Do BAD Bourbons Get BETTER Over Time?

[@mattchise11]

My sister was talking to this guy… She text me and asked me what my favorite bourbon was. I asked her why and she said that this guy she is talking to said he drinks a lot of bourbon and his favorites are Jefferson’s ocean and Blantons. I told her to immediately stop talking to that guy.

[@calebmiears5866]

I literally laughed out loud reading this

[@Raz75reb]

Blanton's isn't that bad of a favorite. Guy probably hasn't extended his range

[@sethbrooks9596]

HA!

[@wynnfamilyfishing1519]

😂

[@slbdrinks]

That’s absolutely hilarious!!

[@philipjordan8101]

Trenton's facial expressions are priceless!!! :)

[@tightcutz624]

Yeah the Elijah Craig 18 can be a hit and miss because of being a single barrel. I have a friend who doesn’t like it and he tried a couple but Insisted him to try mine which is an amazing pour. He had a sip and he said, “Now that’s How An 18yr Suppose To Taste!” When you find a fantastic bottle it’s worth the price but again it’s the roll of the dice with a single barrel. 😊

[@EAK218]

The bottle I have, I've had for almost a year. I'm towards the bottom of the bottle and the nose reminds me of a Kool-aid/bubble gum XD. Sounds funny, but this one is really good. It's better than the one I had at a whiskey bar. The nose and pallet are very close. If I can find another I'll buy and see how it is. ECBP and Larceny BP are my go-to bottles

[@andrewjohn4222]

I've gotten this advice before and it has really helped me a lot. I'm fortunate enough to live close to one of the best bourbon bars in the world (Jack Rose in DC), and I try to sample a pour before making a big investment in a bottle. And if I have a chance to buy a rare bottle that I haven't tasted before, I'll buy it, then before opening it, try to taste it at Jack Rose. If I don't like it, then I'll try to trade the unopened bottle

[@leepritchard7733]

As a new bourbon drinker I really like your videos. Keep them coming.

[@JokerMansBeats]

I never had Jeffersons Ocean 17 but I did bring back a bottle of Voyage 28 for me and my buddies. It went down amazing. Not your typical bourbon but delicious. It reminds me of a fresh breezy hit on the nose and palate.

[@txrazor2643]

Videos like this help save me $$. I will try them in a bar just to see what was reviewed.

[@big_goat]

I actually appreciate these type videos more. Sometimes is hard to tell when a whiskey tuber is just shilling distillers. If they down talk a bottle we know for certain they are not being paid. Cheers 🥃❕

[@Darbobski]

I have a 3lr charred oak aging barrel that I put remnants of "bad" or boring bourbons into. I will say that hasn't magically created amazing bourbons, but it defiantly takes the edge off of them and typically creates something worth pouring over ice or even doing light mixers with.

[@kristopherschermerhorn998]

I just had voyage 28 of the Jefferson’s Ocean and it was amazing. Very smooth and unique, full of flavor. Not harsh at all. It’s a shame it seems their batches are so inconsistent.

[@slbdrinks]

They def are very inconsistent. Some good, some bad.

[@kristopherschermerhorn998]

@@slbdrinks I believe it. That said, I’m having it and Knob Creek 9 side by side and it’s hard to distinguish a difference. I think I actually like Knob Creek 9 better for like $44 less.

[@JimPryde]

I just picked up a voyage 28 at Sam's Club for $45 (mid November, 2023) I agree. Smooth, unique, and very enjoyable. I was a bit concerned after seeing the comments on this channel, but 28 was definitely a win for me.

[@tobyhayes611]

I've only had 2 bourbons that I thought improved after being open for a while. For me, if it doesn't taste good the first or second time, it's not going to taste any better later. I try to stay away from the overpriced, overhyped bourbons as they aren't worth the money to begin with.

[@a68freak]

Thanks for the follow up and honesty. It takes a strong person to own up when they've made a bad purchase. It happens to most of us. Wish you could try before you buy easier but sometimes there just isn't time. Great video.

[@slbdrinks]

I just want to try and put my bad experiences out there so others won’t have to suffer needlessly.

[@tweezerjam]

My regretful buys have all been less than $30, thankfully. I’ve never spent more than $40 on any liquor though…

[@jmiller8745]

Loved this video....I have 3 of those, 2 which I haven't opened yet! I found that adding a touch of limestone water to the Jefferson's Ocean does make it much more palatable!

[@badgerjeff6081]

I thought that ear tug was a sign to a loved one! Ya'll think of the best, most helpful video topics. Thank you so much!

[@aaronsmith4678]

Interesting topic. I’m always learning something from your videos. Great to watch you guys as always.

[@C_H_1972]

Hi guys! I like the father/son format! That $1k is rough. My opinion is that NO bourbon is worth that much in terms of taste. Unless, it’s a super old dusty for investment purposes or a Pappy. The most I’ve spent is $200 on my awesome Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend. Thank god it didn’t disappoint. Even then, it was for my 50th birthday. Cheers!

[@tonylopez6213]

I agree, I haven't spent more than 200 in a bottle. If they cost more, it better give me superpowers or something extraordinary. That's my opinion of course.

[@Nimreitz]

in my experience, once you hit Rare Breed price, as far as bourbon goes, price and taste may as well be random. Scotch there's some correlation between taste and price, but bourbon is so damn random and it is a hard lesson to learn for all of us when we get into it.

[@C_H_1972]

@@Nimreitz You make a great point about the price of Scotch and the correlation to it’s quality. There is a little bit of that in bourbon, but it’s way more inconsistent as you point out. I do see a strong correlation between distilleries and quality. I prefer the legacy distilleries with their tried and true mash bills, solid aging and quality control. For example, I pretty much like everything that Wild Turkey, Buffalo Trace, MGP, Brown Forman and Heaven Hill makes. Within those brands, higher retail prices usually means a better bourbon. Sometimes, you even get a head turning, well priced premium bargain like Elijah Craig barrel proof. I must say, I prefer a well aged, legacy barrel proof bourbon over any Scotch.

[@slbdrinks]

💯 agree! Not a smart purchase. Been looking for that cigar blend for 2 yrs. Enjoy!

[@100puremustard5]

@@Nimreitz I used to feel the same about scotch, higher price = better experience\quality. And while bourbon prices have gotten way out of control, I can still find great sippers under $30 (1792 sb, WT 101, OF 100 etc.). Scotch you have to spend $50+ for anything decent like Glendronach 12, Talisker 10, Ardbeg 10 etc.

[@JC_Chappy]

Oceans 17 kept me from buying any other oceans product... I'm not looking to spend $80 for something that *might* be good. I'll look for 23 though, based on Trent's comment.

[@MikeFuller96]

Great video guys. I actually bought a rye from a local mixing house for ~$100 a couple years back. When I got around to opening it up I was extremely disappointed. I revisited it about two weeks ago and absolutely love it. I’m not sure if it opened up or if my pallet developed but I feel a heck of a lot better about the money I spent lol.

[@dennis85573]

Which brand of rye did you taste?

[@MikeFuller96]

@@dennis85573 J. Mattingly

[@dennis85573]

@@MikeFuller96 Thanks

[@scottindestin]

My whisky sipping journey was going great until I tried Sagamore double Oak Rye. Rye is not for me. It has a stale dark beer note that kills it for me. Back to Bourbon. It's a learning experience.

[@iamgeek246]

So I’m new to getting into bourbon. I’ve drank bourbon for years - usually Knob Creek, but I’m getting into broadening palette. I just opened an Elijah Craig small batch and got the same reaction as you were getting with this 18 year. Plan to let it sit and open an bit and see what changes. Great video.

[@thestellarinc7734]

Elijah craig is one of my go-tos for making old fashions. The spicyness balances out the syrup

[@Nimreitz]

I got so much hype for EC Barrel Proof, and when I finally bought one I absolutely hated it. Like chewing on sawdust. I can't IMAGINE how bitter and woody the 18 is.

[@XtopherMartin]

I've had the EC small batch and the B521 barrel proof and neither have moved me. Nothing really off putting, but nothing to love for me.

[@jekubloogwet5878]

ECSB is my fav cheap whiskey, like the toasted barrel and enjoyed the BP.. but the thing about whiskey is, we all have different tastes!

[@patrickcronin6829]

Whenever I get a bottle I don’t like so much, I just make cocktails with it. It’s hard to mess up a Manhattan... just add more cherry juice. Lol

[@EverydayDrinker]

so glad I saw this before picking up a hillock bottle I was contemplating it and now I will not be purchasing it. Great video as always boys!

[@tomgensel4134]

I really watch your channel to learn about bourbon. But I gotta say watching today and both of your reactions 😂. Crack me up 🤣. Still learning,🥃👍 Cheers

[@logancarlyle169]

I'm not sure if it was the barrel I specifically had, but the EC 18 was fantastic when I tried it

[@mitchlewis3311]

Love the idea for this video. Very interesting. Maybe a store pick vs regular bottle video?

[@slbdrinks]

Good idea!

[@elizabethtomkelley4976]

Had a similar experience as your 18 year old Elijah but with a store pick makers 46 style. First open it was like licking an oak board. 6 months later and it was quaffable. A small bit of triple sec made it a nice mixer. Have not tried another finished bourbon since

[@curtboxley7678]

My First $100.00 bottle was Calumet 15. It is not bad. I just am not enjoying it as much as I hoped I would. I have gone back to it from time to time. It does seem to get better but still not something I would buy again. I heard good things this year about Calumet 16, so I bought one. I have not opened it yet. I have to many other bottles that are open.

[@thebigcor]

14 is actually the best in local opinion. We did a tasting with 14,15, 16 and the ranking was 14,16,15. 16 is delicious though

[@jasonacosta3860]

I had a bottle of Stag Jr that was a cinnamon bomb. I couldn't drink it at all. Let it sit up in the cabinet for a while and it opened up beautifully. Great pour now

[@jasonhunt2909]

I really enjoy my EC18. I feel it opened up after a month or so.

[@slbdrinks]

Glad you liked it!

[@robertlee6781]

I agree about the Jeffersons. Some of them can be bitter. I have had a few decent Voyages though.

[@johnfernandez345]

Fun video! This had some observations and facial expressions that made me laugh. ("Biting into an oak tree," "aged in cardboard" 😂) What's interesting, ultimately, is that there's no universal answer: some improve, some worsen, and some stay the same; and who knows what will happen to an opened bottle, whether you originally liked or didn't like it. One more question: How long can we expect an opened bottle to hold up? Nothing lasts forever.

[@slbdrinks]

If you store your whiskey in a cool place not in contact with direct sunlight it will last a lot longer than you think. I have several 3 yrs old and can’t tell a difference.

[@twentyfiveyears5010]

I have never had a bottle get worse over time. Some don't seem to change much. I have had many that got better. Some went from undrinkable to OK, some went from OK to good, and some went from good to very good.

[@kevinperry1843]

Enjoy this video. You and Trent facial expression was funny. Keep the great content coming.

[@rayvanett1443]

When Trent tried the Woodford I laughed so hard. He was in total shock...something slapped him in the mouth and he just didn't like it.

[@kevinfoster2246]

funny thing is on just yesterday I was at a friends house and he had that RW unopened from a year ago, said he paid $100 for it. we opened it yesterday it was"OK" just ok but not $100 bottle!! did have a different kind of taste to it!

[@sweetlisa22]

Great Show guys I do enjoy my EC 18 but I too have heard it varies from year to Year. I have tasted the Hillrock and it hurt my feelings and tastebuds The Oceans varies alot but I still think you are paying for the story (Voyage) not the juice inside. That Woodford Choco and the Woodford Brandy Cask were 2 huge misses. Overall another great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@nickp5511]

Super funny comments! I picked up a JO voyage 24 from Costco 65 bucks with two bourbon glasses. I like it!

[@slbdrinks]

Good deal!

[@zachariahzedd8124]

I passed on an EC 18.. was 220. Thought another BP might be a better decision

[@lukedempsey8579]

It’s alright guys, you can mail me the Woodford when you’re ready 😂

[@Jason-vi2pj]

I had the EC18 one time, first impression that came to me was a hardwood floor lol. but I'm still looking for one. it was a fresh open aswell

[@jasonreinecke3569]

I think others have said this, but as good as all your videos are, the best videos are the ones with both of you on camera. It would be great to get the whole family in a video too!

[@slbdrinks]

Good luck getting the girls back there 😂

[@AverageJeff]

Interesting stuff - I have the Jefferson Ocean Voyager 19 and its the opposite of bitter, smooth and sweet - I like it alot - I guess 2 years makes a big difference...

[@YimmyYames513]

I’ve got the 19 and the 25 and they are great 👍

[@slbdrinks]

The different voyages vary quite a bit for sure.

[@hopshlooken]

Always valued content!

[@donmorton3954]

Thankfully most of the ones I bought and are disappointed in were all less than $100. The only one I bought which was more was Bardstown Founders KBS which is outstanding. Not planning on going over $100...if possible.

[@mcw2553]

Well the Elijah Craig 18 is a single barrel so no doubt there will be variation among them. I enjoyed mine but I wouldn't necessarily pay the £220 it costs over here.

[@slbdrinks]

Don’t think I will be buying anymore myself.

[@Raz75reb]

I love my Solera Aged Hillrock. Wonder if it's a batch or palate difference

[@slbdrinks]

Something is definitely wrong with my bottle.

[@coxman1]

I’ll put it up this time. 🤔still waiting. Lol.

[@robertschaeffer3241]

The best thing I have done to bad bourbon and whiskey is to pour it into a casserole dish and put it in the smoker for about 2 hours with cherry smoke at about 175 degree’s.

[@slbdrinks]

Wow! Interesting

[@rickmandel8233]

Great show as always! I actually bought a store pick a while back. It was phenomenal when I opened it. Let sit about month...it's maybe a 3rd down. Grabbed it the other day and it's not as good to me ...even tried it a couple days later same thing. Anyone ever experience this with a bottle??

[@slbdrinks]

I have had same experiences both ways.

[@mitchamus9]

What about adding adding an aging stick to the bottle?

[@chrisdotye3262]

I've revisited my Bookers Noe Strangers Batch and it is good.

[@CGsYTChannel]

Trenton forgot to add the link.. even after he said he wouldn't forget lol

[@slbdrinks]

What can I say??! Kid drives his mom nuts lol

[@TimeBomb008]

only bottle I have im my collection that has seemed to have gotten worse then when I first opened it was George dickel 13yr BIB iI enjoyed my first pours and after it was open a few months it turned to straight vitamins.

[@slbdrinks]

Wow that’s interesting.

[@jacobrothschild42936]

usually special editions I feel are just the bad whiskey they made and then rebranded, but the kentucky owl st patricks edition is actually really good.

[@3frogltd987]

Sounds like the Hillrock is a tosser, and maybe the WR; if the others were mine, they would become blenders. I line up a row of juice glasses and pour some the base(unlikeable) bourbon in each, then I add measured amounts of selected other bourbons to each chosen for the flavor profile I seek. If a couple taste better I then tweek them as needed with small amounts of another bourbon(s) to hone the flavor. I record the ratios so I can reproduce a satisfactory blend with the remaining original base bourbon. It's fun, and a way to salvage a bad buy.

[@slbdrinks]

That’s a great idea!

[@benedictgraphico]

Won Jefferson's Voyage 24 in a Christmas raffle -- it was great! Bottle was crushed within a couple weeks.

[@KYkingfisher91]

I haven’t had a KY owl bottle that I’ve liked. Luckily I’ve only tasted them and fortunate enough to not buy any.

[@efex604]

Many people say the EC18 is very thin, not enough coating and richness in sure it's from the Proof point, I probably won't buy that one ever lol I enjoy the Barrel Proofs way more!

[@slbdrinks]

No more for me.

[@bryanbond7804]

I've seen a lot of people brag about Woodford Reserve so I bought a small bottle of it and I thought it tasted like cough syrup. It was easily one of the worst bourbons I've ever tasted.

[@michaelrobertson8791]

Enjoyed the video! 😂

[@ratchet44455]

1:17 trent you lied about attaching the video!

[@slbdrinks]

He absolutely did!

[@funkyforager3897]

Great concept. Would of loved this one blind

[@BourbonondaBayou]

I must have gotten a good bottle of EC18. Everytime my gf puts it in a blind for me, it comes out on top or #2. Or my taste preference is very different

[@slbdrinks]

Good deal!

[@thomasmichael6509]

The $1000 on the KY owl being a bust makes me feel a lot better about paying secondary in that range for btac once 😅

[@slbdrinks]

Happens to most of us lol

[@allenlasky5630]

Maybe someone said this already. But would love to see this format used for bourbons you liked on the first pour. Do good bourbons get better? We know they do, but I would love your opinions on your favorite pours and how they've changed over time. Love SLB, keep up the good work!

[@robwalker6211]

Hi guys, I just watched this video last night and I was wondering on the next video of bourbon that’s not good how about pour a sixth glass or a infinity glass of the five bottles like 1/4 oz pour and see if they taste better together.

[@timothycollins3829]

I had some Hillrock Solera Age maybe 10-12 years ago and it was very smooth. Out of my price range, but very tasty. Wonder if you got a bad bottle or if different years have different profiles.

[@slbdrinks]

Not sure. Some have said it might have been a corking issue?? Similar to what happens when wine goes bad??

[@johnnycampbell3422]

My bottle of Jefferson ocean was not enjoyable, but on revisit, not as bad.

[@teddyballgame25]

Crazy how some get better and some worse w time and air. I do know all Elijah Craig’s get better with time. Trying to review a fresh crack of ECBP for example goes from meh or pretty to oh wow is that good in a month.

[@paulhughes3961]

I went to my favorite liquor store to see what store picks they had. The store owner said he went to Lux Row distillery when he was in Kentucky and picked up a few cases of Rebel Special Limited Edition Cask Strength. Has either one of you ever tried that particular bottle ?

[@stephenarguijo6486]

You should make an infinity decanter out of these.

[@neilmollaski7095]

What’s the best bourbon to use in an old fashioned? Thanks

[@peterniemira9536]

Wild Turkey 101

[@slbdrinks]

Honestly one you like to sip yourself. Lots of good choices. I do prefer using 100 proof or more so it will stand up after mixed.

[@cletusjones9411]

I regret buying most of my bottles.

[@joshuamcdaniel2760]

I’ve got an extra Woodford batch. I’m not sure where you guys are located. Im in Indy

[@slbdrinks]

I am in NW Indiana, Valparaiso to be exact. Would love to have one though. Best way to get me is messaging on Instagram or FB.

[@michaelspreckelson8270]

I have a question. How long can you keep an unopened bottle of bourbon on the shelf before you should open and consume it?

[@slbdrinks]

If you keep it in a cool area not in direct sunlight it will last longer than you think. I have several that are 3 yrs old and cannot tell a difference.

[@michaelspreckelson8270]

Thanks

[@kevinruble6858]

The tasting notes you have on the Hillrock are similar to whiskey that have been corked, do you think that had happened?

[@slbdrinks]

Others have said the same but I am unfamiliar with the term. Going to look into it.

[@chrisdunning5481]

My experience has been a little time and air can improve a bourbon that starts out reasonably good. I have never found it to improve something that flat bad. For instance, I have a Laws rye from Colorado. Paid $80. Awful. Sat about a year. Tried again not long ago. Slightly less awful.

[@slbdrinks]

At least that’s better!

[@chads5968]

Here's an idea for a video, compare that Hillrock "cardboard" flavor to Old Soul. I've never had the Hillrock but the Old Soul tastes like old dusty library books to me. 😝

[@slbdrinks]

Ugh lol!

[@dattexboy]

I’d like to see a video of all the bottles you have backups to purposely

[@slbdrinks]

That’s a great idea!

[@XtopherMartin]

I'll start with mine, Rare Breed, Lost Monarch, EHT, Eagle Rare. The last two mostly out of scarcity than being my absolute favorite.

[@benfrihauf3825]

I totally agree. Those are all bad.

[@EscobarStyle]

Out of that lineup guys, the EC-18 was a HUGE disappointment for me. Especially for the price around here. $200+ And I honestly think you guys thought it wasn’t bad because y’all drank that HillRock before it lol

[@slbdrinks]

Maybe lol! I won’t be buying another one that’s for sure.

[@EscobarStyle]

@@slbdrinks same here lol

[@thatracecameraguy]

Generally Chocolate Malt is not for flavor, but for color on the lovibond scale (and usually is a little more nutty) were they advertising a chocolate note?

[@slbdrinks]

I can see the nutty aspect, in a bad way.

[@thatracecameraguy]

@@slbdrinks that's not awesome

[@chriswindham9868]

Thoughts on Garrison Brother’s or other Texas Distillery Bourbons?

[@slbdrinks]

Not a huge fan of Garrison but like Balcones. There are other TX bourbons I want to collect as well.

[@joeyreynolds4785]

This year’s batch proof is 128.3, right? Got an unopened one chilling on my shelf

[@bryanmiller8]

I think it’s 118.3

[@slbdrinks]

Unfortunately I didn’t get one.

[@andrewchance8449]

The audio on this video has an issue. I have never heard an issue on any other SLB video. There is a slight squeal on the right stereo track through most of the video. Has anyone else noticed this?

[@slbdrinks]

We will look into it. Thanks for the heads up!

[@mackal]

That HIllrock is corked.

[@slbdrinks]

Read another comment about that. Very interesting.

[@vincentr.6109]

It's a shame to hear about the Woodfords, their flagship and double oak are solid. I'm not sure if a mixed drink/cocktail would improve any of these, probably not.

[@jamesseamans1491]

Bowman Brothers was mine that tasted so bad I was gonna put it down the drain. Let it set for about 6 or 7 months and not it’s one of my favorites

[@ChadWinters]

any price above 100 dollars doesn't seem to be due to better taste, just rarity

[@robertstrickland2121]

EC18 is much better mixed with barrel proof or even small batch.

[@slbdrinks]

Good idea!

[@gblowe62]

I didn't see the link to the I regret buying.... Is this a new theme? "I promise I'll put it up"

[@slbdrinks]

That kid. He drives his mom nuts. Lol

[@saltylettuce7541]

Ive noticed the RR 10 will change over time. Not for better or worse just changes.

[@slbdrinks]

I agree. Some change a bit here or there.

[@Valen-D]

Time for Ocean and Coke!

[@slbdrinks]

You bet lol!

[@JE-western-rider]

Blanton fans! Get yourself a home whiskey aging barrel and fill it with Ancient Age and let it sit awhile.

[@slbdrinks]

Hey, that sounds like a great idea!

[@markknister6272]

Some do and some don’t.😳

[@jeremiahmckee5933]

Start a bad bottle blend, can't make them worse really, could make something interesting.

[@apeekintime]

I'll put it up this time... no link to that video shows up.

[@jeffdavis3207]

Update: He did NOT put it up this time. (1:16)

[@slbdrinks]

SMH…

[@nickp5511]

You can blend together and get a tasty burnt cardboard asphalt flavor!!

[@slbdrinks]

That was a bit harsh lol

[@nickp5511]

You better learn to like it!!!

[@jimtryon3051]

try blending the ones you dont mind the most

[@Robert.Sheard]

But do bad bourbons get better when you pair them with pie? 👀

[@slbdrinks]

Yesssss!! Good one lol