What Single Barrel Bourbons Should YOU Be Buying?

Single Barrel bourbon has been a very popular part of the market for a long time. Are there single barrel whiskeys that you can find that are better than elmer t. lee and blanton's? Let's find out!
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[@Meowmeow0506]

I do really like the 0-100 grade videos. They are my favorite format of these type of videos. Been a little since the last one, hope that you guys continue to do them

[@BourbonJunkies]

We most definitely will!

[@jeremiahhickman6119]

I 100% agree. These videos are awesome!

[@hammer3122]

Just bought a new Kentucky Spirit last week for $60. Blown away how good it is.

[@TheOnion12]

The CN-E ones are fantastic

[@Seoul_of_bourbon]

New riff is so underrated. Who else has cs SiB on the shelf like that.

[@waffleandchicken]

Well, Jack Daniel’s for one.

[@ryand7764]

@@waffleandchicken Really curious where a JD SBBP would have finished in this lineup vs. the proofed down one.

[@Noah6692]

How is it underrated? Literally every KZbinr raves about it…

[@njarvis1977]

Damn good stuff

[@JJ-nh8lv]

I've got the Single barrel and the Small Batch New Riff. Correction, not small batch, the Rye

[@Ian_Durr]

9. Bullett SB 8. Bakers SB 7. Four Roses SB 6. Henry McKenna SB 5. Jack Daniels SB select 4. Wild Turkey SB Kentucky Spirits 3. Elmer T Lee SB 2. 2XO Gem of Kentucky SB 1. New Riff SB

[@BiffStrongo]

I really enjoy this style of video. You guys pick these things apart and sometimes take a shot at what it is. Sometimes you're justified, sometimes you're surprised. Always entertaining.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

New riff do a good job. Tried elmer about a year ago and it was like the most "okay" whiskey ever. The definition of $35

[@LeatherDaddy97]

@@Rustomatic19 he tried to charge you double the price of the bottle for a single pour?

[@travisrobeson306]

The most surprising bottle I got last year was New Riff Silver Grove. So good!

[@mikemelichar9362]

Just bought a New Riff Single Barrel at my local Total Wine for $52.99 And damn it is good!!!

[@BryanSmith-it6tg]

Love Four Roses single barrel

[@ie8443]

I did, but my last bottle was disappointing.

[@boagrius7765]

Just picked up a SB barrel strength through a raffle. It's only 105 proof but it's a banger!

[@dustinzieg1950]

Great vid, you guys are the best, just bought new riff SB, super excited

[@markduffy3739]

New riff is hitting on all cylinders for me. Can't go wrong with that stuff. And the price is right

[@ryand7764]

Was just at New Riff a few weeks ago and their single barrels can be phenomenal. They can also be meh depending on your preferences. What's great is that they put the specific tasting notes on the bottle and they vary wildly. Not like some of the big producers where their single barrels all are relatively close to each other.

[@BourbonJunkies]

They only seem to do the tasting notes with barrel picks. The standard shelf bottles don't seem to have them.

[@ryand7764]

@BourbonJunkies my bad, didn't realize everything they had at the distillery were their own picks

[@johng5710]

I literally just picked up one of those New Riffs three days ago...the single barrel rye is fantastic too

[@ericbaldwin9424]

Glad to hear you say you want to do another New Riff pick, the last pick you did was awesome. Also the last Bulliet I got was butt checks as well, their distillate is no bueno. (Spelling)

[@onggia850]

Noooo...Bulleit Barrel Strength is one of my favorites! I haven't bought any in a year or so because I have so many others to go through. Sad to hear.

[@red5standingby419]

I have a store pick of Bulliet that is awesome that I picked up like a year ago or so. I have a feeling that maybe there is a good amount of variance in quality with their single barrels.

[@Lithanify]

Went out today and snagged a New Riff Barrel Proof, Sag Spirit 7 yr store pick, and had to pass on an Old Forester Single Barrel... heading to KY soon and if my wife saw $200 on bourbon right before we left; it might not go over well. Already regretting passing on the Old Fo, but the New Riff is definitely a nice consolation. May be up there with Rare Breed for a top tier $50 bottle, based on this first pour. Definitely its own thing... reminds me a touch of Rebel Cask Str without all the heat. Got that Sweet tea / offbrand soda kind of caramelly sweetness going on.

[@robschoenung9543]

Bourbon Kingdom just did this with similar bottles. McKenna surprised them in a good way. Benchmark SB came in 3rd. Jack SB Barrel Proof was #1.

[@darthsteve3145]

$60 bottle beat out the $200 Gem, glad I didn't waste my money. I would rather have a couple New Riff SiBs, which I do, lol.

[@tuckerjones1992]

You guys always make my day better. Thank you

[@stephenhumma4772]

Of the fun episode to watch and I actually learned something thank you

[@dirk419]

Love New Riff. Go to Indiana in the summer and they have barrel picks for $51. Always have one.

[@vincentmotley7216]

I toured new riff last week and bought a bottle. So looking forward to tasting this bottle now!!!

[@markusleghart7364]

New Riff sib was the 2nd bottle of whiskey I ever bought. Holds a special place in my ❤. Glad to see it getting love.

[@mseanm21]

So glad I picked up a New Riff SB yesterday! Haha

[@stevetech5150]

yep! just cracked a New Riff Single Barrel after watching this a couple weeks ago & all i can say is...for $55 bucks??? - Damn! you guys killed it for me on this. - thanks!!

[@deephillips6795]

I just got a bottle of new riff after watching this video! Soooo glad you got it last min and put it in the line up! Bar none the best bottle I’ve bought in the last few months! Soooooo goooooddddd!! A+

[@timbuma3693]

Always my favorite episodes when you do these types of blinds!

[@RingerDaClown]

I went through a single barrel New Riff in a week. I couldn't get enough. Need to go get another.

[@Let_me_adam]

The Kentucky spirit I have right now is amazing but it was stored in 3 different ware houses so I’m hoping the video will talk about that

[@fredknotts4031]

I just came home from my local liquor store with a bottle of the New Riff Single Barrel, opened YT, saw this video, watched it and am so proud of myself. The owner's son gave me a sample at the store and it hits so smooth the proof shocked me. I went in to by a 2XO American oak, walked out with both bottles. New Riff is doing amazing things. And I have a Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit on the shelf and the smells are perfect for what they said.

[@WadeinWhiskey]

I did a pick at new riff with Bourbon Chronicles in December and it’s amazing.

[@jeremyjames249]

Bought a store pick New Riff barrel proof in Knoxville on the way back to michigan last month. It’s my first NR, and so far I love it. Cheers

[@Will-et9dz]

where at?

[@jeremyjames249]

@@Will-et9dz 603 E Emory Rd Powell TN, Pop’s wine and Liquor

[@jeremyjames249]

Pop’s Wine and Liquor 603 E. Emory Rd Powell TN

[@Andrew_mm]

I had a new riff bib it was just ok to me

[@BourbonJunkies]

Same lol

[@herigonz0125]

I've really enjoyed the New Riff SiB and BiB that I have had. Really stoked that they are now easily available in both Texas and Florida. I've had good picks in the past but normally random bottles sitting on the shelf have been killer!

[@mero40k]

A shot glass full of coffee beans wouldnt hurt between nosings but you guys are still really on point, pretty impressive.

[@louisvillebmxr]

They're definitely not giving all of them a full fair chance by not cleansing the palette with anything. Should at least just sip some water between.

[@tryingtobewise711]

I just bought the New Riff single barrel today even more exciting for me it’s from the same barrel that you guys have in this video 👍🏼

[@jacobmurray4943]

Does anyone else like beam products. I think i like the nuttiness. 😢

[@gstillings5140]

And there goes all the New Riff that was sitting on the shelves. New Riff is great. We did a barrel pick with them and it was straight up liquid caramel apple.

[@leebeasley7080]

Thank you, no one agrees with me but I get green apple with caramel

[@Lithanify]

@@leebeasley7080 I get sweet tea (not Nestea/canned stuff which some other bourbons give me... real sweet tea)... and like Offbrand / fancy rootbeer/drpepper/cola. Really liking it so far (got it today).

[@Jammtraxx33]

Dude this New Riff SiB on shelves right now is bangin... Found it on sale at Publix in South Florida for 52 bucks. I'm about to grab another bottle. Right on guys!

[@markanderson8677]

I just got a $60 store pick of New Riff Single Barrel on the recommendation of the store manager . . . sounds like it might be a winner - haven't opened it yet, but he did give me a taste at the store '-)

[@LRogers2806]

I've been repping New Riff for years. Their stuff is underrated and phenomenal!

[@drobinson99]

love this one with plenty of gettable bottles

[@melmuniz1496]

New Riff SB has been a fave for a while now. May be stocking up now.

[@scoobtoober2975]

I love the blinds, it's a no BS way to rip on the hype. A fellow channel. curiosity public did a bunch on tequilas. No additive ones. Holy cow did they hate the hyped one in all of the versions, fortaleza. Ocho plata was up there in the silver and other areas. A few others were pretty good. g5 and arete came up pretty good too. These videos are exactly what the man needs to cut the chase. A local store website has a few of these. I'm going to get me some riff. I have to. Some have loved it and i was on the fence as 101 is my jam. but russell 10 was just ok at double the price, roughly. Vs michters at a price in between is fire. In wine discussing it with a new maker. They were hard pressed to decide where they should price their stuff. They don't have 100 years of experience and demand/supply to decide what it should be. You guys doing some blending have a hard job to decide what your bottles should be. Same reason. Get some opinions on the first batches and if the value is there. You will do well. If not sink the ship.

[@Gookin52]

I've had a bottle of New Riff SB that was the most incredible cherry bomb ever and I have another one now that tastes younger. Both really good for the price, but pretty stark variation.

[@ianreynolds494]

New Riff is my favorite distillery by far. Can't wait for the 8 year rye to (hopefully) drop soon.

[@crellis13]

Love the hard cut after 'it's their own distillate'.

[@stevenm8608]

i found my first elmer t lee bottle a couple weeks ago at msrp and ended up trading it for a weller full proof store pick, so now ill probably never know what it taste like lol

[@LeatherDaddy97]

You got the better bottle, i wouldnt worry about it

[@curtchesnutt4992]

Ha! I always have a bottle of New Riff Single Barrel in my bar. As well as 1920....(:

[@coejast7359]

Where’s the EHT SB?

[@shaynehoffman9602]

I picked up New Riff SB for no particular reason and it ended up being one of my favorites

[@klenk1am]

Haven't had a New Riff in a few years, I'ma gonna have to go find one again!

[@hawkeye11en1]

I got a new riff rye pick that I LOVED.

[@treytison1444]

New Riff's rye is hands down my favorite rye.

[@Vortex1988]

New Riff does put out some fantastic stuff. It's probably my favorite craft distillery.

[@robschoenung9543]

I've never been a New Riff fan. I bought a bottle of their SB based on this video. Yowza. Well worth $60.

[@Slo-Mode]

I bought a new riff sb recently and it's really good.

[@NFSox]

Just tried the New Riff SB. It's fantastic. It also has a regular price of $45 near me!

[@mrt731]

Look at them murder mittens #teamcookie

[@radfield6089]

4 roses single barrel is 38 at my total wine its best value out there.

[@Lithanify]

I'm hoping I can find a formula I love in the 4roses distillery when I visit... Bought my first bottle awhile back (It's like $60 here) and it's fine... but doesn't really hit my palate great. But with all the different formula's, I'm wondering if it's almost a "find the one you like and stick with it" kind of product.

[@MichiganJohn]

@@Lithanify small batch select is the best thats available from 4 Roses.

[@Lithanify]

@@MichiganJohn I may eventually buy a bottle. When I wanted to try 4R, it was mixed opinions on whether SBS or single barrels were the way to go and I bought the Single Barrel. I scheduled the wrong tour @ 4r and didn't have time for the one I wanted to do (where you taste all the recipes), sadly. I did try SBS in the tasting, and it was the best of what we tasted. Not good enough I need to run out and buy a bottle immediately; but perhaps once I finish off the 4R I own, it'll be what I replace them with. Picked up a barrel strength; which is a good bottle; but I feel overpriced for what it is.

[@gingergeezer3685]

Been a fan of New Riff for a while. Local bottle does good.

[@HoLeeFuklo]

Good suggestion

[@waynefialo9492]

As a fan of wheats, I really liked the Rebel. Definitely worth it. I like the 2XO and glad I got it, but not certain I'll buy a second. Will definitely look for the next release. I know they did a French Oak, but have never seen it.

[@karl0318]

New Riff is amazing! I am a Bourbon first, Rye second kind of guy for the most part. But New Riff, and also Still Austin, have their Rye Single Barrels beating their Bourbon Single Barrels for my taste!

[@garybucci7331]

the WT SB is prob one of my new everyday favs, as well as the mchena. but that New Riff, got dang, I got s tore pick and it blew away everything...

[@andrettski8686]

I love my New Riff SB

[@C_GOODIES]

I think Baker's really do have wildly different barrels. I'll get some that are insane that are almost 9 years old and are awesome and then the next one is a let down kinda looking like the one you had in this review. Not as drastic of a variance like Henry McKenna though.

[@leebeasley7080]

New riff is expanding into a few new states right now, and I think they are pushing out there best stuff for it and it’s awesome.

[@gregwalters3653]

New Riff is xlint. It's in the water.

[@ericepperson8409]

I keep on almost buying this bottle. I won't pass on it this weekend.

[@jeffnuzz]

The fact that KY Spirit came in 4th makes me want to question everything else, as I think it's just ok with Rare Breed being significantly better. Maybe you lucked out with an exceptionally good barrel. That said, I'm really looking forward to opening the bottle of New Riff SB that I have ...and the ETL I've been sitting on for a special occasion.

[@TheMarcopix]

I'm seeing McKenna all over the place now for $53.99 locally. Also just got a New Riff SB BP store pick....I'll be buying another real soon.

[@Lithanify]

Seems like McKenna finally overpriced themselves too much (almost doubled in a few years?). It's sitting in PA... and NOTHING sits in PA. Rare Breed had a similar run (smashing much more expensive bottles in blinds) as McKenna did went up a dollar in PA last month... and a dollar in DE this month... Hope that means it won't go up again for a bit... It's still a monster at $50.

[@markcalhoun8219]

I saw it for $58 and was gonna but then I found 9 year Evan Williams single barrels for $35 and had to go back for another.

[@jamescook2253]

Guessing that Elmer is wild. Gotta try that shit bro😊

[@gustafano1]

I've only had one New Riff SiB but I did not care for it. Tasted young and astringent. Perhaps I should give it one more try. . .

[@blove932]

I have a New Riff SB from 2021 that's 5 years old. It's pretty good, but I wouldn't say it's great. Only has a couple of pours out of it in the three years it's been on my shelf.

[@ajbucher9440]

New riff single barrels have so much variance. I have 4 different ones. One is probably a top 10 bottle on my shelf, another is fantastic, another is very different but still solid, and one is complete ass

[@DaveNorton-yi5ix]

I always get the Baker's that are 8 years old or older ... it may be my imagination, but it seems to make a difference.

[@FakingANerve]

The one I bought is over 8 years old... still possibly the worst whiskey purchase I've made to date. OGD BiB blew it out of the water for me and mine.

[@joeyoliver504]

Liked this blind, always like seeing what yall think about bottles but still bummed I haven't been fond of my New Riff SB. Also WHEREEEEE the spotify podcasts at?? November '23 RIP

[@deyontalattimore736]

If you find a New Riff with a Barrel # listed between 23200-25609 in my opinion, they are amazing!(I haven't had a barrel lower so I have no opinion on those). Unfortunately the single Barrel's without the barrel number listed are hit or miss.

[@Razieleatssouls]

New Riff SiB is banger. Just tried one of those Jack Daniel's singles that was delicious too. Man, Baker's 7 hasn't been doing well in blinds lately, might have to lower that one on my list of bottles to buy.

[@red5standingby419]

I'm honestly shocked that the New Riff did that good. I have a single barrel from them but I've had it for awhile. I'll have to revisit it to see as it's been too long since I had it for me to remember how much I liked it. The 2XO Gem of Kentucky I have is truly a special bottle and I don't mind that I paid $200 for it. So if New Riff is putting out stuff just as good for around $60 that's amazing.

[@jasonkirsten-matrone1017]

I want to see you guys do a review of Russel's single barrel

[@FakingANerve]

Speaking of nosing... was there something else on the bar top tonight? 😂

[@robertlee6781]

I haven't had a New Riff in a while. It is so good. I own the brown version of Cookie. #love_cats

[@Dhall123]

Cookie is goated.

[@CTLMX11]

You guys need to write your scores down on small erase board so you don’t know each others scores. Love these vids though!

[@guitarswhiskeyandgolf]

Russells all day long their SB's are great

[@markcalhoun8219]

Gotta get a new riff I guess but KS, Bakers and 4R I keep around all the time so I can only imagine what heights NR is up at.

[@stevenmichaelmustainii9724]

Are all new riff single barrels a sour mash? I picked up a single barrel store pick and didn't notice it said sour mash on it and was just curious if there's just a regular single barrel bourbon new riff?

[@user-km7bw2qo7z]

New riff SB is a delicious pour. But it does not come close to gem of Kentucky. I own both bottles. I just don’t see how they could possibly pick new riff.

[@brandon_sprague]

I mean they are single barrels after all. Very easy to have barrel variance

[@G1ft3dConfus1on]

welp, looks like New Riff single barrels about to be allocated

[@TheATLScotty]

New riff single barrel in an old fashioned is fantastic

[@kamahhl]

Last New Riff SiB I tried felt so generic, hopefully it's better now...

[@lousypirate]

Might have to try another bottle of new riff. I picked one up randomly and it wasn't anything special to me/my palette.

[@andrewadinolfi5970]

Gents, 1) You guys have taken over as my #1 ranked online whiskey commentators. Entertaining, spot on, and you guys are good to Cookie, which is huge... 2) Little Book Chapter 7 your best call... stuff is sublime... 3) Can you get Dragon's Milk 2024C, and if you can and I bought you one would you ship me the other... Cheers and keep up the great work...P.S. the Bhakta Armagnac Cask Finish is fantastic, if you haven't tried it yet...

[@david1235102]

The craziest thing about this result is that the New Riff Single Barrel Ryes are typically better than the bourbons, IMO. Also love to see Kentucky Spirit doing so well; feel like it gets a lot of hate for no reason. I've never had a shelf one but I am on my 3rd store pick and they're excellent. It's a bottle I always try to have on my shelf.

[@jeffnuzz]

Shelf Kentucky Spirit was so-so for me. Would much rather get a Rare Breed in similar price range.

[@Lithanify]

@@jeffnuzz Not even similar around here... I think KY spirit is 50% more than RB... and much harder to find.

[@jeffnuzz]

@@Lithanify Wow, that's sad. Around here in upstate NY they are both around $50 and can usually be found on the shelf somewhere. Although KY Spirit maybe a bit less so, but definitely around.

[@Frank-uf2vn]

I dont normally buy single barrel unless its Evan Williams S/B only because its cheap (price not quality) and I dont mind the variations I may get. Just because the bourbon came from one single barrel in no way insures it is of higher quality, or even that it will be a flavor profile you will like. Different barrels stored in different locations will age differently, creating different flavor profiles from barrel to barrel. So which barrel is higher quality? None! They are all just different. I might like one much better than you. That doesn't make higher or lower quality. The absolute most you can say about this is that single barrel production results in more distinct flavors, but that means higher variability also. In most products, higher variability is equated to LOWER quality, not higher! Think of it this way. How would you feel if every time you opened a bottle of Pepsi, it tasted just a little different than the last? You probably wouldn't like that very much. If you find a single barrel bourbon you love, you had better enjoy it because you may never find it again. Basically, this whole single barrel thing is 100% marketing and not worth the extra money. Blending whisky makes it more consistent, which people generally like because they pick favorites and, guess what, you can find it again and again. All of this should be obvious, but due to marketing efforts, some people have become enamored with something that is nothing more than just plain old advertising Enjoy whatever you are sipping on. 🥃Cheers!

[@jthenry8]

I was at Watch Hill Proper in Louisville a couple of weeks ago and ordered a pour of Elmer. I was SO disappointed. It was astringent and way over oaked. Must have been a bad barrel. I agree that New Riff is hitting it out of the park.

[@ericgardner5548]

Old Mckenna is 50-60 here in Louisiana

[@richmcelmeel5430]

Are there different New Riff SBs? It sits at 50ish in Chicago burbs.

[@MichiganJohn]

next up... same concept, but with Rye please!

[@scoobtoober2975]

this is clear evidence of what to buy and what to NEVER BUY. awesome news on some of these.

[@redk8917]

Local store had a New Riff SB marked down to $53, score.