The BEST Whiskey Of The Year (So Far)

[@levijones8131]

My shop owner pulled a Russel’s 15 out for me for my 15 wedding anniversary this year my wife and I opened in Maui. Mahalo!

[@jonathanwilliams1974]

I'd be a loyal customer for life.

[@sweetsinnndy5201]

Found the Green River full proof at Binny's on sale for $39.99, so good that I bought a backup bottle as the sale ended at the end of October.

[@cjg3986]

Honestly I was so sure I'd love the GR FP that I bought 2 when I found it. Let's just say I'm planning on gifting the 2nd bottle to a friend who likes it. Frey ranch farm strength was everything I was hoping the green river would be, albeit at a bit higher price

[@krischaney9034]

Found a Coy Hill on the shelf for retail here in Indy just yesterday, along with a Turkey 70th Anniversary. Glad I walked into that place. Cheers!

[@kentuckyhills454]

Small liquor store, or big? I've been wondering when 70th would hit stores. Thanks

[@krischaney9034]

@kentuckyhills454 - Found these at Total Wine. Best small stores I'm aware of in Indy use lotteries or points systems for the allocated stuff.

[@johng5710]

@@krischaney9034 Great score. Total Wine usually doesn't have shit on the few occasions I visit them.

[@krischaney9034]

@johng5710 I agree, very rare. They've been good about getting new expected shelf-stable items out pretty quickly - Bardstown Origin stuff, JD SB BP Rye, for example - but the heavily allocated stuff is usually out the back door before regular stiffs like me know about it. Very fortunate timing in this case!

[@davidnickel9425]

Was it the one in Carmel? They usually have the best stuff from the Total Wines in Indy I've been to.

[@jonathanwilliams1974]

We did a Stagg blind with batches 15, 17, and 22b...we unanimously picked 22b with 17 being a REALLY close second. Almost 1A and 1B. 15 was a distant 2nd.

[@100puremustard5]

Agreed! Love the depth and viscosity, and sweet rich oak of 22B! Batch 15 for some reason has not aged well. When I first cracked it in 2021 it was fantastic off the neck pour. I cracked a fresh bottle of 15 last fall and it was kind of flat. It got better after a couple months but nothing like the 15 I cracked in 2021. Not sure what happened... maybe it has a "best by" date? 😂

[@fb4lfe]

We just did a Stagg blind as well. We had a 23a, 22b, 24a, and an 18. I was slightly shocked that the 22b came out on top. I would have thought the 23a would have been the winner. One take away was that they were all very close and you can't go wrong with any Stagg you can get your hands on. But it was a great blind!

[@Aged_in_Oak]

Frickin LOVE Green River Full Proof!

[@thatmuffinman738]

What did you think of 13th Colony 15th anniversary?

[@davidatac9738]

My favorites so far is : O.F.C. 2005 , willet purple top 130 proof , coy hill , bday bourbon , cellar aged , old fitz 10 … let’s go BTAC / pappy season !!

[@jasonczfan8658]

JD 12 still getting crazy secondary pricing here in California so I've never got close to getting one. Maker's Lost Recipe is really good too.

[@Hunter918-98]

I paid 35 bucks for a 2 Oz of the Russell 15 year....very good!

[@seventhsealhere]

They want $60 here for a 2oz pour here. I might as well put that towards a full bottle at secondary price. Crazy...

[@ClimbMitBourbon]

​@@seventhsealhere $90 here in San Diego...

[@jamiehall6679]

I’m so with y’all on Little Book damn it’s good.

[@DrumsAndDrams]

We are gonna fight about Little Book when I see you in two weeks

[@Valath]

I've only had disco 6 where does it rank in the disco series?

[@brooksreed9609]

Honestly disco 6 is one of my favorite discos and iv had 4,6,7,9,11,12

[@mattwilliams3373]

The TKO rare character is my favorite so far but I also don’t go after the $150+ bottles

[@DOMINATIONDetroit-v7r]

I found a bottle of Stagg in Sterling Heights. Yes I had to pay $270. How else am I going to get one?

[@kforeman80]

I just got a 24A off the shelf for $53+tax. First Stagg I’ve seen at retail in over 5 years. Not bragging, just luck. Cheers from Texas friend.

[@DOMINATIONDetroit-v7r]

@@kforeman80 I get it, but Michigan we have to pay premium + for the allocated stuff. Good score

[@motorcityb8551]

I live in sterling heights, I can get you that way cheaper

[@RD-nd4il]

have you guys had the Old Stubborn?

[@garnetreecejones9222]

The RR15 is probably my favorite that I own. Beats out everything I’ve got this year. I’m looking for a backup now. It’s so damn good. The RR13 was previously my favorite. I need to blind them again. 13 won the first blind, barely (ranked 9.8 vs the 15 at 9.75)

[@thomasshadix3163]

Have y’all had the 13yr old fitz VVS?

[@mrpapinchock]

I’m surprised it didn’t make the list.

[@bughjr1]

The Lost Recipe Makers is to be better by a mile compared to the Heart release. Hopefully you guys try it soon.

[@OutsideTheStar]

I hope y’all are able to get a New Riff 8 year. Definitely one of the best bottles I’ve had this year.

[@brettheiner7125]

I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Bought another the minute I cracked the first one.

[@joshreilly1960]

I'm surprised by how positive they are about the Little Book infinite, alot of negative reviews about that bottle.

[@ghostshipmurmurs7917]

Seriously. I'm kind of stunned. Though I'm glad they can get behind Beam for once

[@joshcombe440]

So is the Green River Full Proof as good as the Old Forester 1920 or the Russel’s Single Barrel? I can get all 3 for the same price. And is the OF 1924 really worth almost 3 times as much as the 1920??!

[@perfectophil]

No. No and NO IMO

[@brettheiner7125]

It’s worth trying to see what you think.

[@christophermcgraner2984]

You guys should review the Middle West cask strength series they started this year. They sit around 122 proof and are phenomenal for $70. They released a rye, bourbon and a wheated. Big fan of the channel guys!

[@davidvoth7218]

Regarding Makers Mark, SLB mentioned how they came out with a Lost Recipe that was amazing. It beat out Four Roses LE and several other really good bottles.

[@johng5710]

I believe that was a Costco only release, and I don't even think it was available at all Costco stores

[@davidvoth7218]

@@johng5710 it was also released at Binny's

[@motohead077]

That MM Lost Recipe is just a Prvt Select, selected by MM with 6 Mocha staves & 111.9P. It's ~$60/700mL & yes, got it at Costco & never heard of it being anywhere else, so far. There are tons of them out there now. Depends on the Stave Profile you prefer, you may like some Prvt Selects better. SLB really likes MM 46 CS & other MM Brl Prf stuff. So it's just what 1 person prefers, though probably 95 out of 100 people would prefer the Four Roses LE over the MM Lost Recipe.

[@ldrsquad]

You guys should try Woodinville 8 year and Smokeye Hill Blue Corn Barrel Proof and see if that changes the list you current have for the Best Whiskey of the year!

[@ryanjs87]

got lucky and walked into a grocery store and found 2 stagg 24a just sitting on the shelf at 59.99

[@mplayne]

It's nice to live Vicariously through u guys I only have 1 of these bottles so nice to hear about the others. Cheers 🥃

[@altmandillon1]

Green river all day

[@mizaeldiaz8325]

Do you guys have a reputable online store that you purchase bourbon from ?? There are so many scams out there I was just curious.

[@nickp5511]

I would love to have the Russell’s 15yr! I do really enjoy the LB Infinite!

[@ehtater]

Cracked a Stagg 24a , next thing I knew we drank half the bottle. I liked how off profile it was. I will cut bourbon lore some slack, they obviously made an amazing blend at BH for them. I am lookin at a BH SiB.

[@ghostshipmurmurs7917]

Is your review of The Infinite coming? I was so shocked to see you guys get behind a Beam release - I'm really excited to hear more in depth comments!

[@gingergeezer3685]

Healing vibes to Nox the sweet puppy.

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

The JD12 says Batch 01 right there on the bottle.

[@MrYoshiskakid]

I liked batch 01 better. I do wonder what they drank...

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

I agree Batch 01 is a bit better although I think Batch 02 has a better more viscous Mouthfeel.

[@loveandlight8286]

Love yall videos

[@chickrepelant]

that weller is WILD i'll probly stick to Antique 107

[@jakedobbs9962]

Have you guys had the 2024 birthday bourbon yet? Highest proof ever at 107. And it’s probably the best birthday bourbon ever. It’s legit amazing.

[@JWFX4]

I thought you guys really liked the latest ECBP? Surprised I didn’t hear it mentioned.

[@johng5710]

I don't think they got it yet. Jason C from Mash & Drum didn't really care for it, Cam from Drums & Drams liked it.

[@generalnd301]

Where can you get a Russell’s 15 for $300?!!!

[@brettheiner7125]

Got one in Ms for $268!

[@JohnSmith-25]

I don't know what kind of lights are under those bottles on the wall, and while it does look cool, isn't that bad for the whiskey? I know sunlight is bad, but what about other light sources? I welcome comments from anyone, I'd just like to know.

[@jakeyandell4122]

It’s not the light that’s bad. It’s the UV radiation and heat. LED light wouldn’t break it down.

[@hypnocracy6102]

Have to admit...same has crossed my mind...Would guess the light's are on only for shooting the Video...But who knows?

[@JohnSmith-25]

@@jakeyandell4122 But would LEDs that close not produce heat? I guess I've been a bit paranoid, leaving unopened bottles in a dark closet.

[@jakeyandell4122]

Nah, leaving them in the dark and cool is always best if you don’t plan to open them. Out of direct light and heat, the degradation happens over a very, very long time. As far as the LEDs, yeah they’ll produce a little bit of heat but not much and the LEDs are in the back and not under the bottles, so I doubt the heat is any more of a factor than the ambient temperature of the room. Would be interesting to shoot an infrared thermometer at them to be sure.

[@JoeFults-xo7sd]

Little Book 7 and 8 over my bottle of Infinite all day every day. I very much hope that thing opens up with time and gets much better. Neat package. Neat story but in week one sipping it, not a good value for me!

[@stang23456]

Nice video!

[@hypnocracy6102]

OMG "Like Comment Subscribe" @12:46...Classic BJDan LOL

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

Hardin's Creek 211 Jacob's Well

[@ajkundrath9661]

Happy birthday to me. October 11

[@stephenbrown5580]

Anyone know where to find the Bardstown #12 Discovery Series?

[@Faisalhossain-s5h]

Found 2 Long Island NY

[@stephenbrown5580]

@@Faisalhossain-s5h can you share the location and store name?

[@Faisalhossain-s5h]

@@stephenbrown5580 they had 1 case and sold out … the wine guy. But i will say give them a call. They might get some more. There was another store in Long Island had them .. sold out last week.

[@jasonfineberg]

Hey Dan, about that Weller Millenium. Drank or chugged? 😂

[@woknred1910]

weezed

[@dustinwest3253]

Please expand more on the JD14 rumors.. 😏

[@tonys4039]

The hearts are still available at total wine locally. I may splurge

[@andydabson5657]

Little book infinite has been getting panned, interesting to see you guys all over it

[@pabst25]

Panned by who?

[@BT11D]

How did that SECOND tray of cinnamon rolls in bed treat you Dan?

[@rbwhanson]

"Value of the year" video idea. You always do your best of the year which is always cool to see. But doing another list of the best values of the year that are actually retail and findable would be great too. Same format, blind them and rank them.

[@BourbonJunkies]

We do that video every year good sir!

[@rbwhanson]

@BourbonJunkies Well shit. I must've forgotten about it having watched so many of your videos. I am looking forward to the possible "Battle of the Blenders" Bardstown vs Barrel, that I suggested. Keep it up fellas!

[@johng5710]

JDSBBP Rye would probably win that every year

[@justintoler2110]

I got my Stagg 24A in Washington State, Land of the outrageous liquor tax, for $80 out the door!!!

[@mikewilson4952]

How?!?!

[@justintoler2110]

@@mikewilson4952I am in good standings with the liquor lady at my local Haggen!

[@kforeman80]

I just got a 24A off the shelf for $53+tax. First Stagg I’ve seen at retail in over 5 years. Not bragging, just luck. Cheers from Texas friend.

[@justintoler2110]

@@kforeman80 that would be about $70 here at n Washington state. Liquor tax is 29%. Not bragging or anything but I have the last 3 years, 22A/23B/24A. Washington is crazy on liquor tax. That’s why it’s good to be a retired veteran because on base there is no tax. So my daily drinks can be picked up at a much cheaper price. Anyway cheers from a born and raised Texan who now lives the semi-retired life in Washington!! 🥃🥃🥃

[@johng5710]

No love for Little Book Ch. 8? Also, would anyone here go as high as $400 for Russell's 15? I can get one right now at that price. I've told myself before if I could get a George T Stagg for $400 I would probably do it...is Russell's 15 in the same league as GTS?

[@Hunter918-98]

Oh, I kind of think it's a hard question because I enjoy the 15 year so much, but not as much as having a Gorge T

[@JamesVaughan-d9s]

Hartmann Cape

[@Usonian7]

Disco 12 is already gone in Michigan.

[@PWNAGIZER]

Unfortunately Discovery 12 came and went pretty fast here :(.

[@chefbabyryan1]

Sean has a sick puppy, Dan is a sick puppy

[@BnmAsd-r2o]

Hirthe Run

[@jamesstreet1144]

I actually have a lot of these bottles and think they’re very good. I did manage to find a bottle of the new Coy Hill and trying hard to find another. I think you will enjoy it

[@dplunk13]

Haven't seen a discovery series beyond #7. Idk what's going on with them.

[@johng5710]

Must be where you live

[@gordoboy18]

You guys should blind a new whiskey before reviewing it. Ex. Forester 1924 blinded before you've even tried it. Might be interesting.

[@LewisRichards-q4b]

Nikolaus Mountain

[@eafarrar]

The Heart is better than Cellar Aged? Yikes. I was not impressed.

[@jeffreyspencer4005]

agreed

[@fronandough7]

Tired of lists with impossible to get releases. YAWN! Recommend interesting things most can reasonably find.

[@jasondillon-zt1di]

Had a sample of the Bourbon Lore and I'm just so shocked that whiskeytube likes it so much. It was just okay to my palate, nothing special.

[@Lukens-mw9kw]

america

[@erikwhitney7403]

Why can’t 5 different experts ever agree on the top 5 bottles. No matter the rank order they will have 4 of 5 or 5 of 5 different choices. This is why you can’t say the best

[@johng5710]

My interpretation of everyone's "best of" 2024 bottles is that it's pretty much Russell's 15

[@jasondillon-zt1di]

Sensory experiences such as taste are subjective and different from person to person.

[@erikwhitney7403]

@@jasondillon-zt1di and that is why it should be my best whiskey of the year for anyone that lists top X.

[@malachfam]

This is what makes the world of whiskey so great!! Everyone has a different experience. I look at these BEST list as a great starting point to expand my palette.

[@realcodyk1127]

We early

[@stillcookin]

Fugg bourbon lore

[@aaronberkowitz1803]

Are you kidding me hyping Weller millennium? Ridiculous.

[@PicoBourbon]

No love for Joseph Magnus Murray Hill Club Special Release.!?! 😮😅

[@24869wawa]

The heart release sucks

[@whoryno]

Sucks

[@ChuckyLarms]

Best whiskey of the year should have a mandatory bottle amount. Minimum of x thousand bottles. Putting ultra rare bottles as “whiskey of the year” is just snobbery

[@zacherycampbell7296]

I for one would like to see the best whiskeys regardless of allocation, limited availability etc… it’s their list not the whiskeys we’ve seen.

[@ChuckyLarms]

@@zacherycampbell7296 see or taste?

[@Rickhouse.]

If they ranked shelfers it would be a snooze fest. These are fun. If you can’t find them, don’t get mad, get back on the hunt.

[@Master0fMayhem]

Can't be whiskey of the year if you add qualifiers, and even then, they still only include bottles that they could get their hands on. Everything is available on secondary or by hunting. Really getting tired of people acting like whiskey chasing isn't a luxury, and just like every other luxury, you're going to have to sacrifice time or money to have it.

[@djvie24]

⁠@@Master0fMayhemWell I am assuming you have time and/ or money and so not a problem for you. Not everyone who loves whiskey has that luxury. TBH I personally rate a whiskey higher if it is available. Sure there are special things accomplished in a limited release, but who cares if the vast majority of people can’t even try it.

[@11onejay]

f u think little book is better than bookers. esepcially at the price. i personally thought bookers had more character. little book is not worth $200 when u can get bookers for $100