7 TOP BOURBONS I Can't Live Without!

These 7 bourbons are ones I always want to have. "can't live" is obviously overstating it, but these are ones I will always restock and buy when I get low. They are all exceptional values and can be usually found with some effort from time to time.
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[@58markmc]

I always have the RR single barrel, 10 year and Rare Breed on the shelf. Found a RR single barrel store pick for the first time last weekend. Fabulous! Also picked up a New Riff Single barrel store pick as well and that was even better!

[@johncannon3593]

1. Russel’s Single Barrel 2. Weller Full Proof (I can get it once or twice a year through established relationships) 3. 1792 Full Proof store picks 4. Four Roses Single Barrel (or barrel proof) 5. Woodford Double Oak or OF 1910. They fill the same niche, so one or the other is fine. 6. JD Single Barrel Barrel Proof 7. Rare Breed

[@Ahuntrgw2013]

I like that Wild Turkey Rare Breed! It was the first one I had tried at 115 proof, put one huge, square ice cube in it, sipped at it for an hour 🤷🏻 and it didn’t seem to lose its taste!

[@Ahuntrgw2013]

Oh, I have also had JD Single Barrel (think it was Barrel Proof - it was black label). I think my normal “go-to’s” would be Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig.

[@barryschwienteck5412]

Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are my normal go-tos... straight or mixed. - Rare Breed straight up neat. - Woodford either neat, or as a Manhatten. Good stuff.

[@johncannon3593]

Black label in normal proof single barrel - the barrel proof is a gold label. @@Ahuntrgw2013

[@kobe17ify]

Im surprised no Eagle Rare. The rare breed is something I’ll always want on the shelf.

[@823Brad]

That Bardstown Orgin white label is so good! I just purchased my first bottle a couple of weeks ago and man is it delicious. That was a Whiskey on my Bourbon bucket list to own and I'm so glad I finally saw one in stores.

[@dawson0000]

For me, it's Rare Breed for my Friday night pour, Tin Cup 10 for an everyday drinker, and Early Time BiB for back yard sipping and cocktails. There are others but I tend to keep back ups in the cabinet when these start getting low.

[@brmicmatthews8398]

Truly can’t beat Rare Breed for the price, nose and palate. Not the biggest fan of Tin Cup though, I just can’t justify the $50+ price for an 84 proof bourbon. Also agree with you on the early times.

[@damayor9559]

What an outstanding list! I have 3 of the bottles on it and hopefully I can find the others. If I'm lucky. Thank you and keep up the great work. Cheers...

[@jimwhite7053]

Would suggest a Woodford Double Oaked as a great always have.

[@TacoTruck17]

I agree 👍

[@jeffreystringham1914]

Awesome List. I love the John J Bowman single barrel but cannot find it in my area. I look for it while traveling but seems to be hard to find everywhere now. I would add the Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit as a good single barrel that seems to be available now.

[@micahroth4858]

Love this list!!

[@brmicmatthews8398]

I always have at least 4-8 back up bottles of Old Grand dad 114, 1792 small batch, Rare Breed, and James E. Pepper 1776 bourbon. Great choices/video.

[@ps138vs2cavi]

You must have no kids

[@jimharger6742]

Great choices! I have the first five in my collection and always keep in stock. I have not seen any OF blue label. Tried a pour at a restaurant once and loved it. Have you tried the OF green label? That is one of my all time favorites. Another bottle I always keep in stock is OF 1920. Great whiskey!

[@msutton01]

Really good list David!

[@supershrek33]

Absolutely agree on the Russell's Reserve Single Barrel pick's

[@user-Acerv-]

Great list. Another staple bottle is the Makers 46 Cast Strengrh.

[@joelechner466]

Totally dig the Origin series and the John J Bowman SB is really good too. Wish I could find the OF SB's down here in North Carolina!

[@kevinmccabe1423]

Great video as always. Thanks brother

[@CountyLineCollectibles]

Good Video I currently have 2 of those in my bar setup. The Knob Creek 12 and The John J. Bowman Single Barrel

[@MessengerOnline]

Thanks so much for the video. I found an amazing rye out of NC that is hard to find unfortunately. Mother Earth’s Carolina Rye. I know it isn’t a bourbon. But it is a special pour.

[@swn69]

RRSB is my absolute favorite. I also like the 10 year and the 6 year Rye. Excellent bourbons.

[@eriksossa5297]

Great list!!! Haven’t had the Bowman, but the other picks are spot on… LOVE Old Forrester and haven’t had the Blue yet…my search begins!

[@JD0124]

I agree with you on the Bardstown Origins white label. It's excellent. I'd have bought it again, but I went for the black label as my next Bardstown.

[@OldFashionedWays]

I have not seen that Bowman SB, but do see some others. I agree with Bardstown origin, but I prefer the black label BIB. I also really enjoy Barrell Vantage. But great list and can't go wrong with any of these bad boys. cheers

[@vbtom]

Solid picks, everyone I especially agree with the Old Forester Blue label but I try to a few others in my stable, Bare Knuckle 6 yr CS, JDSBBP, Heaven's Door Cask Strength, Benchmark Full Proof

[@schneids02]

Absolutey love Old Forester 100. Great bottle.

[@MagicMike007]

Great list! I have everyone except the OF blue label. Can’t find it in North Fla. . I just bought a bottle of the Bardstown and can’t wait to try it. Cheers.

[@christopherciulla8190]

Love Four Roses Small Batch Select! It was described to me as the same as the LE just younger. It is a must in my cabinet. I would replace your OF 100 with WT 101. It is my Swiss army knife. I drink it neat, on the rocks, and mixed. Lastly I would include OF rye as a must. It is my go to for an old fashioned (it’ll change your life!)

[@user-by6in3gd1x]

Great list! I picked up an Old Forester, President's Selection at the distillery last month. Haven't tried it yet. Love just about everything from Old Forester. I also love Rabbit Hole and Angels Envy. 🥃

[@dudeman3857]

Rabbit hole sherry cask is delicious.

[@benbinner4190]

Great cocktail bourbon. I also love old grand dad bonded

[@user-ji9lo7jx4f]

Awesome list!

[@martyp5976]

Si, great content as always!

[@lexwaldez]

Your list is spot on. I love me some Knob Creek Single Barrel 120, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, and John J Bowman Single Barrel. I found some JJ Bowman Small Batch for $40... is it worth giving the small batch a try?

[@robertensley9744]

John J Bowman is in at the distillery now, limit 1 purchase. Great tour BTW. Was there yesterday.

[@davevogelsang6791]

I have found 2 bottles of Bardstown Illinois Single Barrel 6 Year, 120 Proof. So good. My seven bottles I cannot live without are Early Times BIB, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength, Stagg Jr, and Russell’s Reserve Private Barrel Store Picks. 🥃

[@bartolley8580]

Never miss the opportunity to be outside!! .....with good drink makes it even more special. Really like your content!

[@nathancrevonis3351]

Can’t help myself, if I were to add one more to the list it would be any Rye coming out of Sagamore. Whether it’s the finished reserve series or their double oaked/cask strength. Best ryes on the market

[@FakingANerve]

Their cask strength is my favorite rye. Good god, does it make a stellar Manhattan!

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

It is good. I have a couple different ones. Pikesville is still my fav.

[@mikedemorris2634]

@@hoobeydoobey1267I agree, love Pikesville. Cheers! 🥃

[@69CamaroSS]

Agreed….Sagamore Double Oak is AMAZING….and affordable….and available!!

[@CruiserDawg]

The Cask Strength Sagamore is excellent. I just got the Sherry PX Barrel finished. I'm looking forward to trying it.

[@powellpatterson4928]

While Wild Turkey 101 is my go to for cocktails I will be exploring some of these on your list.

[@WhispyWoods.]

Old Forester 100 is a regular sipper for me. I have used it for old fashioneds too. Cheers 🥃

[@scooter2d2]

Agree on the Old Forester 100. Another nice budget bourbon is EW BIB.

[@davidcolgan3268]

I haven’t had all that you listed like the Bardstown or the Bowman. But, I agree with your others. I would add Wild Turkey 101 Rye.

[@billamsdell6471]

John Bowman is a great one to have I agree on the comparison. I also go with the Isaac Bowman as well

[@Pfunk3146]

Just picked up the Bardstown because of your recommendation and you are right, it’s delicious. Will definitely be keeping this one on my shelf from now on.

[@WhiskeyRow]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it

[@dethvader5261]

My 5 must haves are JJB, Rare Breed, Russels Single Barrel, JD Single Barrel Barrel proof, and Four Roses Small Batch Select.

[@gregflores5839]

Eagle rare, Buffalo trace, woodford reserve, woodford double oak , Jack single barrel, Russell's 10yr , benchmark single barrel.

[@who0icu812]

Jack 🤮

[@DaveNorton-yi5ix]

I've gotten to the point where I keep a Jack Daniel's Single Barrel open all the time ... the store picks are common in my area and are always worth it.

[@Lithanify]

Have you tried the Barrel Proof? It embarrasses the 94proof bottles for me. And their pricing is just ridiculous... Like $15 difference between the two bottles... sometimes less.

[@DaveNorton-yi5ix]

@@Lithanify Yes ... they're very common here, so that's another reason I gravitate towards JD products. They're available, they're priced reasonably ... oh, and they're good too. What a concept ;-) I keep the SB around for when I don't want a high proofer.

[@Lithanify]

Yeah I do enjoy my bottle... but @ $60 for my store pick SBS... I prefer ER(35) Elijah Craig SB store picks (35-40) Knob 9 (40), and WTRB (50)... so I don't think I'll replace it... but the Barrel Proof @ $70, I feel is in much better company. Not my Favorite bottle at $70, but nothing substantially cheaper beats it other than rare breed, depending on my mood (very similar quality sips imho). @@DaveNorton-yi5ix

[@CruiserDawg]

That's a great list. I just found a bottle of Knobb Creek 12 and John J Bowman Single Barrel at my local beverage store. They had 2 of each left. I left 1 of each for someone else to enjoy. I can't wait to try them. 🎉🎉 I have 2 Blue label Old Forester Single Barrel and just got another that's from warehouse k, which I hear is where all their good stuff comes from. My first 2 are from warehouse 6. I'm almost done with 1st bottle and it's delicious. I would add Stagg and JD SBBP to the list. Those are some great pours also.

[@initdialog]

Great to hear you left some for others.

[@Chris-de2qc]

How are you finding stagg as a normal stock rotation?

[@CruiserDawg]

​@Chris-de2qc I was lucky enough that my local store was getting them. It was being sold at 89.99 plus you had to buy 1 or 2 extra bottles. It usually came to around 150 - 170 total, which is a good price even if you didn't like the 2 other bottles. It was usually Yellowstone, Tequila, or Vodka.

[@hanktharipper10]

Nice… better then Eagle Hmmm I’m going to need to try that one. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@robertharper2158]

Heck yes.......outside again. Been waiting for this!

[@jeffvance6171]

For me it's Wild Turkey Rare Breed, a few ECBPs, a few Booker's (getting harder to do this one), Old Grand Dad 114, Fighting Cock (for mixing), Knob Creek Single Barrel (120), and most anything from Buzzard's Roost that's cask strength.

[@MichaelBortner-qk4zl]

I agree on the JohnJ, RR so, and OF sib and the BBC white label. I would toss in the JDBP, and maybe the Rare Breed and a BT for all the beginners

[@joeyoliver504]

It's always a bummer we can't get the OF SB in Virginia, should be added to the barrel drop list but all are fantastic choices to keep around

[@MrBoostin18]

Solid picks. Pretty much same as me.

[@Glock2201]

About the only 2 we are seeing around here are the KC12 and OF100 with the latter being rare. It is nice to know you like the OF100 in cocktails. I did manage to pick a bottle up and when I open it I will try it neat, on the rocks, and with a few different mixers. I also just opened up an Evan Williams black label which I have only tried neat and it was OK so looking forward to trying that on the rocks as well as some mixers. If I find a cocktail I like that in It would be great because it is available in the 1.75L which would make it a great value. I am a huge fan of most every OF product I have tried so I am sure that SiBBP is an excellent pour.

[@PeteQuad]

I lately picked up the OF 100 Rye and it is also great and only $23 where I got it. Currently the only sub $30 bottle I am enjoying.

[@WeeStrom]

Bowman is great esp at retail, was at a blind where it beat Pappy 10 by a bunch. Agree on the Russell's too! Lucky to have both atm, thanks for the list!

[@footnotedrummer]

I couldn't agree more with the Old Forester SB, BP. It's pretty astounding.

[@ttiger9780]

Can't find any RRSB for a long time. Love the store picks. Can't find any OFSB, either.

[@HonoluluBlue81]

There were a few on your list that are staples for me. I’d add Woodford Double Oak and Sagamore Double Oak for me.

[@jasellsrealtygroup_boston]

Good 7 David!

[@johnmarincic1650]

Defiantly Four Roses. Also Weller Green. I have no problem getting it. Woodford Reserve Double Oak. I can get its at our local Sam's Club. If I want to splurge Old Elk Double Wheat. Also have Early Times Bottled in Bond. I got a case of it Earlier this year before everyone went nuts for it..

[@randymcneill4455]

Old Foresters 1910. Excellent. Especially the price point.

[@fredbaker6315]

I absolutely love KC Single Barrel Reserve 120; OF 1920 is another of my go to’s and Bakers 7 is another underrated bourbon which I love to find around 10 years old. Loved your video and keep searching because there is really good bourbons out there

[@jimedmondson3905]

?? KC

[@jimedmondson3905]

?? KC

[@jimedmondson3905]

?? KC

[@jimedmondson3905]

?? KC

[@jimedmondson3905]

?? KC

[@balbomb]

I took this as, what bottles am I panicking when I'm down to half a bottle and no backup. So for me that is my most regular drinkers. 1) Buffalo Trace 2) OF 1910 3) Eagle Rare 4) Makers 46 5) OF 1920, feels weird to put two such similar bourbons on the list, but I drink a lot while smoking cigars and sometimes you just want that familiarity of tastes with your favorite cigars and bourbons.

[@esoterictrinitarian1990]

Awesome list

[@louiepietroforte9686]

Old Forester 1910 or 1920 are my #1 on hand bottle.

[@hardcornpour]

Great list! I love that JJB. Picked up 2 in Winchester last week. Are you going to Boots & Bourbon 2023 in Warren County?

[@jeromepeters6935]

I try to buy all of the OFSBBP, OWA 107, and JDSBBP for reasonable prices that I can find. I love in the DC Suburbs in MD(DMV) and have been blessed to get access(with a little tatering) to most bottles. The only bottle that I would add to your list is ECBP.

[@armedmariner]

I can’t live knowing I don’t have a Belle Meade 108 on hand. That just does it for me as a great special sipper at a fair price. Luckily I can usually replace it without a big worry at my local shop.

[@mistermom310]

My keep in stock bottles are 1/Wild Turkey Rare Breed 2/Four Roses single barrel 3/Larceny Small batch 4/ Wild Turkey 101 5/ Jameson Black Barrel 6/ Redwood Empire Pipe Dream I also keep a Bunnahabhain 12 Islay single malt on hand

[@brmicmatthews8398]

Bunnahabhain 12 is literally the only Scotch I actually enjoy. Probably because it’s a non traditional Islay whiskey and is matured in bourbon barrels.

[@TheAsander4]

Couldn't agree more about the Bowman SiB, especially for the price point of $50 -$60. It beats Blantons every time. My in laws live in Fredericksburg, I am in MD, we should meet up at the 1781 Brewery some time. Have a cigar and talk shop

[@collinwilliams5097]

My 7 "findable / reasonable" bottles would probably be: JDSBBP bourbon, JDSBBP rye, OFSBBS, ECBP (any batch), Sagamore rye (any non-beer or tequila finish), WT RB, and KC12 or KC SiB SPs. Best values in bourbon and enough variety to keep things interesting!

[@brmicmatthews8398]

I’ve still got an unopened bottle of ECBP b519. One of the best ever barrel proofs from Elijah Craig in my opinion; 122 proof is perfect.

[@nickwood8282]

My three must haves Larceny Barrel Proof, Southern Star Paragon BIB, & Makers Cask Strength.

[@toopurp]

Spot on with that snickers note on that knob creek, I get that as well

[@WhiskeyRow]

Nice, palette alignment

[@BeThere_BestServedNeatOnIce]

Funny ... I agree with you about the Bowman label ... so annoying that it's *green* . I'm in a good-sized city and can't find the 100-proof Bowman on the shelf. I saw it *once* about four years ago.

[@crisprtalk6963]

My grandpa used to go to the liquor store every once in a while and buy a case of four roses. Every night he and my grandma would take a shot of the whiskey. They did this for decades. Both lived into their 90's.

[@eliwilson8242]

Everything in moderation. Thats inspiring tbh

[@TruckA1888]

@whiskeyrow Southern MD resident here.... Bowman's pro tip. Call the distillery to see if they have the Single Barrel in stock and buy it there. Lately they've been limiting it to 1 bottle per person per day, but they just did a run of it late last month and should have plenty in stock.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Wow. I agree with a lot. The 4 roses small batch select is so crushable but so expensive now. I subbed that for 4 Roses single barrel. I do like Russell’s store picks and I amassed a collection of them. I may stop though because now they’re $75 before tax. OF Blue label Fuggedaboudit!! So rare and if you do find it $90. I’ve been forced to sub in OF 1910

[@zac_dl1913]

Noah's Mill. Man, I go through it... but I love that it gets left off whiskeytube lists because I don't want the price to creep up more than it already has. I think there a couple of reasons it gets overlooked / ignored but that's fine with me 😁

[@BeThere_BestServedNeatOnIce]

Isn't Noah's Mill supposed to be pretty inconsistent batch-to-batch/year-to-year?

[@brmicmatthews8398]

I feel the same about James E. Pepper 1776 bourbon. So damn good and not many people really know too much about it.

[@user-Acerv-]

I feel for in the $60 range, Makers 46 Cast Strength is a must have and a rebuy bottle. For $50 I will always rebuy Wilderness Trail Wheated. It’s fantastic.

[@BrianVaughn]

I think I have a longer list bit a couple are on your list. I don't like Old Forester as much as you do and would replace those with Elijah Craig bottles. So my seven would be: EC Small Batch, Henry McKenna 10, Russell's store pick, 4Roses Small Batch Select, NBC Cask Strength, ECBP, Bookers.

[@troybucher6383]

I've blinded Bowman single barrel vs EHT small batch and i always pick the EHT. To me there is a big difference in mouth feel. EHT seems a lot more oily and coating.

[@lexwaldez]

The only reason I know you're right is I have Bowman bottles and I've tried EHT offerings at our local bar, but I can't find EHT bottles for sale anywhere near where I live. Enjoy, sir!

[@timblaes7028]

I bought a Bardstown white label today after your recommendation from a a previous video of yours. Never again.

[@jwfitzpatrick1730]

Widow Jane 10 year is one of my favorites

[@guitar_gnome]

Hah. I'm learning some people look down on this, but for me the staple is Woodford Reserve. I always have Woodford, and Woodfort Double Oak. After that, it's a toss up between 1972, Wild Turkey 101 (highly underrated), and either Makers 46 or Makers 101.

[@hank976]

Currently only two bottles of Knob Creek 12 in the state of Oregon.

[@carlmschwarber259]

OGD114, Woodford double Oakes, Dexter , Yellowstone single barrel, Bardstown origin black label, Jack Daniel's sbbp rye, and Horse Soldier silver label these are top on my list but I have others that can never be replaced J MATTINGLY products

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Dang. The Russell's Reserve Single Barrell store pick at Total Wine in Seattle is $108. Then you add another $25 with Washington's grab your ankles tax. I have never tried it for this reason. If I am spending more than $100, I am probably going with malt. I do like KC12 quite a bit, but I have KC9 much more frequently - I like it almost as much and the Costco here routinely stocks it for $20. If I every see KC12 at Costco, I am buying a case of it.

[@sethw4569]

Rare Breed, Old Forester blue label, Jack Daniel’s SiBBP. Everything I try ends up being compared to those three. I’ve also got a Stranahans cask strength store pick that’s is amazing but I’m not sure if it’s just this bottle or they’re all good.

[@JL_301]

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch is a decent one for some cocktails

[@Lithanify]

Agree on EC12, I'll add ECSelect (120 proof) too. Also Rare Breed and Eagle Rare.... OF100 probably makes my list too for the best value ~100proofer I know. There's a $5 off coupon around here right now; so it's like $20 for a 750. Can't beat that.

[@robertlear2712]

I love Knob Creek 12.

[@ISPhotographic]

Wild Turkey 101 Rye for cocktails

[@79champions]

I'll do my seven that I always have. Four roses small batch select (my fave) Blade and bow Old Forester 1870 or 1910 (availability) Makers 46 cask Willet pot still reserve Angels Envy (wife fave) Jim beam white label (for guests lol)

[@Odessaterp]

Wild Turkey 101 is my go to.

[@williambedard4375]

1.Larceny barrel proof 2. Knob Creek 9 3. Stagg 4. Elmer T Lee 5. Rare Breed 6. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 7. Four Roses Single Barrel 3, 4, and 6 are tough to find so i dont drink them often so i buy stuff to fill in the gaps. Evan Williams small batch, Rabbithole Cavehill, Old Forester 100 and 1910, Woodford Double Oak, Makers Mark limited editions stuff like that.

[@normlang1994]

KC12 is a unicorn in NC. Will buy every time I see it.

[@robertmott9556]

Seagram’s VO for me as a staple in my house - I use it for a mixer.

[@DLSeven]

A must have for me is Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I do love the Russell's Reserve Blend Single Barrel as well.

[@bertblue9683]

Traveller and Jefferson's very small, very old are the only two I've bought subsequent bottles of.

[@gregoryperry3195]

You can never go wrong with Old Forester 💪🏾💯

[@WhiskeyRow]

You sound just like Jaime... but it is true

[@meangreen816]

Woodsford Reserve double oaked has to stay on my shelves.

[@homer5328]

I guess everyone has different tastes because none of yours are on my list. Eagle Rare, Rabbit hole derringer, old forester 1910, Old Elk Wheated, WT rare breed and Widow Jane Decadence. And for mixing WT 101.

[@prtitan]

Other than local Virginia ABC stores, do you have a preferred shopping source in DC or Maryland? (I am in Fairfax so always interested in going beyond the state run retail.)

[@offthetrailphotography5915]

I would replace the Bardstown with Kentucky Peerless Double Oak bourbon, otherwise, the rest of my list looks identical to yours. John J is phenomenal especially at the 55-65 price range ( paid 80 for the last one I found) It is the best semi-regularly available Saz product on the market... Kills Blantons... I see John J and Blantons on the shelf, I am taking John J 10times out of 10. It has been super hard to find in KY for the last year and half, 2 years ago, my local always had 2 cases on the shelf :(