POTUS 45.65: I'm Just Here For The Lincoln Project Ads

[dxmnkd316]

It's all about the value!
When Blanton's was at about $40 a bottle I drank it routinely. The price shot up and I can't remember the last time I've had any. Same thing happened Redbreast (Irish Whiskey). You used to be able to get Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond for <$20 and that was a serious value. It's now about $50 and way out of my value range. Heaven Hill Green Label is a tasty bourbon that is as good or better than Evan Williams and goes for only about $13. It would replace EW in my liquor cabinet as the mixer bourbon but it is too hard to get since it is only available in KY. I would add that Evan Williams Single Barrel is worth the extra $$$ IMO. Right now, the only bottle that I'm willing to shell out significant cash for is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It should be renamed as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof of the Existence of God!

And one more thing.....While I agree that one one's choice of their drink should be based on whatever they enjoy, sparkling wines? : )

The first ever bottle of bourbon I bought was Elijah Craig 18 at like $45-50. My experience was almost as you describe.

now it’s like $140. Pass.

 

[Handyman]

It's all about the value!
When Blanton's was at about $40 a bottle I drank it routinely. The price shot up and I can't remember the last time I've had any. Same thing happened Redbreast (Irish Whiskey). You used to be able to get Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond for <$20 and that was a serious value. It's now about $50 and way out of my value range. Heaven Hill Green Label is a tasty bourbon that is as good or better than Evan Williams and goes for only about $13. It would replace EW in my liquor cabinet as the mixer bourbon but it is too hard to get since it is only available in KY. I would add that Evan Williams Single Barrel is worth the extra $$$ IMO. Right now, the only bottle that I'm willing to shell out significant cash for is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. It should be renamed as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof of the Existence of God!

And one more thing.....While I agree that one one's choice of their drink should be based on whatever they enjoy, sparkling wines? : )

EW Single Barrel used to be like $20 at a local liquor store...I should have bought boxes of it. Best value ever. Elijah Craig gets ignored by most people but even their cheapest of the cheap is better than a lot of mid range stuff.

I was on a business trip to Indianapolis and there was a steak place downtown that my buddy treated to. A bit pretentious but great whiskey selection. We had this awesome waiter (named Dave so I trust him ;^) )and I made a selection for my friend and I cause my friend knows little of bourbon. The waiter mentions that while my selection is great they have a deal with a distillery in KY and they have special blends you can't find anywhere. (the price point was high but they were barrel select stuff) I asked the waiter if it was worth it and he said it is all they drink off duty and my buddy ordered us 2 doubles since he was paying. For the life of me I cant remember what it was but good god was it amazing and it went with my steak to perfection.

And yeah as I said I dont care when it comes to my wine. I went to France a few years back and got hooked. Then went to Sonoma, CA and really got hooked. The more I learned about wine the more I really got into liking it and it is a nice buzz for low calories. (I am down 20 pounds during the pandemic for a reason and it aint just exercise) I dont drink it every day but it is nice fun buzz. Like I said I dont apologize :^)

 

[Handyman]

Ocean is a ****ing rip off and anyone who drinks it isn’t drinking it because they like it, they’re drinking it because it’s expensive. I’ve had almost every Jefferson’s under $100. PASS.

Woodford used to be my go to but something changed over the last few years. They’ve taken on a weird almost cherry cough syrup note. I still buy it but try to stick with double oaked on sale. Maker’s Mark is perfectly cromulent.

Oh god, wild turkey. I forgot how good that stuff is. Rare Breed is a very special bourbon.

This is such the right attitude. Ocean is good but again it is a "special occasion" drink AT BEST. That is something you have on your bar to show off. Honestly the lowest end Jefferson Reserve is better than most of the higher end stuff they do.

I havent had Woodford in a while so I guess I didnt notice if it changed. The double oak is always a good choice though. Surdyk's usually has a solid price on that as does South Lyndale Liquor. (my old go to when I lived in the city) South Lyndale always has a GREAT bourbon selection and will let you try almost anything.

Never really liked Wild Turkey but maybe it is time to try it again. That and SoCo I had when I was 21/22 and had no idea what I was drinking. Always ranks around where Jim Beam does...stuff to drink when you have nothing else to turn to.

Four Roses is another low price high value bourbon. Even their low end stuff does you right.

I remember one day I was working and I got stuck doing a tasting. They are no tip shifts and you usually make $50 it kinda is boring and a waste of time. My boss talked me into it and when I got there I realized it was a tasting for bourbon. Needless to say we had a lot of fun that night. did the same thing with Tres Generaciones tequila. Their distiller showed up and stood with me as we handed out tastes of the Plata, Reposado and Anejo. I am not a tequila guy but he spent the whole night selling me on them and sneaking me shots explaining the differences and such. By the end I totally got it. Problem I have is tequila doesn't taste as good at home as it does on a beach in Mexico ;^)

 

[Slap Shot]

My faves in the easier to find and not outrageous price category:

Blanton
Buffalo Trace
Woodford

For beer I prefer hops, but I love a stout, Belgian and when I worked in the yard didn't mind a High Life or GB Nordeast

I won't turn my nose up to Jack, Absolut Elyx, Bombay Sapphire, Aviation, Bulleit, any low cost Wild T (and I love the Longbranch)

When I want to spend a little bit more:

Oban 14, Tomatin 18, Booker's, Four Roses, Pappy Van Winkle 15, Beluga Gold, Stoli Elit, Monkey 47, Wild Turkey Rare Breed

In a blue moon:

Black Maple Hill 16, Chopin Family Reserve, Anty Gin, Ardbeg Supernova

 

[walrus]

Got to love how this thread morphed to good drinks Buffalo Trace is my new favorite. Knob Creek, Basil Hayden would be up there also. Tanq and tonics are a go to in the summer

 

[TalonsUpPuckDown]

TUPD's American whiskey recommendations for the day: Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey. Koval out of Chicago is pretty darned good too.

And I'd put an 18 year Highland Park up against any Speyside that's out there.

For beers, well, I brew my own. Hef's, porters, pale ales, IPAs are my go to favs. Throw some coffee beans in the porter and don't get your fingers in the way of the keg 'cause you'll lose 'em.

 

[MichVandal]

One correction- Buffalo Trace would be a lower version of Blantons, since Blanton's came out well before BT did. BT is the name of the distillery- which was making a number of alcohol brands. It wasn't until people asked about Buffalo Trace specifically that it finally came out.

BTW, you all should be also looking at your local distilleries. The big ones are good, and sometimes amaxingly great. But support local, too.

 

[dxmnkd316]

 

[Proud2baLaker]

I've never really gotten into the bourbons and have stuck mostly with Scottish distilleries. Aberfeldy, Ardmore, Balvenie, Clynelish, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, and Oban are the ones I have had with the Glenfiddich and Glenlivet being most common. I will sometimes keep a bottle of Bulleit Rye around for an Old Fashioned though. A buddy of mine loves the Woodford Reserve and I have had it with him a few times. It was good. I almost always have some vodka and kahlua on hand too. Especially around the holidays as I get a thirst for White Russians around that time.

For beer I do enjoy quite a bit but the one thing I avoid now is IPAs. I used to like them ok but it seems like the market got way overly saturated and its been a race to see who can make the most hoppy beer. I prefer the malt to be the star. Browns, Reds, stouts and porters, more subtle pale ales are more to my liking. I did get the opportunity to create and brew a few batches of a beer with a small local brewery here (father/son team; closed in 2020 due to combination of COVID and the father wanting to retire and move on). It was a Sage Ale. Pale ale like but with just a good flavor of wild sage we got in the Idaho Desert. It was amazing. I called it Esto Perpetua which is the Idaho state motto meaning Let It Be Eternal. It became one of their most popular beers. I drink some large scale produced stuff here and there. Guinness mostly, some Molson. But for the most part, I head to 2 of the 3 local breweries when I can (the 3rd is owned by an absolute jerk of a person).

 

[RaceBoarder]

It's more of a guilty pleasure, but I keep a bottle of Wild Turkey American Honey around... $20 well spent for regular pours.

 

[Handyman]

One correction- Buffalo Trace would be a lower version of Blantons, since Blanton's came out well before BT did. BT is the name of the distillery- which was making a number of alcohol brands. It wasn't until people asked about Buffalo Trace specifically that it finally came out.

BTW, you all should be also looking at your local distilleries. The big ones are good, and sometimes amaxingly great. But support local, too.

I actually always have a local around. Minnesota has a few very good whiskeys actually and vodka drinkers I know like our vodkas as well.

Slap Shot mentioned Black Maple Hill...havent had that in forever! Reminds me of The Happy Gnome in Saint Paul. My buddy and I would drink there when he lived close and it was a buffet of bourbon samples when we did. He used to have the hook up at a few Saint Paul spots. Many nights were rather dangerous but fun as hell.

Redemption makes a few very solid whiskeys which I was reminded of thanks to dx's post. Bulleit is ok but a bit overrated. (plus people think the "T" is silent which I can tell you without a doubt it is not...stupid hipsters)

For Scotch I am a highlands guy...and love the Speys. That was only backed up by my trip to Scotland. Scotch though falls behind Irish and American these days because it is often more expensive. I have a couple of bottles around but I almost never crack them because I paid a lot for them and it has to be the right occasion.

Speaking of Scotland I was at a bar outside of Eilean Donan Castle on our way into the highlands. (I need to get back there so friggin gorgeous) This bar could barely holds 10 people which is about what the town had. Our tour guide buys everyone a round. The selection isnt really great since they are a little towny spot but I see they have Jameson hiding so I ask for that. (shut up I was stupid and massively jet lagged) The bartender says "yeah we dont have that..." to which I point to the bottle. He says the same thing and stares at me like I am a British soldier there to kill him. I swallowed hard and had whatever they recommended. I can still feel his hatred...even though we all laughed about it later.

 

[Handyman]

I've never really gotten into the bourbons and have stuck mostly with Scottish distilleries. Aberfeldy, Ardmore, Balvenie, Clynelish, Dalmore, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, and Oban are the ones I have had with the Glenfiddich and Glenlivet being most common. I will sometimes keep a bottle of Bulleit Rye around for an Old Fashioned though. A buddy of mine loves the Woodford Reserve and I have had it with him a few times. It was good. I almost always have some vodka and kahlua on hand too. Especially around the holidays as I get a thirst for White Russians around that time.

For beer I do enjoy quite a bit but the one thing I avoid now is IPAs. I used to like them ok but it seems like the market got way overly saturated and its been a race to see who can make the most hoppy beer. I prefer the malt to be the star. Browns, Reds, stouts and porters, more subtle pale ales are more to my liking. I did get the opportunity to create and brew a few batches of a beer with a small local brewery here (father/son team; closed in 2020 due to combination of COVID and the father wanting to retire and move on). It was a Sage Ale. Pale ale like but with just a good flavor of wild sage we got in the Idaho Desert. It was amazing. I called it Esto Perpetua which is the Idaho state motto meaning Let It Be Eternal. It became one of their most popular beers. I drink some large scale produced stuff here and there. Guinness mostly, some Molson. But for the most part, I head to 2 of the 3 local breweries when I can (the 3rd is owned by an absolute jerk of a person).

Dalwhinnie and Cardhu are good bottles to buy if you like that region. Sheildag is a modestly priced one which has never done me wrong either. If you can find it Edradour is very good as well though pricey because they are the smallest distillery in Scotland. (had a very cool tour there)

I cannot stand IPAs. Taste like pesticide to me. Stouts and porters I can deal with but they fill me up so I almost never get buzzed. Seattle has a craft beer festival every year (or did) and I volunteered at it and mine was a coffee porter which was REALLY good but I can't remember if it was Kona or not. For beers I tend to try and stay local Minnesota has a few decent brands.

 

[aparch]

aparch,

When the Pandemic ends (assuming my spot re-opens which it sounds like it might!) if you ever make it to the TC area I will introduce you to some bartenders who really know their crap. They all taught me and can give you the best breakdowns ever. (and your bill will be very very...friendly ;^) ) I never liked real bourbon until I met them and they explained a lot to me.

Best advice I ever got was there are the bottles you show and the bottles you drink. Blanton's is a bottle you show on your bar and bust out on special occasions. It is pretty mediocre if it is your regular drink but once in a while it is nice. Woodford, Basil, Angel's Envy, Evan Williams even 1792 if you get it at the right price are the ones you pour 2 fingers of every night and it never gets old. To me that is what matters. To the "Price Tag Whores" it is about bragging...I got a buddy like that. His bar has tons of high end stuff and he lets me try all of it. Then he gets mad when I pick a mid range bottle and pour a big drink. He likes to brag, I like to drink.

While I was giving Kepler crap...I never actually shame anyone for anything they drink. One of my best friends drinks Bud Light and Patron and that is literally it. It makes him happy and that is what matters. I like drinking sparkling wine...like I care if anyone mocks me for it.

Deal. If I ever make it to the cities, I will set aside extra time for this.

Also, my wife would probably tag along as she is (well was, neither of us drink too often) a fan of whisk(e)y and bourbon as well. She actually got me to step it up from the Jack and Jim of my college days.

Yes Kep, I landed a redhead who enjoys bourbon. There are reasons I put a ring on her finger.

 

[Kepler]

Yes Kep, I landed a redhead who enjoys bourbon. There are reasons I put a ring on her finger.

So did I. Dr. Mrs. has far more sophisticated tastes than I.

Except in spouses, obviously.

 

[Handyman]

My SO is a feisty Greek...she drinks wine mostly but does enjoy rum.

 

[Proud2baLaker]

Dalwhinnie and Cardhu are good bottles to buy if you like that region. Sheildag is a modestly priced one which has never done me wrong either. If you can find it Edradour is very good as well though pricey because they are the smallest distillery in Scotland. (had a very cool tour there)

I cannot stand IPAs. Taste like pesticide to me. Stouts and porters I can deal with but they fill me up so I almost never get buzzed. Seattle has a craft beer festival every year (or did) and I volunteered at it and mine was a coffee porter which was REALLY good but I can't remember if it was Kona or not. For beers I tend to try and stay local Minnesota has a few decent brands.

Between Idaho not having any independent liquor stores, the huge number of folks with their magic underwear (((((mormons)))), and people around here just having no taste (I'm pretty sure they find ranch to be a bit to spicy), its hard to find much in the way of Scotch. I need to see what the stores in Boise may have the next time I am up that way. Most of what I can find is the stuff owned by the larger Bev corps. But Dalwhinnie sounds familiar which makes me wonder if I have seen it at the store. I will have to watch for it. I am not a big drinker by any means so I tend to buy a bottle and take my time on it. Sometimes I may have two on hand if I get one as a gift. I have most of a bottle of 15 year Glenfiddich reserve to finish off.

We do have a craft distillery opening up in my town though. Will be interesting to see what they are going to be doing. Its actually moving in to the former brewery I brewed with.

I do drinks some Irish Whiskey on occasion. Jameson neat was a common order of mine in grad school (followed by several Guinness). I used to keep some 2 Gingers around for Whiskey and Ginger Ale but don't drink that much anymore either.

 

[French Rage]

I, for one, love that the original subject matter of this thread is so dead that it's just become a booze thread. America is great again!

 

[MichVandal]

The local thing- if we ever get a frozen four here in Detroit again, there are a few distilleries that would make excellent tour stops. Here in AA, we have a cool local one that is still learning it's flavor. I hope to go "work" there when I retire in a year.

 

[MichVandal]

Between Idaho not having any independent liquor stores, the huge number of folks with their magic underwear (((((mormons)))), and people around here just having no taste (I'm pretty sure they find ranch to be a bit to spicy), its hard to find much in the way of Scotch. I need to see what the stores in Boise may have the next time I am up that way. Most of what I can find is the stuff owned by the larger Bev corps. But Dalwhinnie sounds familiar which makes me wonder if I have seen it at the store. I will have to watch for it. I am not a big drinker by any means so I tend to buy a bottle and take my time on it. Sometimes I may have two on hand if I get one as a gift. I have most of a bottle of 15 year Glenfiddich reserve to finish off.

We do have a craft distillery opening up in my town though. Will be interesting to see what they are going to be doing. Its actually moving in to the former brewery I brewed with.

I do drinks some Irish Whiskey on occasion. Jameson neat was a common order of mine in grad school (followed by several Guinness). I used to keep some 2 Gingers around for Whiskey and Ginger Ale but don't drink that much anymore either.

I think there are a few distilleries in Boise, and I could have sworn we had something from SE ID when we were there last. I have suggested to some beer makers in Moscow to expand their horizon, which works perfectly having UofI, the ag school of Idaho, right there.

 

[Proud2baLaker]

I think there are a few distilleries in Boise, and I could have sworn we had something from SE ID when we were there last. I have suggested to some beer makers in Moscow to expand their horizon, which works perfectly having UofI, the ag school of Idaho, right there.

There are a few in Boise. The only one I can recall was a local chain though and I was not impressed with their selection of their won stuff (Bardenay was the name). I dont get up to Boise very often and havent gone up that way since the pandemic hit. I do like some of the breweries ok. Spent a weekend up there 2 years ago just doing breweries. Had planned on another in 2019 but I ended up with an illness and had to cancel. When I get to Boise I tend to focus much more on the food possibilities as Twin Falls is seriously lacking there though it is slowly improving in both areas (with the aforementioned distillery and 3 breweries now when it used to be 1; and some decent restaurants giving it a go).