I love how the opening disclaimer was 'I'm not here to crap on BT', and then the top 8 are BT products. But you're spot-on with it. BT has mastered the hype train and I tip my cap to them for it. But when I see people wait in long lines, or drive around town, or pay huge mark ups for those products I just shake my head. Too many fantastic whiskeys sitting on shelves or available as barrel picks to waste time with that.
You honestly have become my favorite bourbon channel. Love not only the content, but also the balanced, no BS way you present it. It’s a pain trying to go back and watch all the previous videos, but I’ll be okay.
As always, great video! It amazes me at the prices people are willing to pay for some of these bourbons when you can find amazing bourbons that are sometimes much better sitting on the shelf. This overhype of bottles and ridiculous secondary prices has IMO caused a false demand which will crash at some point. Wish you could find any of these on the shelf at retail like in 2017-2018. All are good at retail.
I don't know that BTAC and VW will ever be as easy to find in the future as they were in the past, but the stuff that was never meant to rare will be back on the shelves and black market prices will come down.
Great video, Randy! Agree wholeheartedly with your list. I've been around long enough to have owned/purchased most of these at MSRP back when. And now, things have gotten crazy. Last time I saw a Blanton's locally, it was $159. I'm always let down by how low proof distillers decide to take many older bourbons. Always wonder what they could have been...
Agreed. It could be they are trying to hit a flavor profile by proofing down, could be a money play to add water to create more bottles, but in either case I personally would have liked to try it at a higher proof.
First, I agree with the Pappy 20/23. Secondly if you buy any of the other bottles at MSRP they’re a good value. If you chase and pay secondary for anything, that’s on you.
Nice Job sir I've been super lucky in Utah to get a couple BT's out here all for msrp Ive been huntin whiskey for about 4 months. I'm super lucky and fortunate to have your channel and your info to make the decision that I want the uncut not watered down bourbon. I personally look for bottles that are produced in every step by 1 company. Unless it's a decent price. THANKS AGAIN RANDY🤙
Glad to be of help. Make sure to avoid my brands because we buy whiskey made by other companies 😂. . Seriously thought, buying whiskey made by the producer does help you to know they truly believe in the product and are not just trying to make money. There are some great non distiller producers out there, but maybe wait to explore them until you feel more comfortable that you know what you are spending your money on.
This is wonderful and should be posted to all the Bourbon FB groups for the new entrants to this hobby. For me Henry McKenna 10 year should be right behind Blantons on overrared as well as overhyped. So happy about the points made on the Smooth Ambler & Smoke Wagon.
Thanks! HM10 gets a bad rap, but I think they made their own bed by sending cherry barrels to the competition. Then people's expectation were too high when they got the regular bottles.
I used to get mckenna for 26 bucks off the shelf. Now i just keep one around that has my birthday as a dump date. It was my first whiskey so it has sentimental value.
@@LeatherDaddy97 Those were the days right? Man oh man the price increases through the years. In my area it's gone from $33 to upwards of $54. I tried the Bourbon Real Talk negotiation tips with the store that had it at $54 then the store owner pointed to the back. Said see all those cases of Tequila and Vodka back there. I had to take those to get the McKenna 10 in your hand. Wouldn't budge on the price so I left it there for the next guy.
I’m not surprised that almost the whole list are Buffalo Trace products. My issue with all of their products is that they make 60+ labels and you can’t find any of them. They make fine whiskey but so does almost everyone out there. The secondary prices are insane compared to the juice in the bottle. I would pay $500 plus for Maker’s 46, people shouldn’t do the same with Weller or Pappy.
Solid point, but there is a reason why BT doesn't attempt to fix the market with price increases. They have double the production coming online. This video might help. ua-cam.com/video/PBWxljSZ4IU/v-deo.html
Just proof that in may cases, scarcity marketing works. The MSRP on most of these isn't unreasonable, but so much good stuff out there for same or even lower prices without the frustration of the hunt. If I see a Weller out there for MSRP, I'll buy it, but in the meantime, I can find some Rare Breed, Wilderness Trail, Old Forester 1910 and 1920, as well as one I currently think is a quiet winner and that's the Chattanooga Cask 111.
The only one I have tried was Blanton's and I agree with you and I refuse to pay the $150 on secondary. If I find it at MSRP I will grab it in a heartbeat.
Last week I finally saw EH Taylor small batch at a store for $40 so I bought it and a bottle of Knob Creek Single Barrel 120 proof. The Knob Creek is much better IMO. I was not that impressed with the Taylor. It wasn’t bad but I don’t understand the hype for it. I imagine the barrel proof is worth the hunt though
I picked up a bottle of Buffalo Trace for $25 in FL. I agree with you, Buffalo Trace whiskeys are fine and smooth but for the money, there are much much better priced and tasting whiskeys.
Buffalo trace in general is very neutral in a way. No rough edges, and its good but it wont stand up to even something like rare breed or knob creek single barrel.
I’ve purchased at retail Henry Mckenna 10 year just sitting on a shelf and Elijah Craig 18 at the distillery just walking in one afternoon. The Mckenna 10 bottles I had which were from different single barrels were both hot and musty. The EC18 was oaky but sweet oak at the first crack but 6 months later was a drain pour with just under half a bottle remaining because it had morphed into a bitter astringent oak bomb and I think being watered down to 90 proof had a lot to do with that. Any substantial amount of water to older bourbon never usually helps it. I find the age varies, but 12 years is where the line forms usually.
Thank you for mentioning Smoke Wagon private barrels! Had a couple of them now and it really is just MGP and not much more. It’s definitely good stuff at $100 or whatever MSRP is but seeing them go for like $800 on secondary makes my head hurt.
Buffalo Trace makes some damn fine bourbon. They absolutely make some of the best bourbon on the planet. When I see something by BT, I buy it (as long as it isn't ridiculously over retail). But, there isn't a bourbon around that is worth the hype surrounding BT bourbon. Nothing by Wild Turkey, Beam, Heaven Hill or anyone else is, either. I've also never had Henry McKenna 10 that was anything special.
Thank you Thank you for saying the truth about Blanton’s. Yes for the prices it goes for, it’s way overpriced but people who say they think it’s not good Bourbon, well I’m like you, those people then don’t like Bourbon then cause it is good. Just not at the ridiculous prices they go for.
My thought is that it isn't big and robust and that might make it so you do not prefer it, but it doesn't have any flavor that is offensive or off profile for bourbon. That is why I say if it taste bad then you just don't like bourbon.
finally an overhyped list where i don't have the majority of them! that's b/c these really do go for a ton of loot. now...there are plenty of high 2ndry that are not on this list, mostly barrel proof though, which i think is part of the answer
That's unfortunate about the Eagle Rare 17 year BTAC. I have read and heard that it sometimes is over-oaked. I've never even seen a bottle. I am a big fan of ER 10 year though and I always thought of picking up one of the BTAC. Looks like I may be better off looking for single barrel store picks of regular ER.
Love your videos Randy most of these never seen them at MSRP here in Colorado. Had a pour of Blanton's at a bar I liked it but wouldn't pay secondary for it. Buffalo Trace products are not easy to find other than Buffalo Trace Bourbon got lucky and got a Eagle Rare 1.75 L for $109 recently though 👍🏻🥃
With the friends I have, if I showed up with one of those Mary Poppins bourbon bags, I'm almost certain I would be called a "douche tool" to my face lol. That being said, it is a very cool looking bag.
I have had a few people make similar statements. I guess I don't understand the sentiment. Does it make you a douche because you are projecting that you have to bring a large assortment of your own booze to be happy? That what they have for you is not good enough? Does it make you a douche because you spent so much money on something they see as unnecessary? I want to try to understand. When I see someone walk in with a large bottle bag I get excited. This means they have brought bottles for me to try that they see enough value in to try to protect on the journey. From personal standpoint I travel with bottles multiple times a week. I do not know how many stories I have heard of people breaking rare bottles trying to transport them, but since I created this bag I have had several instances of dropping it and have not lost a bottle. If it had been in my old Kroger wine bag, I would have lost some valuable bottles.
@@BourbonRealTalk In your position, it makes sense. You make whiskey videos and travel and probably have lots of friends with large bourbon collections and have the disposable income for this. And I did not realize you created this bag. I thought it was just something you were promoting or were being sponsored by a company. In no way was I trying to insult you or say you personally were a "douche tool" for having a fancy bourbon bag. If you are transporting very expensive bottles that can break, then yes it makes perfect sense to have a travel bag and why not make it look cool and a little fancy in the process. In my case, I currently live in a small town in a very rural area. Most of the guys around here are working class, don't make a lot of money and mostly drink cheap domestic beer, which is fine. They probably think Mich Ultra is snooty beer lol. They are nowhere near into bourbon as much as I am or have the income to drop tons of money on a large collection. So if they saw me come to a party with a leather bag that looks like it cost a few hundred dollars, I think they would probably give me some shit about it or think I was being snobbish. Which is why I was trying to be silly with my "douche too" comment lol.
@@scotthenkel2833 I am not offended at all. I have heard this before and didn't understand it. I have a friend in Houston that showed up with a bag like this but it was designed for wine. The pocket sizes and height of the bag didn't rely work for a wide variety of whiskey bottle sizes. I asked Lindsey (my wife who is in charge of product development) to find a manufacturer who could alter the bag to work for bourbon. She did and that is the bag you see in the video, embossed with the BRT logo. It sound like most of the ridicule would come from a lack of experience in sharing bottles in group setting than the actual bag, which makes sense. I think if you did had a bag like this, and you used it to share rare finds when you got together with your friends, they would develop the same reaction I have to a nice bottle bag which is excitement. I love it when people share something that is special to them with me. Thank you for the feedback. Cheers!
Whoda thunk that Old Scout Cask Strength I had a number of years ago for under $60 probably was a $1,000 bottle.... I remember it, It was hot, big, giant flavors, over 120-something proof... I left the last part of the bottle with a whiskey group at a club event. They owe me! lol
You have to pay attention to Smooth Ambler though, the newer ones that are over 7y old are Dickel now. the older ones used to be MGP but those are long gone
Spoiler alert: You are highly likely to be disappointed with W12 too. At 12 years and 90 proof the bitter tannic flavors from the barrel really stick out. Most experienced drinkers I know prefer Weller Antique. I am not saying it is a bad pour at MSRP, but with all the hype and the secondary price you may be disappointed.
I really tend to agree its an increasing zero sum game. Elijah Craig is a good example. The basic EC is a great product. But when people blind test it, they don't find as great a difference as they move up the price range. So much of that is perception. I find very few Bourbons that can top Wild Turkey 101 for price to experience.
I have an Old Scout store pick that I bought for $60. It's only 5 years old, but it's great. Maybe the first bourbon that I would honestly say tastes strongly of strawberry jam. I'd hate to part with it, but if someone wants to give me $1k for it, I'll suck it up and make the sacrifice.
Before SAOS was releasing 10-15 YO MGP barrels. Those are the ones selling for $1,000. Just so you know, MGP bourbon is the only whiskey I consistently get strawberry on, so you and I likely have a similar palate.
Blantons, weller12, mckenna 10 were all great pours when available at msrp. Mckenna 10 and Evan Williams single barrels will drop some honey barrels from time to time.
Hi there! Thanks for commenting on my video. I'm glad you enjoyed the content. It sounds like you have a good taste for whiskey, and I appreciate you sharing your recommendations with us. Do you have any other favorite whiskeys or bourbons that you would recommend trying?
Unfortunately for me, most stores in my area price gouge these items-not all do, but most of the ones I’ve visited (~20) hike the prices up really high :/
Hi there, thank you for your comment. It can be frustrating when stores in your area price gouge certain items. Have you considered trying to find those items online or in a nearby town? You may be able to find better deals that way. Additionally, have you tried talking to the store managers about the high prices? They may be willing to work with you on pricing. Hope this helps!
@@BourbonRealTalk I have shopped around in my area, and compare prices. I'd say only about half of the stores in my area even have a webpage, and those that do rarely update them, so it's a lot of legwork on my part. I have found a few deals online, and talked to some friends who are part of online bourbon clubs, but I wasn't fully satisfied based on what they explained to me (shipping, limited supplies, forced-buys, annual fees, random and/or limited "freebies," etc. I've talked to a few employees and owners. They are genuinely nice, but I feel like the "new guy on the block" isn't going to have much luck, but I keep plugging away. I've learned to be patient, though. Every once in a while, I come across a smoking deal, and take advantage accordingly.
I have to agree with the Weller 12. I actually got it for free years ago and I have never been impressed. It's alright but there are many many bourbons at a much lower price that blow it out of the park!
There is no "issue" with BT or Saz. They have spent 1.3 billion trying to solve the problem. There is no conspiracy theory here...just takes time to build stills, rich houses, and age/bottle whiskey.
Man this video seems like a war on BT! I can agree that the market creating hyperinflation around the BT bottle prices for secondary, I would not call many of the things on this list from BT (the ones I've been able to try, that is) overrated. If you can get any of those products for retail or near retail, they are spectacular value bottles. I got CYPB for $39, the retail price. It is an amazing sub-$40 bottle. I've had non-BT bottles, especially from craft distillers, that want $80+ for not great products and they have a ton of hype just for being MGP or whatever other gimmick they can come up with. Honestly think this video should have a different title, not just calling all BT products overrated.
Andrew, your points are solid. All points clearly made in the video, which makes me think you didn't watch it. This is a recurring problem as a content creator. I attempt to give people the ability to skip around in the video by adding chapters with titles. Then I have comments like this that say "what this video should have done was...", and it is is EXACTLY WHAT THE VIDEO DID, and it is frustrating. There is a sickness in the whiskey enthusiast world that causes people to try to point out how others are wrong instead of trying to find common ground. For those trying to point out what is "wrong" without actually taking the time to figure out what it is first, I can't help them.
@@BourbonRealTalk I certainly wasn't attacking you or your points at all. I did in fact watch the video, where you stated most of these were really "solid" bourbons. My issue is with the video title. Overrated may mean something different to you, but to me it reads that you are saying these are bad whiskeys that have a lot of hype. It's a click bait type of video title in my opinion. I have absolutely no issue with you or your opinions. I watch a lot of whiskey tube, and have watched your videos multiple times in the past. I just get tired of whiskey tube videos calling BT overrated, there's just an extra saltiness around BT products due to secondary pricing. If you honestly believe they are overrated, then that is your opinion and I fully respect it. I just wanted to make it known that that word is very harsh in my opinion and I know I'm not the only one who sees it that way. No disrespect meant to you at all sir.
I paid msrp $42 for Weller 12 (local store sells from a sign up listthey call you as it comes in) and it was awesome. I later saw it for $150. It wasn't that good.
Overrated Borubons #1 Blantons End of list. Nobody in my area even mentions the others. "Maybe" you hear a mention of Weller or Eagle Rare but mostly Blanton, Blanton, Blanton. I've got several on my bar now I'd drink over Balnton anytime. Not saying it's not good tasty stuff.... Just better or more available options around.
I totally get this sentiment. If I tried to find one for years and then tasted it for the first time, I would feel disappointed. That does not mean it is bad tasting...just not worth the hype.
Because the special releases are old and therefor have more evaporative loss, so the distilleries bottle them at lower proofs so the can fill more volume.
Were I can find secondary market store? So I can sell some Henry Mckenna and Buffalo trace. I can normaly find it Henry for $60 and Buffalo Trace for $28. I can make a few of them 😂😂
If you want to participate in the secondary I recommend you get involved in a local FB based whiskey club, participate in some in person events, get to know some people, then ask in person. Asking in social media violates the first full of fight club.
Weller has never impressed me. That said i think you enjoy buffalo trace products more than i do in general. I wouldnt put them in my personal top 5. They drink great, but are too sterile, too neutral for me. However ive quickly learned many people just dont want information, they just want to feel cool. They refer to bt as "the good stuff" and everything else is swill, and you tell them that they arent top 5 for you and they think your opinion no longer matters. You cant reason with that, and while im glad they found something they like, they lack the self awareness to understand that they are exactly the reason that products like that arent readily available to them.
I encourage a burner account! Make up a profile that can not traced back to you and only use it to engage in the whiskey community. A lot of people do it that way so the negative aspects of social media can be avoided while engaging in the good stuff. If you decide to do this email me so I can approve you. We generally do not accept new accounts. randy@bourbonrealtalk.com.
I encourage a burner account! Make up a profile that can not traced back to you and only use it to engage in the whiskey community. A lot of people do it that way so the negative aspects of social media can be avoided while engaging in the good stuff. If you decide to do this email me so I can approve you. We generally do not accept new accounts. randy@bourbonrealtalk.com.
@@BourbonRealTalk Nah, I totally understand you brother. Just messing around. From time to time I get Blanton's for $63, so that compared to $250 or something is a difference you mentioned. Great video.
You don't understand whisky pricing. Price is based on rarity, not taste. MSRP reflects the quality and taste of a whisky. Rarity is what makes it more valuable. Not "hype"
I am well aware that a delta between supply and demand creates black markets and sets a new market price. I am also well aware that many of my viewers do not understand the multitude of factors that affect that pricing that have NOTHING to do with the quality of the drinking experience, and it is my job to inform them so they do not get disappointed. Also, I must admit your statement that "You don't understand whisky pricing" made me laugh. I own part of two brands and am the most educated about the pricing of whiskey of any whiskeytuber (except maybe Bourbon Pursuit).
@@BourbonRealTalk I'm not knocking your video. I learned some things about the bottles I didn't know before. But you are looking at market price wrong. There are many factors effecting supply and demand, but supply and demand are the only factors that effect price. I agree with the message that these bottles taste like MSRP. If you pay more understand it is for rarity.
I'd be interested in a follow up video on what you think these bottles (and/or others commonly sold above MSRP) are worth and why. Also, if you ignore price and just assume everything is available at MSRP, which bottles would you consider the most overhyped then?
@@garonalland6486 The true market value of all of these whiskeys is somewhere between MSRP and Secondary value. Secondary value is not a good indicator of true market value because of all the false demand created by people buying the bottle for reasons other than drinking. If producers started raising prices eventually all the false demand would go way and the price would settle. I have no idea what that number would be, but having thought about this a lot I would speculate that it would be 50-75% of secondary value. To your second question the only bottle in this list I would not drink at MSRP is Elijah Craig 18. I love EC, but anything over 12 years starts to taste like it is deteriorated for my palate. All the others I would buy and drink at 2-4 times MSRP.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks for the reply. I love trying different whisky, so I'm sometimes willing to pay more simply because a bottle is hard to find, knowing that is probably the only way to get one. My personal advice to every whisky drinker on price... Set a budget and stick to it. If you can afford the expensive bottles. Buy them.
Pete, I don't mean to offend, but saying that the most asked for bourbon in the US is a rip off has more to do with how you want people to perceive you than the actual quality price ratio of the product. Don't do that on my channel. Say that for your palate you would still pass on Blanton's at 65. Leave space for other people's opinions. Plus, understanding the actual costs of producing and distributing a bottle of whiskey given my involvement at the producer tier, you are objectively wrong. Blanton's is FUCKING CHEAP at $65. If I were to buy aged BT MB 2 barrels and put them into a custom shaped bottle, with a custom velvet bag, with a custom toper, and a custom box for US wide distribution, I would have to charge over $200 to make a normal rate of return.
i agree that almost all of these are way overhyped, but am i wrong, or is it inaccurate to say things like "eagle rare is just stagg but lower proof and younger"? and "smoke wagon is the same as remus and old scout"? Does this not completely ignore the idea that distillers pick barrels that fit the profile of those labels? so if you're a distiller at buffalo trace, you taste a barrel and say "this fits the eagle rare profile" or "this fits the stagg profile" etc. So saying "these are the same thing" just because they're the same mash bill seems to ignore a lot. anyone that's compared weller 12 to lot b can attest that these are not "the same thing" despite being almost identical on paper. and regarding smoke wagon specifically, they age it at their location in vegas don't they? doesn't that make it already vastly different than other MGP?
@@LeatherDaddy97 does it? if lot b and weller 12 are near identical on paper, but taste different, is it still fair to say "they're the same thing"? barrel selection is a MASSIVE part of what makes a certain label consistent. it's why blanton's, even though it's a single barrel, is at least fairly consistent across releases.
@@cmeyers514 yes but the difference there would be price and findability. The argument is that there are easier alternatives that are the same barrels and different price. So its simplistic and not 100% accurate to say its the same juice, but it isnt exactly wrong either. how people view it is up to their own interpretation. Blending is an art in itself.
@@LeatherDaddy97 right, i just think it should be clear that they are not the same at all. multiple times on this channel i hear "it's the same thing as _____" when that's just not accurate. it would be one thing to say "these are the same recipe so they may have similar profiles, and this might be a good affordable alternative, but it won't be the exact same experience". i think the most inaccurate in this video particularly is the smoke wagon one. they age it in a completely different state with a completely different climate. so saying smoke wagon is the same as remus repeal and old scout is just blatantly untrue and the 3 taste nothing alike whatsoever.
I'm having a hard time digesting your statements with all these bourbons, Randy. Especially when they're all sitting on your shelves. That would be like me telling you Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and Audi are all over hyped and over rated cars and I have all of them sitting in my garage. Not very creditable my friend. The fact is most of those bourbons can't be bought off the shelf anywhere for retsil. That's a sham, unless you're a liquor store owner. Average person has no access to 75% of those Bourbons, hence the secondary market $$ for them. I think I'll take it with a grain of salt.
Imagine someone telling you about the desirability of Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes that has never driven one. Your desire to discredit me has run past your logic. I could only speak on the subject if I had owned the bottles. I have worked tirelessly to help people learn how to get access to that level of bottle. It isn't that hard to find blanton's. That is why experienced whiskey drinkers hate Blanton's fanatics . It is about relationships, and then you get the bottles. There is no sham here, except your logic that has more holes in it than swiss cheese.
A little but not much. I am not involved in the secondary anymore, but when I was it didn't sell for much above it's retail value. It was an interesting pour for the price, so I was never that turned off by it.
Reference to Remus: “ya’ll don’t tater over it.” 😂 Sad thing is, the actual taters likely turned this off after hearing the Blanton’s they paid 300 for is overrated so they missed the memo. Solid video and can’t argue against a single point though
I enjoy that people enjoy these bourbons but damn...wish the hype would chill TF out. Then more people could just enjoy good bourbon and not over pay for hyped good bourbon.
When BT capacity comes online the market should calm for products that take 4-8 years to make, unless foreign demand gobbles that up. Given the extended time it takes to make the ultra premiums 15-23 years, I suspect they will always be difficult to find.
I dislike the Weller Line. On my palate, I enjoy Makers Mark much better. There is much better available whiskey on the market today. My opinion only guys!
Man, your list makes it seem like you are hammering Buffalo Trace distillery...but, you are speaking the truth. The majority of Buffalo Trace products are being marked waaaaaaaay up, and are not worth the secondary. They are all solid bourbons but, not worth much more than msrp. Great list. Cheers!
I too went through the same thoughts. It’s true BT products are marketed to lend to price gauging. I’m no expert taster but I seem to like brown foreman. I’ll take OF and Woodford all day.
I appreciate the video, but I find it pretty unoriginal. Calling Blanton’s and Weller overrated has itself become overrated. We hear it all the time. Maybe let the consumers decide? If these bourbons are so heavily sought after, maybe it’s because people want them so much?
How much of a snob do you have to be to criticize a whiskey because it’s not high enough proof for you? I know it’s the latest trend, but not everyone likes their bourbon overproofed.
Bill, I think you might be calling Wes and I "snobs" because we like higher proof whiskey. If so, just know that type of criticism of other's preferences is not allowed on my channel. Everyone is encouraged to drink what they like how they like on my channel. I supposed the irony is lost on you that you are also a snob for suggesting we are wrong for liking higher proof bourbons. Bill, practice the discipline of allowing other people to like what they like, and things will generally go better for you and the people you interact with.
Man. Love this. This probably isn’t the video the bourbon community wanted but it definitely is the one it deserves. Keep up the good work Randy!
I appreciate that! I think most of the feedback is positive so I think people wanted to hear this.
I love how the opening disclaimer was 'I'm not here to crap on BT', and then the top 8 are BT products. But you're spot-on with it. BT has mastered the hype train and I tip my cap to them for it. But when I see people wait in long lines, or drive around town, or pay huge mark ups for those products I just shake my head. Too many fantastic whiskeys sitting on shelves or available as barrel picks to waste time with that.
Agreed! There is plenty of good whiskey to be had.
You honestly have become my favorite bourbon channel. Love not only the content, but also the balanced, no BS way you present it. It’s a pain trying to go back and watch all the previous videos, but I’ll be okay.
Thank you for the kind words. Don't go too far back! The oldest videos are garbage 😂.
As always, great video! It amazes me at the prices people are willing to pay for some of these bourbons when you can find amazing bourbons that are sometimes much better sitting on the shelf. This overhype of bottles and ridiculous secondary prices has IMO caused a false demand which will crash at some point.
Wish you could find any of these on the shelf at retail like in 2017-2018. All are good at retail.
I don't know that BTAC and VW will ever be as easy to find in the future as they were in the past, but the stuff that was never meant to rare will be back on the shelves and black market prices will come down.
Great video, Randy! Agree wholeheartedly with your list. I've been around long enough to have owned/purchased most of these at MSRP back when. And now, things have gotten crazy. Last time I saw a Blanton's locally, it was $159. I'm always let down by how low proof distillers decide to take many older bourbons. Always wonder what they could have been...
Agreed. It could be they are trying to hit a flavor profile by proofing down, could be a money play to add water to create more bottles, but in either case I personally would have liked to try it at a higher proof.
@@BourbonRealTalk I'm not even asking for cask strength/barrel proof. Just get me to triple digits lol!
@@chrisfranklin4061 Same
First, I agree with the Pappy 20/23. Secondly if you buy any of the other bottles at MSRP they’re a good value. If you chase and pay secondary for anything, that’s on you.
Exactly! Thanks for watching!
Great video. 👍
Totally agreeall these offerings can be replaced by really good bourbons that are considerably less $ and easier to find
Thanks for watching!
Nice Job sir I've been super lucky in Utah to get a couple BT's out here all for msrp Ive been huntin whiskey for about 4 months. I'm super lucky and fortunate to have your channel and your info to make the decision that I want the uncut not watered down bourbon. I personally look for bottles that are produced in every step by 1 company. Unless it's a decent price. THANKS AGAIN RANDY🤙
Glad to be of help. Make sure to avoid my brands because we buy whiskey made by other companies 😂. . Seriously thought, buying whiskey made by the producer does help you to know they truly believe in the product and are not just trying to make money. There are some great non distiller producers out there, but maybe wait to explore them until you feel more comfortable that you know what you are spending your money on.
This is wonderful and should be posted to all the Bourbon FB groups for the new entrants to this hobby. For me Henry McKenna 10 year should be right behind Blantons on overrared as well as overhyped. So happy about the points made on the Smooth Ambler & Smoke Wagon.
Thanks! HM10 gets a bad rap, but I think they made their own bed by sending cherry barrels to the competition. Then people's expectation were too high when they got the regular bottles.
I used to get mckenna for 26 bucks off the shelf. Now i just keep one around that has my birthday as a dump date. It was my first whiskey so it has sentimental value.
@@LeatherDaddy97 Those were the days right? Man oh man the price increases through the years. In my area it's gone from $33 to upwards of $54. I tried the Bourbon Real Talk negotiation tips with the store that had it at $54 then the store owner pointed to the back. Said see all those cases of Tequila and Vodka back there. I had to take those to get the McKenna 10 in your hand. Wouldn't budge on the price so I left it there for the next guy.
If you haven’t heard it today…I love you and so do so many others! Have a great weekend Brother.
❤️
You hit the nail on the head with this one. So many overhyped bottles out there.
Thanks for supporting the channel!
Awesome content and agree with all. Just got both the VW 12 and old Rip VW 10 at MSRP. Excited to try them to see if the hype is true.
They are both great pours (I prefer the ORVW). At MSRP you won't be disappointed.
I’m not surprised that almost the whole list are Buffalo Trace products. My issue with all of their products is that they make 60+ labels and you can’t find any of them. They make fine whiskey but so does almost everyone out there. The secondary prices are insane compared to the juice in the bottle. I would pay $500 plus for Maker’s 46, people shouldn’t do the same with Weller or Pappy.
Solid point, but there is a reason why BT doesn't attempt to fix the market with price increases. They have double the production coming online. This video might help.
ua-cam.com/video/PBWxljSZ4IU/v-deo.html
Just proof that in may cases, scarcity marketing works. The MSRP on most of these isn't unreasonable, but so much good stuff out there for same or even lower prices without the frustration of the hunt. If I see a Weller out there for MSRP, I'll buy it, but in the meantime, I can find some Rare Breed, Wilderness Trail, Old Forester 1910 and 1920, as well as one I currently think is a quiet winner and that's the Chattanooga Cask 111.
This guy gets it! 😂
The only one I have tried was Blanton's and I agree with you and I refuse to pay the $150 on secondary. If I find it at MSRP I will grab it in a heartbeat.
It is a solid pour at MSRP. Cheers!
Last week I finally saw EH Taylor small batch at a store for $40 so I bought it and a bottle of Knob Creek Single Barrel 120 proof. The Knob Creek is much better IMO. I was not that impressed with the Taylor. It wasn’t bad but I don’t understand the hype for it. I imagine the barrel proof is worth the hunt though
I picked up a bottle of Buffalo Trace for $25 in FL. I agree with you, Buffalo Trace whiskeys are fine and smooth but for the money, there are much much better priced and tasting whiskeys.
Could be the proof variance. I used to drink EHTSmB as my daily until it disappeared.
Regular BT is great for the price, but not going to stand up to a 120 proof beast like KC.
@@BourbonRealTalk You are right!
Buffalo trace in general is very neutral in a way. No rough edges, and its good but it wont stand up to even something like rare breed or knob creek single barrel.
I’ve purchased at retail Henry Mckenna 10 year just sitting on a shelf and Elijah Craig 18 at the distillery just walking in one afternoon. The Mckenna 10 bottles I had which were from different single barrels were both hot and musty. The EC18 was oaky but sweet oak at the first crack but 6 months later was a drain pour with just under half a bottle remaining because it had morphed into a bitter astringent oak bomb and I think being watered down to 90 proof had a lot to do with that. Any substantial amount of water to older bourbon never usually helps it. I find the age varies, but 12 years is where the line forms usually.
8-12 years is my sweet spot.
Thank you for mentioning Smoke Wagon private barrels! Had a couple of them now and it really is just MGP and not much more. It’s definitely good stuff at $100 or whatever MSRP is but seeing them go for like $800 on secondary makes my head hurt.
Exactly! Cheers!
Good video, I always get irritated when people rave about PVW 20/23 but have never had it.
I don't like either.
Buffalo Trace makes some damn fine bourbon. They absolutely make some of the best bourbon on the planet. When I see something by BT, I buy it (as long as it isn't ridiculously over retail). But, there isn't a bourbon around that is worth the hype surrounding BT bourbon. Nothing by Wild Turkey, Beam, Heaven Hill or anyone else is, either.
I've also never had Henry McKenna 10 that was anything special.
Exactly! Cheers!
Thank you Thank you for saying the truth about Blanton’s. Yes for the prices it goes for, it’s way overpriced but people who say they think it’s not good Bourbon, well I’m like you, those people then don’t like Bourbon then cause it is good. Just not at the ridiculous prices they go for.
My thought is that it isn't big and robust and that might make it so you do not prefer it, but it doesn't have any flavor that is offensive or off profile for bourbon. That is why I say if it taste bad then you just don't like bourbon.
finally an overhyped list where i don't have the majority of them! that's b/c these really do go for a ton of loot. now...there are plenty of high 2ndry that are not on this list, mostly barrel proof though, which i think is part of the answer
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
I picked up a few bottles of McKenna 10 year for $30 and they were great. But at the current $60 I would rather get an Ardbeg, or something else.
I get your point. I have always enjoyed the McKenna bottles I have found when bought at MSRP. None of them have blown me away.
That's unfortunate about the Eagle Rare 17 year BTAC. I have read and heard that it sometimes is over-oaked. I've never even seen a bottle. I am a big fan of ER 10 year though and I always thought of picking up one of the BTAC. Looks like I may be better off looking for single barrel store picks of regular ER.
Love your videos Randy most of these never seen them at MSRP here in Colorado. Had a pour of Blanton's at a bar I liked it but wouldn't pay secondary for it. Buffalo Trace products are not easy to find other than Buffalo Trace Bourbon got lucky and got a Eagle Rare 1.75 L for $109 recently though 👍🏻🥃
That price is still pretty high, but if you like and and have the money I support you.
@@100puremustard5 good find 👍🏻🥃🦅
With the friends I have, if I showed up with one of those Mary Poppins bourbon bags, I'm almost certain I would be called a "douche tool" to my face lol. That being said, it is a very cool looking bag.
I have had a few people make similar statements. I guess I don't understand the sentiment. Does it make you a douche because you are projecting that you have to bring a large assortment of your own booze to be happy? That what they have for you is not good enough? Does it make you a douche because you spent so much money on something they see as unnecessary? I want to try to understand.
When I see someone walk in with a large bottle bag I get excited. This means they have brought bottles for me to try that they see enough value in to try to protect on the journey.
From personal standpoint I travel with bottles multiple times a week. I do not know how many stories I have heard of people breaking rare bottles trying to transport them, but since I created this bag I have had several instances of dropping it and have not lost a bottle. If it had been in my old Kroger wine bag, I would have lost some valuable bottles.
@@BourbonRealTalk In your position, it makes sense. You make whiskey videos and travel and probably have lots of friends with large bourbon collections and have the disposable income for this. And I did not realize you created this bag. I thought it was just something you were promoting or were being sponsored by a company. In no way was I trying to insult you or say you personally were a "douche tool" for having a fancy bourbon bag. If you are transporting very expensive bottles that can break, then yes it makes perfect sense to have a travel bag and why not make it look cool and a little fancy in the process.
In my case, I currently live in a small town in a very rural area. Most of the guys around here are working class, don't make a lot of money and mostly drink cheap domestic beer, which is fine. They probably think Mich Ultra is snooty beer lol. They are nowhere near into bourbon as much as I am or have the income to drop tons of money on a large collection. So if they saw me come to a party with a leather bag that looks like it cost a few hundred dollars, I think they would probably give me some shit about it or think I was being snobbish. Which is why I was trying to be silly with my "douche too" comment lol.
@@scotthenkel2833 I am not offended at all. I have heard this before and didn't understand it. I have a friend in Houston that showed up with a bag like this but it was designed for wine. The pocket sizes and height of the bag didn't rely work for a wide variety of whiskey bottle sizes. I asked Lindsey (my wife who is in charge of product development) to find a manufacturer who could alter the bag to work for bourbon. She did and that is the bag you see in the video, embossed with the BRT logo.
It sound like most of the ridicule would come from a lack of experience in sharing bottles in group setting than the actual bag, which makes sense. I think if you did had a bag like this, and you used it to share rare finds when you got together with your friends, they would develop the same reaction I have to a nice bottle bag which is excitement. I love it when people share something that is special to them with me.
Thank you for the feedback. Cheers!
Whoda thunk that Old Scout Cask Strength I had a number of years ago for under $60 probably was a $1,000 bottle.... I remember it, It was hot, big, giant flavors, over 120-something proof... I left the last part of the bottle with a whiskey group at a club event. They owe me! lol
😂
You have to pay attention to Smooth Ambler though, the newer ones that are over 7y old are Dickel now. the older ones used to be MGP but those are long gone
Yes, Check you state of distillation.
Blantons wasn’t bad but it was a disappointment after the hype… I’m really wanting a Weller 12 hope it doesn’t disappoint once I get one.
Spoiler alert: You are highly likely to be disappointed with W12 too. At 12 years and 90 proof the bitter tannic flavors from the barrel really stick out. Most experienced drinkers I know prefer Weller Antique. I am not saying it is a bad pour at MSRP, but with all the hype and the secondary price you may be disappointed.
Great information on these bourbons.
Glad you like them!
My condolences for your loved one. There's nothing more tragic than someone you loved feeling like they had no one. I hope your project is a success.
I appreciate that! Thank you for supporting the show.
I really tend to agree its an increasing zero sum game. Elijah Craig is a good example. The basic EC is a great product. But when people blind test it, they don't find as great a difference as they move up the price range. So much of that is perception. I find very few Bourbons that can top Wild Turkey 101 for price to experience.
Agreed!
Wild turkey do an amazing job at that in general
Absolutely, WT 101 kicks ass
It would not surprise me if I never have any of those bourbons.
I hope you get to try everything you are interested in!
I just had the opportunity to try Old Rip Van Winkle, 10 year, it was very good, I thought it was very similar to EH Taylor Single barrel.
It is my favorite Van Winkle.
I have an Old Scout store pick that I bought for $60. It's only 5 years old, but it's great. Maybe the first bourbon that I would honestly say tastes strongly of strawberry jam. I'd hate to part with it, but if someone wants to give me $1k for it, I'll suck it up and make the sacrifice.
Before SAOS was releasing 10-15 YO MGP barrels. Those are the ones selling for $1,000. Just so you know, MGP bourbon is the only whiskey I consistently get strawberry on, so you and I likely have a similar palate.
Good choices, don't disagree on any. All are good for MSRP. Talk about burying the lead...let's hear more about that $1m!
I won't discuss the 1 mil publicly, but PM me and I will explain if you want.
Am I the only one who prefers bourbon under 100 proof? Sure I like the flavor of a cask strength but don’t like the burn.
You are NOT the only one. Plus, everyone should drink what they like.
Drink whatever you enjoy. Thats just somewhat rare in the youtube whiskey community. In the general community under 100 is very common.
Great list, couldnt agree more!
Glad you enjoyed!
Blantons, weller12, mckenna 10 were all great pours when available at msrp. Mckenna 10 and Evan Williams single barrels will drop some honey barrels from time to time.
Hi there! Thanks for commenting on my video. I'm glad you enjoyed the content. It sounds like you have a good taste for whiskey, and I appreciate you sharing your recommendations with us. Do you have any other favorite whiskeys or bourbons that you would recommend trying?
Great talk, never pay secondary. 💸👏🥃
Not saying never, just saying don't do it unless you know what you are getting into. Don't do it for the hype only.
Excellent review. I couldn't agree more with these picks.
Cheers!
I looked hard for Blantons! Fill landed a few bottles at regular prices and was disappointed! Good but not great glad I didn’t pay premium for it
Hopefully a few people avoid buying them at huge markups because they saw this video.
Always wondered who’s paying these crazy prices. Makes no sense.
Some people have the cash and want what they want.
Unfortunately for me, most stores in my area price gouge these items-not all do, but most of the ones I’ve visited (~20) hike the prices up really high :/
Hi there, thank you for your comment. It can be frustrating when stores in your area price gouge certain items. Have you considered trying to find those items online or in a nearby town? You may be able to find better deals that way. Additionally, have you tried talking to the store managers about the high prices? They may be willing to work with you on pricing. Hope this helps!
@@BourbonRealTalk I have shopped around in my area, and compare prices. I'd say only about half of the stores in my area even have a webpage, and those that do rarely update them, so it's a lot of legwork on my part. I have found a few deals online, and talked to some friends who are part of online bourbon clubs, but I wasn't fully satisfied based on what they explained to me (shipping, limited supplies, forced-buys, annual fees, random and/or limited "freebies," etc.
I've talked to a few employees and owners. They are genuinely nice, but I feel like the "new guy on the block" isn't going to have much luck, but I keep plugging away.
I've learned to be patient, though. Every once in a while, I come across a smoking deal, and take advantage accordingly.
@@reedr7142 I applaud your efforts! Do you live in a small town? And have you ever looked for bottles from Seelbach's or Bourbon Outfitter online?
I have to agree with the Weller 12. I actually got it for free years ago and I have never been impressed. It's alright but there are many many bourbons at a much lower price that blow it out of the park!
The only reason people buy Weller 12 is to make Poor Man's Pappy. If it weren't for that, it probably wouldn't be in such demand.
It is a bit to light and tannic for my palate.
What is the white pot still? Is that a special bottle of Willet Pot Still or something else? I'm so curious
I am unsure. I don't think I have heard of it. I googled it and all I could find was a Jamaican white rum made on a pot still.
EC18 at retail was overrated and when i finish mine. i’m done with it.
I personally don't like it, but a lot of people do so I always have a bottle.
Saz is the issue not BT specifically.
There is no "issue" with BT or Saz. They have spent 1.3 billion trying to solve the problem. There is no conspiracy theory here...just takes time to build stills, rich houses, and age/bottle whiskey.
But... but... my Blantons comes with a little horsey and a letter 🥺 that has to be worth more than suggested retail price lol
The packaging definitely adds to the draw.
I bought an Old Scout 5 yr SBSP from NC and it was not good, and I was very disappointed. Glad it was only $39.
Young MGP juice may not be your thing. At $39 for a 5 year I am in all day every day, but everyone's palate is different.
Thank you for that wonderful philosophy of your podcast. Definitely for a great and noble cause
We are doing our best to be a positive influence. Are you a member of BRTC?
I think then Wilderness Trail or New Riff will hit 9ish year it will blow away a lot off overhyped bourbons.
HELL YEAH! Could not agree more!
Love the show man. Keep it up
Thanks! Will do!
Man this video seems like a war on BT! I can agree that the market creating hyperinflation around the BT bottle prices for secondary, I would not call many of the things on this list from BT (the ones I've been able to try, that is) overrated. If you can get any of those products for retail or near retail, they are spectacular value bottles. I got CYPB for $39, the retail price. It is an amazing sub-$40 bottle. I've had non-BT bottles, especially from craft distillers, that want $80+ for not great products and they have a ton of hype just for being MGP or whatever other gimmick they can come up with. Honestly think this video should have a different title, not just calling all BT products overrated.
Andrew, your points are solid. All points clearly made in the video, which makes me think you didn't watch it. This is a recurring problem as a content creator. I attempt to give people the ability to skip around in the video by adding chapters with titles. Then I have comments like this that say "what this video should have done was...", and it is is EXACTLY WHAT THE VIDEO DID, and it is frustrating. There is a sickness in the whiskey enthusiast world that causes people to try to point out how others are wrong instead of trying to find common ground. For those trying to point out what is "wrong" without actually taking the time to figure out what it is first, I can't help them.
@@BourbonRealTalk I certainly wasn't attacking you or your points at all. I did in fact watch the video, where you stated most of these were really "solid" bourbons. My issue is with the video title. Overrated may mean something different to you, but to me it reads that you are saying these are bad whiskeys that have a lot of hype. It's a click bait type of video title in my opinion. I have absolutely no issue with you or your opinions. I watch a lot of whiskey tube, and have watched your videos multiple times in the past. I just get tired of whiskey tube videos calling BT overrated, there's just an extra saltiness around BT products due to secondary pricing. If you honestly believe they are overrated, then that is your opinion and I fully respect it. I just wanted to make it known that that word is very harsh in my opinion and I know I'm not the only one who sees it that way. No disrespect meant to you at all sir.
Jack was 90 then went to 80 in 1987.
I screwed up. You are correct.
thankful that i can get blantons once a month at retail in alabama
Same here in Virginia
I haven’t even seen one here in California or I might be going to the wrong liquor stores
Nice!
Buffalo Trace and Blantons
Watch the video
CYPB was choose your own blend or bourbon?
I believe it stands for choose your perfect bourbon
I can agree with most of these.
Cheers!
I agree on the 20/23
Cheers!
Great video! Keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
I paid msrp $42 for Weller 12 (local store sells from a sign up listthey call you as it comes in) and it was awesome. I later saw it for $150. It wasn't that good.
That is exactly the point. Thank you for sharing!
Overrated Borubons
#1 Blantons
End of list. Nobody in my area even mentions the others. "Maybe" you hear a mention of Weller or Eagle Rare but mostly Blanton, Blanton, Blanton. I've got several on my bar now I'd drink over Balnton anytime. Not saying it's not good tasty stuff.... Just better or more available options around.
I totally get this sentiment. If I tried to find one for years and then tasted it for the first time, I would feel disappointed. That does not mean it is bad tasting...just not worth the hype.
Love you brother!
Love you too!
Hard to disagree with this list. I keep trying to figure out why watered down whiskey is supposedly worth so much.
Because the special releases are old and therefor have more evaporative loss, so the distilleries bottle them at lower proofs so the can fill more volume.
Link to the bourbon bag?
www.bourbonrealtalk.com/collections/travel-bag
Were I can find secondary market store? So I can sell some Henry Mckenna and Buffalo trace. I can normaly find it Henry for $60
and Buffalo Trace for $28. I can make a few of them 😂😂
If you want to participate in the secondary I recommend you get involved in a local FB based whiskey club, participate in some in person events, get to know some people, then ask in person. Asking in social media violates the first full of fight club.
Weller has never impressed me. That said i think you enjoy buffalo trace products more than i do in general. I wouldnt put them in my personal top 5. They drink great, but are too sterile, too neutral for me. However ive quickly learned many people just dont want information, they just want to feel cool. They refer to bt as "the good stuff" and everything else is swill, and you tell them that they arent top 5 for you and they think your opinion no longer matters. You cant reason with that, and while im glad they found something they like, they lack the self awareness to understand that they are exactly the reason that products like that arent readily available to them.
Blind tastings will fix this problem!
@@BourbonRealTalk thats if they even get to that point. I agree blind is the way to go but these people just want to feel "right"
Would love to be a part of the "Community" thing...just can't force myself to do Facebook.
Same here 👍🏻
I encourage a burner account! Make up a profile that can not traced back to you and only use it to engage in the whiskey community. A lot of people do it that way so the negative aspects of social media can be avoided while engaging in the good stuff. If you decide to do this email me so I can approve you. We generally do not accept new accounts. randy@bourbonrealtalk.com.
I encourage a burner account! Make up a profile that can not traced back to you and only use it to engage in the whiskey community. A lot of people do it that way so the negative aspects of social media can be avoided while engaging in the good stuff. If you decide to do this email me so I can approve you. We generally do not accept new accounts. randy@bourbonrealtalk.com.
Yes sir. Right on the mark.
Thanks for watching
That moment when you realize that two favorite whiskeys are top 2 on this list :(
There are no whiskey's on this list that are not great. They are just going to disappoint you if you pay secondary pricing for them.
@@BourbonRealTalk Nah, I totally understand you brother. Just messing around. From time to time I get Blanton's for $63, so that compared to $250 or something is a difference you mentioned. Great video.
First time watching. Well done!
Awesome! Thank you!
Just buy regular bottles on the shelf
Exactly! Thanks for watching!
Beginning of the video: Can't wait to find my entire collection in here 😂
Edit: Nope, it's all stuff I could only aspire to have 😭
😂 Sorry, but these are just guesses based on some research. I think there will always be plenty of good whiskey to drink.
CRAFT Your Perfect Bourbon
Yes, hate on BT so I might actually be able to get one. So terrible, no one buy them.
Watch the disclaimer. I explain in detail how this was not me hating on BT.
You don't understand whisky pricing. Price is based on rarity, not taste. MSRP reflects the quality and taste of a whisky. Rarity is what makes it more valuable. Not "hype"
I am well aware that a delta between supply and demand creates black markets and sets a new market price. I am also well aware that many of my viewers do not understand the multitude of factors that affect that pricing that have NOTHING to do with the quality of the drinking experience, and it is my job to inform them so they do not get disappointed.
Also, I must admit your statement that "You don't understand whisky pricing" made me laugh. I own part of two brands and am the most educated about the pricing of whiskey of any whiskeytuber (except maybe Bourbon Pursuit).
@@BourbonRealTalk I'm not knocking your video. I learned some things about the bottles I didn't know before. But you are looking at market price wrong. There are many factors effecting supply and demand, but supply and demand are the only factors that effect price. I agree with the message that these bottles taste like MSRP. If you pay more understand it is for rarity.
I'd be interested in a follow up video on what you think these bottles (and/or others commonly sold above MSRP) are worth and why. Also, if you ignore price and just assume everything is available at MSRP, which bottles would you consider the most overhyped then?
@@garonalland6486 The true market value of all of these whiskeys is somewhere between MSRP and Secondary value. Secondary value is not a good indicator of true market value because of all the false demand created by people buying the bottle for reasons other than drinking. If producers started raising prices eventually all the false demand would go way and the price would settle. I have no idea what that number would be, but having thought about this a lot I would speculate that it would be 50-75% of secondary value.
To your second question the only bottle in this list I would not drink at MSRP is Elijah Craig 18. I love EC, but anything over 12 years starts to taste like it is deteriorated for my palate. All the others I would buy and drink at 2-4 times MSRP.
@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks for the reply. I love trying different whisky, so I'm sometimes willing to pay more simply because a bottle is hard to find, knowing that is probably the only way to get one. My personal advice to every whisky drinker on price... Set a budget and stick to it. If you can afford the expensive bottles. Buy them.
Blantons at $65 is still a rip off. It is the Pumpkin Spice Latte of the bourbon world!! Blantons STFB is a decent whiskey and I would recommend it.
It tastes pretty good, it just doesnt compare to a lot of other $65 whiskies. Rare breed beats it easily imo
Pete, I don't mean to offend, but saying that the most asked for bourbon in the US is a rip off has more to do with how you want people to perceive you than the actual quality price ratio of the product. Don't do that on my channel. Say that for your palate you would still pass on Blanton's at 65. Leave space for other people's opinions. Plus, understanding the actual costs of producing and distributing a bottle of whiskey given my involvement at the producer tier, you are objectively wrong. Blanton's is FUCKING CHEAP at $65. If I were to buy aged BT MB 2 barrels and put them into a custom shaped bottle, with a custom velvet bag, with a custom toper, and a custom box for US wide distribution, I would have to charge over $200 to make a normal rate of return.
No bourbon is worth $1000 bux, PERIOD!
Is there a scotch that is worth $1,000?
i agree that almost all of these are way overhyped, but am i wrong, or is it inaccurate to say things like "eagle rare is just stagg but lower proof and younger"? and "smoke wagon is the same as remus and old scout"? Does this not completely ignore the idea that distillers pick barrels that fit the profile of those labels? so if you're a distiller at buffalo trace, you taste a barrel and say "this fits the eagle rare profile" or "this fits the stagg profile" etc. So saying "these are the same thing" just because they're the same mash bill seems to ignore a lot. anyone that's compared weller 12 to lot b can attest that these are not "the same thing" despite being almost identical on paper. and regarding smoke wagon specifically, they age it at their location in vegas don't they? doesn't that make it already vastly different than other MGP?
Depends how you look at it i think.
@@LeatherDaddy97 does it? if lot b and weller 12 are near identical on paper, but taste different, is it still fair to say "they're the same thing"? barrel selection is a MASSIVE part of what makes a certain label consistent. it's why blanton's, even though it's a single barrel, is at least fairly consistent across releases.
@@cmeyers514 yes but the difference there would be price and findability. The argument is that there are easier alternatives that are the same barrels and different price. So its simplistic and not 100% accurate to say its the same juice, but it isnt exactly wrong either. how people view it is up to their own interpretation. Blending is an art in itself.
@@LeatherDaddy97 right, i just think it should be clear that they are not the same at all. multiple times on this channel i hear "it's the same thing as _____" when that's just not accurate. it would be one thing to say "these are the same recipe so they may have similar profiles, and this might be a good affordable alternative, but it won't be the exact same experience". i think the most inaccurate in this video particularly is the smoke wagon one. they age it in a completely different state with a completely different climate. so saying smoke wagon is the same as remus repeal and old scout is just blatantly untrue and the 3 taste nothing alike whatsoever.
@@cmeyers514 it depends on the smokewagon cause the private barrels are just straight up mgp if i recall correctly but i get exactly what youre saying
I'm having a hard time digesting your statements with all these bourbons, Randy. Especially when they're all sitting on your shelves. That would be like me telling you Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and Audi are all over hyped and over rated cars and I have all of them sitting in my garage. Not very creditable my friend. The fact is most of those bourbons can't be bought off the shelf anywhere for retsil. That's a sham, unless you're a liquor store owner. Average person has no access to 75% of those Bourbons, hence the secondary market $$ for them. I think I'll take it with a grain of salt.
Imagine someone telling you about the desirability of Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes that has never driven one. Your desire to discredit me has run past your logic. I could only speak on the subject if I had owned the bottles.
I have worked tirelessly to help people learn how to get access to that level of bottle. It isn't that hard to find blanton's. That is why experienced whiskey drinkers hate Blanton's fanatics . It is about relationships, and then you get the bottles. There is no sham here, except your logic that has more holes in it than swiss cheese.
HM10 BiB won best WHISKEY at the SFWSC in ‘19. Only the second time a bourbon won best whiskey. Just sayin’.
Did I say something that made it seem that HM10 BiB didn't win best WHISKEY at the SFWSC in ‘19?
@@BourbonRealTalk you said it won Best Bourbon, which it did. I was just adding that it also (and more significantly) won Best is Show Whiskey.
Hahahaha just straight up hates Buffalo trace
Watch disclaimer
@@BourbonRealTalk why not re title the video “here’s all the Buffalo trace bourbons I hate”?
@@yakcatch9369 Why not comment on videos you have watched and not based on the title?
@@BourbonRealTalk dude just admit you hate Buffalo trace products and move on.
@@yakcatch9369 ua-cam.com/video/5uPj9EVZUtw/v-deo.html
Blantons $ 50 dollars good no more
I think the MSRP range varies by state, but I think Blanton's is a buy at 50-70.
Do you think Michter’s 10 is overhyped?
A little but not much. I am not involved in the secondary anymore, but when I was it didn't sell for much above it's retail value. It was an interesting pour for the price, so I was never that turned off by it.
Reference to Remus: “ya’ll don’t tater over it.” 😂 Sad thing is, the actual taters likely turned this off after hearing the Blanton’s they paid 300 for is overrated so they missed the memo. Solid video and can’t argue against a single point though
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
Good video… Eagle Rare 17 is 101 proof though.
That is correct. I mess up all the time in these videos 😂
Giving you a hard time. Love your channel and support for suicide awareness!
Weller 12 is phenomenal
It is a solid pour at MSRP for sure.
I enjoy that people enjoy these bourbons but damn...wish the hype would chill TF out. Then more people could just enjoy good bourbon and not over pay for hyped good bourbon.
Maybe this video will help. Cheers!
Do you think the market will level off anytime soon, or are we doomed to getting gouged for a while?
When BT capacity comes online the market should calm for products that take 4-8 years to make, unless foreign demand gobbles that up. Given the extended time it takes to make the ultra premiums 15-23 years, I suspect they will always be difficult to find.
Great topic! Very well thought of and very well presented 👍
Thank you for supporting the channel!
Spot on. I have been fortunate enough to taste a few these and I could not agree more with your list. 👍
Cheers! Thanks for watching!
How about Willett purple tops?
Good point. Also, I have never owned one...which probably means they belong on this list 😂
@@BourbonRealTalk You and me both! Haven't even seen one in person yet
I dislike the Weller Line. On my palate, I enjoy Makers Mark much better. There is much better available whiskey on the market today. My opinion only guys!
I love all of the weller line, but I agree that if you don't get it at MSRP then just pick something up that is good but not rare.
Man, your list makes it seem like you are hammering Buffalo Trace distillery...but, you are speaking the truth. The majority of Buffalo Trace products are being marked waaaaaaaay up, and are not worth the secondary. They are all solid bourbons but, not worth much more than msrp. Great list. Cheers!
I too went through the same thoughts. It’s true BT products are marketed to lend to price gauging. I’m no expert taster but I seem to like brown foreman. I’ll take OF and Woodford all day.
Maybe watch the disclaimer. Your comment indicated you used the chapters to see the list without viewing the video.
Maybe watch the disclaimer. Your comment indicated you used the chapters to see the list without viewing the video.
No. I watched it. I think you’ve misconstrued my point. But that’s ok.
No chapters.. have to manually skip over shameless merch plug.. you're slacking off Wes.
It had chapters when I reviewed it before publishing. Not sure why they didn't work for you.
I appreciate the video, but I find it pretty unoriginal. Calling Blanton’s and Weller overrated has itself become overrated. We hear it all the time. Maybe let the consumers decide? If these bourbons are so heavily sought after, maybe it’s because people want them so much?
Thank you for the feedback. What topics would you find that are original that you think have a high probability of drawing viewers?
I can get Henry McKenna at retail without a problem so i’m calling it decent for now. But yes if it becomes another weller. heck no.
After it won major awards there were some areas paying way above secondary, which is why it made the list.
How much of a snob do you have to be to criticize a whiskey because it’s not high enough proof for you? I know it’s the latest trend, but not everyone likes their bourbon overproofed.
Bill, I think you might be calling Wes and I "snobs" because we like higher proof whiskey. If so, just know that type of criticism of other's preferences is not allowed on my channel. Everyone is encouraged to drink what they like how they like on my channel. I supposed the irony is lost on you that you are also a snob for suggesting we are wrong for liking higher proof bourbons. Bill, practice the discipline of allowing other people to like what they like, and things will generally go better for you and the people you interact with.
Totally got hyped for Buffalo Trace only because I couldn't find it
It is a solid pour