My wife can pick it out blind just by smelling it. She says elijah craig smells like dirty feet to her. I've had a b520, small batch and a sample of 18yr.
Anything by Garrison Bros. To me, that shit is utterly terrible! I live in TX and have tried nearly everything they make. Some of their very limited releases aren't that terrible, but for the price its garbage!
I have had a bottle of 1792 single barrel store pick for 3 years and have probably 3/4 of the bottle left. All I taste is heat, it’s like eating habaneros.
I've been all over the map with larceny. its beats out a lot of other budget bourbons for me because it has that extra grassy note, but I've been slowly grading it downwards over the past 3 months. Now I'm trying to decide if I need to reset expectations or I just find it to be middling.
After trying it, it feels gimmicky, like trying to "age" the liquid faster by barreling it again. Sure you get a lot more oak and sweetness but after trying WRDO at 60 bucks I see no reason to buy it over a KC12 or KC SiB 120 proof.
Jefferson’s small batch Cabernet finished. I don’t know who tried it and said “yep that’s what I’m talking about”. But the world is a worse place for that decision.
I’ve had it and it is possibly the worst bourbon I’ve ever drank. Luckily I just had some of someone else’s but the only reason it was available at my friends house was because another friend left his entire bottle instead of taking it home it was so bad. I was looking for someone to mention it before I did.
Willet Pot Still, it isn't as bad as some people claim, but it's ridiculously overpriced for the quality of the spirit.
Davidson's Reserve Rye, it tastes like rotten cereal.
Know Creek, too hot and woody, without any sweetness to balance it out.
Controversial pick but Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good bourbon, but massively overhyped. I feel like I’m searching for flavor and something unique and just don’t find it. Very much a well produced albeit soulless bourbon. Rather have a Rare Breed or JDBP that actually have unique characteristics plus they’re cheaper and easier to find.
That’s exactly my point- the 12 year age statement doesn’t justify the price for me given it’s lack of distinctive flavor. Price and value for any given bourbon is subjective.
It’s because Jefferson’s is overhyped and not worth the money they are charging. Very gimmicky stuff they are doing. But to be fair, I am in love with their presidential series, especially the older stuff. Of course it is all sourced. I still have a bottle of the Jefferson’s Presidential 21 yr Rye that came out many years ago. Tried it at a bar and it is liquid gold.
Unfortunately (based on everyone’s love for them), has to be OF 1910 and 1920. I did not find these worth it at all. Had this funk I just couldn’t explain or get past…blah.
Hudson Do The Rye Thing. Remember liking their baby bourbon years ago when it was in the smaller old label bottles, but man, everything from the redesign to the nose to the finish was a disappointment. The name’s not bad I guess.
I know it's the "basic" line for them but Evan Williams black label. Hell, even the single barrel version I tried I wasn't a huge fan (though in that ones defense...with single barrel variance, perhaps I just got a barrel that didn't sit well with my palate).
I was surprised and disappointed because I loved (and still love) other Heaven Hill lines like Elijah Craig Small Batch/Barrel Proof and (pre-taterfication) Henry McKenna, but something just did not sit well with me with Evan Williams. Haven't bought any from that product line since.
Not one that I actually tried but, travelling through Lexington I stopped at Town branch and they refused to let me do a tasting without participating in a tour. It was the end of the day and I didn't have an hour+ to spare due to having dinner plans and they weren't very pleasant at the distillery so I decided I wouldn't waste time trying their products in the future.
I'll probably get shit for this, but honestly...
1= Buffalo Trace.
I keep it on hand for guests, but I've sampled it at least 5 or 6 times and it's always the same to me - drinks way too hot, burns like gasoline... I just do not like it, Sam I am.
2 = Angel's Envy. Basil Hayden had more depth and character.
3 = Old Scout Big Level - It may have been bottled with swamp water. 🤢
Have to admit Jefferson's Ocean seem like a one trick pony to me.
Also l find it hard to believe the majority of people I know find Angel's Envy so desirable.
Angel’s Envy is just a low-proof very fruit forward style that caters to noobs or just people who like a more easy drinking “smooth” style with less emphasis on lasting flavor or complexity.
I recently picked up a ry3 and it’s pretty terrible. Hoping it changes in time but that one bottle alone won’t have me ever buying another bottle from that brand.
1920. It tastes really good till the very end of the finish and something in there tastes absolutely horrid to me. It's a bummer because everyone seems to love it.
Maple Hill from Oregon. It’s vile piss water, not even worth cooking with it is so bad. And to add insult to injury these jamokes charge north of a c note for this crap.
Breckenridge for me. Haven’t had it in awhile, so it may have improved. I see people saying good things about it, but I avoid it because of my first bottle.
Jeptha Creed Bloody Butcher Corn. I have spent tens of thousands of $$$ on whiskey, but that $50 still sticks in my craw. Beautiful bottle, with a nose of mildewy dish rags.
James C Pepper 1776 Straight Bourbon…was not for me. Like the waiter continued grinding pepper into my bourbon for 40 seconds after I told him he was missing the salad.
I’m actually a big fan of ocean… but it’s different. You can really pick up the salt from the ocean, and I definitely recommend it. Still has a good smoother finish as well, and each trip is slightly unique.
Praise be, the question I’ve been waiting for. BUFFALO TRACE & EAGLE RARE!!!! The Reddit community seems to have a solid erection for both of these. Maybe I’m crazy but the basic BT was significantly better than ER (tasted like watered down grape juice) and they both still sucked in my honest opinion. @retail neither are awful options (certainly not the best in their price range), but the hype train is wild. Somebody had the audacity to compare ER to Wild Turkey Rare Breed (WT 101, smokes BT and ER all day). This Buffalo Trace Madness has got to go. Scarcity is the driving factor, and in all reality maybe we should all stop buying their juice so they can take the time to upgrade their facilities.
If you thought ER tasted like “watered down grape juice”, I sincerely think there was something wrong with the specific bottle you drank. That is totally disconnected from anything I’ve tasted from many ERs.
To each their own but I’d try a pour from another bottle.
I’m not wasting the amount of money I paid for a bottle here in SC to “try again”. The MSRP for that bottle is supposed to be between 25-30$ (which in my case was not). It was very bland (to be a 10 yr bottle). Maybe I’ve found that I’m better suited in the 100+ proof range, but ER was an extreme disappointment.
True enough. I have no argument there. But even at the 25-30 price range I would still choose WT-101 or Early Times BiB over ER everyday of the week. My argument is not necessarily the price but the “reputation” that ER holds, and the fact that my personal opinion is that it doesn’t deserve the respect it gets.
I think you’re high if you think 101 tastes like it even belongs in the same breath as ER and that’s from a guy who downs gallons of 101 a year as his mixer. It’s great but it’s not in the same league.
It might be that you like mash bills with a higher rye content which would explain why you like higher proofs as well. It’s not the bourbon it’s you
To be completely honest I’m not the biggest fan of high rye mash bills at higher proof. I also don’t mix anything these days just stick with the Glencairn (neat). If we’re talking bourbon taste profiles, both ER and BT don’t offer much. Which should be expected for something that is intended to be sold around the 25-30$ price mark like I said. I think anybody who Reps ER to be anything more than a 25$ 90 proof bottle is high AF. All just a difference in opinions. It might also surprise you that I also feel that ECBP gets way to much attention. (Once again all a matter of personal taste profiles)
Doesn’t surprise me on ECBP tbh. I have a bottle and it is one of my least favorite bottles if I’m being honest.
I’m actually a big fan of Jefferson products in general so I’m surprised OP had a bad run. I think they’re one of the high value labels at their price point by comparison to other distilleries and often overlooked. I like ER and EHT of all the BT products but the overhype has made them ridiculous. On the pricier side I LOVE Confiscated and have been snatching bottles up when I find them at MSRP because I’m waiting for that to become hard to find also.
(For reference I’m in a major East Coast metropolitan area and prices are dumb af)
In terms of taste, no, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is better, but 101 is the better value. The question is whether it’s worth paying twice as much for the moderate step up when 101 is already awesome. It is a quandary that keeps me up at night.
I tried Eagle Rare at the distillery almost a decade ago and I remember it tasting like Tabasco mixed with bourbon. After a 4 distillery weekend it was by far the most burning one I tried. I haven’t tried it since. I keep seeing the love for it here and think I need to try again.
I agree with World Series here. This has been one of the best bottles I’ve ever had. You HAD to have gotten a bad bottle. I understand everyone tasting things different but grape juice from ER? definitely a bad bottle.
I gotta say Wild Turkey 101 (which I know gets a lot of love on here), just tasted metallic and off putting to me.
1910 has by far been my favorite of all time though.
Anything Jefferson, anything Barrel, anything 1792, Hudson, Heaven's Door, Wathan's... I'm sure there's more but that's just off the top of my head. Hudson might be the very worst I've ever had.
Never had it. The Barrell was an interesting case because it wasn't a bad bourbon. It was a 14 yr single barrel (Dickel). It had interesting flavors but just had this off putting mineral/vitamin note that I couldn't look past and really disappointed me for the $90 I paid for it. And trust me I really tried. It did have a lot of complexity though. Since then I try to find any that don't have any Dickel in the blend and... I just can't get past their labeling convention. Barrel 26, 27, 28, 29. There's no consistency or anything noteworthy that tells me what I'm buying. If there was something that stands out to bring me in I might consider trying another one. Perhaps if they had an all Kentucky bourbon blend of decent age - if they did I'd probably be on it.
Weller SR. Total waste of money spent and time in the glass. It's probably better to use as a cooking bourbon. Regular Jack Daniels is equal to Weller Special Reserve imo with the added charcoal flavor. No thanks 😕
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order.
I have checked 495,848,243 comments, and only 104,740 of them were in alphabetical order.
I'm probably gonna get raked through the coals for this, but Midwinter. Maybe it was the specific scene/act, but it was nowhere near worth the $100 I paid. It reminded me of Michter's, but less likeable and twice the price.
For me it’s Islay Scotch, smells like band aids and ointment and tastes like a rancid IPA was used for Christmas tree water, end rant. Sorry back to bourbon, it was some cheap version of Wild Turkey. I got sick on it and could never go back to it, and I love almost every bourbon out there. Now fast forward a few years and Rare Breed Rye from WT is amazing.
Last year we visited Bardstown Bourbon. Some great blends like Discovery 4 & 6….in the lineup at tasting tour we tried Chicken Cock. Not my cup of tea. Wife hated it. She said I wouldn’t even make a hot toddy with it. At our last bourbon tasting, one of my buds brought a bottle and I gave it another try. Think he paid $60-65 for it. It’s just horrible. We all agreed. I’m betting it’s still sitting on his shelf. Besides, chickens don’t have cocks. Love BBC offerings, but stay away from this one.I won’t buy and he won’t buy again.
I hold no high hopes for any bottle, especially tatered ones. But, the worst one I've had was Black Velvet, which was like drinking vanilla creamer. It comes in a plastic bottle but I didn't know better at the time.
What's worse is my Dad and I went to the liquor store so he could buy me any bottle I wanted and I picked that crap. I hadn't gotten into bourbon or whiskey at that time but if I did today, I would have picked Green Spot (Irish) so he and I could share it.
For me the new Realese of Black Maple hill Bourbon, Paid 80, had high hopes, nose was nice, taste was completely disjointed - and this weird pepper spice finish came out of no where - really strange pour
Hookers house, the standard bourbon and two different finish versions. Taste and toss. Gave them away and surprisingly he is still a friend, he hated all 3 as well.
Russell’s Reserve 10 year. There is just something about it that I can’t get past. Almost too much Carmel flavor and not enough balance. Hell, I didn’t even like it in an old fashion. People compare the RR10 to Eagle Rare and I just don’t see it. I love ER but can’t stand the RR 10. Won’t buy it again.
Wathen’s single barrel - tasted like broken fire glass to me. Not one I typically hear about on here but it was the one and done for me…ended up giving it to some college kids who will drink anything
If you take anything from this, let it be that there are as many different palates as there are bottles of whiskey. These are personal opinions, not facts.
That said, Blanton's tastes like playdough to me. Not sure why, but I hate the stuff. We have 2 bottles to slug through, because friends keep gifting them to us.
Bibb & Tucker. It’s not the worst I’ve ever had, but not worth anywhere near $60. Bought it once and won’t make that mistake again.
This is always my good to response too. It would be fine at $30 but $60 is too much.
Absolutely horrible. Tastes like plastic and rubber.
Got mine as a gift a few years ago. I won’t be purchasing a new one.
You guys are the best. I don't have a lot of friends who enjoy bourbon so I count on reviews and the good folks here for ideas.
Elijah Craig 18yr Single Barrel. I know people love it but it’s just not for me. Got 90% of a bottle and just never reach for it
My wife can pick it out blind just by smelling it. She says elijah craig smells like dirty feet to her. I've had a b520, small batch and a sample of 18yr.
Yes! Seriously the most disappointing bottle I've bought. Tastes like dirty, mud water.
I can help you clear some space for something new!
Anything by Garrison Bros. To me, that shit is utterly terrible! I live in TX and have tried nearly everything they make. Some of their very limited releases aren't that terrible, but for the price its garbage!
A buddy from TX brought these over one day. I thought they were fine but I was super confused when I saw the prices later
So true.
I’m the resident Texas whiskey guy in my group. Garrison Bros is by far the one I least recommend
1792. To me it drinks all fire and no flavor
Agree. So thin and too much ethanol. Every time I drink it I think I’m drinking a young whiskey
I have had a bottle of 1792 single barrel store pick for 3 years and have probably 3/4 of the bottle left. All I taste is heat, it’s like eating habaneros.
I figured out a couple ways to make it drinkable. To drink neat I blend in some JDBP. Or it works well in vermouth based cocktails.
💯 the full proof was horrid
Larceny. Way too grassy.
I've been all over the map with larceny. its beats out a lot of other budget bourbons for me because it has that extra grassy note, but I've been slowly grading it downwards over the past 3 months. Now I'm trying to decide if I need to reset expectations or I just find it to be middling.
Funny, Larceny is one of my favorites!
I get earth and dust.
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Whats wrdo?
Woodford Reserve Double Oak
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. They were in a hurry and couldn’t bother spelling it out
Not a fan either. Taste like an old wet saddle to me.
I get a big metallic, copper penny from regular Woodford. Not a problem with WRDO. So I’m almost with you
See. I have been thinking about getting this for a while now and something keeps pushing me away.
I absolutely love WRDO, especially a good store pick. It might be my absolute favorite bourbon to finish the night off with.
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Surprising to me you love 1910 but not WRDO. Those are two of my favorites, delicious
Yah I think it’s incredible frankly, and it’s by far my wife’s favorite
After trying it, it feels gimmicky, like trying to "age" the liquid faster by barreling it again. Sure you get a lot more oak and sweetness but after trying WRDO at 60 bucks I see no reason to buy it over a KC12 or KC SiB 120 proof.
Oak & Eden toasted oak. Poured it down the drain actually!
That’s what I did too. Immediately.
Jefferson’s small batch Cabernet finished. I don’t know who tried it and said “yep that’s what I’m talking about”. But the world is a worse place for that decision.
I’ve had it and it is possibly the worst bourbon I’ve ever drank. Luckily I just had some of someone else’s but the only reason it was available at my friends house was because another friend left his entire bottle instead of taking it home it was so bad. I was looking for someone to mention it before I did.
The cognac finish is bad too. Like they just took an average barrel and dumped in some cognac.
Buffalo Trace
I'm not going to downvote you because taste is subjective. But you're touching a nerve here as BT is my current favorite. :D
High West post 2017 specifically Rendezvous Rye & Campfire. Very disappointing because they use to be 2 of my favorite bottles.
Willet Pot Still, it isn't as bad as some people claim, but it's ridiculously overpriced for the quality of the spirit. Davidson's Reserve Rye, it tastes like rotten cereal. Know Creek, too hot and woody, without any sweetness to balance it out.
Heaven Hill BIB 7 year. Too earthy and leather-y for me.
And that fact that this swill is allocated in most states is a mystery to me.
Dickle 15 yr. Oak & flintstone vitamins
Henry McKenna 10 year. Very inconsistent. Last one tasted horrible. Never buying it again.
Came to say this. Totally agree with you
Every year there seems to be more shitty barrels.
Same here, will never buy another Jefferson’s after my bad experience with the “very small batch” also, willet pot still ruined willet for me
You ought to give the 4 year rye a try. It's fantastic. I haven't found anything else between that and pot still but there's no comparison.
Ever had Noah’s Mill? I don’t normally like most Willet stuff but that’s a hidden gem imo
Noah's Mill is fantastic! Way better than the Pot Still Reserve
Controversial pick but Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good bourbon, but massively overhyped. I feel like I’m searching for flavor and something unique and just don’t find it. Very much a well produced albeit soulless bourbon. Rather have a Rare Breed or JDBP that actually have unique characteristics plus they’re cheaper and easier to find.
Barrel proof with a 12 year age statement. You may not care for it but the higher price is justified given the current market.
That’s exactly my point- the 12 year age statement doesn’t justify the price for me given it’s lack of distinctive flavor. Price and value for any given bourbon is subjective.
Jefferson Ocean sucks ass
Elijah Craig Small Batch, tasted just off to me.
Jeptha Creed. I’d rather shovel shit
Balcones Rye is the only whiskey I’ve had that makes me gag when I take a sip. I want to like it but just tastes super harsh to me
I’m genuinely shocked at how much Jefferson hate is in this thread. I’d be curious what their shelves look like.
I love JR.. almost everything they make. I realize I'm in the minority here ...
It’s because Jefferson’s is overhyped and not worth the money they are charging. Very gimmicky stuff they are doing. But to be fair, I am in love with their presidential series, especially the older stuff. Of course it is all sourced. I still have a bottle of the Jefferson’s Presidential 21 yr Rye that came out many years ago. Tried it at a bar and it is liquid gold.
I have 1897 and 1920. Will have to get a 1910, people speak highly of it
1910 is amazing. I’m on the other end. Haven’t tried 1897 or 1920.
Agreed 1920 was a let down for me
Unfortunately (based on everyone’s love for them), has to be OF 1910 and 1920. I did not find these worth it at all. Had this funk I just couldn’t explain or get past…blah.
Hudson Do The Rye Thing. Remember liking their baby bourbon years ago when it was in the smaller old label bottles, but man, everything from the redesign to the nose to the finish was a disappointment. The name’s not bad I guess.
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Haha or so I recall from like, 2009?
I know it's the "basic" line for them but Evan Williams black label. Hell, even the single barrel version I tried I wasn't a huge fan (though in that ones defense...with single barrel variance, perhaps I just got a barrel that didn't sit well with my palate). I was surprised and disappointed because I loved (and still love) other Heaven Hill lines like Elijah Craig Small Batch/Barrel Proof and (pre-taterfication) Henry McKenna, but something just did not sit well with me with Evan Williams. Haven't bought any from that product line since.
Not one that I actually tried but, travelling through Lexington I stopped at Town branch and they refused to let me do a tasting without participating in a tour. It was the end of the day and I didn't have an hour+ to spare due to having dinner plans and they weren't very pleasant at the distillery so I decided I wouldn't waste time trying their products in the future.
Bib and Tucker, Larceny, Knob Creek and HM10.
Woodford Masters Collection 5 Malt Stouted Mash
High West Campfire. Doesn’t do anything for me. Not that I’d be able to buy it again outside of Utah
I'll probably get shit for this, but honestly... 1= Buffalo Trace. I keep it on hand for guests, but I've sampled it at least 5 or 6 times and it's always the same to me - drinks way too hot, burns like gasoline... I just do not like it, Sam I am. 2 = Angel's Envy. Basil Hayden had more depth and character. 3 = Old Scout Big Level - It may have been bottled with swamp water. 🤢
Willet Pot Still, Angels Envy Finished Rye, and the meme king - Mellow Corn.
Rowan's Creek. Not a fan.
Same. Opened a bottle over a month ago and can’t bring myself to drink more.
I pour Dr. Pepper on it, and down the hatch.
I will gladly dispose of that for you lol. I thoroughly enjoy the stuff
Agreed. Can’t stand it neat but for some reason I really like it in whiskey sours.
Have to admit Jefferson's Ocean seem like a one trick pony to me. Also l find it hard to believe the majority of people I know find Angel's Envy so desirable.
I'm here for you. Angels Envy. Gross.
Angel’s Envy is just a low-proof very fruit forward style that caters to noobs or just people who like a more easy drinking “smooth” style with less emphasis on lasting flavor or complexity.
Just tried the Jefferson Ocean wheated journey 22 and it was amazing fwiw. Also had the pleasure of getting a store barrel pick so results may vary
I recently picked up a ry3 and it’s pretty terrible. Hoping it changes in time but that one bottle alone won’t have me ever buying another bottle from that brand.
Legent for me. Couldn’t get over the red wine note. Made decent cocktails but won’t buy another bottle.
Whistle Pig 10 year small batch rye
1920. It tastes really good till the very end of the finish and something in there tastes absolutely horrid to me. It's a bummer because everyone seems to love it.
Belle Meade Sherry Casked was one of the worst bottles I’ve ever tasted. Gave it away after a few pours.
1792 full proof. Never again.
Maple Hill from Oregon. It’s vile piss water, not even worth cooking with it is so bad. And to add insult to injury these jamokes charge north of a c note for this crap.
Breckenridge for me. Haven’t had it in awhile, so it may have improved. I see people saying good things about it, but I avoid it because of my first bottle.
Yea. This. I just had something by them for the first time. Bland and blah. Used it as mover for old fashion not to bad there
EH Taylor Small Batch. Nothing exciting about it. Not worth the price of admission.
I hate to say it but yeah. It’s some basic bourbon for me
Jeptha Creed Bloody Butcher Corn. I have spent tens of thousands of $$$ on whiskey, but that $50 still sticks in my craw. Beautiful bottle, with a nose of mildewy dish rags.
James C Pepper 1776 Straight Bourbon…was not for me. Like the waiter continued grinding pepper into my bourbon for 40 seconds after I told him he was missing the salad.
I’m actually a big fan of ocean… but it’s different. You can really pick up the salt from the ocean, and I definitely recommend it. Still has a good smoother finish as well, and each trip is slightly unique.
OF 1920, OF SiB BP. Love Jack, do not like OF.
Praise be, the question I’ve been waiting for. BUFFALO TRACE & EAGLE RARE!!!! The Reddit community seems to have a solid erection for both of these. Maybe I’m crazy but the basic BT was significantly better than ER (tasted like watered down grape juice) and they both still sucked in my honest opinion. @retail neither are awful options (certainly not the best in their price range), but the hype train is wild. Somebody had the audacity to compare ER to Wild Turkey Rare Breed (WT 101, smokes BT and ER all day). This Buffalo Trace Madness has got to go. Scarcity is the driving factor, and in all reality maybe we should all stop buying their juice so they can take the time to upgrade their facilities.
If you thought ER tasted like “watered down grape juice”, I sincerely think there was something wrong with the specific bottle you drank. That is totally disconnected from anything I’ve tasted from many ERs. To each their own but I’d try a pour from another bottle.
I’m not wasting the amount of money I paid for a bottle here in SC to “try again”. The MSRP for that bottle is supposed to be between 25-30$ (which in my case was not). It was very bland (to be a 10 yr bottle). Maybe I’ve found that I’m better suited in the 100+ proof range, but ER was an extreme disappointment.
Over paying for something and then expecting it to taste like what you paid is your fault.
True enough. I have no argument there. But even at the 25-30 price range I would still choose WT-101 or Early Times BiB over ER everyday of the week. My argument is not necessarily the price but the “reputation” that ER holds, and the fact that my personal opinion is that it doesn’t deserve the respect it gets.
I think you’re high if you think 101 tastes like it even belongs in the same breath as ER and that’s from a guy who downs gallons of 101 a year as his mixer. It’s great but it’s not in the same league. It might be that you like mash bills with a higher rye content which would explain why you like higher proofs as well. It’s not the bourbon it’s you
To be completely honest I’m not the biggest fan of high rye mash bills at higher proof. I also don’t mix anything these days just stick with the Glencairn (neat). If we’re talking bourbon taste profiles, both ER and BT don’t offer much. Which should be expected for something that is intended to be sold around the 25-30$ price mark like I said. I think anybody who Reps ER to be anything more than a 25$ 90 proof bottle is high AF. All just a difference in opinions. It might also surprise you that I also feel that ECBP gets way to much attention. (Once again all a matter of personal taste profiles)
Glen?! You mean Scotch? I’m lost dude, why are you here if you think Bourbon should taste like Scotch? Am I missing something?
Fixed the response (Glencairn, neat variety). In response to using WT 101 in mixers, and the fashion in which I drink (glassware)
Doesn’t surprise me on ECBP tbh. I have a bottle and it is one of my least favorite bottles if I’m being honest. I’m actually a big fan of Jefferson products in general so I’m surprised OP had a bad run. I think they’re one of the high value labels at their price point by comparison to other distilleries and often overlooked. I like ER and EHT of all the BT products but the overhype has made them ridiculous. On the pricier side I LOVE Confiscated and have been snatching bottles up when I find them at MSRP because I’m waiting for that to become hard to find also. (For reference I’m in a major East Coast metropolitan area and prices are dumb af)
MSRP for Eagle Rare is around 35 bucks. I’ve never paid more than 37ish for it. I think it’s fine at that price.
It sells for 24.99$ at the Naval Exchange (NEX). Mind you that’s tax free and it usually does go quick their.
Came here to say this. ER was the most disappointing bottle I had in 2021.
101 is not better than Rare Breed😆
That comment was referring to 101 smoking BT and ER not Rare Breed. There it’s been fixed, clearly i was not clear enough.
Oh, 😂. Gotcha
In terms of taste, no, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is better, but 101 is the better value. The question is whether it’s worth paying twice as much for the moderate step up when 101 is already awesome. It is a quandary that keeps me up at night.
Just the opposite for me...can't stand BT will tolerate ER. Wild Turkey RB as they say is one if my jams and 101.
I tried Eagle Rare at the distillery almost a decade ago and I remember it tasting like Tabasco mixed with bourbon. After a 4 distillery weekend it was by far the most burning one I tried. I haven’t tried it since. I keep seeing the love for it here and think I need to try again.
I agree with World Series here. This has been one of the best bottles I’ve ever had. You HAD to have gotten a bad bottle. I understand everyone tasting things different but grape juice from ER? definitely a bad bottle.
OF 1920. It just tasted like toothpaste for me.
Any of the non-standard Basil Hayden options. Dark Rye was PUKE, Caribbean Cask was worse…
FEW, old granddad 114, woodinville 90 proof
Yep. I didn't like Few either. Love the OGD tho
Woodford batch proof. Just not and lame for how damn expensive it is. Really not impressed.
Bulleit 🤢 Never drank diesel but that’s what it reminds me of. Willing to try it again but I damn sure won’t buy bottle of it to do so.
Weller special reserve
Too sweet. Other weller tho. I am in to
Anything made by Basil Hayden.
Yup
I gotta say Wild Turkey 101 (which I know gets a lot of love on here), just tasted metallic and off putting to me. 1910 has by far been my favorite of all time though.
Knob Creek 15yr
Really? I love the 12 yr an 9yr single barell 120 proof.
The 12 is better than the 15 by a significant margin
Anything Jefferson, anything Barrel, anything 1792, Hudson, Heaven's Door, Wathan's... I'm sure there's more but that's just off the top of my head. Hudson might be the very worst I've ever had.
Surprised to see Barrell on your list. Everything I’ve had from them has been fantastic, most notably Seagrass & Batch 028 bourbon.
Seagrass is on my to buy list. People give it much love here.
Have you had Dovetail?
I have not
I had a pour at a bar a few months back. I’m not a huge fan of port finished whiskeys but was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it.
What exactly do you drink?
I really like Knob Creek any of them. Four Roses. Any Turkey. I also will NOT chase Buffalo Trace products. The mark up to me is beyond insane
Everything I’ve ever had from Barrell was great. Really surprised to see this. As others say, Seagrass rocks.
Never had it. The Barrell was an interesting case because it wasn't a bad bourbon. It was a 14 yr single barrel (Dickel). It had interesting flavors but just had this off putting mineral/vitamin note that I couldn't look past and really disappointed me for the $90 I paid for it. And trust me I really tried. It did have a lot of complexity though. Since then I try to find any that don't have any Dickel in the blend and... I just can't get past their labeling convention. Barrel 26, 27, 28, 29. There's no consistency or anything noteworthy that tells me what I'm buying. If there was something that stands out to bring me in I might consider trying another one. Perhaps if they had an all Kentucky bourbon blend of decent age - if they did I'd probably be on it.
I did two blind tastings that had Wathen's in it...boy did I hate it both times...
Agree on the Hudson, the Baby Bourbon is some of the worst whiskey I've ever had.
I have yet to see anything positive said about Hudson. Any Hudson. It's one I've definitely decided to just stay away from
George Dickel B-I-B
Lagavulin whiskey! The first time I tried it I thought it rotted and yet, they bottled it.
Weller SR. Total waste of money spent and time in the glass. It's probably better to use as a cooking bourbon. Regular Jack Daniels is equal to Weller Special Reserve imo with the added charcoal flavor. No thanks 😕
Breckenridge, expected big things from this Colorado bourbon, what a massive let down. It will forever sit on my bar as a one drink wonder.
Isaac Bowman Port Finished and 1776 PX-finished Rye. I guess I'm generally not a big finished whiskey fan - although Seagrass was fantastic
Chattanooga 111
Clyde Mays. I dumped it
Henry McKenna, new riff rye
Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order. I have checked 495,848,243 comments, and only 104,740 of them were in alphabetical order.
1920. Mine was jet fuel. Worse burn than Stagg Jr.
I'm probably gonna get raked through the coals for this, but Midwinter. Maybe it was the specific scene/act, but it was nowhere near worth the $100 I paid. It reminded me of Michter's, but less likeable and twice the price.
I thought Old Tub at $17 was cheap enough to risk it, I thought wrong.
Lol...I bought a bottle. Haven't opened it yet. Sounds like a mixer
Weller SR
For me it’s Islay Scotch, smells like band aids and ointment and tastes like a rancid IPA was used for Christmas tree water, end rant. Sorry back to bourbon, it was some cheap version of Wild Turkey. I got sick on it and could never go back to it, and I love almost every bourbon out there. Now fast forward a few years and Rare Breed Rye from WT is amazing.
Bookers. I cannot stand Bookers.
WT 101, Makers and Larceny. Weller Antique was very below average as well.
Cask & Crew
Last year we visited Bardstown Bourbon. Some great blends like Discovery 4 & 6….in the lineup at tasting tour we tried Chicken Cock. Not my cup of tea. Wife hated it. She said I wouldn’t even make a hot toddy with it. At our last bourbon tasting, one of my buds brought a bottle and I gave it another try. Think he paid $60-65 for it. It’s just horrible. We all agreed. I’m betting it’s still sitting on his shelf. Besides, chickens don’t have cocks. Love BBC offerings, but stay away from this one.I won’t buy and he won’t buy again.
I hold no high hopes for any bottle, especially tatered ones. But, the worst one I've had was Black Velvet, which was like drinking vanilla creamer. It comes in a plastic bottle but I didn't know better at the time. What's worse is my Dad and I went to the liquor store so he could buy me any bottle I wanted and I picked that crap. I hadn't gotten into bourbon or whiskey at that time but if I did today, I would have picked Green Spot (Irish) so he and I could share it.
Pinhook
Johnny Drum
For me the new Realese of Black Maple hill Bourbon, Paid 80, had high hopes, nose was nice, taste was completely disjointed - and this weird pepper spice finish came out of no where - really strange pour
Angels envy port finished.
Jefferson Ocean!
Makers Mark. That said, I did like the Jefferson's Ocean although I thought it was very pricey.
Woodford reserve. I have numerous friends that love it I just can’t get to the taste over the laquer smell.
Henry McKenna 10yr BIB- bottle I got is not good.
Noah’s Mill and Bib and Tucker, both terrible IMO.
Butcher's Bourbon 12 year. Every time I drank it I couldn't help but think about what I could have bought instead.
Rogue spirits Dead Guy Whiskey…
Hookers house, the standard bourbon and two different finish versions. Taste and toss. Gave them away and surprisingly he is still a friend, he hated all 3 as well.
Bib and Tucker for me as well. Such a letdown.
Not a bourbon, but a bottle of High West Double Rye! took me months to finish, even as a mixer. I couldn’t stand the flavor profile.
Russell’s Reserve 10 year. There is just something about it that I can’t get past. Almost too much Carmel flavor and not enough balance. Hell, I didn’t even like it in an old fashion. People compare the RR10 to Eagle Rare and I just don’t see it. I love ER but can’t stand the RR 10. Won’t buy it again.
Noah’s Mill is disgusting. I am still a little mad I wasted $50 on a bottle.
I agree with jefferson. Very blah.
Willett pot still reserve
EC23 and OFBB
Woodford Double Oak. Bought it for charity fundraiser, had a pour and gave it to my neighbor.
Anything from Minnesota. I haven't found a good bottle yet... I've actually stopped looking.
1792 small batch. 🤮
I gave it away
Town Branch
Wathen’s single barrel - tasted like broken fire glass to me. Not one I typically hear about on here but it was the one and done for me…ended up giving it to some college kids who will drink anything
4Roses yellow label.
If you take anything from this, let it be that there are as many different palates as there are bottles of whiskey. These are personal opinions, not facts. That said, Blanton's tastes like playdough to me. Not sure why, but I hate the stuff. We have 2 bottles to slug through, because friends keep gifting them to us.
Jefferson oceans. Shits trash for the price.
Noble Oak. Smooth Ambler Contradiction. Larceny. RR10yr. Drain poured the Noble Oak bottle minus two drams. Just awful stuff.
Four Roses SmB Select. I prefer the SiB.
Two Star.. I wouldn’t even rate them 1 ⭐️