One of the BEST Sips of 2024!

[@James-xg5rh]

Blended specifically means it has juice from multiple spirit types. Blending batches from the same distillery has never been called “blended”. If that were the case everything not single barrel would be called blended. So even though they are mixing juice from different types of barrel sizes/chars doesn’t make it a blended product.

[@davidmeier1811]

The wording regarding "blended" is not what you stated. This is the definition of "Blended whisky -Whisky produced by blending not less than 20% on a proof gallon basis (excluding alcohol derived from added harmless coloring, flavoring or blending materials*) straight whisky or a blend of straight whiskies and, separately or in combination, whisky of any type or neutral spirits. So that means only 20% of what is in the bottle needs to be whisky and the rest could be vodka. Blended Bourbon Whisky states: Blended whisky produced in the U.S. containing not less than 51% on a proof gallon basis (excluding alcohol derived from added harmless coloring, flavoring or blending materials*) straight bourbon whisky. So it has at least 51% straight bourbon. Blended does not indicate it came from different distilleries. "A blend of straight whiskies" CAN indicate different states. The definitions for whisky are confusing. Because blended whiskey is sub-par the industry does not use the term blended when mixing barrels. The industry term is "co-mingling"

[@motohead077]

​@@davidmeier1811Thx, didn't see your correction, but already posted something similar to that.. Makes me think of the "Travellers", which most reviews (all) I've seen failed to point out that it is a "blended whiskey" and only needs to contain 20% straight whiskey & as you said, the rest can be grain neutral spirits, such as vodka, moonshine, coloring, flavoring, water, etc.

[@keithpetersen560]

100% correct.

[@TheBloody81]

My brother bought this when he visited and must say the juice is very good. I'm definitely getting a backup if I come across it,but won't go crazy as a must buy. Cheers gents!

[@robing9351]

I bought mine right after it won the Ascot Awards. I love it. Great taste, great pour. Actually sent an email to the distiller asking if they had plans to come out to Arizona with it. He replied back that they were working on getting more distribution.

[@davidcardinal9900]

Bought some of the Smokeye Hill. Loved it, not a Stagg killer, but happy to drink or share anytime.

[@jasonbaily1707]

I bought a bottle and am glad to hear your review.

[@robertbugh1798]

I got my bottle 3 weeks ago. It has opened up nicely. It's not a GTS killer, but I think it can be competitive with Stagg beating a lot of batches.

[@chrisk8385]

I'm a big Stagg fan and I agree with this.

[@cabster7]

I've already been sipping on their 93 proof all last week. My BP was on backorder and is shipping out shortly...can't wait! 🥃

[@davidteller7681]

I saw my first Buffalo Trace tv commercial watching Olympics. They really don't need to advertise, most of their stuff is already hard to find.

[@rtilly]

I agree for the most part. In a few years though, they are going to start to see a huge bump up in production numbers from their investments and I see these types of ads and international outreach as part of their future strategy to ensure they keep demand up along with the supply increasing dramatically.

[@longformconversations]

Where I am from you can find tons of buffalo trace everywhere. Safeway, total wine, whole foods. its just there permanently like jack daniels.

[@galactic_ape1929]

​@longformconversations You are lucky. Only shelfers by me are Buffalo trace, white dog and benchmark. The rest are behind glass and way overpriced. Even standard Buffalo trace is going for $40 and up. Just not worth it in my opinion.

[@BillMcGirr]

⁠@@rtilly I agree… in about 6 years you will see Buffalo Trace like you see Jack Daniels. Last year they doubled production from 2000 barrels per day… to 4000 barrels per day. What that means for their quality remains to be tasted.🤷‍♂️ This also means in 7 years the rest of the industry will have some well aged barrels as well. I’m not sure that the already saturated market… won’t be severely over saturated by then. I guess I’ll have to stick around and find out.🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🥃

[@michaelbarber5633]

I saw my first one watching Yellowstone. I thought damn that’s what happened. All the poser cowboys are buying it.

[@jeffp8073]

Got one on the way & looking forward to the first pour.

[@blythewilson357]

Got a bottle of this today and cracked it open; really really good pour from my perspective. bought a back up.

[@jeffgross384]

I have been enjoying my bottle!!

[@RJR2222]

It got labeled GTS killer due to the fact that it was selected as winner of Ascot (Fred Minnick awards) and GTS was in the same category. I really enjoy Smokeye Hill but I think it might compete against some of the weaker releases of Stagg/Jr. Appreciate the review

[@whiskeybidness]

The other interesting tidbit about the ASCOT tasting category where Smokeye beat GTS … Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof also got more votes than GTS in that tasting round

[@johnmorgan233]

@@whiskeybidness I think those are both more approachable than GTS. IMHO they both have better noses than GTS, but don't have the finish that GTS does.

[@co_kurwa]

I actually prefer Stagg Jr over GTS

[@JordanG_3031]

SLB Classics 0:15 some people like to have the clicks video titles 1:11 sometimes it’s ok to be a tater 1:24 Kurt did the research whew 1:42 NON-CHILL FILTERED 2:10 sorry Michelle, Trenton just loves whiskey a lot 3:35 Trenton knows his role, a struggling speaker and purchaser of whiskey 3:55 what no link?!? 4:25 Trenton still dreams about the 2022 GTS 4:43 Trenton uses super sniff, it was super effective 4:53 Trenton’s brain is on fire…. And he gets it 5:12 toots and guy fiery 5:25 quite shnazzy 5:59 someone let out a toots 6:20 Trenton’s blind results are coming back to haunt him 6:43 first sip, no warmups 7:24 non-chill filtered! 7:51 JUICY! 8:23 TRENTON FACE 9:41 Trenton gets distracted by cute artwork 10:27 requesting crowd sourced information 11:20 Trenton likes to toot his own horn a bit 12:27 honest opinion and side by side 13:00 Kurt makes up a saying crème de la crop (maybe a fun midwest twist) 14:21 Trenton tries to speak more ryes into the world 14:58 nice sign off and nod 18:17 no end credits:(

[@ray7909]

As a long time fan, I look for your comment every video keep it up🤣

[@JordanG_3031]

@@ray7909 thanks Ray!

[@dwaynesmith8123]

3:55 what no link?!?! LOL came here looking for a link too 😅

[@jondilly1974]

Happy monday! Does not beat GTS but it is a good whiskey. Very corn forward sweetness for me. Can’t wait to see this whiskey when it’s 10 years old.

[@eliwilson8242]

Ten year MGP is exceptional all across the board doesn’t even matter what brand

[@motohead077]

Does it beat a lot of Stagg batches or ECBP, because at $100 it's price higher than both, or even $75 is close to both, but not sure about the availability of this?

[@motohead077]

Kurt is correct about, everything else being equal, juice in a smaller container will have matured more than the same juice in a bigger container, during the same period of time, in the same conditions.

[@parvezboston]

Mine is on the way from NY to MA. Enjoy!!!

[@Udeus5]

I’m in MA too. Mind if I ask where you ordered it from?

[@RatsKingdom]

Maybe it's been mentioned before but where does Trenton usually order from online?.. just curious to what is trust worthy

[@tombasports]

Trenton has the five o’clock shadow of a afternoon drinker Love it!

[@filipealmeida7301]

In my local bourbon group we blinded the GTS 23 VS Stagg 22A vs Smokeye. Smokeye had 90% of all votes on the blind.... 🤷‍♂️

[@tombetty1313]

😂😂😂😂

[@Sv_vic]

Just got this , trying this weekend.

[@JohnSharpisReal]

"Harvey Spector of the Liquor" 😂 Someone's been watching suits!

[@KrisChaney-s3d]

Trenton's the king around here. Don't call him no good.

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

Balcones Distilling's stuff has made me a fan of blue corn. When they were still making Texas Pot Still Bourbon one of the four grains in the mash bill was roasted Texas blue corn, and the mash bill for Balcones' corn whisky is 100% roasted Texas blue corn. And that stuff is *fine* whisky.

[@jeffnuzz]

Is that the Balcones Baby Blue? If so, don't they still make that?

[@codymullins8305]

Definitely not a stagg killer but I definitely agree, it’s a fantastic pour. I would enjoy this more in the winter time.

[@MF-ng9um]

I picked one up from love scotch before it sold out. I’m excited to try it

[@TomMorrow78]

I was waiting on you guys to do this review. Thank you.

[@MetalHeadWhiskeySnobs]

That's good shit! Revisited last night, and it REALLY opens up!

[@BrianVaughn]

I got one of these bottles right after the Ascots where it beat GTS. I found the very first crack to be an amazing creme brulee on the nose and a lot of vanilla on the pallet. After it opened up I got more plum and tobacco. A good pour but probably not the best bourbon I've had this year.

[@Cardinals212]

Definitely one I’m adding to my hunting list

[@chipgar63]

Small batch is blended. It all came from the same distillery so it is still straight bourbon.

[@excalibur7185]

You also need to taste it with a touch of water added. And then re-taste with a little touch more water.

[@honker1307]

Happy Monday SLB family, thanks for this review.

[@noahanderson3619]

Stepped down

[@RhinoViper]

One of the benefits of higher proof whiskey is that you have the option of adding a couple drops of water if you want...low proof, you can't add proof....so if 130+ is too high for you, or for that particular bottle it seems too high, you should add a couple of drops after trying it neat to see if doing so makes it better or what kind of things come out if you do so, I think it would add to the review quite a bit because that's one of the big pluses for higher proof stuff, a couple drops or 10 can really play with the flavors and options and should be considered, imho. Even if you do like it neat, i still think these higher proof options should get a couple drops at the end, just for science....and i'm not even one that typically adds water, but would still be interesting.

[@KurtFogleman]

Love to hear someone mention Whiskey Acres.

[@mdoehrman]

I am sipping some right now. For the price, it does take on GTS, plus I can find it, for now.

[@wayne19563]

Happy Monday

[@adrianm8878]

".. And 1 black and white basketball shoes" 😂

[@bigdave2952]

Funny, I just got my bottle from Seelbach. Can’t wait to crack it open tomorrow!

[@ishaanbhardwaj8992]

Im in california, the new label w/ the 5yr age statement was limit one at total wine

[@imaudizz]

Yup same i just picked one up

[@Fatherrick1963]

Tried it a month or so ago based on the ASCOT hype. The flavor didn’t endear me to it initially. Going to have to go back and see if after the bottle has opened up a bit I might have a different reaction. OK. Had a little a.m. nip. Much better. 👍🏼 Would be interested to try their lower proof (and less expensive) offering.

[@michaelmathers6739]

You just answered my question

[@timhoekenschnieder9109]

I will take some of that! And I think you need to refresh the entire bar bottles. I can drive up there and “dispose” of your old whiskeys for you.

[@wishfor420]

Straight Whiskey = minimum 2yr age to be called straight. Blended Whiskey = a blend of different types of whiskey. If its 3 barrels from same place then its just small batch. If its a blend of single malt, corn whiskey, and rye whiskey then its a blended whiskey. I'm reading that it also has to do with different mash bills. Think Travelers whiskey - blended whiskey. Bardstown Bourbon does a lot of blended whiskey.

[@robertpatterson3106]

The hype of GTS is what is hard to kill. Like any batch releases some are better than others , yes it can be better then one batch but not another. Does it matter when you cannot get one.

[@davefabian2942]

Would love your opinion of Jim Beam Black Extra Aged 🥃

[@franks4973]

Great review, would love to know your comparison vs other 131 proof whiskeys such as JD single barrel barrel proof etc..

[@etheridgegray4125]

2:15 good ol Trent actin like the nose did something to his body rofl😂

[@Ronald-pe8di]

Good Monday morning. Lighter fluid at 130

[@davecashel4007]

Trenton the comb over is not working. Just buzz it off. Accept and embrace the shaved head. Great show gentlemen

[@eliwilson8242]

That’s not a combover I think he just got a big forehead lmao

[@magickmarck]

Ease up he looks ok

[@magickmarck]

Let's stay on topic here

[@Robert.Sheard]

Haven't heard of Smokeye Hill before, but then again, I've never bought a BTAC, either. So for my options, this is a shadow chasing a shadow. I do, however, have a bit of a tater in me. 🥃🎉

[@algordon4070]

This is finished/aged, at Private Label Distillery just down the street from me. Went down and picked up a couple bottles there. I don't think it is a GTS killer. I say it is better than Stagg 23B for example.

[@joe.s.unfiltered]

I totally agree Al! It's a fantastic pour, and one to keep in the cabinet...but not sure if it's a Stagg killer. Blinds are in order!

[@mistermom310]

I was checking during this video. This is out of stock at Seelbach's. I haven't had this, but will look around. The regular version, non cask strength looks available.

[@edimar0711]

It’s not a GYS killer but it’s closer to Stagg (jr). It’s a really good pour

[@safromnc8616]

To me all the blue corn stuff seems to be sweeter - as a big proponent of anything Balcones (TX) - they do it right.

[@BourbonHaul]

Really enjoyed this product and had a similar review of it! Great product but I think comparison to GTS is unfair

[@joshtoloczko5787]

You guys should check out “The Deacon” it’s a brass colored bottle. It’s a blended scotch really smoky good flavors in there. I would like to see your reaction to that

[@USNUSA]

My new career…liquor lawyer!

[@XXXGRAPENUTSXXX]

10:29

[@TheCosmicGuy0111]

Woahh

[@zach_hewitt]

Got to do a tasting at Private Label Distillery in Colorado Springs a few weeks ago. Only went through their 13th Century lineup(and bought a hazmat bottle) but did get info on the Smokeye process and saw the barrels aging. Must say I'm gonna have to run back down there and grab a bottle or two based on some friends' reviews. Definitely not a GTS killer, but for the price and availability it might rival Stagg Jr.

[@neilross6227]

gens can i suggest 2 drams to enrich the passage to single malt scottish whisky that Trenton is on... Highland Park 18yr old and Port Charlotte 18yr old

[@jamesw6899]

I heard “cherry” on the nose and was a little surprised. But it didn’t show up on the pallet, which is more what I expected based on what I got from mine. I don’t get berry. I do get the cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, etc… Only fruit I could find is more like peach, pear, really sweet. I still like my GTS better. Just a sucker for the berries. But the Smokeye Hill is a really good pour for the price. At least until the Ascots hype is in full swing. Which it may be by now.

[@russellh1498]

Trenton's nipple rub had me rollin🤣🤣

[@iDTecKt]

4:40 What you been up to recently

[@jonathansantana6239]

I had a friend send me a sample of smoke eye hill and boy is it good? I wouldn't say GTS killer but definitely a bottle I need to own.

[@djmoobeat]

This did go up against GTS 2023. And I have had a pour of 2022, fantastic, 2023 had such a strong potting soil flavor that anything would be better than 2023 GTS.

[@DaveVogelsang-b8v]

I cracked open the Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof last weekend. It is good, but not as good as GTS. I do like it more than Rebecca Creek Double Barrel Spanish. 🥃

[@noworldforeric]

Straight means at least two years. Blended can still say straight I believe if all the blends are from the same state. Don't quote me, not certain. But I do remember K. Luke's bottle says "Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskeys" so... maybe they must specify the blend? Not sure on that also. I don't believe this is a blend however. This is more of a "small batch". Blends involve different mash bill barrels. Usually a small batch involves multiple barrels from the same mash bill, usually same distilling season.

[@djmaxx1985]

What’s the website?

[@mitchellbandy2836]

5:56 Lil toot slip out there? 😏

[@buddbuilt]

found one at Total Wine in San Diego. its really good but doesn't come close to my GTS! Maybe Stag Jr.

[@masonmorton8517]

How about a blind w this, ECBP, Larceny BP & Stagg Jr.

[@Bajinok]

Can you review Calumet bourbon please

[@67dawnreneehiggins7]

OMG. The nipple rub Trenton had Steve and I dying.

[@timbrwolf2238]

I’ll look for it…

[@KingtmacXX92]

I'm very curious how the Smokeye Hill Straight Bourbon is. Its 93 proof which is right up your ally Kurt! Would love to hear how it compares to the full proof. Love the channel, love the family, keep it going guys!

[@whiskeybidness]

I got my bottle of this Smokeye Hillabout a week ago. Roughly the same price you paid + shipping. A super solid sip! I was very, very impressed. Agreed that this comes nowhere close to GTS … but in a double blind tasting competition all kinds of crazy things can happen. Some whiskeys are just great competition pours. Either way … happy to have one on the bar top at the home bar! Keep up the great work

[@novak94]

Where were you able to purchase from?

[@whiskeybidness]

@@novak94 Seelbach’s the day it went on sale

[@rogeredwards3563]

So have either of you been surprised at something that made you laugh so hard you shot whiskey out of your nose? Let me say, it’s not pleasant. AND it’s all Trenton’s fault for what he casually did around the 13:02 mark. 😂

[@JeepinNV]

My understanding is Smokeye contract distills with MGP and then ages in Colorado Springs.

[@clintdegen]

Good kick start to the week🩶.

[@michaelmathers6739]

You should say if it is worth the price point

[@michaelwelsh9957]

Unless it’s a single barrel it’s blended.

[@cowpattycreek]

dammit my mouth is watering

[@therealkingseekul]

If it’s good juice I’ll give it a try. I could care less about it being a GTS killer.

[@CharleyCarey]

I'm betting that bottle will be impossible to find now in the markets it is available in.

[@dustinhebert4162]

Trenton bro. Were you dressed for Halloween..😂

[@YoJimBo851610]

should be GTS vs RR15

[@martybarrett523]

Got a bottle and I’m not a big fan, probably from all the hype. I don’t think it even comes close to a Stagg (Jr) for the price. Hoping it opens up nicely.

[@rsr3162000]

Most whiskeys are made from many many barrells, they arent labelled as blended.

[@dougsowell]

It's a GTS killer because you can actually get it. lol. Chances are, I'll never get a GTS.

[@DemonbreedGaming]

before I watch: i am assuming based on the bottle shape that this is james e. pepper.

[@DemonbreedGaming]

well i was wrong lol. should def give it a try though, its amazing.

[@streetracingmiscreant8589]

No, unless it states “single barrel” it’s definitely a blend of multiple barrels.

[@toyota1335]

Trenton, I see Alton Brown more than Guy Fieri!

[@johnwarwick7684]

No, it doesn’t need to say blended if it comes from same distillery and has same recipe

[@TheNewRevolution]

I hate to say it but it won't be under $100 very long with the hype some people are putting behind this one. I'm aware that it won Fred Minnicks award but I think my pallet differs a lot from his in what I find pleasing. I'd buy this one to try at $70 but I don't think I'd pay much more than that.

[@andrewjkruse]

I think there is a lot of fishiness about this brand. It didn’t exist in May. They keep adding more information and people are being skeptical. It reminds me of 13th colony double oak. 53 & 30 gallon barrel wreaks of double barreling to squeeze age and flavor It took over month of sitting for my bottle to be more than just ethanol. The influencer that anointed this values a long finish and that is its only saving grace. I also question the ethics of that competition.

[@jaxcoop1511]

I know you aren’t really close to a Total Wine store, but if you ever get a chance, I would love to see a review on some of their store brand bourbons. They do a similar thing as Costco and have contract distillers bottle some of their items. Barton is a big one and another is called the JWP Group. Bourbon guys are always beating up on some of these products, but some are really legit good if you give them a chance. Specific ones would be Chestnut Farms. It’s a 90 proof Barton product retailing around $65. Another is Wolcott Rickhouse Reserve. It retails around $45. Another would be Old Emmer Cask Strength. It’s wheated and retails just under $50. They also have a line of products called Bondstone. They do a regular 90 proof, a double oak, a toasted barrel and a cask strength.

[@tombasports]

Man mentioning Aldi in ANY burboun review completely spoils the mood of any spending in that brand. Aldi is amazing for food and stuff and their chips and salsa are great BUT come on

[@robertholder3581]

Another over hyped product...why??