Forget Expensive - This $40 Bottle Stole the Show!

[@slbdrinks]

💸 Who would’ve guessed that a $40 bottle could go toe-to-toe with a $160 one?! Let us know your thoughts on these two in the comments! Have you tried either one? Cheers! 🥃

[@ps138vs2cavi]

Barrel gives you a bottle and you're honest about it. Seriously, best Bourbon channel period. Thanks for the honesty

[@cartercothren7759]

I’ll watch a distillery only release video. Brings attention to the distillery, informs viewers of said distillery, and maybe someone lives close by and will pick up the bottle. Sounds like an overall win to me, even if I can’t get the bottle myself

[@Acbaker21]

I think it would be cool to do an “Odds and Ends” video every month or so. Review some distillery only bottles, cool store picks, or super regional offerings. They should do a few bottles per episode so it doesn’t take away from wider releases and the usual Blind videos

[@cameronmccormick6514]

I also thinks it gives us an idea of where the distillery may be moving and a distillery only release may end up a wider release later if they have success

[@Fatherrick1963]

It’s worth reviewing distillery only releases. It they’re good, they bring greater attention to the distillery and all of its products. Plus, you’ve got followers virtually everywhere, so there are some folks for whom this or that distillery would be in their vicinity.

[@dus10htx]

You guys reviewing bottles that I probably can't get doesn't bother me at all. I actually really enjoy them. You all make 3 videos per week, I don't see how someone could complain about covering allocated stuff because there will just be another video on a different topic coming right behind it!

[@ckbook]

Please review anything and everything. Love learning about anything. Fuels the hunt.

[@calstate772]

Absolutely love the Sip it or Skip it concept! Having two separate rankings for palate only and price only is an important distinction, and I appreciate that!

[@bmc2567]

Yes! Ice wines are made from the last grapes after the first freeze. The freeze concentrates the sugars in the grape, which typically make these wines much much sweeter. Definitely a dessert wine in my opinion. I passed on the 2XO the other day but now after your review, I will revisit that one! Thanks for the update!

[@SisyphusLaughing]

Ice wine isn't made from "left-over" grapes. they are intentionally left on the vine to the point of frost. The grapes gain all the sugar from fully ripening on the vine, then the frost concentrates those sugars by desiccating the fruit, much like a raisin (but with cold instead of the sun).

[@battiekoda]

Interesting, thanks for that little factoid! 🎉

[@Wewilllearn-x2g]

It’s slightly more complicated than this, the grapes are not left on the vine, it is a timing issue and only certain climates get lucky enough for the grapes to freeze when they are ripe. Also they have to be picked and juiced/ processed all at once before they thaw.

[@Jakesf49]

I’m going off memory but I’m pretty sure the bottle I bought years ago came out of Quebec

[@FakingANerve]

THIS is the sort of video I love! A $40 beating an $80 bottle that beat a $160 bottle. Fantastic!! 🥃🥃

[@stenmin1234]

I don't know why this is much of a surprise. No one should think more expensive is more better for a variety of reasons.

[@jasonbennett499]

When planning a trip, its nice to have some insight on distillery only offerings.

[@johnm6230]

A good series would be comparing budget/bottles you can get at any time vs allocated/ expensive bottles.

[@elliottdickson1200]

An ice wine cask finish 😅 If you ever wander up north of the border, ice wine is popular in the Niagara region (Ontario) and Okanagan Valley (BC). The grapes harvested for ice wine are indeed frozen - naturally - so the temperature needs to be 20°F or below. Usually this harvest takes place in or around January. As delicious as ice wine is in small quantities, it's very sweet and syrupy. Glenfiddich released an ice wine cask finished single malt a while back that was quite diabetic.

[@borgcutus5780]

In the States, since in many wine growing regions it doesn't get as cold as it used to and the chances of getting a prolonged freeze are thin, most wineries will harvest grapes and flash freeze them to make ice wine.

[@corymaida]

I'm sure that some of those distillery only bottles are amazing, but if you're already backlogged on regular release stuff, then prefer to see those that we can actually get our hands on. However, I love anything and everything you guys put out, not going to be any complaints from me either way!

[@Jarhead0093]

I enjoy seeing distillery only releases. Primarily to bring awareness to what different distilleries are doing, and if I find it interesting then I'm more likely to try their more available offerings. Thanks for all you do!

[@duffman9908]

Patreon is a great place for those distillery only releases bottle reviews.

[@BrodyDog513]

Love the different distillery videos. Live in Colorado and enjoy when you discuss something I can find out here.

[@btouchard4340]

Thanks for the 2XO info. I've had the Midwinter's Night Dram about 4 years ago and I agree they were fantastic back then. I'll take two and half bottles of OCD #5 or one Premium OCD #5 over that any and every day! Drove from South Louisiana to Glenn's Creek to pick up two cases for my daughter's wedding this May!

[@ItsShatter]

I paid $125 for MWND this year at Costco. Hoping it’s worth it at that reduced price point

[@dcjenner]

True ice wine starts with moldy grapes (significant botrytus present). They are left on the vine until after the grapes freeze, then they’re harvested. They get very little volume of juice. The wine is very sweet and very delectable. Usually sold in half bottles. Can be aged much longer than normal white wine. Usually Riesling or Gewürztraminer grapes but can be other varietals. More a dessert wine, can be served room temperature or chilled.

[@Urban-bourbon]

I usually don’t hesitate when buying Barrell Craft products. I like the Ice Wine finished bottle. Regarding this finish, I enjoy tasting a different spirit each evening, so I appreciate that I can tell that it is “finished”. I didn’t think it was overly strong in the finish.

[@jpgiii85]

Sipping a 9 year single barrel store pick RR that’s divine right now boys. Thanks for another great show.

[@dustinhebert4162]

Same here down in south TX.

[@chrisglance1674]

In regards to the mid winter dram, Strannahan's just relesed a 12 year port finish. At the distilery it is $100, not only is that a great value i.e. 12 years for $100 all Colorado made but they also droped the price of there 10 year single malt to $80. This is what distileries should be doing, puting out interesting new releces and not jacking prices on more limited bottles to the moon.

[@CakeBanditJr]

I'm here for the "it tastes like tropical fruit, infused with coffee beans, mixed with blood orange and then tossed with a caeser salad" review 🤣🤣

[@deyontalattimore736]

If you can find Conviction Double Oak or 6 year by Southern Grace Distillery BUY IT! Amazing bottles.

[@MikeGianetti]

@SLB Drinks Ice Wine or Eiswein are predominantly Riesling grapes that are harvested after the first hard frost. The grapes are frozen on the vine when picked. The sugars are at the highest point due to botrytus (noble rot) allowing the water content to reduce basically to nothing. This is, most likely, the lowest grapes to juice yield produced. The easiest way to think about it that they the grapes are being pressed to get syrup out and not a flowing juice, like traditional wine production.

[@greenmushroom4258]

The 2xo French oak is fantastic, I was able to get it for $50 here in NJ and well worth it. Also picked up a Midwinters for $170. Only because when I started my journey that was one of my unicorn bottles I really wanted to try. So far the most expensive bourbon I bought. I’m saving it for Christmas and will crack it and enjoy with the family. I’m sure the hype and the fact that I’m going to try it with family, the holidays etc, will make it a great pour. Thanks for the review guys!

[@jimreichel1466]

Nice video. I like Milam & Greene Port Cask Rye. And at $43 in central Texas, it is a bargin for a nice dram. Cheers!

[@maxhuber5161]

Both of you are right in regards of ice wine, because they are frozen it turns out extra sweet.

[@jonclassical2024]

LOVED today's posting. I have been "jonesing" about trying MND....now not as much, only in a pour at a restaurant/bar! I would like to see a few episodes with stuff like the Austin Distillery products.

[@TheOnion12]

Tenton's Ice wine explanation is correct. Wollersheim winery in WI makes an ice wine via the same process.

[@nestoroniFL]

Picked up the 2XO American Oak this past weekend and I’m a big fan. Grabbed a bottle of the 2XO French Oak today and will definitely have to give it a try tomorrow.

[@williamcornelison4721]

Thanks to you guys, I have a favorite mixer, a favorite evening neat, a favorite Special share and will maybe some day get a Special Special Choice. And before covit I didn't even have a bar.... Now I'm my wife's favorite bartender.. Can't thank you enough.... Great Shows and Great Education.. Looking forward to all your 2025 shows...

[@marcpauly8699]

Going to try this weekend. You guys have always been right on and I love french oak. My price range for Bourbon is $30-$40 so I’m looking forward to trying this.

[@mchidley1]

Learning a lot from you guys, as I gain insight and experience. All info is good as others have said for future trips.

[@joshhalleron694]

might scoop a 2XO now, thanks for the video!

[@BrandonM.N]

You guys make me smile! Cheers from Minnesota 🥃

[@jeffl4896]

Correct, Ice wine, is late in the season where the grapes are a bit shriveled on the vine sweeter as the grapes are pre raisins. It’s like the third picking of the grape vines

[@jrrn96]

I tried the 2xo oak recently and agree it's great for 40 bucks wow it's really nice. Glad I passed on the Mid Winters for 160. Thanks guys

[@DanDaWhiskeyMan82]

I like the 2XO American Oak. I bought a bottle for my buddy and we drank it while camping and then I bought another bottle for myself. Have an opened it. Looking forward to it and looking forward to trying the French also.

[@jacksmith2315]

Ive considered that 2x0 a few times. I had it in my hands, walked around looking for other things, then ended up putting it back. Now i really really want it

[@rangervapes571]

EisWien is a German Riesling wine specialty, but New York and Washington State vinters are now producing Ice Wines domestically. The grapes are picked late in the season frozen and immediately pressed while still frozen retaining much of the water in ice form creating a very sweet dessert wine and very expensive.

[@zubrickadvisors6742]

I remember, not too long ago, $40 WAS expensive. Hmmmmm.

[@barrydoc923]

Try some Frey Ranch from Nevada , Excellent ! All the grains, water etc , from the ranch !

[@Aged_in_Oak]

Totally agree! With a few exceptions, I absolutely prefer a finished rye over a finished bourbon. My first ever finished rye was Angel's rye, and I love it to this day. Have you guys tried the new new ryes from Hard Truth? I've had the French Oak. I bought the Farmer's Reserve and the Double Oaked. They are both amazing!

[@b1gsteve251]

Definitely do some DO videos. I watch you guys for the entertainment value, first and foremost. I don’t mind if the review is something that isn’t easily available. I watch all y’all’s videos regardless. 2XO and Ice Wine are solid. I stopped buying MWND 5 years ago and I’ve only bought Seagrass since it came out in 2021. Batch 10 from this spring was so good I bought a nine bottle case from total wine at $66 a piece. Cheers 🥃

[@JooshyJuice]

Still Austin is incredible! I’d love to see a review on them

[@AFreeLanceGamer]

It would be great if y'all put groupings of distillery only bottles in order to review that part of a distillery. Would be cool to know which distilleries put out juice worth travelling to them for.

[@Urban-bourbon]

Curious what folks think regarding “older vs newer” releases of a particular expression. Our palettes are informed by what we drink and I think they change quite a bit by what we drink.

[@benbinner4190]

Trenton is exactly right on the ice wine about the grapes, they use frozen grapes on the vine, I live near Niagara on the Lake Ontario that specializes in ice wine, super sweet dessert style wine

[@michaelschneider530]

I'm down to listen to any of yalls reviews! I love the format of yalls channel. It's perfect. Would yall do more distillery reviews? I'd love a garrison brothers flight of their selection and yalls review on each!

[@neilpowell1641]

For most people Glenns Creek is distillery only given the limited distribution of their products. So reviews of distillery only products can turn people onto products if they are in the area. Thanks!

[@kennethwood6862]

Great videos fellas! Have you ever done a video for those newer to whiskey that find they like and dislike certain tasting notes and make a whiskey recommendation under $100 that they should try next. For example I’ve been exploring whiskey for 2 years andI love cherry but not heavy oak

[@karl0318]

Nice video as always! I've heard and agree that, especially with higher proof, the better way to get a proper nosing is to breath in through your mouth rather than through your nose to avoid having the alcohol overpower the flavor from the aroma that your olfactory can distinguish. If the proof is over 110-115 proof, I notice a significant difference over breathing in through my nose. Try it!

[@BrodyDog513]

Just had a tasting with the founding head distiller at Stranahan’s and Laws in Colorado. He recommended the same thing. Fascinating experience.

[@Urban-bourbon]

I usually don’t hesitate when buying Barrell Craft products. I like the Ice Wine finished bottle.

[@BuffaloBourbonEnthusiasts]

The Barrell interests me. I can do a one noter, if I'm really loving that one note. Ice wine is popular where I live, Western New York/Southern Ontario region. They leave it on the vine and make a really sweet wine. If you guys are ever in the area, we'd love to give you a tour of the area. Don't come in the winter :)

[@dus10dnd]

Eiswein is basically Riesling, but it is extra late harvest and it has the "Noble Rot" which gives it extra sweetness. I really want to try that whiskey... I never thought of doing any whiskey with an Eiswein finish and now I can't get it out of my head. Also, watching the tasting technique a bit closer... how do you even taste the whiskey? The AMND, yep... it was good. That price... ugh. I bought two bottles @ $180/each and a 8-hour round trip... it needs to be lower priced. Right @ $100 would be about on point. It is just the Rendevous Rye finished in Tawny and Ruby Port barrels. I grabbed both varieties of Port and blended a bit into Rendevous Rye and it was really close.

[@zezerat1605]

Have you guys explored Michigan whiskies at all? Been there twice for different reasons and grabbed local whiskies that are just phenomenal. The Dragon's Milk Origins Bourbon from New Holland is one of my now favorite bourbons out there, and their specialty releases are near unrivaled even against some allocated releases from Kentucky. A lot of Michigan distilleries also put out a lot of amazing rye whiskies, one being Grand Traverse Distillery.

[@ChristopherNeeme]

I've been waiting for them to do a Michigan distillery video, since finding Dragon's Milk Origin Small Batch, it's become one of my favorites, they really need to get more distribution for those special releases, they're distillery only and always sell out.

[@feendog2711]

Yea not interested in things we can’t find. It’s hard enough not seeing a lot of stuff being at the mercy of pa liquor control board :) but if you did review it I’d still probably watch. Thanks you guys.

[@chezaraeyothers5164]

How about it, PA needs to get out of the liquor business. That said, there are a few decent sites that still ship to PA Curiada is one of them. They have a decent variety that's not over priced and if you spend $200 you get free shipping... definitely worth a look. Hell I get Buffalo Trace liters from there for $34

[@HHartman2]

Good information about Curiada. PA LCB is a pain. Thanks.

[@footdickbubblehair]

PA sucks. I routinely go to Phillipsburg in Jersey to find the good stuff.

[@chicomildanaw5639]

I think that sentiment is widely felt and prices are starting to come down and I see bottles sitting on the shelf as a result. The bubble has burst on the market.

[@donfingers3320]

I'm from Pa, I got a soft spot for my bourbon brothers back home. Depending on who your favorite football team is, I'd be willing to send bottles to you that you can't get up there

[@DSL5520]

I got the 2x0 today. I must have gotten a bad one. Neither of you said anything about cinnamon. It's a cinnamon bomb. Did not care for it. Love the channel!

[@yelworb]

I do like to see reviews that aren’t in my area, sometimes online retailers sale such bottles, or KZbinrs like yourselves have picks of said bottles. Please keep reviewing limited access bottles. We have such a distillery near us Corbin Cash Distillery that make a great rye, but has limited distribution

[@nathanhollis9298]

I know you’ve done a double oaked blind and a Woodford double oaked specific blind, but I would love to see a blind with the 2XO French oak, Woodford DO and maybe some higher end specialty wood finished bourbons.

[@f0t0b0y]

My neighbor has Act 1,2 and 3 unopened. 😳 Excited to pick up the 2XO.

[@debbybrady1246]

I’m going to Austin in December. Hopefully can pick up a bottle. Excited to try it. 💜

[@dustinpulliam9262]

Saw this video this morning and thought what the heck if I somehow find a midwinter nights dram I’ll get it. (I’ve never had it or found one before) somehow I got lucky this afternoon and walked into one of my local liquor stores and they had it for retail so I got it. I wouldn’t say I’m unhappy with the purchase Its a nice bottle to have on the shelf and let people try but you would expect more from a $150 bottle.

[@vulpixel]

I’m waiting for the day when some of the stuff you like (2xo, new riff, early times BiB) makes its way out to the west coast! Lots I want to try some day.

[@Concert-Fan]

Absolutely looking for info an what's to buy, what to try first, and what to pass on. I trust your judgement.

[@gregorycooksey7688]

Correct on the Ice Wine, normally VERY sweet

[@davidsimpson8912]

Yes of course we want to know what you think of the bourbon you get whether or not we can obtain it. If it’s available somewhere then we can all take a trip to grab one… yes yes yes very interested…. On a different note we would love to see Kent involved more with blinds and everything quite honestly…

[@Mr_Martell850]

Good deal. LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS. Thank you 🙏

[@CurtisMishleau]

I've been thoroughly enjoying the 2XO French oak. It has beaten out Maker's Mark 46 French oak and blinds done with friends.

[@BushmasterJames]

You are correct on the ice wine. My wife loves ice wine. It is way too sweet for me. Should be an interesting finish though.

[@shawnphenderson]

I like to travel to taste small distillery options. I would love to see videos focused on things to seek out when on the road.

[@BiffStrongo]

I was confused by the lineup after the title said "$40 bottle". I'm glad that you addressed the 2XO price.

[@MiLikesVids]

Travel reviews are great if I were traveling somewhere with time to do something. Knowing a distiller made some good stuff only available there would be a good piece of information.

[@davefabian2942]

Loved my 2XO American Oak proof was spot on and price was good in Pa

[@Arook1427]

Just got back from the distillery - still using some MGP. Used more for act 11 than 12. Curious to see how those two compare but yea from everything I’ve heard the amount of MGP may or may not have gone down over the last 5 years or so

[@afwaller]

Barrell does the best job with Dickel. Not all their bottles are great but I can usually predict based on what went into the finish. I don’t like any wine finishes, which for me includes dovetail. I agree on sourness from wine finishes. I do like fortified wines like port, sherry, Madeira. But no wine. No ice wine. Especially and never any red wine.

[@Boxxkarr]

Yes, a few distillery only release reviews would be interesting, if done as a "If you're in this neck of the woods, try this out" kinda thing.

[@JE-western-rider]

and compare it to known band bottles as a reference point.

[@ChrisWeidmaier]

I've had both the american and the french oak. They are both solid pours.

[@SSR_Virgo_Tiger]

I loved the 2XO American Oak. Total caramel bomb. ❤

[@jonathanwilliams1974]

I've yet to see a Sagamore Port in stores anywhere. Only online for around $199.

[@nickschuster3561]

Yes to more Whiskey Acres! Bloody Butcher and Blue Popcorn please!

[@Urban-bourbon]

Only include distillery only if you were doing a show on that distillery or, comparing the distillery-only with something easy to find.

[@lawdawg194]

Trent you are correct! Ice wine is delicious dessert wine. Very sweet!

[@derrickchappell1039]

I think it's very handy to do the reviews on the hard to find stuff. Most people would like to know if those hard to find bottles are any good before they spend money on them if given the chance. Typically, those bottles are expensive, and it is good to know if they are worth the money.

[@whatsthepoint170]

Balvenie 16 French Oak is pretty awesome. I know Trent is not hating on scotch anymore so I feel safe making this comment.

[@TheCrustyCupcake]

I'd be interested if you guys will be trying the Moondrops Tawny Port finish they just released. A friend got a bottle and it is such a sweet dessert pour. Insanely dark fruit and sugar, it was quite spectacular.

[@callmebender]

Would love to see "One of a kind" bottle reviews. 3-5 bottle batch format. I think it helps bring even more awareness to craft or unexpected distilleries are doing.

[@gregzujus8716]

Please mix in some distillery only reviews. Always good to know of worthwhile stops when traveling around the country.

[@canonrivette]

Hey Guys: really enjoy your show. I'm a novice in the world and lore of whisk(e)y and bourbon, and while I'm trying to become better informed - watching you podcast is part of my education - I am not a collector, though I do buy a bottle from time to time. A question for you collectors: How much liquor do you buy per week? It seems as if you are always adding bottles and cases to your collections. How much do you drink per week? Is your drinking enough to deplete your bottles, to keep you from moving out of the basement and into a large zeppelin hanger? Do have an unseen underground bunker? Do you regularly give bottles and cases away? Please respond if you have a moment. And, again, really enjoyable podcast. Cheers.

[@anthonymcpherson478]

If you review a distillery only whiskey we can’t get I appreciate it when you name some whiskeys that are available that may be similar so we atleast have something we could go try. I have found some whiskeys I like off your casual conversation. Thanks for the videos

[@markmasercola3958]

I did not like the American Oak series as well. Glad you guys mentioned that on the front end. Will give them another shot with French Oak.

[@kenharris9269]

Once in a blue moon it might be cool to see you guys do a blind of distillery only. Sadly, those of us not in, free market states, don't have access to a surprising amount of the bourbons you taste anyway. So yes, show us some awesome distillery only juice, once in a while.

[@ryangraham6393]

I’m From Australia, so I have trouble finding half the stuff you legends review, and when I can it’s damn expensive, we pay near on $50 a bottle for Jim Beam White label.. it’s sad

[@manitobuckles]

Not as expensive for that bottle of Beam, but Canada is horrible for variety as well. And I could literally drive to Tennessee, Kentucky, or Indiana in a couple of days.....so even proximity doesnt matter. Government run liquor sales is bogus. Cheers!

[@bb4726-h5e]

Ice wine is a unique delicacy among wine enthusiasts. The grapes are picked late in the season (or commercially frozen) so that the fruit has a super high concentration of sugar. Ice wine is expensive because of the labor and the volume of grapes needed to produce a bottle of wine. The taste is unlike anything else on the planet. Pure, good, ultra-sweet.

[@CE5wag]

I would still watch the distillery only releases. That would give me an idea if I’m in the area if I should go out of my way to get the bottle or at least try it

[@kjbober]

I like these bargain bottle comparisons😊

[@reubenco]

I love Midwinter Night's Dram. I know I'm in a shrinking minority there. I also never even had any of the classics, the first one I had was last year, Act 11, though it seems that according to most people that was an improvement over the previous few years (so I suspect Trenton did not have that one, and the last one he had was from an earlier year)

[@reubenco]

also it helps that I got mine this year for under retail, $130, seems like my store hasn't caught up to the last few years' MSRP increases. and I disagree that Sagamore Port is better.

[@ct9737]

The story behind the ice wine is,The peasants that picked the grapes were only allowed to have the grapes that were left on the vine at the end of harvest and those grapes were always less desirable for the owners,So the peasants used those less desirable grapes that gained a higher sugar content by staying on the vine in the winter, were used to created ice wine !