Episode 563: Was Fred Minnick Right? Is This The Next Big Name In Bourbon?

[@thomasanderson2870]

You have to try Savage and Cooke Cask strength finished in Zinfandel barrels, VERY TASTY and it was in the top 100 list this year. They also have several other expressions that are Awesome and they distilled them at their California distillery 👍💯😋

[@pabloluevano9613]

Great review Judge! Bought cause of the hype expecting a dud, boy this did not disappoint, definitely no GTS. Much brighter, sweeter, drinks way below its proof and a great finish. 8.5/10. Cheers everyone!

[@ikkiwikki]

Nice comparison, sounds like the Smokeye is awesome, just not quite GTS level.

[@bendavis2967]

Thanks for keeping it real Judge!! Salute 🥃

[@dougsowell]

It's probably the only "GTS" I will ever get so I think the Smokeye Hill is fabulous. Costco was only $68.99 I think it was.

[@Concert-Fan]

I'm drinking Smokeye Hill CS Blue Corn right now. It's the bomb. I bought two (drink and backup) at under $90 each. Don't have any GTS to compare, but always open to samples. 😜 Fred rated the Nashville Barrel Company products very high two years in a row. Love those too.

[@charlienash7501]

GTS is older and that has the edge for some. Those that don't like oak the Smoke Eye Hill is a great quality high proof option. 13th Century is another Colorado distillery using MGP and aging it in 30 gallon barrels. They get high proof. They put it in char#2 to char#5 and then blend it. The bourbon was 141 and drank much lower with a taste of milk chocolate.

[@garywhite6804]

Just opened a Smokeye Hill (134.2). It’s great, and even better when you take value and availability into account. For my palate, there’s no way it’s a GTS “killer” though. I really look forward to it opening up a bit.

[@nickp5511]

Nice review! I bought the standard and cask strength bottle a couple of months ago and really enjoy both. The cask strength is like a Stagg jr with its punchy kick. Different flavor than GTS but really nice. I think it’s GTS and Stagg jr’s long lost brother! Cheers!

[@blakenaylor1983]

I never heard of this before Fred Minnick I need to try it

[@SHHDADDYSWORKN]

I personally compare it to ECBP C924 but with heavy maple notes!

[@dave821]

We would never judge the Judge. Looks like our Raiders are going to bring in some big names

[@thomasanderson2870]

One of my favorites of 2024 for sure, don't care about who likes it or where it placed on a list, VERY TASTY and a replacement is on its way 😋👌👍💯 Cheers 🥃

[@tomfrengillo]

Heard about it because of Fred. Bought it because it’s just good. Whether it’s a killer or not, not that big of a deal. Finished 18th out of 100 at the end of the year. That’s not too bad.

[@tomfrengillo]

Just curious, never saw that video. How do you shame judges if they are blinding all their samples?

[@Chew-bp6gl]

GTS is just that good

[@raveman7]

smokeeye hlll is da bomb

[@mpyle27]

C'mon Judge. Blind taste 'em. Cheers!

[@teamnolegs]

The blue corn on this is strong. The finish isnt my cup of tea, it's kind of white wine / champagne. It has mellowed a bit after a couple of weeks. Would be much better at 7+ years.

[@martybarrett523]

It isn’t even a Stagg Jr. killer.

[@FriarPop]

agreed, and so did everyone else but people like clicks.

[@NonSophisticated]

Only aged 5 years????

[@brianh9789]

Judge, you have to compare the 23’ GTS to the Smokeye. That’s the key. 23’ GTS is, IMHO, terrible. Very off profile. Taste like mulch.

[@jonmoore4053]

I agree. The GTS 2023 isn't great. Many Stagg batches that are better. Unfortunately it's the only GTS I've ever tried.

[@jeffscalfano3100]

If i took a drink every time you say "we shall see" I'd be dead... from alcohol poisoning. Diversify your vocabulary.

[@FriarPop]

Smokeye was super overrated, its good but its not even close to GTS, and this topic ended in 2024 when everyone said the same thing.

[@DavidG-f6t]

After watching the prideful goat gentleman talk about how Minnick shamed people into picking Smokeye I have no trust in his recommendations. I've had it and it's not even close to being a stagg competitor let alone a stagg killer.