Which Budget Low Proof Bourbon Is Best?

[@CSAN]

Living through you on this one. Not planning to rush out to buy any of them

[@batboy242]

I have Rebel 100 and I am impressed with this for a low end!

[@SharkFisher592]

The obvious thing here is that Rebel 100 is about $21 where I live. Even if the 80 proofer is half that cost, it could strongly be argued that it’s worth it just to move up to the 100. Same argument with the ET vs. ET BiB (although the ET didn’t perform well in this one). There are just so many solid options in that $20-30 range.

[@ILuvRum]

I could be wrong, but I believe that Early Times version is not a Bourbon, nor even a straight whiskey and is simply labeled as a "Kentucky" whiskey. which IIRC would open the door to flavor additives.

[@josephthomas2226]

As always a fun video. I haven't had any of these and I don't plan on it. Good to know one is drinkable just in case. I used to use black velvet for mixing and 1783 Evan for sipping back in the day. Once I started collecting bourbon I poured the black velvet down the drain.😂

[@the_bourbon_mill]

A regular 80* bottle of the old label (red and yellow) Early Times was ALWAYS on our countertop when I was a farm boy back in Southern Indiana. Every get-together or cards night at our house, it was there.

[@bryancook4553]

This was the funniest bourbon review I’ve seen. Kurt’s description of Old Fitzgerald made me laugh out loud. Your videos are extremely educational and entertaining. Keep them coming!!

[@PlattR]

I love that you guys are willing to talk about lower proof and budget whiskies.

[@fishesdeep]

Thanks for doing this. We need more value bottle exploration! I’m leaning more towards the low proof tasting mainly because they’re available. I like the Very Old Barton 80 and the Four Roses Yellow label. An interesting flight is tasting all the VOB’s. They have an 80,86,90 & 100. I don’t know if as my other brands that have that line up with the same mash bill.

[@frankd.506]

The VOBs are great for the price l prefer the higher proofs but I've had them all at one time or another,VOB 100 proof was a Bottle In Bond for about 15 minutes I got my hands on two bottles and never saw it again.

[@fishesdeep]

Back in the old days it was a 6 yr BiB. Very good then. Still good now but harder to find for sure.

[@frankd.506]

@@fishesdeep Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought they brought back the BIB for a short time recently and stopped it soon after it was only a year and a half ago I found two bottles, either way they're pretty good for the price and I used to have to drive a good distance to find them I'm happy to say I can find them everywhere now.🥃✌️

[@fishesdeep]

You're probably correct. I lost track of the VOB 100 while I was chasing the latest greatest more expensive options. Regardless, I'm glad you have access. It may not have the depth of flavor of the Allocated equivalents, but for the money its right up there with Early Times and WT101. For fun I recently hosted a 16 bottle double blind bracket tournament of sub $30 Bib's. VOB held up to the finals.

[@frankd.506]

@@fishesdeep Total agreement don't get me wrong I've got my Stagg this year along with some really good finds but id take any of those in a pinch any day,I'm very fond of the whole Wild Turkey and 1792 families ,is your gathering on a social media platform at all or was a private gathering id surely watch it and give a thumbs up if so ? 🥃

[@chrisbuzulencia1774]

AA is my go to bottom shelf go to

[@countskippy]

Can't forget Rebel 100 as a solid wheater, as well as the Rebel 100 Rye. About $20 for a 100 proofer, and it's sitting pretty among the ranks of OF100 and others. Definitely a step up from the regular Rebel offering and I like going to it for solo pours.

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

Good review, you saved me money, the only one I tried was Rebel Yell. I will skip the rest.

[@nschlueter13]

Excellent video as always Gents. Thanks for doing these types of reviews, I try to not spend more than $40 on a bottle besides maybe an occasional splurge of $80ish, but definitely prefer the 40 range. Thanks again fellas!

[@Mike-cb7gt]

That's what I love about this channel. Always honest. I couldn't agree more on when he said the Rebel 10yr was not worth the price. Plenty of 10yr at the 60$ range. Where they belong.

[@BLLee-ws1xk]

glad to see lower priced reviews. I have the ET and McKenna ones for mixers. Haven't tried the others except I used to get Old Crow Reserve. I'm in the category that can't/won't get above the $30-40 bottles. So I enjoy your videos.

[@bobborgstede837]

I purchased the Early Times 80 proof on Saturday for $10.99. Shared it with my son-in-law during the Chiefs-Raiders game yesterday. We were just curious to see if it was any good. It was. We rated it as "decent for a 10.99 bottle". I was pleased to see that you guys came away with a similar rating. Now, back to the better stuff.

[@sn1000k]

It's actually not bourbon I think its made in used barrels

[@bobborgstede837]

@@sn1000k You are correct.

[@xiamengbaby]

From what I've read, they use a combination of new and used barrels. Either way, it doesn't qualify to be labeled as "bourbon."

[@jeffnuzz]

Interesting comment on the McKenna. I bought one just for the heck of it, and to me it had a bit of cola taste with the sour mash coming thru as well. Just did another pour and it seemed to have some wood/oak going on and even a hint of some kind of fruit like apricot or something. But there is a slight twinge of marker note there as well.

[@jmariande97]

Great video as always. McKenna Sour Mash is aged 36 months, it is printed vertically(sideways), very small on the label on the neck of the bottle.

[@rodneyburns5719]

Wood chips on a playground were nonexistent in my day. It was either dirt or gravel.

[@pizzawarlord9232]

The Rebel 100 is my bottom shelf pour. I haven't found a 80 proof bourbon I love

[@jerrynetherlain1897]

I was really interested to see you try the McKenna. Grabbed a bottle of it on a whim just to try it because I had been in the store so often without buying anything. It’s the first bottle I’ve ever had that was actually a drain pour. I wouldn’t even use it in cocktails.

[@BoronBobcat]

Good guess on the Old Old Crow. Old Crow is a low-priced brand of Kentucky-made straight bourbon whiskey distilled by Beam Suntory, which also produces Jim Beam and several other brands of whiskey. The current Old Crow product uses the same mash bill and yeast as Jim Beam, but is aged for a shorter period of time. The Old Crow brand has a venerable history as one of Kentucky's earliest bourbons. Wikipedia

[@sethlarson9433]

Makers Mark was my go to 80 proofer, then I had cask strength. Now it tastes so watered down. Like reduced sugar Capri Sun versus 100% cranberry juice.

[@hhbuckeye5hhbuckeye585]

You guys did the low end low cost one. My wifes' Gramps used "Imperial" in his Egg Nog recipe but lordy when Granny passed, her and her cousins poured shots and I tried it. Yeesh, Very 80 proof Old Barton is nectar next to that!

[@nickbonvino]

Hey guys! Don’t mean to drift off topic..BUT I had mentioned in a previous comment that I was hunting ECBP c923 but could only find the B version even though it was September or October.. all well and good , I bought another B. Just saw in my three top stores just before Thanksgiving they had ECBP in stock but once again only the B version ! Any idea ( beside the fact that they’re hoarding) what is up with that?? Appreciate any of your thoughts! Thank you

[@arthurjenkins3668]

Great vid, never had any of these. I do enjoy wild turkey 81 proof, was pleasantly surprised at the flavors for $16.

[@ronroberson2325]

I'm shocked at your assessment of Old Fitzgerald (although, admittedly, I haven't had it for several years because it's not sold in my area). Very Old Barton would have been nice to see in this lineup as well.

[@JimMallory-l6m]

A blind taste of the big brother bottles would be very interesting. Agree the Early Times 100 proof is solid. Enjoying your vids guys!

[@kurtanderson5349]

I agree it would be nice to revive Old Crow. Kinda what's been done with Old Overholt, which is now available in bonded form,

[@jimsaxe5441]

Old Charter and/or Ancient Age in the next one? Maybe the regular 4 Roses too

[@paulhendershot111]

I have not tried any of these bottles, at least since my college days. I do like some low proof bourbon on occasion after a round of golf or other times when I don't feel like a beer. I will usually have something like Jack Daniels on the rocks as a refresher. I think a good lineup of next level 80 proof bourbons would be Four Roses yellow label, Jack Daniels Old #7, Benchmark, Jim Beam white label and Ancient Age.

[@msa4998]

I will tell you that the old Fitzgerald sold in Kentucky or at least in Louisville comes in a more decanter style bottle. And I know it’s not the bottle in bond expensive stuff either. It’s the $12 old Fitzgerald prime bourbon 80 proof. I looked at my bottle and it does not have an age statement (so it’s at least a 4 year) on it and I think you mentioned yours is three year on your skinny bottle. So the only thing I can think of is that the one that comes in the decanter style bottle, but is still 12 bucks is different than that skinny bottle that you have because I’ve had multiple bottles of the decanter cheap stuff and it’s outstanding. I have never had the skinny bottle. next time you’re in Kentucky or Louisville look for the decanter style 80 proof and I assure you it is outstanding.

[@joemanor8231]

I love your videos. I have started building my bourbon collection based off of what you guys like. It turns out my taste is very similar to Kurt's. My 22 year old son is also starting to take interest in bourbon, so we are starting our journey together. Keep it up guys!!!

[@alanwright1257]

Rebel is a good go-to inexpensive choice. Old Granddad is another.

[@alanwright1257]

Oh, and Old Tub

[@TheWhiskeyRambler]

I’ve never tried any of these. I’ve been kinda interested in the Old Crow just because I’m trying to try everything from the Jim Beam distillery.

[@cornbread2u2]

Early Times was the bourbon of choice for Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby. Woodford Reserve is now the official bourbon with Old Forester being the standard for the lower priced mint juleps. Early Times is marketed as a whiskey because it doesn’t meet the criteria of bourbon whiskey.

[@Jake-n8v]

Who drinks mint julips besides pretentious rich pricks.

[@haroldingmire6768]

Living in Louisville seems everyone wants a mint julep. Those pre Makers were awful. Enjoyed your review!

[@bigreb62]

MSRP per booze app Rebel. 12.99 Early times 11.18 McKenna 12.46 Old crow 9.80 Fitzgerald 12.32

[@derekborrego3420]

My 2 favorite 80 proof bottles are Jim beam white label and benchmark. I’d like to see how those stack up

[@ChristopherNeeme]

Ever since they expanded the Benchmark lineup with success, I've thought Old Crow could definitely benefit from a similar makeover. Maybe we'll see it one day, there's probably money to be made.

[@JimTaylorFTWTX]

Omg. I’m sitting here having lunch in a restaurant watching this video and Kurt says old fitz TURNS ROUGH. I laughed so loud I turned heads.

[@raytrank101]

I put a commercial Oak Stave in a bottle of Oldfitzgerald and after 2 weeks it was almost drinkable 🥃😂

[@sn1000k]

Keep in mind Early Times 80 doesnt say "bourbon" on the label. Its whiskey made in used barrels. Not horrible though. Not great either obviously.

[@TLS2005]

I haven't used brasso since i was in the military.

[@prestonopp]

No Ancient Age? I think you missed a contender… it’s the only budget 80 proofer that I buy.

[@lesliepless2939]

These are good for trying your skills at blending.

[@chu88y1]

Thanks. 4 Roses is good at 80 proof. 80 is fun. On ice too.

[@daletaylorjr.4786]

A handle of Benchmark 8 stays at the house for guests and mixers. I’m going to try Very Old Barton next to mix it up.

[@robertschroeder1978]

Thanks guys, enjoyed the video and the information. Will need to look for the Rebel at a nearby store. Can always be used in a few mixed drink recipes for the upcoming Holidays.

[@JeffArmstrong-n7w]

Great job as always. I’d love a video on mid priced BiB selections.

[@BrianWaddell]

You guys need to try black butte whiskey. From Bendistillery in Sisters Oregon!! The 3 year has always been great! Now they only have the 5 year…

[@ediecervantes8008]

Yes! Let’s see the big brothers and compare

[@JE-western-rider]

Yes, this is off topic! A local store has bottles of Jack Daniels Single Malt on the shelf for $150. Has anyone had a chance to try this yet? If so, you you please post your impressions?

[@jamesdibiase346]

Have you ever tried Park & Sheffield? Only 12.99 at Binney's.

[@garycramer7866]

Thanks guys; yous convinced me to stick with my Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Old Forest 1910 & 1920. If I want light & tasty I’ll pour a short pour of 1792, or some Buffalo trace

[@gregburkhart9764]

Is that Early Times a straight bourbon? Is it a bourbon at all?

[@toddmeyer9246]

Please review some of the entry level Willetts. Some of my favorites.

[@treytison1444]

It's not just old people, I'm 36 and have used turpentine in painting.

[@gregarundale6106]

You missed Old Forester 86 proof, although I prefer the 100 proof as my stand by low cost bourbon. Both are mid $20's in my area.

[@MrUwphotography]

In NC Rebel is $17.95 Early Times is $10.45

[@johnk7093]

you know I have to toss in Benchmark Ole #8.... my go to budget holding up the bottom shelf bottom shelfer.....

[@jacksampson3278]

Trenton is correct, Jim Beam Does in fact own Old Crow

[@jessk4862]

Someone please tell me where I can find old crow in glass bottle been serching for a month.

[@fishmovecommunicate8196]

Early Times isn’t really a bourbon. It just says aged in oak. I believe they use old bourbon barrels to store it.

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

Interesting

[@arashefi]

Good to know 👍🏼

[@johnfrei9057]

You’re telling me my anti-freeze is aged in oak?! Is that bad for my car?!

[@FakingANerve]

JTS Brown is my cheap 80° mixer. 19.99 for a handle in VA, and sometimes on sale for 17.99. It's not great, but it makes a good, cheap, weak bourbon and coke. Rebel is pretty tasty, imo, but when I buy cheap Rebel, I buy the 100°. The 10 year is also 100°, btw, and I think it's a steal at $100, especially if the rumors are true about its source. 😈

[@josephvelez5685]

A fun idea would be to find crazy notes Trenton calls out and actually compare them to those whiskeys. Like pick up some brassos and compare the smell to McKenna, pick up a PVC pipe and compare it to whiskeys Trenton has said smells like PVC pipe, fresh lawn clippings, etc.

[@slapneck77]

And yes, do the big brothers. That would be a good video.

[@lindacalvelage362]

If you go to Old Crow also go to Castle & Keys, that is a neat place!

[@lindacalvelage362]

I agree with the Old Crow comment. When we stopped there the man that is in charge of the recipe was only concerned with how high proof he could make it.

[@phundmentalrecordings9036]

I believe the the Old Fitz Prime is wheated as well. I have the Rebel 100, it's decent.

[@Usedplungerstotheface]

I don't know how old crow is even classified as legal

[@hunterrgntr]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheWhiskeyRambler]

It’s not the Rebel 100, it’s just the 80 proof.

[@That_dude_who_knows_some_stuff]

Old crow is Jim beam. I’d drink it, probably better than any scotch lol😂

[@ChristopherNeeme]

I keep a 1.75 of Old Crow on hand in my whiskey lineup solely to serve to guests that drop by the mansion here who drink whiskey only in shot form or to be mixed with Coke. I've never gotten a complaint from them. Apparently it works.

[@bandito85fx]

We use old crow for eggnog. ✌️

[@johnf.kennedy5454]

I would love to see a version of this low price bourbons that are good for mixed drinks. I don't want to use more expensive sippers as ingredients. Wild Turkey 101 and Old Forester products are my usual mixers. I use the Four Roses 80 proof for people who don't like them too strong.

[@jtf2dan]

....with a Rebel yell.....she cried MORE, MORE, MORE!

[@JE-western-rider]

The episode up should be called the "Fathers Preference" : Old Fitz --- Old Crow --- Early Times --- and include the basic Old Grand and the basic Old Forrester. Those of you that grew up in the Midwest think way back to the 50's and 60's. [ I'm thinking northern suburbs of Chicago and outward ] What did your fathers drink. What was the whiskey your neighbors next-store on the right and left favor? How about an episode centered around what our fathers drank at home evening, when evening company came over to play cards... company came over, when it was time to wash the car, put on new brake shoes, and relax with one of the neighbor men when taking a break on Saturday afternoon?

[@jimmiegill3981]

Not sure about old crow but the others are closer to 20 in Colorado! Except for the old fitz runs around 28

[@andyswift7994]

My favorite budget bourbon is Ten High. I’ve never seen you evaluate it. It’s a sour mash.

[@Roman_Carter]

Thanks for sharing would like to see a big brother comparison

[@kevinm1332]

Different and interesting video. Would have also liked to have seen your take on 80 proof versions of Old Grand Dad and Very Old Barton.

[@e_coffeechoco2313]

The father the son and the bottled spirits...😆

[@FakingANerve]

Hallelowproof!

[@michaelcesario1158]

In that price range the rebel is hard to beat, Ezra brooks 90 proof which I can't get anymore was a good value also

[@isaachenry1366]

I’ve been to Glenn’s Creek and it was an awesome distillery to sample

[@dougdemsko2730]

Rebel is hands down the best of that lineup. 🥃

[@nefarious_saint]

Are all these bad boys twist offs?

[@lars2894]

No Evan Williams?

[@benpriester6657]

Old Taylor is a great 80 proof bourbon to try.

[@jasonharrison8979]

Not surprising that Old Fitzgerald and McKenna have similar sour profiles as they're both from Heaven Hill.

[@brianspeers8780]

I would say Benchmark or Old Barton would be my cheaper go to

[@slapneck77]

The rebel is 16.99 around where I'm at in Missouri. And I haven't finished this video, but that's my daily drinker.

[@slapneck77]

But I also go for the rebel 100 proof not the 80. Which is 19.99 in my area.

[@DirtyHairy01]

Jack Daniel’s old no7 is my go to 80 proof

[@jdereknoyes]

Interesting blind. You guys need to do some more American Single Malt reviews and blinds. Really interested to see more of your take on this quickly growing category.

[@01blaval]

Westland🏆

[@apeekintime]

We know Kurt enjoys ASM but Trent is still not big on anything malt. ASM is a quickly growing segment and I enjoy it more than many Irish single malts. ASM also has more high proof options which is unique to our country.

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

Technically not a blind just a review / comparison.

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

Frey Ranch

[@01blaval]

@@BuckMcAntlerson That’s a Bourbon…

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

Isn't that called huffing?

[@Thebourbongod40]

Old Crow has such a long and fabled history. It’s too bad they’ve fallen so far.

[@leeknowlton7303]

You all need to do a 100% corn whiskey bottle exploration next.

[@davidlovell3697]

Big brother a big YES

[@hhbuckeye5hhbuckeye585]

I thought the 80 proof Early Times was blended. Low proof Wild Turkey, and Heaven Hill "Quality House", Benchmark No.8, Beam white label, Evan Willams Black label, Old Grandad 80...

[@oldtoad76]

Mini Fridge needs a haircut too!

[@jed23d]

Best 80 proof I’ve had is the Texas Ranger Blended Whiskey 🤤

[@MISTERLOLCRACKERS]

Should include OGD and Benchmark here. They'd be closer to the top with Rebel I assume.

[@kurtanderson5349]

The bottom shelf Early Times is, I believe, not a bourbon at all but an "American whiskey", because it is aged in used oak barrels. Keeps the cost down, I guess, otherwise the used barrels just get sold off to the Scots.

[@jameson44]

WtT 81 needed in next low proof tasting.

[@MusicNerdMIDI]

Can't forget good ol' Jack Daniel's No. 7!