The 5 Stages of Bourbon Nerdom | Whiskey Talk

[@nefarious_saint]

There is a very fine line between a knowledgeable enthusiast and an informed alcoholic

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Well said. An important distinction to make, to be sure.

[@joshuacepeda3714]

😂”informed alcoholic” lol. I like that one.

[@jasonc_0928]

I love this topic! I followed a very similar path. Bourbon became my pandemic hobby - dove into books and videos (where I discovered your channel!) and started picking up some 'safe' bottles on the shelf and learned about nosing, tasting, palate, proof, mashbills, etc. Then it took off for me - I started building a collection, and then full blown hunting, standing out in front of my local store at opening time and getting to know some local whiskey geeks. Then, to your point, I had to get more of the allocated stuff. Then I realized I was running out of room! I'm now at a point where I don't chase that much anymore and enjoy giving away bottles that I've collected to people who are looking for one. A guy at my gym just moved into a new house and was saying that he couldn't find Blanton's anywhere - I was really happy to give him a bottle (in bag and box) the next day as a gesture of congratulations. I enjoyed sharing something that another person was looking for and he thought I was the nicest guy on the planet. FOMO is real and the marketing and "buzz" of a product is definitely an influencer in purchase decisions which is why I love your blinded videos so much. Keep up the awesome content!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Love this Jason and what an awesome gesture to your gym friend! Bravo!

[@jamesstreet1144]

I can’t lie, I want quality and quantity. I’ve only been doing this for about 1 1/2 years. I’ve spent a minimum of $8K and could be closer to 12. Three bookshelves completely filled and trying to figure out where to put a fourth. Expensive hobby, but I’m already 64 years old. I’m going to enjoy myself. Love this video!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Enjoying yourself is definitely key. Cheers to that, James!

[@jp5fens]

I've got 10 bottles in my little collection. So far I've learned that I lean towards Irish Whiskey and Bourbon. The most fun thing that I have is my Infinity Bottle. I have a pour from it on special occasions, and it keeps getting better!

[@nickp5511]

Stage 4 here. Started my journey about 8 months back at 62 years old and I’m 120 bottles plus 30 backups into it:) I’ve learned to only buy what I know I want not what I’ve watched being reviewed and sounds good. I have let my friends and family have about thirty bottles.

[@grasshopperhawk]

The end of stage 3... I hope. Struggling, wrestling, driving, dragging, kicking, screaming, and pushing myself to balance. Great video--thanks to you both.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonc.5718]

Stage 6 - becoming disillusioned with the never ending and humungous price increases for many releases.

[@javieracosta3439]

Simply the time we live in.

[@kitdonovan7727]

Nah, just don't buy anything over a certain price. Plenty of great bottles around 40$ to 60$

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That's true, Jason. We definitely dip into that stage from time to time. Trying new products that are reasonably priced and available are what pulls us back a bit, but even that can be difficult at times with how crazy things are right now.

[@bobczarnecki3479]

Good video. Nailed it. For me it was overnight when I realized I'm the guy that everyone came to for "what's new" or advice. Sharing is the key. Share info, enthusiasm and your bottles.

[@CruiserDawg]

I'm at Stage 3 and hopefully moving into stage 4-5 soon. Great video. Thank you for the insight. I need to fight the FOMO.🎉🎉

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It's a tough battle to be sure. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@mistermom310]

I see some of me in all of these levels. I have been drinking whiskey for 45 years and have developed a greater interest in the last 4 years. I've become the "Whiskey Whisperer" ...Guru to my friends and family. I've been accumulating glasses, bar tools, ice molds...etc. Love the content that you two put out.😁🥃❤️

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Appreciate the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@markolson9000]

Great video, I think I am still in stage 3 and it's too expensive!

[@joshuacepeda3714]

I started my journey years ago. Tried a Mcallen entry bottle and couldn’t palate the harshness of the spirit and higher alcohol content. Got into wine and really enjoyed that but found that good bottles of wine are short lived when you’re drinking them. Went back into whiskey with some brandys and finally, on a faithful day, I was told about Buffalo trace which me and my wife really liked. Went back to buy another and got, by recommendation, a Weller antique 107. Did research on it and started drinking and fell in love. I would say I’m struggling between the excited/balance part of the journey. Won’t lie, I enjoy the hunt, but I absolutely want to have great non-allocated bottles to enjoy, especially since I don’t really have it like that to buy on secondary. Wanting to join a whiskey community to share the experience and your channel is one I watch the most. Thank you guys.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Enjoying the journey wherever you may be is really the biggest key as palates can differ so greatly. Cheers and thanks so much for watching!

[@CPGumby]

1000% agree with the 5 stages as defined here. And I too tend to go all in on my "nerddom" on new things heavily and early, and whiskey was no exception. I'm looking at about 200 bottles in the collection right now! 😅 I would say I'm in a fluid state between stages 3, 4 and 5, though with far fewer instances of stage 3 than there were about 2 years ago. Seeing as I will never be able to drink all 200 bottles myself in a reasonable timeframe, I'm more about sharing with others and helping to spread the love.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Josh here. I'm right there with you... so much so that it's like I could've written this comment myself. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@Josh_Stringer]

Great video idea! Definitely been through these stages. I'd say I'm in stage 5. I've made my mistakes. I've overspent. I've maxed out my shelf space. And while it was fun, it wasn't worth it. But you don't know that until you're in it. But for now, FOMO is in the rear view mirror. I know my flavor profile. I know what I like. More importantly, I know what I don't like. And I'm content with all of that. Cheers!

[@brianhenson4849]

Exact same journey

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Great point Josh! Knowing what you don't like is perhaps just as powerful (if not more so) than knowing what you do like. That knowledge can certainly save a lot of money by not buying things others love because you know they're not for you.

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

I incorporate elements of stages 2, 4, and 5, but don't fully match any stage. I'm always an oddball. 🙂 But then I didn't start drinking whiskey till I was 61, so a lot of the wisdom that comes through the various stages, I'd already picked up in one way or another. This kept me from ever really being in stage 1, which isn't a bad thing in my judgment.

[@cosmic_kid2868]

All it took for me was a purchase of Eagle Rare for 65 bucks. This was the moment I realized hype is rarely ever worth following. I’m 40 bottles in and only 4 have become my go tos, rare breed, woodford double oak, Russell’s reserve, knob 9. That’s all I need

[@cosmic_kid2868]

I’m in stage 4 is what I’m trying to say lol

[@christopherm.2413]

Those are great go-to bourbons.

[@robschoenung9543]

I have not found anything over $70 that blew me away. Having said that, I haven't tried most of the ones that people pay $500 for.

[@userperson5259]

I would be good if all I could get was EW BiB for the rest of my life.

[@cosmic_kid2868]

@@robschoenung9543 After my lesson with Eagle Rare (bought for 65 bucks in California) and having seen so many "top) tier whiskey's lose in blinds with Rare Breed, unless a whiskey is a must have for its rarity, i'll never spend more than 60. admittedly, if I saw a Russells 13 on the shelf, within reason I spend something to get it...

[@umami0247]

I’m old and have enjoyed whiskey for a long time. Still drink the same things. I like all the standard brands WT EC FR OF WR RR GD. I do like higher ABV but on some that isn’t possible without spending more and I’m okay with the 94 proofs on most of these. I will never chase unicorns or wait in a line for hours on end to get “the bottle.” The market is so out of control with both prices and a availability. The only thing that gets me are the collectors who aren’t going to drink it they are just waiting for some sap to come along with more money than sense. I’m not against collecting but you should like bourbon and drink it over time. Enjoy!!

[@DrDaveB]

I seem to have moved through all the stages real quickly in the last six months. I’m at the point where I’m keeping an eye out for what I really want at a reasonable price. I’ve learned my tastes and preferences in whiskey. I know I have friends over once a week, and we go through samples/blind of a single distillery, or region, or take a tour. We can go through major distilleries in Kentucky without leaving home. And now it’s garnishing an interest in us traveling back east to experience the trail. I put the brakes on. Now it’s time to enjoy. Thank you for your honest content. You’ve help me get over the hype.

[@alabamafootballpodcast3582]

Nice show. I've been looking forward to this one. Great breakdown. I spend most of my time in stage 4 but I slip to 3 everyone once in a while, though not as often as I used to. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@Joe-ub5rs]

Stage 4- These days I have taken to making a purchase once a month (allocation day in AL). The exception is when I am out of town, I will make a few stops looking for those bottles not sold in my area. Now that being said (outing myself) I went over my budget this month by $160, I picked up 6 bottles this past Saturday. But I picked up 3 bottles while out of town the first week of the month (travel money). I look to reduce my bottle count regularly. I have 3-4 usual suspects I go to as mixers but if I do end up with a bottle I'm not thrilled with, I either give it away or use it as a mixer. I just made a new infinity bottle clearing out a good number of low bottles. - Great idea for a video!

[@michelerivera6183]

😂 great video! So relatable. Finding the balance is a great place to be, and I'm glad I have arrived lol. That said, I still feel myself every so often getting a little bit overly excited when something new comes along and/or I learn about a whiskey that was previously unknown to me. MGP and craft distilleries are my weakness. Overall, sharing and building community is the best part. Cheers, y'all!

[@chargerguy74]

Great video, guys. I started in 2020 with scotch. Got into bourbon in 2021 and pretty much dropped scotch completely. Definitely in stage 5 now. I no longer thirst for whiskey knowledge or keeping up on all the news and YT content like I used to (sorry guys). Went way too hard way too fast with the purchasing. Now I’m stuck with dozens and dozens of bottles I don’t care for or even plan to drink. They’ll be for trade, barter, or gifts in the future I guess. Maybe Whiskey advent calendars for my friends. I’ve also cut down the quantity I drink...drastically. And because I no longer drinking much, or often, I no longer want to waste my time on low quality whiskies, only the stuff I really enjoy which seems to be Rare Breed and JDSBBP as well as a few allocated and limited bottles. After a few years of lotteries and being in the right place at the right time, I have more than enough to be very very picky when I decide to have a whiskey. Fight the FOMO for sure, a lot of bourbons are hyped. I’d be more than content with my cabinet containing only Rare Breed, JD SBBPs, some Michter’s, higher aged Knob’s, the odd Bookers/Little Book, Masters Keeps, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrels, Coy Hills, Stagg’s, maybe a WLW or GTS once in awhile and the odd barrel pick or limited release.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We’re right there with you on not drinking much, so when we do reach for something, we want it to be exactly to our preferences (even if that is a little more pricey). Great comment!

[@raysimmons1415]

Solidly in stage 4, but still working my way through all the excessive bottles from stage 3....

[@hawkgw32]

Perfectly describes where I am at myself.

[@joeysymonds738]

Same here!

[@89sooner]

Stage 4/5 (they kind of blend together for me) and the knowledge and experience that gets you there is such a blessing.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Well said!

[@robertsmithUH60driver]

I'm just starting and haven't opened many of them. I'm trying to get the allocated stuff here in AL to grow the collection. Thanks for the info.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We will say that they are more enjoyable open, and even more enjoyable when shared with good company, but we hear you on how difficult it is to acquire some of the bottles you want. Cheers and thanks for watching Robert!

[@HoosierVeteran]

Doing a barrel pick has been my peak so far. Went to Starlight Huber and loved the finished barrels. I also found that I am more of a Rye guy.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Doing a barrel pick at Starlight is up there with peak whiskey experiences for sure. They do a great job there!

[@theukyankee]

Stage 3 while living in London was a bit rough (either couldn't get stuff or it was stupid expensive) and when I went to visit my family in the US, I definitely over-spent a bit (basically filled a suitcase and met the limit of how much I could bring back into the country). I think I'm now in Stage 4 and 5. I'm doing more sharing of samples with people and so I get to try lots of stuff, but it doesn't cost much, and now I'm spending my money on picks and buying a lot less. I do get a bit of FOMO and I also can deal with it.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We can relate! That "gotta have it" phase is a lot of fun, but quite expensive, and there is some beauty in being able to pass on stuffing the suitcase full while you're traveling (even if you still feel the pull to do so from time to time).

[@ticeduo7174]

I’m stage .5 I am learning about I have 3 tasting and 2 tours. I tried a few different bourbons during shares tasting I really like four roses, Woodford. Weller reserve, angles envy, is my top four right now which is around 90 proof

[@johncashion8428]

Stage 5 for sure. Favorite part of this is sharing!

[@brettmchan2855]

I was in stage two for years. Then a few years ago I moved to south east indiana for work right next to Kentucky! So I moved to stage three and now I am SLOwLY moving into stage 4!

[@StacheXXL]

Balancing currently. I know what I like and what I would purchase again, and what I wouldn't. At this point, I am going to spend more time enjoying Bourbon that I like and not worrying so much about grabbing a new bottle to try. This vid is really great! I just went out today and purchased another OGD Bonded, because I really like it and it didn't set me back much at all.

[@JoeJimenez-x9y]

I think you got the Stages right. 👍🏼

[@RJR2222]

Great video. I am in stage 3. My wallet hopes I move to stage 4 soon. I am getting a little better. One issue I have supporting several KZbin channels and all have barrel picks. I have started to be more selective but hard to fight the FOMO. Appreciate you giving me content for self reflection. It does help

[@stuffandwhiskey]

As a channel doing barrel picks ourselves, even the barrels we pick may not be for everyone, but we feel like the best channels do a great job of speaking to who the pick is for so that you know whether or not it's a barrel you want to buy. We certainly try very, very hard to make sure we speak to that ourselves. People are spending their hard earned money on something we selected, and we take that pretty seriously. That said, when you've got palates you trust that can vouch for what you're buying, that's really a "best case scenario" situation in our book short of being able to try the bottle before you buy. Appreciate your support within the community and thanks for watching!

[@bullseye0112]

The Chase and the excitement of trying a bunch of new whiskeys was so fun! My neighbor and I got into it buying different bourbon so we could double team the flavor search. I've been hunting bourbons Scotch and Irish whiskey over the last 2 years and now I have found the bourbons that I like that are worth the money to me and I found a couple of Irish whiskeys that I know I enjoy so the hunt is primarily going to be about trying different Scotch whiskey. The only problem is I became definitely alcoholic over the last 2.5 years along with my neighbor, and I've been drinking every night. At first it was okay but I'm at the place now where it has affected my health and my mind and well-being so I am tapering down. Time to go back to being a weekend drinker and having some beer during the week or wine. It's funny because you taste gets better and hotter whiskeys are not as hot as you drink more and more but it's also not good because it's hurting your body. I still love whiskey and I don't plan on quitting drinking but it's time to get control back over this and start just having one or two bottles I enjoy over a month not buying 6 for the shelf. Also a benefit to not drinking whiskey so much is losing weight

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That's some great self-awareness and we couldn't agree more! Moderation is so important and your health and well being is so much more important than one more glass. Take care!

[@bullseye0112]

@@stuffandwhiskey it's funny because I wasn't drinking to get drunk or forget or any of that stuff, it just tastes so good and when you have so many different kinds of whiskeys it's sort of adds up. I really realized how much whiskey I was drinking when I only had one or two bottles. With six it's only a little bit of each but with two bottles you can definitely see how much whiskey you're drinking. When half the bottle is gone in a week it's a good indicator that it's time to chill out and not poison your body too much give your liver some time to recuperate. Anyways I like what you guys do and thanks for making some quality videos

[@rjb346]

Stage 5 ... I only drink bottles under $40 (except for Rare Breed & Heaven Hill 7yr BIB). Nice selection in my bar, and I enjoy every bottle. BTW, went through the same progression with cigars 25 years ago, and my humidor is only stocked with lower $$, good value cigars.

[@michaelhoffer9172]

I just got my first bottle of Stagg last week. Not sure what stage I am at, but I know that I have never bought anything that I didn't intend to drink just to collect.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Preach, Mike! We couldn't agree more. Bottles are so much more enjoyable when they're open.

[@Razieleatssouls]

I've only been interested in whiskey for 8 months but I'm between stage 3/4. One method I'm trying is to not rebuy a bottle I finish so I have more room/money to try new ones. I have about 15 bottles and I've kept them each under $40. I figure there's no need to rush through the price brackets when there's so much to enjoy in this range.

[@stymiesnerdly771]

I’d like to believe that I’m in the 4th category, however I’m planning a trip to the Bourbon Trail, I’ve already scheduled a few tours, and I may need to invest in a roof rack for our clothes as the back of the vehicle may end up full of bottles. Yes, I’m budgeting a dollar amount for each stop, but is it a reasonable budget? 🤣 That’s debatable. At least it’s budgeted, right?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

"Budgets are permission to spend." -- Erin Just sayin. 😉 Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@RussD71]

Cool topic. I seem to find myself bouncing in out of 3 & 4. I think my struggle comes from the whiskey world being so vast. Started in the Bourbon world like I am sure many others. Got into Ryes. Love 'em. But now I find myself more and more curious about Irish, Indian. Hmm...yes, what about Scotch...oh wait...let's not forget the up and coming American Single Malt scene...so much to explore:) Great job on this...Cheers!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It's a great wide world of whisk(e)y out there for sure! We're not in too dissimilar a spot where we really have zeroed in on what we like in bourbon and rye, and have a heavy interest in trying more American single malts as well as other single malts from around the world.

[@BetterYouThanMe77]

💯 concur. I think I’m entering stage 5 now….

[@jacobflores8666]

I haven't been able to build a large collection due to being an undergraduate student with a limited income but I'm pretty much in the 4 category. I'm really into malt whiskies(Scotch and American single malt particularly) and I've sorta always known that but it's become even more apparent after all the bottles I've tried so far. In the process, I have discovered that I like some other things as well(like ryes or Tennessee whiskey) so there's that.

[@jasonkeshishian2061]

I enjoyed this episode. I like how you put the stages together. With that said, I can honestly say that I can clearly see my progress through stages one, two and three. I would say that I am in stage four right now. However, stage three is still hanging around. That stage three itch rears its ugly head from time to time.

[@SuspenseGames]

I got into whiskey/bourbon less than a month ago… after roughly $1000 and about 26 bottles on my bar…. I’m settling in around slowing it down lol. I’ve ranked over 1100 different craft beers on Untappd over the past few years so bourbon was the natural next step. Hopefully I can reel it in once I “finish” my $20-40 collection and start moving toward the weekly hunt for specific bottles of mid-high end things

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That's diving in head first! Cheers and thanks for watching. 🥃

[@marvinmckenzie9148]

Love the chemistry between you two.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Thanks so much Marvin! We definitely have fun. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@tomodonnell5700]

Great video , well done…No doubt went through them all !!! ❤

[@PeteQuad]

Just finishing up stage 2 and entering stage 3. As someone who has done more hobbies than anyone on the planet, I am really careful about not letting stage 3 ruin the fun for me. I try to stretch each stage out as long as possible and hold myself back from over indulging. We'll see though.

[@tfrogginhfroggin]

Between 4 and 5 for sure

[@heatherharrison264]

This makes sense for many hobbies. The trick is to get past the potentially unhealthy Stage 3. For the types of spirits that interest me, I've made it to Stage 4/5. The trick to getting there was to limit the size of my collection and allocate spaces within it to all of the types and sub-types of spirits that I have decided that I want to have around the house. I like variety, so having stylistic variation within each category is important to me, and I try to avoid having multiple bottles that all taste about the same. To that end, roughly half of my bourbon collection comes from outside of the core Kentucky/Tennessee/Indiana region. I'm still trying to get to this point with wine. I got into wine before I got into spirits, and I progressed to Stage 3 rapidly and stayed there for decades. I'm definitely at Stage 4/5 with wine too, but Stage 3 lingers on because my collection is too big, and I keep going to wine tastings and getting tempted. I need to apply the same limits to wine that I do with spirits, but it isn't as straightforward to subdivide a wine collection into different categories - do I base it on style, region, or some combination of the two? I've also thought about splitting a booze journey into various stages, but my thinking is more along the lines of what types of bottles one discovers along the way, i.e. progressing from cheap mixers to mass market premium bottles to specialized and unusual stuff. I thought about this along the lines of Scotch whisky, but it could be applied, with modifications, to any category of booze. At times in the past, it was only possible to progress up to a point, as availability of premium or interesting products was scarce or non-existent. For example, my mother was at Stage 1 for decades, because Stage 1 booze was all that was available at the time where she lived. Stage 1: Mass market blended Scotch in mixed drinks or on the rocks. The bourbon equivalent would be the basic ubiquitous bottles, such as Jim Beam white label, most likely mixed with Coke. Every category of booze has its highly branded, heavily advertised products at this level. These are the gateway to booze for just about everyone, and some people are happy to stay at this stage. They simply want to enjoy a refreshing drink, and they aren't interested in becoming booze nerds. I can respect this. In some ways, life is easier for those who stay at this stage. The booze is cheap, and it is widely available. Stage 2: Mass market single malts, i.e. Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12, Macallan 12, either on the rocks or in neat pours, and on occasion, the same brands with older age statements. Until fairly recently, this was the best available in most places. The bourbon equivalent would be the widely available small batch and single barrel products that started to turn up in the 1990s/2000s, i.e. Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve, and Blanton's (which wasn't hard to find at the time). Until the 2010s, availability of both Scotch and Bourbon was largely limited to this stage, except in certain favored locations (i.e. Kentucky for bourbon, or major cities or the UK for Scotch). Rye was even more limited until fairly recently. I got into both Scotch and bourbon at this stage in the 1990s and was stuck here for a long time, only moving beyond this point after I moved to California in the early 2010s and found a great booze selection available to me. A good variety of wine was more readily available in the 1990s, so I rapidly moved to Stage 3 for wine. Stage 3: I think entry into this coincides with Stage 3 of the video, and this is where collections start to get out of hand. This is where a deeper understanding of production methods, regional and stylistic variation, and proper tasting methods comes into play. For single malt Scotch, this would be the recognition of the existence of naturally presented Scotch (46%+ ABV, non-chill filtered, no added color), interest in various age statements (and the understanding that older isn't always better), and interest in regional variations. Bourbon is a bit different here. By law, it doesn't have added color, and chill filtering doesn't take out as much flavor from bourbon since most bourbon is made in column stills and is therefore naturally cleaner than single malt Scotch. I do prefer pot still bourbon to be non-chill filtered, however, since I like that pot still funk. I think Stage 3 for bourbon and rye might consist of a recognition of the different major legacy distilleries, exploration of high proof products, understanding of mash bills, exploration of finished whisky, recognition of non-distiller producers and blenders, an introduction to craft and regional products, and some exposure to special editions and limited high-end products, depending on availability. Stage 4: This blends into Stage 3 and is highly dependent on local availability. I see this as the exploration of esoteric and hyper-local products, such as independent bottlings of Scotch (which are scarce in the United States - in the UK, this would be in Stage 3), the products of craft distilleries that distill their own spirit, serious exploration of bourbon from outside of the core Kentucky/Tennessee/Indiana region, world whisky from obscure places, and experimental and unusual whiskies. This is where I am with wine and many types of spirits, and this is where I want to be in general, but availability of some spirits at this level is limited. This stage probably isn't where everyone wants to be, as it involves the exploration of products that can deviate considerably from the usual expected flavor profiles, and experimental products can be more interesting than good sometimes. A hypothetical Stage 5 (at least for me): Work in the industry. I've thought about this, and I think I have sufficient knowledge and experience for some industry jobs, but I'm afraid that if I went for it, it would kill my passion.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Great comment Heather and we like your stages! We’re definitely in the middle, and in some ways I guess you could say we “work” in the industry through this channel (in a sense) but we don’t really consider that to be true. Being a stage beyond the mass market offerings and into the slightly more interesting products that are available out there is truly a fun spot to be.

[@peaceandwealthseeker4504]

Went through the entire phase largely driven through the lockdowns and social gatherings being shutdown. I'm back to light beer and 101 Turkey with getting a good bottle or pour only on special occasions now.

[@whiskeyisajourney]

I hit every stage within a year and a half. Now I'm looking at my collection and reflecting on my channel and thinking...what the heck did I just do and how did this happen so quick. I'm happy where I'm at, but it's all a blur. I've hit the breaks hard on my buying and now it's time to enjoy the next stage of my journey....whatever that may be.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We can definitely relate. You've already got an amazing collection and palate to match. Sometimes it can feel a little like, "okay... what's next?" Enjoying what you have while finding those new, fun products to keep you interested is a great spot to be in if you ask us.

[@keithaltazin2953]

Like most people who enjoy bourbon/whiskey I was in stage one for a long time. I visited Kentucky with some friends eight years ago and began to get more interested in bourbon but really didn't move into stage two until I started watching whiskey tubers like Erin and Josh eariler this year. Like Josh, I tend to jump into things I'm excited about with both feet. However, I quickly moved from stage three to stage four thanks to my wife and my realization that I can't get everything I think I want.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Josh here. Cheers to all that, Keith! Thankfully we've got our better halves to temper our almost unending desire for more bottles in that third stage, right?

[@DaveNorton-yi5ix]

I'm not sure if I'm impressed that you've broken it down like this or appalled ... the reason being that I recognize the whole process having just gotten into stage 4 myself ;-). I think it actually makes me feel better to know this whole thing wasn't just my personal series of demons. The blessing is that I didn't get into the over-consumption part, for which I am thankful.

[@williamcornelison4721]

I'll have to admit that I probably spent money on bottles that I turned out weren't for me, at first.... So I now just buy what I know that I found that I like..... But I still buy occasionally that special pour..... The rule is drink what you like.but responsibly...

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Amen!

[@ticeduo7174]

I love old fashions

[@gtownwr]

I would say I'm on the tail end of stage three moving into stage four.

[@natebranch1323]

Stage 4 moving to 5, trying to help a friend escape stage 3, worried about his income vs bourbon spend ratio!

[@YonatanGelfand]

Love your channel guys. That’s a handsome no date sub right there sir.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Good eye and thanks so much for the kind words!

[@skramzy6628]

I'm in full-blown stage three but I think I'm close to breaking into stage four. At least I hope I am!

[@chadsnoddy6336]

We have been drinking whiskey for years but hunting and collecting were a direct result of getting Covid and watching too much whiskey KZbin. 😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

It do be like that. 😂 Honestly that's not too dissimilar to our own arc as well. Cheers and thanks for watching Chad!

[@IzzosPlace]

I’m in three and working for the balance to transition to four lol. I am making a bourbon bar in the showroom of my shop and started doing bourbon reviews on my construction KZbin channel. Joined three whiskey KZbin patrons lol. Send help or bourbon!!! Love your channel. Thanks for the video.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

“Send help or bourbon!” 😂😂 Love it! Cheers Izzo!

[@joeysymonds738]

I am just coming out of stage 3 going into 4. So many bottles I have no desire to touch.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I think I’m in stage 5. Right now I’m only buying a Bourbon or any other kind of whiskey if it’s on sale. I’ve bought way to much in the earlier stages and now have tons to drink and share. I’d love to join a local whiskey club and share samples and bottles.

[@dustinpeele2748]

wild turkey 101 rye all day for stage 4. Its cheap and its good.

[@lesliepless2939]

Excellent content! This is the primer all hobbyist-to-collector-to-mastery wannabes need to view. My stage depends on the subject. When it comes to spirits, I find the opportunity to learn towards mastery ever evolves, but the "mofo" or possessiveness about collecting inventory hits a wall. I set a limit of 100 bottles, and that includes every category of alcoholic beverage. I actually do not intake much alcohol, ~2oz 12:02 /week max. I can consume, gift, or trade to replenish, but that nventory quantity cannot be exceeded. My goals are to build upon my preference for diversity and develop my awareness of offerings that best fit my desired sensory attributes. For example, 1-2 bottles of my favorite type of spirit is more than adequate for consumption over time. Becoming enlightened about spirits means that I am broadening my awareness of the world's expressions and celebrating that bountiful knowledge with others; and not focused on the greedy aspects, typical of collecting. Over time, my collection represents the best expressions of that knowledge, ultimately serving more than myself.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

GREAT comment Leslie! That’s an awesome approach to keeping things thoughtful and in check. Cheers!

[@WhiskeyDale]

I love Erin's hair. #justsaying

[@877-MASH-NOW]

WHISKEY CHEERS 😎

[@lanaden3221]

I think it's a desire to try all these bourbons that you hear are good pours. You want to experience it for yourself and decide if you like it or not. Well that's what it is for me anyway.

[@adamrhoffman]

Stage 2 or 3 - switching from Scotch to Bourbon

[@ThelifeofKingfish]

Selective conisuer. Realizing all bourbon’s can be good, but being selective vs fomo driven. Equally budget vs unicorn conscious: spending when that unique bottle is available and saving when it’s not just the “right” bottle.

[@chadwallace3598]

Cut my teeth on EW black too 👍🏻🥃

[@tomshanley5405]

I'm pretty much Stage 3, 4 and 5... and I move from one to another...

[@javieracosta3439]

Relapse! 😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Right there with you Tom! It's definitely a fluid scale and we're often floating between stages too. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@kevinmccabe1423]

Omgosh I’m not normal😂

[@stuffandwhiskey]

None of us are. 😉😆 Cheers to that!

[@DileepB]

moving from crap whiskey to craft whiskey!

[@davidlittle6621]

Abby Normal?

[@stuffandwhiskey]

We know that name!

[@brianclick7080]

Great video guys. This will help others know they are not alone in their whiskey journey and the way that they feel. I felt alone when I first started drinking whiskey because no one around me really did. But now I am finding more people who enjoy it like I do. And yes FOMO is real for sure. You just have to remember at the end of the day it is just whiskey.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Well said Brian!

[@JeffPriceSeattle]

What stage is signing up for a Buffalo Trace SBS lottery? Who’s in this with me when I win an “opportunity” to purchase? 🤣 No, I’m serious…

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That's just prudent whiskey nerdery if you ask us. We're in there with ya. Cheers and best of luck Jeff!

[@davidlittle6621]

Old? Hahahahaha!

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Those are great things to know about yourself. Cheers and thanks for watching Jacob!

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Id say im a pretty firm 4.5. Theres still bottles i go after occasionally, but its if i know theyll be something ill love and they are worth going to pick up. Ill never overspend or freak out about a certain release though. Theres always a next one, and the friends are more important and are willing to help out.

[@stuffandwhiskey]

Cheers to that Aidan! The community is definitely greater than any one bottle.