The Most Influential Bottles In Our Collection

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[@briansteehler843]

This is the best video you’ve ever done. It’s great for newer drinkers and reflects the reality of what a journey with spirits looks like. And you have no judgement on those who still like these products that you’re not such a fan of anymore.

[@jasonbauer8609]

Agree completely. We ALL started somewhere and we are ALL on our own journey. Great video!

[@slbdrinks]

Love this! Thank you!

[@bpmutt]

Coopers Craft 100. Been a whiskey drinker all of my adult life but I never really consumed mindfully. Just drank and thought some bottles tasted better than others. Reached a point last year when I realized I was drinking WAY too much and as a new dad I needed to rein it in or quit altogether. Decided to try buying a “nicer” bottle and drink more mindfully and pay attention to flavors rather than just putting a buzz on after my kids were asleep. That bottle of Coopers Craft blew my mind and I started reading reviews about it and watching whiskey tube videos and fell down the rabbit hole. So ironically getting into whiskey as a hobby is what helped me moderate what was an unhealthy habit into something I could feel good about enjoying. Cheers!

[@MusicNerdMIDI]

I appreciate Trenton sharing his story of grabbing his first allocated bottle. I honestly feel like a lot of people are embarrassed to tell the truth sometimes, but for many of us, blantons, eagle rare, and EH taylor small batch were probably the first bottles to hunt down. I was able to grab my first one at a grocery store out of pure luck at about a 15% markup from MSRP. I was really excited about it, like anyone else starting out would be.

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

Picked up my first bottle of Blanton's last year. My girlfriend wanted to go to Homegoods so I went into the ABC store and they just had an allocated release. As soon as I bought one I went into the Homegoods, had her abandon her cart, and she bought a second bottle. So glad that was in VA and it was at MSRP. Went back the next day and the Blanton's was gone so I picked up a Knob Creek 12 year (shuckey darns).

[@redmach12003]

My first Bourbon was from an old bottle of Weller Special Reserve that my Father had in his bar. It was the only Bourbon he had among the rest of the liquor he had. After he passed away, my Mom asked me to clean out his bar and take whatever I wanted. Aside from the WSR, I got some barware and other assorted liquor, signs, beer mugs, etc. I held onto the WSR for a year. On the day of the 1st Anniversary of his passing 😢 I went, alone, to his gravesite. We shares a pour of the WSR, some for me and some for him. I found out that I liked it. I picked up a new bottle of WSR a few months later, after Dad's bottle was empty and continued to enjoy it. My Son-in-Law started introducing me to various other things from his bar and the hunt was on for more of then really good stuff. Never looked back. Thanks, Dad. RIP

[@SRVandDtrouble]

If you have even the smallest amount left of that original bottle pour it into your new bottle and have an infinity bottle.

[@slbdrinks]

Beautiful story. Bless you buddy, count your blessings to have had that relationship.

[@nathanbalysh7158]

Elijah Craig small batch was my mixer of choice for old fashions. Then someone gave me a Blantons for my first father's day. For my second father's day, I was determined to find another bottle and thus started the hunt for me. A tater was born. I found this channel and used it as a guide to expand into other bottles. I even hosted my own bottled in bond tournament. It all came full circle, though, when I realized that the Heaven Hill profile is my favorite and ECBP bottles are some of my favorites. I tend to shy away from the bright fruity sweetness of BT and I prefer the more nutty rich profile of Heaven Hill, bringing it back to my Elijah Craig small batch mixer. Cheers guys!

[@paulhendershot111]

Wow, Trenton, starting your bourbon journey with a pour of George T. Stagg is like hitting a walk off home run to win the World Series in your first major league at bat. How do you ever top that?

[@johng5710]

Then he fell down to the level of Skrewball 🤣

[@spitefulbumm]

Great video. So my craziest story is that in 2008, before the bourbon boom, my wife and I were just out of college and we didn’t have much money, but I was buying cheap bottles of bourbon here and there, just to see what I liked. After I’d gotten a job, my wife spent sixty bucks on a fancy looking bottle for me as a gift, that she found case stacked at our local 7-eleven. It was WLW, which I knew nothing about, and want hyped at all at the time, and though I was a little set back by the big purchase, it remains the best and most special bottle I ever owned.

[@nathanjackson8356]

Old granddad 114 started cocktails for me, Eagle Rare, Redbreast, and Woodford started sipping neat, Willet 4yr started me liking ryes, Talisker 10yr started me liking scotch.

[@FakingANerve]

My first bottle that made me go "wow!" neat was Evan Williams Single Barrel from 2006 (bottled in 2000, IIRC). I still have one from 2006 or 2007 somewhere unopened. Next bottle that made my eyebrows rise was Balvenie 15 year. Then my first Eagle Rare... and then the ECBP that made me stop craving Eagle Rare. 😂

[@jeffreyjennings1640]

Totally agree. I have 5 bottles from 2013 squirreled away in the garage.

[@billdarrah5030]

My first Blanton's was probably at least 7 or 8 years ago and comped at a casino bar in Reno, NV. I told the bartender that I was just getting into bourbons and she said I would like Blanton's and I did. She kept bringing them and had a great evening. I was able to buy a bottle after returning to Indiana and made it last awhile. A couple of years later, I was at another casino bar that comped drinks and asked for Blanton's. The bartender said, "Buddy, you are not gambling enough for one those".

[@gornash1234]

Rare breed completly changed my view on bourbons. Not much experience in bourbons but i got buffalo trace and eagle rare and they are like water for me when i have rare breed around

[@matthewlenehan3345]

The first 5 whiskeys that really got me into the hobby were: Elijah Craig Small Batch, Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Buffalo Trace, Rare Breed, and Baker’s 7-year. Yes, I am fairly new to the hobby in just the last couple years and had the wealth of info on KZbin to guide me towards good initial choices.

[@bogatyr4207]

Balvenie Carribbean Cask is beautiful.

[@ItsShatter]

Hey this is the first time I’ve seen anyone bring up the Stranahan’s store picks/ SiB barrel proofs and I agree, totally unique and awesome whiskey at a great value. Whereas their standard offering is 47% ABV and usually around $60 or more. I have gotten multiple bottles of the cask strength single barrels at my Denver Costco for $48 each! The fact that they are cask strength (around 120 proof) is a really nice bonus.

[@davidteller7681]

I know I'm setting myself up for a lot of side eye, but I really enjoy Bird Dog Blackberry, the only flavored whiskey I like.

[@jspack71]

My 1st bottle I bought was knob creek 9 year, thanks to you guys, I don't think I could have picked a better bottle to start, very good 1st bottle!!

[@realdac7899]

Great discussion and video. First bottle bought was woodsford double oak only bc I thought 60 was highest end I would ever go. My wallet wishes 60 was my high end.

[@beaudwayful]

Knob Creek lineup is what got me to really get into drinking Bourbon and Rye.

[@thomassand-cw1oz]

So my wife and I spent the month of April in Kentucky this year at Cummins Ferry Campground. We put on 3600 miles driving around Kentucky seeing the horse farms, Civil War history, and bourbon. We hit all 42 distilleries on the bourbon trail, plus Buffalo Trace (3 times 🤷‍♂️). My favorite bottles we bought were EH Taylor, Old Bardstown from Willett, and maybe my favorite Barker’s Mill from MB Rolland.

[@MichaelMorrison75]

Same. Wild Turkey products are my favorite!! RR Single Barrel, Rare Breed and Kentucky Spirit are my three favorites. 😋

[@tonycronin3080]

Jack Daniels and I have a long standing relationship going back to college. And a serious beer obsession after that. However the first whiskey that got me into drinking neat or on the rocks was drink Knob Creek 9 around a fire with my brother-in-law. Templeton 6 was the first one I picked out flavors in neat. And Cedar Ridge is the distillery I went full fanboy over. Also went headfirst into Ardbeg 10 for scotch alongside a Dalmore 12. Been fairly serious into the whiskey game for about 6 yrs now. Cool to hear you guys story.

[@daves.682]

Your experience with the term ‘neat’ sounds like an opportunity for a future show. For those of us that are unfamiliar with various, often used terms, a show might be in order. I’ve haven’t seen anyone do a show explaining things like bottled in bond, select vs reserve, neat, small batch vs single barrel, etc. Allowing some of us to catch up on terminology would help when watching. Thanks

[@kingkrow420]

I do believe Stuff and Whiskey did a video like this if you want to check it out! Their channel is great and Erin is hilarious

[@RicCrouch]

Last night I had a pour of Knob Creek Single Barrel Select. (store pick). A while after I finished, I picked up the glass and the aroma was AMAZING. I’m going to have to force myself to let my pour sit a bit longer before drinking it!

[@johng5710]

Probably one of the best buys out there right now

[@smac2047]

I rarely pass those up.

[@martybarrett523]

Started my whiskey journey with scotch’s, mostly Macallen and Oban. I started to dabble in bourbon a little bit with some of the lower end stuff and I wasn’t too crazy about it. It wasn’t until I found a bottle of Stagg Jr. for a little bit above MSRP (before it went crazy) that I started to love bourbon. I opened it on my 50th birthday during Covid and my brother and I sat around a fire amazed at the magical elixir we were drinking.

[@oldmantwofour5561]

Rittenhouse tastes like liquid lawn clippings to me. I'm OK with you dumping it. For my tastes, it's THE worst whiskey I've ever had.

[@ryandonaldson3479]

Eagle Rare, Rare Breed, Bardstown Origin, Russell Reserve Single Barrel, Weller Antique 107.

[@kylewipert11]

1. Woodford Reserve 2. Bulleit Rye 3. Four Roses Small Batch Select 4. Blanton’s 5. Buffalo Trace

[@RJR2222]

Great memories. My first allocated score was Eagle Rare. Funny story behind it but too long to type out. But I remember the joy it brought. Trenton you brought a smile to my face hearing about Blanton story.

[@mr.richiej]

hey Kurt the hair cut is cool you might want to hang on to that if the wife likes it .. great work on the show

[@lazygoodan]

My first bourbon purchase, probably 10 years ago, was Elmer T. Lee. My brother had recommended it. Found at the first liquor store I tried. I think I paid 30 or 35. Then my son bought me a bottle of WR DO for Christmas. Then I found this channel. Having fun learning and sharing.

[@ScottLindauer-f6t]

I remember when I could have bought Eagle Rare by the pallet. One of my first and still one of the best.

[@fwboyd3]

As far back as I can remember, I think the very first whiskies I bought were: Pre-enthusiast: Southern Comfort Wild Turkey Jack Daniel's No7 Jack Daniels Rye Whiskey (the old green bottle) Early Enthusiast: Basil Hayden Evan Williams Single Barrel Elmer T Lee (no joke, $35 a bottle)

[@debbybrady1246]

Kurt, I think your "hair" - head - looks good. lol Fun video. My first whiskey was Old Crow - my daddy's bottle - he made me hot toddys when I had a sore throat. 😂

[@Kurt843]

1 -- Pikeville Rye 2 -- Wild Turkey 101 3 -- Wild Turkey Rare Breed 4 -- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

[@markcalhoun8219]

First girl I dated in college stole a bottle of Kessler from her parents and whiskey cocktails were my first intro to hard liquor beyond rum and cokes. I switched over to Jameson in college and actually bought a bottle of knob creek too but I wasn't a fan of the basic knob creek. Then I got deep into scotch. Finally coming back around to exploring Bourbon's and Rye's the last 5 years. 1. Kessler (first) 2. Jameson (first staple sipper/mixer) 3. Macallan 18 (first amazing scotch) 4. Laphroaig double cask quarter cask (dad brought it home from the distillery, Omega Peat) 5. Makers 46 (first impressive American whiskey)

[@adromero86]

Loved hearing how you both got into whiskey, great video! My first bottle was a gift from a friend, Woodford Reserve Double Oak, which i really enjoyed. A few months later I bought Buffalo Trace bourbon, then found Wild Turkey Rare Breed shortly after, and I've been obsessed ever since. Now I'm about 90 bottles in 8 months later 😊. Best part about my whiskey journey is being able to share it with friends and family.

[@AustinWiebeGolf]

First bottle for me was a Woodford Double Oak. Couple bottles in and a coworker told me about our lottery in our province.. I signed up. And won a Van Winkle 12 year Lot B! I was so pumped!

[@at3kidd132]

My girlfriend and I bought my younger brother a bottle of local Virginia made Ragged Branch bourbon for Christmas when he was just getting into bourbon. We all tried that bottle together with some friends on that New Year’s Eve. We all couldn’t believe how good, and unique, that bottle was. So, I tried just about every bourbon my brother gathered over the next year. Blanton’s was admittedly delicious, but Old Forester 1910 was the undisputed standout for me. I went out and bought a bottle of my own right away. I consider OF1910 the bottle that really opened up the doors for me and it’s still one of my favorites. Cheers, guys!

[@bethelittiss]

Jack Daniel’s and any random brand rye that’s my start to my whisky journey. I soon found out that not all ryes are made the same.

[@loadz03]

My stomach started getting jacked up by beer. Bourbon sat well. Was watching John Wick and saw he drank Blantons. Then I decided to look for one. Got really lucky. Now, I’m more of an Elijah Craig fan. But I will buy a blantons if I see one. My state it’s MSRP

[@craigweatherby2830]

Like your story. I to searched for Blantons, unsuccessfully, until I was in the Caribbean and walked into a liquor story and found maybe 100(?) bottles stacked in front of their display! Couldn't believe it. They're all "South" of the border (at least back then.)

[@KneeAches]

Has Kurt ever been better, gracious, appreciative, humble…nice episode.

[@josholiver3440]

started with the shelter larceny, picked up WT 101 next, OF 100, and then Rare breed. the rare breed got me absolutely hooked lol

[@mikestewart3670]

The stories made the show awesome! Great one guys!

[@j-boy9256]

Great video idea, and thanks for sharing. My first whiskey experience was in a cabin (Great Outdoors) with 3 other couples. It was Wild Turkey Honey. My first bottle was the Wild Turkey Long Branch. I now have that preference to lean toward Wild Turkey like Kurt.

[@brianamiot8476]

My friend in college graduated 1 semester before the rest of the roommates and took the first job offerd to him (because it was around the time of the mortgage crisis/recession and he was terrified of being "one of the unemployed"). It was a manager in training program for Menards (finance major, lol). He came back to town after his first few paychecks and we all went out on the town like the old days (old for him, still happening for us...). He had 1,2,3,5 too many and offered to buy us all a round of shots. We thought "oh wow, big spender...". He comes back from the bar with a tray full of thimbles filled with Windsor and propses a toast and proceeds with this gem: "must be nice to know a working man!" and slugs it back. The rest of us break out laughing and now its a tradition between us all for whoever gets a new job to buy a round of Windsor for the guys and repeat that same stupid cheers. 😂

[@brienburke4382]

I was drinking Jack Daniel’s in college in the 80’s when I read an article in Playboy on Bourbon and one of the ones the writer suggested was a Wheated Bourbon, Makers Mark. Then in the early 90’s I worked at Stizel-Weller where my love for bourbon flourished. I learned a ton about bourbon. Had a pour of the first batch distilled after prohibition. I had so much Weller, Old Fitzgerald and Rebel Yell that I didn’t buy another bottle of bourbon till 2019 and discovered that my fav bourbons were now allocated so I started trying everything to capture the long lost flavor that I desired. Now I have a ton of open and not finished bourbon bottles . 😅

[@tpg5974]

Consider ourselves lucky that in this electronic / social media age, that we can get a "heads up" on different types of bourbons & whiskeys by watching influencers on KZbin. Otherwise, our liquor cabinets would be full of alcohol we bought 'cause it looks cool, only to find out it tastes like crap! Or, after a few unlucky picks, our bourbon journey would be short one. Cheers to SLB and others who have helped us find our way!

[@johng5710]

It’s a two-edged sword though…the more people that know what the good bottles are, the harder it is to get them

[@CB-li9gw]

I was not a whiskey drinker. My older sister was coming to watch our dogs while my wife and I went on vacation. I asked her if there was something I could get for her while we were away that she would like. She asked for a bottle of Tin Cup Rye. I bought it for her and then sampled with her upon my return. I liked it. Which then led me to buy, what I thought, san my glasses, a bottle of Rye which was actually a High Rye Bourbon from Redemption. I then became somewhat enamored with Bourbon and sought out some information. I watched many different video channels until I came across SLB. I then watched regularly and explored older editions pre-Trenton on camera. I have utilized your reviews and recommendations to build a fairly nice little BBB - Brown Bourbon Bar. Many of your reviews and/or statements are so spot on it is freaky. For example. Early Times Bottle in Bond. Found one, loved it, always search for it. Others, I have, as Kurt says, been the consumer, and haven't cared for. I learned how to make Bourbon cocktails watching your videos and love to follow. Work has been very busy the last few months, (which is a good thing :)) so I am trying to catch up. What I like most is that the two of you, speak to all of us, as regular Joe's. There is no pretension here. Information. entertainment, a message to enjoy, share with others and give back to the community. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

[@gfrank9772]

My first bottle was… TX Blended, got me into enjoying the flavors or whiskey but quickly realized it was little more than mixer. Their actual bourbons are good though.

[@williamboyland1002]

Noble Oak - First bottle I liked OF 1920 - First tried and thought it was pure gasoline now I love it Smoke Wagon UCUF - Wedding pour RR13 - First born child pour WLW 22 - Prized possession

[@sigmaelite40]

Jalapeño is the best on Bird Dog

[@JohnK060404]

Absolutely love your content and how you both play off each other! Thanks for sharing your personal journeys!

[@JHawk213]

Started out on Jameson (mixed with coke), drank a decent amount of bird dog peach but was mostly a beer drinker. Then got a bottle of wild turkey 101 about a year ago and really liked it in cocktails, mainly whiskey sours. Got a few more bottles to start drinking neat, but once i had my first bottle of Rare Breed, i became hooked on bourbon. Your channel has really helped my journey the past year!

[@bhalli95]

I mainly make cocktails, but have been steadily getting into bourbons and ryes over the years. My 5 would be: 1. Maker's Mark - first bourbon I bought to make drinks with, and was the bourbon I had it at my wedding. 2. Rittenhouse Rye - use it all the time for cocktails, probably one of my most re-purchased bottles. 3. Angel's Envy - my first "premium" bourbon. Bought it cause it was on closeout and enjoyed it enough, wouldn't buy it at today's price. 4. Old Grand Dad 114 - the best budget friendly bourbon out there. 114 proof for under $30 that makes a killer old fashioned. 5. Plantation OFTD - not whiskey, but an incredible rum that gets used in a ton of cocktails. Also a great sip! Love hearing about Kurt's cocktail making and Trenton's enjoyment of them! Would love to see some cocktail content, maybe a "3 cocktails we each make at home" kind of thing. As an aside on that Amaretto Sour, if you enjoy those I highly recommend Lazzaroni Amaretto instead of Disaronno. It's a completely different level of flavor AND it's cheaper! Also would recommend Jeffery Morgenthaler's Amaretto Sour recipe, uses cask strength bourbon in it and it's phenomenal.

[@slbdrinks]

Great reading here! Thank you!

[@bhalli95]

@@slbdrinks You’re very welcome! Learned about your channel recently and have been devouring the content, I cannot overstate how wholesome it is to see a father and son (with constant support from other family members) bounding over something they’re clearly passionate about. As a new dad myself it warms my heart, cheers.

[@roymaddocks3184]

Plantation OFTD is wicked good. I use a bit (it's 69% of young, biting Caribbean rum) to spice up my rum infinity bottle

[@kevinw4051]

Knobb Creek 9 year single barrel is my favorite! Makers Mark got me started.

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

For me, a long time Scotch drinker, my bourbon journey started on a Royal Caribbean 7 day cruise to the Canary Islands. They had good stuff in their bars back then (unlike now) and as part of the alcohol package we could have any of the bourbons in the bar. And they had ALL of the Beam products, so I decided to try one per night, before the show - Knob Creek, Baker’s, Basil Hayden, Booker’s, plus Blanton’s, Rare Breed, Wild Turkey 101 among a few others. This got me hooked - I loved the Knob Creek and Booker’s in particular, didn’t like the blandness of the BH, and loved the Wild Turkey products. Being based in the UK we can’t get everything, but I’m about 100 bottles in since then, and still like Rare Breed, Booker’s and Knob Creek among my favourites, alongside Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Stagg.

[@Robert.Sheard]

Stranahan's was my first ASM, as well. NC finally started carrying the cask strength, so I just grabbed one last week. Can't wait to taste it. Regular Maker's Mark started my whisky journey. I don't have it anymore because I prefer the 46 and the various cask strength ones, but I'll always be a Maker's Mark fan.

[@Josh_Stringer]

Great video. Fun to go down memory lane. I was at bourbon tasting early in my journey and someone snuck in the OF100 Rye. First rye I ever had and was the best thing I tasted that night. Still keep a bottle around and always recommend it.

[@sanchezjr13]

Regular Maker’s Mark started my bourbon journey. I loved it.

[@Im_Maximilian]

I’ve been a scotch drinker for years my son came home for the holidays with an Elijah Craig Avalon Gastropub (Kilauea, Hawaii) barrel pick. It started an obsession that continues to this day.

[@pontiac500bj]

Thank you for the time that you guys do to enlighten all of us. I started out with Jim beam and tried all they had and then moved on to others. There are so many delicious pours that I have tried thanks to your guidance. Keep up the good work!

[@Joc1155]

Just started watching your guys videos and loving the content. My journey started with my boss buying me a Breckenridge bourbon and haven't looked back since. Loved this video idea

[@slbdrinks]

Welcome!

[@jeffnuzz]

1st intro to bourbon was regular old Jim Beam, either on ice or most likely in an old fashioned or Manhattan. Then I moved onto Elijah Craig small batch as my go-to. That horsey caught my eye back in like 2007 (before it got ridiculously chased) without really knowing much about it; was considered my first "top shelf" bourbon at the time, ha. But my real bourbon journey that sent me on a path to having 100s of bottles is my intro to ECBP, Weller and other BT products.

[@bencubitt4029]

Great concept for a show and well executed. It ended too early. Jack in college was first Bourbon, then post Army graduated to Woodford and thought that was advanced Bourbon. 4 or 5 years ago started getting into Bourbon again and have done 2 KY bourbon trail trips. Now like Ryes a lot and Bourbons. Love your channel

[@davidcolgan3268]

In college, I think it was Kentucky Tavern because it was only $4-5 per bottle back then. Then, for many years, I was drinking Canadian whiskeys with Seagrams VO being the favorite. Four or five years ago we were returning from Florida and my wife suggested we stop by Jack Daniels. We opted for the Premium tour where we sampled their Single Barrel Select. That started our journey where we have tried around 75 different whiskeys, bourbons, ryes, Irish, and flavored.

[@TheTspivey16]

My difference moment was on a business trip- a bar had Bookers and I never got my hands on one so I had a pour at the bar. I had no idea that Bourbon flavor could be that different and vast (previous sips were more or less the same for me). It was eye opening.

[@johng5710]

My crazy spirits journey really started with a love for Margaritas, which led me into sipping tequila on its own. Then one day, I'm eating in a Mexican restaurant with some friends, and of course I wanted to order a margarita. But then I saw a margarita on the menu that comes with a "smoky mezcal floater". So out of curiosity I ordered it, and they brought the mezcal out in a separate glass called a "copita". So before pouring it on top of my margarita, I took a little sip of the mezcal by itself (Del Maguey Chichicapa). I couldn't believe how delicious this little cup of liquid smoke was, so I ended up finding a bottle and buying it. Soon after, I had heard of some Scotch whiskies that were also known to be smoky as well. So a friend and I drove to a liquor store called Binny's in the Chicago area, and I asked one of the employees what he recommended for a good smoky Scotch, and he pointed me in the direction of Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength! Not knowing much about Scotch, I had no idea what I was in for with this one lol. I took a sip of this and it absolutely blew me away. So I eventually got into other Scotch whiskies other than just Islays, such as Balvenie, Highland Park, etc. Then, finally after all that, my interest in bourbon began after going to Louisville with some friends for a weekend to do our fantasy football draft. We sat down at the Maker's Mark bar in downtown Louisville and I ordered a pour of Maker's 46 over a few cubes of ice and fell in love, and I would say Maker's 46 has probably been the most influential bourbon for me on my journey. Now I'm hunting bourbons in the same area that Trenton does and trying to find whatever I can at a good price, but I think he gets them all 😂

[@Reediculous66]

I’m a bird dog blackberry starter myself. Bird dog blackberry, Buffalo Trace, then eagle rare, four roses SBS & OF 1920.

[@TCayFF]

The father/son dynamic you all have makes these videos great. Love the channel guys!

[@ChristopherNeeme]

As Kurt mentioned starting out with Crown Royal, that's a lot of people's entry point brand because it's smooth, sweet, unoffensive and easygoing, it plants the seed. It was the same for me with cheap light Canadian whisky (Royal Canadian) just mixed with coke because even Jim Beam white or Jack 7 would be too harsh. There was no Woodford Double Oaked back in the 1990s for me!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Kurt really looks good with that crew cut. Funny. I had Hibiki Harmony also as one of my early Japanese Whiskys. I have a bottle in the bunker that I'm not opening yet because pricing is nuts now. Other whiskys that are influential to me are Bulleit Bourbon, Evan William Black Label, Ardbeg 10 year.

[@journeyofbear6423]

Crown Royal, I learned some whiskey could be sipped instead of shots. Jim Beam white label and Jack Danials #7 those were my 2 for many years usually with Mountain Dew or Pepsi/Coke. I've been drinking them for 30 years now. As I started exploring neat options, 1792 made me realize there was great, affordable and readily available bottles to explore. No need to run around chasing an Eagle Rare but I'll loosely keep an eye out for my desired tator bottles. Whistlepig Piggyback if you hate the first pour come back in a month or two, the bottle can really change after it opens up or not. 😅 Any bottle shared with another is just a little better.

[@mrscott99]

Eagle rare, Chestnut Farms, Woodford Dbl Oak, Knob Creek 12, Redbreast 12

[@carrick-on-suir72]

Love Trenton’s Blanton’s story. Very closely mimics my first (and only) Blanton’s find. I’d heard the hype and had been searching for a year or so. I happened to walk into my local liquor store and on their allocated shelf was a Blanton’s for $60ish. I snapped it up and went walking out to the parking lot (wife in the car) with a smile as wide as a Cheshire Cat. Needless to say… the hype for that bottle and juice is just that! Thanks for sharing your stories guys.

[@WadeinWhiskey]

Loved all the honesty and humbleness. You guys never let me down. Cheers

[@photogazer]

Influential for me was: 1. Rhetoric 22 Year Bourbon 2. Evan Williams Green Label 3. Jack Daniels Black 4. Glenfiddich 12 Year 5. Blanton's Single Barrel (purchased right off the shelve. It was easy to get back then.

[@d.scotthayes9958]

Excellent video. This is one that I want to read ALL the comments. I’m just beginning my bourbon journey, and to see how others started theirs is super interesting. My introductory bourbon was Makers. Like many others, it was my dad’s bourbon. I will still toast to him when drinking an Old Fashion.

[@TheFlabowler]

My journey started at a friends house ( and peer pressure ) with Willett pot still, and the next visit to their house, we moved on to try Little Book. I finally decided that bourbon wasn’t terrible (I was not a drinker at all), and I bought my first bottle of my own…. Widow Jane 10 year. Those same friends picked me up my first allocated bottle about 2 weeks later from their vacation on the Bourbon Trail. They brought me home a bottle of Blanton’s

[@jackkinseth2936]

OF 86 Woodford Reserve Buffalo Trace JD Triple Mash Glenlivet 12

[@lesliepless2939]

My first sip of bourbon was from my uncle's bar: Bookers. My first purchased bourbon bottle: Woodford Reserve. My first scotch: Highland Park 12yr. My first tequila: Don Julio Blanco. Two other firsts: Hine cognac and Laird's Apple Brandy.

[@philstoys]

Evan Williams spiced cider was the first bottle. Next was Evan Williams Cherry.. Then I got into "moonshine" Straight bourbon was larceny and Evan Williams 1783. I don't care for Old Forester, Buffalo Trace,or wild turkey

[@bottomtothetop1280]

Cheers to the Amazing strength of a KZbin community to raise such an awesome amount for the children!

[@travisryan6593]

Great video! My most influential bottles: 1. Wild Turkey (first whiskey ever tasted w/ my dad) 2. Chivas Regal (first whiskey I legally ordered at a restaurant) 3. Jim Beam (first legal bottle purchase) 4. Four Roses LESB (first bottle my wife bought for me) 5. _________

[@NyteFalll]

My first allocated bourbon that I bought myself was a Weller Special Reserve. Was on a trip with my Fiancee going to visit her dad in WV. Some small store in the backwoods I said hey just stop there, just to see what the bourbon selection looks like. Low and behold I walk in go past the first shelf turn left and bam Buffalo Trace and Weller Special Reserve. They had a sign that said 1 per customer, so of course I was that guy who grabbed 1 of both lol, checked out no issues ran to the car all giddy. Get to her dads house, her dads got Weller 107 and I was the happiest person on earth lol

[@StevenScone]

Great video. I'm 45. I have only started my journey in to good whiskeys this year 2024. I have thought about this and thinking back. I started with Jack No 7 with Dr. Pepper chaser. Til this day I won't drink a Dr pepper. I got real big in the micro brew beers but would dabble in the whiskeys for mixed drinks. Like I got bullet and the Old Camp Peach Pecan. I'm sure I've tried more over the years. Not sure what clicked but I started buying some better stuff and I was still mixing it. The first one I tried sipping neat was a Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof. That absolutely sent me down a landslide of trying more. As much as I like that bottle Woodford DO done me in.

[@TylerSnook-c4v]

Have to admit I was once a Bird Dog buyer, Jalapeño Honey flavor 😆 first whiskey experience was stealing from my dads Ten High he always had, in a plastic jug. Once I was 21 then started with Crown Royal…had my first run in with Blantons in 2011, didn’t know anything about it, literally bought it because I thought the bottle was really cool. At that point in Arizona it was ALWAYS available on the shelf for $55. Now in California, if you’re lucky you’ll find it for about $100, although most liquor stores are putting it out for anywhere from $120-$200 for the regular single barrel…last thing I’ll share is my coolest score…about 2 months ago found E. H. Taylor Straight Rye at a GROCERY STORE! Stater Brothers here in California. Paid $79.99 for it…IF you find it at a liquor store it’s usually going for $200-300.

[@gregstafford8148]

Magnus still isn't the best quality highland park makes. Some of their aged statment stuff is good, but pricey. For me 1. Glenmorangie 10 2. Wild Turkey Rare breed 3. Lagavulin 16 4. Mitchter's 10 5. Brora 35 All significant "aha" moments while having these.

[@joshbeasley21]

I started my Whiskey & Bourbon journey with Crown salted caramel and Birddog salted caramel. Took 3 months and I bought a bottle of Russells 10 year and WT101. Haven't bought a flavored whiskey since.

[@chicagoviking1]

To be honest, my journey I call "beginning again" as your channel has helped me find real good ones I like instead of hit and miss. But I will go back some. 1. (High School in the 1980s): Canadian Club mixed with cheap plastic bottle fruit drink. Terrible. 2. Adult. Maker's Mark. Friend liked it. It's ok. Now the New Beginning thanks to this channel 3. Suntory Toki. Like it a lot. 4. Russell's 10 Year. Great. 5. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Great. Those last three are so much better and at decent prices than previous. Thanks so much guys.

[@Tasteofchaos82]

Interesting enough my first Whiskey bottle was Ghost Coast Peach Whiskey. Made in Savannah GA.

[@jaynelson5793]

I started my journey with scotch...Monkey Shoulder. Messed around a little with Glenlivet Illicit Still then went to Irish...Powers and Teeling (my favorite) and then wandered into Woodford Reserve. Old Tub, Evan Williams BIB, WT101. Redwood Empire Cask Strength rye, WT Rare Breed and Stanahans are my favorites right now

[@goodlien]

I'll try not to make this super long. My very first bottle of allocated bourbon was Weller Special Reserve (1.75) I found in Texas visiting my son. My second bottle was an Eagle Rare at my local ABC store. Third bottle was Blantons Original Single barrel I picked up while visiting my son in Montana (got 3 of them 🙌🏻). Just recently I was invited to the local ABC store scavenger hunt where my wife and I were lucky enough to get a Stagg and a Blantons Gold. Jackpot!!! I really enjoyed your podcasts ❤

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I remember by most influential bottles. First one was Bookers in 1996. Can't rember which batch. But it was mind blowing. I had only ever had Beam White, JD, and Old Forester at that point. Balvenie Double Wood opened me to malt in 2005. I remember the first time I had 1920, Rare Breed, ECBP. First time I had Woodinville. Recently, American Malt like Westland and Balcones. Ah, and the nostalgia cascades in.

[@davevogelsang6791]

Got a bottle of the SLB Drinks Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Bourbon. Cannot wait to crack it open. My first foray into bourbon was with Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve and Angel’s Envy. I now have over 325 bottles from Evan Williams BIB to Van Winkle 12 Year Lot B. My favorite is Early Times BIB. I have 8 bottles of the black cap version. 🥃

[@debramead5758]

I began with Elijah Craig bourbon a decade ago. During COVID-19, I had to travel to NJ because PA closed their liquer stores. I tried some new brands, High West was good. Now my favorite rye is Rittenhouse Rye, but I still love Elijah's bourbon.

[@brianmiranda84bm]

For me its Monkey Shoulder (got me into whiskey), Larceny (got me into bourbon), Elijah Craig (thought me it doesn't have to be expensive to be good), and finally Blanton's(hype doesn't mean great 😃).

[@stacyellens2874]

Copper Craft old fashioned was my first bourbon cocktail. Went out and bought the bottle the next day. Still one of my favorites and a bottle I like to have on hand. The single barrel is excellent! All time favorite has to be Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Occasional pour favorite is Rare Breed or Sagamore Double Oaked. Special pour is EH Taylor Small Batch or New Holland Origin Toasted Barrel. I don’t have much allocated so my celebration pour doesn’t really exist 😁but if I did it would probably be something BTAC. Never had Stagg, WLW, Pappy and only had a sip of Blantons Gold label once. -Mark

[@haroldjohnson2041]

Crown Royal Distillery burn in 1993 after the Crown was not as good. My dad used to Drink "Pinch" (Scotch) maybe a bottle a year, someone gave him a Crown, so he bought it, one a year. When I was 23 and got my BSME he gave me a bottle of Crown, and My wife and I may have gone trough a bottle a year, 1980's, we had Beefeaters for Gin and tonic, that bottle lasted years. Now, we drink Bourbon, now, we are in are 70's and we have "a" bourbon every night. which started with Makers. in the 1980's I worked with some Japanese and they want Makers Mark. I never tried bourbon until 2016, when Canada threaten to tax American Whiskey. Then I start only drinking American spirits. Also, Canadian Crown R whiskey was became awful, 40 Creek was better.

[@NotSoSilentE]

A few bottles that I'd call most influential when I started would have to be: Eagle Rare (first bourbon I ever tried), Wild Turkey 101, Whistlepig 10yr store pick (I vividly remember how it was the most expensive bottle I'd bought at the time), Maker's Mark Private Select, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. Honorable mentions to Stagg Jr, which I bought when the high proof was lost on me and has since become all the more rare and E. H. Taylor small batch which at the time could be found on shelves for $45 no problem.

[@avikrinsky4391]

Jim Beam Single Barrel was my very first whiskey bottle purchase. Crown Royal Deluxe was my first taste of whiskey.

[@vladamirerasmussen1088]

Like Kurt, I like to try a bit of all regions of whiskey. So the most influential bottle for each would be Bulleit 10 Year for Bourbon, my dad always had it around and would break it out on birthdays and stuff. Glenlivet 12 for scotch, tried Macallan 12 first and thought it was awful. Nikka From the Barrel for Japanese whiskey. Balcones for ASM after going to Texas every year, and finally Red Breast 12 for Irish whiskey. While it is too low ABV now, was really great when starting out, do prefer Teeling Single Malt or the CS 12 from Red Breast now though.