Being someone who suffers from PTSD and Depression, I can say you’re 100% correct. I listen to these to get through some dark thoughts, while enjoying a glass.
I pray that I can be of some help to you in the future, and that any influence I can bring will inspire others to do the same. I love you, and thank you for sharing!
The best descriptions of the Van Winkle genre I've seen. I love Bourbon. I drank Scotch exclusively for 40 years until I moved to the South 13 years ago and got caught up in the history, legacy, romance and the uniquely American story of Bourbon. Several of my "Scotch Only" friends have also transitioned to Bourbon. As I educated myself on the various production methods of whiskeys, I quickly formed my opinion that, as a result of only using malted barley in its mash bill, scotch would have to rely on the barrels for flavor. Whereas Bourbon, on the other hand, has a variety of mash bills utilizing various grains which will impart unique flavors before the whiskey ever reaches the barrel. I've had the pleasure of touring a number of distilleries during my bourbon journey. I have to say that Wild Turkey and Buffalo Trace are my personal favorites. Thank you for what you do.
Randy. I’m blown away by your messaging at the end of the video. Thank you for for your intentional decision to be a force for good. I’m sincerely inspired to love on other people. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! Butterfly effect! It can be mathematically proven that the flap of a butterfly wing in Africa can be the start of a hurricane in the Caribbean. Maybe if we all work together we can make a hurricane of good love and acceptance! Cheers!
I want to thank you so much for all of the history that you bring to your talks. Unabashed,free of bias (pallet excluded) that you give to us for objective review and consideration. Your inclusiveness is second to none.
I truly appreciate that! I am super interested in history. It makes it more fun for me to drink something and know it's back story. I figure if I like it there must be some other people who do too, so I record the content that I would have wanted to see before I did all the research to distill it down (pun intended) for the next person. Cheers!
Thank you for taking the time to educate and share your thoughts. I'm far from a bourbon expert, but I never get into the 'is it worth it?' discussion because it's so subjective and really depends on how much money you have and are willing to spend. If you really love it, but aren't willing to part with the money it's hard for me to say that it's not worth it. It's just that you either can't afford it or you value other things in life that spending that much money is prohibitive to you. I would just say that unless you can find a cheaper alternative and can't taste the difference between the two, then you should look elsewhere and save your money. But if that's not the case then it's one of a kind. I've never had the earlier versions of the 20 year Pappy but the more recent versions I was a bit underwhelmed. Kinda had a bitter taste to it. Love the 12-year Lot B. Thank you so much for the recommendations comparable to Lot B. I'll have to try them out.
I hold the same view of "worth" as you. If someone has millions of dollars of disposable income who values their time more than money, it means nothing to them to spend the cash on an "overpriced" bottle for the experience. I hope the recommendations are to your liking!
@@richiehunt5097 To be honest the hunting in KY is not so good. Everyone who goes to the trail hunts, so the shelves are picked over. Lots of single barrels and a few KY only products, but no allocated bottles.
On the day of my wife's memorial service, a friend brought over a Pappy 23. It was fantastic, but thinking back you are right part of it may well have been the occasion, just a few of the bourbon drinkers my family gathered in my den. I live in a rural community, and it is difficult to get really special bourbon here, but I buy a bottle of bourbon once a week, trying a different brand each time, and of course saving the ones I love most for when family come by. 6 months ago I had the opportunity to be in Las Vegas, for a wedding, and found a bourbon bar there, I was determined to try some stuff I could not find at home. I did Wellers 12, and was done in with the flavor. then I got curious about how it compared with the Pappy I had a year earlier, so I splurged on a Pappy 15, I was a little disappointed, but ecstatic that I can sometimes get a Weller 12 here, or at the chain liquor store in a nearby town.
Randy, sorry for the delayed comment, but I just got caught up with all your videos for this year and am now going backwards because of the quality of your posts. This and the video on secondary markets and the pricing procedures was beyond excellent. Your knowledge, speech and succinctness is a welcome addition to the bourbon channels. Keep making these Op-Eds.
Thank you so much Joe. I am a bit obsessed with history and nerdy bits of knowledge, so I just make content that I would have wanted to see. Then I just have to wait for the people who like the things I Iike to find it! Thanks for the sub!
I don't know how you got through that last segment without crying, cause I didn't. I loved what the Buffalo Trace guy said in the "Neat" documentary. It was something to the effect that bourbon is about the people not the whiskey. I love how we can get into the science, economics, and down to micro levels but then zoom out and have perspective on what matters. Your knowledge of bourbon is amazing but it's the love that made me want to write a long ass response. I don't know you, but I love you too.
To be honest Freddis was a major impact on my bourbon philosophy. I was lucky enough to interview him face to face and tell him about it. ua-cam.com/video/6iRguJfKUV8/v-deo.html I love you too brother!
Almost 52 years old, and I am a whisk(e)y/bourbon/rye neophyte, with nary a year under my belt. When others looked to craft during the lockdowns, I went with training in spirits😆. I became drawn to this SPECIFICALLY for the education, the history, the flavor exploration & to build opportunities to have shared experiences with others. I am in awe, sometimes, at the community that gathers for the love of this spirit. I look forward to growing, within this community, and I appreciate finding people, like you, to learn from. Here's to health, prosperity, and peace of mind for us all...🥃cheers!!!
@@BourbonRealTalk I would, but I don’t do the Facebook/Twitter/Instagram rodeo…Right now, I just subscribe to UA-cam channels I like, and try to build opportunities to learn about the world’s offerings through friends, work vendors, Patreon Barrel Picks, and anyone that will ship to Alaska without breaking me😎
At a restaurant recently, I had, for the first time, the 12 year Van Winkle Special Reserve and I enjoyed smelling it almost more than drinking it. It was worth every penny. Since buying the whole bottle looks like it'd be north of $1k, I really appreciate these alternatives. Great video.
I think if you go into it with the right expectations you can enjoy it, but if you expect too much you will be disappointed. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
ding ding ding ding ding!!! The point around 18:13 mark is solid regarding PVW. Thanks for giving the alternatives. Problem in my area is I think the Bourbon fans saw this video and scooped up the age alternatives.
I like Willett Pot Still Reserve also a wheated Bourbon (recent 2021), I also like Wheler special Reserve and Makers Mark, I never tried Pappy Van Winkle to compare, I do like Russell Reserve both single barrel and the 10 year 90 proof, Nobb creek 9 is good, Woodford Reserve is good, I tend to like wheated Bourbon and low rye. I travel Texas to Cleveland Ohio, both ways 2 times a year and stop and tour many of the distilleries. I like Rebel [Yell] at Lux Row.
This was a great video until the end … Then it got even better! Appreciate the message. I’m so sick of hearing people online say terrible things about people they don’t even know. I feel like the media wants to sew division. Not that anybody should care, but I used to be a Mormon. One of the things the church does right is a program called home teaching where you are assigned a random family to check in on periodically to make sure they’re doing OK. These are usually people you might not ever get to know otherwise. I got to know many wonderful people through that program and am deeply thankful for that experience. That taught me that if we just visited with folks periodically we would learn to love each other a bit more.
I used to be racist and homophobic. Getting to know people wiped out all the preconceived notions that I picked up from my environment as a kid. Now I love everyone! That is why whiskey is so powerful. It brings people together and lowers peoples inhibitions enough to be vulnerable with each other, and the next thing you know you like someone you would have never talked to otherwise! Thank you for watching!
Good video. Really thoughtful. Analytical. Reasonable. Measured. And then you got to the last 2 mins and hit it out of the park. It’s worth remembering: this is about experience. Discovery. Enjoyment. And so much more so with others. Connect.
The diminishing returns above $60 are substantial. If it were just based on flavor I wouldn't drink much that is more than $60, but I have other reasons to chase bottles besided flavor.
Your sign off made me a subscriber. I have seen your videos and always enjoyed them. I am not super curious about Pappys but was curious about your thoughts on Pappy alternatives when this showed on my feed. Never tried Pappys but agree w your quality alternatives. That being said, your sign off hit my core. Lost someone I loved dearly to suicide when I was a teen, 40 YAGO. When you mentioned you want people to feel connected and loved you verbalized what I have felt and worked towards my whole life. You also are loved. I love you. Do good and good will return to you. Abundant good awaits you my friend. Appreciate you greatly. 😊
Hey Randy, just found your channel. Without going into a lot of detail, we have few things in common. I'm so glad I stuck around til the end. Best wishes!
Sorry to hear that. I have so many single barrels to buy from SSW that I don't shop often for some of the regular daily drinkers, so I am unsure if that is happening in my market.
Here's a fun story. 4 or 5 years ago I raised a stink about a big liquor store price gouging on 12 year lot b. I got an eager liquor distributor to bring the hammer down on the store and end result was i became the benefactor of a free bottle of lot b that was purchased at the marked up price as sort of a sting. Was enjoyed by my wedding party before I tied the knot. The details of the story make it very memorable.
That is an awesome story. Truth is distributors are prohibited by law from doing anything to a retailer for their pricing...but a lot of things happen like that. Distributors are not allowed to use inducements like buy 20 cases of Wheatley Vodka to get a bottle of PVW, but it happens every day.
@@BourbonRealTalk Preston from the family was involved and everything was done on the up and up, I didn't describe it well enough to keep most details limited. Thank you for this video you put out. I look forward to trying some of these based on your descriptions and what I'm looking for.
My first time tuning in to your podcasts. I admire your knowledge about Bourbon and the conversational style that you have to convey it. More impressive is who you are and why you do this. You are a good man and now I'm a fan.
Great video, and great recommendations! The majority of the folks paying secondary prices for these Pappy bottles aren’t buying to consume. Just to have a trophy on their shelf. I had the opportunity to try the Pappy 15 and 20, and is nowhere near the price of secondary. Definitely a really nice experience, but not at the price point. You hit the mail on the head with the experience. You can enjoy any bottle when you’re with the right people that you love and care about. Cheers, and thanks for the video!
So sorry to hear about your brother, tragic. You are correct, if someone is depressed I always tell them to find a hobby they love and connect with others who have the same interests.
I remember seeing Pappy of some variety a long time ago. on a shelf. In the grocery store! Price was around $80 and I thought that was too expensive at the time. lol If only I had known.
Who would have thought that a time machine would result in people using it to buy whiskey...maybe bit coin instead and then you could buy all the PVW you wanted 😂
Living just outside the Bardstown area there was a huge hullabaloo when an entire warehouse came up empty at Buffalo Trace a few years ago. Still occasional discussions about whether or not it was an inside job. Many pours of Pappy were gone forever.
Great piece...really enjoyed your presentation! I can strongly relate on the loss of your brother as I have lost 2 close friends and fortunately recognized issues with my son and we've able to intervene. God bless...
I just got into bourbon and I can say, unequivocally, you are the best!!! Yes, it is an experience. It is an AMERICAN experience which is truly spiritual!
Very informative. Although I quit drinking hard liquor years ago, I still apricate a quality small batch and what goes in it to make it so good. Thanks...
So I loved the content, shared it with some of my close friends. Then I got completely blindsided by your end message and got even more excited by your “purpose”. Great stuff man, I’m subscribed and recommending to a whole mess of others! Keep up the good work. Be the good.
Last Old Fitz I saw was 1100$ here in the Dallas area. But I’m definitely with you on older bourbon. I’m finding that I enjoy a 10 or 12 year much more that a 15 or older. My very favorite rye has been the Whistle Pig 12 year. Nice video well put content.
I still have a bottle of the original 107 style bottle and since i can get the red and green pretty easy i’ll keep that old one until such a time as i can’t get the newer ones.
I listened to one of your podcasts not too long ago and completely forgot to try to find you on UA-cam. When you went through the show philosophy it just really hit me in a good way. Sad to hear your story of why, but really love that you were able to turn it into something he would be proud of. Thank you! And thank you for the history lesson and alternatives to pappy!
Thank you for your kind words and for checking out our podcast and videos. We are happy to hear that our show philosophy resonated with you and that you enjoyed the history lesson and alternatives to Pappy. Is there a particular whiskey or topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?
Just starting to learn about whiskey or whisky. Have a small bar and been wanting to change it into a great mini whisky bar in this area. Learning a lot. I want 4 roses small batch now. As least have a nice as mall good variety.
Just came across your channel. I really love your message. Sorry about your brother. I love you too and your deep knowledge. With I have a neighbor like you.
Excellent Job Randy. Glad you mentioned Knob Creek. I love the 12 year but I think the 9 year single barrel reserve is even better. Some people get caught up in the fact it's made at the same place that makes Jim Beam
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I hope this helps you heal as much as it might help others. Lot's of great information. I especially like the reminder that drinking bourbon is about the experience and although you didn't use these words, not about the price. All the best. I just hit the subscribe button.
Just watched this video, my first of one of yours and I learned more about Bourbon in this one video than the the last 50 I watched. Since I am a fan of wheated Bourbons your opinion and your selections will be noted at looked for in my shopping. But your honesty and devotion to the memory of your brother and basic humanity pushed me over the edge made me a fan. The dogs at the end confirmed it. I’m a subscriber, a fan and will look forward to all of your videos. Thanks.
Randy first time I saw this video. Great content and totally agree with you thoughts. I shared an Old VW 10 with friends and it was a great experience but have to say the W107 is just as good. Keep it up and really like your channel.
Great video and info. Unfortunately, I never have been able to find or taste and Pappy or VanWinkle product in spite of having over 125 whisky's (Bourbon, Rye & Scotch). Fortunately, I have most of you alternatives. The only thing that I wanted to mention is that regular Old Fitzgerald if available and very cheap. I think you were referencing the more difficult versions to find. Just wanted to clarify. Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your family in the New Year. The same to all of you out there!
This is my first time viewing one of your videos. Great topic. I get a lot of suggestions for bourbons to try from videos like yours. Thanks. So sorry to hear about your brother. What a great message and way to close your video. Be well.
Thank you for you great review and rundown of some outstanding bourbons...I was very moved by you ending. G-d Bless you and your family. May your brother Rest in Peace
I'm at the point where I'm just not chasing much. I've found so many good bottles are on the shelf that even those are hard to narrow down. If I run across something hard to find I might grab it, but man the shelves are stocked with such good stuff.
Couldn't agree more. That is why I recommending RR, KC, EC, 4R at the end. I think people can have just as good an experience with a shelf bourbon if they put their minds to it. Cheers!
@@BourbonRealTalk RR SB is so easy to find and easily one of the best whiskeys on the market. And it's only around $65. But hunting is kind of fun I'll admit. Was lucky enough to get a bottle of A Midwinter's Night Dram last week for $99. It's amazing...and can only be obtained through hunting...or paying $500.
Great conversation about alternatives to those unobtainable bottles. I am very found of how good the Maker's 101 is. I want to try the I.W. Harper 15 next, it is a Diageo product not Heaven Hill.
I work in a large liquor store and have never even seen a bottle. One of my coworkers and her husband managed to lay their hands on a bottle of Pappy and told me they wished they had sold it, to them it was disappointing. I myself am a lowbrow Knob Creek and Wild Turkey lover, only crazy people would pay the ridiculous prices allocated bourbon goes for now.
If you open a bottle of pappy solely because you think the flavor is going to be worth it you will be disappointed. I myself have bought a bottle of PVW20 at retail. I opened it that day. I knew I would not like the flavor. I was right. I gave it away in 1/8th ounce pours over about 2 years. 150-200 people got to try PVW20 for free because of me. That was worth far more to me than the $1,200 I could have made at the time if I had sold it. I didn't need the money. I wanted the experience of sharing it with others. If you have a bigger reason than flavor (usually experience) then you will be happy with pappy.
I miss 2006 so much. I was caught off guard by the bourbon craze and never developed good bottle hunting instincts because I never had to. I'm like a tiger raised in captivity that gets released into the wild and starves to death. I do love me some Maker's 101, though. Happy to see Knob Creek mentioned at the end - I picked up a bottle of 12 today which made me happy and I've got some single barrel store picks that are basically unicorn tears in a bottle.
The first time I listen until the end and heard the story. In addition to the great content, the purpose for the channel now has me hooked. Love the love! #don’tstopkeepgoing
Great video, glad I stumbled on your channel. I just wish could find Weller products where I live. My only comment was I thought I.W. Harper was a Stitzel-Weller/Bulleit product.
Well shit! I don’t remember what I said. Probably HH. It is actually Diageo. I likely shared inaccurate information by mistake. I am sorry. Diageo does own bulliet, the site of the now defunct stitzel weller distillery. So you are right and I am wrong. Thank you for pointing this out.
@@BourbonRealTalk hahaha no worries. The amount of bourbon knowledge you know just on the spot is impressive. I would probably mix things all the time. Cheers.
@@BourbonRealTalk I hope you don't think I was being sarcastic. I immediately understood your point, and I love words particularly when they are used so well. It was a bourbon dark age - no question. And fortunately for us, it has been followed by a bourbon Renaissance. All the best.
@@antares8281 I didn't take it that way. I thought you were just laughing at me giving it a silly name. I don't think I made that up though. I think I heard someone else say it. Maybe Fred Minnick. Anyway, it is the easiest way to refer to the years that bourbon wasn't selling because of clear spirits and brands going out of business.
You are 100% right. The 20 and 23 are not very good. 15 used to be my favorite. Now 10 is. The 12 is also meh. I actually prefer weller 12 to pappy 12. But both are only ok. BTAC is better in every way.
Awesome, thank you! If you want to get involved more I would like to personally invite you to our free membership group. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
For me..I was turned on to Kentucky Par on my honeymoon and that hits everything for me and stands in my cabinet dead center top shelf and has been shared with my dearest friends.
Someone else recommended it to me. It isn't sold in TX. I had a member who is a friend pick one up for me at The Party Source in KY. I like it a lot, but I am pretty sure it is 1792 sourced from Barton Distillery.
This video popped up on my feed and so glad it did. Great vid. Loved the history, alternative choices and ending messages. We need more love in the world. Cheers 🥃
Hi Randy, this is the first time I come across your channel. Thank you for your message 🙏 it sparked some inspiration in me to pass the love around. Thank you.
So glad! We have a free member community to encourage people to use whiskey for good. I even have challenge coins ordered to give away to those who help spread good vibes. If you are interested I would like to personally invite you. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
Being someone who suffers from PTSD and Depression, I can say you’re 100% correct. I listen to these to get through some dark thoughts, while enjoying a glass.
I pray that I can be of some help to you in the future, and that any influence I can bring will inspire others to do the same. I love you, and thank you for sharing!
Hey brother, Marine vet here. I'm here for you anytime. Please reach out if I can ever help.
God bless you men and your channel. Let’s get this!
I have pretty severe depression myself thank God I don’t have suicidal thoughts.
Prayers and love to you!
@@BourbonRealTalkprayers brother
The best descriptions of the Van Winkle genre I've seen. I love Bourbon. I drank Scotch exclusively for 40 years until I moved to the South 13 years ago and got caught up in the history, legacy, romance and the uniquely American story of Bourbon. Several of my "Scotch Only" friends have also transitioned to Bourbon. As I educated myself on the various production methods of whiskeys, I quickly formed my opinion that, as a result of only using malted barley in its mash bill, scotch would have to rely on the barrels for flavor. Whereas Bourbon, on the other hand, has a variety of mash bills utilizing various grains which will impart unique flavors before the whiskey ever reaches the barrel. I've had the pleasure of touring a number of distilleries during my bourbon journey. I have to say that Wild Turkey and Buffalo Trace are my personal favorites. Thank you for what you do.
Randy. I’m blown away by your messaging at the end of the video. Thank you for for your intentional decision to be a force for good. I’m sincerely inspired to love on other people. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! Butterfly effect! It can be mathematically proven that the flap of a butterfly wing in Africa can be the start of a hurricane in the Caribbean. Maybe if we all work together we can make a hurricane of good love and acceptance! Cheers!
I want to thank you so much for all of the history that you bring to your talks. Unabashed,free of bias (pallet excluded) that you give to us for objective review and consideration. Your inclusiveness is second to none.
I truly appreciate that! I am super interested in history. It makes it more fun for me to drink something and know it's back story. I figure if I like it there must be some other people who do too, so I record the content that I would have wanted to see before I did all the research to distill it down (pun intended) for the next person. Cheers!
Thank you for taking the time to educate and share your thoughts. I'm far from a bourbon expert, but I never get into the 'is it worth it?' discussion because it's so subjective and really depends on how much money you have and are willing to spend. If you really love it, but aren't willing to part with the money it's hard for me to say that it's not worth it. It's just that you either can't afford it or you value other things in life that spending that much money is prohibitive to you. I would just say that unless you can find a cheaper alternative and can't taste the difference between the two, then you should look elsewhere and save your money. But if that's not the case then it's one of a kind.
I've never had the earlier versions of the 20 year Pappy but the more recent versions I was a bit underwhelmed. Kinda had a bitter taste to it. Love the 12-year Lot B. Thank you so much for the recommendations comparable to Lot B. I'll have to try them out.
I hold the same view of "worth" as you. If someone has millions of dollars of disposable income who values their time more than money, it means nothing to them to spend the cash on an "overpriced" bottle for the experience.
I hope the recommendations are to your liking!
@@BourbonRealTalk Absolutely. Learning a lot. Now I have a temptation to go to Kentucky and do some bourbon hunting. :)
@@richiehunt5097 To be honest the hunting in KY is not so good. Everyone who goes to the trail hunts, so the shelves are picked over. Lots of single barrels and a few KY only products, but no allocated bottles.
@@BourbonRealTalk Wisdom!
On the day of my wife's memorial service, a friend brought over a Pappy 23. It was fantastic, but thinking back you are right part of it may well have been the occasion, just a few of the bourbon drinkers my family gathered in my den. I live in a rural community, and it is difficult to get really special bourbon here, but I buy a bottle of bourbon once a week, trying a different brand each time, and of course saving the ones I love most for when family come by. 6 months ago I had the opportunity to be in Las Vegas, for a wedding, and found a bourbon bar there, I was determined to try some stuff I could not find at home. I did Wellers 12, and was done in with the flavor. then I got curious about how it compared with the Pappy I had a year earlier, so I splurged on a Pappy 15, I was a little disappointed, but ecstatic that I can sometimes get a Weller 12 here, or at the chain liquor store in a nearby town.
First, I am sorry for your loss. My Van Winkle Experience has been similar to yours. It is good, but not so much better that the hype makes sense.
I hear you Randy! Love First. Hate is exhausting. I am happy I found this channel.
Thanks for the visit!
Thanks so much Randy. This really helps the little guy like me who doesn't have the resources to get Pappy. You're a good man.
Glad to help. Thank you for supporting the channel!
Well said dude. I’m truly sorry for ur loss. it’s a pain and part of ur heart that can never be filled again bro.
Thank you!
Randy, sorry for the delayed comment, but I just got caught up with all your videos for this year and am now going backwards because of the quality of your posts. This and the video on secondary markets and the pricing procedures was beyond excellent. Your knowledge, speech and succinctness is a welcome addition to the bourbon channels. Keep making these Op-Eds.
Thank you so much Joe. I am a bit obsessed with history and nerdy bits of knowledge, so I just make content that I would have wanted to see. Then I just have to wait for the people who like the things I Iike to find it! Thanks for the sub!
@@BourbonRealTalk Again, just excellent work. Tasting is subjective but history is (typically) factual and sustainable.
I don't know how you got through that last segment without crying, cause I didn't. I loved what the Buffalo Trace guy said in the "Neat" documentary. It was something to the effect that bourbon is about the people not the whiskey. I love how we can get into the science, economics, and down to micro levels but then zoom out and have perspective on what matters. Your knowledge of bourbon is amazing but it's the love that made me want to write a long ass response. I don't know you, but I love you too.
To be honest Freddis was a major impact on my bourbon philosophy. I was lucky enough to interview him face to face and tell him about it.
ua-cam.com/video/6iRguJfKUV8/v-deo.html
I love you too brother!
Thank you for your kindness! Very much appreciated
You are so welcome. Thank you for watching!
Almost 52 years old, and I am a whisk(e)y/bourbon/rye neophyte, with nary a year under my belt. When others looked to craft during the lockdowns, I went with training in spirits😆. I became drawn to this SPECIFICALLY for the education, the history, the flavor exploration & to build opportunities to have shared experiences with others. I am in awe, sometimes, at the community that gathers for the love of this spirit. I look forward to growing, within this community, and I appreciate finding people, like you, to learn from. Here's to health, prosperity, and peace of mind for us all...🥃cheers!!!
I'll drink to that! Have you joined our member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
@@BourbonRealTalk I would, but I don’t do the Facebook/Twitter/Instagram rodeo…Right now, I just subscribe to UA-cam channels I like, and try to build opportunities to learn about the world’s offerings through friends, work vendors, Patreon Barrel Picks, and anyone that will ship to Alaska without breaking me😎
I’m glad you made the connection between the Van Winkle 12 and the ECSB and I completely agree. It is a very similar experience.
I am glad you enjoyed the video!
I found this video soo spell bound. Randy was so easy to listen to.
Appreciate that!
Great closing message. Sorry for your loss. Thank you for your content and your insight.
Thank you, and thank you for supporting the channel!
At a restaurant recently, I had, for the first time, the 12 year Van Winkle Special Reserve and I enjoyed smelling it almost more than drinking it. It was worth every penny. Since buying the whole bottle looks like it'd be north of $1k, I really appreciate these alternatives. Great video.
I think if you go into it with the right expectations you can enjoy it, but if you expect too much you will be disappointed. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
ding ding ding ding ding!!! The point around 18:13 mark is solid regarding PVW. Thanks for giving the alternatives. Problem in my area is I think the Bourbon fans saw this video and scooped up the age alternatives.
KC9, WT101, 4RSmB, EC, EWBiB, OF1920 are all I really need (plus a few others I am sure I overlooked.). All readily available in my area.
That was a powerful send off. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I like Willett Pot Still Reserve also a wheated Bourbon (recent 2021), I also like Wheler special Reserve and Makers Mark, I never tried Pappy Van Winkle to compare, I do like Russell Reserve both single barrel and the 10 year 90 proof, Nobb creek 9 is good, Woodford Reserve is good, I tend to like wheated Bourbon and low rye. I travel Texas to Cleveland Ohio, both ways 2 times a year and stop and tour many of the distilleries. I like Rebel [Yell] at Lux Row.
Nice!
Maybe it’s the bourbon talking but your sign off hit me in the feels. Great episode!
Bourbon feels are a thing! Cheers!
Great message at the end, Randy. Very informative watch too. Great way to start off a Sunday! Cheers.
Thank you kindly!
This was a great video until the end … Then it got even better! Appreciate the message. I’m so sick of hearing people online say terrible things about people they don’t even know. I feel like the media wants to sew division. Not that anybody should care, but I used to be a Mormon. One of the things the church does right is a program called home teaching where you are assigned a random family to check in on periodically to make sure they’re doing OK. These are usually people you might not ever get to know otherwise. I got to know many wonderful people through that program and am deeply thankful for that experience. That taught me that if we just visited with folks periodically we would learn to love each other a bit more.
I used to be racist and homophobic. Getting to know people wiped out all the preconceived notions that I picked up from my environment as a kid. Now I love everyone! That is why whiskey is so powerful. It brings people together and lowers peoples inhibitions enough to be vulnerable with each other, and the next thing you know you like someone you would have never talked to otherwise! Thank you for watching!
Your extensive knowledge is always appealing.
Thank you! I just proficient in googling things :-)
Ooftah, 15:40 was a major bally maneuver there. Agreed however. The Makers Mark 101, yup.
Cheers!
Good video. Really thoughtful. Analytical. Reasonable. Measured. And then you got to the last 2 mins and hit it out of the park. It’s worth remembering: this is about experience. Discovery. Enjoyment. And so much more so with others. Connect.
Thank you!
I'm a 60 dollar top man. My bud's evidently don't work good enough🤣🤣🤣 at the end you mentioned some AWESOME bottles
The diminishing returns above $60 are substantial. If it were just based on flavor I wouldn't drink much that is more than $60, but I have other reasons to chase bottles besided flavor.
Sorry for your loss. Great message.
Thank you!
Your sign off made me a subscriber. I have seen your videos and always enjoyed them. I am not super curious about Pappys but was curious about your thoughts on Pappy alternatives when this showed on my feed. Never tried Pappys but agree w your quality alternatives. That being said, your sign off hit my core. Lost someone I loved dearly to suicide when I was a teen, 40 YAGO. When you mentioned you want people to feel connected and loved you verbalized what I have felt and worked towards my whole life. You also are loved. I love you. Do good and good will return to you. Abundant good awaits you my friend. Appreciate you greatly. 😊
I love you too my friend! Thank you for supporting the channel!
I am new to the bourbon craze, and love hearing knowledge from people about bourbon. You seem to be one SOLID dude Randy. Thanks for the video!
I appreciate that! Thank you for watching!
Great video. I loved the Pappy analysis, but the absolute high point was the why you started the channel, well done. Peace unto you sir.
Thank you! And thank you for supporting the channel!
Hey Randy, just found your channel. Without going into a lot of detail, we have few things in common. I'm so glad I stuck around til the end. Best wishes!
I am sorry for your loss. Glad we found each other. Cheers!
Great information. I love Russell's 10. Unfortunately, it's becoming harder to find and more expensive in my area.
Sorry to hear that. I have so many single barrels to buy from SSW that I don't shop often for some of the regular daily drinkers, so I am unsure if that is happening in my market.
Here's a fun story. 4 or 5 years ago I raised a stink about a big liquor store price gouging on 12 year lot b. I got an eager liquor distributor to bring the hammer down on the store and end result was i became the benefactor of a free bottle of lot b that was purchased at the marked up price as sort of a sting. Was enjoyed by my wedding party before I tied the knot. The details of the story make it very memorable.
That is an awesome story. Truth is distributors are prohibited by law from doing anything to a retailer for their pricing...but a lot of things happen like that. Distributors are not allowed to use inducements like buy 20 cases of Wheatley Vodka to get a bottle of PVW, but it happens every day.
@@BourbonRealTalk Preston from the family was involved and everything was done on the up and up, I didn't describe it well enough to keep most details limited. Thank you for this video you put out. I look forward to trying some of these based on your descriptions and what I'm looking for.
First time visitor to your channel (from U.K.) loved this video, great history and recommendations, plus very important message at the end 👍🏻
Love getting feedback from foreign viewers. Thank you for supporting the channel!
My first time tuning in to your podcasts. I admire your knowledge about Bourbon and the conversational style that you have to convey it. More impressive is who you are and why you do this. You are a good man and now I'm a fan.
Thank you for the kind words! If you have not done so already I recommend you join facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
@@BourbonRealTalk Thank's, Randy. I just submitted my request to join.
@@bobbarry179 I just approved you! Welcome to the community!
@@BourbonRealTalk Thank you, Randy.
Great video, and great recommendations! The majority of the folks paying secondary prices for these Pappy bottles aren’t buying to consume. Just to have a trophy on their shelf. I had the opportunity to try the Pappy 15 and 20, and is nowhere near the price of secondary. Definitely a really nice experience, but not at the price point. You hit the mail on the head with the experience. You can enjoy any bottle when you’re with the right people that you love and care about. Cheers, and thanks for the video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great info Randy. Very informative. I appreciate all your research into whisky.
Glad it was helpful!
I agree that everybody has different tastes and there are a lot of available products that you can be happy with, you just have to find what you like.
Great outlook!
Darn great show! Thanks again for simplifying the awesome experience that is bourbon.
Our pleasure!
So sorry to hear about your brother, tragic. You are correct, if someone is depressed I always tell them to find a hobby they love and connect with others who have the same interests.
Doing the best with what I have. Hope to encourage some people who need it!
I remember seeing Pappy of some variety a long time ago. on a shelf. In the grocery store! Price was around $80 and I thought that was too expensive at the time. lol If only I had known.
Who would have thought that a time machine would result in people using it to buy whiskey...maybe bit coin instead and then you could buy all the PVW you wanted 😂
Living just outside the Bardstown area there was a huge hullabaloo when an entire warehouse came up empty at Buffalo Trace a few years ago. Still occasional discussions about whether or not it was an inside job. Many pours of Pappy were gone forever.
Great piece...really enjoyed your presentation! I can strongly relate on the loss of your brother as I have lost 2 close friends and fortunately recognized issues with my son and we've able to intervene. God bless...
Thank you for watching. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I'm thankful you were able to step in in time with your son.
I just got into bourbon and I can say, unequivocally, you are the best!!! Yes, it is an experience. It is an AMERICAN experience which is truly spiritual!
Thank you for the kind words. Glad to be of help in your journey!
Very informative. Although I quit drinking hard liquor years ago, I still apricate a quality small batch and what goes in it to make it so good. Thanks...
That's commendable!
So I loved the content, shared it with some of my close friends. Then I got completely blindsided by your end message and got even more excited by your “purpose”. Great stuff man, I’m subscribed and recommending to a whole mess of others! Keep up the good work. Be the good.
Awesome, thank you! I truly appreciate you supporting the channel and the mission! Cheers!
Last Old Fitz I saw was 1100$ here in the Dallas area. But I’m definitely with you on older bourbon. I’m finding that I enjoy a 10 or 12 year much more that a 15 or older. My very favorite rye has been the Whistle Pig 12 year. Nice video well put content.
Thank you for watching!
Fantastic educational video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
First time watcher of your channel. Great message at the end of the show. Wish more people could be like that.
Thanks and welcome
Just found this channel. New sub, love the bourbon history. Sorry to hear about your loss.
I still have a bottle of the original 107 style bottle and since i can get the red and green pretty easy i’ll keep that old one until such a time as i can’t get the newer ones.
I used to buy 1.75L of that and it was my daily drinker. It has been a couple of years since I tried it, but I sure do remember thinking it was great!
Great message at the end !! God bless you and your crew !!
Thank you! You too!
I listened to one of your podcasts not too long ago and completely forgot to try to find you on UA-cam. When you went through the show philosophy it just really hit me in a good way. Sad to hear your story of why, but really love that you were able to turn it into something he would be proud of. Thank you! And thank you for the history lesson and alternatives to pappy!
Thank you for your kind words and for checking out our podcast and videos. We are happy to hear that our show philosophy resonated with you and that you enjoyed the history lesson and alternatives to Pappy. Is there a particular whiskey or topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?
Great great video, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Just starting to learn about whiskey or whisky. Have a small bar and been wanting to change it into a great mini whisky bar in this area. Learning a lot. I want 4 roses small batch now. As least have a nice as mall good variety.
4RSmB is a good one.
Just came across your channel. I really love your message. Sorry about your brother. I love you too and your deep knowledge. With I have a neighbor like you.
Thank you for the encouragement and I appreciate your support. If you're looking to move I know a good realtor! LOL 😂
@BourbonRealTalk haha that is funny. And I think we have a lender as well. I'm a real estate investor so maybe I'll reach out one day.
I just started a collection of bourbons and just happen to love the Weller…I have zero experience in drinking I just like what I like
You don't have to be experienced to know what is good to you. Cheers!
Great information.Enjoy your channel.
Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate your support. Do you have any suggestions for future content on my channel that you'd like to see?
Thank you for the great video, now following!
Awesome, thank you!
Outstanding video. Great presentation. EDUCATIONAL for sure.
Glad you liked it! Cheers!
Excellent Job Randy. Glad you mentioned Knob Creek. I love the 12 year but I think the 9 year single barrel reserve is even better. Some people get caught up in the fact it's made at the same place that makes Jim Beam
I love all Beam products including regular Jim Beam. It isn't for sipping for me, but it has a place in my life. Cheers!
I've tried all the Van Winkle and my favorite is the 10 and 15 yr. Also a big fan of E H Taylor small batch. More rye but smooth and drinkable.
My thought's exactly! Cheers!
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I hope this helps you heal as much as it might help others. Lot's of great information. I especially like the reminder that drinking bourbon is about the experience and although you didn't use these words, not about the price. All the best. I just hit the subscribe button.
I never really thought about it but I guess this is therapeutic for me. Thank you for the support! Cheers!
Just watched this video, my first of one of yours and I learned more about Bourbon in this one video than the the last 50 I watched. Since I am a fan of wheated Bourbons your opinion and your selections will be noted at looked for in my shopping. But your honesty and devotion to the memory of your brother and basic humanity pushed me over the edge made me a fan. The dogs at the end confirmed it. I’m a subscriber, a fan and will look forward to all of your videos. Thanks.
This warmed my heart. Thank you for subscribing and I aim to make as valuable of content for you in the future!
Randy first time I saw this video. Great content and totally agree with you thoughts. I shared an Old VW 10 with friends and it was a great experience but have to say the W107 is just as good. Keep it up and really like your channel.
Thanks for sharing! I gave those two side by side with a couple of enthusiasts yesterday and one prefered the Weller.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sorry to hear about your brother.
Thanks for listening
Great video and info. Unfortunately, I never have been able to find or taste and Pappy or VanWinkle product in spite of having over 125 whisky's (Bourbon, Rye & Scotch). Fortunately, I have most of you alternatives. The only thing that I wanted to mention is that regular Old Fitzgerald if available and very cheap. I think you were referencing the more difficult versions to find. Just wanted to clarify. Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your family in the New Year. The same to all of you out there!
Yes, I was referring to the age stated decanter series that is hard to find.
This is my first time viewing one of your videos. Great topic. I get a lot of suggestions for bourbons to try from videos like yours. Thanks. So sorry to hear about your brother. What a great message and way to close your video. Be well.
Thank you for watching!
Glenmorangie is a scotch, but it does have a hint of orange. Glenmorangie Signet also has the orange flavor along with chocolate.
Lindsey likes Glenmorangie.
You're a good solid speaker, knowledgeable and a good person. Love back.
I appreciate that! Thank you for watching!
Thank you for you great review and rundown of some outstanding bourbons...I was very moved by you ending. G-d Bless you and your family. May your brother Rest in Peace
Thank you!
very educational video!
Thanks for the visit
I'm at the point where I'm just not chasing much. I've found so many good bottles are on the shelf that even those are hard to narrow down. If I run across something hard to find I might grab it, but man the shelves are stocked with such good stuff.
Couldn't agree more. That is why I recommending RR, KC, EC, 4R at the end. I think people can have just as good an experience with a shelf bourbon if they put their minds to it. Cheers!
@@BourbonRealTalk RR SB is so easy to find and easily one of the best whiskeys on the market. And it's only around $65. But hunting is kind of fun I'll admit. Was lucky enough to get a bottle of A Midwinter's Night Dram last week for $99. It's amazing...and can only be obtained through hunting...or paying $500.
Great conversation about alternatives to those unobtainable bottles. I am very found of how good the Maker's 101 is. I want to try the I.W. Harper 15 next, it is a Diageo product not Heaven Hill.
I said the wrong producer. It is Diageo. Sorry about that.
I work in a large liquor store and have never even seen a bottle. One of my coworkers and her husband managed to lay their hands on a bottle of Pappy and told me they wished they had sold it, to them it was disappointing. I myself am a lowbrow Knob Creek and Wild Turkey lover, only crazy people would pay the ridiculous prices allocated bourbon goes for now.
If you open a bottle of pappy solely because you think the flavor is going to be worth it you will be disappointed. I myself have bought a bottle of PVW20 at retail. I opened it that day. I knew I would not like the flavor. I was right. I gave it away in 1/8th ounce pours over about 2 years. 150-200 people got to try PVW20 for free because of me. That was worth far more to me than the $1,200 I could have made at the time if I had sold it. I didn't need the money. I wanted the experience of sharing it with others. If you have a bigger reason than flavor (usually experience) then you will be happy with pappy.
@@BourbonRealTalk Excellent point!
@@BourbonRealTalk Good on ya for spreading the love! Cheers!
I miss 2006 so much. I was caught off guard by the bourbon craze and never developed good bottle hunting instincts because I never had to. I'm like a tiger raised in captivity that gets released into the wild and starves to death. I do love me some Maker's 101, though. Happy to see Knob Creek mentioned at the end - I picked up a bottle of 12 today which made me happy and I've got some single barrel store picks that are basically unicorn tears in a bottle.
Thanks for the insight
Glad it was helpful!
Sorry to hear about your brother. Your philosophy is awesome, you got yourself a new fan. Cheers!
Thank you, and thank you for supporting the channel!
New to all your videos but really respect your message at the end of your videos. God bless 🙏
Thanks so much for being here - we appreciate you taking the time to watch the channel!
The first time I listen until the end and heard the story. In addition to the great content, the purpose for the channel now has me hooked. Love the love! #don’tstopkeepgoing
I appreciate that! Cheers!
Great video, glad I stumbled on your channel. I just wish could find Weller products where I live. My only comment was I thought I.W. Harper was a Stitzel-Weller/Bulleit product.
Well shit! I don’t remember what I said. Probably HH. It is actually Diageo. I likely shared inaccurate information by mistake. I am sorry.
Diageo does own bulliet, the site of the now defunct stitzel weller distillery. So you are right and I am wrong. Thank you for pointing this out.
It is. I was just there last week and did a tasting.
@@BourbonRealTalk hahaha no worries. The amount of bourbon knowledge you know just on the spot is impressive. I would probably mix things all the time. Cheers.
"The bourbon dark ages" I love it.
Not sure what else to call it. We lost a lot of good brands back then. Cheers!
@@BourbonRealTalk I hope you don't think I was being sarcastic. I immediately understood your point, and I love words particularly when they are used so well. It was a bourbon dark age - no question. And fortunately for us, it has been followed by a bourbon Renaissance.
All the best.
@@antares8281 I didn't take it that way. I thought you were just laughing at me giving it a silly name. I don't think I made that up though. I think I heard someone else say it. Maybe Fred Minnick. Anyway, it is the easiest way to refer to the years that bourbon wasn't selling because of clear spirits and brands going out of business.
You are 100% right. The 20 and 23 are not very good. 15 used to be my favorite. Now 10 is. The 12 is also meh. I actually prefer weller 12 to pappy 12. But both are only ok. BTAC is better in every way.
We have similar palates
@@BourbonRealTalk and that's why I'm subscribed. Got a 9 year purple willett today. And saint cloud, and calumet 16 today. Excited to try them all.
First time watching. Great education, recommendations and information. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video, subscribed.
Awesome, thank you! If you want to get involved more I would like to personally invite you to our free membership group. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
Randall, another great segment. In case you didn’t know, some of the early Pappy bottles (20 and 23) were Rye Mashbill! Like the “bat signal” 🥃
I did not know that. Wow!
Thanks for the info. I agree with all of your alternatives. I wish I could find more of them here in Ft Lauderdale, FL
Some of them are hard to find everywhere. Just hared to find alternatives for such a sought after whiskey. Cheers!
For me..I was turned on to Kentucky Par on my honeymoon and that hits everything for me and stands in my cabinet dead center top shelf and has been shared with my dearest friends.
Someone else recommended it to me. It isn't sold in TX. I had a member who is a friend pick one up for me at The Party Source in KY. I like it a lot, but I am pretty sure it is 1792 sourced from Barton Distillery.
Great information, as always. New to Bourbon but learning fast thanks to you....
Glad to help
i really dig makers 101, and just topped a newly shipped makers barrel proof and it was amazing bordering on phenomenal.
Fred put Makers in a blind with nearly 400 people in the room and it did well. 101 is great!
I'm really sorry to hear about your brother. I think you're doing a great thing. Wonderful video
Thank you so much. Thank you for watching!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
Thank you brother!
My pleasure!
This was great! Loved your closing comments. Peace and blessings - and love - to you!
Thank you brother!
Really great topic, well done! 👍 Cheers from Sweden! 🇸🇪
Glad it was helpful!
Good info. Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about your brother…prayers for all of your family.
Thank you for the prayers and the support!
This video popped up on my feed and so glad it did. Great vid. Loved the history, alternative choices and ending messages. We need more love in the world.
Cheers 🥃
We can all do our part to spread a little more love
Hi Randy, this is the first time I come across your channel. Thank you for your message 🙏 it sparked some inspiration in me to pass the love around. Thank you.
So glad! We have a free member community to encourage people to use whiskey for good. I even have challenge coins ordered to give away to those who help spread good vibes. If you are interested I would like to personally invite you.
facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
Awesome information and great videos. Thank you for sharing.
I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching!
Thank you