Top 5 Best Bourbons Of All Time-Bourbon Real Talk Episode 102

People are always asking me what my favorite bourbon is. This is a difficult question because there are so many that I love, but I have narrowed it down to my top 5 favorite bourbons of all time. I have had some amazing bourbons, but I purposefully made the list exclusively from bourbons that are still in production. This eliminated dusties and any one time releases. I also kept it strictly bourbon so no ryes were considered for the list. I didn't plan it this way, but all of my favorites are cask strength aka barrel proof whiskey. They are also highly allocated, so not exactly what would be considered beginner whiskey since they would be very difficult to obtain and maybe too high in proof. 4 of my 5 are from the Buffalo Trace Distillery and 2 of the 5 were from the BTAC line. Also, back by popular demand is my lovely wife who helps me with tasting notes and makes it entertaining with her awkward charm.
Please Subscribe, Review, Like, and Comment!
Motion graphics intro by robsusman.com
Video Production by silverbearcreative.com
0:00 Intro
2:20 Number One
7:20 Shameless Merch Plug
9:11 Number Two
14:19 Number Three
19:54 Number Four
26:18 Number Five
34:38 Show Philosophy and Sign Off

[@silver3344]

YOU, SIR, ARE A CERTIFIED TATER.

[@rubenjimenez8995]

Love this channel! Lots of great information and "realness". Love the sign off at the end and what it means. Keep up the amazing work!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you! Will do!

[@cooleyballs1]

This dude is intense... Poor wife.. 😂 All the same I love you too and love your level of video production. Also KZbin has sold me 2 of your vids with you and your wife and I gotta say I'm still watching and drinking whiskey with ye, so cheers and thanks for the effort. Cause its great. 🙏

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Lindsey and I thank you! She is asleep on my shoulder, but if she were awake she would laugh. Cheers!

[@jperez7043]

Great episode! Love seeing more women, either friends or wives, getting into bourbon tasting. I love all the knowledge I can pick up from your channel. GTS is at the top of my list this year. Hoping the bourbon gods are good to me. Cheers 🥃

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for the support and good luck on the GTS!

[@NorthWestBourbon]

Great video! I've never had any of the 5 specific ones you reviewed here but had many of the other offerings from them. Including the misses was great. You channel is very informative, keep it up.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for supporting the channel! Cheers!

[@joefair4139]

I love this channel, and you made it fun by bringing your wife into it. Thanks for sharing Randy 👍

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it! You will be seeing more of her on the show I think!

[@jeffdavenport8104]

I always love the history and stories behind these bourbons that you share. Love the channel!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you like them! If you want to dive a little deeper join our community at facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity

[@jeffdavenport8104]

@@BourbonRealTalk Thank you! I just submitted to join the FB group!

[@gpb29]

I'm fairly new to the bourbon community. My son is dragging me down the rabbit hole with him. My collection is modest, with only a dozen bottles (compared to his 60 or so). After finding several KZbin channels that caught my interest, I watched a couple of documentaries, with NEAT being an excellent intro to bourbon and its fascinating history. I especially like your message of community, family and respect. That seems to be a common thread in the bourbon world. I've watched several of your episodes and am now a new subscriber. Thank you and I look forward to continuing the journey. Cheers!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you so much for the support! Have you joined the free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/

[@jasonc.5718]

I also recently opened a GTS and the first few pours were pure ethanol on the nose. After it got past the shoulder though there was a big improvement and the aromas blossomed. People are divided on the neck pour effect but this example has me convinced.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ringalls2646]

I really enjoy watching your videos. I am fairly new to bourbon but have been fortunate to try some really good pours. The WLW is my hands down favorite with the SFTB a close second. Cheers

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Both great pours! Glad you are linking the channel.

[@trevorshand2745]

I find your list very interesting. Ive just gotten into Bourbon about 2- 3 years ago and Im in Canada, so we dont get all of the offerings you have in the USA. I did get a hold of an EH Taylor Small Batch that I gave to my father for his 80th birthday. I enjoy listening to you share your bourbon experiences and love that you share your love with your followers/ fans! Look for the positive things in life. Appreciate and treasure what you have. Compliment when you can.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Amen!

[@Magajarhead1775]

Awesome that your wife shares your passion. I have been blessed the same way. Great channel! Thanks!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for watching!

[@reigningwhiskey]

I loved that ending. Very enlightening and definitely something I did not know. Thanks for the knowledge!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markyounger560]

Thanks Randy! Always super informative! Love the show!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you so much for your support and kind words! Is there a particular topic or question you would like me to cover in future videos?

[@Tm4n5]

Really love this episode. I love how you included your mission at the end. Thank you for that. #spreadthelove

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for the view and the encouragement!

[@TheBusa09]

Outstanding video and great information on the distillery’s!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers!

[@cancelchannel3394]

Love your channel, some of your facts differ from other research I've done, like barrel proof vs. Cask strength, but for the most part you have a great, easy to comprehend program full of interesting information, thank you for helping people everywhere to understand the finer points of the world of whiskey/whisky 😊

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for the support. The terms full proof, barrel proof, cask strength, and batch proof are easily confused. I explain them in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6bOi3iEZseefa8

[@TheSlowoldman]

You and I have very similar tastes. WLW and Stagg are my two faves (I like the cask strength stuff also). Just had a pour of EHT Warehouse C (also right up there). I've yet to try the Eagle Rare antique collection but 10 year Eagle Rare is my go to. Too many to choose from but this is a nice list.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I tried warehouse C. I was just getting over covid so my palate was still affected. If found it enjoyable with a bit more earthy musty flavor that I find on dusty whiskey that I have not seen in EHT before.

[@JoeBeeOneKenobee]

Enjoyed this after having some four roses, then had to to break out the eh small batch, almost broke out the blantons as well. Great choices. Can't wait to try them one day. Also great sign off 👌much love from CA

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for watching!

[@adamthekid3249]

I can hear her say it’s Yummy all day! As a married man of 28 years its awesome to see our brides enjoy our enjoyments.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

It wasn't always that way, but over time she joined me in the hobby. We are much happier for it.

[@Bobbyholmesclubstep]

This video was the clincher for me. I'm officially a fan of Bourbon Real Talk!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you!

[@brettsurrett4596]

I'm BLESSED to have all five of these bourbons in my collection and they are delicious. Love the videos, keep them coming.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks, will do! Cheers!

[@nervousordo]

Who blessed you

[@brettsurrett4596]

@@nervousordo the liquor store ........and some good friends.

[@nervousordo]

@@brettsurrett4596 the liquor store is a church too?

[@brettsurrett4596]

@@nervousordo yes, the church has people that enjoy good bourbon. If you knew anything about the Bible Jesus did turn water into wine . It's not a sin to drink . It's a sin to abuse the drink by consuming too much. Sounds like you need to study a little more before you start commenting on things you know nothing about .

[@tomgensel4134]

Learned a lot today. Thanks 🥃 Cheers.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lamar4234]

Great list and video as always. I feel the education piece is somewhat excluded on whiskeytube so glad you bring it back in. Cheers to you two! I own 2 out of the 5. Not too shabby!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I only own 3 out of five since we bottle killed 2 for the video. Cheers!

[@badgerjeff6081]

Great choices!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@rongsc1]

Ok. Where do I begin? Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Great content once again! Having your wife on again is another great treat and very unique. But what impressed me the most is your merch. So clever! Not just graphic tee. I will be directing my wife to the store for my coming birthday. :D

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Wow! Much appreciated! What until you get the package. Lindsey was always the person responsible for creating the merch, but she has taken over fulfilling the orders. She has branded tape and custom made packing materials...it is like you are ordering from a real store.

[@snafufubar]

Nice interesting vid. Enjoyed the background on each. In the UK and managed to get two of them . Got an Taylor for £54($74) last Christmas and a Blantons last month for £64($88). The Taylor is 75cl but the Blantons must be an export as it's a 70cl bottle. Usually a Scottish whisky drinker but have been getting into bourbon a lot more.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Well welcome aboard the bourbon drain! Fred Minnick has a good channel too. He did a blind tasting with 372 on Saturday and 49% picked the Blanton's blind over Wild Turkey 101, Bradshaw Bourbon, and Maker's Mark.

[@randyd.7076]

Damn you Randy! I was a single malt Scotch man! Now it’s all American Texas Bourbon. I really want to thank you for educating me and showing me the light, and glad the Mrs’s is back as you two work well together.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Ha! What is your favorite Texas Whiskey?

[@randyd.7076]

@@BourbonRealTalk You will always find Balcones on my shelf. As of right now it’s my favorite Bourbon.

[@johncashion8428]

You should give Jimmys 100 a try, I’d be happy to share a pour.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@johncashion8428 What is Jimmy's 100?

[@johncashion8428]

Lol A distillery in Bullard Texas I live in 76210, come have a pour www.kiepersol.com/

[@MarcusBenz76]

Randy…I just stumbled upon your channel & absolutely Love it! Plus, your knowledge of whisk(e)y is mind-blowing. I enjoy the stories behind the bottle as much as tasting the contents inside them! Also, you & your wife seem to have great chemistry…the way you look at each other in this video is relationship goals for sure! Keep up the magnificent work & know that I Love you back 👍🏻

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Awesome, thank you! If you are interested I would like to invite you to our free membership group. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity

[@BillPiper]

Luv the channel and the mission!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you!

[@Mr51Caveman]

I found a bottle of Blantons at a little hole in the wall place near me. We also live in the boonies but that is another story. That bottle was priced at $150! I haven't decided yet if I should go back and get it. They also had just one bottle of the Taylors and I believe it was $89.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That is a personal decision. I would try to negotiate if you do want it. You sometimes get lucky. That is a little high. There are bourbon secondary group that have it for that price or less.

[@PaulIbberson]

I used to buy G.T. Stagg here in London in the early 2000's.... around £70 a bottle at the time.... I bought (and drank) the releases from 2003-2011. Unfortunately I don't have any left now, and it's become too expensive to get these days. My bro still has several unopened bottles from the early 2000's though, so we're good! We both would agree that it's the best Bourbon 😀

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have had 2005 and 2007. Loved them both! Cheers!

[@cristinosanchez]

just the other day, while at a restaurant, i inquired about a bottle of gts that i saw perched high on shelves, it was $60/pour, i declined and opted for something a little more affordable, but that bottle was seducing me, when the waiter brought me the check i asked if i could buy the remainder of that bottle to-go, the proprietor overheard our conversation and said "sure, how about $25" and i quickly yelled "sold!", to my surprise there was 3 solid ounces remaining in that bottle and i discoved that it was a 2017 GTS! i'm still pinching myself and plan to enjoy it when i break 80 (golf)

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I love hearing stories like that. Enjoy!

[@adamseaman7306]

Great list! I love me my GTS. Cheers Randy!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for the support.

[@kevinamick2237]

Awesome episode Randall, having Lindsey on the show adds another level to Bourbon Real Talk! Keep them coming, the message is clear brother, drink what you like and sharing is caring! SSW Family

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Will do!

[@Hoglaw]

Poppin BTAC like a boss. Nice vid!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@Dmurphy527]

Great list. I’m not surprised that the majority of them come from Buffalo trace. I really respect what those folks are doing. They produce my favorite brands/Bourbons. Even though I’ve heard it every time I watch you videos still get choked up when you talk about your brother. I’m sure he would be proud of what you are doing in his honor . What was his name?

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Shaun Sullivan. He profile is still up on FB and he is in my friends list if you want to see him.

[@Michael-qz6ld]

Thank you for that story about Blanton's!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

You bet! Glad you liked it!

[@TinsletowntommyG]

I love your message at the end about bringing all of us together. Sorry to hear about you brother. God bless, you gained a new subscriber today trying to navigate the bourbon world.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for the sub. You should join facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity. There is a lot of good information there, and opportunities for a person getting into bourbon. Cheers!

[@quintonking5089]

My top 5 in no particular order are all tied to memories made and the company I had in the moment, and that’s what makes them so special to me. Oddly enough, they are all from different distilleries. 1. Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse CN-F 2023: My bachelor trip to Louisville, Kentucky, and all of my guys agreed it was the best pour of the trip. Unlike any Turkey I’d tasted, this was a beautiful dram I’ll always remember. 2. Four Roses Single Barrel, Barrel Strength OESV: My first trip to Bardstown, Kentucky with my fiancé in 2022, and also the first barrel strength FR I had. Perfect combo if you ask me. The allure followed through on the palate in the most glorious way. 3. ECBP C919: The first ECBP I ever purchased/tasted, and if I’d known what a beast I had when I bought it I would’ve nursed it much more, but so damn good. I’d never tasted a flavor punch like that before and was instantly hooked. 4. Maker’s Mark Private Select Bourbon Club of Concord (NC) 2021: It was the first private select from Maker’s I purchased, and like the FR, it knocked my socks off. Weller Antique who? After I got over COVID, I went out and bought a backup bottle to nurse and keep for nostalgia’s sake. It had all the things and balance in a higher proof wheater I loved from the first sip. 5. William Larue Weller: After my first ever SEC game watching Texas A&M beat Alabama at Kyle Field in 2021, we went to celebrate in College Station at a whiskey bar. The adrenaline still pumping from the victory, the bar we went to had it on the shelf, and I couldn’t resist. A pour I will never forget. So much flavor, unashamedly aged, and the perfect ending to a great night in Texas. These are a few of my favorite things.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

All great bottles and great reason's to love them. I graduated from TAMU and my daughter is currently attending there!

[@clintwestwood1895]

Very cool episode, I can see why you guys are happy.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Most of the time. Marriage is hard, but if you fight for the good it wins out more often than not...and that is enough.

[@clintwestwood1895]

@@BourbonRealTalk Wise quote bro, I will remember that one : ^ )

[@ghantakha5568]

This is what we call a lovely couple. When your partner luvs what you do thats most beautiful thing in life. she supports u and u luv her so much this makes reason to live much more meaningful. God bless u both. Love all your posts.( i know i came to this video again, this is lovely video seeing u both share ur opinions)

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you so much! It is a struggle to get Lindsey on camera. Good news is we just filmed a segment with her in it on Monday that will come out in the next few weeks.

[@josephah2000]

Great episode and message for everyone to hear!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for watching!

[@joshuachurch100]

You need to do either some BRT polos or maybe just make the patch so people can iron it on to a shirt. I'd love to wear and share support for you brother. The channel is one of my favorites. Definitely ordering some branded glens.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Polos are a huge upfront investment. We are ordering t-shirts next weeks so those will be coming soon.

[@ghantakha5568]

Great fun video , lovely couple 🥰 god bless u both .

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@jean6061]

It's so good to see your wife there, comparing bourbon with you. Please include Lindsey in future videos, too. Thank you!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I do as often as possible. She doesn't like being on camera, so it takes some convincing.

[@jamosensei]

It's a wonder you made it to future videos, Randy. Your wife is a pillar of patience...bless her! My thoughts on your picks: - The 2020 George T I managed to land, last September, was the first bourbon to make me smile harder with every sip...got some octane behind it, but it's SO GOOD! - I've landed a Special Reserve, and was lucky to taste an Antique 107, but have not have the honor of tasting the BTAC level...I LOVE those (A107 knocked my socks off), so I can only imagine that to be fantastic as well. - I've had a lot of the EHT Small Batch, but I have failed at ALL the lotteries for any other EHT offering, including that one. Same as with the Weller...love what I've tasted...look forward to tasting any other offering. - The 4Roses SBLE is one I've never seen, but I have the Small Batch Select and the Single Barrel offerings, and they're BOTH pretty damn good. - Blanton's Straight From the Barrel...okay, NOW you're just pissing me off...just kidding. I have a B and L of the single barrel...two different batches...it's the first bourbon where I starting understanding what prolonged mouthfeel was. I've never seen any other Blanton's offerings, except for online...I'm sure I wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers! Great video...great information. Thank you.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@WhiskeySam1]

“I just really like it. It’s yummy.” ~ And that’s about all that needs to be said.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Yep!

[@damondpollock4425]

2017 GTS is DEFINITELY my favorite year of all!!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I even tried it blind against 2005 once and I still picked the 2017

[@cancelchannel3394]

I'm a fan of her beauty, and your knowledge, anything else is simply a bonus 😊☺️

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I shared this with Lindsey. She thanks you, and I do too!

[@michaelgillogly3551]

Love the sign off, keep it up 👍

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks, will do!

[@frankmastromauro5630]

Great video

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for the visit

[@TheROMaNProject]

Yes! E. H. Taylor! I was able to try 1 bottle per year x 2 years… and have fruitlessly spent the next 3 years trying to find a single bottle. The best liquor store in our area have two employees who admitted they buy it all upon arrival and rarely put any on the shelves. Makes me unhappy and jealous…

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Hate to hear that. In my area, if an employee buys and allocated bottle, or sells it to a friend, they get fired.

[@damoncarlos2796]

Thanks for the history lesson! Hopefully one day I can get a George T stag or William L weller someday….

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I hope so too! They are very good. But if not do not worry to much, they are only a little better than the best shelf products. Law of diminishing returns applies to bourbon.

[@streetracingmiscreant8589]

I had the opportunity to drink a pour of WLW at The Melrose Grill (highly recommended) in Renton Washington. The only other on your list that I have been within reach of, is the Four Roses. I own a 2019 SBLE and haven’t had an occasion that I deemed worthy enough to open it up. Maybe when I christen my sailboat, as soon as I find her. I really look forward to the day that I land a bottle of Stagg. I would love to see what puts it above that wonderful William Larue Weller. Cheers!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have picked WLW in a blind over GTS once. They are both very good.

[@angelamccoll7014]

Could you please include a link for your merch store? I just got back from a visit to Kentucky and I’m just starting to get into Bourbon (about a year or two now). I think that aroma kit would be a great Christmas present! Thanks and I loved your review and include your wife more. 😀

[@BourbonRealTalk]

www.bourbonrealtalk.com/shop/ Thanks for watching!

[@nickp5511]

Just watched again and that’s a great top 5! I walked into a great deal today. I picked up 9 Stagg 23b for 42.00 each and 10 Weller 12 yr for 69.00 each! Traded some for a Magnus cigar blend, Doc Swinson, and a Weller Antique 107 and I have a guy that might trade a few bottles for a GT Stagg but I’m not holding my breath:) Cheers!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Sounds like a good find. Congrats!

[@tribeverage7268]

Dude, your wife is a complete SMOKESHOW!!! Nicely done Sir!!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you! I made her read this today. She is recording with me tomorrow and has been complaining about not wanting to be on camera. I used this to prove to her that viewers think she looks as good as I do.

[@Yulfi]

Man, I love you guys together-you have such great chemistry, and your wife has such a great pesonality. She reminds me of one of my dear friends. Thanks for the solid list and detailed descriptions. I'm new to the Whiskey game, but I know enough to know that bourbon is my whiskey of choice, for now. My wife got me a set of whiskey glasses for my birthday recently, so I want to buy a really nice bottle of bourbon. Maybe I can get my hands on one of the bottles on your list.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you liked the video. I will warn you that everything on this list is very hard to find, and usually can only be found on the black market.

[@Yulfi]

@@BourbonRealTalk Thanks for the heads up. I'll ask a few of my connects out here in MA and NH to see what I come up with. I'll let you know what I find!

[@Yulfi]

@@BourbonRealTalk I wasn’t able to get my hands on Blanton’s straight from the barrel, so I got a bottle of the single barrel version instead.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@Yulfi That is awesome. Solid whiskey. I often get a hint of peach and pineapple on it. I think a lot of hard core whiskey nerds turn their nose up at it because it is 93 proof. The higher proof versions are great, but I still like the 93 proof SiB

[@Yulfi]

@@BourbonRealTalk my nose isn’t as sophisticated as yours is, but I get honey and brown sugar. I saw this bottle going for $300 online, but I was able to get my hands on it for $90 at a local spot owned by one of my high school buddies; I’m wondering if I got a good deal on it. I also tried Yamato Cask Strength whisky, which tasted “lighter” to me than the Blanton’s.

[@rthilson]

I won the four roses lottery this past year and my bottle is autographed

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I had the chance to interview Brent Elliot and even got a signed bottle for my collection. Awesome guy and a great distillery!

[@salth2o3234]

GTS is my absolute unicorn. I passed on it just under $1000 on secondary. One day, I'll find one.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

MSRP is $119. They are hovering around $650 on secondary last time I checked. They should not be $1,000 yet. Cheers!

[@biguy525]

Out of your five, I had a pour of George T Stagg 2020 in a resturant and I really liked it a lot. The other four are unicorns that I probably won't have the opportunity to buy a shot. And I have a question and that is you said in the last video with your wife that you would have the smaller glasses available. I don't see any on your web site. Do you have an ETA of them.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

We were informed that they were in the port in LA and they would be here in 7-10 days. That was 2 weeks ago. Could be any day now.

[@MegaJohnconrad]

What a great video! Love your channel and what a great line up. Your wife adds a layer of complexity. She seems beautiful both inside and out. Well done! Truly a beautiful woman. And you, sir, are a beautiful gentleman. Great content!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks so much! I made Lindsey read this!

[@pamelaponder5952]

I agree with your wife! ANGELS ENVY RYE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

It is tasty!

[@lindseysullivan5436]

We Rye girls need to stick together!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@snoopstp4189 BH is a high rye bourbon. Are you pitting it agains AE Rye?

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@snoopstp4189 Makes sense. I know a LOT of people who love dark rye!

[@devouring2772]

How good is it I bought 3 bottles

[@michaelnewell6385]

I’m with you on Elijah Craig. I have a bottle now and it’s very disappointing. Not big on Four Roses either, but love everything Buffalo Trace does.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Everyone's palate is different. BT and 4R are two of my favorite distilleries.

[@dkfromthebay]

Would love to see a video from you with your top N but only 1 selection per distillery. I love me some buffalo trace too, but would love to see what other whiskeys are out there that you highly regard besides 4R LE.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

HH is probably PHC11 and annual release OFBB. Wild Turkey would probably be RR2003. MGP would be Remus Volstead Act. AE would be Ice Cider Cask. Rabbit Hole would be Mizunara finish. Michters 20 year. Jim Beam KC15 year. Hope that helps.

[@BackLooking]

Here in Europe we have a lot of Scotch and Irish but when it comes to bourbon we have mostly only the basic stuff. I have E.H.Taylor Small Batch which is great, We used to have some Pappy, Weller or even George T. Stagg - my favorite online store still has the pictures of the sold out items which is a torture to go through all the time LOL So the best bourbon I´ve ever tasted were: Baker´s, Weller Antique 107, Four Roses Single Barrel and that E.H. Taylor SB that I´m drinking right now.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Wow! So glad to have a European viewer! Baker's is the unsung hero of the Jim Beam brands IMO. Hopefully with all the capacity increases you will have access to more items in the next few years. Cheers!

[@BackLooking]

@@BourbonRealTalk I´m looking forward to see some more bourbon here. In the meantime I´m enjoying what is at hand. Bourbon is a great whiskey.

[@noddyninetythree4771]

fantastic list.... just missing the best, Old Weller. :-)

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Which one would you have knocked out with OWA?

[@noddyninetythree4771]

@@BourbonRealTalk honestly? As great as your list is, and man is it great, I'd sacrifice any one of them (i have not had that particular Blantons). I first met 107 in 1987 and she's been my favorite ever since. Sadly I can't find it in Waco for under 200. It is worth that price to me but I refuse to support someone willing to charge that much for it.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@noddyninetythree4771 It was my daily until it disappeared.

[@noddyninetythree4771]

@@BourbonRealTalk i knew there was a reason why i like you

[@rolfegatchell9204]

Just won a raffle & bought the GT Stagg ! 2020

[@BourbonRealTalk]

It is a good one.

[@tuffy222]

Really enjoy your program im not an expert or anything like that just like to drink bourbon !

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you are enjoying it! No need to be an expert to love some good whiskey. Cheers!

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

Unfortunately, the $40-$100 dollars a week that I spend at the liquor store is never going to get me on their list of preferred customers, and I won't shop at stores that mark up allocated bottles real high, so I never even have an opportunity to buy any of this stuff. I used to catch the E. H. Taylor BP on the shelf every now and then, but it's been a couple years. Oh well, plenty of great stuff available on the shelf. Drinking some Rowan's Creek that I picked up today right now,.. always a solid favorite of mine, not the best whiskey of all time but pretty good for $40. Super spicy,....smells like Big Red gum,... YUM!!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I am with you. I don't drink those pours unless I am hanging with whiskey people. I am happy drinking EC SmB, WT 101, 4R SmB, etc. They are almost as good, affordable, and easy to replace when you run out. Cheers!

[@johncashion8428]

Liked and agreed

[@Laxexp]

Wow I have no words to .. Very 👍 😁

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you so much 😀

[@coryhimmelspach1101]

2020 has become my favorite gts from recent years. Along with 2014. But i havent tried one i didn't like. Even 2019 has its place

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have only owned 2017 and on. I have tried a few older vintages and enjoyed them all. I couldn't agree more. 2019 was even great although I agree that at the lower proof it didn't "feel" as much like GTS as other years. 2017 is my favorite. I know a lot of people love 2007. I was at a bottle share with my 2017 were a guy had a 2007. I blinded him and he picked the 2017...he was pretty pissed at me about it.

[@timothymagee6643]

nice presentation. I am drinking bourbon as I view. One question I have is why there isn't more discussion on the oak barrels. We have oak that is world class. There must be some science as to which and in which are oak has been the better performers ??????

[@BourbonRealTalk]

www.singleoakproject.com This is the only public research project I am aware of. Since big distilleries are making 1200-2400 barrels of whiskey per day, it is unlikely that we will ever see any mass produced whiskey where the trees used for the barrels is some special variant. This sounds like a good discussion for the community at large. I would like to personally invite you to our free member group. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity

[@cristinosanchez]

top 5 for me: '20 GTS, Blanton's SFTB, '20 woodford reserve batch proof, four roses barrel strength, '19 maker's rc6

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Nice! I have a full but open bottle of RC6.

[@rthilson]

I have a ‘20 GTS haven’t found the opportunity to open yet I passed on the woodford batch proof I am disappointed I did this 😩

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@rthilson When it comes to bourbon I err on the side of caution and buy :-)

[@tdmills1766]

Loved Lindsey’s reaction when you said you didn’t like the EC18 she got you for Xmas. Hilarious! My wife’s given me that look before too. 😂

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Someone made a meme of it and posted it in Someone Say Whiskey. It was hilarious.

[@Juniperlaneestatesales]

Thank you for the knowledge! Do you happen to know of any local coopers to make barrels? Local to Houston/Beaumont area.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Not that I know of. Almost every distillery that I know of gets their barrels shipped from ISC, Kelvin, or the new one in the Carolinas.

[@jefft6038]

I have a blantons SFTB from the Netherlands lol which I can say is the best bourbon ive ever had...My bottle comes in at 131.9 and blew me away. The richness was unapparelled. I will say, one not on this list, Thomas Handy 2020. Mother of god, that was a great bottle, obviously a rye but damn.....I did have a few weller full proof store picks that have been INSANE and was lucky enough to taste the Eagle Rare 17 2021 which was fantastic. and also a few Eagle Rare store picks that have been unbelievable although doesnt have the proof of these bad boys.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

THH is my 3rd favorite whiskey, but not a bourbon so I could not put it on this list. I have had ER17 several times and liked it, but it is a little too over oaked for my palate. Sounds like you have tried some good products. Cheers!

[@TwitchingLima]

Which Weller are you referring to? I've sampled the 12, but I'm told the Antique 107 is better. So far Eagle Rare is my favorite followed by Buffalo Trace. That's a magical distillery, for sure. I want to tour!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

In this episode I was referring to William Larue Weller. It is a cask strength version of Weller, is part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, and only comes out once per year around Christmas.

[@gabrielgarroni2084]

Great list. I recently got to try several years of the full BTAC line and the 2014 GTS, WLW, and Sazerac blew my mind! I believe the final year of the “vatted” whiskey (possibly 2015).

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Sounds awesome. I have not even come close to trying all that. Cheers!

[@GopherM]

I know that this is 3 years old but I have tasted and enjoyed at least 4 or 5 bourbons that are heads and shoulders above Blantons.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Which Blanton's are you referring to?

[@GopherM]

@@BourbonRealTalk I have had several both here at the house and out dinning. They are good, but there are some that are so much better for a lot less money. I like it but not enough to collect all the jockeys.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@GopherM That is not what a meant. Which version of Blanton's? There are a lot of different versions of blanton's, so if you are going to tell someone their favorite whiskey list is incorrect based on your personal experience in tasting whiskey, it is important that you include which version of blanton's you are referring to.

[@GopherM]

@@BourbonRealTalk The label lists it as The Original Single Barrel Bourbon, stored in warehouse H, dumped on 5-22-23, barrel # 667, rick #51, and bottled at 93 proof. And the stopper has the letter "A" stamped at the base. I'm not indicating that it is bad nor were any of the other bottles that I have had drinks from. I just prefer most of the Penelope line, Fiddler, Eagle Rare, and even the Four Roses Single Barrel a little better. It's all good and it is all a matter of taste. I never said your list was incorrect but just subjectively speaking, I have others that I favor a bit more.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@GopherM I was concerned this might be what was happening. The three main versions of Blanton's are Blanton's Single Barrel (mostly US and 93 proof), Blanton's Gold (at the time of this filming 100% international with 0% US at 103 proof), and Blanton's Straight From The Barrel (at the time of this filming 100% international with 0% US at barrel proof). This video was about the barrel proof version, not the one you have tried. I just wanted to make sure that when you publicly declared that my assessment of the best bourbons didn't line up with your personal whiskey experience, that we were comparing apples with apples, and we were not.

[@tomwilmes5096]

Love Your wife she needs to do it all the time! Do another100 with her!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

After the whiskey wall episode, someone in the comments made fun of her for swaying on camera. I have not been able to get her back on since, but last week we filmed an episode that will be coming out soon.

[@clydekimsey7503]

@@BourbonRealTalk tell her to not let one crabby Appleton get her down 😇

[@redgasman7569]

Love her face after taking a swig of the GT Stagg while he is talking!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

She is a trooper! Thank you for watching!

[@redgasman7569]

@@BourbonRealTalk I’ve seen that look many times with my wife! :)

[@roxxen]

I need a GTS- I’m kinda shocked bc we have similar all time favorites.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Not too shocking. Those are on a lot of people's top lists. Cheers!

[@WoodrowWoods2007]

I would be interested to hear why they chose the name "Buffalo Trace" for the distillery. What's the meaning? Secondly, I'm just starting my bourbon journey but I think it is very interesting to hear about the history of the big-name players that helped build the industry, going all the way back to Elijah Craig, Colonel Taylor and his Bottled-in-Bond push, Elmer T Lee, George Stagg.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

The company says the name "Buffalo Trace" refers to an ancient buffalo crossing on the banks of the Kentucky River in Franklin County, Kentucky. You will like this episoode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joaXm6yFgcisb6s

[@Tanya10312000]

Talk to the fans Linsey! You are family now! Also, where may I find the top you are wearing!?! 🔥

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Lindsey doesn't read comments on the youtube channel. You should pm her.

[@newmennium]

MVP goes to Lizzy Sullivan for maintaining eye contact and seeming interested while you're talking about bourbon.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

She is a saint for indulging me.

[@andreygeorgiesh4153]

Great review! Beauty wife! Respect, and from Russia with love.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you very much, and Lindsey appreciates it too!

[@handyvan3422]

i love it

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cancelchannel3394]

The $20 bottle of Four Roses bourbon has all 10 recipes in it, so how does the expensive small batch limited edition differ 🤔, I like the small batch over the small batch select, but that's just me, both are great 😋

[@BourbonRealTalk]

The SmB is 4/10 blended. The SmB Select is 6/10 blended, and slightly higher proof. I agree that the price jump isn't worth it, and prefer to drink the SmB when I am buying.

[@devouring2772]

Just bought a bunch of angel envy rye 😆

[@BourbonRealTalk]

We are currently in possession of 2 unopened and 3 opened 😂

[@bk1bennett]

I like your channel and agree: Bourbon brings people together. You married well. Not as well as I did, but you married well :)

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you for supporting the channel.

[@cancelchannel3394]

Barrel proof whiskey is altered to 125proof, cask strength is the unaltered barrel strength 😋

[@BourbonRealTalk]

This is incorrect. You are confusing the terms "Full Proof" and "Barrel Proof". This will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6bOi3iEZseefa8

[@davidnadeau7308]

Is your aroma kit still available? Please tell me yes.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

We are about 45-60 days out. We are currently sold out.

[@anirbanroy4734]

I stay in Salem Oregon, where can I buy George t stagg.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Unfortunately there is no place in the world to go buy GTS for retail. It is in too high of demand. Best bet is to buy a pour at a high end restaurant. You could also check out my piece on how to find and buy allocated whiskey.

[@OGbrick420]

very cool video. just scored a lotto win of 2021 WLW for 100 bux! cheers

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Nice! My WLW is almost gone 😔

[@GreatCatch08]

Randy do yo have an updated LIST?

[@BourbonRealTalk]

It has not changed

[@1totheright]

5:07 i really like it too, babydoll.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Cheers!

[@cy156]

What was the proof on the eht! Its the only one I have!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

130.3

[@cy156]

@@BourbonRealTalk nice I have same one

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@cy156 It is really good!

[@josephwilliamommen4355]

Africans bourbon is number 2 overalll good list

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I don't know what this means, but I am glad you enjoyed the list.