Top Surprise and Disappointing Whiskeys of 2021!

[@watchingbourbon7512]

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel was the biggest surprise for me this year. Blown away with how good it was. Banana bread for dayssss

[@PowerofBourbon]

That Dickel 15 is a huge surprise. We used your recommendation at keeping it around 104 proof and it was our best of 2021 against 29 other bourbons blind. Thanks for the amazing recommendation.

[@abcarlson3293]

I had a store pick of the Dickle 15 around 90 or 92 proof and it was absolutely disgusting!

[@PowerofBourbon]

@@abcarlson3293 yea we heard over 100 proof is the way to go. Have not been brave enough to try under 100 proof yet.

[@petersnyder3295]

I'm a novice, just getting into bourbon. Glad to see you highlight Driftless Glen. I'm close to Baraboo and appreciate having DG readily available.

[@Funky_Frankie_1]

I can't tell you how many times I see Blue Run and roll my eyes over to anything else... And YES! Booker's had some hitters this year. Hope you get a chance to try the Highland Park cask strength release 2!

[@adamletschin7759]

I just bought their High Rye bourbon for $90 and really enjoyed it.

[@nastasifitness]

Great and very informative video! Totally agree on the Redbreast small batch. Ended up blending it (50:50) with regular (non CS) 12 year. Big improvement!

[@jeanneanr]

Good video. My biggest surprise this year was Still Austin Cask Strength. I haven't had a Texas whiskey I actually liked enough to go buy another bottle (or in some cases, finish) but went back and bought a couple more. Luckily, it will be available year-round now. The biggest disappointment was the new Hirsh 6 year. I'm not a Willett fan, so shouldn't have been surprised. Luckily it found a new home with someone who liked it.

[@nicksinderson3302]

A unbelievable amount of whiskey info in18 minutes. Your videos are always packed with information but this one is tops! No skips, no ahems, no stops, just full steam ahead! The only problem with this video is l won't see many of these whiskeys in my neck of the woods. Great work.

[@sundayeveningscotch4978]

Great video. I need to keep an eye out for some of these surprises. Also always love when you're keeping honest and telling folks your true opinion. "You can keep the net" had me rolling. Well done brother.

[@TheGschwartz86]

Yes blue spot 💙 was amazing and was happy I got a backup....destroys bottles that are 3x the price on 2ndary. Also couldn't agree more with the blue run palate! Too delicate! Couldn't have put it better myself. For that price I want something to remember. Great work as always brother. 👏

[@JBbenanti]

Couldn’t agree more on the Blue Spot. It’s ridiculous and I’m kicking myself for only grabbing one. I’ve been milking the last pour or two for months lol. The hazelnut note I get makes it one of the best whiskeys I’ve had. Also, Booker’s 2021-03 is top 3 for me this year. Only one you’re forgetting is Maker’s Mark 46 Cask Strength. Biggest surprise of the year for me, and for its price, it firmly lands in my yearly top 3 with the others mentioned.

[@tragic504]

I have a 10 yr blue note barrel proof 124.6 my best bourbon I bought in 2020 I put ahead of ECB520. If I drink both on the same day I’m usually disappointed in the B520.

[@dedhippi]

I generally don't stray from my tried and true staples... however I started exploring some others with the insight and inspiration from videos like this. although price is a factor, I've found that it never equals quality... needless to say your videos are spot on. any burboun lover can learn something from you. also, anyone new to the burboun experience can't go wrong heeding your advice... thanks for sharing.

[@richl4030]

Great video - I love the concept, thanks! My two biggest pleasant surprises this year were the Nassif Family Reserve (the ADHD Barrel Pick was amazing, but Batch 3 is also good) and the Frey Ranch Barrel Proof Bourbon (mine was a Bitters & Bottles store pick - and Colby Frey is a great guy - met him at WhiskeyFest SF and was so impressed).

[@matthewlabbe8395]

Haven’t had their cask strength yet but still Austin’s standard, the Musician, is really great. I started working at the brand new total wine in Baton Rouge and they actually had a rep come and do a special tasting for us a few weeks before our grand opening. Their gin is alright if you like gin (unlike me because all gin just tastes like soap to me lol)

[@WhiskeyFancies]

We love exploring craft distilleries. Took your recommendation on Middle West Spirits Pumpernickel Rye and it did not disappoint. Cheers!

[@michaeldow5150]

I agree on the Dickey 15 I know it is good because I don’t want to finish the bottle. Blue Note unfiltered Juke Joint a great surprise as well. Coopers Craft 100 proof best bang for buck. Disappointing Smoke Wagon straight bourbon and Hight West double rye.

[@thomasbuck303]

The barrel picks coming out of Wilderness Trail have been a pleasant surprise for me.

[@tragic504]

I agree one of my best bourbons from last year was a cask strength store pick.

[@jeffcampbell9823]

Dangit ... I haven't opened my Redbreast small batch. Was hoping it was going to be even better than the 12 year cask strength that I love. Bummer. Thanks for all of your honesty.

[@NorthWestBourbon]

Thanks to awesome whiskeytubers like yourself I saved my money by not getting the disco 5, and I picked up the disco 6. I absolutely agree the new 1783 is one of the best values in whiskey right now, and your Driftless Glen pick is delicious!! Your review of Blue Run was hilarious, and 100% on point. Way overpriced. Great video, cheers 🍻

[@BourbonondaBayou]

I had a 104proof, Dickle 15yr. At first I liked it but as I drank about 1/2 and forgot about it. Had a pour last weekend at it was undrinkable. Air did not do it good. Gave it away to a co-worker.

[@jasono.1629]

Double oaked ryes were my biggest surprise: James Pepper Finest Kentucky Oak Cask Strength Rye and Sagmore Spirit Double Oaked Rye were both dang tasty. Biggest disappointment was a rye from a micro distillery in CO called Locke+Co Aspen Aged Rye Whiskey, for all the reasons you can imagine a too-young whiskey coming from a micro distillery in a state without a hot n’ humid season would have.

[@Starf1yer]

Thank you for doing the segment on craft distilleries! Between navigating the massive influx of new bourbons and not knowing where to put your money, I appreciate some guidance. I love my core Kentucky bourbons, so it can be a little difficult to branch out. This helps.

[@kinoc6901]

This year surprise for me we’re Coopers Craft (100 proof), Seagrass, Rebel Yell 10yr, Blue Note, Garrison Bro Balmorhea, Larceny BP, and Remus V. There are a lot more juices that I liked but the fact that they are allocated, their price and availability they shouldn’t be a surprise… these can disappoint but they shouldn’t surprise!

[@williamparker8318]

Was only able to get the Dickle 15 year in 94 proof here in Cali and we liked it. Can't wait to find a higher proof.

[@williamedwards8658]

I really liked the Dickel 15 I had also Blue Note single barrels are pretty good

[@Funky_Frankie_1]

(some) surprises: Highland Park Cask Strength #2 (Jesus Marimba) Sagamore Double Oak and 8 Year Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Penelope Toasted Barrel Davies County Double Barrel Remus Repeal

[@steveno7058]

My surprises: Dickel 15, Remus V, Barrel Seagrass.

[@rolfegatchell9204]

I bought the Red Breast 12yr. Cask strength this year. Very nice

[@tylerdavis6659]

First time I tried the Dickel 15 I loved it. Then I heard discussion of the mineral note and I can’t taste anything else and it killed the bottle for me. I love all the different palates. Keeps whiskey interesting.

[@waydegardner7373]

Another great presentation. I have a really hard time paying more than (about) $75 for a bottle of spirits as so much is personal taste. To date, the EH Taylor small batch has been my biggest surprise. (Picked up 2 at BT store) My biggest disappointment has been Bushmills 16. Not so much for taste (it’s very good) but the fact it’s gone from $55 retail to over $110. Ridiculous. I’m going to have to give Dickle a chance. How about a presentation that focuses on 1 clear winner and 1 honorable mention for under $25 and $10 increments to $65. That is probably many folks wheel house on price and availability.

[@michaeljones1741]

Top disappointment: Cedar Ridge everything. Top surprise: Wild Turkey 101, had never had it - so damn good!

[@johnmorgan233]

I don't think the Bardstown are supposed to vary by bottle, but I compared the Discovery series #5 to #6 and me and my son both preferred it by a lot. Now we may have primitive palates, liking the cherry bombs over the astringent and spicy. We noted the series 6 was more spicy appearing to have a stronger rye influence. I liked the discovery series #5 so much, I compared it to #3 at a bar and think it stands well, although #3 was slightly better imho. Appreciate all the work you do.

[@BoTillman46480]

Those are all different batches completely. They are definitely supposed to vary between series numbers.

[@johnmorgan233]

@@BoTillman46480 I know. I read the recipe on the sides of the bottles. I was contrasting my tasting and finding series #5 outstanding with the disappointment of Jason's earlier video where he compared series 4 and 5.

[@rozsmith6850]

I wish I could get Larceny in NJ. Haven’t seen it since I visited Texas.

[@joeraff3626]

My biggest surprise was all the Penelope! I'm glad you didn't mention them. For now I can still find it!

[@dunny2124]

Bought about 60+ bottles this year, My biggest surprise Jason was the most inexpensive bottle 🤷‍♂️, your Coopers Kraft 💯, wow 🤩, not in Michigan, got it IN. i know you luv it, now i know why, Lagavulin 11 was my fav new scotch, bought on same store haul

[@themerryrabbit5040]

For me, Most surprising: Blue Note 17 Most disappointing: Doc Swinson 15 & MM FAE-01

[@alexbehm3105]

This guy is all about those age statements. I do agree with the comments about Blue Run. I listened to an interview with them and they never talked about the whiskey, just the bottle shape and marketing tactics.

[@justinjenkins598]

Biggest surprises: Nashville Barrel company Boone county wheated bourbon Biggest disappointments: Peerless double oak Penelope toasted

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks for your list. Peerless Double Oak was a polarizing one.

[@Bgimpel7]

very new to the world of bourbon. have tried several different distillers and proof points and starting to get an understand of what i like. right now my "collection" is Russell's Reserve Single Barrell, Woodford Reserve Double Oak, Knob Creek 9 Year, Michter's Small Batch, and Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Any comments/advice/suggestions?

[@mattmartin6442]

I purchased Dickel 15, 101.2 Proof back in June, have not opened yet because the bottle number is #1, was wondering if that holds any greater value? Thanks for you input!

[@BlackBourbonFamily]

Great list. Couldn't agree with you more on some of those disappointments and surprises. Cheers!!

[@LeatherDaddy97]

Blue run can suggit. Their website is the most self fellating thing ive seen in a while. Always love seeing driftless glen getting love (even though as a minnesota man i have to say that wisconsin can suggit as well). Hopefully some of these craft distilleries get their stuff here in the future. Of the ones on the table only driftless and cedar ridge are here. Blue spot is amazing. Cheers jason, love you man and lets hope for a great 2022.

[@josephhensley6313]

New Riff single barrel was a nice surprise for me. A great whiskey especially for the age.

[@colewolfson5961]

Biggest surprise for me was another craft from your area: Belle of Dayton Detrick Rye. Have the Batch 2 and holy hell that stuff is good.

[@jennifermiller4]

Which Driftless Glen bourbon/rye is recommended? Thanks!

[@oconnorj518]

I HIGHLY agree that the Blue Spot is one of the best whiskeys. I was able to snag a bottle and enjoy some of it with my family. After that it has become my pride and joy. It was so good I am almost reluctant to open that bottle again until I can find another one.

[@wdhare]

The Blue Spot irish whiskey is crazy good!

[@fredgarvin9791]

Wish I could find one for a somewhat "reasonable" price

[@facepalmz516s5]

Biggest surprise was the old forester barrel strength rye I loved my bottle and couldn't believe how good it was

[@TheMashandDrum]

Agree on how good it was. I was expecting it to be good but they were pretty stellar.

[@richardhouse8364]

Great Video! Big Disappointment was Heavens Door Redbreast cask finish. The marketing got me on this and I like Redbreast a lot so had high hopes for it. Sadly, those $$ would have bought a much better bottle of Redbreast 12 (or of course 12 cask strength!)

[@paulrobidoux6707]

Outstanding rundown of 2021 whiskeys. You always do a great job of summarizing flavor offerings and value, so thanks and keep the reviews coming. My value find this year was Elijah Craig Small Batch and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

I thought Makers FAE 01 and 02 were excellent surprises this year. I prefer the 01 but both are great.

[@craigbenfield3047]

This is really great. I'm love how you were all over shelf. Evans Williams 1783 is my wife's mixer and my occasionally neat pour. I love how you included small distilleries and sourced labels. Plus you put scotch and Irish in there. Thanks to you and a few other Whiskeytubers I'm also a peat head and Irish drinker. Thanks and keep tubeing

[@joylessdancer4554]

The rb 12 cs never went away.... Also play with the rb and water.

[@coreyclark6505]

When Blue Spot dropped, I saw it in every other store that week and thought, I gotta hear reviews before I put down over a hundred bones… Saw some reviews, went back, all gone. None to find since. I’ve been kicking my own ass ever since.

[@Systemaman]

🤣

[@umami0247]

Have always liked George Dickel was in the service way back over 40 years ago with a guy that his father worked there and he let me in on some of the different things they do compared to Jack Daniels. The higher ABV is my favorite always in both bourbon and scotch whisky.

[@antoniodiaz2857]

No Bullrun or Westward whiskey from portland on your craft whiskey?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Haven't had enough of the bill run stuff yet and haven't had any westward. Not available by me.

[@JL-qm8ep]

I got one blue run 14 at 399 late last year. Originally I am looking for alternative for parker's heritage 11 year bourbon with this blue run 14 as parker's bourbon surges to 499. After viewing your expressions for blue run I am considering to keep that for someone who really wants to pay for that. Finally I grabbed one bottle of parker's heritage 11 year bourbon at 499. Can Jason compare these two? Cheers 🥂

[@markalbert7756]

Booker's 03 is exceptional ...maybe best of year

[@morningstarx5340]

How can that Blue Note Crossroads be considered straight bourbon finished in French oak?

[@mattmartin7303]

Greta video Jason! This week I tried Pursuit United and Smoke Wagon Small Batch and both are excellent! I totally agree with the new Dickel products. Here’s to 2022 Cheers!

[@paytonwoodruff3621]

I found a makers “carmel corn” and it was quite amazing. Idk how makers was my favorite of the year but it did it for me.

[@TheGschwartz86]

Ps what do you think of that foursquare Detente in the background? Trying to decide if I should crack mine.

[@RIVERPLATE3A1CARP]

Love the content brother, your videos are always a good time! I’m a newbie to the bourbon “serious” world. Would you give us tips on getting bottles that are not always on the shelves? (Not unicorns of course 😅)

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Super video. Great suggestions. So many choices so little time

[@darkness03]

Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your commentary and suggestions. Wish I could find half the stuff you review. My biggest disappointment of 2021 is the lack of dissemination of allocated Bourbons to my area in South Dakota. Hoping for a better year in 2022. Cheers!

[@BourbonandaBaby]

Those Columbus distilleries you mentioned have been killing it lately!!! Great video Jason, cheers!!!

[@dalekelly7314]

Tried Dickel for the first time this year and went through 3 of the 13 year BIBs. Huge surprise to me based on so many negative comments towards it. I honestly love it. Just grabbed a 100.8 proof 15 year for $52 in NJ today. Just cracked it open and I’m massively impressed! The quality of this for the price is just outstanding.

[@TheMrChaddles]

I have one of the 15yr SiB but haven’t tried the BiB yet. My SiB is ~96 proof but id like it to be 100+… are the 15yr SiB and the BIB similar?

[@lisettef7947]

Great video! Thank you. Adding Larceny and Dickel to my list.

[@saucyshane8687]

Outstanding video Jason! Dickel got some love and Leipers Fork Distillery too! Love that BIB bourbon! Cheers bud and keep up the good work 🥃

[@jeromekeehn1128]

I have the Dickel 15 and will open it when my 15 year old turns 21.

[@davidbayse5320]

Great video and agree on LCBP B521. So glad they finally hit the mark and like said c batch sounds promising. Blue spot is one I for sure have been looking for.🥃

[@brucebelitz3451]

We have been pushing the 15 year Dickle, we are quite happy with it taste and price wise! One of the best from them for sure!

[@ttcheeser]

Biggest surprise was Writer’s Tears Double Oak. Light and Delicious,Pear and bubblegum with huge marzipan finish.

[@jlb9074]

Minnick rated the Little Book as the #3 whisky of the year. Fascinating to see how different peoples palates are.

[@kinoc6901]

I saw that too! I think Jason pallet is similar to mine bc I didn’t like Little Book 5… but that’s the beauty of bourbon what I don’t like you might like and we can kill the bottle together ending with the same opinion!l we started. Lol

[@matthewjoyce1059]

I thought it was funny that Jason called out really liking the 2nd and 3rd release from Bookers this year as I found both a little disappointing, but I was really impressed Donohoe's and Noe Strangers. Guess it would be boring if we all had the same preferences. I'm definitely regretting not grabbing Little Book 5 when I saw it.

[@ronaldbrooks5145]

I think Minnick might be motivated by things other than his palate 🤷‍♂️

[@jlb9074]

@@ronaldbrooks5145 could be - I have certain reviewers that I seem to share their tastes, and it’s pretty high probability that if they like it, I’ll probably like it (Matt being one of those). But with Fred, it’s just all over the map - I can’t really trust that I will like something that he likes.

[@ronaldbrooks5145]

@@jlb9074 go check out his vid with the Mannings on Sweetens Cove 😲

[@jeffreyking279]

Best Surprises: Barrel Seagrass Rye, Jack Daniel's Coy Hill, George Dickel 15yr Single Barrel, and Driftless Glen Bourbon. Biggest Disappointments were: Red Breast Cask Strength Small Batch (not even close to 12yrs cask strength) and there was no George T. Stagg release. this year,

[@jasond.8526]

I spy a Foursquare on the table. Bravo! Love it. Shhh just don't tell anyone about it. 🤣🤣

[@javirios9234]

That Blue Spot is a just wonderful! Could be my favorite Irish ever keeping in mind I haven't tried the high end Midleton or Red Red Breast. Great video as always Jason! Cheers!🤙

[@mikedemorris2634]

Midleton Very Rare 2017 is still the best Irish Whiskey I’ve had to date, and one of my favorite whiskies overall. Delicious.

[@javirios9234]

@@mikedemorris2634 yeah that's what I hear and I'm hoping to get my hands on one this year. 🤞

[@69CamaroSS]

Red Breast 12 Cask Strength is LIQUID HEAVEN!!! 🥃🤤

[@javirios9234]

@@69CamaroSS yes it is but I'll give the Blue Spot the edge right now.😊

[@kinoc6901]

I’m with you with Blue Run prices vs quality. The high rye bourbon is not a $100 bourbon is not even at the same level as Cooper’s Craft (100 proof). The Golden Rye is a good rye but not a $100 rye either now at $65-70 is a buy for me but higher than that I’m not biting again. The Blue Spot is excellent!

[@BourbonondaBayou]

My buddy bougth a BR rye for $100. Said it was not a $100 rye. I got a bottle of their bourbon for $70 or $80 i still have not opened yet. Got a feeling i’ll feel played

[@Watchman999]

Great reviews Jason. The closest I can get to Blue Spot is Yellow Spot. Have you compared the two?

[@jakeamckee]

Makers FAE02 was my biggest surprise and my favorite for 2021. Best Rye was Rare Breed Rye. Biggest disappointment was Jim Beam Single Barrel, JB Black is better and cheaper.

[@lorenwegele4250]

👍👍👍👍👍 on the review! You have become my most favorite WhiskeyTuber! Wait? Isn't a whiskeytuber a potato that tastes like whiskey? 😃 Liquid smoke and tobacco bitters? Sounds delicious!

[@marcusmanchester1995]

I have Watershed's Nochino finished bourbon and I'm looking forward to trying it. I had Covid when we first got the bottle, so it burned pretty hard when we first tried it.

[@KvndS29]

Your right about the Blue Run for sure I only bought the high rye 111 it's OK. I don't claim to have the most sofisticated palet but I have many other bourbons in the 40 to 60 dollar range that I think are much better.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Nailed it.

[@35057]

Duuuuude. That little book box is gorgeous…. 🥺🥺

[@bradhester9923]

My best surprise was the Leiper’s Fork. Delicious. Like liquid S’more.

[@suekichi2846]

Happy New Year! I thought the Chattanooga BIB offerings were really good and reasonably priced.

[@mikedrake4976]

Awesome video, Blue spot and Red spot are a must have, both worth the money for sure.

[@remander3873]

Spirits of French Lick are legit. Their Lee W. Sinclair BiB got me into 4 grains, and I've yet to find another 4 grain that I like better. I'm hoping for another BiB release, though I may have to settle for their standard release as my BiB is almost empty! I also agree with Driftless Glen. Came out of nowhere and was a pleasant surprise. I thought it was a gimmicky bottle, but the juice was the real deal.

[@pickleeater3102]

I bought 4 bottles of Sinclair store picks in my area. Really good stuff. If you like Sinclair, try Chattanooga Whiskey 111 cask strength; excellent whiskey.

[@remander3873]

@@pickleeater3102 Love Chattanooga 111! I might just have a pour of that tonight!

[@ethanm268]

Excellent video as always. What do you think about reviewing that Foursquare Detente sometime?

[@TheMashandDrum]

Will do!

[@dylanemeraldgrey]

You're still my favorite reviewer. I won't hold it against you that you're a Rush fanboy - but only because you're a drummer... Neil was amazing... As for disappointments and surprises: It's kind of boring, but, because I don't spend a lot of money on whiskey my choices are limited. I had been loving Rare Breed for the money, but I had a few bottles in a row that were too hot and lacking that depth of flavor I was used to. I switched to Russell's and... problem solved - though TBH, it's still pretty hot, but the flavor is there. Can you (or anyone) recommend a step up from Russell's that it's a little less hot and provides more flavor? Oh yeah, KZbin unsubscribed me from your channel, so people might want to double check. Keep up the good work Jason. Happy new year. May it be a better one for us all. - peace

[@teddyballgame25]

Disappointing was Dingle Batch 5 - IMO they went for a yellow spot flavor profile and failed. Surprise was OF 1920…only bc I bought it before I started watching videos and bought it bc I built a speakeasy and it made sense as a display bottle/brand w a good story.

[@ronaldbrooks5145]

Biggest disappointment = Calumet 14, about $120 and undrinkable. Pleasant surprise= Jefferson's Grand Selection Sauterne finished. I'm a big fan of finished whiskey in general, found one of these in a store in Minneapolis and it was the best bottle I had this year

[@protoclown2k]

I was excited about Watershed. I tried their regular bourbon and was completely turned off by it. It was young, lots of acetone and not enjoyable.

[@fredericoharg5042]

Winner - OF Statesman Loser - Forty Creek Barrel Select undrinkable with hints of acetones, may try re-aging in chips or just toss it.

[@tscherer7542]

Biggest ‘21 surprise- how much bang/$ the store picks of KC single barrel still provide, and that the sweet nuttiness has grown on me. (Still scared by the dickel SAOS 13yr, but might try a store pick 15yr SiB in ‘22) Biggest disappointment- prices still going up on everything, and the ever increasing double oaked /toasted barrel trend. I dont want to drink alcoholic s’mores (maybe in the minority here).

[@TheMashandDrum]

Couldn't agree more about the toasted trend. Over it.

[@williamgullett5911]

Is the Knob Creek 15 worth $90?

[@jasonbradley7713]

Completely agree with both the disappointing Little Book Chapter 5 (especially after the roller coaster of taste from the Chapter 4). And really nice improvements to the 1783.

[@douglasmartin7232]

Love that Falcons hat!!! Go Dirty Birds

[@marcougarte3395]

The Little Book Chapter 5 to my is fire! Glad I purchased

[@smoke_and_firewater]

I agree that Blue Run is expensive and the value (however you define it) is not great right now. However, as someone in marketing and a fan of psychology I am fascinated by their approach. They are tapping into little things that trigger many bourbon buyers, none of which have anything to do with the juice in the bottle -- exclusivity, beautiful design/packaging, FOMO, etc. You can blame them to a degree but you also have to blame our silly brains. There are a lot of people overspending on bottles to finish up verticals within their collection because it makes them feel good and has nothing to do with the whisky. Unpopular opinion but kudos to them for figuring out a way to breakthrough the cluttered world of bourbon and nailing it.