Anyone who's a longtime fan had no doubt what #1 was gonna be. Love this channel. Your humble demeanor is so key to communicating the flavors without the eye roll-inducing buzzword salad that so many whiskey channels fall into.
That $40-$50 spot it’s so crowded. I guess that speaks to how fortunate we are as bourbon drinkers that we have so many wonderful choices and so many amazing flavors!
Would love to see a video series where you compare bourbons from the same family, such as four roses vs four roses small batch vs single barrell, a good way to learn about the differences as you move up in price point
Kurt, I appreciate your $40 price point reviews the most. That’s my price point and you examining your favorite Bourbon, Rye, Irish is spot on for me. Thank you, my friend!
Love watching your channel grow. I have a modest collection going of 24 bottles. I watch your videos, sip bourbon, take notes, and then go find the bourbons you feature. Almost all of what I have and sip on are bourbons and whiskeys you have talked about. Thank you for the videos. I look forward to each and every one of them.
My favorite of this group is the New Riff. I first heard of it on Bourbon Up with Fred Minnick. That episode also turned me on to blues sisters band, “Larkin Poe”. It’s always on the shelf at my house and one I always recommend to my friends. I’d kind of forgotten about it until about a month after seeing the episode, I was in Indianapolis visiting my daughter and we’d gone to Costco. As I was perusing the liquor aisle, a guy said, “I recommend the New Riff.” I bought it and haven’t turned back. Great recommendations, as usual.
This "series" is great! Keep it going! Next, do the best five bourbons in the $50 range, then the best five bourbons in the $60 range, then the $70 range, etc... Love it! I'm new to bourbon, so I appreciate these videos.
In my area, Rare Breed is $50-55 and 1920 is $55-60. For my money, they are the best options I can count on finding at any local liquor store. I know this is a $40 list, but I had to share this when I saw Rare Breed on it. I can find Makers 101 for $35-40, which I'd take every time over anything from Bulleit
Thanks for doing this video. This price range is typically my sweet spot, and there are many to choose from in this category. The New Riff, Four Roses and Rare Breed are outstanding.
Enjoyed this video. Nice to see some bourbons in there that don’t make seemingly everyone’s top 10 or top 5 lists for bourbons (Bulleit, New Riff, and OF 1870). Also, I like that you do not give us the history of the distillery as so many other channels seem to do (distillery history has absolutely zero bearing on or importance to me when it comes to choosing whisk(e)y).
I just can’t do the history lol. No offense to any other UA-camrs but I fast forward that stuff to be honest. I just like to give a brief intro of the bottle and that’s it.
I haven't tried the Bulleit 10 year, but was pleasantly surprised by their rye. Honestly, I bought it because I couldn't get the rye I was looking for and thought what the heck. Very tasty in an old fashioned! Side note as an idea for a show: Best bourbons for mixing, pouring over ice, drinking straight. (I was intrigued when you said you enjoy the Rare Breed over ice.)
In all honesty Holly Bulleit 10 would have been my 5th favorite on my list. Solid, very balanced, easy sipper, but nothing that will blow you away per say. I love your ideas here. Been thinking of a show to be titled “how to drink bourbon “. I want it to be diversified and educational. I like your thinking here thank you!
It is so refreshing to see some solid bourbons within an affordable price range compared to the craziness going on in the scotch whisky world these days. All these are in the $50 range in the great white north but these are all solid nonetheless.
Great list. 1870 really seems to get dismissed by almost everyone. I know it's younger, but really think it holds up against more popular 90 proofers like Eagle Rare or Russels 10
Perfect video and choice of bourbons as always. I have WT-RB and FR-SB on my shelf and absolutely love them. But sometimes I dont have a good mood for these high-proof bourbons. I should try they on the rocks probably. Nowadays I really enjoy woodford reserve destilers select and it is my daily sipper. I think its underrated, and not attractive for many people, but I really like something on this bourbon I cannot exactly explain.
Catching up on all of your content. We are spoiled in KY with a wide range of Bourbon! It’s nice to see what your opinions are and I always enjoy trying to see all the different bottles you’ve got on the shelf in the background. Would love to see a tour of what you’ve got in the background! Best wishes and cheers!
Old Forester 1920 is my typical go to. But as of late,Stellum has become a definite go to. I also enjoy Jack Daniel's Single Barrel,Barrel Proof,the Gold label. Also are delicious, all carry awesome baking spice and just a great sip- ability . 😋 I should also mention Woodford Double Oak as well. My top 4 for sure. I really enjoy EH Taylor, but I can only find it in the Fall it seems. Then I buy up what they allow.
Love the rarebreed. I did a 1:1 mix with Russle reserve 10 and it is an awesome blend. One gives an awesome initial taste and the other gives a better mid palate.
Bulleit 10 $40.99 New Riff Single Barrel $59.99 Four Roses Single Barrel $47.99 Old Forester 1870 $43.99 Wild Turkey Rare Breed $57.99 Prices from Total Wine in Denver, CO
Three of these are on regular rotation at my own home bar. Have never had New Riff and Bulleit has disappointed me in the past - I'll give it another shot after seeing this vid. Thanks for this video, Kurt.
It's funny, when Four Roses came up, the first thing that popped into my head was that I would put Michter's Sour Mash (and Belle Meade) before OBSV. Was great that Michter's got a mentioned at the end. I appreciate high rye whiskies as well.
I'm with you on the Four Roses. I got myself a bottle of it last year and really enjoyed it. Like you say, it's got a lot of spiciness to it but I think it's got a nice overall balance also. The others, New Riff doesn't seem available in my area and the stores are out of stock of all the rest. Maybe some day I'll get to try them. In the meantime I'll content myself with another bottle of Four Roses.
4 roses makes good shit. I stayed away from it when I started getting into whiskey because I’m an egotistical meathead male. I didn’t want a damn flower at my bar. I know, I’m sorry. Now it’s more prominent than any other brand
Thanks for adding in information about the mash bill. I know many like the wheated bourbons, but I find that that my palate prefers the high rye blends for whatever reason. I knew that I liked Four Roses and Bulleit and now I know why.
I have the 4 Roses single barrel and have been looking for Rear Breed for a while now and nobody has it. But I will be picking up some of the Bullet since it's everywhere I go.
So many fantastic bourbons at this price point, and Kurt, you nailed it with all five of those picks. The only one I'm not familiar with is the Bulleit 10, but I love their single barrels.
Nice picks! At that price point, lots of great choices available. Never been a Bulliet fan, but will have to give the 10 yr a try after your recommendation. Love the New Riff line - trying to get a malted rye, unsuccessfully so far., but will get one sooner or later. You could do another best 5 at this point without duplicates!
Haven't tried the Bulleit 10. I always stop and look at it for a second, but just haven't pulled the trigger. 4RSB is a great bottle and sub $40 in my area. I am always surprised how the caramels and sweetness comes out over a rock. Nice choices!
Good stuff. My collection is rarely without Four Roses Single Barrel. I also often have Russell's Reserve 10 (basically an age stated Wild Turkey) which is in that price range around where I am. For some reason that is easier to find around here than the Rare Breed.
Have been fruitlessly trying to find Rare Breed for so long now. NC being a controlled state really sucks, and I have been really wanting to get my hands on a bottle. Loved the video, now I’ve got some others to try to hunt down too!
Nice!!! The Michter's Sour Mash got an honorable mention. That 1 was on my mind when this video started and it got the mention. Sweet! For me it is 4 Roses and WT Rare Breed. I think I'm going to have to open my mind regarding the OF 1870. I normally just save up for the 1910 or 1920.
Hey thanks for the great content! I've only recently within the last 4-5 months started getting into bourbon and really trying to appreciate it. Any tips on how to built a more sensitive palate? I'd love to be able to get all the different flavors in bourbon. Your channel is my new "go-to"!
Thanks so much. I can only speak from experience. What helped me the most was sitting down with a pour while checking other reviews and comparing tasting notes. While sipping try to find a flavor or two that is mentioned in the reviews. That’s how I was able to secure some flavor recognition but still keep working on it all the time. Hope that helps!
Great choices from a price point loaded with great options. Again, the regional differences on availability and price come into play. In SoCal I can get the very underrated Bulleit 10 for under $35, but finding any New Riff product is difficult. Penelope Single Barrel would be an excellent alternative.
I am with some of the others, the $40 to $50 could easy be top 10 and you would not make a dent. Its the sweet spot in my opinion. are you going to do a blind for Monday with these???? see you on Fridays show.... congrats on almost 45K!!! that is awesome.
That is awesome John thank you! Trent and I decided not to do the blind with this grouping, thought it might get “old”. This is such a solid price point though for sure!
I've heard the Bulliet 10yr is sourced 4Roses through 2024, not sure if that is true or not. I love that expression and their single barrel store picks. Kurt, keep up the fun work, enjoy your videos!
Another winner. What you folks do, with your honest, non gimmicky presentations is a lesson some others would be smart to follow. Your videos make the “star” the product… as it should be.
I have a Rare Breed that is Rye forward. Not the biggest fan of rye yet after just getting into bourbon, but now I want to find this one. I’d put Russell’s and Woodford Double Oak in my top 5.
@@slbdrinks it won a double gold rating at the SanFrancisco spirits competition in 2021. Also won the best straight bourbon award . Although I wouldn't say it's the very best bourbon on the planet , I do like it better than 1792 full proof . A must buy for sure .🥃👍
It's funny, I've watched a good amount of your videos now, and I've come to the realization we have very different tastes. If I was making my own video about overhyped, I think 4 roses single is on it, and bullet might be tops. BUT, that's also what makes this stuff fun. My taste is way different from yours here. And I still learn so much just from your descriptions, and how you approach things (and I'm still on the lookout for some of the recs cause it's always fun trying new things). Keep up the great videos.
The 40 dollar range is a very tough range to pick from. Honestly from what I have been able to try in that range I would say the Rare Breed is standing on top of the pile. I never realized until I started watching your channel that the Wild Turkey products were as good as they are. A bazillion years ago when I was young I remeber buying Jim Beam white lable and some times the green label. My buddies and I basically did shots then cringed..lol After hearing you talk about Wild Turkey and then realizing that is a Jim Beam product I thought it would be the same. I bought a bottle of 101 and it's not even close and no way in heck I would poor it for shots. That brand is something you want to taste. Then I heard you or someone say the Russel Reserve is a Jim Beam product and it's considered their top shelf. Brother if I could get my hands on one more bottle of the single barrel reserve I would be a happy man. My area apparently houses all the RR lovers because those never hit the shelf. I was in California around Christmas time and saw two bottles just sitting there waiting on anyone. I should have bought them both and shipped them home.
Rare Breed is my number 1 in this spot but I'd actially put John J Bowman single barrel right up there with it as well as honestly just regular Woodford Reserve though I put the other two above it. Not too much a fan of the Four Roses single barrel for some reason. It's not bad but I just don't think it's as good as cheaper options.
I know it would be tough for a lot of people to find but I think it would be awesome if you did a show dedicated to our home state bourbon - Starlight, West Fork, Bear Wallow, Hard Truth, Old 55, 18th Street, Three Rivers, etc etc. so many craft bourbons in Indiana many of which are not MGP sourced
Gday Kurt, I really enjoy your channel and look forward to each video you put out. It’s always informative and honest, really appreciate how you get your family involved as well. Your prices brackets are irrelevant down here in Thailand as the tax is an issue on alcohol but it’s still fantastic to see your choices. Looking forward to the next video guys.
Couldn't agree more on that Rare Breed. If I could only buy 1 bourbon knowing how important value is in the equation, it would be the WTRB. I love the WTRB Rye as well, but it comes in quite a bit higher on the price point here.
Great video. Any of these bourbons give one scent on the nose neat, and others notes on ice. I like to start neat and follow on ice just to enjoy them.
Having so many open bottles, how do you feel about oxidation? I'd like to expand my collection but I'm afraid stuff will lose its potency after being open long...
I've been feeling the same way lately. When a bottle gets down to 20-25% left, I try to focus on finishing it off quickly as I've heard that makes a big difference, whereas if it's 80-90% full, it will take a very long time to go bad. Long before I had the knowledge on whiskey that I have now, I left about 1oz left in a bottle of Blanton's and kinda forgot about it for a couple years... I then went to go finish it and saw this disgusting looking, murky like mud-water filth in the bottle, and learned that spirits do not last forever.
That’s a good question that I need to really dig into for answers. All I can tell you is at the moment I have several bottles that have been opened a couple yrs but I can’t tell a difference. But, if I see there is only very little left I finish those off.
When a bottle gets about half empty I transfer the contents to smaller bottles. I have a bunch of 200 ml bottles and a funnel. Less air, less oxidation so the whiskey doesn’t go bad.
There's also a can of argon gas you can buy which is inert, harmless, tasteless, odourless, colorless, and heavier than air. So you spray a little into the bottle before closing it and it'll form a layer between the liquid and the oxygen. It was designed and marketed towards wine, especially considering how fast wine goes bad after opening, but I've heard of people using it for spirits too.
Crazy how random the market is. I'm in Tennessee. RR 10 year about 42, RR SIB 45, Rare Breed 55. For your list in my world I'd have had to have Knob Creek 12yr ($45 here), or Knob 9 (40here). I can't seem to get on the New Riff train, haven't found one I like but a lot of folks love it. Good picks though!!
Like your choices, for me everything mentioned was closer to $50. Binny’s prices - Rare Breed $57, New Riff SB $50, Four Roses SB $50…. Therefore imo the better Old Forester to complete this list would be the 1910 OFW at $55. I could be happy for a long time just drinking those 4 bottles.
Great selections for the money. I was caught off guard by the Bulleit 10 as well. I still haven't found New Rif in MD stores. I will see you tomorrow night 👍
@@slbdrinks I've looked at online whisk(e)y prices around the country a bit and prices can vary so much that it's hard to do this kind of video when you have a national audience.
I don't know why i found FRSB to be too syrup burn like. When i had it, it was like high proof cherry and i just did not enjoy it at all. And i don't mind single barrels or some high proofs but that one just really sticks on my pallet too much
Your not alone. Have read a decent amount of comments in another video where FRSB was mentioned of folks who just don’t care for it. Love / hate whiskey.
New Riff was great, I bought it a few years back and really enjoyed it. Always wanted to pull the trigger on Bulleit (no pun intended?) but just never saw any reviews for it. May have to pick up a bottle of RB too. Side question for you whisk(e)y people, how do you determine or what do you use to determine when you do *NOT* use a whisk(e)y for cocktails and strictly for just neat/with ice?
Not sure about others but it varies a bit. If you really like a certain bourbon neat than don’t use it for cocktails no matter what the cost. Other than that I usually use cheaper bottles for mixers around 20.00. Always exceptions to the rules though.
@@slbdrinks Kind of been my rule of thumb, but if there's a "decently priced" whisk(e)y that'll make a great cocktail I'd try it but it pains a little to even think of using my Red Breast in a sour.
If you like a nice easy sipper try the OF 1870. If you want something that gets after you a bit try the New Riff single barrel. Digging your Instagram by the way!
I've really enjoyed your channel, I've put several bottles on my bar based on your reviews. I haven't been disappointed yet! Looking forward to more episodes and reviews. 👊
Purchase my 1st bottle of Blanton’s, the cork was bad, moldy with grey fungus on cork, the bottle tasted like earthy fungus, fortunately the store refunded me and i pick up a Elijah Craig private single barrel, very tasty!
Anyone who's a longtime fan had no doubt what #1 was gonna be. Love this channel. Your humble demeanor is so key to communicating the flavors without the eye roll-inducing buzzword salad that so many whiskey channels fall into.
Your right lol! #1 really wasn’t a big surprise. Really appreciate your kind words!
That $40-$50 spot it’s so crowded. I guess that speaks to how fortunate we are as bourbon drinkers that we have so many wonderful choices and so many amazing flavors!
No doubt! Many great choices in this category!
Right in my wheelhouse $40+ - price point 🥃
Embarrassment of riches
No doubt......it's rather easy to enjoy a good bourbon. So many good options!
Fyi theres only one “o” in rendezvous
Would love to see a video series where you compare bourbons from the same family, such as four roses vs four roses small batch vs single barrell, a good way to learn about the differences as you move up in price point
I second that. Great idea
I agree. I've only had 4 Roses single barrel, and have wondered how the others compare.
Also would love to see one on the Old Forrester products.
Love all you folks on this channel! Great idea! Many thanks!
Kurt, I appreciate your $40 price point reviews the most. That’s my price point and you examining your favorite Bourbon, Rye, Irish is spot on for me. Thank you, my friend!
Appreciate you as always!
Never had an Irish single pot still whiskey I didn't love!!!
Love watching your channel grow. I have a modest collection going of 24 bottles. I watch your videos, sip bourbon, take notes, and then go find the bourbons you feature. Almost all of what I have and sip on are bourbons and whiskeys you have talked about. Thank you for the videos. I look forward to each and every one of them.
Appreciate your involvement in the channel! It’s all about learning and growing in the journey!
Couldn’t agree more with the Rarebreed. Excellent pour, especially for the price. I really need to get some of that Bulleit and New Riff.
Awesome thank you!
My favorite of this group is the New Riff. I first heard of it on Bourbon Up with Fred Minnick. That episode also turned me on to blues sisters band, “Larkin Poe”. It’s always on the shelf at my house and one I always recommend to my friends.
I’d kind of forgotten about it until about a month after seeing the episode, I was in Indianapolis visiting my daughter and we’d gone to Costco. As I was perusing the liquor aisle, a guy said, “I recommend the New Riff.”
I bought it and haven’t turned back.
Great recommendations, as usual.
Great story thank you! Haven’t heard of Larkin Poe. Will need to check that out.
This "series" is great! Keep it going! Next, do the best five bourbons in the $50 range, then the best five bourbons in the $60 range, then the $70 range, etc... Love it! I'm new to bourbon, so I appreciate these videos.
Thank you!
In my area, Rare Breed is $50-55 and 1920 is $55-60. For my money, they are the best options I can count on finding at any local liquor store. I know this is a $40 list, but I had to share this when I saw Rare Breed on it. I can find Makers 101 for $35-40, which I'd take every time over anything from Bulleit
I came within an inch of putting MM 101 on the list. I decided not to because it is not commonly on the shelf. Great choice!
Thanks for doing this video. This price range is typically my sweet spot, and there are many to choose from in this category. The New Riff, Four Roses and Rare Breed are outstanding.
Enjoyed this video. Nice to see some bourbons in there that don’t make seemingly everyone’s top 10 or top 5 lists for bourbons (Bulleit, New Riff, and OF 1870). Also, I like that you do not give us the history of the distillery as so many other channels seem to do (distillery history has absolutely zero bearing on or importance to me when it comes to choosing whisk(e)y).
I just can’t do the history lol. No offense to any other UA-camrs but I fast forward that stuff to be honest. I just like to give a brief intro of the bottle and that’s it.
I haven't tried the Bulleit 10 year, but was pleasantly surprised by their rye. Honestly, I bought it because I couldn't get the rye I was looking for and thought what the heck. Very tasty in an old fashioned! Side note as an idea for a show: Best bourbons for mixing, pouring over ice, drinking straight. (I was intrigued when you said you enjoy the Rare Breed over ice.)
Have you tried the redemption high rye?
@@Room-qd7pl Indeed I have, and I just poured some last night. Wonderful, and one of my favorites!
In all honesty Holly Bulleit 10 would have been my 5th favorite on my list. Solid, very balanced, easy sipper, but nothing that will blow you away per say.
I love your ideas here. Been thinking of a show to be titled “how to drink bourbon “. I want it to be diversified and educational. I like your thinking here thank you!
It is so refreshing to see some solid bourbons within an affordable price range compared to the craziness going on in the scotch whisky world these days. All these are in the $50 range in the great white north but these are all solid nonetheless.
Your right. It is hard to keep up with scotch these days.
Great list. 1870 really seems to get dismissed by almost everyone. I know it's younger, but really think it holds up against more popular 90 proofers like Eagle Rare or Russels 10
I agree. I do understand why it gets overlooked but it’s still has plenty to offer!
Kurt, thanks for your time and effort in putting together great content. The Bulleit 10 was my very first taste of bourbon. Cheers
That’s awesome! Thank you
Perfect video and choice of bourbons as always. I have WT-RB and FR-SB on my shelf and absolutely love them. But sometimes I dont have a good mood for these high-proof bourbons. I should try they on the rocks probably. Nowadays I really enjoy woodford reserve destilers select and it is my daily sipper. I think its underrated, and not attractive for many people, but I really like something on this bourbon I cannot exactly explain.
It’s what you like and I respect that! We highlighted this Woodford on our last 30.00 bourbon show. It is very good!
Catching up on all of your content. We are spoiled in KY with a wide range of Bourbon! It’s nice to see what your opinions are and I always enjoy trying to see all the different bottles you’ve got on the shelf in the background. Would love to see a tour of what you’ve got in the background! Best wishes and cheers!
Thank you! We did do a bar tour video a while back. You can check that out when you have time.
Old Forester 1920 is my typical go to. But as of late,Stellum has become a definite go to. I also enjoy Jack Daniel's Single Barrel,Barrel Proof,the Gold label. Also are delicious, all carry awesome baking spice and just a great sip- ability . 😋 I should also mention Woodford Double Oak as well. My top 4 for sure. I really enjoy EH Taylor, but I can only find it in the Fall it seems. Then I buy up what they allow.
Haven’t tried Stellum yet. Looks like I need to do that!
@SLB Drinks I don't think you'll be disappointed . It's quite an enjoyable sip.
Rare Breed has become one of my favorites since I’ve started this bourbon journey a few months ago.
Excellent bourbon!
Finally a channel without pretension. I now have a channel that I can watch to enjoy my Single Malt and Bourbon with my Pipe. Thank you 🙏
Love the rarebreed. I did a 1:1 mix with Russle reserve 10 and it is an awesome blend. One gives an awesome initial taste and the other gives a better mid palate.
Great idea! I will try that!
Bulleit 10 $40.99
New Riff Single Barrel $59.99
Four Roses Single Barrel $47.99
Old Forester 1870 $43.99
Wild Turkey Rare Breed $57.99
Prices from Total Wine in Denver, CO
Four Roses SB is my splurge bottle but I'll have to try the Rarebreed. Thx for your videos, love them
Three of these are on regular rotation at my own home bar. Have never had New Riff and Bulleit has disappointed me in the past - I'll give it another shot after seeing this vid.
Thanks for this video, Kurt.
It's funny, when Four Roses came up, the first thing that popped into my head was that I would put Michter's Sour Mash (and Belle Meade) before OBSV. Was great that Michter's got a mentioned at the end. I appreciate high rye whiskies as well.
I really like Michters but they don’t qualify as bourbon. What they do qualify as is darn good whiskey!
I'm with you on the Four Roses. I got myself a bottle of it last year and really enjoyed it. Like you say, it's got a lot of spiciness to it but I think it's got a nice overall balance also. The others, New Riff doesn't seem available in my area and the stores are out of stock of all the rest. Maybe some day I'll get to try them. In the meantime I'll content myself with another bottle of Four Roses.
Hey, I would be content with 4 roses!
It's cheaper but I like the small batch better.
4 roses makes good shit. I stayed away from it when I started getting into whiskey because I’m an egotistical meathead male. I didn’t want a damn flower at my bar. I know, I’m sorry. Now it’s more prominent than any other brand
Thanks for adding in information about the mash bill. I know many like the wheated bourbons, but I find that that my palate prefers the high rye blends for whatever reason. I knew that I liked Four Roses and Bulleit and now I know why.
I have the 4 Roses single barrel and have been looking for Rear Breed for a while now and nobody has it. But I will be picking up some of the Bullet since it's everywhere I go.
Love this list. I like the rare breed, new riff, and four roses. Not tried bulleit's 10 year. Honorable mention was helpful too. Thank you!
Awesome thank you!
So many fantastic bourbons at this price point, and Kurt, you nailed it with all five of those picks. The only one I'm not familiar with is the Bulleit 10, but I love their single barrels.
There were several I was trying to choose from and settled on the Bulleit 10. Difficult choices!
Nice picks! At that price point, lots of great choices available. Never been a Bulliet fan, but will have to give the 10 yr a try after your recommendation. Love the New Riff line - trying to get a malted rye, unsuccessfully so far., but will get one sooner or later.
You could do another best 5 at this point without duplicates!
Isn’t that the truth!
Don't get New Riff here in NC yet.
Will keep looking. Agree on Rare Breed and Four Roses SB. Haven't tried the Bullet 10 yr. Thanks !
Haven't tried the Bulleit 10. I always stop and look at it for a second, but just haven't pulled the trigger. 4RSB is a great bottle and sub $40 in my area. I am always surprised how the caramels and sweetness comes out over a rock. Nice choices!
Thank you! I will tell you the Bulleit 10 yr will not blow you away. I just enjoyed the fact that it was very well balanced and a smooth sipper.
@@slbdrinks Good to know!
Good stuff. My collection is rarely without Four Roses Single Barrel. I also often have Russell's Reserve 10 (basically an age stated Wild Turkey) which is in that price range around where I am. For some reason that is easier to find around here than the Rare Breed.
Crazy how all that works. Glad you have a solid go to that’s easy to find!
Have been fruitlessly trying to find Rare Breed for so long now. NC being a controlled state really sucks, and I have been really wanting to get my hands on a bottle. Loved the video, now I’ve got some others to try to hunt down too!
Hope you find it soon!
Old Forester 1870 is a great pour!
Nice!!! The Michter's Sour Mash got an honorable mention. That 1 was on my mind when this video started and it got the mention. Sweet! For me it is 4 Roses and WT Rare Breed. I think I'm going to have to open my mind regarding the OF 1870. I normally just save up for the 1910 or 1920.
Michters is solid! The 1920 and 1910 are both stellar! 1870 for me just is so smooth and comforting. Depends on what mood I am in.
Hey thanks for the great content! I've only recently within the last 4-5 months started getting into bourbon and really trying to appreciate it. Any tips on how to built a more sensitive palate? I'd love to be able to get all the different flavors in bourbon. Your channel is my new "go-to"!
Thanks so much. I can only speak from experience. What helped me the most was sitting down with a pour while checking other reviews and comparing tasting notes. While sipping try to find a flavor or two that is mentioned in the reviews. That’s how I was able to secure some flavor recognition but still keep working on it all the time. Hope that helps!
@@slbdrinks very cool! Thank you for the reply, ill consider that on my next bottle I pick out!
I love the rare breed ($65 CAD) in these parts..... for some reason, I have never liked any of the four roses releases......
You know 4 roses seems to be a love or hate with folks. Nothing wrong with that. Stick with what you like!
McKenna 10 and Smoke Wagon in mid 40s are real good too. Not sure w this inflation you can find them that low tho
Honestly, I had Smoke wagon small batch in but the price at my store was knocking on 50.00 so I left it out. Bummer
You and Trent are the best
Great video, and great price point to speak on! Loving learning so much from the SLB boys!
Very much appreciate you!
I live a mile away from the New Riff Distillery! Place is AWESOME and I'm happy to pick up anything for y'all there if needed!
That’s awesome! Appreciate your hospitality!
This is probably the most spot on video of top $40 range. Excellent selection!
Very much appreciated!
Great list! I think you nailed it, and the Sour Mash addition is spot on as well!
Almost forgot to mention the Michters. If it was a bourbon it would have been on the list!
Great choices from a price point loaded with great options. Again, the regional differences on availability and price come into play. In SoCal I can get the very underrated Bulleit 10 for under $35, but finding any New Riff product is difficult. Penelope Single Barrel would be an excellent alternative.
Penelope here is like New Riff for you. I did buy a Penelope barrel strength during our trip to Kentucky and love it!
Love the new riff bourbon especially the rye spice. It is £58 for the 50 abv bottle but is excellent
Yes it is!
I love Four Roses Single Barrel. In my market Knob Creek 9 Year is in that price range as well, and very good also.
We highlighted the KC 9 yr in one of our 30.00 shows but you are right it’s fantastic!
I am with some of the others, the $40 to $50 could easy be top 10 and you would not make a dent. Its the sweet spot in my opinion. are you going to do a blind for Monday with these????
see you on Fridays show.... congrats on almost 45K!!! that is awesome.
That is awesome John thank you! Trent and I decided not to do the blind with this grouping, thought it might get “old”.
This is such a solid price point though for sure!
I've heard the Bulliet 10yr is sourced 4Roses through 2024, not sure if that is true or not. I love that expression and their single barrel store picks. Kurt, keep up the fun work, enjoy your videos!
Appreciate that thank you!
Another winner. What you folks do, with your honest, non gimmicky presentations is a lesson some others would be smart to follow. Your videos make the “star” the product… as it should be.
I have a Rare Breed that is Rye forward. Not the biggest fan of rye yet after just getting into bourbon, but now I want to find this one. I’d put Russell’s and Woodford Double Oak in my top 5.
Great choices! In my area those two are bout 50.00. That category is going to be excruciating making choices!
I picked up a bottle of 1792 bottled in bond ( store pick) for $40 . It's a amazing dark rich flavor profile .
Boy that does sound good! I haven’t tried the bib. Need to do that.
@@slbdrinks it won a double gold rating at the SanFrancisco spirits competition in 2021. Also won the best straight bourbon award . Although I wouldn't say it's the very best bourbon on the planet , I do like it better than 1792 full proof . A must buy for sure .🥃👍
Will be looking for it! Thanks for your recommendation!
Four Roses single top notch!!
Russel's 10 is my choice for that price category!
I highlighted that one in the 30.00 video but you are spot on! Delish!
You guys talked me into the Rare Breed, and I'm glad you did, thanks
Tought to beat that list! I would add John J Bowman Single Barrel and Bulliet Blenders select.
I do not have a Bowman but wish I did!
Thank You👍🏼 Needed this. Not to cheap & won’t break the bank!
Awesome! Thank you!
It's funny, I've watched a good amount of your videos now, and I've come to the realization we have very different tastes. If I was making my own video about overhyped, I think 4 roses single is on it, and bullet might be tops.
BUT, that's also what makes this stuff fun. My taste is way different from yours here. And I still learn so much just from your descriptions, and how you approach things (and I'm still on the lookout for some of the recs cause it's always fun trying new things). Keep up the great videos.
The 40 dollar range is a very tough range to pick from. Honestly from what I have been able to try in that range I would say the Rare Breed is standing on top of the pile. I never realized until I started watching your channel that the Wild Turkey products were as good as they are.
A bazillion years ago when I was young I remeber buying Jim Beam white lable and some times the green label. My buddies and I basically did shots then cringed..lol
After hearing you talk about Wild Turkey and then realizing that is a Jim Beam product I thought it would be the same. I bought a bottle of 101 and it's not even close and no way in heck I would poor it for shots. That brand is something you want to taste. Then I heard you or someone say the Russel Reserve is a Jim Beam product and it's considered their top shelf.
Brother if I could get my hands on one more bottle of the single barrel reserve I would be a happy man. My area apparently houses all the RR lovers because those never hit the shelf. I was in California around Christmas time and saw two bottles just sitting there waiting on anyone. I should have bought them both and shipped them home.
I don't think either Wild Turkey or Russells are Beam products, they're made by Wild Turkey Distilling Co., owned by Campari.
@@FawleyJude Well crud I had that mixed up. Not sure where I got that from.
The Wild Turkey and RR are definitely some of my go to bourbons! Hope you can find that single barrel soon!
Wild Turkey is not a Jim Beam product.
Rare Breed is my number 1 in this spot but I'd actially put John J Bowman single barrel right up there with it as well as honestly just regular Woodford Reserve though I put the other two above it. Not too much a fan of the Four Roses single barrel for some reason. It's not bad but I just don't think it's as good as cheaper options.
Never see the JB SB up here unfortunately
I know it would be tough for a lot of people to find but I think it would be awesome if you did a show dedicated to our home state bourbon - Starlight, West Fork, Bear Wallow, Hard Truth, Old 55, 18th Street, Three Rivers, etc etc. so many craft bourbons in Indiana many of which are not MGP sourced
Sorry to mention but I live in Indianapolis - love the show
I have started that process. I have a few but need to find some more. Great idea!
Gday Kurt, I really enjoy your channel and look forward to each video you put out. It’s always informative and honest, really appreciate how you get your family involved as well. Your prices brackets are irrelevant down here in Thailand as the tax is an issue on alcohol but it’s still fantastic to see your choices. Looking forward to the next video guys.
I wish old Forester 1870 was only $45 where I am-the 100 proof is, but the 1870, BiB, 1910 and 1920 are all around $55-70
Boy, sorry to hear that.
Is what it is I suppose; at least I can get them
Couldn't agree more on that Rare Breed. If I could only buy 1 bourbon knowing how important value is in the equation, it would be the WTRB. I love the WTRB Rye as well, but it comes in quite a bit higher on the price point here.
It’s a steal for 42.00!
Great video. Any of these bourbons give one scent on the nose neat, and others notes on ice. I like to start neat and follow on ice just to enjoy them.
1. Bulleit 10 yr Bourbon ~ $45
2. New Riff Single barrel Bourbon = ~$50
3. Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon - $45
4. Old Forester 1870 ~ $38
5. Wild Turkey Rare breed ~ $50
I go back and forth with the Rare Breed and Russell's Reserve 10. Wild turkey has a nice lineup of choices.
I like that Russell's Reserve 10 myself. Good stuff.
@@tomuchi Agreed.
Hard to beet the WT lineup!
The rare breed is more complex, Russell 10 is almost pure vanilla but both are still good.
@@treytison1444 I get cinnamon, vanilla, peanut butter, nice complexity.
Thanks for your content. I really getting into bourbons because of your reviews so please keep them coming.
Appreciate that thank you!
Having so many open bottles, how do you feel about oxidation? I'd like to expand my collection but I'm afraid stuff will lose its potency after being open long...
I've been feeling the same way lately. When a bottle gets down to 20-25% left, I try to focus on finishing it off quickly as I've heard that makes a big difference, whereas if it's 80-90% full, it will take a very long time to go bad. Long before I had the knowledge on whiskey that I have now, I left about 1oz left in a bottle of Blanton's and kinda forgot about it for a couple years... I then went to go finish it and saw this disgusting looking, murky like mud-water filth in the bottle, and learned that spirits do not last forever.
That’s a good question that I need to really dig into for answers. All I can tell you is at the moment I have several bottles that have been opened a couple yrs but I can’t tell a difference. But, if I see there is only very little left I finish those off.
When a bottle gets about half empty I transfer the contents to smaller bottles. I have a bunch of 200 ml bottles and a funnel. Less air, less oxidation so the whiskey doesn’t go bad.
There's also a can of argon gas you can buy which is inert, harmless, tasteless, odourless, colorless, and heavier than air. So you spray a little into the bottle before closing it and it'll form a layer between the liquid and the oxygen. It was designed and marketed towards wine, especially considering how fast wine goes bad after opening, but I've heard of people using it for spirits too.
@@Jbroker404 I take the dregs and put them in an infinity bottle. I always do an immediate pour. Think of it as your own whiskey.
Just asking for advice. Have you ever had rusty claw bourban and what do you think about it?
Crazy how random the market is. I'm in Tennessee. RR 10 year about 42, RR SIB 45, Rare Breed 55. For your list in my world I'd have had to have Knob Creek 12yr ($45 here), or Knob 9 (40here). I can't seem to get on the New Riff train, haven't found one I like but a lot of folks love it. Good picks though!!
Thank you! Knob Creek 12 yr is 50 here. It is crazy the difference in pricing.
Solid choices!
Like your choices, for me everything mentioned was closer to $50. Binny’s prices - Rare Breed $57, New Riff SB $50, Four Roses SB $50…. Therefore imo the better Old Forester to complete this list would be the 1910 OFW at $55. I could be happy for a long time just drinking those 4 bottles.
Hey, you know it!
Great selections for the money. I was caught off guard by the Bulleit 10 as well. I still haven't found New Rif in MD stores. I will see you tomorrow night 👍
Awesome! Can’t wait!
Bulleit 10 for the win!! I love it!
Spot on 👍 the only one I don’t have is the Old Forrester.
Thank you!
Haircut time kirk, get looking fresh again. 💯% 🇬🇧👊🏽👊🏽🇬🇧
Your right lol! I need a cut!
Advice requested.. Is Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon a good buy?
I agree 100%. Rare breed is great.
How can you not like this guy? GREAT SELECTION,! Thank you.
Very much appreciated!
I'd have to throw Knob Creek Single Barrel in the mix too. Minimum 9 years old and 120 proof. Price has gone up some but can still get for under $50.
No doubt! In my area it’s 48-49.00 so left it out of this video.
@@slbdrinks The Bulleit 10 is $47 by me and all the rest in your lineup are at $50 by me (Chicago metro). That's why I suggested the KC Single Barrel.
@@slbdrinks I've looked at online whisk(e)y prices around the country a bit and prices can vary so much that it's hard to do this kind of video when you have a national audience.
No arguments here brother! KC single barrel is awesome!
I make a trip to Binnys once in a while myself. I like the Lincoln Park store in particular.
Rare Breed is one of my favorite offerings from Wild Turkey, I've been a big fan ever since.
No doubt! Solid bourbon!
I don't know why i found FRSB to be too syrup burn like. When i had it, it was like high proof cherry and i just did not enjoy it at all. And i don't mind single barrels or some high proofs but that one just really sticks on my pallet too much
Your not alone. Have read a decent amount of comments in another video where FRSB was mentioned of folks who just don’t care for it. Love / hate whiskey.
Do you have an opinion on I.W. Harper? It is $40 a bottle where I live.
Unfortunately I have never tried it 😟
Right in my wheelhouse. $40 + - price point 🥃
New Riff was great, I bought it a few years back and really enjoyed it. Always wanted to pull the trigger on Bulleit (no pun intended?) but just never saw any reviews for it. May have to pick up a bottle of RB too.
Side question for you whisk(e)y people, how do you determine or what do you use to determine when you do *NOT* use a whisk(e)y for cocktails and strictly for just neat/with ice?
Not sure about others but it varies a bit. If you really like a certain bourbon neat than don’t use it for cocktails no matter what the cost. Other than that I usually use cheaper bottles for mixers around 20.00.
Always exceptions to the rules though.
@@slbdrinks Kind of been my rule of thumb, but if there's a "decently priced" whisk(e)y that'll make a great cocktail I'd try it but it pains a little to even think of using my Red Breast in a sour.
"Four or five that didn't quite make it.." Sounds like a Part 2 show...
Ha! Very well could be!
Rare Breed is the only one of those 5 that I have had, albeit some time ago. I recall liking it, but it was long before I was taking tasting notes.
If you like a nice easy sipper try the OF 1870. If you want something that gets after you a bit try the New Riff single barrel. Digging your Instagram by the way!
I can only find the Rye Rare Breed. How does it compare to the regular RB??
Kurt, please do a show where you have a budget of 500.00 to spend. What would you put on your bar?
Sounds like a great idea!
I've really enjoyed your channel, I've put several bottles on my bar based on your reviews. I haven't been disappointed yet! Looking forward to more episodes and reviews. 👊
Purchase my 1st bottle of Blanton’s, the cork was bad, moldy with grey fungus on cork, the bottle tasted like earthy fungus, fortunately the store refunded me and i pick up a Elijah Craig private single barrel,
very tasty!
Ahh very nice! Glad to hear the store was responsible for your bad bottle.
This is literally my rotating bottle list. Great content
Another great review, simple, clear, concise… ❤️ from MI.
Thank you sir!
local place has Old Forrester Single Barrel Thoughts, should I get?
Well, I do like the OFSB barrel barrel strength but wasn’t very fond of the lower proof OFSB. Wasn’t bad just didn’t overwhelm me either.
Another AWESOME video. I really enjoy your videos and information you provide to us all. Awesomeness👍🥃
Many thanks Bob!
Do you have or will you make a best bottled in bond review?
Good idea! Have not done one to this point
Just found the channel, really enjoy how you present the video, down to earth, no BS. Just curious where are you located. Subbed. Cheers
Appreciate that thank you.
We are in NW Indiana just about 60 miles outside of Chicago.
Great choices Kurt! Enjoyed it.
Thank you!
Great video thank you