Bourbon Review: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B523 + Age Statement Rant

[@aarontrinkle5309]

"if watching this channel, you probably spend way too much on bourbon" -guilty

[@Sk8ndrummer963]

I live in bardstown and do a lot of photography for the distilleries here. Out of my 9 quality bottles, I’ve bought only one. Lol But the guilty $ part is coming 😂

[@hardcornpour]

I definitely buy way more than I drink. It’s nice having a selection depending on how I feel for the day

[@mistermatsuda]

Does it even stop? Tell me it stops.

[@mrpapinchock]

@@mistermatsudaas long as you’re drinking then, it doesn’t and shouldn’t.

[@mistermatsuda]

@@mrpapinchock you're correct. I feel better now.

[@BrewinSTL]

I love age statements and every detail they can throw on a bottle. If they can break down all the ages in a blend and percentage of each, the happier I am!

[@lannylancaster62]

I concur, percentages would be very helpful and meaningful.

[@williambaker3219]

I love when brands put in the ages (and percentages) of barrels in the blend/batch. The minimum age is helpful, but I prefer full transparency. Frustrates me that it isn't more the standard.

[@jonathanhackett9180]

Age helps when determining if the price seems reasonable vs something else on the shelf. Taste is always the most important. But, that transparency is nice to have and I like being able to compare different ages and proof points and see if I get some tasting notes that might be more age driven, proof driven, and maybe not just connected to one distillery but the time in the barrel.

[@WhiskeyBank]

I am always impressed how you can give a honest review on whiskeys and especially this one since you went on a rant in the beginning about the age statement. I thought for sure you were going to give it a lower score due to the age statement. Thank you for your reviews and I'll make sure to pick this one up when I get a chance!

[@eugenenassif]

Heaven Hill could have been the anti Buffalo Trace. Done everything right when BT failed the people that made BT what it is. Instead, HH replicated them.

[@jloutz]

This comment should be pinned.

[@javieracosta3439]

Knob Creek for the win!

[@JamesFarleyMovetoTennessee]

The problem is, people reach for the buffalo trace

[@javieracosta3439]

@@JamesFarleyMovetoTennessee that sweeter profile is an accessible gateway for many people. And the hype train doesn't help.

[@bobbyjones7756]

BT fan boys are hilarious, and that's veteran drinkers as well as newbies.

[@etheridgegray4125]

Heaven Hill has stated they will continue the “extra aged” statements. With that being said.. My biggest concern, Fred, is the fluctuations on the older than 12 year statements. I feel the overall effect of increasing the age BEYOND our standard 12 years makes the bourbon now “new” , “better”, “something worth chasing”, which will encourage liquor stores to slap unnecessarily higher price points, bundle them, and encourage secondary market buying. ECBP staying 12 years kept it basic, available, “nothing to see hear folks”, good ol bourbon that never drew crowds. It was Larceny barrel proof’s older non wheated brother that everyone knew was cool, but they’ve known him forever so no need to go crazy. Like Jack Nicholson at a lakers game! Of course he’s a legend! But he’s here EVERY game! Nice Rant by the way, misery loves company. And I am glad I’m not alone in my frustrations.

[@100puremustard5]

Is an age statement important... yes. Does it suck that ECBP is no longer a minimum of 12yrs... yes. But, it still has an age statement... at least they have not gone the way of Stagg Jr! Plus, one of the best ECBP Private Barrels I've ever had was an 8yr! So as long as they continue to put an age statement it's still an integrity dram. There's rumor that this years C923 will be 13yr age stated!!!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

great points!!!

[@jaybee3204]

As long as there is an age statement, I'm good! 7 months younger seems like a blend decision, not a shortage of older barrels. I really think flexibility in the blend is a good thing! Maturity, doesn't always coincide with older age. I have had 6 yr bourbon that has more Maturity than 10+year bourbon!

[@Roodmfg]

Well said

[@brianpara1407]

Age statement matters. Time is money. Older doesn’t mean better, but it informs the consumer on the patience, pride and commitment of the distillery and can help the consumer understand the price point. Patience is a virtue. Every year that barrel sits, it’s taking up real estate and costing the distillery money. #savetheagestatement

[@triplecap4307]

While I am not happy about this reduction in age, at least they maintained the age statement. Lower and maybe a harbinger of things to come, but there is still an age statement on ECBP. So I am not exactly sure why this particular change provoked the rant. Which I enjoyed btw. LOL

[@C_H_1972]

I love the rants! You always make great sense. Age matters to me because it’s usually attached to preferred curation. Take Jack Daniel’s 12 for example. It’s not just the 12 they slapped on the label that matters. The barrels used in the blend were given special attention by Chris Fletcher. I made sure I got one and it’s a fantastic whiskey. I watched your review of it and know you agree. That’s not to say that higher age statements guarantees a better bourbon, but done well it most definitely could. Thank you!

[@brianfrydl2741]

Age statements matter Fred. More time in the barrel matters. ECBP wanting to get out of the "box" they have been in IMO is a good thing. Like Booker's. You get a year and some months. You hope they pulled it at "that time" because it was what they were looking for!!! I wish MM would do age statements! I'd buy all day long!

[@damayor62]

Heck yes age statements matter! Quality before quantity ALWAYS! Shame on those distillers who feel otherwise. Age matters more then the blend IMHO. You can tweak blends but you can never tweak or cheat on age.

[@PinkTorpedo909]

Ok, while I was disappointed at first with the new age statement I certainly do appreciate their honesty. And after sipping on this for a few days I have to say it is my personal favorite since c920. (B520 was better IMO but c920 was also fantastic)

[@ThreeToesofFury]

Age IS important. Hugely. Its absolutely a factor in the flavor of the bourbon. Years ago it was commonplace. Then the bourbon boom hit and hit hard and suppliers realized "bird in hand" and lots of age statements dropped. I fully agree with Fred that i reallllllly respected when Knob brought it back and as such, ive bought a LOT more of their product (their 12 is one of the best values of "kinda" findable pours out there). Conversely i was super bummed we lost Evan Williams 10 year single barrel..first to dropping age..then to regional only. All that being said, these days age statements are few and far between and mostly found on impossible to get allocated bourbons. A perfect example is the recent Jack Daniels 10 and 12...you wont find those anywhere. So IF you are lucky enough to enjoy a findable bourbon with an age statement? all the better. With regards to ECBP dropping 6m from the BP..well its kinda bumming but its still aged in what i consider the sweet spot (10-14). Also ECBP has continued to be one of my top 3 in that: 1) it does have age statement, 2) it rides higher proof, 3) its HARD to find but not totally impossible, 4) TASTY FOR DAYS. So heres to hoping the B lot and lots going forward continue to deliver!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

PS: While I wish it was a little older...another click to pick from findable age statement bourbons is the Bakers 7 (107 proof). Realllly good!

[@PhantomLord187]

@@ThreeToesofFury agree. 10-14 is the sweet spot. And if I’m being totally honest, I have TWO 8-yr EC private barrels that are better than half the standard ECBP release. I think if a company just out the percentages (like Discovery series and Barrell) people would be happy. For instance, everyone was like, “cool, Russell’s 13 - 13 yr Turkey, sign me up”. Then, when folks found out they had 19-yr old juice in the blend, people flipped out and prices skyrocketed. Transparency is the key with Age Statements IMO.

[@Roodmfg]

Actually its not, a barrel statement , environment statement, barrel tending/movement a lot of things play a bigger role in the quality and taste of the end product than just age.

[@terrysoule8441]

Yes, at the end of the day, age statements absolutely matter. Every person has their own palate and what they like and really that's what counts. But transparency on what you're paying for and your expectations is very important.

[@bourbondave4438]

Age statements definitely matter to me. I’m friends with a local distiller who sells a 2 year 100 proof product for $50. I’m always ragging him that I can get a 9 year knob creek 100 proof for half the price. Truth in the bottle and transparency is important to me.

[@davidlewisTN]

Absolutely matters. Misleading consumer if they won’t include it.

[@KennethRathburn]

Here's my issue with people getting upset with ECBP batches dropping the 12-year age statement: ECBP picks. They hover between 8-11 years, and as far as I've seen first-hand, they're not only highly sought-after (a local-ish store sold out of theirs in 4 hours, and they never sell out of anything since they don't sell allocated bottles), but often cost more than the batches. To that end, one could make the argument that Heaven Hill released their picks at 8-11 years to test the waters with younger age statements on ECBP. The response (again, as far as I can see) has been a resounding "YES, PLEASE!" Of course age statements matter. They're not the end-all, be-all in determining good whiskey, but a company dropping or lowering age statements is all but certainly intended to help transition to the product being younger as a whole. But I can't help shaking my head when some of the same people saying "ECBP losing its age statement is bad" also jumped on the 8-year ECBP pick train without a second thought.

[@timistrefi2876]

Age definitely matters. Especially anything over 50 bucks should have an age statement

[@LaurieAnd]

The taste matters, but in my opinion, you can get the beginnings of what to expect with that age statement. The age statement absolutely matters.

[@Posterharpua]

age statement rarely matters for my pallete between 10-12 years. i often find a 10 year bourbon is as good or sometimes better than a 12 year counterpart. however, I do have some ECBP store picks and the barrels are about 8.5 years old. These barrels are noticeable less refined than the run of the mill ECBP batch xxx whatever...I realize it was a store owner's decision to get the younger barrels so im not too upset as they're still good, just not as good as the regular releases.

[@williamsedlock3903]

Yes I heard about that back then and when I did in 2009 and 2010 I bought some cases of 12-year small batch and single barrel they're worth over $500 a bottle now

[@DirtyHairy01]

It’s unfortunate age statements aren’t mandatory on a bottle like proof is, because IT IS that important! 👍

[@Roodmfg]

Can you elaborate on why/how an age statement makes your end product better? Betting you cant.

[@DirtyHairy01]

@@Roodmfg Transparency? Good grief are you that dumb? Why not take proof/abv off the bottle by your broken logic. 🙄

[@timevans312]

Surprised Heaven Hill didn’t get ahead of this and do some press around why they made the change. Would have been a much better approach than waiting for the TTB label to show up.

[@OriginalTwitch]

I like when ages are stated, it makes me trust the brand more.

[@Roodmfg]

LOL, hahahahahahaha. You are a victim of "perceived value", old selling trick.

[@ChristIsLord7]

I didn’t really know about I just bought a bottle of “private barrel” EJ barrel proof and it’s only 8 years. For $79.99 I kinda wish I would have looked for the 11-12 year like you said they have. I’m new to

[@ryandeleon222]

I completely agree with you 100%! This is a wonderful rant. I think you covered every angle of this issue and the question you asked - why was the age statement there in the first place? - That gets right to the crux of it. I also feel the age statement of ECBP in particular being dropped is very significant for the avid bourbon community. It is a sign of what's to come. It feels like the last gasp if you will of the good times. As someone who considers ECBP my favorite bourbon, I am very disappointed in this.

[@dirk419]

I just feel like as time goes on quality continues to get worse. People already talk about how dusties of 10 years ago are better than the current offerings… and the price keeps going up

[@possessedbymetal]

Age is absolutely important. It's a part of the overall flavor profile. Just like proof, mash bill, char levels, finishing barrels, use of different woods and soooo many other factors. The more things you know about your bourbon, the more educated you become about what you like. With the crazy amount of bourbons vying for our money, having more knowledge is a no brainer

[@Roodmfg]

Actually no it is not. What you really want is a Barrel statement, and a flavor(s) present statement in terms of percentage. The age statement is from the 19th century (if not before) to tell consumers you were not selling week old whiskey with fake colors, flavors, adulterants etc. Age statements are meaningless its about flavor.

[@BrianVaughn]

Finally got one of these in Minnesota. I absolutely love it. It is off profile compared to other barrel proofs but it reminds me of Elijah Craig Toasted.

[@johnnytactical3054]

I can see something like Makers Mark doesn’t need an age statement…but when you are starting to get into the $50+ bourbons I would like to see an age statement, heck even a mashbill.

[@jamesstreet1144]

My rant?! The 12 year age statement is a big part of what makes ECBP such a great value. When the age drops, the price should drop. If it doesn’t, we should give them the Bud Light treatment!

[@Whiskey_BS]

So HH has been releasing 12 yo ECBP for quite few years now. Hard to believe they ran out of 12 yo barrel stock. Was the intended stock for B223 not good and replaced by the stock intended for A124? As your review shows, it’s pretty good. But why wouldn’t they have brought up the stock intended for C323 to B223? It would have been only 3 months short of 12 yo. Somebody knows what happened.

[@aaronmudge4537]

I just like transparency. Perfect example is Bardstown Disco series. Total breakdown of the juice in the bottle by age, mash bill, state of distillation and percentage.

[@brianfrydl2741]

Exactly Fred. It's outside the box they have been in. Every offering should entice their customers to review and respond. This is the beauty of whiskey. ❤

[@michaelackley1560]

Yes it matters due to fact the EC small batch dropped it. The Jim Beam black dropped 8 year. Both dropped in taste. Also EC store picks vary. I like stability of age statements. I thick sweet spot for bourbon is 8-12 years.

[@williamsedlock3903]

When I was putting pappy's away no one wanted them they sat there on the shelf until the next shipment came through it was so funny but yet so delicious I hated the day when the allocations came but loved it with what I have put away

[@whatsthepoint170]

I’ll actually take the rant without the review LOL. And yes, age statements matter to me as a consumer. It gives me a sense of value/comparison to other products. No age statement to me feels like you’re hiding something (probably young whiskey)

[@dn1150]

Age statements do matter to me. Even though they aren’t the deciding factor, tasting certain age statements over the years have helped me hone in on the ages I enjoy. One reason I really love Bardstown is because of the transparency they offer with their breakdown label. I get that you can’t put out only old bourbons because of demand, but dont try to pull a fast one on us.

[@mikedubs9940]

Your right

[@bakerdrinks]

I don't think the age statement matters as much as people are saying. I don't know what else is in the batch, so there's no way for me to say "its a younger whiskey." Found North batch 5 is age stated at 8 years, but 73% of it is 21 years old. All I really care about is flavor and experience. People pay more for 2XO, and there's no information on those bottles. Thanks for the rant and review! 🥃

[@haldendoerge]

As I've thought about the issue since this news came out I think my take on it is that I'd be pretty ok with losing age statements like this, IF what we got in return was total batch composition transparency. If the best blend includes something that's 11 years or 9 years or whatever, fine. But then you gotta tell me what percentages of what aged barrels are in there. If people knew, for example, that a release was 20% 18 years old, 50% 16 years old, 20% 12 years old, and 10% 7 years old, I think we'd all be pretty excited to see what that tastes like. But if all we get to see is "Aged 7 years" then sure, people are gonna be pissed.

[@cade5400]

How much whiskey is it gonna take to get you to share the dead cat story? 😂

[@gene3913]

Transparency matters. And yes I want to know how old the whiskey is. I am more likely to buy a bottle that tells me it’s 3 years old rather than NAS. Even better if we are told the percent break down of the different whiskey ages in the batch.

[@brianmccormic3061]

Video at 5:01. I'm not chewing a statement when tasting bourbon, I'm chewing the juice. That being said, I think the age statement should tell the person purchasing the product what they're paying the premium for. It's not a secret that more of the barrel is imparted into the juice over time. I happen to be a fan of 8-12 yr bourbon, so for me it matters some. In the end though, the palate is where the decision about the bottle is made.

[@Joser167]

Im fine with ECBP age variations and the price is still right in comparison to other barrel proof offerings that are young. Store pick ECBP ranged from 9 year to 12.5 and nobody seemed to have a problem with that and folks still paid MSRP, or above for them.

[@mikehaliday8302]

I've had 9 year old store pick ECBP that was fantastic, possibly even benefitted from a couple years less in the wood. I'm just grateful that they put out enough that I can still get 2-3 bottles of each iteration, without it going all unicorn and secondary. I'm fine with 11 year old ECBP, for now. But generally I'm in favor of including the age statement

[@Roodmfg]

Agree

[@mstong59]

Yes, for a single distillery batch. However, for someone like Bardstown and other blenders I want to see complete transparency in the blend and an age statement isn't really necessary.

[@Husker627]

Yes, as much transparency as possible, Thank you BBC

[@dgsutube01]

Rant ends around the 9 minute mark, for those who want to see if B523 is any good. :)

[@awsomenesscaleb]

Age statements matter to a point, especially for single barrel products. I generally don't like single barrels unless they are at least eight years old. A higher age statement is required for the single barrel to be considered premium. For batched products I don't think it is as important. Good blending means choosing good barrels based on profile and incorporating them into a complete product. That means blending in relatively young whiskey a lot of the time. It would be silly to mark down an expertly blended whiskey because younger barrels were incorporated into the blend to make it better. That is why Buffalo Trace doesn't even put age statements on a lot of their products. I hope Heaven Hill is doing the same thing.

[@TryinitwithOliver]

Win win for them. Younger and cheaper We are talking about it more. And it separates it from the A123. Still gonna buy it. And compare it.

[@cade5400]

Answering before I’ve finished the video as suggested - I don’t care what the age statement is, but I want it on there. Liberty Pole and Chattanooga Whiskey produce great products at 2-4 years old, and there bottles have an age statement for transparency. I’m not mad at Heaven Hill for doing variable age statements as long as they keep them on there. I’ll buy an 8 year ECBP at the current MSRP all day long, but if they take away that transparency I’ll question that purchasing decision.

[@billslone242]

I heard an 11 year barrel Accidentally got blended in. And heaven hill just decided it was easier to release that with an age statement of eleven years than it would be to scrap it and start over and then make that a different product

[@piperjon]

I think age statements should be required. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth.

[@tonyjandora9674]

Yes the age statement is something I look for.

[@TheJohnbortle]

I'm not happy about this latest development. I fear that it's a bad sign of things to come unfortunately.

[@dane5896]

I just saw an ECBP store pick, that was eight years old. $75. New Jersey.

[@CubsFanJeff1984]

Yes, I definitely pay attention to the age statement if available.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Interesting rant. I appreciate that they are still giving an age stamp. Yes, less than 12, but it is clearly indicated, right on the bottle. For me, that is what matters. 4 years? Sure, but tell me it is 4 years. Thanks for your thoughts, cheers!

[@RJ-jl3bz]

I have been looking forward to this release and your review. It sounds like the A123 may be more to my liking, but I will pick up a couple bottles for sure. ECBP has always been in my wheelhouse and I put down many in the old pirate bottle days, but still have a few set aside. Unfortunately, prices are reaching $100 here in SC so the value is beginning to diminish to the point that I have to wait for reviews to decide if it’s worth the money. Cheers!

[@billa5289]

Good call on the pepper! I think it's a bit cayenne and white peppercorn. Similar to NOLA Cajon spice. Love it.... Reminds me of Justin Wilson..... mo peppa!🌶

[@nd4463]

Yes on age. Further, if age didn't often and frequently add to the flavor of the bourbon, then distillers have been wrong since bourbon has been made.

[@berkleycumbie6359]

Yes, the age statement is important🥃

[@TaylorOpee]

Age statement matters when someone has purchased a product of a specific age and and value, then the distillery jacks the price and lowers the age.

[@jasono.1629]

Yes age statements matter, it affects flavor. I knew this day would come for ECBP I just didn’t think it would happen till 2025 or so. Go out now and hunt for pre-2021 batches because the quality drop over the next few years will be brutally steep.

[@joegorman1976]

Still plenty of 12 year old ECBP available near me… I’m thinking I may have to bunker a few for the future. I have a feeling these bottles will be sought after for years to come.

[@frankthetunaman1413]

Age statements absolutely matter. Needed, to compare how the flavors and mouth feel are influenced with different brands of the same age.

[@jhawkk2004]

The way I see it, age statement doesn't necessarily matter, but it provides context. A high age statement justifies a higher price since the distillery sat on that product for X amount of years, and therefore need to recoup some of that expense. Dropping age statements shouldn't matter if the flavor doesn't change. I think what people fear is that when a 9yr age statement goes away, the product will change considerably because we all assume younger whiskey will be going into the product.

[@robertraeke6164]

I think for me and a lot of bourbon drinkers I know, we all agree that we like to see the age statement to let us know the price point. If you have the same whiskey/mash bill sitting in barrel for 10 years there cost is obviously going to to be higher than the whiskey that is aged 3 years therefore the 10yr is more expensive. There has been several distilleries that have dropped the age statement or lowered the age and keeping it the same price which is terrible???

[@IthinkEvenJoeVotedForTheDon]

Which Four Square Rum did you take a liking to and score high?

[@apeekintime]

I found ECBP B523 to be very comparable to, and better than, Stagg 23A. It's a great batch. It's a bottle I'd gladly keep a secondary bottle of in reserve despite my limited storage space.

[@Roodmfg]

agree

[@JenkinsB]

comparison to Larceny A123?

[@benfrihauf3825]

The age statement gives me an idea of a flavor profile I may expect, although it doesn't guarantee it.

[@matthewlabbe8395]

I’m not too concerned with how young or old the whiskey is, for me it’s just about transparency and honesty. If it’s older and tastes great? Good! If it’s younger and tastes great? Good! I just want the companies to be upfront with it

[@alekseymel7852]

Does it mean anything or has any legality when the bottle doesn't have an age statement, but the website claims a certain age. Heaven Hill does it for regular elija craig and makers mark and four roses do it for many of their products

[@charliesuitt1633]

Age statements matter to me, but usually isn't a deal breaker. All things being--or appearing--equal, I'd go with the older age statement

[@williamsedlock3903]

I down in Kentucky got a y123 12 year Elijah Craig it was a very rare release absolutely delicious it was in the bourbon experience fill your own bottle I wonder if they made that for the experience?? It was 132 proof

[@rrkaminski9]

I feel like there's a big difference between dropping age statements and re-thinking age statements. This review makes it sound like this is a good example of not sticking to an arbitrary 12 years when the whiskey doesn't need it. And like you said, the difference between 11 years (and 5 months) and 12 years isn't as big as going from 12 years to like a 5 year ECBP.

[@robertshay9235]

Glad to hear ECBP is still a great buy!! Cheers

[@jbbourbon178]

Age statements do matter, and if a company is going to use age statements as a “product feature” then they need to stick with it or make it better. No other product can eliminate features and expect to do well. Companies should make products better year after year

[@StarSurfer55]

I get much more irritated when a company talks about heritage and craft statements in their advertising. Then I look on the bottle and it says Distilled in Indiana.

[@andrewvermeire6125]

Age statements certainly matter. However, more transparency would matter even more to those who care. ECBP is "dropping" the 12 year statement while JD is adding a 10 and a 12 yr age statement. If age didn't matter would a product the style of JD be starting age statements? I for one am very excited for the 12yr JD, but I also enjoy batched nas whiskeys. So the transparency that there are 11yr5mo whiskeys in the new ECBP is more important for the line than sticking to the original age statement. I recently had a ECPBBP that was only 8yr and surprisingly woody and tannic.

[@Im_Maximilian]

Rant over @ 10:22 🎉

[@kpmarine10]

🎉Remove the age statement - taste is all that matters 🎉. 😅Then they can remove where it’s distilled - because taste is all that matters 😅. 😮Why include where its bottled - taste is all that matters 😮. Companies exist these days to make money. Laws can change and do. The consumer is responsible to hold companies accountable when companies try to find ways to cheapen production. I’m not a whiskey snob, but I still can tell a youthful bourbon from one with some decent age. I appreciate your rant.

[@HisDadsBar]

Well said Fred. I like you enjoy an age statement. Yet context is just as valuable. As is history and transparency

[@johnrosenthal9071]

It depends on what I am looking to drink and what flavors I want to get in my juice

[@darrenleonardo9867]

Age statements matter, but they didn't drop the age statement, it's still provided, just no longer all over 12 years

[@xiamengbaby]

The EC small batch got rid of the age statement. It was 12 years.

[@jfseb75]

I’ve heard that possibly they had some barrels that were getting worse as they got older, so they released this lower age statement. I also heard that the next release is supposed to be a 13 year age statement. I don’t know how true that is

[@dbtls]

You brought back memories of a classmate in kindergarten who “threw-up” spaghettios while in line after lunch🤮

[@DaveH8905]

Yes it friggin matters!!!! If age statements didn’t matter, then that would mean that age itself doesn’t matter, and we all know it DOES.

[@hellomcflyish]

My favorite ECBP so far

[@mikedubs9940]

When they stop selling Evan Williams vintage local stores start selling it at four times the price. It was the same juice

[@GH-oe1qy]

While I love stats and the more that can be provided the better for consumer confidence, I will make the argument that it may skew your opinion unnecessarily. Our local group had this discussion with 2XO, some recent Old Carter Releases and I think back to Peerless or Chatt with younger age statements. I like to initially push aside from price arguments (which is subjective to each enthusiast) and judge the spirit on the overall experience. Open mind is helpful to expand the palate.

[@jaredraffray8515]

Age statement is def important to me as a consumer. It’s not the end all be all but it is a big part of a way to justify the crazy prices for bourbon in todays climate.

[@terrysoule8441]

Remember when Maker's contemplated dropping proof to 80 like JD did? And how did that turn out? All because "availability".

[@markbabcock40205]

Yes, age statements are important to me. My usual pours are Russell 10 and Knob Creek 9.

[@fieldgarage3308]

With age comes quality and pure flavor. Yes age statements matter. Good things come with time.

[@MrStrongbox]

100% YES. Age statements matter to me and should matter to everyone. Just like Fred said in the opening that this might not be the channel for you if you don't like history and backstories. That's what bourbon is all about for me. History and backstories. And having a product with an age statement coincides with that philosophy. had to add this also: 11:05 I'm exactly Fred's age. Does anyone remember back in the 80's when kids barfed, the janitor would throw this cedar wood powder shit over it. Added to to the nasty smell. lol

[@jamiebeavor1246]

While I do like transparency from distilleries. Age is NOT important. Especially in bourbon, when a lot of people consider the sweet spot 6 to 10 years. Put a 6 year on a bottle and people will automatically go to a higher age statement even if it's not as good. I don't chase a number on the bottle to make myself feel better, I only care about the taste.