Every cask strength batch I've had of Smoke Wagon was underwelming, three so far. I'm not sold on that bourbon. The small batch was good. Larceny Barrelproof on the other hand was great. I agree on that one. I've never had Boulder whiskey before, but I'm intrigued. I've had Jame's E. Pepper BIB and really like it. It was only 4 years old though, I haven't had the decanter series you have here. I'm looking forward to Makers Mark, James Pepper, new Elijah Craig Barrelproof batches, New Riff, and new Jack Daniel's releases. Jack Daniels is putting out phenomenal stuff right now.
The Chattanooga Scotch cask was such a great one for me. As a Scotch fan, I want to see more high malt or single malt come on to the scene ready to impress me.
Driftless Glen is great, their restaurant is also great if you make it back to Wisconsin. Would recommend trying J Henry distillery products from Wisconsin as well.
I love Driftless Glenn single barrels. The one I have from Aman's is an 8-year bourbon, and it's terrific. I've also had a 7-year single barrel from the same liquor store, and it was really, really good.
Driftless Glen really surprised me. I picked up a bottle simply because my brother-in-law is from Wisconsin. Cracked it open with him, and it was damn good. Nice to see it on your list. I'll have to try and track down a Boulder Spirits Cask Strength. Never had it.
I’m excited for Green River and I can’t wait till they get some older stock in their daily offerings. I’m wondering if Ross and Squibb will purchase Smokewagon
love it. Need to try a few that I have not. thanks for sharing. Will be in colorado soon, so will have to try. Have you tried 291? I enjoy their product. I also fell in love with more Texas whiskies, so looking forward to seeing more Texas Whiskey this year. cheers
Some are not necessarily Bourbon, but Mammoth distillery out of Michigan just announced a Peated American Single malt made with Michigan Peat, I’m very interested in trying that. I’m also very excited to try what the Bourbon Junkies are working on. I’ve decided I’m supporting all local craft distillers and producers in 2024
Have you had anything by Bluegrass Distillers? I had some a couple of years ago when in Kentucky and thought that it was good. Unfortunately it's not available in Ohio yet, so I haven't had any lately. TonyB
Driftless Glen is amazing stuff! We had a single barrel store pick of 5 year rye that blew my socks off! So cool to com from Wisconsin. I’m in Illinois.
I got very lucky, my local store offers a allocation program. New members get the opportunity to get a Michters 10. The Larceny Barrel Proof was great last year I want the 24 release myself.
Glad to see Driftless Glen on the list. It’s always on our shelf at our Wisconsin cabin. You’d be welcome by our lakeside cabin any time. Regarding what I’m looking forward to the list might include 2XO’s next blend.
I have a bottle of Smoke Wagon Barrel pick Rye from one of my local stores that is really phenomenal. I'm definitely looking forward to more from them this year.
I am looking forward to wilderness trail BIB wheat and also their rye. I am also going to try some other rye's this year, Bardstown Origin, Widow Jane applewood, Barrell, & Jack Daniels S.B.B.P.
The ones I am excited for are the ones I can actually get. One is a redwood empire, cask strength. the other is Frey ranch, bourbon and rye batch 10. Another rye and bourbon combo. I’m interested in is from the Alton distillery from New York. Both are age 5 years I believe.
Looking forward to whatever collaboration Bardstown puts out, and finally grabbing an ASW Fiddler. Would like to try JT Meleck or Dettling if I could ever find it. Russell's 15 and JD 14 would be awesome ...but the msrp??? Will be opening my James E. Pepper very soon.
Boulder spirits does root shoots single malt, 4 year bib. Great price great product. That company does some good things. I need to try that CS version. Love me some Leopold 2y and 4y. They floor malt all their barley on site. I'm not sure if it's everything. Cheers Axe and oak, Laws and family jones are worth checking out.
I would like to see Still Austin, Nashville Bourbon, Green River and Bardstown Origin series here in Connecticut. They are just slow to get in probably due to our crazy distribution system. Maybe there is a book in here for you!
Back in December of 2023, a friend of mine brought a James E. Pepper Decanter up to Canada for my birthday. He said his local store owner was really hyping the bottle up as a sleeper and the next bottle that was going to fly off the shelves. Having never heard of it, I just assumed he got taken for a ride by some zealous liquor store owner looking to move unwanted bottles. Boy was I wrong. I was blown away by how great this bottle is. I immediately told him to go buy a few more. Can't recommend it enough, and for the price you can't go wrong.
My 5: 1) Redwood's lineup evolution - seems to be peaking. 2) Larceny BP/ECBP - can they repeat last year's stunners and even up the game?? 3) Penelope/Barrell/etc finished and blended whiskey evoluton - what wildcards will emerge? 4) AMERICAN SINGLE MALT...it's time! 5) new stuff I had no idea I liked!
Thanks for the picks Fred! I would like to recommend you try out the McBrayer Legacy Spirits brand. They resurrected a legendary 19th century brand started by “The Judge”. They are currently a NDP. Bill McBrayer drives his product through Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington. I believe you have visited Brad Bonds’ place. The 4th release of WH McBrayer is coming soon!
I'm excited for Shortbarrel Cigar Blend and their Bees Knees annual release, Penelope Rio, any Stagg picks I can get my hands on, and anything Barrel comes out with.
Elijah Craig Barrelproof bottles, agree on Larceny Barrelproof. Jack Daniels BP single barrels. I haven't been impressed with too many craft distilled bourbons on the market. I haven't had Boulder or Driftless Glen whiskeys yet.
Anything from Redwood empire Frey ranch then river root out of Cleveland Ohio and backed by Michael Symon. It will be interesting to see if JD will come out with new juice this year. Ben Holladay is putting out some great juice and their rickhouse is fantastic. I’m more interested in what the big distillery makers will do with price the Russell’s 15 will be interesting to see what they sell it at. I’m a big fan of the Old Pepper rye it was a Ohio pick and it’s fantastic.just placed a big order from seelbach of ASW fiddler and lucky seven.
I'm down with all of those except James E Pepper. Now I've only had one bottle which was a Barrel proof rye but I f[at out didn't like it. I like a little mint and herbaceous flavor in a rye but this was so over the top I had a very hard time choking it down. Now it's been a few years and was undoubtedly sourced so I suppose I should give them a second chance. But if it sucks too that's it, no 3rd strike.
New Jack Daniels premium whiskeys (readily available ones), wider JT Meleck distribution, new producers who are completely transparent with their product and reasonably priced, Still Austin products, Makers Mark aged stated products
Hoping for batch 2 of Jack Daniels 12, and that it's as good as batch one and there is more of it. Woodford Reserve batch proof seems to be improving year on year if that follows again this year it will be up for bourbon of the year. Four Roses Limited. Old Forester 1924. Also excited to see what comes out of Frey Ranch / Redwood Empire this year. Would like to see the Redwood Empire Haystack Needle get a wider distribution.
Just easy to find stuff...I am a basic guy...and a novice! That said, I would like to get an Old Forester 1924...and an OF Birthday Bourbon...and maybe a Maker's Cellar (if they do that one again).
Check out an article recently from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel regarding J Henry. The son Joe Henry was just named Master Blender after being under the tutelage of Nancy Fraley.
I'm curious what you think of Filibuster Bottled In Bond. I know you know the owner, but I havent come across a review of it even though it won "Best Non-Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon" at the World Whiskies Awards 2023. I might be biased (they're my local boys) but I dig it. Edit: punctuation is apparently not my strongest suit. 😅
HUGE fan of smoke wagon uncut unfiltered. Every batch I’ve owned has been phenomenal
This is a good one. I love the UCUF.
My favorites are those that can actually be found to purchase!
They have plenty to purchase. As long as you can afford an extra house payment for 750ml of juice. It's so ridiculous.
Like a good looking women that cooks & clean. Just appreciate it if you find it 😅
Yep. Hobby is filled with shitty fomo practices and hype inflation.
Every cask strength batch I've had of Smoke Wagon was underwelming, three so far. I'm not sold on that bourbon. The small batch was good. Larceny Barrelproof on the other hand was great. I agree on that one. I've never had Boulder whiskey before, but I'm intrigued. I've had Jame's E. Pepper BIB and really like it. It was only 4 years old though, I haven't had the decanter series you have here. I'm looking forward to Makers Mark, James Pepper, new Elijah Craig Barrelproof batches, New Riff, and new Jack Daniel's releases. Jack Daniels is putting out phenomenal stuff right now.
The Chattanooga Scotch cask was such a great one for me. As a Scotch fan, I want to see more high malt or single malt come on to the scene ready to impress me.
Love to see the Boulder and Smoke Wagon love. Two of my favorites readily accessible in Colorado.
Driftless Glen is great, their restaurant is also great if you make it back to Wisconsin. Would recommend trying J Henry distillery products from Wisconsin as well.
I love Driftless Glenn single barrels. The one I have from Aman's is an 8-year bourbon, and it's terrific. I've also had a 7-year single barrel from the same liquor store, and it was really, really good.
Driftless Glen really surprised me. I picked up a bottle simply because my brother-in-law is from Wisconsin. Cracked it open with him, and it was damn good. Nice to see it on your list. I'll have to try and track down a Boulder Spirits Cask Strength. Never had it.
I was just at the liquor store and noticed numerous rows of different Smoke Wagon Bourbon - Small Batch, Uncut etc. $60-$80.
I’m excited for Green River and I can’t wait till they get some older stock in their daily offerings. I’m wondering if Ross and Squibb will purchase Smokewagon
I think I've heard Aaron specially say that he would never sell out. He's doing so many good things to sell anytime soon.
Very cool to see Driftless Glenn make your list! Great video! Keep up the good work!
OMG! Driftless Glenn?! I had the pleasure of touring and doing a lot of tasting there. Its a great place doing a lot of fun stuff with bourbon!!
love it. Need to try a few that I have not. thanks for sharing. Will be in colorado soon, so will have to try. Have you tried 291? I enjoy their product. I also fell in love with more Texas whiskies, so looking forward to seeing more Texas Whiskey this year. cheers
JT Meleck, and Holladay SRW Rickhouse/Barrrel Picks, Glenns Creek OCD #5 - have a barrel pick later this year. Loved all 3 of these
Some are not necessarily Bourbon, but Mammoth distillery out of Michigan just announced a Peated American Single malt made with Michigan Peat, I’m very interested in trying that. I’m also very excited to try what the Bourbon Junkies are working on. I’ve decided I’m supporting all local craft distillers and producers in 2024
When I do tasting Driftless Glen is on the pour list often. Tattersall, Studio, Chattanooga, Droptine a few favorites
Driftless Glen has definitely been putting out many great bottles for several years. I particularly like their single barrel barrel proof bottles.
Have you had anything by Bluegrass Distillers? I had some a couple of years ago when in Kentucky and thought that it was good. Unfortunately it's not available in Ohio yet, so I haven't had any lately. TonyB
Wisconsinite here. Thanks for the shout out Fred. Where here did you live?
Love to see Smoke Wagon rising up .... love everything they do and how they do it
he's doing it right!
Driftless Glen is amazing stuff! We had a single barrel store pick of 5 year rye that blew my socks off! So cool to com from Wisconsin. I’m in Illinois.
I wholeheartedly agree on Smoke Wagon. They are not “cool“ right now, but their whiskey is really fine.
OF 1924, Penelope Black Label, Russell's Rickhouse, Green River, Driftless Glen!! Cheers from SE Wisconsin!
Larceny and Elijah barrel proofs, Green River Rye, Bowman Bros single and Barrel proofs, Four Roses , and Still Austin cask. Thanks!🤠🇺🇸🇨🇱🥃
I got very lucky, my local store offers a allocation program. New members get the opportunity to get a Michters 10. The Larceny Barrel Proof was great last year I want the 24 release myself.
Just picked up the James E Pepper and it is amazing. Have a Boulder Spirits on the way. Can’t wait to try it. Cheers 🥃
I just bought the James E Pepper today. Can’t wait to try it. Driftless Glen is very enjoyable to me. Great video.
Had all the Larceny BP’s over the last 2 years, and they have all been excellent.
Glad to see Driftless Glen on the list. It’s always on our shelf at our Wisconsin cabin. You’d be welcome by our lakeside cabin any time. Regarding what I’m looking forward to the list might include 2XO’s next blend.
Driftless Glenn is doing a great job,I absolutely love their cask strength rye .
Where can u order bourbon from online?
The British Bourbon Society did a barrel pick of Driftless Glen and it was fabulous. Really enjoy them!
I have a bottle of Smoke Wagon Barrel pick Rye from one of my local stores that is really phenomenal. I'm definitely looking forward to more from them this year.
I am looking forward to wilderness trail BIB wheat and also their rye. I am also going to try some other rye's this year, Bardstown Origin, Widow Jane applewood, Barrell, & Jack Daniels S.B.B.P.
The ones I am excited for are the ones I can actually get. One is a redwood empire, cask strength. the other is Frey ranch, bourbon and rye batch 10. Another rye and bourbon combo. I’m interested in is from the Alton distillery from New York. Both are age 5 years I believe.
Looking forward to whatever collaboration Bardstown puts out, and finally grabbing an ASW Fiddler. Would like to try JT Meleck or Dettling if I could ever find it. Russell's 15 and JD 14 would be awesome ...but the msrp??? Will be opening my James E. Pepper very soon.
Cheers and thanks for highlighting some very affordable bottles!!
Boulder spirits does root shoots single malt, 4 year bib. Great price great product. That company does some good things. I need to try that CS version. Love me some Leopold 2y and 4y. They floor malt all their barley on site. I'm not sure if it's everything. Cheers
Axe and oak, Laws and family jones are worth checking out.
Love Driftless Glen, both the bourbon and the rye. If you're ever in WI, check it out.
Does Wisconsin have long enough summers for the bourbon to age properly?
I'm in Colorado: Bardstown Disco 11, Knob Creek 12, ECBP C923, Jack Daniels Barrel Proof Rye, ASW Fiddler Georgia Heartwood
😂 you won't be seeing c923 because we are in 2024 lol.
ECBP can be one or two full releases behind in Colorado. I got A123 well after B523 was released.
Doesn't matter bud it's not a 2024 release lol
Woo-Hoo! James at Bevy's in Parker got me an ECBP C923...on Feb 1, 2024. Put that in your pipe and smoke it@@fuzzygremlin88
Got it from the beverage manager at Bevy's in Parker...ha, ha, ha, ha@@fuzzygremlin88
I would like to see Still Austin, Nashville Bourbon, Green River and Bardstown Origin series here in Connecticut. They are just slow to get in probably due to our crazy distribution system. Maybe there is a book in here for you!
If you’re near the ny border at all I’ve seen bardstown at vermax in port Chester
Back in December of 2023, a friend of mine brought a James E. Pepper Decanter up to Canada for my birthday. He said his local store owner was really hyping the bottle up as a sleeper and the next bottle that was going to fly off the shelves. Having never heard of it, I just assumed he got taken for a ride by some zealous liquor store owner looking to move unwanted bottles. Boy was I wrong. I was blown away by how great this bottle is. I immediately told him to go buy a few more. Can't recommend it enough, and for the price you can't go wrong.
The only person getting taken for a ride is Anne
My 5: 1) Redwood's lineup evolution - seems to be peaking. 2) Larceny BP/ECBP - can they repeat last year's stunners and even up the game?? 3) Penelope/Barrell/etc finished and blended whiskey evoluton - what wildcards will emerge? 4) AMERICAN SINGLE MALT...it's time! 5) new stuff I had no idea I liked!
I just bought a Smokewagon Private Barrel, ready to get into.
Camera/lighting looks great!
Thanks for the picks Fred! I would like to recommend you try out the McBrayer Legacy Spirits brand. They resurrected a legendary 19th century brand started by “The Judge”. They are currently a NDP. Bill McBrayer drives his product through Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington. I believe you have visited Brad Bonds’ place. The 4th release of WH McBrayer is coming soon!
Old Forrester 1924, anything new from Chattanooga, new stuff from Still Austin, I want more from Ben Holladay and Rio Batch 2.
Larceny barrel proof is my favorite attainable release and really probably some of the best bourbon I’ve ever had
Wisconsin is amazing! Might not agree on Larceny, but I can agree there!
I recently purchased the decanter and a different flavor from the other Pepper products. Really like the decanter series. Nice choice.
Iron's One out of Huntsville is really nice. They're a small craft distillery so not widely available but worth tracking down.
I'm excited for Shortbarrel Cigar Blend and their Bees Knees annual release, Penelope Rio, any Stagg picks I can get my hands on, and anything Barrel comes out with.
Shortbarrel is a hidden gem 💎
Oops , I just kicked a bottle , damn what bad problem to have!!!
Totally agree with Driftless Glen - they are an amazing company and drink.
I’m always hunting for LBPs my friend. Definitely looking forward to more small distilleries for 2024
very nice!
I love the Larceny Barrel Proof.
Got a store pick of Boulder at 134 proof and it's strong in a good way.
Sipping a Larceny BP now. Love it so much.
Elijah Craig Barrelproof bottles, agree on Larceny Barrelproof. Jack Daniels BP single barrels. I haven't been impressed with too many craft distilled bourbons on the market. I haven't had Boulder or Driftless Glen whiskeys yet.
Anything from Redwood empire Frey ranch then river root out of Cleveland Ohio and backed by Michael Symon. It will be interesting to see if JD will come out with new juice this year. Ben Holladay is putting out some great juice and their rickhouse is fantastic. I’m more interested in what the big distillery makers will do with price the Russell’s 15 will be interesting to see what they sell it at. I’m a big fan of the Old Pepper rye it was a Ohio pick and it’s fantastic.just placed a big order from seelbach of ASW fiddler and lucky seven.
I'll have to check out Driftless Glen
Smoke Wagon Purple Wax 51/45/4 is delicious and I can’t wait to get some of the black wax and the red wax bourbon!
Driftless Glen just released a 145 proof rye at the distillery only. They are starting to do some amazing things.
Do you know how much that bottle is going for?
@@emuser1965 Looks like it had a $100 price tag. Really limited bottle release.
@@spoonied1 Thanks,
Wish i could find James E pepper in FL.
Excited for Jack Daniels special releases, Elijah Craig C924, Four Roses LE, Penelope LE’s & more great Barrel blends.
Old Forester 1924. Bond and Lillard batch 2. Green River Wheated Bourbon. Makers Mark Barrel pick. Woodford Master's cut 18.
I'm looking forward to the redwood empire special releases, and the A124's Cheers 🥃
Buckners 17, 1792 full proof, peerless rye, James pepper decanter, barrel bourbon pick a finish
Good video
How about that drift list glenn... Only about forty miles from us, and we were actually just there a week ago again.
I'm looking forward to see what's going to replace Sagamore 8 year rye, Michter's 10 year rye and Old Forester's King Ranch edition.
I’m looking forward to the New Riff Winter blend and Redwood Empire releases.
Only had the Larceny Barrel Proof. Love it and looking forward to the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
I'm down with all of those except James E Pepper. Now I've only had one bottle which was a Barrel proof rye but I f[at out didn't like it. I like a little mint and herbaceous flavor in a rye but this was so over the top I had a very hard time choking it down. Now it's been a few years and was undoubtedly sourced so I suppose I should give them a second chance. But if it sucks too that's it, no 3rd strike.
Most excited about Woodinville 8 Year, JD Coy Hill 2024, Four Roses LESmB 2024, EC924, and James E. Pepper Decanter.
Iron Wolf Distillery out of Texas. Should be on your radar. They are my new favorite beverage. With a very reasonably cheap price point of under $30.
i had them when they first came out and tasted them blind, but agreed time to revisit thoroughly
New Jack Daniels premium whiskeys (readily available ones), wider JT Meleck distribution, new producers who are completely transparent with their product and reasonably priced, Still Austin products, Makers Mark aged stated products
Hoping for batch 2 of Jack Daniels 12, and that it's as good as batch one and there is more of it. Woodford Reserve batch proof seems to be improving year on year if that follows again this year it will be up for bourbon of the year. Four Roses Limited. Old Forester 1924. Also excited to see what comes out of Frey Ranch / Redwood Empire this year. Would like to see the Redwood Empire Haystack Needle get a wider distribution.
Tried anything from Dancing Goat in Wisconsin?
are you wearing an ascot?
Hi Fred, have you ever tasted a Town Branch 11 Year?
1. Still Austin Cask Strength 2. Elijah Craig Toasted Oak 3. Russell’s Rickhouse 4. Frey Ranch Farm Cut 5. Knob Creek Single Barrel
SMOKE WAGON --- YES, YES, YES!!!
Old Pepper Bottled In Bond is DELICIOUS!
When it comes to Colorado, Old Elk is my pick.
So far Fred, what is your favorite Smoke Wagon bourbon? Do you sip on them all? What about their rye whiskey release? Thanks for all of your advice.
OF1924, Town Branch Maple Barrel Stout Finished Bourbon, JD12 B2, ECBP and LBP.
Did Kenny pick your music??
Paul Sutton, Peerless DO, Larceny BP, Blue Note, 2XO
1924, JD 10 & 12 yr, Blood Oath Pact 10, Blue Note 17, Maker’s Wood Finishig Series.
Just easy to find stuff...I am a basic guy...and a novice! That said, I would like to get an Old Forester 1924...and an OF Birthday Bourbon...and maybe a Maker's Cellar (if they do that one again).
Crittenden's, K. Luke, Dettling, another Stagg, EC BP, and Larceny BP.
Was hoping to see Ironroot Republic somewhere on the list. The Likarish Bros are making fantastic whiskey.
It’s better than kicking the bucket!😂
Check out an article recently from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel regarding J Henry. The son Joe Henry was just named Master Blender after being under the tutelage of Nancy Fraley.
Russells 15, OF 1924, more JD12 and JDBP rye, New Riff wheat (I hope they do it again).
I’m excited to see what the Parker’s heritage is gonna be, what the ECBP’s are gonna be
I'm curious what you think of Filibuster Bottled In Bond. I know you know the owner, but I havent come across a review of it even though it won "Best Non-Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon" at the World Whiskies Awards 2023. I might be biased (they're my local boys) but I dig it.
Edit: punctuation is apparently not my strongest suit. 😅
Missing that Penelope. May be my favorite brand right now.