Bourbons We’re AVOIDING in 2025 (Don’t Waste Your Money!)

Not every bourbon or whiskey is worth the hype-or the price tag! In this video, we’re breaking down which bottles and brands we’ll be avoiding in 2025. Whether it’s due to inflated prices, declining quality, or just overrated releases, we’re sharing our honest thoughts so you can make better buying decisions.
🔥 Which bourbon or whiskey are YOU avoiding this year? Drop a comment below!
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[@slbdrinks]

Agree or disagree with our list? Let’s hear your thoughts! What bottles are YOU avoiding this year? 🧐👇

[@donfingers3320]

Woodford Reserve double double oak and Old Forester 1924 and Elijah Craig barrel proof as well as redwood empire pipedream 101

[@LPSTL1]

Kurt - what's your take on the lower proof M10's?

[@robertreitermanjr2973]

I'm with you guys on each point. So far this new year, I only bought a GTS 2023 at the beginning of the year. I will be only getting the big bottles...like the JD14 and the Master Keep. I definitely will pass on the Woodford Double double...especially when all it is is the standard double oak aged one year longer for 3x the price!

[@IAMJORDI0117]

I personally like angels envy. I don’t buy any of their more expensive products just the base three the Trilo rye, and the bourbon. I was wondering if there’s any other finished whiskeys you can recommend.

[@HIYFD-o5k]

Old protrero 100%Malted Rye whiskey out of San Francisco. Try it, especially the single barrel picks!

[@franks4973]

I find it interesting that there are so many “The bourbon boom is over” videos floating around. I don’t think it’s over, but I think many consumers are more educated and deciding that the allocated, special releases, ven store picks are just not worth the money. The distilleries need to be more careful and not just chase the unholy buck. Quality does matter.

[@robertleidner9703]

As someone who buys for restaurants all the price hikes are ruining my whiskey sales. The cost of a pour is insane.

[@dereksmith8177]

So when these restaurants charge $50 for a 1.5 oz pour of George T. Or $80 for a 1.5oz of Pappy that’s the distributor/manufacturers problem when no one buys it?

[@chrishauser5505]

I'll still order, say, a Bulleit Manhattan. But no way I'll do pours of better stuff right now. It's not the fault of the restaurants I'm trying to support.

[@randywolf4731]

Wow, you both hit this out of the park! I had made my own list end of Dec. a few on my list included - No Willett (not the same juice anymore), No Bullet (just can't do it), Absolutely No Booker's (to hot and $$$$) No Blanton's (to $$$$ for what it is) No Woodford Double Oak (taste like a 2x Four) and any bourbon with a heavy malted finish. I just came off a dry January and have recently walked out of several stores empty handed as nothing caught my eye at a realistic price. I do believe after talking to the actual store owners that bourbon sales are currently flat and with some brands even declining. Keep up the good work as we really enjoy the posts!

[@JordanG_3031]

SLB Classics 0:10 putting all the blame on Trenton early 1:00 Bookers?? TBD 1:46 the boys will still buy hype bottles for science of course 2:57 gotta love the commitment to the ratio 3:39 always remember the mistakes 😢 4:18 Kurt 😮 SHOOK 5:50 🎶🐷😢 7:17 Kurt speaks to his scotch fan base 9:11 it’s hard to keep up with all the fancy names and harder to keep up with the prices 10:18 Trenton had high hopes for oak and doesn’t like oak… 11:10 roulette wheel is fun, but too expensive 12:05 Trenton struggles with words 13:20 the boys don’t have to but they still have to ❤❤ 14:26 Trenton just straight up makes up words 14:37 BOOM there it is 15:51 Trenton expands his vocabulary and our comments are pretty wholesome 16:20 Trenton has some car issues 17:18 Kurt will still fan boy over WT and Trenton over four roses 17:51 Kurt sneaks a peek 18:15 the first bottle of the episode! 18:43 shrinkflation in volume and proof 😢 20:26 PMA coming Friday (positive mental attitude) 20:32 no 🥔👑 this year 21:18 throw back to Trenton’s first Blantons 22:25 nice sign off and nod

[@dave3823]

Just stumbled across the channel yesterday. Damn, I am so happy I did! The info is great as someone that is on the newer end. The delivery is great. You acknowledge taste is very subjective, but blend in your personal opinions as almost a baseline. Only issue is a video going up in the morning! 🤣

[@rob8482]

I'm probably talking to a tree, but I must say the following! Whoever chose the music at the end of your shows nailed it. It is the perfect wrap-up music, and to be truthful,. I am touched when I listen to it. Outstanding exit music. Much love from Indy; you are my go-to Bourbon reviewers! Take care.

[@jtf2dan]

Good points. There are too many bottles that are way over priced, and when people stop buying them due to price, they can decide if they want to properly price things or downsize..

[@3percentmick705]

I honestly don’t hunt for anything. I stop by my local store, check out new stores, and then pick up anything that catches my eye that day. If I just so happen to run across something desirable, then that’s cool too

[@heywardcampbell5721]

I do the same thing. Dropped in a store in Clayton NC yesterday I’d never been in and there was a John J Bowman Sazerac pick on the shelf for $56. Had to buy it!

[@crankskinatra6038]

Dudes too busy stocking up on ammo

[@antoniokeck]

​@heywardcampbell5721 i live in clayton nc, that store is trash. Wake county is better but not by much. Benson abc is good. Just an fyi

[@antoniokeck]

This is the way

[@davidlyon8707]

A lot of discussion out there that the bourbon bubble is bursting. People are get tired of the inflated prices.

[@robertschroeder1978]

I appreciate both of your perspectives and comment points. My purchase price point is definitely on the lower side and more in line with the budget sensitive shelve height. On the very very rare occasion that I'm able to purchase something with a higher price point ($50 - $75) I would like to at least have something better than the budget shelf. My experience has often been met with disappointment. I envy persons purchasing $100 - $200 bourbons as I wonder up to the counter with my 101 in hand. At least I can enjoy the 101 nightly sips with the knowledge that the electric & gas bills have been paid! Smiles, thanks as always for your Channel and for the content.

[@DaveHill-xn7fz]

Kurt, no need to apologize for your opinion. We watch this channel for just that. Your experience and expertise makes your opinion more credible than most! It would seem that a market correction is necessary. Soon! Totally agree when you say it is easier to gamble on a bottle at $35 - $40, and not so much at $70!

[@bennySC408]

This past year I’ve ventured into the bourbon. I’m mainly a scotch drinker for reference. But I’ve found bourbon to be about the sweet and more sweet caramel flavor. Tried barrel bourbon, many of the Elijah Craig releases, a lot of the cask strength of a couple other brands. I will be keeping Rare Breed on my shelf. For the money and what I get. It is worth it for me

[@RxSquatch]

One preference I have is for bottles to clearly state Non-chill filtered and no color added

[@henrypanten8298]

I agree on most but I’m still getting Blantons and $60 so I’ll keep buying it

[@red5standingby419]

Enjoy your mid, low proof bourbon at a mid price. Personally, at $60 I'm buying just about any of the Old Forrester line. All of them are as good if not better for the same price or less.

[@b2tall239]

How does Whistlepig stay in business? I've yet to see anything better than a "meh" review of their whisky.

[@nickhavens9131]

To be honest look at a lot of podcasts with guys and you see their products on shelves behind them. I think some of them think it’s good juice because they aren’t cheap. Most of them are new to bourbon and whiskey and just buy things with high price points probably

[@harrynorton7854]

So I’m a bit newer to bourbon collecting and was very happy when I got my first blantons. It’s a 375 ml for $42 in VA. I was a bit disappointed once I sipped on it. Part of me still wants to collect all the horses but I don’t really want to spend what they are asking for. Do you think the price will ever drop? I’ve been seeing blantons sit on shelves here in VA. I think most just don’t feel it’s worth what they are asking for.

[@rmactvc]

Just visit the gift shop, they sell all the horses. Save your money, Blantons just average.

[@markjones5297]

@@rmactvcthey also have candles with jumbo toppers….

[@hokuotaku9027]

I bought a Blanton for $99, but they are rare in my area. That’s my last high priced Bourbon purchase I’ll do.

[@tweevers2]

Here in Arizona Evan Williams single barrel bottles are on some store shelves and at the price $39.99 ...I talked with one of the store owners.She told me this was a limit special time nation release of the single barrel bottles. So she ask her distributor for several cases of it...but after this release, it will go back to only being in its state release.

[@ddurts]

Excellent points. I'm a very casual whiskey enthusiast but everything you mentioned in this video is why I have only bought one bottle in the last few months - which was at the distillery I visited. I have a cabinet full of good whiskey I will be enjoying until I run out. The prices are out of control. A standard shelf bottle I enjoy has gone up $15 since I bought it last year.

[@derpnowitzki1766]

A prime example of a Bookers I loved that yall were meh on is that very bottle you pulled out. Mighty Fine batch was awesome.

[@mattschmitt9924]

Mighty fine is great. From last year I liked Master Distillers a lot. Jimmy's batch was not bad and very properly named. Kinda has the turkey funk in it.

[@MB-mn8do]

@@mattschmitt9924 I also liked that one, and Costco in my has had them for $79.99 plus tax for a while. At under 90 out the door, it's not the -worst- buy. It means I can serve a prestige bottle to my mooching friends and keep the better stuff for myself!

[@NewNomics]

Done chasing allocated. Grabbed a few this year and just had no clue what people see in them. Also, done with Elijah Craig BP, Bookers, Larceny BP and other 3-4x a year releases. They havent really lived up to years past and the prices are now obscene. Now enjoying more store picks where I can sample the offerings and find somthing new, exciting or truely rare.

[@HATFIELDBBQ]

I walk out of a liquor store empty handed more lately than ever before. I only purchase if it's something I've never seen. I always say, if something jumps out at me I'll buy, but it's been rare these days.

[@bigreb62]

Totally agree on the Henry McKenna great $30 bottle. Personally don’t look for anything over 150, turned down a Woodford double double oak at 190, glad I did because got to sample it later and definitely not worth 130 over regular double oak

[@miked8236]

Bottom line at least for me in 2025 is that the value has to be there. The last 3 bottles I've purchased......The Evan Williams single barrel I've found around for $39....which for 8 year product isn't hateful.....and I only bought it because its $39....any higher and I'm out. 4R Single Barrel which you can never go wrong with, and I found a WT Kentucky spirit Camp Nelson E for about $7 over what I usually see it for.....and I fell victim to the hype there and grabbed it. I've tapped out the Larceny and EC BP releases.....and since I have 3 bottles of McKenna and price keeps going up, those may be the last bottles of McKenna I buy. I think many retailers are still out of touch with the market and when I step into the local guys and they are still selling McKenna for $75, and ER for $89-$99, its just not worth it to me anymore. Whether or not we want to admit it.......the bourbon community is alot like the Preppers you hear about.....they have their bunkers........we have ours! Cheers!

[@RyeGuy97]

I just picked up my first Evan Williams SiB here in Michigan for $29.99! I haven’t opened it yet since I was doing dry January, but I’m excited to give it a try. Cheers guys!

[@traiandragomir2]

In my area is 39$ at Total wine I’m not buying till will be 29$ it’s great but not at this money. I find last year in Kentucky at 54$ ,nobody buying then they must lower the price. So many good bottles 30$!

[@Razieleatssouls]

I've been seeing it between $36-40. I think I paid $40 for mine last year and it was actually worth it. One of the best low proofers I've tried, and to me it competes with the best mid-$30 bourbons. I'll definitely get another if I see a good price on it.

[@nschlueter13]

Enjoy haven't seen it in my area.

[@mneeley490]

I'm almost ashamed to say that I paid $100 for the last bottle of Blanton's I purchased. But that's only because it is so highly allocated in WA state, that the last time I even saw a bottle on any shelf was over 5 years ago. And I got this one on the secondary market.

[@csamons0935]

I have a hit list of things I haven’t ever scored that should be obtainable, Michters 10 yr Bourbon is top of that list this year. I enter every lottery I can to hopefully score a special release at MSRP, Old Fitz 13 yr VVS was my 2024 win. Most of my other purchases are through local clubs out patreon groups since we don’t have store picks in Ohio other than OHLQ. I’m going to save up all that FOMO money for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and get all my allocated bottles from 1 place in one shot.

[@KenBassler12]

I would like to see more of these videos myself! Not buying or not worth the money, in your opinion! Keep up the good work!

[@BB-sc1jv]

Henry Mckenna was top 5 for my palate 5-6 years ago. Latest bottle I obtained just ain't the same sauce. I wouldn't pay $35 for the current bottle I have now. Every time I revisit the current bottle, I get true disappointment .

[@ryankramer2097]

I was glad to get a couple of bottles of Blanton's for msrp after waiting for a long time, now that it's creeping up in price at msrp $80-90, there are so many other bottles I'd rather spend my money on.

[@jw-lk1pe]

WHEN does the Larceny A125 hit shelves? Haven't seen a single review

[@MrCrazypops]

End of 2024 I started trying legacy budget bottles and was surprised by what is actually somewhat good and not breaking the bank. I do enjoy quality ($60+ ) bottles but there is plenty of lower priced bottom shelf bottles to pick and choose thru it was a fun experiment. Most are lower proof and thin but it’s nice to know what you like on all ranges. It’s easier to accept disappointed on a $25 bottle Vs disappointing $100 bottles. Beam Winters reserve is well worth the price IMO Knob Creek 12 is a great bottle for 65-70 Most Old Forester and JD Barrel proofs are great at their price Elijah Craig BP and store picks are too many for the prices and don’t get me excited.

[@larrymarciniuk6753]

Great video! We need to know which pours are good and which ones are not so good. For someone who has been enjoying Bourbon for a little over a year (thanks to you guys), this is great in formation. I was surprised to hear that some companies are bottling 700ml bottles. I'll have to keep my attention on that.

[@PlasmaBat]

Macallan is definitely tasty but it's for the guy that takes wrist pics of his Rolex in front of the BMW logo on the steering wheel

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I have nine Elijah Craig Barrel proof and larceny barrel proof and I am in the camp of not buying any anymore unless I hear a bottle is truly spectacular

[@teslamodelyguy8343]

I LOVE New Riff, but their Single Malt was awful...ended up tossing the bottle after one pour.

[@bmc2567]

I’m there with you on a lot of these. Like you said, if I hear one is a banger I will go and try to find it. Otherwise I’m sitting on bottles which I’m sure I will get to but it’s easier to buy them faster than you can go through them so putting in the brakes! 😂

[@uwrossl]

Fully agree on special releases under 100 proof. Have said that for years. Michter's is really the only exception that I've bought and found worth the money at lower proof when I picked up their 10 year rye and I'm sure that's due to their lower barrel entry proof. The only Woodford release I like is the Batch Proof. Always pretty tasty and pick them up at Costco for $108.

[@bobborgstede837]

Good video but I have to disagree on Woodford Reserve. Picked up a Blended Malt at their distillery last November. It is terrific. And their Double Oak is one of my favorites. I would like to try the Double Double Oak but I'm not paying $199. Haven't seen it in my area anyway.

[@DaveNorton-yi5ix]

The Evan Williams Single Barrel was my gateway into bourbon sipping ... when I started this, it was $28 and ten years old, and it was worth it. Sadly, not so much now. I agree with others on the Elijah Craig BP ... I've got too many of them now. I'd say that I'd go out and buy them when they're a good release, but you can't find those ... they magically never show up on the shelves.

[@timk.9836]

Evan Williams single barrel appears from time to time in NJ now. It is still $36 when it is around. Any retailers selling this for $50-60 is ripping you off.

[@thomaspaine8886]

💯 on the WhistlePig. Overpriced and average juice.

[@troywarrenfeltz3311]

This year I refuse to buy anything, this includes beer, wine, rum..... ANYTHING.... from a store that price gouges their allocated product. I left a bottle of rum on counter and walked out last week because they had Eagle Rare priced at $99.99. I didn't even want the Eagle Rare, Not a fan. Won't step foot back into that store. And its 1 minute from my house.

[@camdenhochgesang6554]

I came across the Double Double Oaked a week ago. Pulled the trigger because I’m an oak hound and have not had a double oaked product I didn’t love. The oakier the better for me. I’d love to get a backup, but not for that price. I’m not paying 200 for anything below 16 years

[@thomasmichael6509]

Agree with you on WFE. Only ones worth buying are the older ones. The new ones are just willet pot still at cask strength. Also done with sourced stuff AND finished stuff. I’m sick of these NDP no aged statement bottles finished in random crap for $130

[@tomhubbard7053]

I am lining up for the EC and Larceny barrel proofs . I agree on Bulleit. I am personally heading in the direction of a double oaked adventure.

[@shanebarberian929]

I have been pleased with bookers can’t find it where I am in Florida but I’ve been happy with what I have found

[@cardinalj]

Willett WFE used to be a fantastic buy. They carried them at Trail Inn years ago and they were 8 -10 years SiB for well under $100. The old 4 year ryes MGP distillation were fantastic and around $50. Used to have different colored wax and hand written barrel info. Those days are long gone. Whiskey is toast

[@timhoekenschnieder9109]

I’m right in tune with you guys. I can’t release my cash on gimmick bottles.

[@brettengland192]

Blanton's is massively overrated only because it is so hard to find. In Virginia it is fairly easy to find, especially on Fridays. I saw three bottles on the shelf in Norfolk the other day. They sell for $78. Even that is overpriced for what you get. It sips like water to me.

[@ericwhelan4433]

I agree on all of these, even though I have a bottle of the WR Masters at 121 proof. It’s the closest thing to a double oak barrel proof we’ve got and IMO is great. Still iffy in the steep price though…

[@paulhendershot111]

Agree. I'm tired of hunting for overpriced bottles that are often no better than a good old standby that is less than half the cost. With the exception of some barrel picks from trusted sources, such as SLB, I'm content with my Russell's single barrel or Maker's Mark 46 cask strength.

[@jonrogers2749]

I really do like the Bookers, it's just the price that holds me back most of the time. I can buy 2 good bottles for that price.

[@brettengland192]

I no longer touch anything less than 100 proof. You can always add your own water.

[@denniswheeler4872]

I very much do respect your comments on the bourbon reviews and do like you to review the new ECBP and Larceny releases.

[@rmactvc]

Bought a couple of Bookers two years ago. Totally not worth the price. Passed on them since.

[@ironmantran]

Nice ! You da man - and da mini-man.

[@tommiller4895]

Are you avoiding purchasing Wild Turkey 101 this year?

[@davidteller7681]

I've always wanted to buy a McKenna but I hear about their inconsistency and, as slow as I go through things, I dont want to risk a "meh" bottle clogging up my limited shelf space forever

[@Brad-ic4bp]

Even the good ones nowadays aren’t great.

[@noworldforeric]

I paid 28$ for a double pour at a bar. Loved it. Bought my own bottle at Party Source for 65$. Love it.

[@markjones5297]

My local Sams club had it for $50 a few weeks ago back

[@mattschmitt9924]

I wish I didn't love Booker's. It is so expensive. Great finish. Not every bottle is a banger, but Masters Distillers batch was good enough to buy a backup or 2 for me.

[@davetonnwrites]

I just keep one ECBP at a time. And when it starts to get low, I watch the reviews to see which one to get as backup for when mh current bottle gets finished. But I usually only buy 1 a year.

[@sergman58]

I’m not a collector so anything I buy I’m gonna drink and I just don’t see myself ever paying more than 100 dollars for any bottle. So sadly I might never try so many bottles that sound great. I’m more than happy drinking the “cheaper” stuff hahah

[@TMExtremeOutdoor]

Ya I’m with you’ll. I’m not getting any more Elijah Craigs unless I hear that it’s super good. Definitely not doing any Woodford Batch/master to pricy for water down liquor.

[@davdanhay]

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is one of favorites. I always have an open bottle as well as a backup. The same with the Willet Pot. I know you didn't mention the Pot specifically.

[@89sooner]

In Oklahoma, I guess we are lucky with the Evan Williams SBs which returned maybe 6-8 months ago and are in the low 30s, but though I liked it, I gave my one bottle to my EW loving brother. McKenna 10’s inconsistency killed my interest before the price. I am right in the middle of the thought process regarding ECBP…I have as a matter of routine gotten at least one bottle going back to C920..and as you indicate, several are still around on my shelves…when I see an A125, with the “it’s fine” reviews, is it time to break that trend? Now at almost twice the price, if there are even “the trend continues” for Disco 11 and 12 reviews, I’m buying Disco 13! I stopped a new experiment with Booker’s after four straight…skipping 2024-04. I have liked the profile, but they are about 25 too high. I have really dug Baker’s….what I really need to do is diligently blind them against KC120 picks…I don’t know about the curation, but for me, a bit more age tends to edge a bit more proof…and the same basic distillate.

[@brineshrimp8603]

For me Blantons was good @$60 now it’s $75 I grab other bottles But everyone is different- I’m more into full flavor bourbons so most of the time I’m looking for cask strength It’s always smart to have a Blantons on the bar top for others

[@JamesBoudreau-l9p]

You guys have to review the Hard Truth Brûlée finish. My store got a barrel of it and they did a signing there as well. I loved it!

[@joenoe10]

Which store?

[@JamesBoudreau-l9p]

@@joenoe10apparently only a few stores in Michigan Indiana and I think Pennsylvania (it’s on their website) got these bottles and it was a limited barrel run. My store is Liquor Cabinet in Michigan

[@brianalster8429]

I probably won't buy anymore Elijah Craig barrel proofs until they get the age back up. C923 was a 13 year and it was awesome.

[@rickleith-seniorsoftball]

Love Bookers. Wish it was $75 but will always buy it.

[@MatthewsGauss]

Henry Mckenna 10 year was pushed up to $72 at total wine and it just sat there. It got lowered to $62 and even then it's not flying off like it used to.

[@christopherxl]

It’s $79 in south Florida TWs. This market is horrendous. Hardly come across anything, and it’s always marked up like crazy. There’s one great shop that does store picks, but all the unicorns go to the bar

[@MatthewsGauss]

@christopherxl yeah I've given up on finding any rare picks. If I run into them cool! But I'm not gonna waste my time standing in line for a potential to buy an overpriced bottle of wood aged corn juice that tastes maybe the same as a shelfer $50 bottle

[@markcalhoun8219]

Evan Williams single barrels showed up around $35 in MN and were 100% worth it. I like bookers but I've got all 4 this year and I just wish I could get another 23-4. They don't deliver what I want, I would have rather bought The Reserves on secondary. The WR 119.5 and 121.2 BP were both great, cherry and banana heavy respectively.

[@krischaney9034]

There has been one bottle of the Woodford Double Double Oaked at the Southside Indy Costco for $169.99 for the past 2-3 weeks. Collecting dust.

[@markbowerii7632]

Y'all should have called this one the Mafia show "fergetaboutit" lmao. I recently picked up a bottle of still Austin the artist cask strength rye, it strikes me as a very classic rye, not bad but to me, just kinda mid. Also grabbed an OCD#5 Premium which is just 🤯 good. The finish on that bottle lasts for several minutes. Paid a premium (pun intended) for it but it's worth every penny.

[@King_Lobo]

I completely agree with not wanting to purchase anything limited that’s not higher proof. For instance, Weller millennium, if about 7k and it’s in the mid 90’s in proof. But for that price, there better tears from a Unicorn in the bottle

[@richardsayward3567]

All Jim Beam products, Woodford products and Redwood series

[@illgrooves]

Why's that?

[@richardsayward3567]

@illgrooves Jim Beam products have a very nasty earthy, boiled peanut taste. Woodford leaves me with a plastic bandaid type finish and Redwood is way overpriced, I've had cheaper bourbon that are way better

[@illgrooves]

@richardsayward3567 redwood rye the emerald giant goes for $35 near me, i think it's good value.

[@rodttu]

Ill be avoiding mainstream allocated stuff like wellers/staggs. I want to shift my palette to smaller distilleries. I want to really venture out and shock my senses.

[@Turkey-Tickler]

Did exactly this a few years back and loved it!

[@HeffewiezenDudeGuy]

Brewzle, is that you?

[@rodttu]

@ thats funny. I remember him saying that too. But it struck a chord with me and shifting my purchases to new and unique things. Like Crown blackberry...lol

[@mmtx73]

So when you say allocated Weller are you talking the Special Reserve or the 12 year, 107, OFC? I ask because Weller SR is widely available in my market but still seems to be a ghost in other places. Which is wild to me.

[@jj-ie7ks]

​@@mmtx73never see it up here in ct

[@ConcreteKid54]

Interesting recommendations. It is apparent our palates are very different which is not a good/bad thing, just something I need to be aware of. Your palates appear to me to be best satisfied by higher proof, less sweet bourbons. My palate is satisfied by 100 proof and below with preference for sweet and/or charcoal and less coffee or oak. Its good to learn this so I know how/when to apply your suggestions. Any comments back to help my understanding and development are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@IAMJORDI0117]

Personally, I like that Trilo angels envy. They came out with a couple months ago. I got a bottle for my dad for Christmas and it’s already half gone so I assume he likes it lol

[@RandalErickson-hb5vr]

100 percent Agree with your picks of what not to buy this year!

[@AndrewJoseph-xz9wt]

Was highly disappointed with the McKenna. Tried two different bottles and won't be getting another. Its nearly impossible in UT to get many of the allocated products, but if you are lucky enough to get the lottery pick, the prices make it a more affordable risk. So, I will stick with enjoying my solid WT 101 and svery now and again pick something up in the 60-80 range.

[@timk.9836]

Same. I was 0-2 and disliked them both. And they are $69 and sit on the shelf all day.

[@ozo012]

Evan Williams SiB is only $34.99 here in FL even at Total Wine which tends to have very elevated prices. Sounds like the distributors are taking advantage of the folks in Indiana. If Bardstown continues to put out a great annual Discovery people would be crazy not to pick that up.

[@williamprice1542]

Hahaha😂 I got my McAllan for Christmas too...I was shocked and also very appreciative, because I wasn't going to get it for myself 😮😂

[@williamprice1542]

😂🎉😅holy cow the Bookers comes out, and I almost sprayed my coffee ☕️ across the room 😳

[@Urban-bourbon]

I generally don’t chase allocated whisky. Looking for non-allocated small distillery, 100 proof and under interesting whiskies. Big fan of ECBP. Less so on LBP. Really enjoy ASM. Westland, Westward, Virginia Distillery. Looking to new about others.

[@johnrodgers6049]

I agree that you have to try the ECBP and Larceny so we don't have to

[@AppalachainGoldWhiskey]

Willett Rye is always a buy, i will pine after a 11+ year Purple Top. But after trying the 8 year Black Bottle Purple Top, that can tide me over until i find the holy grail.

[@FrankRostron-t1h]

Booker's Kentucky tea batch was my favorite since the early years of Booker's.

[@KennethEllingson]

i have tried a single malt out of North Carolina called defiant that was excellent for $38 . it beats some of my $80 scotch

[@johnlong7198]

While on a cruise recently, Woodford Reserve was being offered as the ships premium bourbon. So, I went away disappointed, as I could not understand why many rated this offering as top shelf.

[@taskmaster51]

How do you get flavor from higher proof? I can't get passed the ethanol. Always have to add ice and let it dilute a bit. Is it just experience...something you get used to?

[@noworldforeric]

Let it sit in the glass 15-30 before sipping. Chewing the first sip or two and then letting the rest of the glass ride. Making the first one burn will allow for flavor transfer for the next few.

[@mattschmitt9924]

I've found that really small sips helps. Noworldforeric is right about the first sip and chew. I say take about as much whiskey as you have spit in your mouth.

[@jpakaferrari]

I am a Willett disciple I must admit. But I had a 7 year rye recently and the only flavor that got added to the profile (vs the standard 4 year) was hay. Like literal dry grass for feeding animals. Talk about disappointment.

[@wishfor420]

Don't take the purple top Willett and discount the whole Distillery. They make some fantastic whiskey with Johnny Drum, Rowans Creek, Noah's Mills, and their Old Bardstown BiB is one of my favorite BiB right there with Heaven Hill and Bardstown Bourbon Origin BiB. If you are ever near Willett distillery - check it out. Best bourbon experience I've been on. You drink while you do the tour and you choose your bottle adventure.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I feel like you say you’re not buying the regular Bookers releases anymore, but you still end up reviewing every single one afterward. This will be the same:). I got off that bandwagon a year ago, but I do still check out the Little Books when I can find them.

[@bobbartnick]

I saw the Woodford Master’s Double Double Oak for 250 today. I heard it’s aged a year longer than the standard Double Oak (which I usually find for 50-60). I passed.

[@justinbratton4826]

Kelvin and rare caricature are good sourced products.

[@redbatch100]

Henry McKenna won whiskey of the year at the same time I was getting into whiskey... Even I knew not to buy the hype... still really wanted to try it though. Never have.

[@whollychurchhouse3636]

I wasn't aware that Angel's Envy was sourced. They had a pretty impressive still at their downtown location when I visited in 2017, distilling their own juice. Has that changed, or is the sourcing just their LE products???

[@ronknutson7912]

i just bought the Triple oak angels envy. $69 I liked it but wish it was a higher proof point.

[@nateduncan7089]

Agree on Bookers, and I am done with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof until I drink down more of the store picks and bottles I have from years past in my collection. I just finished a good Henry Mckenna a month or so ago for 50 bucks in todays market I would certainly roll the dice on another one because most entry levels start around 40-50 bucks anymore it feels like unless you are buying like Old Number 7 or Jim Beam white Label or Evan Williams bottled in bond. Willet has never been worth the price point. I am also done chasing super expensive and hyper allocated and overpriced Wild Turkey. Is it good? I imagine it is. Is it $300+ good not likely.

[@jerryz11z]

With about a dozen ABC bottles on hand I would reserve my purchase unless it has grand reviews. They only come out on occasion with company so the collection grows a lot faster than it is drank.

[@ChrisSmith-ec6qp]

A video that will not get me into trouble with my wife. Exactly what I needed ;)

[@3percentmick705]

I’m hoping to find some redwood cask strength more than anything

[@sethw4569]

I’ve really enjoyed the CS pipe dream.