Thank you INTO THE AM for these Elevated Everyday Graphic Tees! Get yours now and get 10% off site-wide when you click the link below: intotheam.com/MASHANDDRUM
As a community we need to just stick to the basic on the shelf all the time options until the market corrects itself. I just won't spend $75-$100 for a $35-$45 bottle, no matter how much fomo their is
in my journey through the varieties of whiskey I've found there are a lot of great whiskeys out there between 40 and 60 dollars. I was actually surprised Mellow Corn which is a 15 dollar whiskey is actually a great buy for the price
I shouldn’t tell you the price for the regular 1792 Full Proof here in Germany .. You have to pay from 90-120 Euros for the regular one. And I wouldn’t pay 50 Euros for it.
I was a bourbon hunter until I found myself standing in line at 6AM in a snowstorm waiting for Kroger to open at 7AM so I could stand in line until 9AM when the liquor store opened. If I fall into a bottle I’ll pick it up but I’m not hunting anymore.
Old bartender here. (Yes, I remember the days of Blanton's costing $35.) Thanks so much for your presentation. It's direct and (hopefully) honest. I'm hoping that a least a few of the distilleries are listening. There's a few of us left that quite honestly can't afford the inflationary prices of whiskey, particularly bourbon. I realize these guys have to keep broadening their scope of products to stay competitive but high price doesn't necessarily mean high quality. Please do a part two of this presentation because there are lot more bourbons that fall into the "it's just not worth the price"
I've had 3 picks of 1792 Full Proof from my local store, and they've all been great. Caveat - the neck pours are so hot, my first inclination is typically "drain pour". Give them a couple weeks to open up, and they morph into some really good bottles. Cheers!
I finally found a 1792 full proof and found it being a very good poor. I also found a 1792 Bottled in Bond which was absolutely amazing! I would purchase them any time that they were available at MSRP. However, I've lost the FOMO over bottles that either can't be found at MSRP or claim all sorts of gimmicks to appeal to a shopper where the bourbon just won't stand for itself! Great show as always! Cheers!
I've got a local here that has done a 1792 Barrel Proof store pick the last couple years. They've all been good and rang in around $45-$50 a bottle. Last one was out at the beginning of March and I was really happy with it.
We enjoy the 1792 Full Proof and got another this week! Smoke Wagon UU sits on the shelves here in Texas so I can get one anytime I want..but I have 2 sitting at home so guess that tells ya something? nice share! Thanks!
Must be a different dimension you are in. I've YET to have a New Riff Single Barrel high proofs that wasn't Fantastic!!! I'm ALL in on them for the time being. I'm sure they will fall off like all the others but not as of yet they haven't!
I agree with every bottle on your list with the exception of 1792 full proof…I’ve only had one bottle that wasn’t great especially for the price…some have taken longer to open up though.
If people want a solid holiday whiskey I'd recommend Lucky Seven: Holiday Toast. It is Christmas in a bottle. As for MWND, I'll never give in to the inflated price.
On the 1792 full proof front, I have scored 2 different store picks here in my area in Oregon , and they both were incredible, not only in taste, but for 55 bucks, I’m not sure of anything else I’d rather buy. They were perfectly proofy, and both had a very unique, rich palate and a nice finish to boot.
Great video - love seeing whiskey tube talk about these types of topics in addition to tasting notes. Helps us everyday bourbon drinkers have a better idea of what to chase and buy and what might not be worth it. I started my bourbon journey w/ Basil Hayden about 10 years ago and now I don't think you could give me a bottle of it. Thanks again for the great content and keep up the good work. Cheers!
Glad to see that someone shares the same sentiment on damn near all of these! The price point on most of these vastly outpaced the quality of the juice in the bottle.
Great list, Jason, and I agree entirely except for the Willett 4 year Rye which is still one of my favorite ryes, and still isn't too expensive, especially compared to their bourbons which I agree are ridiculously $$$$. I had a great state liquor store pick of a 1792 Full Proof a few years back but since then I've liked the BiB better than the more recent picks which is too bad. I have also collected more MM picks than I should have and am tired of those also so done buying those as well.
This is one of the best videos you’ve ever done! Thank you for making people aware that there’s better and more affordable stuff out there. The pricing on tater bottles is way out of control!
Picked up a 1792 Full Proof store pick a few weeks ago. I’ve had one pour and it was good. Not hot at all. Looking forward to see how it opens up. I am not a fan of the standard 1792 though.
I have been enjoying 1792 Full Proof picks lately. There was one in particular from a small, local store that I went back and repurchased twice. Also one that just came from Total Wine. Great signature 1792 cherry flavors on all of them. Lots of caramel and vanilla. Just a solid bourbon with a touch of oak and lots of good flavors.
The first couple of bottles I had of Willet Rye were great, this last one not so much. The 1792 and Weller full proof I actually like but I've only had one of each. My limit is $100 unless it's truly something special, I would be just fine if Russell 10 and single barrel were the only bottles ever available. Always enjoy the videos
I kind of agree on the Willet stuff, but more because I think the flavor profile changed over the last couple of years. The 4 year ryes used to be one of my go tos even at $60 a bottle. Had a bottle about a year and a half ago that I thought tasted off but chalked it up to a bad batch, however every bottle I've had since has had that same taste. Noticed a similar change in Old Bardstown too.
My list is pretty similar. I would probably much include the entire Weller Lineup though. I only buy them anymore when at msrp and that is primarily just for trade value. I feel there are far too many other options these days that fill those positions and are far more intriguing.
I'd say almost any hard-to-find BT whiskey is definitely worth the buy at MSRP (talking about the $30-150 MSRP bottles). The only issue is actually finding said bottles at those prices. As for many of the whiskeys/bottles you've mentioned, I totally agree. I don't have any Angel's Envy, Kentucky Owl, MWND, or Woodford Reserve Master's Collection because they are just so expensive for what you get (proof and/or age-wise).
Thank you for the honesty! Especially you talking about "loving the story" behind something. The story and rarity are the drivers of price, IMHO I don't think there are bottles worth 150$ based ONLY on drinking qualities. Would people really pay 3x or more for a bottle of Weller 107 (8 years ago 30$ available bottle) vs Maker's Cask ?
Agree!! Well sorta, Maybe because I am a big Makers fan, but I still think the store picks are good. A unique wheat whiskey for a good price and always easy to find. I always keep a bottle around for guests.
Love this video and the list! Interestingly for me, I bought my first single barrel pick of 1792 FP from a Total Wine, and it’s fantastic! It opened my eyes to how good these can be, especially for the price.
I totally agree on the smoke wagon take unfortunately. I tried the uncut unfiltered and standard offering a few months back and both were excellent. I got their small batch, uncut, and standard for myself a week or so ago and all of them were shockingly thin on the palate. I’m hoping future batches are better again, but I’m hanging back too for now
Great listing! I'd add Elijah Craig Toasted, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Barrel Strength store pick due to price being near $100 and age keeps going down, Booker's, & Four Roses Single Barrel store picks because it's $125-$150 a bottle.
One I would add is Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend. I had one of the earlier batches, and it was amazing. Recently bought another and it was so disappointing (batch 266) what’s so upsetting too is that batch 250 and beyond have a minimum of 11 year old high rye bourbon, and are back to using the 16 year Barton barrels and 20 year MGP. Not sure what’s going wrong with the blending process, but sorry Nancy Fraley, for $200 I’m out.
Jason - 3:34 Price, Palate and smaller distillery but you are missing one main factor: Availability. No one tater or buy backups of any bourbon that starts sitting on the shelf. Availability these days is getting better, quarter by quarter, month by month. A lot changed in the last one year or so. I am expecting a decent to major slowdown. Few states get more than others. Here in CA, we see OFSBBP Bourbon picks, RR picks, ECBP picks, 4Rs picks, etc started sitting on shelf most of the time.
yup, same here in IN and KY on those store picks. They got a little retail price hike and secondary went down so they're at equilibrium for now. But I'm guessing the price will drop a little within a year.
Great review. As always, I appreciate your related experiences to what you’re drinking. Based on quality and price. One thing I’ll point out is wagon has holy Ben on our shelf for less than nine months. I’m west of St. Louis but still pretty close. Again, thanks for the review. I enjoyed it!
Really appreciate your brutal honesty! My whiskey journey began with Blood Oath Pact 7 and it remains one of my all-time faves. However, the price point and the availability make them sooo hard to find. I am curious to see what Pact 10 will bring to the table, if it falls flat ---- I may agree with you and simply move on to something else....
I was SO excited about Weller Full Proof, and two bottles in I was SO over it. Great list, agree totally, especially amburana, Woodford, and 1792. I would add Old Carter, only 1/8 bottles ($250/2 grand) was even remotely worth it. In fact, I've taken down the tents on almost all $100+ bottle buying...you just can't go wrong with ECBP, JDSBBP whiskey and rye, and MAYBE an occasional EHTBP, Michter 10yr or BP, or Handy Saz (at reasonable prices)
Thanks for sharing and being so transparent. I really enjoy that style content. A few of those bottles I had already given up on, mostly because of the pricing. I'm glad you shared some alternatives to them.
I believe we are all over chasing these allocated bottles. I have decided just to shop at Kroger and if something cool shows up from time to time that’s great and if not then there’s plenty of great value readily available on the shelf.
Lots of Bourbons sitting on the shelf lately. I messed up yesterday probably but dang a thirty dollar increase. They had a Russels sib CN-B ten years old for $92.00. I love Russels but that’s Uigeadail money.
Great video Jason! I’ve always like your honesty and opinions on bottles and the current whiskey market. I’m a huge fan of Makers but for me most of the private selects taste relatively the same and only a few stand out. After experiencing a lot of these special releases or bottles that FMO just grabs you I’m tired of getting burned and paying for a high dollar bottle that I enjoy less than a bottle I paid so much less for. Cheers all! 🥃
Great list! I agree with every single one you mentioned. There was a time when smoke wagon was at the top of their game, and I was completely obsessed with those earlier blends but they've dropped off for me recently. I still have a few of the earlier pre labeled batches of UCUF but those are getting nursed. I would also throw in ETL, and EHT. I'm kinda over those also.
Thanks for showing the bottles that just aren't worth the price. My bourbon journey is only a couple years old and it's nice to have some tips on bottles that might be more of a status symbol and not worth the high prices.
Glad you mentioned Castle & Key. People seem to go nuts for them. I went to the distillery and I didn't think their juice was good at all. I never understood it.
I had to give up eagle rare. 1. I can't find it anymore. 2. When I do happen to catch it, it's like $60. That's a 50% increase in price in my area and that doesn't make it worth it to me anymore
@@skyline6248they have went up a lot since then. At least here in nc they’re like 48 all in, if you can find it. Honestly though imo that’s still not bad compared to some other stuff these days.
For the 1792, I just got a great store pick in Upstate NY. I agree that the old ones were almost always drinking hot. The one I got was much smoother and I love it. I hope this isn't a unicorn.
I agree with your choices! One I would say im done buying is HMK10. 2010 and 2011 barrel date bottles to me have been the last good ones. The newer ones have been a little lack luster to me on top of mark up and availability.
Definitely agree with most of these, especially rock hill farms. Had it for the first time recently and overall it was just really sweet and smooth and pleasant, nothing to distinguish it at all imo.
Love your honesty... I've never chased whiskey. I'm a good bit older than you and remember before the "boom". There aren't many I buy anymore. I do drink regular Makers Cask strength and Evan Williams BIB regularly. I mostly drink Rum now.
This was a fun and refreshing vid, agree on all. I'd say I like MM SP's but only if I can get around $60-65. WFP never seemed that great tasting to me, even closer to retail. Agree that when you can get LBP or ECBP around $70-100, most 100pf or cookie cutter releases going above $100 just doesn't make sense.
Thank you! I 1000% agree on the Maker’s store picks! I also agree on the rest of your list with the exception of 1792 Full Proof. The standard bottle is much better than the store picks. I find the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof store picks to be less desirable than the standard bottles as well.
Love this video Jason, some of those bottles are way over priced, I did buy a Weller proof but I only paid $59.00 for, and my Rock Hill Farms I paid $55.00 for! 🥃🤘🏼
The Rock Hill Farms was tough to see but I totally get it. I opened my 2nd bottle and wondered why I was so fixated on getting that 2nd bottle. Was good but not all that 🤷♂️
I’m curious to see how many views, likes and comments you get with this one. I think your timing is spot on with this particular topic. My first reaction was that I really agreed with you on most of your bottles. But then I realized that you could’ve picked another 10 or 12 bottles and I would’ve agreed with them, too. I’m like Forrest Gump after all his running. “ I’m pretty tired now”.
Great video, thanks for making it. I totally agree on Smoke Wagon U/U. Sadly, I also have to agree on MWND - it’s just not worth the money they’re asking for it.
Great show! I have to agree pretty much 100%. If I'm paying, the whiskey better be good. Got a bottle of Angel Envy Rum finished for $70 (went out on a limb) and it totally reinforced my purist attitude. Won't ever try one of the Amburana finish or any other fad finished whiskeys...I'm drinking bourbon and rye and that's what I want. As for price, it's ridiculous...I'm just waiting for the disco series to raise their price and that will be another series that bites the dust.
@theMashandDrum The more prices keep climbing, the more I am leaning back into my daily drinkers. I found some great bottles in the last 6 months, and maybe it was the hunt that I enjoyed when I could find them at retail, but so many allocated bourbons are getting beyond their value. Sadly, even Russel’s Reserve 13 getting near $200 makes me grab for Rare Breed or the occasional Russel Reserve single barrel. Great video! Totally agree on the Makers, I’m over the stave combo, just give me a 46 or a 101 and call it a day. Cheers 🥃
I have been searching for Rock Hills Farm for a while now. Finally found it out here in California, price is $400. They have gone straight Pollo Loco. I have tried RHF in neat pours and I love it, but no way in hell will I pay that price for a bottle of it. I will keep my cash in the bank and they can keep their museum.
Personally, I'm skipping Buffalo Trace as a whole. Love the whiskey but I'm sick of the high prices and not being able to find it. This weekend I went to a little s stumbled upon a whole bunch of Magnus Cigar Blend bottles. They were $225!!! So I'm definitely skipping that! Luckily I found a Sagamore 8 year. So I bought that for a lot less money and enjoyed it way more. Love the Chanel! Keep up the good work, Jason!
willit was great at $56 bucks, in two years its sitting at 70 and thats just wild. I bought a willet 10 year for 400 and it was fun because i would never see that bottle for under a grand again it was cool, not worth money for just the whiskey. I was never into chasing specific bottles, it was always the most fun finding rare over priced bottles at msrp.
I wish I could be out on Rock Hill Farms or Weller Full Proof but I've never seen them in the wild LOL! I thought last year's Castle & Key bourbon was OK but not worth the 60 bucks.
I remember Rock Hill Farms from 20 years ago. Loved it. Also could just go buy it. I hadn’t had any in years and tried some in a bar. Was really disappointed. Agree with you.
That's a very solid list and it's hard to argue against any of them. I did recently buy a Willett rye, but it was partly because I'd never had one before and was curious.
No need to chase allocated bottles. So long as JDSBBP/JDSBBP RYE/ Sagamore/Knob Creek 12&Sib / ECBP /Makers store picks, are around I am happy. I have gotten to try so many unicorns and while they are all mostly great, to palate, they are not appreciably better than what can be readily found.
I've had 1792 Full Proof picks that are really solid (especially at the price). Recently grabbed one from K&L in SF and it rivaled some of the older Lucky Seven releases.
I agree on your list except for the 1792 lineup. I still enjoy them and i do get some great store picks for the Full Proof. I do agree that the Sweet Wheat is sweet but I like it.
💯 on all of your list!! There's so much out there, and very few bottles are worth the chase or paying over MSRP. Knowing which bottles you can ignore and not have any FOMO over helps narrow your search to high quality, affordable and attainable bottles. Great stuff Jason!! 🥃
Great video. Unfortunately, I think I'd add JMCB to the list. I know they are looking for significant batch to batch variations, so it's not like it's a flaw in their process, but for me the chance that you could get a great batch or a bad batch isn't worth the $225 price tag. I had one batch that I'd buy again all day. I had another batch that I gave away because after multiple efforts to like it, I just couldn't get there. Every time I poured it I thought "maybe I'll like it this time" and just never got there.
Agree with you on most of those. I just traded for a MWND this year as it’s a bottle I’ve never owned and I’m glad I did, but that Sagamore Port finish does best it for sure. I’m actually a fan of the Willett rye, but definitely have to be in the mood for it, because of the unique flavor profile. Granted the one I have right now isn’t super dilly either. I have yet to get my hands on a Weller Full Proof, tried it at a bar and thought it was good. I’ll definitely get one if given the chance, but I’m not going crazy overpaying for it.
This review slapped J! Agreed with every bottle you threw up until Rockhill, but that said, NEVER overpay for an-y-thing. Sure. I've got plenty of old dustys on my shelf now from the good days, but I'd still be walking past spuds and going through bottles of Very Old Barton.
Totally agree on the SWUCUF. I hunt the 2022 or younger. The new bottles just lack the special flavor. We've done blinds with the new and old. Night and Day difference.
So I’m a Bourbon noobie, and this channel has by far been the most helpful, I’ve learned so much the past week just from watching your videos. Thanks so much Jason!
Thank you INTO THE AM for these Elevated Everyday Graphic Tees! Get yours now and get 10% off site-wide when you click the link below: intotheam.com/MASHANDDRUM
What? No Tall sizes?
The prices these days are outrageous. In my humble opinion, most are not worth the price. Thanks for the honesty.
As a community we need to just stick to the basic on the shelf all the time options until the market corrects itself. I just won't spend $75-$100 for a $35-$45 bottle, no matter how much fomo their is
You should see wine prices before you say bourbon is too expensive.
@@numanuma20wine on average is significantly less expensive. You can get great quality wine under $30
Hence why there making, younger age ones.
Certain wine region have overpriced themselves for most wine geeks like myself.
I’m pretty much over anything that exceeds $100. The juice is rarely worth the extra money when there’s many gems under that
in my journey through the varieties of whiskey I've found there are a lot of great whiskeys out there between 40 and 60 dollars. I was actually surprised Mellow Corn which is a 15 dollar whiskey is actually a great buy for the price
It's crazy how many stores near me do 1792 full proof store picks. Nothing in them blows me away but for $49.99 it's a solid barrel proof offering.
Same here in Lex KY
My thoughts exactly 👍
And at that price, they make sense... and then they get bought up and flipped...
I shouldn’t tell you the price for the regular 1792 Full Proof here in Germany .. You have to pay from 90-120 Euros for the regular one. And I wouldn’t pay 50 Euros for it.
What is your area? Here in Missouri, you can find the small batch, but none of the others.
I think we are all getting over chasing bourbon. Too many available great options
Yup always something local or mass market that will equal or exceed something allocated.
I've moved to Scotch lately because I can always get whatever Islay currently fancy.
Agreed. Just not worth the money or time.
I was a bourbon hunter until I found myself standing in line at 6AM in a snowstorm waiting for Kroger to open at 7AM so I could stand in line until 9AM when the liquor store opened.
If I fall into a bottle I’ll pick it up but I’m not hunting anymore.
Old bartender here. (Yes, I remember the days of Blanton's costing $35.) Thanks so much for your presentation. It's direct and (hopefully) honest. I'm hoping that a least a few of the distilleries are listening. There's a few of us left that quite honestly can't afford the inflationary prices of whiskey, particularly bourbon. I realize these guys have to keep broadening their scope of products to stay competitive but high price doesn't necessarily mean high quality. Please do a part two of this presentation because there are lot more bourbons that fall into the "it's just not worth the price"
good call. Jason could prolly rattle off a ton more to make part 2, part 3, part 4, etc...
I totally agree, Charles. The prices are getting ridiculous!
Good list. For me anything Whistlepig is a never going to happen again
I like their 10 Year. I'll try the 6 to see where that sits.
I've had 3 picks of 1792 Full Proof from my local store, and they've all been great. Caveat - the neck pours are so hot, my first inclination is typically "drain pour". Give them a couple weeks to open up, and they morph into some really good bottles. Cheers!
I've had some 1792 Full Proofs where the neck pours aren't even hot. So they're out there. I had one where the neck pour drank about 115.
I finally found a 1792 full proof and found it being a very good poor. I also found a 1792 Bottled in Bond which was absolutely amazing! I would purchase them any time that they were available at MSRP. However, I've lost the FOMO over bottles that either can't be found at MSRP or claim all sorts of gimmicks to appeal to a shopper where the bourbon just won't stand for itself! Great show as always! Cheers!
Same. I'm looking forward to things getting more reasonable. The allocation craze is just obnoxious.
1792 Full Proofs store picks have still been good for me. Still got love for them.
I got an amazing 1792 store pick in Florida back about a year ago. Went back and bought a backup. Still one of the best pours I have
I've got a local here that has done a 1792 Barrel Proof store pick the last couple years. They've all been good and rang in around $45-$50 a bottle. Last one was out at the beginning of March and I was really happy with it.
We enjoy the 1792 Full Proof and got another this week! Smoke Wagon UU sits on the shelves here in Texas so I can get one anytime I want..but I have 2 sitting at home so guess that tells ya something? nice share! Thanks!
Great list. I am done with New Riff and Old Scout. I just haven't found any bottles or pours I really enjoyed.
Must be a different dimension you are in. I've YET to have a New Riff Single Barrel high proofs that wasn't Fantastic!!! I'm ALL in on them for the time being. I'm sure they will fall off like all the others but not as of yet they haven't!
I agree with every bottle on your list with the exception of 1792 full proof…I’ve only had one bottle that wasn’t great especially for the price…some have taken longer to open up though.
If people want a solid holiday whiskey I'd recommend Lucky Seven: Holiday Toast. It is Christmas in a bottle. As for MWND, I'll never give in to the inflated price.
Huge fan of the Holiday Toast!
disco11 is the xmas eve bottle
snagged a 15 year lucky seven barrel pick at my local shop. it's a top 5 bottle i've ever owned.
On the 1792 full proof front, I have scored 2 different store picks here in my area in Oregon , and they both were incredible, not only in taste, but for 55 bucks, I’m not sure of anything else I’d rather buy. They were perfectly proofy, and both had a very unique, rich palate and a nice finish to boot.
I love the Willett 4 yo rye. $60 and barrell proof and still one of my favorites.
agreed. My palate likes the WFE 4yr rye but I can see why others don't. On the other hand, the WFE purple tops do not warrant their ridiculous prices.
Great video - love seeing whiskey tube talk about these types of topics in addition to tasting notes. Helps us everyday bourbon drinkers have a better idea of what to chase and buy and what might not be worth it. I started my bourbon journey w/ Basil Hayden about 10 years ago and now I don't think you could give me a bottle of it. Thanks again for the great content and keep up the good work. Cheers!
Glad to see that someone shares the same sentiment on damn near all of these! The price point on most of these vastly outpaced the quality of the juice in the bottle.
Great list, Jason, and I agree entirely except for the Willett 4 year Rye which is still one of my favorite ryes, and still isn't too expensive, especially compared to their bourbons which I agree are ridiculously $$$$. I had a great state liquor store pick of a 1792 Full Proof a few years back but since then I've liked the BiB better than the more recent picks which is too bad. I have also collected more MM picks than I should have and am tired of those also so done buying those as well.
This is one of the best videos you’ve ever done! Thank you for making people aware that there’s better and more affordable stuff out there. The pricing on tater bottles is way out of control!
Picked up a 1792 Full Proof store pick a few weeks ago. I’ve had one pour and it was good. Not hot at all. Looking forward to see how it opens up. I am not a fan of the standard 1792 though.
I love how unlike so many other channels you’re always so honest 😊
I hear ya! Thanks for the Colab w/ Randy Sullivan b.t.w. I support both of you, among many others. Great episode.
solid chops. rockhill and wellers are excellent but so absolutely correct on demand/price vs. actual bourbon in the bottle.
I agree. Particularly KY Owl after Dixon left. No longer the same. And the price! Woof!
I have been enjoying 1792 Full Proof picks lately. There was one in particular from a small, local store that I went back and repurchased twice. Also one that just came from Total Wine.
Great signature 1792 cherry flavors on all of them. Lots of caramel and vanilla. Just a solid bourbon with a touch of oak and lots of good flavors.
I gotta find some good ones. 1792 full proof seems to be the consensus on bottles that folks are still finding good ones.
The first couple of bottles I had of Willet Rye were great, this last one not so much. The 1792 and Weller full proof I actually like but I've only had one of each. My limit is $100 unless it's truly something special, I would be just fine if Russell 10 and single barrel were the only bottles ever available. Always enjoy the videos
I kind of agree on the Willet stuff, but more because I think the flavor profile changed over the last couple of years. The 4 year ryes used to be one of my go tos even at $60 a bottle. Had a bottle about a year and a half ago that I thought tasted off but chalked it up to a bad batch, however every bottle I've had since has had that same taste. Noticed a similar change in Old Bardstown too.
My list is pretty similar. I would probably much include the entire Weller Lineup though. I only buy them anymore when at msrp and that is primarily just for trade value. I feel there are far too many other options these days that fill those positions and are far more intriguing.
I'd say almost any hard-to-find BT whiskey is definitely worth the buy at MSRP (talking about the $30-150 MSRP bottles). The only issue is actually finding said bottles at those prices.
As for many of the whiskeys/bottles you've mentioned, I totally agree. I don't have any Angel's Envy, Kentucky Owl, MWND, or Woodford Reserve Master's Collection because they are just so expensive for what you get (proof and/or age-wise).
Thank you for the honesty! Especially you talking about "loving the story" behind something. The story and rarity are the drivers of price, IMHO I don't think there are bottles worth 150$ based ONLY on drinking qualities. Would people really pay 3x or more for a bottle of Weller 107 (8 years ago 30$ available bottle) vs Maker's Cask ?
Agree!! Well sorta, Maybe because I am a big Makers fan, but I still think the store picks are good. A unique wheat whiskey for a good price and always easy to find. I always keep a bottle around for guests.
It's funny you mention the Penelope Rio. That is the only amburana finished whiskey I have and a single bottle of it is enough for me.
Love this video and the list! Interestingly for me, I bought my first single barrel pick of 1792 FP from a Total Wine, and it’s fantastic! It opened my eyes to how good these can be, especially for the price.
I totally agree on the smoke wagon take unfortunately. I tried the uncut unfiltered and standard offering a few months back and both were excellent. I got their small batch, uncut, and standard for myself a week or so ago and all of them were shockingly thin on the palate. I’m hoping future batches are better again, but I’m hanging back too for now
Great listing! I'd add Elijah Craig Toasted, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Barrel Strength store pick due to price being near $100 and age keeps going down, Booker's, & Four Roses Single Barrel store picks because it's $125-$150 a bottle.
I agree with you on all but one the 4 Roses BS store picks are normally $85-100 sounds like your market is pricing you out. Where do you live??
@@ebunch1911 Indianapolis. Prices usually $130 here but seen as high as $150.
@@davidschweibold256 Sorry to hear that brother. If you ever pass thru KY you can get them direct from the distillery off I-65 for $90-$100.
@@ebunch1911thanks man! I love the Four Roses picks like that and at $90 it’s a buy all day.
Yea those four Roses single barrel barrel proof picks are a no buy for me more than double the regular price for an extra 20- 25 proofs... no thanks
One I would add is Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend. I had one of the earlier batches, and it was amazing. Recently bought another and it was so disappointing (batch 266) what’s so upsetting too is that batch 250 and beyond have a minimum of 11 year old high rye bourbon, and are back to using the 16 year Barton barrels and 20 year MGP. Not sure what’s going wrong with the blending process, but sorry Nancy Fraley, for $200 I’m out.
Jason - 3:34 Price, Palate and smaller distillery but you are missing one main factor: Availability. No one tater or buy backups of any bourbon that starts sitting on the shelf. Availability these days is getting better, quarter by quarter, month by month. A lot changed in the last one year or so. I am expecting a decent to major slowdown. Few states get more than others. Here in CA, we see OFSBBP Bourbon picks, RR picks, ECBP picks, 4Rs picks, etc started sitting on shelf most of the time.
yup, same here in IN and KY on those store picks. They got a little retail price hike and secondary went down so they're at equilibrium for now. But I'm guessing the price will drop a little within a year.
Great review. As always, I appreciate your related experiences to what you’re drinking. Based on quality and price. One thing I’ll point out is wagon has holy Ben on our shelf for less than nine months. I’m west of St. Louis but still pretty close. Again, thanks for the review. I enjoyed it!
Really appreciate your brutal honesty!
My whiskey journey began with Blood Oath Pact 7 and it remains one of my all-time faves. However, the price point and the availability make them sooo hard to find. I am curious to see what Pact 10 will bring to the table, if it falls flat ---- I may agree with you and simply move on to something else....
I was SO excited about Weller Full Proof, and two bottles in I was SO over it. Great list, agree totally, especially amburana, Woodford, and 1792. I would add Old Carter, only 1/8 bottles ($250/2 grand) was even remotely worth it. In fact, I've taken down the tents on almost all $100+ bottle buying...you just can't go wrong with ECBP, JDSBBP whiskey and rye, and MAYBE an occasional EHTBP, Michter 10yr or BP, or Handy Saz (at reasonable prices)
Thanks for sharing and being so transparent. I really enjoy that style content. A few of those bottles I had already given up on, mostly because of the pricing. I'm glad you shared some alternatives to them.
I believe we are all over chasing these allocated bottles. I have decided just to shop at Kroger and if something cool shows up from time to time that’s great and if not then there’s plenty of great value readily available on the shelf.
Hey Jason and fans. I’m thinking about getting Rabbit Hole’s Amburana for $1500 what do you think
Lots of Bourbons sitting on the shelf lately. I messed up yesterday probably but dang a thirty dollar increase. They had a Russels sib CN-B ten years old for $92.00. I love Russels but that’s Uigeadail money.
Great video Jason! I’ve always like your honesty and opinions on bottles and the current whiskey market. I’m a huge fan of Makers but for me most of the private selects taste relatively the same and only a few stand out. After experiencing a lot of these special releases or bottles that FMO just grabs you I’m tired of getting burned and paying for a high dollar bottle that I enjoy less than a bottle I paid so much less for. Cheers all! 🥃
The new batch of castle and key is delicious. Got a bottle of it at the distillery
Great list! I agree with every single one you mentioned. There was a time when smoke wagon was at the top of their game, and I was completely obsessed with those earlier blends but they've dropped off for me recently. I still have a few of the earlier pre labeled batches of UCUF but those are getting nursed. I would also throw in ETL, and EHT. I'm kinda over those also.
Thanks for showing the bottles that just aren't worth the price. My bourbon journey is only a couple years old and it's nice to have some tips on bottles that might be more of a status symbol and not worth the high prices.
You almost lost a subscriber on the Weller full proof until you brought up the soft red wheat rickhouse proof.... I love both
Glad you mentioned Castle & Key. People seem to go nuts for them. I went to the distillery and I didn't think their juice was good at all. I never understood it.
Got a bottle of Castle and Key from the distillery back in August last year and it's still good.
1792 full proof is pretty wild on this list imo. The regular non store pick bottle is absolutely delicious to me. And for only like $50!
100% agree. To me...by far the best bourbon for the price per ounce.
I had to give up eagle rare. 1. I can't find it anymore. 2. When I do happen to catch it, it's like $60. That's a 50% increase in price in my area and that doesn't make it worth it to me anymore
There is no way you were finding Eagle rare for $30. That’s a damn lie
@@JonathanWest-cx1vv this was a couple years ago at a total wine in Shrewsbury, MA. Pre covid.
@@JonathanWest-cx1vv Actually double the price = 100% increase in price
@@skyline6248they have went up a lot since then. At least here in nc they’re like 48 all in, if you can find it. Honestly though imo that’s still not bad compared to some other stuff these days.
For the 1792, I just got a great store pick in Upstate NY. I agree that the old ones were almost always drinking hot. The one I got was much smoother and I love it. I hope this isn't a unicorn.
I agree with your choices! One I would say im done buying is HMK10. 2010 and 2011 barrel date bottles to me have been the last good ones. The newer ones have been a little lack luster to me on top of mark up and availability.
Definitely agree with most of these, especially rock hill farms. Had it for the first time recently and overall it was just really sweet and smooth and pleasant, nothing to distinguish it at all imo.
Love your honesty... I've never chased whiskey. I'm a good bit older than you and remember before the "boom". There aren't many I buy anymore. I do drink regular Makers Cask strength and Evan Williams BIB regularly. I mostly drink Rum now.
This was a fun and refreshing vid, agree on all.
I'd say I like MM SP's but only if I can get around $60-65.
WFP never seemed that great tasting to me, even closer to retail.
Agree that when you can get LBP or ECBP around $70-100, most 100pf or cookie cutter releases going above $100 just doesn't make sense.
Thank you! I 1000% agree on the Maker’s store picks! I also agree on the rest of your list with the exception of 1792 Full Proof. The standard bottle is much better than the store picks. I find the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof store picks to be less desirable than the standard bottles as well.
Love this video Jason, some of those bottles are way over priced, I did buy a Weller proof but I only paid $59.00 for, and my Rock Hill Farms I paid $55.00 for! 🥃🤘🏼
The Rock Hill Farms was tough to see but I totally get it. I opened my 2nd bottle and wondered why I was so fixated on getting that 2nd bottle. Was good but not all that 🤷♂️
I’m curious to see how many views, likes and comments you get with this one. I think your timing is spot on with this particular topic.
My first reaction was that I really agreed with you on most of your bottles. But then I realized that you could’ve picked another 10 or 12 bottles and I would’ve agreed with them, too.
I’m like Forrest Gump after all his running. “ I’m pretty tired now”.
I could have definitely picked more but as you said I wanted to start a dialogue and create a list.
Great video, thanks for making it. I totally agree on Smoke Wagon U/U. Sadly, I also have to agree on MWND - it’s just not worth the money they’re asking for it.
Great show! I have to agree pretty much 100%. If I'm paying, the whiskey better be good. Got a bottle of Angel Envy Rum finished for $70 (went out on a limb) and it totally reinforced my purist attitude. Won't ever try one of the Amburana finish or any other fad finished whiskeys...I'm drinking bourbon and rye and that's what I want. As for price, it's ridiculous...I'm just waiting for the disco series to raise their price and that will be another series that bites the dust.
Agreed. I still want that MWND though... best winter drink with some brie cheese and fig jam.
@theMashandDrum
The more prices keep climbing, the more I am leaning back into my daily drinkers. I found some great bottles in the last 6 months, and maybe it was the hunt that I enjoyed when I could find them at retail, but so many allocated bourbons are getting beyond their value. Sadly, even Russel’s Reserve 13 getting near $200 makes me grab for Rare Breed or the occasional Russel Reserve single barrel.
Great video! Totally agree on the Makers, I’m over the stave combo, just give me a 46 or a 101 and call it a day. Cheers 🥃
I have been searching for Rock Hills Farm for a while now. Finally found it out here in California, price is $400. They have gone straight Pollo Loco. I have tried
RHF in neat pours and I love it, but no way in hell will I pay that price for a bottle of it. I will keep my cash in the bank and they can keep their museum.
Personally, I'm skipping Buffalo Trace as a whole. Love the whiskey but I'm sick of the high prices and not being able to find it. This weekend I went to a little s stumbled upon a whole bunch of Magnus Cigar Blend bottles. They were $225!!! So I'm definitely skipping that! Luckily I found a Sagamore 8 year. So I bought that for a lot less money and enjoyed it way more. Love the Chanel! Keep up the good work, Jason!
Ssshhh. Sag is so good. We don’t need others to figure it out.
I love Magnus Cigar Blend!! $225 is steep for any bottle, but that juice is delicious! 😋
Me, too. The marketing hype created by this distillery is insufferable. And, few of their products excel in blind tests.
Spot on!
Great video Jason! I agree with you on the 1792 FP. They drink too hot with not a lot of flavor, though I do like the 1792 line up in general.
willit was great at $56 bucks, in two years its sitting at 70 and thats just wild. I bought a willet 10 year for 400 and it was fun because i would never see that bottle for under a grand again it was cool, not worth money for just the whiskey.
I was never into chasing specific bottles, it was always the most fun finding rare over priced bottles at msrp.
SW UCUF batch 191A has opened up perfectly. Some of my favorite notes from ECBP are captured in this batch specifically.
I wish I could be out on Rock Hill Farms or Weller Full Proof but I've never seen them in the wild LOL! I thought last year's Castle & Key bourbon was OK but not worth the 60 bucks.
I’ll keep enjoying my A124 Larceny Barrel Proof & forget about WFP for now. Thanks
I remember Rock Hill Farms from 20 years ago. Loved it. Also could just go buy it. I hadn’t had any in years and tried some in a bar. Was really disappointed. Agree with you.
That's a very solid list and it's hard to argue against any of them. I did recently buy a Willett rye, but it was partly because I'd never had one before and was curious.
No need to chase allocated bottles. So long as JDSBBP/JDSBBP RYE/ Sagamore/Knob Creek 12&Sib / ECBP /Makers store picks, are around I am happy. I have gotten to try so many unicorns and while they are all mostly great, to palate, they are not appreciably better than what can be readily found.
This is the profound truth about "fancy" bourbon/allocated
I've had 1792 Full Proof picks that are really solid (especially at the price). Recently grabbed one from K&L in SF and it rivaled some of the older Lucky Seven releases.
I agree on your list except for the 1792 lineup. I still enjoy them and i do get some great store picks for the Full Proof. I do agree that the Sweet Wheat is sweet but I like it.
💯 on all of your list!! There's so much out there, and very few bottles are worth the chase or paying over MSRP. Knowing which bottles you can ignore and not have any FOMO over helps narrow your search to high quality, affordable and attainable bottles. Great stuff Jason!! 🥃
Great video. Unfortunately, I think I'd add JMCB to the list. I know they are looking for significant batch to batch variations, so it's not like it's a flaw in their process, but for me the chance that you could get a great batch or a bad batch isn't worth the $225 price tag. I had one batch that I'd buy again all day. I had another batch that I gave away because after multiple efforts to like it, I just couldn't get there. Every time I poured it I thought "maybe I'll like it this time" and just never got there.
Agree with you on most of those.
I just traded for a MWND this year as it’s a bottle I’ve never owned and I’m glad I did, but that Sagamore Port finish does best it for sure.
I’m actually a fan of the Willett rye, but definitely have to be in the mood for it, because of the unique flavor profile. Granted the one I have right now isn’t super dilly either.
I have yet to get my hands on a Weller Full Proof, tried it at a bar and thought it was good. I’ll definitely get one if given the chance, but I’m not going crazy overpaying for it.
You might want to rethink Angel's Envy. I have a new store pick, different bottle, older juice, and it's REALLY great.
Totally with you on the Amburana finishing. I was done with that after one taste. It's awful.
I can’t help but notice the Cooper’s Craft 100 didn’t make your no rebuy list. Great video!
I couldn’t agree more on the castle and key comments
I had a 1792 store pick from a local store and it was absolutely delicious
I would give Castle & Key another shot. It is becoming one of my favorite daily sippers. Agree pretty much with the rest of the list. Great video
This review slapped J! Agreed with every bottle you threw up until Rockhill, but that said, NEVER overpay for an-y-thing. Sure. I've got plenty of old dustys on my shelf now from the good days, but I'd still be walking past spuds and going through bottles of Very Old Barton.
Totally agree on the SWUCUF. I hunt the 2022 or younger. The new bottles just lack the special flavor. We've done blinds with the new and old. Night and Day difference.
I got a VA ABC FP1792, and it was fantastic! I have 3 standard bottles and love them.
This is a solid list. Most of these are on my list as well... except for the RHF. I have yet to own a bottle of that one.
The Barrell amburana finish from last year was one of my favorite new releases in 2023. Other than that I agree 100% with this list.
So I’m a Bourbon noobie, and this channel has by far been the most helpful, I’ve learned so much the past week just from watching your videos. Thanks so much Jason!
I Concur on every bottle you pushed off! Another great review Jason!
Thanks again for sharing your wisdom unfiltered. You speak the truth! Grateful for you Jason!
I've never had the Smoke Wagon but it's been on my list. I'll try it.