BEST Buffalo Trace Alternatives - Stagg Jr, Rock Hill Farms, Colonel EH Taylor

[@fionadavison7952]

Kurt you are a pleasure to watch and listen to - your passion for Bourbon/whiskey/rye/scotch is evident. Trenton has been a great addition to the show as well - Keep up the great work!

[@ibdam1]

I totally agree. These guys are like listening to family having a conversation around a camp fire. Trenton’s physical appearance on the show is a great addition.

[@Tanner0]

Time Stamps: 02:44 - EH Taylor Small Batch: 03:41 - Old Forester 1910 04:42 - Smoke Wagon Small Batch 05:23 - EH Taylor Single Barrel: 06:16 - New Riff Single Barrel 07:28 - Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 08:15 - EH Taylor Full Proof/Stagg Jr.: 09:10 - Old Forester 1920 10:14 - Tumbling Dice Single Barrel 11:32 - Rock Hill Farms: 12:43 - Old 55 Singld Barrel 14:03 - Old Grand Dad 114

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks buddy

[@robertbooth3367]

Haven't seen an EH Taylor single barrel in nearly 2 years! The small batch shows up rarely and now runs $80 + in this area and is nearly impossible to get unless you follow the truck around or know someone. Elmer T is even rarer and runs $200 + which is absolutely insane. Never seen a Rock Hill Farms around here, ever. Bottom line is that findable, affordable alternatives ARE out there making this video extremely useful and pertinent!! Keep it up Kurt and - soon to be - Baldy with a hat. Lol

[@ericwilliams4465]

I have the exact same experience. All of the these “alternatives” on the “Unobtainium” list for me. Haven’t even seen these for 5-6 years. Should have bought cases of them years ago when they were seen and available in the wild!

[@Skiman94]

I know people. I've got 5 bottles. 😁

[@benmilner3650]

You can’t find it around us for less than $100

[@omalley16]

I have never seen any of these rare BT products in the wild.

[@agentgreen7255]

Trent I also cried! because in Indy you can't find anything Stagg Jr, Rock Hill or Taylor. And at one time I had Stagg Jr and loved it and miss it

[@timbuma3693]

I’d say another Stagg Jr alternative could be Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Your comment should be pinned to the top. In my opinion the JD SB BP compared well vs ECBP. I can’t get ECBP in my area so the JD SB BP is it for me.

[@TheMNbassHunter]

That's a good call! JDSBBP has the proof to stand up to Stagg Jr. and of course it is delicious. I just stock up on those and ECBP since I'm able to find them fairly regularly. I've really enjoyed the ECBP store picks. I've found 8yr and 10yr of those so along with the regular 12yr A,B,C releases there is a nice range of flavors there. I don't think ECBP replaces Stagg Jr necessarily, but it is pretty delicious higher-proof bourbon that you don't have to go crazy trying to find.

[@timbuma3693]

I just went into my local Total Wine and they had Weller Full Proof, Blantons, Buffalo Trace (all single barrel store picks for MSRP!)

[@TheMNbassHunter]

@@timbuma3693 SCORE! You don't happen to live in MN do you?! Haha!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

@@timbuma3693 So you must be there right now in the morning on the east coast. you're so lucky and enjoy all those bottles man. See that is the problem with Buffalo Trace stuff imo. You have to be there during the day to get the allocated bottles. If you're an office worker or someone who works day shift you can't get there until after 5pm and everything is long gone.

[@stuartrollings602]

Great show and wonderful comparisons! You mention patience- I was fortunate to have one of those epic weeks where the moons line up! 2 OF King Ranch, Weller Antique 107, Weller Single Barrel, Elmer T Lee, Jack Daniels Personal Collection Single Barrel Rye,Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat, and Makers BRT-02! All in one week…Yikes. Blessed!

[@TheDksotheacc]

Watching this channel always brings me back down a notch, that some of the higher end bottles, I will eventually find, over time, and that there are so many untapped wonderful bottles on the shelf. In addition to this, store pick bottles are just so awesome, and a lot of times way better than some of these allocated ones. Please keep bringing us these awesome comparisons and reviews, you guys make me go try way more bottles, instead of being caught up in trying to find something allocated.

[@StacheXXL]

I really appreciate these videos for alternatives for hard-to-find bottles, I love kicking off your videos and relaxing while drinking a pour. You really help me with my purchases and that is why I became a patron. I loved the video 5 Single Barrel Bourbons BETTER Than BLANTON'S, I Went out this Saturday morning on my birthday and stopped in at my local discount beverage store to see if there were any new bourbons to be had. Lo and behold I started talking to the person behind the counter about trying to find Blanton's for over a year now. She said, "I think I saw one in the back", I'm like Whaaaaaaaat! I paid $59.00 for it, not bad. Happy Birthday to me!

[@geecee1990]

I definitely have to go with the alternatives. I haven't seen any of those BT bottles on a shelf here in Nashville in probably three years. I'm so fed up with the allocated crapshow that I've quit even trying to find/beg for any of those bottles at my local store.

[@shawncresap6906]

I just started watching Kurt and Trenton this year and you guys do a great job. I’m always entertained and even learn about bottles I haven’t tried. Kurt thanks for putting so much thought into your choices. I live 20 minutes from Buffalo Trace, and visit there every so often to snag a bottle or two. It’s nice to be so close and get bottles at MSRP (even though they only let you get a bottle per person every 90 days). They’ve got some great juice… and I appreciate hearing others thoughts on their products.

[@robertrackuzius3722]

It's fun that you gave a shout out to Old 55 distillery. I hit up their distillery and Hooker Corner winery while driving around the rural parts of Indiana.

[@TJP5.0]

loving this series! Thanks for giving us suggestions for bottles we might shy away from.

[@hopshlooken]

There are lots of people reviewing bourbon on KZbin, but they are just opinions. SLB is more like bourbon education. The way you compare bourbons and flavors is infinitely more useful. I have saved money and drank better bourbon because of your videos. Thanks, and keep them coming.

[@chrisk8385]

My first though for the EHT SiB was also NR SiB...great pick!

[@andrewma923]

The old man hasn’t lost his mind! Glad you mentioned OGD 114. Just thought you were going to bring it up with the Weller Full Proof!

[@philb6409]

Thx guys; what is nice about your list is that the alternatives are actually available.

[@caypercifield1778]

Love building my knowledge with you two in a friendly casual way.

[@karl0318]

I'm late to this video but love it just the same! Thank you! Come to San Antonio, TX where the O.F. 1910 goes for about $46, the Russell's SB for about $65, the O.F. 1920 for about $49, and the Old G.D. 114 for about $23 - all give or take $2-3 depending on where you find them - all readily available most of the time. All your E.H Taylor, STAGG and Rock Hill Farms would be strictly allocated and not on the shelve but "word-of-mouth" if ever available and at high secondary prices at best.

[@txstang84]

I finally found some EH Taylor from a friend of mine (he picked up several bottles when home on leave or something). I was floored how good it was-it’s no wonder people love it. I can regularly find the Old Forester 1910, however and I’m similar happy with it-both great bourbons. Moreover I love your content because you bring out so many options for the ones we want to get but often cannot…which reminds me, I need to pick up a bottle of Blue Note

[@jeremybrasher6629]

loved the series! i took a screen shot at the end of each episode so i could look for some of these. and have already gotten a tincup 10yr and it is fantastic! lucked up yesterday and got a weller special reserve and a 12 yr cost me right at $150 for both. saving those for the holidays to enjoy with family. cheers guys!

[@bryanbeck9059]

1910 and 1920 are my corner stone to my bourbon collection

[@donmorton3954]

Another great series, great video, and great suggestions. Thanks again! Hoping Trenton goes all the way for the full shave, not just a buzz cut. Lol Hope to join you tonight.

[@whatsthepoint170]

Hey fellas this may be the most useful video to date. In my area the EHT small batch is $120+ at any store and we can agree that ridiculous. I really appreciate the alternatives to try out! Been eyeballing that Russell’s for a while. I do have to disagree on your love of Old Forrester 1920. I thought it was entirely too oaky for my palette. But again, I appreciate the suggestions! Take care

[@ericamiles2641]

Thanks for all the work you did for this series. It helps to know that most of the bourbons I’ve tried compare to a lot of the Buffalo Trace line!

[@pauld9933]

Old Forester and Russell's are virtually the only products from this list that can be found regularly locally.

[@dus10dnd]

Oh nice... Wilderness Trail... that should be pretty good.

[@Jack-nx4rt]

Absolutely love this channel! Much love from a huge bourbon fan from across the pond 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you my friend!

[@tonylopez6213]

I agree, I am done looking for those bottles and instead I started to focus on enjoying the good whiskey that's out there. 100% agree with your selection and with the price of Stagg on secondary you can get all the alternatives. Great video series in general!

[@beerme8949]

New Riff SB is an absolutely banger of a bottle!

[@ThumbsMcThumb]

Just got some Rock Hill, and it’s by far the best bourbon I’ve ever had.

[@CabinTimeOregon]

Loved the Whole Series it was Great, thanks Guy's...

[@ecarson04]

Scored an EHT single barrel a few months ago. Very good!!!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

The last points are so so true. Luckily in my area most of these can be found at MSRP. Also when I finally had OGD 114 it made me think of an old boxer who just knows how to hit you real hard.

[@tonyn152]

Great video! Thanks so much for doing these alternative videos. All solid choices!!! I actually found my first bottle of E.H. Taylor Small Batch for close to MSRP ($71) last week and felt like I won the lotto. LOL!

[@graveshotx]

Great List! The Tumblin Dice is a great hidden gem wherever you can find it. My local store has a 7 year Tumblin Dice store pick that is incredible. For the Rock Hill Farms there's really not much like it. I would say the closest I've had to it is Old Pogue Master's Select which is a small batch of 9-12yr Old Pogue barrels poofed down to 90. Very tasty. Those aren't easy bottles to find either. Never heard of Old 55 before. If I'm ever northwest of Indianapolis I'll have to check it out.

[@bill-qv3er]

I love the Old Forester 1920, one of my favorites. The Stagg Jr I have has a little more punch at 130 proof. Alot of great choices guys !!!!!

[@cwmnn21]

Great alternatives! I just won the VA lottery and got a bottle of Rock Hill Farm for $57. Now I just need a special occasion to have an excuse to open the bad boy up!

[@ginas667]

Tomorrow is never promised friend. Enjoy it today! That’s what I did with my Blanton’s. - A Friday night sipper

[@slbdrinks]

Congratulations!

[@mlinder2000]

Congrats 👏 id agree enjoy it now. Save some for the special occasion

[@murdermelia7465]

These videos are the absolute best. Great job on this entire Buffalo trace comparable videos. Can’t wait for the next lineup!

[@kevinsuriano9663]

Fantastic run down.

[@Victor-512]

Need to try that RHF. Heard great things about it. EHT SmB and 1920 are great pours. The OGD114 is like 20 around here and I always have one available

[@VinegarAndSaltedFries]

Also really love Henry McKenna 10 Year for the Single Barrel selection

[@geecee1990]

really glad you recommended the New Riff. I've wondered for a while if it was good. I can easily find that around here. Maybe I'll give it a shot this weekend. And the Russell's is a staple at my home bar. Amazing how good the Russell's is and how AVAILABLE it is.

[@smikebacts]

John J Bowman single barrel is the true alternative to Rock hill farms. It's basically Rock hill farms after being distilled in a pot still. I am not familiar with that dice bottle but Jack Daniels single barrel barrel proof is my go to alternative to Stagg.

[@clingman71]

I thought Bowman was BT1 mash bill? RHF is BT2 mash bill.

[@jamiestromberg8671]

Gentleman...love your channel it is by far my favorite burbon information source. These videos where you show cheaper, more available alternatives to established and let's face it...overpriced burbon are my favorites!!! Keep up the good work!!!!

[@currahee63]

Loved this mini-series guys. Nice to see some bottles from my collection on the bar as alternatives, especially knowing I'll likely never see the majority of the BT bottles. Looking forward to the live show tonight.

[@perrybrown7650]

Good luck finding those EH Taylor bottles. They are as rare and sought after as some of the rarest Buffalo Trace releases.

[@MrWright14]

Great series guys! Russels SB and OF 1920 have been on my list for a while now. Excited for the show tonight!

[@windy_city_beerman]

Great comparison on the first bottle, really enjoy them both 🍻

[@windy_city_beerman]

And I’ve been looking for the single barrel EH so great to know it’s similar to new riff which I love 🍻

[@windy_city_beerman]

The old grand dad 114 is excellent 🍻

[@stevemillerecon]

Since Stagg Jr. is thought to be 8-9 years old, Knob Creek Single Barrel (9 years, 120 proof) seems an obvious available alternative. Also obvious, but less available are the ECBP releases. But I can't disagree with 1920. That's just a great bottle.

[@bandito85fx]

I was looking for the knob 18 at a NC abc store. Lol. And took a chance on the 9yr 120 proof. It’s great! $52. I’m buying Moore. ✌️

[@jeffreywiener2563]

Love these...not a quibble, just wished I lived near you. Can't find EH Taylor (of any kind) around the DC area under $100 if you can find. Can find OF 1910 most places in the $50ish range

[@zacfisher63]

Great series guys 👌🏼

[@MetaPrometheus]

Ooooh! I need to find some Tumblin Dice! Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered, Russell's Single Barrel and New Riff are on my short list! Old Grand-Dad 114 is already part of my regular lineup along with Old Grand-Dad Bonded. I got to try EHTSmB and Stagg Batch 18 recently, they're very good but I'm not gonna go chasing after them. Too many other things pressing my time.

[@jaredburns88]

Really enjoyed these videos!

[@reddawg917]

Rock Hill Farms is one of my personal favorites. Almost impossible to find though. Not a fan of Choke Wagon as a replacement for anything. 😂

[@slbdrinks]

Lol

[@simonstanley2992]

Another excellent video guys and one that I was pleased to say that I had quite a bit of in regard to the alternatives. I just picked up a Smoke Wagon Small Batch last week as there is now some availability in the UK.

[@KirbyDog]

I am new to your channel and recently tried both Old Forester 1920 and New Riff. Both are delightful, thanks.

[@jpvidrine]

JT Meleck - Louisiana rice whiskey👌🏻

[@tomgensel4134]

Again, great info. I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight 🥃 Cheers

[@bencpt2000]

Another great show. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@mrchilli5618]

Finally was able to get some 1920, the local government liquor store had 6 bottles, they now have 4.

[@matthewhall8790]

I love New Riff! I've only tried a handful of BT products, regular BT, Blantons, Col. E.H. Taylor small batch, and Eagle Rare. So far, it's about 50/50, I liked Blantons, I really liked the EHT, don't care for BT or ER.

[@chrisjones3528]

Rock Hill Farms was my favorite bourbon for years, when I could still find it. $40 at the time too 😞

[@KyleMiller2586]

I know it’s been set a lot, but I would also like to just say I really appreciated this series

[@slbdrinks]

Thanks Kyle!

[@ClevelandOnTheRocks]

Loved the episode. I need to find that Smoke wagon. They all sound amazing

[@machiavelli_g4458]

i wish i could find one of them haha! love the vid!

[@jimjohnson6917]

EHT Single Barrel $100 in NorCal last week. First time seeing it in many months

[@bradsbourbon]

Found a bottle of that Tumblin Dice and it is absolutely amazing

[@slbdrinks]

Awesome!

[@buckybadgerphd]

Great job on this series!

[@tragic504]

I have a store pick of that Tumblin Dice wish I bought 2 of them instead of 1.

[@TheMNbassHunter]

I like the nod to dusty notes. That is one of my personal favorite notes when I find it in a nice whiskey. One bottle I always think of is a Russell's Single Barrel pick that I found last year. That thing was so dang good. I wish I had bought every bottle they had in the store instead of just one. Probably my favorite bottle I've owned so far. It was everything I want in a good bourbon including that awesome dusty note. I've had a couple other bottles with that nice dusty note, but that Russell's stands out. I haven't tried OGD 114 yet, but I do have one waiting to be opened.

[@FakingANerve]

I just recently picked up a bottle of OGD 114, and didn't think it had a lot going on. Oddly enough, it seemed best right after opening, which I think is the first time I've ever encountered that phenomenon. It's not a bad whiskey by any means, but I have better options at the price point for my palate. YMMV.

[@TheMNbassHunter]

@@FakingANerve I'm not expecting too much out of it. I can get it here at Total Wine for only $27. Hoping it's either a decent, cheap, mid-proof sipper or something that makes for a decent mixer even if that's just a whiskey Coke.

[@FakingANerve]

@@TheMNbassHunter Always a good method to expect nothing. OGD 114 and coke is a winner in my book. "You can't drown me, boy!!" -Old Grand Dad

[@TheMNbassHunter]

@@FakingANerve Well I finally tried it tonight. I thought the nose was actually really nice. A sweet honey peanut. What immediately came to mind was those old school candies Bit-O-Honey. The palette wasn't quite as good as the nose though. It was a bit spiky. I still enjoyed it for $27, but yeah, it doesn't hold up as well to some more expensive pours. The other thing I didn't like was this very faint lotion / super glue note I got that I couldn't get out of my head. I think this will be going on my mixer shelf.

[@FakingANerve]

@@TheMNbassHunter I couldn't agree more, especially with the palette not holding up to the nose. It isn't bad - it just isn't worth writing home about. On that note, I might go pour a dram and double check our work here. ;) Cheers! *edit: After having some sunflower seeds, it seems to have opened up a bit more than the last couple of pours, but I'm with you on some odd notes in there. I can confirm that it makes a damn fine bourbon and coke, either way.

[@NorthstarBourbon]

Rock Hill Farms is incredible.

[@aaronmulcahy2004]

Thank you! Well done!

[@moguy1973]

My friends and I were disappointed with RHF when we tried a bottle of it. But then again we were tasting some upper end Blanton's bottles and some Pappy's that night too.

[@mneeley490]

Can I be your friend? 😋

[@debbybrady1246]

Old Grand Dad 114 is a bottle that we re-buy over and over.

[@uduran9907]

I just found the OGD114 in my area. The hype is definitely warranted. But instead of the OGD114, maybe go with SmokeWagon UCUF?

[@ncdorito213]

Another fantastic video gentlemen. I strive to find these but def appreciate alternatives or comparable bottles in the ever-changing and increasing market that we are in. I really like that you are honest about MSRP and even reasonable mark-ups. Everyone's willingness and/or ability to spend is different but I enjoy these guidelines and pointers re: price ranges is helpful. Having these exoectations on hand makes it easier for some of us to chuckle and walk away when we see some of the crazy mark-ups. Thanks Kurt and Trenton! - Craig

[@kertmcafee]

RHF is very sweet. I haven’t seen it very often by me, but 1792 BiB would be a decent replacement. Makers 46 as well.

[@rdiamond655]

I was given a bottle of Rabbit Hole's Heigold and it reminded me a lot of E.H. Taylor Small Batch. It's what I buy when I can't find Taylor. I've been fortunate to find a bottle of Taylor Small Batch and Barrel Proof. You might want to try the Heigold.

[@duanestiles4821]

Thanks for the info on the bourbon and I am thinking about getting ogd 114 is it a good sipper and is it a rye great vid be sure to watch tonight and see Trent getting his head shaved lol

[@mattd5762]

Trenton and Kurton doing gods work 🙏🏼

[@slbdrinks]

Lol not sure if we are on that level but appreciate the love!

[@GrandslamSammy]

My alternates would be: EHTSM- Early Times EHTSB- Henry Mckenna 10 year STAGG- WT Rare Breed RHF- WT Kentucky Spirit

[@Juice8g]

The riff reminded me of a jr. Calumet 16.

[@pennbass]

I’m surprised no Benchmark bottles were picked for any of these

[@tonybeckman1774]

Thanks for this series. BT is impossible to find at the local store here in western Ohio. I don't think they even have a space for them on the shelf.

[@Roman_Carter]

So I love old forester products drinking 1920 86 and 100. 1920 was my favorite after not sipping it for a bit the flavor seems to be all ethanol has taken over and the chocolate honey fruit taste has gone. Anyone experience this before? Great series looking forward to more alternative content thanks for what you do.

[@kevincecco4759]

Comparable to RHF: John J Bowman Single Barrel….remarkably close to one another. Love the reviews, guys!

[@jonlatham7963]

There are plenty of these bottles here in Australia. The issue for us is the cost. An arm and a leg along with our first-born

[@boknows8936]

No hunting here in Pennsylvania, same stuff all year long 😏 only good thing bout state ran is only paying 💰 retail 🥳 got a weller reserve and buffalo trace yesterday, happy to trade for a blantons, since that is one not sold here, EVER 😢

[@dunny2124]

Awesome alternatives 👍, really enjoy this series, cant wait for Trentons 💇, ❤ from MI.

[@slbdrinks]

Thank you!

[@irikweisberg4689]

Lol Kurt, I can’t even find Ogd 114!

[@carlfoster7003]

Taylor is my favorite. Can't get any of these in Tx unfortunately

[@miraclemartinez6782]

perhaps it’s where you’re going because I have most of these got them all in Texas

[@Calimasu]

I’ve seen both of the Taylor’s in my part of Far East Texas. They’ve been around for over a year because they want 250 for them. I’ve never had EH Taylor, but refuse to pay that considering what retail is

[@sixstringmetal8559]

The only Tumbling Dice I know of is the Stones song.

[@Loren.C]

You guys can find all the good stuff over there. Here we have to be on a "list" to get the Buffalo Trace releases while paying double or more of msrp. Never heard of Rock Hill farms. Now I must try this...

[@CommonManBrewing]

Love this video…but the best part is Trenton still has hair 😂

[@slbdrinks]

😂

[@buddhas829]

EH Taylor Small Batch here in New Jersey has been going for $150 plus, its crazy! Back in 2019 it was on the shelf everyday and I used to buy it for $39.99, now its impossible to find but if you do it's priced well above msrp.

[@slbdrinks]

How times have changed.

[@Frozen-Spirits-Alaska]

The 1920 and the russell single barrel I've had and they are amazing. I would love to try the Tumbling Dice. Have you tried Burning Chair out of Oregon? I had a pour the other day and it was really nice! I did a side by side with Eagle Rare and it beat ER which was $18 bucks and BC was only $8.50. What a good pour!

[@slbdrinks]

I have not tried the Burning Chair yet.

[@Sparkalicious5757]

Yeah I know it’s old…. But! If you come across an Armagnac Burning Chair store pick…. Taste it!!! I’m not a huge fan of their wine finished blend but the Armagnac is pretty amazing.

[@parrothead5977]

I never see any Newriff in my area 😢

[@williamsix1838]

I love these videos. I am annoyed by how hard it is to find those allocated bottles, so I am always looking for good alternatives, or just good bourbon that you can find. Only problem is most of the alternatives you picked have more flavor and are better bourbons.

[@phlcollison]

Don't forget about John j Bowman when it comes to EH Taylor

[@jpcampbell]

EHT single barrel is $49 in Texas. Lucked into one at msrp recently

[@slbdrinks]

Awesome!