Hard Drinkers, Lets Drink Hard (Spirits, Liquors and Cocktails)

[Seul]

I'm in need of a good bottle of bourbon… I'll go by whatever you recommend, jdl... And then I'll see whether I can find it... Bourbon sure isn't popular here... 

[jdl1279]

What are you looking for in a bourbon Eli? Do you want a sweeter mash? Something a bit on the dry side? Top of the line quality?

[sabergirl]

I don't have experience with Europe's selection, but in Mexico there were only three or four bourbon's widely available. Of those, my faves were Bulleit, and Woodford Reserve.

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[Megatron1505]

Bulleit is good, not tried Woodford.

[mclaincausey]

Bulleit and all the other MGP made whiskeys gross me out. I really prefer something from an authentic operation. Doesn't have to be a 300 year old Kentucky distillery using on premise spring water but a factory distiller making stuff for a label chafes my sensibilities.

[Megatron1505]

Hands up who's surprised that Mac likes something a little more…..esoteric 

[Seul]

I'm with him though - would like something real (for lack of better vocabulary)…

[Megatron1505]

Yeh, I'm not necessarily disagreeing either, more a comment based on knowing that Mac is a man of very exacting tastes.

Bulleit is a fine drinking bourbon, but if you want something artisanal then it is outside of my knowledge or remit, I suggest asking @seawolf , I seem to recall that his knowledge in this field is extensive.

[mclaincausey]

I don't dislike Bulleit, if I'm being honest, its supply chain just puts me off from recommending it or ordering it if I see something more authentic. In terms of the recipes they use, they're legit, the product itself is solid.

I bet you could find Old Granddad (maybe even 114), since it's owned by Jim Beam and thus by Suntory. I really like high rye bourbons, and it may be a good gateway into ryes for you if you find the spicy character of rye in your mash appealing.

[jdl1279]

Bulleit isn't too bad, Jefferson very small batch is good,  Woodford is ok as is Turkey Rare Breed. I have gotten more into craft distilled of late, which you'd have trouble tracking

[seawolf]

@Seul:

I'm in need of a good bottle of bourbon… I'll go by whatever you recommend, jdl... And then I'll see whether I can find it... Bourbon sure isn't popular here... 

My favorite bottles:

The best bang for your buck: Buffalo Trace
The best all around and reasonably priced high end bottle : Blanton's
The most interesting I've had lately: Angel's Envy
Honorable mention: Elmer T. Lee and Four Roses single barrel

Tell you what Eli, take a picture of your local selection, and I'll be happy to help you choose a bottle.

[mclaincausey]

Rare Breed is excellent and likely easy to find. I should note Old Grand Dad is very affordable for how good it is.

I think I've mentioned a distiller around the corner from me, when life settles down, if there's a safe, legal way to make an exchange (for beer) I would be open to that @Seul . I could of course send something from Kentucky instead or in addition to local craft spirits.

[seawolf]

I've seen buffalo trace in the UK and in Japan. Also, I've seen (and purchased) Blanton's in Japan so I know it's out there. You can't go wrong with either. Fwiw, Maker's Mark is pretty solid and widely available. I buy it because it's a basic, pretty good bourbon, and it's reasonably priced to keep on hand at all times. Great for mixing for sure. I wouldn't dare mix Blanton's in a cocktail. It's too good on its own.

[mclaincausey]

Agreed, Buffalo Trace is one of the great widely available value brands. That distillery in general is amazing, their antique collection is really stupendous if you can find yourself some.

[Seul]

Thanks lads. (Thads.) I'll have a look around.

[seawolf]

Seriously regretting not stopping through Kentucky on my way cross-country.  My in-laws stopped at the buffalo trace distillery in the fall and bought a bunch of unique bottles.

[seawolf]

If Yanks are good for one thing, it's whiskey. Maybe two things if you count Jazz.

[jdl1279]

Blantons, Four Roses, and Buffalo Trace deserve a nod from me too. I nearly forgot Parkers Heritage and Barterhouse…these are superb albeit more pricey

[jdl1279]

[pillowPANTS]

One of you boys from across the pond feel like sending me some Buckfast?? Its for a good buddy that is damn curious about it