Bourbon Hunting for the BEST $50-100 Bottle

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Josh here. I’ve been pretty vocal about “traditional” bourbon hunting videos in the past and how… 1. I don’t find them very helpful personally, particularly in regard to allocated bottles (specifically because those bottles will be long gone from any store by the time a recorded video is released). 2. I do find them entertaining, and-while I’m not personally a bourbon hunter myself-I am happy that the hobby offers a hunting outlet for those so inclined. 3. I haven’t had any interest in creating “traditional” bourbon hunting videos myself. Why would I, after all? Brewzle already kills those. No need to re-hash what someone else has already perfected. …and the fact that we now have a “hunting” video online is confusing to some folks. I feel compelled to reply here as a lot of assumptions (and even some accusations and character-attacks) are being made. _Relax by the way, it’s just whiskey videos for fun._ To restate what I’ve said countless times, I’ve never been interested in making “traditional” hunting videos because they didn’t feel relatable or helpful to me and my specific approach to seeking out whiskey, and I tend to like relatable and helpful content. _I think we all do._ We believe this video is a much different take on the idea of traditional bourbon hunting videos, and if you’ve seen many other bourbon hunting videos, we think you’d agree. This is “hunting” done our way, which is really just a behind-the-scenes shopping experience, with a specific budget and purpose in mind, *and most importantly* a focus on highlighting the decision-making process that goes into that purchase *and then* a tasting and comparison to see if the search was a success or not. This is not a style of video we’ve seen represented within the “bourbon hunting” KZbin space, it *is* a style of video that feels far more relatable to us than store-hopping in an attempt to get allocated bottles, *and most importantly* the commentary on that decision-making process-and the tasting and comparison to follow-feels like it offers a lot of value to viewers who also shop and/or hunt with specific purposes and budgets in mind. For what it’s worth, our barometer for content is that it’s 1) fun for us to make, 2) true to ourselves and our opinions, 3) helpful and informative to viewers, and 4) if possible, mildly entertaining. We never know if we accomplish that last point, but this video certainly ticks all the other boxes for us. If you feel like we missed the mark on any of this above, definitely feel free to let us know. If you like this style of video and want to see more of them with other specific budgets and goals in mind, definitely let us know that as well.

[@irewlwatts5443]

I enjoyed the video. I don't need many of them from you guys but, if I'm being honest I was excited when I saw the Title. Drop another one in 12-18 months. ALSO!!!!! You guys have to get a bottle of Southern Star Cask Strength. It's a Weller 107 killer and craft from NC. I'd be happy to grab one for you or send a sample to you guys.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

@@irewlwatts5443 thanks! We'll likely do a follow-up to this one as it was a bit of a fail (given that Old Emmer is reported to be IJW Distillery-sourced), compare whatever we get next to the Old Emmer, and then we'll check in with our Patreon crew to see if they want to see more of these or not. What's funny is that "hunting" can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. It's really just shopping in our mind, but the way we often see it portrayed is 1) store-hopping and chatting up employees for allocated bottles, 2) camping out for drops, and/or 3) showcasing a specific store somewhere. This is just a personal opinion of course, but the far more interesting aspect of "hunting" for bottles to us is always what goes into the shopping experience. What someone is looking for, why they're looking for it, what kind of budget they're working with, why they made the purchasing decisions they did, and ultimately if they were happy with their purchase or not. We didn't see that style of video represented on whiskeytube, so why not make it ourselves? Most of our content is studio-based long form tasting and conversational content, and we've been doing that exact style for three years now. This was a fun way to mix things up while also giving us an outlet to further share our perspective *and* hopefully provide helpful content for viewers in the process. We're sure some will love that, some will hate it, and some won't care one way or another. Ultimately as long as it's fun for us, true to us, and helpful for others, it checks all our boxes for content we're happy to put out into the world.

[@YourAgentAJ]

I think it would be cool to see the both of you do one pick each. My wife and I watch your videos and connect with the couples content. She would definitely relate to the experience similar to Erin's comments about going to stores. But the perseverance to overcome that stigma would be encouraging.

[@thomasgallagher1945]

Quite frankly, I'm a bit surprised at the negative comments here. I found this to be a refreshing twist on the typical "bourbon hunt" videos that are all over KZbin. I thought that the in-store commentary was GREAT --- informative and entertaining. I mean , isn't that why we're all here? To be informed and entertained? Keep doing these Josh --- good creative content!

[@gorenflo8]

I couldn’t agree more, well said! Loved the video, keep up the great work!

[@Fatherrick1963]

I’m with you. We were polled as to whether or not we’d like to see something like this on occasion - and the results were overwhelmingly in favor.

[@AndrewB_88]

Ignore the negative comments, this was a nice change from the typical bourbon hunting videos I see on KZbin. I found this to be one of more entertaining videos I’ve watched in a while!

[@MJ-km3qz]

Yawl are my favorite sitcom on the airways. Erin’s facial expressions and hand gestures (I mean this with respect & intended as a compliment) make me chuckle. She’s very genuine. I love how you two bounce back and forth off each other. I’m glad you keep mixing things up. It keeps the show fresh and you both keep improving and producing better and better content. Thank you. ✌️

[@justinwilliams7637]

Hunting videos are a guilty pleasure of mine, but this is next level. Fantastic way to showcase the shopping/buying experience along with your signature tasting at the end. Super impressed by this and hope to see more! Negative comment providers can kick sand!! 👊🤣

[@tracejames8193]

Best video from you guys in a while, I love a curating and thought process approach!

[@digitalwonderbread]

Really enjoyed your take on bourbon shopping. I also think it was really good to have the tasting as the second part of the video to hear your thoughts on what you picked up. I would love to see more of these types of videos from you guys - it is a great addition to the channel and a good change of pace.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks! "Hunting" can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. It's really just shopping in our mind, but the way we often see it portrayed is 1) store-hopping and chatting up employees for allocated bottles, 2) camping out for drops, and/or 3) showcasing a specific store somewhere. This is just a personal opinion of course, but the far more interesting aspect of "hunting" for bottles in our mind is always what goes into the shopping experience. What someone is looking for, why they're looking for it, what kind of budget they're working with, why they made the purchasing decisions they did, and ultimately if they were happy with their purchase or not. We didn't see that style of video represented on whiskeytube, so why not make it ourselves? Most of our content is studio-based long form tasting and conversational content, and we've been doing that exact style for three years now. This was a fun way to mix things up while also giving us an outlet to further share our perspective *and* hopefully provide helpful content for viewers in the process.

[@Josh_Stringer]

Cool format. I like the hunt transition into the tasting idea.

[@843Core]

Awesome video! Love this style and highlighting lesser known products. I’ll definitely be grabbing an Old Emmer

[@twoshooz2003]

This was a great video and comes across as entirely relatable. I have a budget and have to go through these steps/process when I don't have a clue. Keep doing this type of hunt and comparison!

[@nathanwillems7214]

Great video. I like this video for two reasons. First, I am also a Total Wines shopper and recently bought the Old Emmer barrel proof from my local store. Having never heard of it before (and seeing the shelves stuffed with product) I spent 30 minutes combing the internet for a review and I could only find 1 and it was favorable. I ended up buying it and it was ok but my expectations were low to start. Would be nice to see more reviews of Total Wine and other liquor store craft shelfers that the rest of us are intrigued with but haven't had a chance to try yet in a bar. Second, this was a really clever format. I personally really enjoy Brewzle and Bourbon Hunter content, some of the best education around. Your take was especially crafty addressing a question that EVERYONE wrestles with on occasion and providing outstanding insight. Keep up the good and original vids. You are super educational. Love you both!

[@stvnva]

Enjoyed the tour through total wine. I did the same on vacation in SC from Virginia and ended up with the Still Austin Single Barrel for $79. Love every bit of it. Thanks for the commentary thru total wine and the recommendations.

[@TheBourbonJerk]

I don't usually watch the hunting videos, but this was unique and well done. Also, 'solid production value' as you like to say 😎

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks man! Since we’re not bourbon hunters per se, a behind the scenes shopping experience and tasting afterwards definitely feels more true to us and a fun way to mix up content a bit. Glad it’s being well received. Gives me a good reason to get to stores in the area and see what’s on the shelves and bring folks along for the ride.

[@MichaelVanKorn]

I loved this video! The hunt part of the video was more informative than the usual bro hunting video. I liked that you try it and have it side by side with a comparable whiskey. It’s a nice change of pace for your channel as well. Cheers!

[@NJ_Mark]

This video was a great change from the typical bourbon hunting video’s. I like how you called it shopping. I think that’s what most of use do (I could be wrong). I liked watching the process of selecting a bottle and then doing a tasting. Nice!

[@brianclick7080]

No thumbs down allowed. If you don't like this content then shove off. These 2 are the best on the web for bourbon videos. 😉

[@Mykkus]

I enjoyed this video. It felt more real than the ‘hunting’ videos. And now I often feel at total wine staring at all the options

[@brianshay6836]

Super interesting format today, guys! Love it! Its always interesting to see what other stores have on the their shelves compared to what we have here in eastern Washington. I shop TW quite a lot when looking for whiskey, not hunting mind you. I typically avoid all of the Spirits Direct bottles out of principle because I grew tired of sales reps always pushing them. That said, I did receive a Chestnut Farms single barrel from a friend for Christmas and it's quite good! (Also Spirits Direct)

[@mr.richiej]

I wanted you to know that i enjoyed this format of bring it back and try it great work.

[@travisrobeson306]

Loved the video and the look of it as well. It came across as more of a bottle shoot, than just running up and down the aisle. Keep it up buddy!

[@gfrank9772]

Every one likes Still Austin, nobody talks about TX Bourbon out of Ft. Worth not their blended. If you ever see their single barrel, cask finish, or barrel proof I would highly recommend them. Excellent Texas Wheater!

[@jakobtrest5513]

I love the TX Barrel Proof, Standard Straight Bourbon, and the Bottled in Bond. Way under rated IMO.

[@mistermom310]

I like the TX Tawny Port Finish. I also just ordered 3 bottles fron BENDT Distillery in Lewisville Tx...a DFW distillery. Orderd a blended, wheater and a single malt. I also enjoy Rebecca Creek stuff❤️🥃

[@Average_BourbonDad]

I agree 100%. Their ACTUAL distilled whiskey is great. All of their cask finished bottles are great as is their bourbon. I’ve not had the BiB though. As @mistermom310 said, Bendt is also very good.

[@StevenWalt]

Love your hunting format. Less tacky and cringy like the ones asking about allocated bottles and scanning the shelves without even taking the time to talk about what you are seeing. Great job!!!!

[@tylerboggs612]

Great video! Thanks for the shoutout! I know you say it all the time but if you are in Nashville hunting probably isn’t going to be spectacular but there are a ton of fun places to go. Southern Collective, Nashville Barrel Company, Pennington, Nelson Green Brier, Leiper’s Fork, there is a new place in Franklin called Stables Reserve …all very fun places to visit!

[@1stkazoo754]

*Insert White Chicks gif* - “SHOPPING!!!” 😂😂😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

😂😂

[@alabamafootballpodcast3582]

Yeah, this is a style to keep in rotation. Good to see what's available in Nashville... I need to get back up there. Thanks.

[@8791heel]

The TW Still Austin pick was apparently made with the direct input of Nancy Fraley. It is so good that I went back to TW to buy a second "bunker" bottle. (I shop at that exact TW you were in.)

[@Neil60121]

Human funk 😂 Erin’s comments are hysterical but descriptive

[@Razieleatssouls]

I like your spin on hunting. Definitely edited better than most others and the tasting included makes it feel complete rather than us wondering how it turned out haha.

[@johnlivingston8671]

Yes, do more of these type of bourbon hunting videos!! Great job!

[@Josh-xx1nb]

Loved the video! Crazy finding peerless double oaked and the ofsbbs rye. Those are good ones.

[@MildTurkey77]

"its a ripoff" haha love it. Thanks for shiwing us what Nashville has to offer on the shelf.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

I won’t be holding my breath for any brand pitches from Guero or Sweeten’s Cove 😂

[@thewhiskeysgt]

Enjoyed the episode. Keep it up.

[@rhayes458]

Really cool take on your “regular person hunting”! Keep doing you!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

As my daughter would say, “just be regular.” 😂 Lots of wisdom in that. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@Aged_in_Oak]

I love watching you two. It definitely leaves me with a pros and cons when it comes to things I think about buying. Keep up your awesomeness!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Spurring the thought-process of the "why" behind the buy for others was a huge motivating factor for doing this sort of video so we're happy to hear that!

[@mikem4432]

ok, this is a great video.. because your evaluating whether a bottle is worth the price in your market.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Exactly. We’ve had multiple people tell us that they want our opinions on what’s on the shelf. With that in mind, this is less hunting and more the psychology of behind-the-scenes shopping on a budget (since that’s what most people do we believe), plus there’s the review and comparison at the end. We hope there’s value in all of that for viewers.

[@BillyK13]

Great video content. Very real! FYI, the New Riff single barrels are awesome for the price!

[@Techswithpecs]

Nice find on the Old Forester and the Emmer!

[@Brad_Boersma]

Can’t wait for Dan and Sean to cringe when they hear that you think they like Traveller. 😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

They did rank it above Jack Daniel’s 10 Year in a blind. 😂

[@kingkrow420]

I really think this is an excellent video. Different take on “hunting”, just use “shopping” in the future for those offended lol! Its an informative, illuminating, and interesting look into your routine. And then an entire entertaining comparison/review. And all under 22 minutes!! Great job

[@paullee2177]

Enjoyed your hunt. I live in a small town in SW Washington so have limited places to shop. The nearest Total Wine or a Costco that sells spirits are more than 100 miles away. I am able to find good selections at the two liquor stores across the bridge in Oregon. Two days ago I was there and picked up a Widow Jane and an I.W. Harper, both new to me. I mentioned to the stocker, who was busy putting up their shipment that had arrived that morning, that I wished we would start getting some Eagle Rare around here. He said he didn't know but maybe there was some in the delivery. He went to the back a while and when I was at the counter checking out he brought me a bottle Of ER! Cheers

[@adamschulz8408]

Love this kind of video. Keep it up!

[@zacharyanderson6133]

Dont forget the Ascots like Traveler more than JD 10 too 😂.

[@robwalker6211]

Great video, very informative not just someone saying this is good this is good. Love the “this is a ripoff “ comments on sourced bottles. Great hunting video and I’d watch these all day. Keep up the good work. Cheers Oh yeah , if Erin was with you , you would have only been allowed to get 1 bottle. 😂

[@877-MASH-NOW]

I think Erin was trying to tell Josh to take a shower 😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

She’s not subtle. 😂

[@franklampard6316]

Not only do I dislike chatting up store employees to try and get an allocated bottle, but it almost never actually works unless you already know the store employee very well.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

True truth!

[@Jjkmbowman]

Love this content …. And the commentary in the store will save me some money!!! Keep up the great videos….

[@mrzales4633]

Chatting is an old school art lost in todays times. I chat up as many clerks as I can and make friends. Now I’m turning down calls for bangers. GREAT channel please keep up,the good work.

[@SteveMiddleton-l6l]

I really enjoy hunting videos. Hunting is one of the most enjoyable (next to drinking) part of the whiskey world.

[@dmberger]

I personally liked this style of video--it's not just watching someone shop. The trappings of 'hunting' are apparent in this video, though: it's really hard to 'know' about all the things that differentiate between distilleries/bottles/distillates, hard to know if something you don't know about is worth a blind purchase, and even once you think you've found a gem--you get home and it sucks/someone poops on your choice (KZbin comments). I like the idea of having a 'goal'--even if it isn't successful via a purchase--where you go through your process of choosing and end up with a decision to buy or not. Much better than just trying to find the 'allocated'.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Cheers to all of that! We thought it was a fun and informative take on the typical hunting video and are glad to see so many others feel the same way in the comments. It's well received enough that we'll at least have to make a follow-up to find another craft bottle and compare to the Old Emmer!

[@OldManJeff]

Loved the video, keep it up!

[@justinvandee9428]

I enjoyed this video. Hope to see more. Cheers 🥃

[@kennymiller6633]

My mouth literally dropped when you showed the OFSBBPR just sitting there on the shelf. I’m in South Alabama & our ABC allocated lottery drop is this weekend. I got lucky in the lottery and am #7 at my store (1st time winning ever) and it’s on table 2. Fingers crossed.

[@kennymiller6633]

BTW, forgot to say this - loved this new format. Hoping for more like this in the future.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It's the first time I've ever seen it on the shelf myself. Pretty crazy it happened during the very first "hunting" video. It's usually a lottery bottle here. Fingers crossed for you!

[@BarrelsandBlockbusters]

Fellow Alabama resident here, you should be able to get the barrel proof rye easy at #7.

[@kennymiller6633]

@@BarrelsandBlockbusters Thanks! I’ll be disappointed if it’s not. Here’s my real dilemma: Table 1: Blanton’s Gold, Weller FP or JD 12? Assuming all three are available. I have a Weller 107 and love it. Never had Blanton’s so thinking if I have gold to start with I’ll be spoiled. My whiskey journey stated with ol #7 so I’m torn.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

@@kennymiller6633 it all depends on your personal preferences. Of those three, and knowing you love Weller 107, it's hard not to recommend Full Proof. Everyone has opinions on whether they prefer 107 or Full Proof, but Erin and I both tend to prefer Full Proof.

[@danstinson9154]

Nice video, and I love that Old Emmer Cask strength! I was told and kind of agree it's very comparable to Weller 107. Just my opinion

[@bbpete8349]

I like that you went shopping at Total Wine! I've only started in past 2 years of occasionally going there instead of most of time going to local shops. I like seeing larger offers some times at Total Wine.

[@YourAgentAJ]

I'd be looking for Starlight, Copper & Cask, Shortbarrel, Barrell, 13th Colony, or Oppidan. But is Barrell really craft?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Starlight is craft but all the others are sourced.

[@sweetoak1205]

I like the Old Emmer for 50. I really enjoy the Ragged Branch bottles beside the MWS bottle. They are craft from Charlottesville VA and common in my market. Enjoyed the video as always!

[@SavageTuna]

Loved the video and the format! The matchup was a fail. TW would not be a place I would look for “Craft”. Gotta be better places in your area. Human Funk…😂. Love you guys!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

You'd be surprised on that latter part. The mom and pop shops here in Nashville, TN don't stock very many craft because they can't afford to stock things that don't move fast. Commerical lease rates are simply too high, the mom and pop shops are very small with limited shelf space, and 99% of our stores are mom and pop shops.

[@keithsmith4944]

Love the combo of the hunt (with rules) and then the review. Also, if I can only visit one bottle shop while visiting around Nashville which one should I go to?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

If you care about barrel picks, Nashville Daily Spirits (or Elixir in Spring Hill if you’re willing to drive 30+ minutes). If you care about maximizing shelf selection, it’s hard to beat Total Wine. If you care about allocated bottles and don’t mind a markup then Mr. Whisker’s.

[@keithsmith4944]

@@stuffandwhiskey thanks!!

[@Ken-Dad23]

The still austin cask strength is amazing, and a great value at $50! Haven't tried the single barrel because the CS is so good, I didn't think the SB could be make enough of a difference to justify a 60% increase in price.

[@Fatherrick1963]

❤❤❤❤❤ Still Austin - and especially the Cask Strength. One of my Top 10 easily. Have not seen the Old Emmer in Northwest Indiana, at least not where I’ve shopped.

[@MF-ng9um]

Format was great

[@mattfalk8493]

Josh in the Wild loved it.. this wasn't really a "Hunting" video it was more a "Challenge" which was cool. Then the tasting segment was a touch other channel's don't do so its a good concept for something different for you guy's "Challenge then Tasting" its brilliant...🥃🥃🥃

[@PapaGCooking]

Josh - Kuddos on the "hunting" scenes. Not only did I not get motion sick from panning, but you actually stayed on the spot so I could grasp the prices and enjoy the process. Cheers! P.S. Still Austin is my favorite (possibly only) Texas whiskey. Their Blue Corn variation is very good!

[@06mustangCE]

This was fun. But I know I have terrible self-control because I would've ended up buying all three of the bottles you were looking at. ...and the Old Forester Rye ...and the New Riff. lol

[@Larry3R]

Great video! I can get those JDSBBP Ryes for 65 now after a year drought. But those old forester BP Ryes are hard to get. Never seen one in person but I can get one for 199 online. But that’s a little overpriced.

[@JacobHuffD]

This was fun. I would love to see you do a pick video assuming you have a Scottish friend visiting. What bourbon would you pick for a friend who had only ever had Scotch whiskey.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That's an interesting thought! First thing that pops to mind is Eagle Rare given its age, reasonable price at suggested retail, and fruit-forward flavor profile. Just wish it was more available, which is what would make a hunting video interesting there to see if 1) I could find it, and 2) if I could find an alternative... (which my main alternative recommendation is usually Tin Cup 10 year).

[@mike2500]

I enjoyed the video. I agree with your style of bourbon hunting. I've had no success getting an allocated bottle, I don't have the required relationship with any of my local liquor stores. l would love to get one of your barrel picks but I live in MI which nobody seems to be allowed to ship to. I mainly shop at Total Wine and I qualified for a $5 coupon based on my points and was told yesterday that MI doesn't allow you to use that coupon to buy alcohol with. I even talked with the manager. How nuts is that, you can't use it for alcohol in a liquor store.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That’s crazy! And as far as we know, our retail partners on picks do ship to MI. Worth checking the Shared Pour and Keg n Bottle websites to be sure though.

[@mike2500]

Keg N Bottle does not ship to Michigan, it appears that Shared Pour does.

[@kennymiller6633]

The smell description that y’all come up with: Erin with the clean BO and Josh with the Michael’s “craft” store…

[@BB-kr7ep]

You got me to laugh out loud with the Bourbon Junkie guys liking Traveler. Something was wrong with Dan's taste buds that day.

[@TheWhiskeyRambler]

I liked your take on the hunting video

[@davecampbell1430]

Old Emmer is a house brand made for Total Wine by Barton Distillery - Not Craft

[@terrencemcdermott5840]

I didn’t think Barton made a wheated bourbon.

[@tlberg]

@@terrencemcdermott5840 Sweet wheat

[@mattschmitt9924]

​@@terrencemcdermott58401792 has a Wheated. Isn't that Bartons?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Wanted to follow-up on this as a follow-up with the local TW points toward IJW distllery out of KY (which is still sourced, so ultimately a fail on my part, but not Barton).

[@davecampbell1430]

@@stuffandwhiskey IJW uses Partner Distilleries as it's source for barrels, so they do not make their own product. Other "IJW produced" House Brands at TW are First Call and McFarlane's Reserve. The Wolcott and Chestnut Farms TW house brands come from Barton/Sazerac and say so directly on the bottles. The mash bills from Barton & Buffalo Trace are used at Barton for their lines of sourcing. With this being Emmer Wheat, where do you think this distillate is actually coming from? Bourbon Culture even confirmed this from their Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat Bourbon Review.

[@Nikoshasib]

Old Emmer is a Total Wine store brand. The cask strength is fantastic! I also have the toasted barrel bottle but I've only done one pour off of it, don't want to make a decision on it just yet. Anyway, id compare Old Emmer Cask Strength to Weller Full Proof any day. I actually prefer it. Total Wine also has Wolcott, made by Barton 1792, which is also excellent in the rickhouse proof. Also, drive down to Spring Hill and check out both Port Royal Liquor and Elixir Spirits. Both are great hidden gem holes with great selections.

[@johnh8268]

I would never pass up that Peerless. Looking for the Rum Cask next.

[@UnsanctionedTV_]

You’re a goo eroh 🤣 1:11 guess the cam did make it to the shop

[@petedavis4282]

Love the content, something to push you Josh , love your normal content but branch out once a month , it’s fun too .always try new things ,, it’s evolution for your channel , so good

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

I'm not sure if Holladay is considered "craft" (you can decide). Most of us recognize Holladay Distillery by their former name - McCormick Distilling Company (yeah, the lower shelf plastic bottle stuff), which they changed back to Holladay in 2015. They also barreled their first bourbon since 1985 in 2015. I was fortunate to tour the distillery that year and they showed us the first bourbon barrels in the rickhouse - barrel #1 was signed by the distillers and owners. If you ever go to Kansas City, make the trek up to Weston MO, I think it's worth it.

[@2lbsofbologna]

I thought this was interesting. I’d watch another one.

[@eviltrain24]

LAWS is owned by the guy that started Stranahans and located in Colorado. They are grain to glass and one of the most studious distilleries out their, getting into the minutiae of every aspect of whisky making to better understand all the influences. They also make solid to damn good whiskey. Do look into them when you can.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

This is solid info! Thank you!

[@jdsboomin529]

I got a bottle of LAWS 6 yr 4 grain. Just couldn’t enjoy it as much as I tried. Wayyyy too “crafty” for me. I dumped the last 1/3 of it. Not that it was that bad. Just had too many other bottles and needed shelf space lol. I could barely make myself drink it at the end lol. Maybe some of their recent releases are better because I’ve heard good things about it. But mine was not good especially at the price I paid. I want to say around 70$

[@tomshanley5405]

I enjoy this video, then tasting and comparing. I normally don't enjoy hunting vids. However as craft is concerned, Old Emmer is Barton distillate for Total Wine. So the challenge for the best craft 50-100 is out there.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Is it confirmed Barton? If so I’ll have to do a follow-up failure video 😂 and right this wrong!

[@BarrelsandBlockbusters]

@@LeslieBedding I wouldn't call this a hunting video. More of a "What's at my Local Total Wine" and "Here's What I Think About Products Available Near Me" video. I don't think they went against their values in creating this content. Also, it appears the Patreon (and other subscribers) requested this type of video from them, so they listened to their audience.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Hey Tom, wanted to follow-up on this as a follow-up with the local TW points toward IJW distillery out of KY (which is still sourced). Leslie, there's a pinned comment for that. "Hunting" can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. It's really just shopping in our mind, but the way we often see it portrayed is 1) store-hopping and chatting up employees for allocated bottles, 2) camping out for drops, and/or 3) showcasing a specific store somewhere. This is just a personal opinion of course, but the far more interesting aspect of "hunting" for bottles in our mind is always what goes into the shopping experience. What someone is looking for, why they're looking for it, what kind of budget they're working with, why they made the purchasing decisions they did, and ultimately if they were happy with their purchase or not. We didn't see that style of video represented on whiskeytube, so why not make it ourselves? Most of our content is studio-based long form tasting and conversational content, and we've been doing that exact style for three years now. This was a fun way to mix things up while also giving us an outlet to further share our perspective *and* hopefully provide helpful content for viewers in the process.

[@tomshanley5405]

@@stuffandwhiskey Thanks Josh for the information on that Old Emmet Source. I have never heard of IJW before. I have heard much about the TW being sourced from Barton, as there have been much rumor on that. I recently landed a bottle of Striped pig out of South Carolina. I get the bottle and sample it and it was delicious. Then I noticed a distilled in KY on the bottle... curious. In tasting it it reminded me of Baker's 7 but only 120 proof and 7 years. Then I saw a posting about the mash bill... 70cor, 21 rye, 8 malted barley... Green River perhaps? Another mystery to be solved.

[@MurfsKitchen]

/me adds Old Emmer to my list. I'm the same as Josh, I dont chase much but am very opportunistic and refuse to overpay by much. I've skipped many bottles on the shelf due to price only to find it later on for close to MSRP. It can happen! :)

[@aldogomez2681]

We visited Still Austin distillery a few months ago. For a 2yr plus bourbon, it's very good good. 1st time I had it reminded me of a 2003-2004 knob creek. There, RYE Cask-Strength is very good too.

[@nickp5511]

Nice selections! I have a bottle of Jacob’s Pardon 142 proof 18yr bourbon and it’s pretty good. My son gave me a bottle of Guero that he gets for 110.00 bucks and it’s very Dickel flavored and not that great. Traveler IMO is a drain pour:( I would have probably bought a pick or two, definitely the OF Rye single barrel, maybe the RY3 Rye, and definitely the Ben Holiday Rickhouse. I’m lucky I get the Heaven Hill BinB for 32.00 at Sam’s and the Jack Daniels SBBP rye at BevMo for 61.00

[@MangoSurferDude]

Toured Still Austin a couple of weeks ago. If Nancy is the one picking the single barrels, they will all be good.

[@eddybaby2804]

Laws is a great craft distillery out of Denver CO. I live in Colorado and we have a ton of great craft distilleries, and I think Laws is one of the best.

[@johnlogalbo5567]

Ooohh...Not sure why 3 proof points is the deal breaker, but I think you missed the boat with that Middle West Sherry Cask. It is fantastic. Sadly, I am in Ohio where Middle West is located, and that bottle costs me $100.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Just a personal preference for the price thing. We're sure it's great. Everything we've had from Middle West has been great and we've even done several barrel picks there ourselves. Big, big fans of what they do!

[@IzzosPlace]

This was great!

[@coywagoner779]

I passed on a Peerless DO rye at $124 at my local Total Wine. Definitely need to get on some Still Austin at some point, but I picked up a store pick New Riff single barrel rye yesterday that’s tasty.

[@GOTAisMe]

Invergordon is not single malt. It's grain whisky. I have not tried it but I tend to pass on Scotch that isn't single malt, blended malt or something with a great reputation like Compass Box

[@andrewbutler7681]

The thing with single grain is that it tends to need longer in the barrel than malt to 'round off the rough edges', so it's difficult to recommend until at least the mid teens of age, but tends to be good at 20 years and great at 30+ and a lot cheaper than malt of a similar age. One of the best whiskies I have is a 48-year-old Invergordon from Thompson Bros.

[@seththomas2214]

I just found Emmer in March. I actually enjoyed it. But for the price I’ll probably reach for my favorite Wild Turkey rare breed. Beings they are the same price here in Washington.

[@WhiskeyFan]

Balcones Single Malt picks from TW with the wine finish would be a good contender

[@ScottW4631]

I like this format. The challenge makes it more interesting.

[@davefabian2942]

Liked the pretext of the shopping trip but sorry you put a min limit of 100 proof when we are getting into summer

[@stuffandwhiskey]

I hear ya. Just a personal preference thing for the price point. I hope I highlighted that in the video. As always, to each their own. I'm sure there could be a sub-100 proof challenge in the future that could be a lot of fun!

[@bourbonhound1174]

Great video!

[@andymancan2088]

Invergordon is a grain distillery in scotland

[@TheDragonDelasangre]

I'm in Oregon and damn I'm drooling at your selection there. I don't have half that on my shelves.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Keep in mind that this is the biggest box store by a solid 50% of the next biggest store in the area, and probably 70-80% bigger than most of the mom and pop shops we have here. It's definitely a good spot when you need a big selection though. Sounds like this was a well received video so we'll do another follow-up or two for sure and at different stores to show some range.

[@mattschmitt9924]

I had that cask strength Emmer in my hand last week due to an employee recommendation. I did pass it by. He said it was comparable to Weller full proof. I'm in love with the Holladay Wheat Rickhouse Proof. Haven't tried traveller.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Saying it's comparable to Weller Full Proof feels like a wildly inaccurate sales tactic. I'm not even the biggest Weller fan and I can say that I STRONGLY disagree with that employee's choice of comparison.

[@mattschmitt9924]

@@stuffandwhiskey Thank you for your opinion. I believe you just saved me 50 bucks!

[@billybruticus4719]

Davidson reserve rye is amazing!

[@sstorey79]

Oh yeah, the Brentwood total wine. Been there many times

[@TheRealJeremyHedman]

That Old Soul Tin Type!! 🤤

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Tin Type 1 > Tin Type 2. Big fan of Tin Type 1. No clue if that's where it should be priced, but if it had been sub-$100 I wouldn't have been able to avoid it.

[@BarrelsandBlockbusters]

@@stuffandwhiskey That seemed to be retail. Maybe I need to revisit it. I wasn't crazy about it the first time I had a pour at a bar.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

@@BarrelsandBlockbusters it's got a funky twist on it, and we do tend to prefer good Nashville Barrel Company picks ourselves for less money, which is likely why we've passed it so many times.

[@adamhyman2625]

Love this kind of video! I think the follow up with the tasting of your score is the best part!

[@ianreynolds494]

Old Emmer is sourced house brand, really wish you had picked up the Ben Holladay as that is true craft.

[@ianreynolds494]

So your "craft" shopping trip ended up with 2 legacy bottles and a Total Wine house brand. This is an interesting experiment, but in the future I would love to see you partner with a locally owned shop that is passionate about whiskey and see what recommendations/picks they have.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

I hear you but feel like those end up feeling like commercials for those stores, and I’m not interested in that style of content at all personally. We still don’t know where Old Emmer is from. There’s a lot of sourced craft out there as well. Sagamore and Middle West are two favorites on the craft front that source to other craft brands. I should’ve spoke to this in the video but we recently tried Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof (and it was super solid) but a big part of this was to get out and try something I’ve never tried before, which is what ultimately pushed me away from the Ben Holladay and Still Austin. The OFSBBS rye and Traveller were only included to showcase how it impacted my budgetary decision on getting a $50 bottle instead of a $100 bottle. Obviously neither were a part of the “best craft for $50-100” challenge. Hopefully that helps to understand some of the decisions made.

[@ianreynolds494]

@@stuffandwhiskey Probably should have mentioned it, but did a tasting at TW and they very openly admitted that the Old Emer line was sourced from Barton. Not trying to be overly critical, just kind of amusing. I also get you about being advertising. Like I said this was an interesting experiment, but what yall do all the time is still the best thing you have going. This is literally the first "hunting"video I have watched. Cheers.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

@@ianreynolds494 wanted to follow up on this based on info from the local Total Wine. IJW distillery and not Barton is what they said. Still sourced and thus a fail. Will have to do a follow-up with a new selection from a different store and see if it can best the Emmer Wheat.

[@ianreynolds494]

@@stuffandwhiskey Interesting. Can't call it a total fail if you still got whiskey! Bet the Holladay Wheat would do pretty well up against that one. If there is another craft slot open would love to see you guys tackle Old Dominick. Don't think I have seen that on the channel. Think their standard is 40 and BIB LE is like 80. Thanks for the follow up and look forward to more experiments.

[@MattQB]

Ok if we’re doing spirits direct, have you tried Wolcott Rickhouse Reserve?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We haven’t. Any good? I think it’s confirmed 1792 Barton sourced, correct?

[@MattQB]

I really liked it - went quickly sharing around with friends too. Yes it’s Barton sourced, but great price point and nice full flavor profile