Henry McKenna 10 year Bourbon vs Russell's Reserve 10 year Bourbon : The Mash & Drum Double Bass EP2

[@jonthomas8487]

I started with $60 bottles and then went to $50 bottles and now I’ve been focusing on under $40. There’s a lot of good under $40 bottles out there. For the $50 bottles I liked the Angels Envy, Woodford Double Oaked and Long branch the best. So far on the under $40 Buffalo Trace, Makers Mark end Russell’s Reserve 10yr is really tough to beat.

[@whatsthepoint170]

Really like the way you define taste and nose differences between whiskeys. Helps me with what to look for in a new or favorite bourbon. Great work, please keep this up!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Great video. I love these matchups . At $35 in 2022, you can’t go wrong with the Russell’s. Super nice sipper. Cool.

[@tracymiller729]

RR is very complex for it's price range and hits well above its proof.

[@tab021]

This makes working night shift so much better. A new double bass right when I pour my night cap? Perfect! (Just popped open an Elijah Craig SB barrel proof, c918) cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Cheers to that! Glad I can help ya get through! Cheers! That C918 is one of my favorites!

[@robdudzinski3177]

I jealous.I love that barrel proof stuff.

[@stevetech5150]

i just opened my 1st bottle of McKenna 10 year last night. sipping as i'm watching now. absolutely an amazing whiskey. i friggin love it. have not had the Russel's

[@drewnapoleons4569]

Am I the only one who likes Russell’s better or when I did this did I just get an amazing bottle of it cause it was so good!!!!!!!

[@chaddilingus]

Russell's is my new favorite.

[@coltknight3945]

I'm with you on this

[@eriksossa5297]

Love his approach and descriptions..gets to the point…packs more info in a video than anyone else….and great picks!!!

[@748873]

I scored a McKenna10 yr SB BIB yesterday and did the same match up tonight. I’m in 100% agreement with you on the finish. The McKenna is way longer & better! I would rate the nose 1 pt higher on the nose too instead of a tie. Great video match up! Thanks!,

[@claydoug]

How about 1792 Full Proof vs Knob Creek single Barrel 120. Good matchup?

[@Bourbinsane]

Another great episode Jason! The head-to-head I would like to see is Buffalo Trace Mash Bill 2 Elmer T Lee versus either Rock Hill Farms or Blanton's. I think that would be a very interesting matchup!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks man. That's the 2nd vote for that matchup. Will have to do that one soon!

[@adamhuntoon355]

I didn't even see your comment but I think Blanton's and Elmer SB would be better than my idea of Blanton's vs Eagle Rare

[@ernestclayton8550]

Just got a HM10 for $39. I haven't seen it in a while and then it was $100. Great bottle's! Cheer's

[@imoffthegrid2158]

The extra 10 proof points could definitely effect the finish. I would like to know what Henry McKenna BIB tastes like, but have only seen it on the self once . It was priced at $100 , so I passed on it . Russell's reserve 10 year is $33 on one of my favorites.👍🥃

[@FakingANerve]

I'm not sure many people would steer you towards $100 McKenna BiB from $33 RR10. That's a damn fine bargain! Cheers.

[@JackOfAllBladesCh]

Suggestion for another Double Bass, 'The Battle of the Higher Proof Budget Bourbons' Old Granddad 114 Vs. Fighting Cock 103

[@TheMashandDrum]

I like that idea! Writing that one down!

[@briancarbajal9]

I worked at a total wine about 5 years ago, HM10 was my go to Saturday night bourbon. !!IT WAS ALWAYS ON THE SHELVES!! Now I’m lucky if I see one, even luckier if I see one under $100. Those awards killed my Saturday ritual.

[@robbanta2979]

The next Double Bass: WT Rare Breed vs WT Kentucky Spirit

[@robertslocum2555]

KS all day

[@fredbaker6315]

I know this matchup is a couple years old, but it was a really well done comparison. Thanks and cheers!

[@michaelporter4533]

Great video! I've got each of these on hand, and I'm a big fan of each. I'll have to do a back to back sometime.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks! Its a really interesting comparison.

[@Mose2305]

Well, that make sense that Henry McKenna 10 yo won outright in the spirits competition and your Double Bass match up, since people generally remember the first and last things. I think Jason you hit the nail on the head that consistency and finish gave Henry McKenna the edge. My suggested Double Bass matchup would be rye challenge with Sagamore Rye going against Willet Rye 4 yo. Cheers to the best dram.

[@TheMashandDrum]

thats a great idea Mose! Writing that one down...My next matchup will either be rye or scotch.

[@scottburkhart95]

"Goring in for anudder slip." Ahhhh, thash good. ;-)

[@rodneyasbrock6578]

That Mckenna Bottled in Bond is amazeballs. It taste so much better than anything else I have tried so far. Worth every penny it costs. I just hope people stop catching on to how good it is.

[@georgesteckert6334]

Just opened my first ever bottle of Henry McKenna Single Barrel that I just purchased today in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Obviously not the same single barrel being tasted on this episode from 5 years ago, according to KZbin. But looking to see what mine tastes like compared to Jason’s. Today’s price, I think, was $67 and the bottle was behind the counter, not on the shelf. So it was an impulse buy after I asked how much it cost.

[@djbeacon6895]

Jason, Really enjoying this format since you also add-in the details for each parameter. Keep 'em coming!!

[@993C2S]

How about a match up between Weller Full Proof and EH Taylor Barrel Proof?

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Great comparison. Love your graphics as usual, they certainly make your work very professional! Thanks for comparing these two. I have yet to sip McKenna 10 year but hopefully soon! Cheers.

[@91928gt]

Another great review! Comparing side by side along with you. I agree with your call on the nose. Both totally different and very nice. Palate-wise, I really like the Mckenna. It held true to the nose. Very rounded with a lot going on. Going from one to the other, McKenna is just solid and very nice. Russell's seems like somethings missing in the middle and didn't hold up to the nose IMO. I don't know how to describe it....just a void. I also agree.,.McKenna solidly wins in the finish. Agree with your scoring except that Russell's gets a 3 1/2 for the palate. Maybe the side by side hurts it. Overall, I agree...Mckenna is a solid win

[@paulring4267]

I’ve never had the Russell’s 10 yr. But I like the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel. I’ve had Henry McKenna before and loved it.

[@markrao6213]

Great review. I have one contention...the higher the proof does not in any way increase the viscosity or mouth feel of a whiskey, in fact exact the opposite. Alcohol does not have surface tension like water does. Some higher proof bourbons do have a thick syrupy mouth feel but this comes from other compounds and solutes and has nothing what so ever to do with the higher proof.

[@Richie.Z]

Great head to head Jason! Love the McKenna 10 (I have two different barrels but both are really good) but yet to try RR10. Cheers brother!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks! Try the head to head! Its a great comparison.

[@jasonharper3334]

Like your approach and focus - bought the HM today ($40) and will grab my own Russel’s and hold them back for some campfire sippin’

[@blairgoltra7915]

I have done the same side to side. Love both, take either all day. But once again I have to agree with the expert. One bottle? Probably go with the H Mac. Exactly why I spend the time listening to his analysis.

[@tonycronin3080]

This format is a lot of fun to watch and get great information from. One matchup I was curious about was the Bunnahabhain12 vs the Bruichladdich classic laddie. They are both unpeated to low peat Islay whiskey. As you like the Bunnahabhain 12 I would be interested on your take of them against each other

[@TheMashandDrum]

Great call Tony! That might be the next matchup!

[@tomcobb5014]

Great vid I am making a bourbon run tomorrow and we will see what is on the shelf and available here

[@joechiovarelli8365]

Hi Jason I LOVE your channel and value your reviews above most others. I have an opportunity to purchase a Henry McKenna 10-yr BIB 2009. I know I’m over paying at $100, but I never had one nor saw one anywhere. Do you know if the 2009 is a good batch?

[@donaldalderman2424]

How does the Russell's compare to Wild Turkey 101 since same company? Similar? I get a bitterness in the 101 I don't like. That is the only thing stopping me from trying the Russell's.

[@TheNewMailman]

Picked up my 1st RUSSEL today for $29. Should I splurge $55 for my 1st McKenna 10 ('08) ??? Thx

[@newmennium]

Love the head to head videos JC! Can I make a suggestion? Maybe revamp the scoring system? Add half points maybe? The scores after a few of these are all going to look the same. If McKenna was 2 points from perfect, what will George T. Stagg score...20? I'm only asking because I'm a numbers guy and I respect your opinion.

[@TheMashandDrum]

I get that. I'm trying to keep it 1-5 in the context of what I'm putting head to head. Even if I put stagg in it at some point I would still judge it 1-5. When you start tasting the numbers become alot clearer head to head. But the the half system is a good idea and will use that. Thanks.

[@newmennium]

@@TheMashandDrum Actually, good point. It's really just to claim a victor H2H vs being a comprehensive score overall. Makes sense.

[@pressman1788]

Great double bass head to head! I’ll have to grab a new bottle of RR 10 year. An interesting double bass in the future could be Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Old Ezra BP 7 year! They stack up well for price, age and proof. Cheers Jason!🥃👍

[@mybourbonjourney]

Love me some Henry McKenna one of my every day sipping Whiskeys, just really love what it has to offer and for aprox $35 to $40 it's hard to beat. Cheers buddy and great video as always!

[@BigWen130]

I didn't need a reason to sip both of these tonight when I get off, but I have one now! Great vid!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Let me know what you think when you put them head to head.

[@tjbon8257]

Another great video. Have 5 bottles of Henry McKenna, it's my go to. Barrels 5062/5113. Will try RR based on your review.

[@grantjacobs6904]

Hey I am really enjoying your channel. I’ve been watching now for about a month and I’m relatively new to the whiskey game. I understand you are in Ohio And I’m just curious as to what part of Ohio are you in? Southern area central northern? I’m in Ohio near the Dayton area so I was just curious as to where you were at. Thanks again for the great channel and information I’ve learned a lot from yours and other channels like yours.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Appreciate it Grant. I'm in western Columbus out by Hilliard. Always reach out if you have any questions. Cheers

[@MiguelTorres-hg1kn]

Love the new segments. Cheers

[@coolectra13]

I feel like the only real way to know is to do a blind test. I’m curious to see the difference in tasting Russell before McKenna on every category

[@raymondreyes5850]

I love McKenna SB!

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

Fantastic comparison Jason. I love both of these, though they are difficult for me to pick up. I’ve had a bottle of the McKenna & only a sample of the RR. Keep up your great work. Cheers🥃

[@wiscowhiskeyreview]

Way to go, Jason! Now I can't find HMcK10yrBiB anywhere! :P lol

[@camerond6189]

i really enjoy your channel and content man. great video, i love the russells 10YO!

[@XscarpettaX]

which wild turkey expression would best fit my flavor profile? my favorites are bookers, baker's, bell meade cask strength, knob creek rye, etc

[@TheMashandDrum]

Russel's reserve single barrel. It's got a good proof point and has alot of flavor. Cheers.

[@robdudzinski3177]

McKenna is $60-80 if you can find it. Russell's 10 year is everywhere for $36.99! Amazing.

[@dmitripress9853]

Yep Russel $39.99 and McKenna $69.99 (just got bottle today)

[@aimee2234]

Really enjoying this side by side series, Jason! :-)

[@TheMashandDrum]

thanks Aimee! I'm enjoying the matchups and everyones input. Cheers!

[@rvcdirtbud]

Love the format, buddy! Cheers 🥃

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Neal!

[@WhiskeyQuests]

Great comparison. RR10 is my all time favorite. But I need to try HM. How about putting Blackened and Legent head to head?

[@TheMashandDrum]

That's a great call out too buddy. Writing that down!

[@thespiritsbrothers1246]

Your review format is really useful. Keep up the excellent work.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

How about Maker's Mark cask strength VS Weller antique 107 for a double base episode ? Also NAS Knob Creek vs Jim Beam Distillers Cut would be good too. This was a good one I really like both Russell's and McKenna. Cheers

[@powg2]

Couple of regulars on my shelf.

[@paulring4267]

Love your intro music 🎶

[@WhiskyMystery]

Another great comparison. I am looking for a selection of USA bottles to take back to UK friends in a few months.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Nice! I should a few more of these head to heads to help you out.

[@aukemist]

I think RR 10 yr should be compared against Eagle Rare

[@moose7611]

Great double bass! I have blind tested these before and my bottles come out the same way and I am a big Russell's fan. I hope I never get a sub par McKenna.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Sub par McKennas happen. Mine was pretty straight forward McKenna except for a slightly exaggerated butterscotch flavor.

[@scotttannenbaum8997]

Great job Jason. And thanks for the shout out. You made me appreciate HM a bit more. I haven't liked it much until today. For me, I still prefer the RR10. But I suppose the 3 new bottles of HM I bought a few weeks ago won't go to waste. Next up, maybe a couple of mid range Wheateds. WSR vs. Berheim?? Or, something like that. Keep up great work.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Scott. Another great suggestion. My next one will most likely be a rye or scotch but will put the wheated matchup on the list. Thanks again.

[@megadawg342]

Is the bumper music original? Is that you on drums?

[@broncorog3163]

Consistency is a great way to think of McKenna. For me, it is the definition of a bourbon. It has all the typical notes and is like you said, very consistent. The problem is that I saw it at my local store for $99.99. Damn you San Francisco Spirit Awards, LOL. Cheers

[@lorenwegele4250]

Holy shit! I picked mine up the other day for $36. Can you say GOUGE?

[@scottbormann3427]

Just bought 2 at 45, not the 36 I found last fall but still a huge bargain. For the price. 99... Ouch

[@lorenwegele4250]

I'm not real sure if maybe Kansas has some price controls. Although the prices around here are on average about $10 higher than I find in some bigger cities or hear about on reviews.

[@adamhuntoon355]

Hey Jason! I'm a fairly new subscriber but I love the show! It's great for all kinds of bourbon enthusiasts 👍🏻. I particularly love the Double Bass segments and was hoping to see some single barrels! My idea: Blanton's vs Eagle Rare SB. Both obviously from Buffalo Trace but Eagle is more affordable but well known to be great for it's price. What say we stack these 2 together and see if the more "affordable" can pit against the "original". Thanks and cheers!

[@TheMashandDrum]

First and foremost...thanks for subscribing and for the feedback. Second...fantastic idea! I think that will be my next one. Love it! Cheers!

[@adamhuntoon355]

@@TheMashandDrum keep up the great work and look forward to it!!

[@seanparcel4959]

Don’t know how I missed this previously but just noticed you are in Columbus. Have any of your merchandise locally available?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Some. But mostly in other states.

[@Bossanovawitcha]

feel like this is a damn good comparison and why rare breed + water still better than both

[@JackOfAllBladesCh]

First year it won best bourbon, second year it won best whiskey outright.

[@adelmomew]

Purchased 4 bottles of it at 34.99 before awards only 1 was delicious the rest where meh, e.h taylor is wayyy better

[@JackOfAllBladesCh]

@@adelmomew Small Batch or?

[@christopherdavid446]

Love these head to heads

[@frankmastromauro5630]

Good video - I like both of these bottles

[@ericmatson7339]

Sounds like i have something to do tonight, have both of those on the bar and I also haven't done a side by side yet Great Job again

[@chadwallace3598]

How strong is the cinnamon on that rr10? I don’t really like to much cinnamon thx Jason

[@TheMashandDrum]

not as strong as the Russells reserve but it's there. McKenna is more vanilla, caramel. Russel's is more cinnamon, cherry and oak.

[@paulhegarty6183]

Great review! Thanks for doing these!

[@nicksinderson3302]

I found a bottle of this at 'close' to retail ($40.00) so l jumped on it having never tasted it before. Along with the HM bib l got a couple of EC barrel proof A121...so ofcourse l had to try both and ofcourse l came away going what is all the fuss with this stuff, it's good but compared to the Elijah Craig (WOW) it came across as balanced but not wow.

[@MondoNatureAl]

Lagavulin 16 yo vs Laphroaig 16 yo would be epic...

[@bernardthefourth]

I get a little mint flavor out of the McKenna. I agree the McKenna is a little bit better.

[@kinart2543]

Here's an idea try a triple blind taste test Henry Mckenna versus Russell tin year versus old bards town 101. In my town maaekin is currently going it for $69 per bottle crazy.

[@kinart2543]

Or maybe switch out Yellowstone and 4 roses single barrel for the russells 10 year.

[@brandontempleton55]

Great video, dude! Another double bass idea is Michter’s rye barrel proof vs a whistle pig store pick... or vs a knob creek rye single barrel store pick

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Brandon! Good call out!

[@DuncanHarmsworth]

How about a $40 "50/50 Battle"? (Since you have done Turkey and a ton of Heaven Hill, How about new distillery blood?). E.H. Taylor Small Batch Vs. Four Roses Single Barrel? or How about the "Battle of the Budget Birds" (Good Alliteration) Fighting Cock 103 vs Wild Turkey 101? Cheers! 🥃

[@TheMashandDrum]

Got it!

[@clydewest2853]

I have a bottle of the McKenna , I love it.

[@booberry6715]

Belle Meade Reserve v. Old Forester 1920

[@tonynelson5745]

Jason C - You need a token Scotch-ish Double Bass. :) If you have any of your Nikka From the Barrel left, how about a head to head with a Compass Box edition that you think would be comparable. All - My local military base has HMcK 10 BiB on sale for $25 this week and Nikka from the Barrel available for $62 (no tax!). So if any of you have access to those, check your local Exchange/Package/Class 6 store.

[@janarrotyson5686]

I wanted Russell to win because i never had it but i love Wild Turkey Bourbon. I had a Bootle of Henry and really wasn't impress exceptionally with the price increase. Look like I'm have to buy another bottle of Henry to give it another chance.

[@K9AF]

Even the standard 80 proof Henry McKenna shares the consistency and finish attributes.

[@robbanta2979]

I like the SBS series... I think I’d like it more if it was a blind SBS

[@carnagusfarnbuckler528]

Great Double Bass side by side.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

The Russell’s was good till I got down to about a 1/3 left in the bottle. I don’t know what has changed but it’s definitely changed. Not as good as it was. Haven’t opened the McKenna yet.

[@RebeccaPaige]

Perhaps a WT101 vs KC Rye next

[@TheMashandDrum]

Great idea!

[@dennismhac23]

Great review.

[@peterwhite507]

Actually 2 bottles I have, so I will do a side by side and see how my HM barrel does against the RR10

[@TheMashandDrum]

Let me know if you agree with my assessment. Cheers.

[@peterwhite507]

@@TheMashandDrum I understand you will be at Rob's for GoT's last show. Let me know if you want the Bunna PX Ltd Ed among others to trade.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@peterwhite507 will do. What we're you looking for? Refresh my memory. Thanks.

[@peterwhite507]

@@TheMashandDrum Still trying to think of something. Any suggestions?

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@peterwhite507 what bourbons do you like? Do you have any McKenna?

[@whiskeyexperience9223]

Great comparison. I did a 3 way fight a couple of months ago and Eagle Rare 10 blew them away. I blame my sweet tooth. HM10 came second. Full disclosure, Wild Turkey profile never suited me.

[@WhiskyInThe6]

awesome video brother. really like these head to heads.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks bro!

[@chadwallace3598]

What’s the barrel number on that McKenna

[@TheMashandDrum]

4740

[@coltknight3945]

I've only had HM 10 year once. It had like a tea bag after taste. I Like russells 10 Y year, but it's not near as good as RR single barrel or Wild Turkey single barrel, Imo

[@MiyagiNariyoshi]

My local shop finally got HM10BIB and I'm sipping on it for the first time now! Good stuff!

[@scottbormann3427]

Great reviews, McKenna is one of my absolute favorites. Would love to see a double bass with it vs Blanton's

[@ashythedon]

Wait how is this a fair comparison?

[@athas12]

Henry McKenna is a great whiskey if you can get it for under $40. I wouldn't pay more. It was my top choice when it was retailing locally for $22. Overall, good drink, but not mind blowing. Honestly, not worth the hype!

[@thomasredden4263]

Please be more strenuous with your grading. Based on your notes and the way you have described them, lets stick with the Russell’s for example sake, i would give between 2.5 and 3.5 instead of 4. Or redo your scale 1-100 bc it gives much more accurate value mark instead of it being such a small variation in the final score when you seemed to hold the Henry McKenna in like an 8-16% greater bourbon based on your taste notes but it seems much closer then that based on your scale bc the numbers being so close makes it harder to really get an idea in gap between a HMcK and something from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

[@oldiesgeek454]

Henry McKenna just suddenly jumped $10 in price in Utah. From $33 to $43.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

$99 in my area/market now. Southern California. Crazy

[@oldiesgeek454]

@@Nerdzombiedisco 🙄

[@igeekjsc6727]

This is so easy. McKenna 10 year in a landslide. Russell’s doesn’t even come close

[@RhinoViper]

The regular Russell’s Reserve 10 is pretty underwhelming for me, it’s just a basic bourbon really, nothing stands out. McKenna 10 is solid, it gives you a bit more punch and finish as you mentioned. The price needs to stay at or below $35 though.

[@TheMashandDrum]

I agree!