5 Obtainable Replacements for Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

[@stuffandwhiskey]

That feeling when you make videos about available products being just as good as the crazy hyped up bottles and people call you crazy (see GTS vs Rare Breed blind), then Fred Minnick drops knowledge that backs you up. Great video Fred! Loved every minute of it!

[@AchyaorNishnisht]

TLDR, Replacements: WLW: Maker's Mark Cask Strength GTS: Wild Turkey Rare Breed Handy: Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Saz 18: Russels Reserve 6YO ER17: Knob Creek 12YO

[@mero40k]

These are a stretch...and tbh GTS is far away and above Rare Breed. I also love Makers Cask but it's just not close to WLW. Novel effort but yeah...no.

[@phewd]

@@mero40k I think most people recognize that these are "close enough" choices that are cheaper and available. Thanks for the input.

[@alexgyorko6464]

This is one of the most informative and accurate videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin. It appears be an honest and accurate opinion not influenced by the price.

[@FTheRef27]

what about a list for top 5 most unique MGP whiskeys. Everyone sourcing MTG all start with a similar product, but who turns it into something truly special.

[@kevinjones4976]

I had a pour of George T. Stagg last week at a local restaurant. It was amazing 🤩. However, I can’t afford the bottle on secondary. Can’t find it anywhere at retail. I always gravitate to Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Makers Mark Cast Strength. I can get both under $60 in my market. I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@FakingANerve]

And both of those readily available bottles are serious contenders! BTAC FOMO needs to go. It's silly.

[@JMo-uh5cd]

Love that youre so well-respected in the industry, but you still dont indulge in the snobbery or hype!! Great content - thanks!

[@Indyjeeplover]

This is one of the most useful videos I have seen. I live in a rural area and will never see the BTAC bottles on the shelf, and even if I did I probably wouldn’t pay the hefty price. I would love to be a bourbon snob, but my senses aren’t refined enough to appreciate a $500 bottle. I wonder if we chase allocated product more for the thrill of the chase and pay extreme prices for what is on the outside of the bottle rather than the contents. If Rare Breed was suddenly allocated and a yearly release guys would be chasing all over to find it and pay high prices. Anyway, thanks for a great video.

[@jackrodosta7971]

I really appreciate lists like this, I've never been a label guy but always wondered if the taste is worth the price on these "top shelf" bottles. Won't ever know for myself because I won't ever pay those kind of prices, but glad to know my daily sippers Rare Breed, Russell's and Knob Creek stand up well to that tater fodder! Thanks for another great video Fred!

[@bgriff2517]

I can attest to this. I don’t think the top of the top are worth it. Yes many I have had are good but it’s allowed me to realize for myself that the price doesn’t justify the taste profile. I am not blown away like one would expect to be for the price and age. Shoot, I finally scored a Blanton a couple years back when I chased bourbon for a hot second and was disappointed and didn’t see the hype from it. As for buying a bottle of the pappy line or something in the BT antique line, or any top dollar bourbon, find a bar and get a pour of something. Yes it’s expensive but you can make the decision for yourself. That’s what I have done. Sometimes you need to experience for yourself just to know what you are missing or not missing out on. I have so many good bourbons ii like that are easy to find. My favorite is Michters Bourbon, not the rye. I just like the smoothness and mello flavor profile. But to each his own. Good luck.

[@johnpickett8533]

Great lists brother!!Very comprehensive and appreciate the detail and honesty.

[@MichaelSullivanCincinnatux]

I appreciated the transparency with which you presented your biases to make it easier to contextualize your recommendations. A fun list, to be sure!

[@FredMinnick]

and i appreciate your excellent use of "with which," sir! thanks for the kind words. cheers!

[@josephc30]

Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye is phenomenal. I am fortunate that my local store still has several on the shelf. This video reminded me that I need to pick up another one because I am half way through my current bottle. When I first started getting into whiskey I was very dismissive of Knob Creek, but Knob Creek releases are right at the top of any list in terms of quality/value.

[@kevinpierce1582]

Thanks for taking the time on this. I have a hard time passing up pours of GTS when I see it in a bar usually 35-50 per, not such a hard time passing up bottles on a shelf for $1000 plus if I do see it. Rare breed does make me second guess justifying an occasional 50.00 pour of GTS, but the feeling passes, it’s just so good.

[@Joeybyhimselfbeats]

that knob creek cask strength rye is affordable and the most rare bottle ive ever found. got it for retail and it was one of the best pours I ever had... I haven't seen it since... but its absolutely a 10/10 in my book.

[@Hellboy700]

You might want to revisit this list since the advent of some of the newer distilleries and products on the market. Especially either of the Rye picks now that Sagamore is producing some amazing Rye Whiskey. I know. They are in Maryland and the mashbill isn't the same, but, the cask str offerings and single barrel picks with age statements are amazing. BTW, THANKS for turning people onto Knob Creek 😤 lol Not blaming you. So many people have shined a light on Knob Creek and now I have to hunt for it on occasion.

[@brandondispanet5874]

Rare Breed is soooo underrated. With a splash of water, that brown sugar and vanilla really start jumping. It’s widely available, even in VA. Now, if we can get Jack Daniels Barrel Proof on the shelf more often, those would be the only 2 whisky’s for me.

[@m3diocrity137]

I had the opportunity to try eagle rare 17 along side old fitz 17 and I didn’t care for the eagle rare myself. I found it to be a bit to medicinal tasting for my liking.

[@farrelhelfer993]

Thanks Fred. Appreciated the insight because those BTAC bottles are unobtainium for me. As for lists; I’d love to see an episode with a variety (5 or 6) of whiskeys that show off various flavor profiles. It would help a noob like me calibrate my palate and enhance my enjoyment of the diverse world of bourbons. ‘til then: happy drinking.

[@davidjohnston4345]

A huge part of the reason people go hunting for btac is because of the limited availability. So trying to recommend alternatives to that crowd is very hard to do. However there are plenty of limited release American whiskeys out there for the btac hunters to check out that they are way more likely to obtain and love just as much as they would btac. Makers mark wood finishing series is the prime example. Another one would be kentucky owl or a dickel 17 year maybe a jd sb BP rye or something like bardstown bourbon Co.

[@joelbowman1148]

Great list of comparisons and truly thought provoking especially since this list is coming from you. What are your thoughts on MM cask strength compared to the MM46 cask strength? I’ve had so many suggestions to try the 46 CS, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Thanks!

[@shawn84567]

Thank you sir!! My palate has really opened up to available gems like Four Roses and Rare Breed, since I watched one of your previous videos about exploring high-rye bourbons. Four Roses Single Barrel and Single Barrel Select are now staples on my shelf. Also, I have passed on some of the allocated stuff in favor of these. Cheers🥃

[@FredMinnick]

shawn, thanks for influencing the list! cheers!

[@shawn84567]

@@FredMinnick no problem! I'm still stoked that you even considered my suggestion!!😁

[@bobbriante2385]

As someone just getting into ryes, I really liked your explanation of the difference between Kentucky, Indiana and Canadian ryes.

[@BSims-MD410]

Thanks for the alternative BTAC listing Fred...Cheers

[@huntermcdougal5013]

I get a ton of dried fruit like raisin, date or fig from rare breed. Really underrated bottle these days. Surprised kentucky spirit goes for more.

[@matthewjoyce1059]

Hi Fred, that acidic wood note you mentioned not liking in GTS; is there anything else out there you think is pretty good, but loses points for that same acidic note? Thanks!

[@coalhair99]

good list/vid. I was a KC stranger forever, bought a 12 yr & went out & found a case - that 12 is AMAZING highly recommend it & have told as many people as possible to go get some, worth every penny.

[@Watchman999]

This is great. I heard today that GTS 2021 release got cancelled. That's going to cause some stress in the whiskeyfabric.

[@brianallen8743]

Fred your voice is the best in American Whiskey. Btw thank you for putting me onto Jelly Roll. I have been sippin Elijah while listening to jelly, struggle , and Adam Calhoun. We are the same age so I'm not surprised in the similar taste in music.... and whiskey. Rare Breed above all else.. Thank you for your service my man.

[@jamiewhipple4990]

I already have 3 of the 5 you recommended as replacements. I am not a rye guy so I'm sure you can guess which one's I have. This is one of my favorite videos of yours! Thanks!

[@stevenmorgan8823]

Hey Fred. I've got to start by saying that I loved your hoity toity voice that you did. I literally laughed out loud when you did that. I've only been lucky enough to try stagg out of your list and it was an amazing pour. Worth the one time try for the price. I won't spend that again but I'm glad I had it once. I do love rare breed and always keep that stocked. For knob I can't help but buy barrel picks. I think they are an amazing product for the price. I don't really get into rye all that much but do like high west double rye. What could I try that could expand my rye pallet along that line?

[@FredMinnick]

thanks, steven! the hoity toity voice is a personal fave, too. i wonder what i'll brerak out next week.

[@kpmarine10]

Hey! Fred got his 12yr makers, congrats to all the bourbon lovers out there. Now to get our hands on it.

[@chrisshelton3573]

So you’re saying I already have the entire BTAC collection in my basement?! 🙌🥃

[@sgirl1822]

I watched again. I found a KC single barrel store pick rye at 115 proof but wasnt sure if that would be close to the KC cask strength rye

[@badgerjeff6081]

Great list of alternatives. Knob Creek is underrated.

[@ikiruyamamoto1050]

Interesting, I'm glad you occasionally list your actual preferences/biases. You're not a fan of acids, wood notes, and "sweet oak". (7:58) I'm guessing you hate David Nicholson 1843.

[@drgallup]

Only been lucky enough to get my hands on two BTAC bottles, a GTS several years ago and last year a Thomas H Handy which I still have about 2/3 left. It's very good but probably not worth the price. I had one of the Knob Creek 120 pf ryes Fred showed which I thought was really good. I have 6 more Knob Creek cask strength ryes that vary from 115 to 127. Some were store picks and 2 are the second release of what Fred showed. All are good. I would still never turn down a chance to get a BTAC bottle at a reasonable price (not secondary) but agree there are plenty of over looked quality selections sitting on the shelves.

[@TheNemaddux]

Is that a Boone County 12 year sampler in the background, if so, what do you think about it? It is funny growing up in Boone County seeing those bottles but I love them.

[@robertshay9235]

Great video!!! Love this concept. I will never see or buy a BTAC but I have and will continue to enjoy all of the suggestions you have made.

[@phewd]

Fantastic video, Mr. Minnick. For the Stagg replacement, what would another suggestion be for a Stagg replacement for those of us that DO tend towards that sweet oak note?

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Thank You!! This is super helpful. I can get most of these bottlings.

[@denniswalling3219]

I also really like the KC Cask Strength. I stocked up when I found this bottle a couple years back. I only have 1 bottle left.

[@FredMinnick]

Dang, Dennis, you better hide it from yourself or go buy some more!

[@denniswalling3219]

@@FredMinnick I've been keeping my eye out for it. I live in Kansas City and I just don't see it very often. I hope to find some soon.

[@joeraff3626]

First time I've seen your channel. I can easily relate to your palate. Good Job.

[@joelpena399]

Had some knob creek rye and it blew me away...back to get some more lol.

[@jbwise2002]

Great List! Ill be grabbing a few of these. Would be great to see a list on best bottles under $50, $75, $100.. etc.

[@BRogoMU]

List: Knob vs Wild Turkey vs 4R (I know they’re all different, but there’s a good range in each brand). Best of each, top 3, vs…options.

[@harmoncollege]

Maker's Cask is an absolute hitter. I'm glad people sleep on it. More for me.

[@paulring4267]

I so agree, “listen to a lot of people and make your own decisions.” 👍

[@jonathancollie6766]

I loved these recommendations!! Going off of the Russell’s Reserve 6 being one of the most underrated bourbons in any store, I’d like to know what others you think are some impressive sleepers that often get overlooked

[@dogsbusiness]

Russel's 6 is one of my most disappointing purchases ever, but each to their own

[@adamletschin7759]

I prefer Rare Breed Rye and Pikesville all day to the Russell's

[@jeff12877]

I really like Rare Breed but I think I also like that sweet oak/acidic wood note. Any suggestions on where to find that profile that isn’t GTS?

[@leeknowlton7303]

I like RB also but I do like more complexity sometimes. If you haven't tried Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, I think it may be up your alley. It's around $56 though.

[@ericbryant8196]

Admitting now that I've never had anything with the Stagg brand on it. So take my opinion with a huge pinch of salt. But from what I've heard and tasted and among readily findable ones, Old Forester 1920 might have more of the sweet oak influence and be close? I would have definitely suggested any batch of the Elijah Craig Barrel Proofs, but they are becoming difficult to obtain nowadays.

[@elviscastillophoto]

Thanks for putting this list out. Outstanding recommendations!

[@briancarriere9766]

Great video. Agree, the Knob Creek 12 is outstanding.

[@BLAHBLAH71480]

Really appreciate the wild Turkey love on this. I have recommended Rare Breed to a lot of people. What's your opinion on the Rae Breed Rye? I haven't tasted it but I imagine it is just as good.

[@hemlock1013]

For Thomas h. Handy what about old forester barrel proof rye?

[@FredMinnick]

I just haven’t been a fan of that one. Like the regular proof old fo rye

[@johnpickett8533]

Pikesville is great Rye. I use that one for Manhattans.

[@Kevin_OKeefe]

Great replacements and best part is that they’re certainly findable. Also, I agree on all your points on KC. KC is always in my top three.

[@alansaggers3950]

Went out and bought the knob Creek Barrellproof rye. 11 yr old awesome the rye equivalent of knob Creek 12/15 yr old bourbon s but at barrel strength incredible value.

[@spencerdonaldson4974]

Love your recommendations. Would love to have seen an honorable mention of Rare Breed Rye.

[@FredMinnick]

yeah, rare breed rye didn't do well in my blinds.

[@tomromano145]

Really love this stuff. A really nice sweet rye with a great finish. One of those whiskeys you always want another pour of.

[@megadawg342]

The MM Cask Strength is one of thee best. But,.. so is the Jack Daniels BARREL PROOF!! $70, worth it! The Rare Breed is the Russel family at their finest. One of the GOAT's. I like WT 101, and that's about where I like my Rye % to max out too. REDEMTION RYE is pretty good. I'm a much more wheated bourbon guy. LUX makes REBEL 100. A decent wheated budget Weller!

[@bassinlaborer6604]

Really enjoy your barrel pick for Nashville Barrel bourbon. Have not opened the rye yet but my expectations are high.

[@Lithanify]

1. Is there anything more available that you'd recommend as an alternate Sazerac replacement? 2. Will you do an entire video in your "Oh there goes another eagle rare 17..." @16:16 Voice?

[@corystrong4736]

Hey Fred, what are your thoughts on a replacement for this years ER17? I believe you made this list before tasting the most recent ER17, and before you did the taste off that included both.

[@johnrust1926]

Love the knob 12 but i don't see it as a similar profile to the eagle rare

[@RooStephan]

Interesting timing for this video, considering Buffalo Trace just announced they won't be releasing a George T Stagg this year

[@FredMinnick]

No kidding. But I had no idea.

[@charlest8373]

Fred, am I crazy to think that Buffalo Trace has a very similar taste (flavor profile?) to Blanton's Single Barrel? Just asking because I can occasionally get my hands on Blanton's from a bar owner I know who sells it to me at his price which is incredible kind of him. However, after trying Buffalo Trace, it seems to be a rather inexpensive substitute for Blanton's. Am I simply talking myself into that? Thanks for any info or opinion.

[@michdico9591]

Will have to get a bottle of Russell's Reserve Rye 6yr. Will then have to have a taste off against Rare Breed Rye, which I think is quite outstanding.

[@greenpea9412]

Fred, Brother I so agree with you when it come to Wild Turkey. I would argue with any human being that somehow, someway, Wild Turkey products dollar for dollar kick everyones ass. How do I not say that? Russell Reserves Single Barrel.... who want's some. 1920? yeah maybe but in gerneral..... who is going to knock down the RRSB.? In Kentucky, I just used my points to grab a barrel selection of Old Forester Cask Strength and a Four Roses cask strength store pick. Outside of that who can run against the ole mighty Wild Turkey Products.

[@waydegardner7373]

Great video. Short and to the point. Yeah, KC12 is overlooked. More for us. Shared a bottle with my team at our last meeting. Everyone loved it. Spot on. Tough to find in Texas though. Also just picked up a bottle of WT Rare Breed barrel proof and a Russell’s res 10yo at the distillery. My first WT products in many years so I’m extra hyped to try the RB. Got it signed by Jimmy Russell that day he visited the gift shop. Really interesting guy.

[@3gotti305]

Great list Fred! What about the same list, except do craft distilleries.

[@joekasiak921]

Very good video ... I totally agree with you about Rare Breed .. it’s my favorite bottle.

[@christiantordonato3136]

Great video Fred. A buddy of mine and I blinded Handy, Kentucky owl, and willett rye twice. And willett won both times.

[@christophercatrambone227]

I really love the amount of detail as to why you recommend the easier to find bourbons/ryes. This is one of the few videos that dives into details about mash bills and flavor complexity. It is great because the areas in which my palate agrees with yours, I get excited to try that option. Also, my friend and I do blind tastes (and we often do it so we do not know what we are tasting other than type). Evan Williams 1783 has beat Colonel EH Taylor in a blind. Also Makers 101 beat Antique 107. Also Knob 12 year is heaven in a glass. Thanks for another great video. Is your Woodinville pick still available?

[@coalhair99]

i used to be a fool & chase all these white whales - Knob 12 is gold star winner, Rare Breed is wildly underrated. I went out & bought a case of the Knob 12 after 4 sips neat - it's amazing!!

[@tommita6440]

Was able to find both knob creek’s at a store close by. Thanks!

[@FredMinnick]

that's awesome!

[@betsy6046]

Stand in line? Ha! Good luck even getting in a lottery here in Dallas. Thank you for the great recommendations.

[@michaeltabor4176]

The only high age statement bourbon that I have enjoyed is the Calumet 15 year. I found it delicious and it is plentiful in my area. The only thing that dings it from being super obtainable is the $125 price tag. Even so, I have a nice bottle that I will be using as a "special occasion" dram for years to come.

[@peasanthill5255]

Thanks Fred. I really like the production style of your show. The sound levels are perfect. Question, given the requirements of producing bourbon, has anyone long term aged in used oak barrels to not have an over-oaked whisky?

[@joshgoins2602]

That’s what Scotch producers do

[@trackvol]

@Ken, there's a whiskey out of Philadelphia called Kinsey. They put their "Bourbon" distillate into used barrels for 10 Years. Can't call it Bourbon since it went into used barrels though. It's very good, and far from over-oaked. Also, I believe that Michters American Whiskey is produced in this manner.

[@danielduncan7979]

Spot on! Makers cast strength is my favorite.

[@paytonwoodruff3621]

How does wild turkey rare breed rye stack up against the Thomas handy?

[@FredMinnick]

Handy wins for me

[@marcoc3018]

Thank you, good to know since I'm never gonna own any of those BTAC bottles.

[@MrCritterJohn]

I love Rare Breed and i recently purchased the KC single barrel Rye which i think is fantastic. It doesn’t seem to get much attention though.

[@FredMinnick]

Means more for us, right?

[@MrCritterJohn]

@@FredMinnick Yes, please say nothing. lol

[@williambedard4375]

1. Fae-01 makers kicks the cask strength in the teeth. 46 and standard. Standard makers cask is thin to me. Same proof same cost in the fae-01 2. Stagg jr is just about as good hotter but its a beautiful heat. Rare breed and russels single store picks are great. 3. And 4.Williet 4 year is so good its ridiculous. New riff is super solid as well b.i.b. and single barrel. Jack single are great too. Knob creek singles for sure. 5. Amen to rhethoric and other over aged bourbon they are all trash. The steal is 1792 full proof store picks they are outstanding. Also no stagg in collection this year so grab the substitute. Great list.

[@lonewanderer3603]

Senator is currently my favorite rye I can find every day.

[@krishnar3493]

Excellent work. Thank you, Fred.

[@matthewborg1792]

Vodka SUCKS! Thanks Fred. Really loved this one. Great list idea.

[@aldogomez2681]

Good info. Question? Is Russell’s Reserve Rye a yearly release 🤔👀? Or is it released every year.? Thank you Aldo

[@ernestboehm1584]

have 3 of them at home others are on my radar. thanks

[@phychmasher]

11:29 so true. I actually found some 14 year old KC store picks for $50 at TARGET of all places! It was as dusty as can be.

[@FredMinnick]

those KC store picks are money!

[@Bamaboompa]

Fred your comments on 17 year Eagle Rare reminded me of an interview I THINK was Fred Noe who felt any bourbon over 15 years had too much oak for his taste. “Too much of the barrel comes through.”

[@FredMinnick]

Sounds like something Jimmy Russell would have said. He was huge against those older stocks

[@Bamaboompa]

@@FredMinnick You are CORRECT SIR! It was Jimmy during an interview in Philadelphia 4 years ago mostly talking about Russell Reserve 10 year old. "I don't like 4-5 year olds. I don't think they've matured enough, I still get that moonshine taste." "After about 13 years or so, the white oak wood smoky taste starts coming out, and I don't like that." In trying to find the clip I clicked through several of the interviews with him - Jimmy as gracious as he seems? He reminds me of a few of my Dad's friends. They jst don't make them like that anymore.

[@micahanderson2918]

Do a list of comparable bourbons to the Russell line and include Rare Bread and some other Turkey products. Love the show!

[@Vadha2]

My friends and I are big fans of Angel Envy Rye. I noticed you didn’t mention it,, and I’m wondering what you think of it?

[@MrDwaynePoff]

I've yet to even try a rye come to think about it....🤔🤔

[@Goo762]

Interesting that you found Russel's Rye to be not so much on the corn flavor. Jimmy dislikes using rye so much he made the mashbill 51% rye, just enough to call it one. At least thats what Bo Garrett told us on the tour. Amazing guys over there at Wild Turkey!

[@whiskeybythefire]

You can probably find that Rare Breed video in your archives.

[@ernestclayton8550]

Knob Creek 12 yr ! My favorite! Cheer's

[@whatsthepoint170]

Hey Fred, love the honesty about BTAC, they can’t all be winners every year, it makes sense. What do you think of Sam Houston 15 in place of GTS or Eagle Rare 17? I know it’s fairly limited but not too many hunters for that one. I’ve had 2 batches now, and neither is overoaked

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

1. WL Weller = MM CS. 2. GT Stagg = Rare Breed (It's beaten the entire BTAC) 3. TH Handy Saz = Knob Creek Rye CS Not many Ky cask strength ryes, this is the closest. 4. Saz 18 = Russel's Reserve 6 will out taste it. Pikesville is another. It's good but heavy in corn. RR6 is far better than baby Saz. RR6 rye is one of the most underrated American whiskies on the shelf. 5. ER17 = Any regular bourbon. EC, 4 Roses SiB. KC12 is close in proof, older age so KC12 over ER17 flavor wise. KC9 is tastier than ER17.

[@philipjordan8101]

Great Video - loved the content & the replacement suggestions for BTAC! Cheers

[@DavidMontgomery1]

Very solid list. 👍🏻

[@Dmurphy527]

Thanks Fred I love your content. What about doing top five Bourbons not from Kentucky?

[@squirreljam2240]

Fred killin Buffalo trace

[@bruinbrewin5479]

Best rye/bourbon to match with holiday desserts: 1. Apple Pie, 2.Pumpkin Pie, 3.Pecan Pie, 4.Minced Meat, and 5. Gingerbread cookies