 10-year.
Hibiki
12 year is money if you can find
David Nicholson Reserve. Award winning bourbon on the sweeter side for only ~$30.
Mentioned above, but four roses (especially the single barrel) is great and beats knob creek, makers, bulleit, and imho all other mid tier bourbons. Jefferson’s reserve, garrison brothers, etc play at a different price point and aren’t really comps.
agree 100%
Screw whiskey -- it's all about that Bombay Sapphire right, DickFuld ?
Kavalan (representing Taiwan) and go for the Solist Vinho Barrique (wine barrels)
http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/stagg-jr
You're welcome. 133 Proof.
Macallan 12
Angel's Envy is a good mid-range bottle
Tullamore Dew is a great irish whiskey and much better than Jameson's (IMO), $25/bottle!
A few suggestions that haven't been mentioned yet - Henry McKenna 10 year (don't let the screw top and packaging dissuade you), EH Taylor (I like the single barrel and rye, but the small batch is still very good and much better than other similarly priced bottles) and IW Harper 15 (harder to find, but tasty and great looking bottle). Stagg Jr., Booker's or one of the better Old Foresters (1920/1897/Statesman) if you want something with some burn. For ryes try Whistlepig and Pikesville.
Whistlepig is generally quite good. Their rye is as good as you can find aside from the Van Winkle Rye and the Sazerac 18 year Rye, but both of those are significantly more expensive. Willet Rye and Wistlepig Rye are great for mixed drinks. Manhattans made with rye and carpano antica are the tits. You're all welcome for this last suggestion. It took me years to discover the secrets of perfect rye Manhattans, straight up with a twist of burnt orange peel.
Bulleit Bourbon
As lots of people have said above, Woodford and Bulleit are great. I would put Bulleit at a close second to Woodford (not double oaked); this is because Bulleit is both slightly inferior in quality imo and has been creeping up in price over the last few years (not imo). But you can't go wrong with either.
Haven't had it, but I've heard good things about Four Roses.
Once you go Macallan, you never go back.
God bless those that recommended Glenlivet 12. It's an entirely different experience from Bulleit or Jack. Much smoother and less wandering flavors. It's far more palatable neat, and absolute velvet with a little ice and a juicy cherry plopped in.
Great idea for a thread, I'll add a small twist and list out when I drink each one because, to me, these drinks are about mood & strength:
Gentleman Jack - it's my go to "every day" type of drink. Good for just about any occasion. It's also relatively easy to find in restaurants when I travel, including overseas. I remember being in a restaurant in Mexico where they had GJ listed for less than JD. I spoke to the manager about it and they had no clue that there was even a difference. Gave me a lifetime "grandfather clause and changed the prices for everyone else but me; we became good friends after that and still stay in touch.
Woodford Reserve - Good overall and completely reasonable when you buy it at Costco or Sams. This is what I use drink I'm cleaning up around the house or just doing a lot of work at home and want a sipping drink I can have throughout my chores.
Knob Creek - Always takes me back to a special place in time when I lived in Palm Springs, CA and the memories associated with that (some good ones, some less so). To me, this is a strong drink and I drink it relatively sparingly. Definitely not something you want to take in before operating heavy machinery ;-)
Let's see pics of those whiskey shelves and sideboards! Here's mine:
I only drink whiskey that comes in a plastic bottle.
Look at all you suckers who are paying a ton of money for old wheat that rotted so it turned to an alcoholic waste product.
J Walker Black or any Macallan. Chivas for bottom shelf is decent
Basil Hayden or Knob Creek
Everyone listed some good whiskys/whiskeys.
Kings County , specifically their Bourbon, Rye, and Peated Bourbon
Distilled here in Brooklyn, NY . It might well be the best bourbon I have ever tasted.
Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Monkey Shoulder - all are very smooth, especially Monkey Shoulder [which is a blend of Balvenie, Glenfiddich and another distiller I can never remember]. There are certain Johnnie Walkers that I enjoy, the less-peaty ones. I don't care for JW Blue and thinks it's uber-hype, but the Gold Label or Gold Reserve is nice, they keep changing names, such as there's no more JW Green Label, now tis Green Isle].
Many of the Balvenie's are tasty. I frequently recommend Angel's Envy to those that tell me they don't like bourbon. Hakushu and Glenfiddich 12 are two of my constant faves, but I always enjoy trying others. Tried Glenfiddich 15 and 18 and didn't think they were any better, smoother or more interesting than the 12. I also like Woodford Reserve and Four Roses. Went to a Four Roses barrel tasting in February at The Norwood Club, which was great fun and I reserved 2 bottles for delivery in summer. I've never tried Pappy Van Winkle, so I don't know if it's worth the hype. I don't care for Hillrock or Knobs Creek, as I find they need ice and I prefer no ice. The home bar is always a mix, Been drinking more aged rums lately like Appleton, Dorado, Plantation and Zacapa... Plantation and Dorado are dangerously smooth and I highly recommend them if you've never done straight rums. Last summer, 4 of us finished a bottle of Plantation in less than 36 hours, along with wine and beer whilst at the beach.
Best every day Bourbons to keep stocked on the shelf (~$30) - Bulleit, Four Roses Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig. If you're looking for a slight step up (~$45) - Bulleit 10 yr, Four Roses Single Barrel. We can all spout out the most expensive Scotches and Bourbons we know, but I think OP is looking for Daily Drivers. I can't believe people have mentioned JD.
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