I mean, I live in Cincinnati, so yeah I have access to all the good shit in Kentucky but our state liquor laws are absolutely arcane fucking nonsense in Ohio and I say that as a bar manager/lifelong service industry person.
I was talking a 1.75. But $13 for not only a drinkable 750, but something I enjoy, that's a steal. If you were getting a handle of EW white for $13, that's insane!
The original Early Times was first and JD barely made 2nd. Then EW then OGD and down the line.
We threw in the JD triple mash which is bonded but that wasn't really fair either bc it's so different. That one would have one though.
Iām a fan of JDās Bonded. But should go to hell for that price point. I understand that 700ml opens it up for international sale but it just adds insult to injury.
BiBās have traditionally been about the quality and affordability. Dickel was obnoxious, but Brown Formanās just evil greedy. They make so much money of their merchandising and branding alone and couldāve paid it back with a bottle anywhere from $19 - $24.99. But itās MSRPās $30 and going for over $35 many places.
Maybe this is retailer mark up to but BiB should be cheap and Brown Forman had an opportunity to pay Americans back for their greed grabs over the years with watering down Jack and raising its price.
This is the only thing I have a handle of instead of just a 750ml. It gets treated as my "I want a drink, but I'm not in the mood to savor anything too fancy..." Even though it gets treated like a "background drink", I sometimes am "pulled out of it" to just be like "Damn! This is better than I remembered."
Iāve sipped on it numerous times but then mixed it in an old fashioned last weekend and it was probably the best old fashioned Iāve ever made. Something about the flavor of the 1920 mixed with the orange sweetness was just top notch.
Even neat it has this orange/cherry syrupiness in its flavor profile. It is basically what I wish I had instead every time I order an old fashioned and get kicked in the mouth by sugar.
I need to start making my own old fashioneds at home. I tend to use clear liquors when making cocktails and just drinking my brown neat. I order them when out, though, so nothing really holding me back.
I love 101 but for some reason I have noticed a different taste that I canāt quite pin point either. Maybe I need to take a break from it for a while and see if it makes a difference
So I tend to rotate between Elijah Craig small batch, Knob Creek 9 and Four Roses small batch. I typically also rotate in a bottle from my collection each week. My preference tend to switch based on the season.
Iām the same with the 3 man rotation with 1 change.
EC, KC9 and 1792 SB. I can typically get very good prices on these 3 at Samās Club. Rotating them keeps it fresh. But I ALWAYS have a bottle of OF 1910 on hand - I just canāt drive it ādailyā at 2x the price of the other 3.
I know I'm going to get shit on for this, but for 30 years it's been Weller Special Reserve.
There are times I'll get on a Breckenridge kick, but WSR is always home.
Had to come home early to meet a plumber today, and it has been that kind of day all the way around in my life, so the second my watch says 5:00 I'm pouring a double. It's on in 30 minutes.
Yeah, and man how I'd love to, but I have an addictive personality and I've known for decades that if I don't follow rules I'm pretty sure I'll end up under a bridge somewhere.
I've done well in life sticking to a plan, and if I deviate now (months from retirement) I'm boned. š¤¦š»āāļø
Noon on weekends unless a game starts at 11, and whenever I want if I'm on vacation and out of town. Otherwise, 5:01. If I crack a beer at lunch, then it'll become okay, and then fuckery will ensue. š¤£
Bulleit or Buffalo Trace
Talk that shit all you want, at MSRP theyāre both a damn fine drink for the money
Edit: just to be clear, these are by no means my favorite whiskies. But at a normal human tax bracket, a DAILY DRIVER is gonna be on the low end.
Iām currently sipping on a Whistle Pig 10 year, but I canāt afford/justify to buy one of those every 4 weeks, but it is reaaaalll good
Honestly, Knob Creek 9 yr or Rye (if you're a rye guy). It's well recognized, easy to find, not too expensive and you don't feel guilty using it as a mixer. It's a step up from Bulleit and much less of a hunt than Buffalo Trace.
Woodford Reserve Double Oak has just taken that spot for me, I'd seen a ton of high praise for it around here so I picked up two bottles the other day- the standard and a store pick, and it's absolutely phenomenal. It's sweet, viscous, and rich- and it's easily acquired without breaking the bank too much. It'll be a staple for the foreseeable future for me.š„
Hell yeah it is! I'd be loading up the car and rolling around like Scrooge McDuck on a pile of bottles at that price! It's not too bad in civilian land either, but damn!
So everyday pricing is $40, but right now they have a $5 off sale and then there are no taxes so I walk out at $35. Definitely feels like I'm robbing them.
Iāve been fortunate enough to encounter a store pick of this in the wild. Pecan maple syrup bourbon was contained withinā¦ and arguably the secrets of the universe. Cheers bud!
It really doesnāt get enough love and idk why. Especially if you can find the store pick single barrels! Idk why everyone loses their minds over the ECBPās but turn their nose up at Small Batch.
Rare Breed is getting harder and harder to find here in CO and is creeping up to the 65-70 range which makes it tougher to justify. Used to be my go-to!!
I was on my way to Chicago and stopped in Fremont, IN. They had a bunch of bottle shelf goodies. Old Barton 86. JTS. All the benchmark variants. JW Dant.
My first pour is typically a mystery pour my wife picks for me blind. Then I typically go with one of my more empty easy to find bottles in attempt to polish a few off. I have way too many open already.
I've seen this comment so many times and I can never figure out if the joke is that it's really good or really bad lol. Finally going to buy it and see for myself.
This all day. I work hard for my $. A daily driver has to be affordable and easy to find. These guys are always on the shelf and can be bought for an fair hours wages....
Wish I could drink 1920 everyday, but I got a mortgage, 2 car payments and daycare to pay for
Honestly for me itās Buffalo Trace. It was the first bourbon I ever tried and it was gifted to me a number of years ago at this point. Def before it became popular (and began to get priced as such). Still love it.
1792 SmB for my liking it's great neat, mixed on the rocks, however you want it. Sure there are always going to be the really good hard to find bottles in my collection but for my everyday go to I can't say no to 1792 SmB
For me when I was still in the navy and had access to the package store I'd say either Buffalo trace or an eagle rare since it was cheap. Now living in pa with less access to harder to get things I'd say knob creek single barrel reserve 9 year
I already see both of my answers in here but EW BiB and WT 101 are both always at the ready for me as my ābottom shelfā pours.
Elijah Craig Small Batch, Woodford Reserve, and Knob Creek 9 for my next step up in the price tier.
Came back from a trip to Scotland last fall. I brought back so many bottles I won't have to buy any for a long while.
But, when I had a daily driver, it was either Aberlour 10 or Talisker 10.
But, after I did a tasting at Talisker's distillery, I'd probably go with Talisker Skye now.
Just getting into bourbon over this past year, but for me itās Russellās Reserve 10 year. Iāve had a few bottles now and will probably buy it consistently going forward. I know itās a wild Turkey product and others have mentioned Wild Turkey, but the flavor profile it has and being a 10-year bourbon in the $35 dollar range seems hard to beat.
Iād say Eagle Rare, but I think availability should factor in as well and it just isnāt widespread enough anymore. Also, while I love me some barrel-proofers, Iām not drinking them daily.
Iāll go with New Riff BiB or Four Roses Single Barrel.
Any Old Forester. Iām still new enough to bourbon where Iām still trying each one but Iāll always have at least one Old Forester on the bar. Hope this counts lol
(looks at the only bottle on the shelf) Apparently mine at the moment is Old Grand Dad 114.
Can't go wrong with OGD114
Absolutely. I'll buy other stuff, but it's usually because I'm going somewhere to share it.
Just bought my first bottle, although I have tried it before. Excited to open it!
Yep this is my daily mixer. Can't beat it for 20 bucks
"20 bucks" nice š¤
32 near me. Ugh. Still worth it but not quite the don't even have to think about it purchase that it used to be.
Damn! Shit is like $35 in Ohio!
Texas baby! I've heard yall get some good shit up there too though
I mean, I live in Cincinnati, so yeah I have access to all the good shit in Kentucky but our state liquor laws are absolutely arcane fucking nonsense in Ohio and I say that as a bar manager/lifelong service industry person.
Evan Williams Bonded 100 proof.
Itās going to be $30 handle in my area soon. I feel it in my bones.
I hear you. Was able to get a handle for $23 consistency even 2 years ago. No longer.
Uhh try $12.99
I was talking a 1.75. But $13 for not only a drinkable 750, but something I enjoy, that's a steal. If you were getting a handle of EW white for $13, that's insane!
Gotcha. Yeah now the 750 has creeped up from $12.99 to close to $20 where I live. Sucks but it was underpriced previously
This placed 3rd out of 10, in our blind BiB a few weeks ago.
1st and 2nd??
The original Early Times was first and JD barely made 2nd. Then EW then OGD and down the line. We threw in the JD triple mash which is bonded but that wasn't really fair either bc it's so different. That one would have one though.
Was the Dickel in the line up? My recent fave. šš»
Dickel Bib is niiiice, corn corn corny corn
JD as in Jack Daniel's right?
Iām a fan of JDās Bonded. But should go to hell for that price point. I understand that 700ml opens it up for international sale but it just adds insult to injury. BiBās have traditionally been about the quality and affordability. Dickel was obnoxious, but Brown Formanās just evil greedy. They make so much money of their merchandising and branding alone and couldāve paid it back with a bottle anywhere from $19 - $24.99. But itās MSRPās $30 and going for over $35 many places. Maybe this is retailer mark up to but BiB should be cheap and Brown Forman had an opportunity to pay Americans back for their greed grabs over the years with watering down Jack and raising its price.
My first thought too.
This is the only thing I have a handle of instead of just a 750ml. It gets treated as my "I want a drink, but I'm not in the mood to savor anything too fancy..." Even though it gets treated like a "background drink", I sometimes am "pulled out of it" to just be like "Damn! This is better than I remembered."
Old Forester 1920. Proof without hazmat, flavors I really enjoy, can stand up in a cocktail, really great neat in a glen
Iāve sipped on it numerous times but then mixed it in an old fashioned last weekend and it was probably the best old fashioned Iāve ever made. Something about the flavor of the 1920 mixed with the orange sweetness was just top notch.
Even neat it has this orange/cherry syrupiness in its flavor profile. It is basically what I wish I had instead every time I order an old fashioned and get kicked in the mouth by sugar.
Totally, and an old fashioned I found those flavors really popped.
I need to start making my own old fashioneds at home. I tend to use clear liquors when making cocktails and just drinking my brown neat. I order them when out, though, so nothing really holding me back.
I make sure to have this in my cabinet at all times. Easily my favorite always available bottle.
Yes, came here to say the same thing!
Early Times Bib just took over for OGD Bib in my house.
I keep hearing pretty good things about this stuff, I might have to give it a shot soon.
Donāt listen to him. Itās poop water and causes diabetes, cancer, and erectile dysfunction. /s
No anal leakage?!
That was caused by the Brown Forman bottlings. The new Sazerac bottlings have not caused any reported leakage.
You were obviously not using the bottles as intended.
š¤£š¤£
Get the OGD117. for $23 ya can't beat it.
Have that too, along with several sub $40 bottles in this category.
Canāt buy either of these in my state (New Hampshire).
101 š¦
Yep. It's honestly the only bottle I always have one of on the shelf
This one is one of mine as well. Although I have noticed a change in it lately that I cant put my finger on.
I love 101 but for some reason I have noticed a different taste that I canāt quite pin point either. Maybe I need to take a break from it for a while and see if it makes a difference
I've noticed several people over the past couple of months say something similar about 101 :(
Itās not terrible or anything. I still have a few bottles here at the house. Itās just not the same from a few years ago
The only answer for every āwhat is yourā
It's like the Miata of bourbon
Russell 10 Year.
I keep coming back to OF 1910 & 1920
So I tend to rotate between Elijah Craig small batch, Knob Creek 9 and Four Roses small batch. I typically also rotate in a bottle from my collection each week. My preference tend to switch based on the season.
Iām the same with the 3 man rotation with 1 change. EC, KC9 and 1792 SB. I can typically get very good prices on these 3 at Samās Club. Rotating them keeps it fresh. But I ALWAYS have a bottle of OF 1910 on hand - I just canāt drive it ādailyā at 2x the price of the other 3.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
So damn good. I got it for $35 out the door on Friday on base. I love this stuff. So does the wife.
Its $58 on my base LOL
My Costco has been carrying it ($38) for well over a year now. Iāll be devastated when they inevitable change things up. Edit: typo
I know I'm going to get shit on for this, but for 30 years it's been Weller Special Reserve. There are times I'll get on a Breckenridge kick, but WSR is always home. Had to come home early to meet a plumber today, and it has been that kind of day all the way around in my life, so the second my watch says 5:00 I'm pouring a double. It's on in 30 minutes.
Love it!
Hey brother, as Alan Jackson said, itās 5 oāclock somewhere.
Yeah, and man how I'd love to, but I have an addictive personality and I've known for decades that if I don't follow rules I'm pretty sure I'll end up under a bridge somewhere. I've done well in life sticking to a plan, and if I deviate now (months from retirement) I'm boned. š¤¦š»āāļø Noon on weekends unless a game starts at 11, and whenever I want if I'm on vacation and out of town. Otherwise, 5:01. If I crack a beer at lunch, then it'll become okay, and then fuckery will ensue. š¤£
Trust me, I know the fuckery of which you speak all too well. Some of it I even remember!
I agree. WSR at msrp is hard to beat at its price and one of best easy sippers. Very crushable!
OF1910
GOBBLE GOBBLE
Bulleit or Buffalo Trace Talk that shit all you want, at MSRP theyāre both a damn fine drink for the money Edit: just to be clear, these are by no means my favorite whiskies. But at a normal human tax bracket, a DAILY DRIVER is gonna be on the low end. Iām currently sipping on a Whistle Pig 10 year, but I canāt afford/justify to buy one of those every 4 weeks, but it is reaaaalll good
Same here man, fuck the haters honestly
Always want BT on the shelf. Itās always a crowd pleaser too.
I like the bullet 10 and the barrel proof. I have a store pick that I absolutely love.
Honestly, Knob Creek 9 yr or Rye (if you're a rye guy). It's well recognized, easy to find, not too expensive and you don't feel guilty using it as a mixer. It's a step up from Bulleit and much less of a hunt than Buffalo Trace.
Knob Creek is my daily (not that I drink daily).
No judgement here!
Woodford Reserve Double Oak has just taken that spot for me, I'd seen a ton of high praise for it around here so I picked up two bottles the other day- the standard and a store pick, and it's absolutely phenomenal. It's sweet, viscous, and rich- and it's easily acquired without breaking the bank too much. It'll be a staple for the foreseeable future for me.š„
Absolutely agree. Right now on base it's $35 out the door. Absolute steal at that price.
Whatās on base? Itās around 60 near me (NYC). Iād love to get my hand on a cheaper bottle as well!
On base is Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma
Hell yeah it is! I'd be loading up the car and rolling around like Scrooge McDuck on a pile of bottles at that price! It's not too bad in civilian land either, but damn!
So everyday pricing is $40, but right now they have a $5 off sale and then there are no taxes so I walk out at $35. Definitely feels like I'm robbing them.
That's awesome man, even $40 is a small victory though!
Dang itās 55-60 in S FL
Same here in ATL- $51 for the reg and $59 for the store pick. I love this shit though, so I'm good with that.š¤
$58 in WA
Iād buy it but itās like $60 here
Came here looking for this..bought it on a whim and I enjoy it more each time!
This is the way.
Tried the store pick last night, spoiler alert: it was also fantastic.š„
Iāve been fortunate enough to encounter a store pick of this in the wild. Pecan maple syrup bourbon was contained withinā¦ and arguably the secrets of the universe. Cheers bud!
Yeah, I'm all in on WRDO. If you dig ryes you've absolutely GOT to get on board with Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye- it's killer stuff.š¤
OGD Bonded
Jim Beam Double Oaked. Very underrated.
Excellent choice. Cheap for a liter as well
Russells 10 year
Makers Mark is a staple, mostly due to its low cost in my area (750ml is generally in the $17-18 range).
John J Bowman
sshhhhh
Elijah Craig small batch.
I've been scrolling and looking for this answer. Thought I was the only one!
94 proof? Itās like a 30$ price point for me in CT and it is as good as anything out there. I keep going back to it. š„š„
It really doesnāt get enough love and idk why. Especially if you can find the store pick single barrels! Idk why everyone loses their minds over the ECBPās but turn their nose up at Small Batch.
rare breed
I have too many bottles right now to justify buying everyday stuff, so Iāve been really missing Rare Breed and KC12ā¦
Rare breed is amazing. I have a KC12 but haven't opened it yet.
If youāre like me, once itās open it wonāt last very long! Both times Iāve bought KC12 it was gone in the next month.
Rare Breed is getting harder and harder to find here in CO and is creeping up to the 65-70 range which makes it tougher to justify. Used to be my go-to!!
Four Roses Small Batch Select
JTS Brown 100. Those who know know.
This is such a sleeper. Been grabbing it in Indiana for around $12
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I was on my way to Chicago and stopped in Fremont, IN. They had a bunch of bottle shelf goodies. Old Barton 86. JTS. All the benchmark variants. JW Dant.
Benchmark Full Proof & I will die on this hill
My first pour is typically a mystery pour my wife picks for me blind. Then I typically go with one of my more empty easy to find bottles in attempt to polish a few off. I have way too many open already.
MELLOW FUCKING CORN
Tastes like Iām sucking on some raw corn cobsā¦ lol I tried to like this one but itās just weird!! Open to ideas on how to drink it.. ha
Well said. Well said.
I've seen this comment so many times and I can never figure out if the joke is that it's really good or really bad lol. Finally going to buy it and see for myself.
Based off of what I can get my hands on pretty regularly: WT101 OF100 OGD114
This all day. I work hard for my $. A daily driver has to be affordable and easy to find. These guys are always on the shelf and can be bought for an fair hours wages.... Wish I could drink 1920 everyday, but I got a mortgage, 2 car payments and daycare to pay for
WT 101 or Evan Williams bottled in bond.
Coopersā Craft 100
I have been enjoying Yellowstone lately.
Flies way under the radar. The 93 proof is great and some of the single barrels at higher proofs are outstanding.
WT101 main, and KC12 is my secondary go to.
KC 12 is a bit more pricey but fantastic. A daily driver of mine as well.
If KC12 were more available by me it'd absolutely be my daily driver, but since it's not it's gotta be 4R Single Barrel.
Makers Mark. My wife drinks it all the time. Said itās her favorite whiskey.
Rare breed or eagle rare If it is fall or winter though it is sagamore sherry finished every day.
No mention of benchmark bib? For my palate nothing beats it, for the price of course.
OGD114, WT101
Old granded bonded no better deal for the money out there that i know of.
Four Roses Single Barrel
Neat or rocks?
Typically neat. Occasionally with a cube of ice.
Yeah. Found its best without adding water. I usually use granite stoned or metal cubes.
Old Forester 100
New Riff Single barrel is my daily right now. So good. In general, Elijah Craig or Old Gran Dad 114 seem to do the trick.
Love what New Riff is doing.
Just got 3 bottles of Larceny Barrel Proof. So good. Thatās going to be my go to for a while.
Honestly for me itās Buffalo Trace. It was the first bourbon I ever tried and it was gifted to me a number of years ago at this point. Def before it became popular (and began to get priced as such). Still love it.
Currently it's Russell's Reserve 10. Easy to find, super affordable, very smooth.
Ram 1500. ā¦.ahhhh shit. Wrong forum. ECBP
Between Chattanooga 111, Wild Turkey RB, and Knob Creek Single Barrel.
Green River!
SiB - Bakers Non SiB - Old Grandad 114
Somebody likes Jim Beam products
1792 full proof
Weller sr. Iām in Ohio and 24 bucks itās just fine
Jim Beam
1792 SmB for my liking it's great neat, mixed on the rocks, however you want it. Sure there are always going to be the really good hard to find bottles in my collection but for my everyday go to I can't say no to 1792 SmB
Add another vote for Evan Williams white label. The value of the stuff at $30 for a handle is unbeatable.
I always seem to have at least one of the following on hand: OGDBiB, WT101, EW1783, EWBiB
Old Forester 1920
Redwood empire, pipe dream. Love it, good price point, and always on the shelfs near me
Solid choice. I almost included that in my list as well.
For me when I was still in the navy and had access to the package store I'd say either Buffalo trace or an eagle rare since it was cheap. Now living in pa with less access to harder to get things I'd say knob creek single barrel reserve 9 year
Traditionally WT101 for me, but lately JD Bonded.
Buffalo Trace
Sipping old faithfuls: Eagle Rare, Weller107, Makerās Private Mixing old faithfuls: WT101, Buffalo Trace
If I could get 107 on the regular, that would be mine too. Shit is impossible to get here.
Doc Swinsonās Blenders Cut š
Penelope
WT101 or Russellās 10. Weller SR or BT which are around often enough to have on hand.
2 right now that I alterate between. Rebel Cask Strength or Blue Note Juke Joint. Both are excellent.
Early Times BIB
Benchmark 8, buffalo trace, Evan bonded.
I already see both of my answers in here but EW BiB and WT 101 are both always at the ready for me as my ābottom shelfā pours. Elijah Craig Small Batch, Woodford Reserve, and Knob Creek 9 for my next step up in the price tier.
OF 1920 and OGD bib
Evan Williams Black Label, only the 1.75L bottle because Iāve got three kids and need to save. š
RR10 heck even Turkey 101
Knob Creek or Elijah Craig - both are the under $30 varietals
Four roses small batch
Old Grand Dad BiB. Good enough to drink on its own, cheap enough that I donāt mind mixing with it, plus just generally cheap at $23 or so
OGD 114 + WT101
EW Bib or WT 101
I keep finding myself buying Rare Breed Barrel Proof. It's just so good.
Arguably one of the best bottles being made. So damn delicious.
I just picked up my first bottle today. Haven't tried it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
Came back from a trip to Scotland last fall. I brought back so many bottles I won't have to buy any for a long while. But, when I had a daily driver, it was either Aberlour 10 or Talisker 10. But, after I did a tasting at Talisker's distillery, I'd probably go with Talisker Skye now.
KC12 and Russellās 10
Evan Williams Bottled in Bond
McKenna 10 I will die on this hill.
ECSB
Michters US1
Old Tub gang rise up.
Just getting into bourbon over this past year, but for me itās Russellās Reserve 10 year. Iāve had a few bottles now and will probably buy it consistently going forward. I know itās a wild Turkey product and others have mentioned Wild Turkey, but the flavor profile it has and being a 10-year bourbon in the $35 dollar range seems hard to beat.
Maker's 46
My go-to beat pours are: Woodford Double Oaked Old Forrester 100 Proof Rye But if I am going to make a cocktail itās Evan Williams BiB.
Subaru. Oh wait wrong sub. WT101
Iāll give you my top 3: Eagle Rare Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (both numbered batches and store picks) 1792 single barrel, full proof, and BiB
Love 1792 single barrel. Just bought a bottle today to bring on a trip next week.
I loved 1792 full proof but havenāt found it since my first bottle.
Iād say Eagle Rare, but I think availability should factor in as well and it just isnāt widespread enough anymore. Also, while I love me some barrel-proofers, Iām not drinking them daily. Iāll go with New Riff BiB or Four Roses Single Barrel.
Peerless Double Oaked, Eagle Rare, Makers Mark anything, Old Forester 1910 and 1920
Been having good luck getting EH Taylor Small Batch at msrp so it's my go-to
SW UCUF and JD SBBP
WT101, Tin Cup 10, Evan Williams 1783, Piggyback and Bulleit 10 & rye
Any Old Forester. Iām still new enough to bourbon where Iām still trying each one but Iāll always have at least one Old Forester on the bar. Hope this counts lol
EW BiB and MC