Starting a Bourbon Collection: What to Buy and Avoid-Bourbon Real Talk Episode 71

[@Timmorrisjr]

My go-to is Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Love it. Should’ve included it as it’s pretty easy to find.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

It is an extremely affected bourbon for toasted barrel flavors, so I would not recommend it to someone who is new since it is so off profile for someone trying to learn what are normal bourbon flavors...although I do love me some double oak.

[@murderfase82]

Double Oak and BT are my daily sippers. Very good stuff.

[@brianm5194]

mine too, it's very good

[@jerwur39l94]

I love Evan Williams bottled in bond 100 proof so cheap and remarkably smooth and delicious

[@yanksrule311]

I don’t care for the double oaked, but do like ‘regular’ Woodford Reserve. To each their own.

[@shaunflanegin9491]

I’ve tried a bunch, I keep going back to Wild Turkey 101!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

It's so good!

[@hazydavo]

Me too. Tasted a bunch over the last few years and I settled on WT 101 as my daily sipper now. Solid, great flavour and great value.

[@nickd5158]

Totally agree. Non-bourbon drinkers act surprised when you mention it as being good. We buy the economy bottle.

[@hazydavo]

@@nickd5158 yep they do, and poo poo the brand. Scotch drinkers especially.

[@nickd5158]

@@hazydavo I don't get it. It's good, period. Watch some blind tastings where it pretty much always finishes in the top half. Plus it stands up to ice. I generally drink bourbon neat but if I want it cold 101 is the one one I reach for these days.

[@kudukilla]

Once upon a time, Blanton’s was my go to. Those were they days when you could pick through the dusty bottles on the shelf and pick out the horses you were missing.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I remember when Blanton's was always on the shelves and people kind of considered it a bad value.

[@robertlee6781]

I remember the Blanton's billboard on the expressway in Lexington, KY. Easy to find then.

[@bryanjones3900]

Not that long ago a friend told me to buy Weller 12. It was around $25...which is about the most I was paying for a bottle back then. Sure wish I held on to a few of them now!

[@bryanjones3900]

NoName99 NoFace88 send it over and I will help you

[@anthonylee6677]

You nailed it. Everything on this list is easy to find, affordable, and punches above its price tag.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I like that!

[@darrellreed7044]

1792 full proof ain’t easy to come by when the State controls the supply in VA!

[@bwats2921]

I got turned on to Evan Williams / Heaven Hill products when I toured the distillery. Love the single barrel. Glad it made the list!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

It is a solid pour. Great quality price ratio (GPR). When I was a new collector I was at a store in Topeka KS. They had an EW SiB. I had never seen one. It was $99. I wanted to buy it so bad, but since I was new I looked up the MSRP and passed. Now I see it on the shelf for around $30 all around town. Narrowly avoided that mistake.

[@w.jamesconley5433]

I have been watching a lot of bourbon videos as a newcomer to the product and this is by far the most informative. Thank you.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Maxbps88]

Remus was indeed an interesting character, to say the least. Remus after being a pharmacist became a defense lawyer. He had early bootlegger clients that paid fees in thousands in cash to get back on the street. Remus, knowing his clients weren't the brightest of the barrel, figured out what was going on, then through a former client that was from Cincinnati but had murdered his wife while in Chicago (Remus was his Defense Attorney) learned that Cincinnati, OH, was central to about 90% of all the bonded whiskey/bourbon in the US at that time so he took his girlfriend, left his wife and kids in Chicago, and moved to Cincinnati to begin his empire. Another interesting note about George is that he was teetotaler = didn't drink alcohol. Side Note: The Great Gatsby was not 'about him' per se but the main character was based on George Remus. George met the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald who married a woman from Louisville (sound familiar? The main female character in The Great Gatsby is from Louisville, KY.) at a big party at the Seelbach Hotel in downtown Louisville, KY, which is still a hotel and the same bar where they met is still there and still a bar. George was sent to prison in 1925 for tax evasion, before Al Capone, in fact getting George this way gave Eliot Ness the idea to get Capone for tax evasion. Furthermore to deepen the craziness of his life, the Fed put an undercover agent in a cell with George. This agent when he learned of the extent of Remus' empire, instead of helping the gov't, quit, moved to Cincinnati, started dating George's 2nd wife whom he had left the keys to the empire. The two of them then took as much of Remus' money as they could find and left. When Remus got out of prison, he went to his Western Hills mansion in Cincinnati to find it nearly striped clean of anything of value and his empire in ruins. Another note RE Remus' mansion = he had one of the first, if not the first, indoor pool in America. And, similar to The Great Gatsby's lavish parties, one New Year's Eve party participants - the women left with keys to brand new Cadillacs and the men left with gold Rolex watches. He lived the rest of his life in Covington, KY, just across from Cincinnati west of the Licking River and is buried in Falmouth, KY, about 45-mins south of Cincinnati. Meanwhile many of his cohorts started casinos in Newport, KY, which is just East of the Licking River from Covington also across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. Remus 'Gang' influences helped create America's first Sin City in Newport from the 1930's through the 1970's ending definitively in America's second worst location fire killing 167 people in 1977 at the Beverly Hill Supper Club in Southgate, KY, which is about 20-mins South of Cincinnati. And, btw, the reason I know all this is (1) my grandparents were both Pharmacists in heart of Newport during the Sin City years and my grandfather knew many of the people including one of the mob bosses as he sold him his three daily Antony & Cleopatra cigars; (2) my great aunt (other side of my families) starting dancing at what was then the Beverly Hills Club at the age of 15; (3) My Great-Grandfather from my paternal-maternal side (so my dad's mom...the pharmacist...and yes my grandmother was a pharmacist long before most women worked or went to college...she was brilliant and beautiful) was also a pharmacist in Cincinnati and Western Hills and knew George Remus, in fact played poker with him on occasion; and (4) when I started writing a novel about my grandparents (running their pharmacy business and raising a family in the middle of Sin City owned by the mob) I kept uncovering so much incredible history and amazing stories that the single novel became a series of novels with George Remus being the key character in the beginning novel (though it is actually Book 2 of the 7 book series). Enjoy. God Bless & Godspeed! Maxbps8

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Amazing information! Thank you for sharing.

[@aryfrenkiel8641]

what a treasure trove of information. ta!

[@fedcordesign]

Care to share the name of the books? Sounds like an interesting read.

[@bradroberts6447]

Interesting read. Thank you for sharing.

[@tonyrome655]

After all that, you’re not going to tell us the name of the series?

[@JohnSmith-xi2oq]

Buffalo Trace, makers mark, woodford, 4 roses, remus, and russels 10 year (white label) are my standard. There are so many out there. Great recommendations.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I love all those pours myself. Thank you for supporting the channel!

[@shadowballen6463]

1792 is outstanding for beginners and experienced alike. One of my favorites.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I enjoy all 1792. It isn't for everyone, but I love it.

[@FakingANerve]

@@BourbonRealTalk It might not be for everybody, but not everybody is right.😄 Kidding (...ish). It really is an underrated whiskey!

[@BretSimmons]

Dude great advice. I can drink WT 101 any day, any where. Put it in a blind test and people will mistake it for a $70 bottle. Makers 46, Knob Creek, and the Old Forester line are all great pours available almost all the time.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks

[@uncledeadhead3674]

noone ever has mistaken wild turkey for anything but crap in a blind test, people only buy it because they think they are getting some great underdog pick. wild turkey is crap its for guys who drink whiskey in shot glasses.

[@CoryMayleSonofKrypton001]

I'm a long time Scotch drinker who was recently turned onto Bourbon. Great video. I've been loving 4 Roses. I think I'll pick up WT101 and Buffalo Trace next.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That is awesome. Please keep in mind that those products are meant to be good quality price ratio whiskeys and are not meant to blow your mind with complexity of flavor. They are simply solid bourbon at a reasonable price.

[@ericleebens2535]

My first buys for bourbon was Col. Taylor small batch, Col. Taylor single barrel, Col. Taylor barrel proof, and Elijah craig barrel proof.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

What year was that? I have not seen all 3 EHTs on the shelf a once since 2015.

[@elizabethtomkelley4976]

What a great and interesting tour. Well delivered as well. So many folks add ahh and ummm that I really appreciate and notice when someone can deliver their thoughts at the speed of speech. Excellent job!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I appreciate that, but when I watch my videos I feel like ahh and ummm is all I say. Cheers!

[@jeremiahfuertes5960]

Just started collecting. Russell’s 10 year has been my favorite so far. So damn good.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Agreed!

[@patrickfulmer9596]

Whether you are a noob or a seasoned whiskey lover, no collection is complete without Wild Turkey products. I keep 101 and Rare Breed in my bar.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Truer words were never spoken. In my opinion :-)

[@philmunsee79]

Been collecting for about a year now, I really learned a lot. Awesome job.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@leighsimmons2663]

Great video. Buffalo trace and makers mark 46 were my introduction to bourbon and I still love them to this day as every day whiskeys. Blantons for nice occasions.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

My podcast tomorrow is going to be about that. Bourbons for different occasions.

[@richiechristie007]

Hey I just wanted to say thank you for that last comment. Life hasn't been going great for us the last few weeks. And it really made my day.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad I could help!. If you want more of that same connection and support I would recommend you join our free member community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/

[@johnbwilson1]

This was a great video. I have or had all of these brands except Ramus. I loved 1792 Small Batch!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it! With so many people chasing after a hand full of labels it is nice to know there is still quality whiskey available on the shelf for a good price. I recommend you check out Remus if it is distributed to your state. Solid whiskey for the price.

[@lisajean228]

I’ve wondered about flavor and the open bottle conundrum….looking forward to hearing more about your study!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have recorded with a couple of people so far. Not sure how long it will take, but when it comes out I hope it is useful.

[@johnpluta2666]

The best way to start any kind of Bourbon, Scotch, etc. collection is to do what I did. Go to the liquor store and buy as many of those small airline bottles as you can. When I first started drinking Scotch I tried a small Laphroaig cause a friend told me to try it. That was also the last time I tasted it. Back to bourbon, if you like a milder one that's where those Antique 107 Weller's come in. A wheated bourbon softens the alcohol on the tongue. For something better you can't go wrong with Knob Creek. For a little cheaper Old Forester is very nice too.

[@jasonleonard1879]

Would love to see a part 2, where to go next. Been collecting for a year now and have been lucky with some that I’ve found in the allocated category. But, would love to hear about others I haven’t tried. Great vid.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I will work on that.

[@Nitrogenburn]

Just stumbled across this page. I'm just starting out in whiskey/bourbon. I had no idea who produced a number of these brands. This will help the next time I go out looking for bottles to expand my collection. Thank you for the information!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for watching!

[@Scott-tq3fx]

Best closeout of a video I have ever seen... love you too Bourbon Real Talk

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you! We are all about spreading positivity!

[@davidlast4682]

Thank you so much for this! You, sir, have integrity!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad I could help!

[@johnspartan9383]

Woodford Reserve definitely should be on the list for beginners, but is just such an overall amazing Bourbon.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I do like Woodford, and I drink it often. I didn't include it because it is super banana flavor, their marketing about it being pot still bourbon is misleading, and it is one of the youngest KY bourbons that are widely distributed. Woodford mixes pot still and column still whiskey, but does not disclose what the percentages of each are. It is also so widely distributed that even new whiskey drinkers have likely been exposed to it. I tried to pick bottles that were available but may not be something the newer drinkers were exposed to.

[@geraldburns2328]

I have tried some Woodford Reserve double oak and have a bottle on hand. I recently bought a bottle of Jim Beam double oak for comparison. Both are good in my opinion.

[@stewartpress9219]

one of the best Bourbon reviews I have ever listened to fantastic!!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Wow! Thank you for the kind words. Cheers!

[@Lunabjj]

Great video! After much debate and sampling, here’s my collection so far: Buffalo Trace Elijah Craig Small Batch Balcones Texas Pot Still Maker’s 46 Four Roses Single Barrel Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Blade and Bow

[@BourbonRealTalk]

All solid products! Enjoy!

[@MarkAS56]

That Four Roses Single Barrel is one of my absolute favorites

[@peterb.3278]

Great info for Someone getting into Bourbon. Sent it to my Brother who just started. Not a bad bourbon in the bunch. Most will find something to their taste and can then move up in proof with that flavor profile. Glad you included Remus. I love the Remus line (so underrated). Don’t sleep on the Old Forester line.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Couldn't agree more

[@Timinator257]

Not a huge 4R fan (too much oak) but love BT.

[@BloodManDan24]

I agree with what you said about Wild Turkey. Just about all of their products are easy to find, and with a bit of looking you can find the Master's Keep. Also interesting that the Japanese have their 101 age stated for 8 years, and they have an exclusive 13 year too. Although I haven't tried every bottle out there, I'd kill for them to re-release a Wild Turkey 12. I'd seriously choose that over a current Van Winkle or Stagg.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Same

[@tlevans62]

I pick up the 8 and the 12 when I’m going through the airport in Japan. Great stuff.

[@harryjosten]

I also like Redemption products for their quality and price. Their high rye bourbon is always on my shelf.

[@wizzer88]

Great video. I was a scotch drinker for many years and got into bourbon early this year. I started because I was able to pick up a bottle of weller's antique for retail and decided to give it a try. Since then my bourbon collection has grown up to 35 bottles. Knobb creek, larceny and eagle rare are usually my go to. I recently picked up a knobb 12 and larceny barrel proof (for msrp!) And I felt those lived up to the hype. I wish I was able to grab a few more of those bottles.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

If it is a major KY distillery, the bottle is a little more difficult to find, and it is MSRP...I don't see a way to go wrong. Welcome to the bourbon family. Cheers!

[@fedcordesign]

Eagle Rare is one of my favorites... Will have to try the Knobb Creek and Larceny. They've been on my list, but so many choices!!!!

[@davidf.8345]

That’s why I like bourbon. There are plenty of good inexpensive choices out there. Cheap tequila, brandy, or scotch are usually awful, but not bourbon.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Very true!

[@SG-wj2qj]

I agree. In Canada, $50 gets you a bottle of 4 roses Small batch, 1792 small batch or Eagle Rare 10yr … Great bourbon’s 🥃 and many more. $50 for a scotch, ah… JW red label, Grants triple wood…Ugh. Maybe a bottle of Monkey Shoulder, it’s decent.

[@ericcake5075]

You can get some inexpensive tequila that is delicious. Tres agave, Arette and Cimerron

[@michaelkrembs5127]

Love the Buffalo Trace products. I agree with the comment about how difficult they can be to get. Also love the Wild Turkey 101. Great bourbon at a good price.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Couldn't agree more. Cheers!

[@vodkashana]

Could not agree more with your assessments. As a collector about 4 years in, these are almost the exact same recommendations I make to my friends who are new to bourbon. And Larceny might be the easiest product in the world to pick out because of that peanut butter flavor you mentioned. Thank you.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you. I regret not including Old Forrester and Old Grand Dad Bib or 114, but I was working with the bottles I had on hand and was out of both of those. Cheers.

[@chad3625]

Makers Mark cask strength is my current go to bourbon, followed closely by Angels Envy. Great info and well put together video!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I like those two as well. Cheers!

[@jackhanson857]

I've started my collection with Wild turkey 101, Woodford reserve, knob creek 9, Buffalo trace, makers mark cask strength, and Larceny

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Solid!

[@superscuba73]

Four Roses Single Barrel is my go-to for an old-fashioned. I'm sure the small batch is good but it mixes different mash bills while the single barrel has one single mash bill.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Yes. I generally avoid the SiB because I like the SmB just as much and I can not justify the price difference.

[@seanm1572]

I have the single barrel of the 1792 its hard to find for a cheaper bottle! me and my neighbor are getting into this stuff love it man keep it going!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Love 1792! Check out my interview with the master distiller if you are interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqTOd2evnNh7j7M

[@jasonluera5058]

Just got a bottle of the single barrel for Christmas. I love it. Was stuck on woodford double oaked but i think i just found a new go-to.

[@Dkosier]

Single Barrel 1792 is probably my favorite under $100 whiskey. The small batch is also good. I’m not a fan of the Full Proof though.

[@stevenperry4941]

I rarely have more than two open at any given time exactly because of the changes once the air in your house gets into the bottle! I’ve been drinking the yellow label Four Roses and is just fine over ice!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Air does not affect distilled spirits. Evaporation does, but there are no compounds in distilled spirits that are chemically reactive with oxygen. Your bottles will change due to evaperation, possibly secondary chemical reactions in the bottle (not due to oxygen), dissolved CO2 changing PH, and UV damage, but that change is very slow. It is generally safe to have bottles open for an extended period of time, and if they do change some people like them better.

[@Trexducatis]

Started with Evan Williams for cocktails, grown into 1792 sweet wheat, enjoy Remus, Double oaked Woodford, and lucky 13.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I like a WDO for an after dinner drink. So good! I don't have any Lucky 13, but I have tried it and I like it.

[@jonathangrauer3050]

This is a nice overview of reasonably priced (all under 40) and good tasting bourbons. I’d put Old Grandad 114 on that list for anyone who wants to delve into higher proof whisky.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I agree. I always have a bottle.

[@patosler9853]

Agree. Recently tried OG 114 and could not believe how smooth it is.

[@ernestclayton8550]

Very interesting reveal on your experiment! Can't wait! Cheer's

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@frankmummolo7727]

What a great intro for us newbies! CANT wait to watch more! Thanks!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks so much!

[@Moves_Nation]

Buffaloe trace was my intro to bourbon. Even after trying most all the other ones in the vid this is the one I always come back too. Major brown sugar, honey and cherry notes

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Love a nice pour of BT. When I can I drink Benchmark Full Proof, which is about the same thing as BT but at a higher proof. Cheers! If you are looking to get more connected I would like to invite you to join our free community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity

[@blackmownkey]

A lot of these I've tried, purchased, and enjoyed. I just tried the Buffalo Trace and was well impressed. I love the Blantons, and especially like Uncle Nearest, but after hearing, well, reading all the praise for Wild Turkey, I will have to give it a shot. 1792 is one that I've had my eye on for around a year. And "collection"? I buy a bottle and drink a bottle (responsibly, of course).

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That works too! Thanks for watching!

[@kevinvitale8980]

Very good video subject... I started maybe 2 years ago and this would have been very helpful to my haphazard introduction

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Working on some more videos along these lines. People seem to appreciate them.

[@Indyjeeplover]

Excellent list and well thought out. Funny, I saw the title of the video and four of your first five immediately popped into my head. The other was Buffalo Trace which was added at the end. If 1792 Small Batch was allocated, I think buyers would be chasing all over for it like they do Blanton’s, etc. Sometimes I think we buy the label instead of the contents more for snob appeal than anything. I’m just as guilty, I have a Blanton’s that will last forever simply because I’m not willing to pay $119 for another, and there are $40 products that are just as good. They just don’t have the cool little horse. I’d maybe add Angles Envy for newbies simply because it’s sweet, no bite. Smooth. Easy to find, at least here. Here in Indiana as of 10/2022 Buffalo Trace is finally easy to find again and very reasonably priced. Most lists like this have goofy or rare stuff I can’t find. Thanks for a great video.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

When I made this I specifically wanted to suggest things that were available on the shelf, which is why BT was a bonus suggestion since it is hard to find in some markets. I also didn't want to recommend finished bourbons with unfinished, which is why I didn't consider AE. Thank you for watching.

[@fedcordesign]

Randy, thanks for the great video and information. Truly appreciated. There are soooo many choices for a new bourbon collector, that it becomes a bit challenging on deciding what to buy. What's a good value... What's going to match my taste? Honestly, I enjoy the search. Coming across a bottle of Eagle Rare (which is one of my favorites at the moment) at MSRP brings a smile to my face. Funny thing is... I didn't start out as a collector. I bought a couple of bottles of bourbon (after sampling at a friends house), then bought another, then started searching for more. Then it started to occur to me that maybe... just maybe. I might have started becoming a bourbon collector, without even realizing it. One clue... Just went on a family vacation to Florida, and when the rest of the family was relaxing back at the condo, I thought it was a good opportunity to see what bourbons the local area had! One things that's still far from me is the tasting/flavor profiles you describe, but slowly and patiently, am working to discern the subtle flavors. Thanks again for providing a wonderful site and sharing.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

This is awesome. If you want a deeper dive I recommend you join our community at facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity

[@davidcook9246]

I didn't know I was a collector either. Then there was 30 bottles on a shelf

[@Chilliwack56]

I started collecting a while back and have found the hunt to be interesting as, where I am located, in BC, Canada the availability is limited for many of even the more common ones mentioned. Certainly the prices (considering exchange/duty) up here are more expensive. I have a round I make of local stores since what is available, in private stores, varies from store to store. In addition the government liquor stores have a website that I use to "price" what they have for comparison purposes.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I find that anyone willing to put in the work can have success in the hunt. Cheers!

[@PDM1967]

Just found this channel. Really like the straightforward honest presentation.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!

[@mikew2067]

My go to everyday sipper is Evan Williams BIB. Great value.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Agreed

[@Avigdor404]

Just started a whiskey collection. So far I have Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Dalmore 12, and Old Forester 1910.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

All solid pours. Cheers!

[@aramb5482]

I recommend also throwing in a eagle rare 10 if you find one for about 35 bucks, it’s a great way to get a high age buffalo trace product at a low price, But great collection so far!

[@Avigdor404]

@@aramb5482 Yeah I’ve been looking for that for a while. Since posting this I’ve also gone through Elijah Craig Small Batch, Marker’s Mark 46, 1792 Small Batch, Four Roses Single Barrel, Early Times, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey 101, Old Forrester 86, and Builet

[@stevetech5150]

solid selection. majority of these picks wind up in my bar regularly. Larceny is one of those sleeper bottles that has a good wheated flavor profile if you like wheated bourbon. ggod video! my favorite is always Old Forester 1920. explosive bourbon flavors, higher proof and easily handles on the rocks or a mixer if you're into those things.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have featured OF1920 in a few recent videos. Solid pour.

[@jarhead767]

My first haul was Buff Trace, Bulleit, Elijah Craig & Four Roses Single Barrel.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

SOLID!

[@CALTECH007]

Very nice presentation. Just love Makers Mark and MM 46 and I always will buy some Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare when I can get it. Elijah Craig is another staple for me. No way am I going to spend over $60 for bourbon when there are so many good buys in the $20 to $50 range.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Right on. You can drink world class bourbon without breaking the bank!

[@ikehobbs3892]

Thanks for making this! It was exactly what I was looking for as I start my brown water journey.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

You're so welcome! Thank you for supporting the channel.

[@secaII]

One of the best bourbon videos on YT! Great list and I like the simplicity of the video.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Appreciate that

[@Markees_34]

Barrell bourbon is my favorite bourbon. Love it

[@BourbonRealTalk]

As long as you are comfortable with the price for what you are buying...that is great!

[@cjsamtab7]

I've always been a Jack Daniel's and Southern Comfort kinda guy, back in the days when I drank to get drunk. But after the Pandemic, and after laying off drinks some decades, I still find JD and Southern Comfort my drinks of choice -they bring back some memories - and have just decided to collect whiskies and truly drink to enjoy the feelings these whiskies invokes. For starters, I have two 1L Southern Comfort (a white and a black label), 3 limited edition JD, one 10th Birthday edition in black glass bottle (all of which I won't open unless I hit the lottery jackpot) bought a Maker's Mark standard and the 46, a Wikd Turkey 101, and thinking of a white label Jim Beam. Still in my shopping cart are a JD Tennessee Fire, a JD Single Barrel, the Evan Williams, Jim Beam Double Oak, a Knob Creek Bourbon, and the Wikd Turkey Rare Breed.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Some solid pours in there! Cheers!

[@_RT___]

Funny I started a shelf 5 months ago, along with my friends we went through about 20 bottles trying to find what we liked. Now after trying them all, Buffalo Trace, EC small batch, Larceny, and Woodford malt are what I intend to buy again. Almost duplicated your suggestions for a beginners shelf.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That is awesome! Glad to provide a little confirmation.

[@dojan]

Wow. Very close to my starter shelf. Larceny is my daily. Lately, it has been out of stock at my local stores. I am starting to get a little worried that others have begun to discover it.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@dojan I don't think it will ever go allocated like Blanton's. You should be fine. Cheers!

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

Old Forester 1915 or 1920 is a must....

[@BourbonRealTalk]

1920 is featured in my video top 9 bourbons under $60

[@craiggirolami5895]

1910

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

@@craiggirolami5895 Yes, thank you...Mix both and you get the 15...Thanx

[@paradiswest4395]

I'm still new in my bourbon / whiskey journey and am slowly growing my collection. As of this posting I have Eagle Rare 10 ( personal favorite), Knob Creek 9, Suntory Toki, Suntori Hibiki, Angels Envy, Elijah Craig SB, Woodford Reserve, and Makers Mark. My next purchase will probably be either 1792 or a Four Roses.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

All solid pours!

[@Markees_34]

I hear four roses Kentucky derby 2019 is amazing. Mad expensive tho.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@Markees_34 I am unfamiliar with a bottling of 4R that is for the derby. Do you have some more information?

[@tinderella2386]

How about Blantons?? Have heard nothing but glowing praise for their private reserve and it’s super easy to find here in Australia, I’m sure it’s easy to find if you’re American 🇺🇸

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@tinderella2386 Unfortunately Blanton's is very difficult to find in the US. There are different versions of blanton's sold around the world. Until recently, only the Single Barrel was available in the US, but they did start to sell gold and straight from the barrel. It is easiest to find blanton's overseas and in duty free shops.

[@johnfindlay5805]

I have been a single malt scotch whisky drinker for many years. Just recently started to broaden my pallet into the bourbon whiskey world. This video is fantastic. I've tried the Four Roses and George Remus on this list already, both fine pours. I enjoy the toffee, caramel, butterscotch notes in bourbon. Perhaps do some videos of categories of bourbons based on flavor profiles?

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I will consider this!

[@zoliivincze620]

Just found this channel,but like it much. Very good video on how to start collection i just start home bar and almost the same bourbon collections what i v got here in the uk! Love the channel! 10/10

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Welcome aboard! Thank you for supporting the channel.

[@EddieDixon-c8t]

I basically started out with Eagle Rare and haven’t looked back! Still love Eagle Rare and have several bottles in my “stash”. I enjoy Four Roses, 1792, Casey Jones and Buffalo Trace as daily drinkers. I live in Paducah, Ky, so having access to bourbon isn’t an issue, I pay around $50/bottle for Eagle Rare…. God bless you all on here on your bourbon journey…

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeremybass4962]

New to bourbon collecting. I'm interested to hear about the open bottle experiment....I was just talking to someone about shelf life after a bottle is open

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I started it the first week of January 2020, so I have just under a year left.

[@thomasbelk3834]

I have tried all of those except the Remus. I need to find a bottle. Good recommendations. What I liked the most about this clip, a beginner like me these picks help to develop your palet.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for your comment! I'm glad you found the recommendations helpful. It's great to hear that the video has helped you develop your palate. Have you tried any other bourbons or whiskeys that you would recommend to others?

[@thomasbelk3834]

I really like the Makers Mark 101, Old Forester bottle and bond,1910 and 1920 just to name a few

[@JL-pb5ft]

Great content! I’ve been into Bourbons more recently so I’m glad to see a few of your recommendations are on my shelf. That said, I’m very interested in trying some of the others you have mentioned in this and other videos. Thanks!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you like them! If you are interested in a deeper dive I would like to invite you to join our free member community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity

[@mikemckeon8976]

What a great vlog for the budget minded drinkers. One of my go to mixers is also distilled by Buffalo Trace, Benchmark, not as good of choice for straight drink, but works great for an inexpensive mixing bourbon.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I was able to get a bottle of benchmark full proof and I love it!

[@FakingANerve]

Benchmark 8 is surprisingly drinkable neat for its price point! Fantastic mixer... and not bad on own.

[@kentuckybluegrass8695]

Woodford and Johnny Walker Black that’s all I need in my collection.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I say drink what you what how you want.

[@steelbob3]

Great video. I was one of those people who stayed away from Wild Turkey because I thought it was just a cheap mixer. Once I tried it, it became one of my favorites! I had a Knob single barrel at 120 that was awesome. Everyone seems to really like Buffalo Trace, but I just don't like it as well as others. Same with Eagle Rare. There are a lot of others I'd rather have. I wish I liked their stuff better, because it's readily available in my area.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

You like what you like

[@jasono.1629]

I agree, regular Buffalo Trace doesn’t do it for me. Better low-proofers out there.

[@brianmcreynolds2431]

Buffalo Trace flies off the shelves here in Alabama!

[@ryanhunt9463]

Sweetens Cove Kennessee is a sweeter bourbon (toasted sugar maple wood finish) that makes it very smooth for being 110 proof, but the wood comes through on the finish. Only $40-45 near me, and probably my favorite bourbon. Would highly recommend!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

At that price I would not be mad at it. Not interested in a high aged dickel at $180.

[@ryanhunt9463]

@@BourbonRealTalk No, I have zero intention of shelling out for their premium line. But the Kennessee is excellent

[@danalawrence4473]

One thing I try to do is to support and try local or state-level producers. So, now that I am in Texas, I have tried various bottlings of Balcones, Garrison Brothers, Lockwood, Treaty Oak and others. I try this alongside some more national brands- and this way you can try a few, find new ones and basically enjoy the heck out of your discoveries.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That is what whiskey is all about! Add in some sharing with friends and you have a winning strategy!

[@joecuddington3205]

A good one also is Early Times Bottled in Bond. It’s got a nice flavor with a bit of a kick. Not the young taste of usual Early Times.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I'll check it out!

[@williambedard4375]

Super good been drinking it alongside much more expensive and i keep going back to it

[@ttiger9780]

This is a really good, low priced bourbon. Highly recommend.

[@daneedler]

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the ET bib. Unfortunately, after Sazerac acquired Early Times, the bottled in bond is nowhere to be found anywhere near me. There was a welcome announcement a couple of months ago though that, ET bib will be produced again. The production will now be at the Barton 1792 distillery. Have to wait and see about the $$

[@joecuddington3205]

@@daneedler it’s hard to find around me because NC doesn’t sell 1 liter bottles unless it’s mixed fufu drink mix. I had to drive all the way to SC to get some.

[@mar91942]

Makers Mark is my favorite to drink neat! Great flavor without coming off too strong!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I love me some Maker's Mark!

[@Veniguiribici]

Really great information in the video. I’ve been getting into whiskey a lot more the last couple of years, get together and sample with friends and this is really comprehensive and loaded with good advice!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobganskow]

Out of the dozen or so bourbons I've had so far I absolutely love Elijah Craig small batch

[@gregmartin1757]

Those are all solid choices pretty much reliable standard bourbons for people just keeping into bourbon or just casual occasionally drinkers .i would also recommend old forest signature 100 for someone just getting into bourbon. Great bourbon for around $22.00 a bottle it's hard to beat .

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Great recommendation!

[@michaelkitchens6022]

I could live rotating Four Roses, Larceny and Weller. Great video, sir.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidrooks1846]

If I could only find Willers here in Virginia

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@davidrooks1846 We are lucky in TX that we get a good bit of Weller.

[@williamgates5652]

@@BourbonRealTalk I have a small store on the county line that gets it every week. I can usually get a bottle of Weller black label twice a year. Weller, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve Wheated are my go-to purchases. We are indeed lucky in deep east TX.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@williamgates5652 Nice!

[@jonathanwright1761]

The only bottle that I tend to over buy is 1792 full proof. I have 6 laying around and four of them are store picks. They seem to be all over my area and under 50 bucks a bottle. I may never get a Weller, but i am spoiled with all of this amazing 1792

[@BourbonRealTalk]

1792 FP is a great pour and one of my favorite high proof pours!

[@jasonb7156]

I just found your channel and so far I'm liking what I see! I agree with your picks for beginners.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@richardfortner1251]

I watched this video a few months ago, didn't hit the like button, and it came back as recommended. Enjoyed it again. My regular retail pusher keeps trying to get me to try, IMO, over-priced, sourced, start-up nonDSP offerings. I stick pretty much to the tried and true. BTW I subscribed several months ago; your content is PDG!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I'll take that compliment. Cheers!

[@jonathanhopper2026]

Love the video, but like other videos, I cry every time I hear the price. Living in New York, the prices are 30-50% more. Just bought a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 yesterday (1L) for $30. Buffalo Trace near me is about $55-60.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Wow! Sometimes you don't know how good you have it until you hear something like this. I have an acquaintance in Seattle and he has the same issue.

[@justinrodgers1485]

On the flip side of that, I live in Las Vegas and you can find Buffalo Trace everywhere, picked it up at my local supermarket for 25 bucks. I constantly see lower prices than any KZbin video I see. I can get the Evan Williams Single barrel for $18.99.

[@Chatta-Ortega]

Really surprised to see WT 101 on the list. I'll have to give it a try. I always assumed it was cheap swill for degenerate alcoholics.

[@bcthegr8]

Appreciate the info along w the recommendations

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheKillerKlok]

My two favorites and hence go to recommendations are Woodford Reserve(30-34$ in my area) for drinking straight, and Basil Haydens(28-36$) which is light and smooth for making old fashions. Four roses is a good one, Larceny is a good one, Evan Williams single barrel = good, Makers Mark = good. I don't think this video is going to lead anyone wrong.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

There are plenty of great shelf available bourbons to enjoy. I wouldn't use BH for old fashions though. Here is why. BH and Old Grand Dad are the same whiskey except OGD is higher aged, higher proof, and lower cost. For this reason I buy OGD over BH exclusively. In a cocktail you fight delusion to the point that the spirit doesn't shine through, so I try to make all my whiskey cocktails with a 100+proof spirit like OGD BiB, OGD 114, or WT101. But there are no wrong choices in whiskey...just preferences.

[@TheKillerKlok]

@@BourbonRealTalk I'll give OGD a try, Thank you.

[@chrisb5986]

Thanks. Four Roses single barrel is better than small batch every year, imo.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

You probably just really love that one mashbill and yeast combination. I never tasted enough quality different to pay the extra money. Different palates make the whiskey world go around! Cheers!

[@MDpolo]

I'd like your thoughts on Old 55 bourbon. It is local to us in Indiana. Family owned operation from the farmland to the end product. Love it.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have never had it and I do not think it is distributed in TX. I am going up to KY in January, I will see if I can grab a bottle.

[@rickl4159]

I second the Remus recommendation.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Solid pour and easy to find!

[@hulkslayer626]

I can vouch for the Evan Williams Single Barrel. Very good for the money. The taste is ok but the smell is amazing!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Exactly. Not going to change any lives but a solid pour for the price.

[@LibertyNotLicense]

An excellent video! I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your content! I also very much like your encouraging comment at the end. Merry Christmas! Keep your spirits up!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you so much! I am not sure if you have seen one of the episodes yet where I explain why that is my sign off. In short, I lost my little brother to suicide in 2014. He obviously felt very alone. I hope that my podcast helps people feel connected. I figure if people can hate a stranger I can love one. Thanks for the support!

[@67manderson]

Great info, I personally don't care for the Four Roses but I really like Buffalo Trace and we have a hard time getting it here.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That is fair. You may not like rye all that much. 4R is a really high rye content.

[@jbw5485]

Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, Wild Turkey 101. All so delicious. Gotta get my hands on some blantons, four roses, and Buffalo trace. 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Blanton's and BT are good for sure, but don't get you hopes up too high. From a flavor perspective they are not "better" than some of the other whiskey's mentioned and if you have too high of expectations for the effort you put in to find them you might get disappointed.

[@jbw5485]

@@BourbonRealTalk good point. Thanks.

[@jbw5485]

@@BourbonRealTalk got my hands on all of the above. 😂🤣 blantons is nice. But you were right. Not crazy above any of the others. The best I keep going back to are Russell’s Reserve 10yr, Henry McKenna, and my newest most delicious so far is Elijah Craig Barrel Proof A121.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@jbw5485 Got an A121 on Saturday and cracked it...amazing!

[@stevethomas8931]

Great job. Love all the real talk

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it! If you are looking to get more involved I would like to personally invite you to our free membership group. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity

[@tyweber7710]

Ok how do you not have 50k subscribers? Audio is great content is awesome! Well done! Cheers.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Wow, thank you! My channel just started getting traction...hope to get there some day. If you are an audio guy don't kill me when you find episodes that have bad audio. I am not very experienced and some of them are bad. Hopefully the content is always good. Cheers!

[@tcpratt1660]

Question - thoughts on Four Roses Small Batch Select versus Small Batch? (I liked the Small Batch, and have a bottle of Small Batch Select ready to open in a few weeks (as soon as I finish my Single Barrel)) Is there the same issue with the Small Barrel elect versus Small Batch that you mentioned between the Single Barrel versus the Small Batch - cost difference not warranted by the quality difference?

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I do prefer the SBS, but I won't pay the different for the few extra proof points, so yes it is the same problem for me.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

Four Roses Single Barrel is pure warmth and goodness

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Agree

[@trewright1482]

I like all the Four Roses Varieties.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@trewright1482 Even the yellow label?

[@trewright1482]

@@BourbonRealTalk I think its a fine mixer!

[@TheUMIA]

@@trewright1482 Agreed. Good for parties instead of going Jack or Jim.

[@cxxmax]

I love WT101 that's my "daily" although I try not to drink daily. It is everything an affordable bourbon should be. I just recently purchased Rare Breed, and wow, it's my favorite I've ever had. I prefer Rare Breed over Blantons and EH Taylor and Bakers 13. Maybe my young bourbon taste buds will develop more though and I can re visit the more expensive bourbon later. But for now, wild turkey has incredible products that fit into my financial level too. Recently I tried Eagle Rare 10, it tasted okay but it didn't smell appealing at all. Makers Mark creates some incredible bourbon as well. The FAE-02 2021 was an incredible, woody pour. Some bourbon I have found to be "bad" that some consider good are Evan Williams BIB, knobb creek 9. I can't stand the "straight from the farm corn taste"

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Both of those are very nutty for me. If you don't like that nutty flavor I could see not liking it.

[@shanecollins4800]

A bottle of 1792 single barrel is what started my collection, tasty stuff.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Never met a 1792 I didn't enjoy! Cheers!

[@ronaldchannel]

Haven’t try anybody of those yet! But I’ll buy a couple today to start my Collection. 🥂

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Nice! Let me know what you think!