Bourbon, Because It's Delicious

"liquid_popcorn" (liquid-popcorn) 09/04/2013 at 12:48 • Filed to: boozelopnik

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So, just finished off the bottle of bourbon my friends gave me for my birthday. It was superb.

Which brings me to this question: for you bourbon drinkers and other whisky or scotch lovers, what are your favorites? I like trying new stuff, and I don't often get to buy bottles because it's expensive and I am poor.

My recent favorites are Bulleit 10 year,

Glenmorangie 10 year (haven't tried the others yet, but will be soon, I hope)

This image was lost some time after publication.

Laphroaig 10 year,

And a local favorite, Catoctin Creek's Roundstone Rye.

I also like Catoctin Creek's pear and apricot brandies, their gin, and their white whisky. I also drink nearly anything put in front of me, excepting very cheap gins, vodka, and most flavored stuff because it tastes odd.

So, what should I try? Feel free to suggest cocktail ideas too if you are into that; I'd like to learn more about classic cocktails especially. Current favorite is a Sidecar made with Calvados.

ddavidn > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 12:55

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Ah yes, Blanton's is definitely on my list of top 10 bourbons to try. I'm not very well versed in the whiskies, but I do enjoy Maker's and Knob Creek. Would like to try the reserve editions of both those as well. As far as whisky goes, I like Bushmills as a standard Irish whisky, and Glenfiddich 12 is my standard Scotch. I also have a bottle of Ardbeg 10 that is quite nice. I need to try so many more whiskies.

Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 12:56

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I've tried this and liked it. Thank god for Costco and its cheaper liquor.

Decay buys too many beaters > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 12:58

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Blantons is good stuff (plus the bottle looks like a piece of Eden to anyone who has played Assassin's Creed)

My current and long time favorite is Ardbeg Uigeadail

Ghost Dog - For the kittens > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:01

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liquid_popcorn > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2013 at 13:01

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Whoa, that looks amazing. I'll definitely have to try it, assuming ABC carries it here in VA. If not it'll have to wait until I'm out of state again, haha.

liquid_popcorn > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents 09/04/2013 at 13:02

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I've had that a few times...it's good, but it's hard to buy that when there are others I like better around the same price point. Maybe I should give it another shot though.

Cixelsyd > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:02

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Blanton's is always on my bar. I drink more of that than any other variety. Some other recommendations below.

Also good (and good value):

Elmer T. Lee

Four Roses Small Batch

Woodford Reserve

Not so cheap, but amazingly delicious:

Pappy Van Winkle

Yamazaki 18 year (this is a Japanese whisky, not a bourbon, but it is still amazing)

liquid_popcorn > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:03

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I love Maker's Mark as well. Maker's 46 is good, but I didn't think it was worth the price jump.

I need a drink now. I should have waited until after 5 to post this, haha.

ddavidn > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2013 at 13:03

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Oh man, I'm jealous. As a lover of Ardbeg 10, which I couldn't really afford but bought anyway, I can only hope to try a bottle of that.

liquid_popcorn > Ghost Dog - For the kittens 09/04/2013 at 13:04

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I haven't had that one; the one time I intended to buy it they were out. I did try the Caribbean cask out of curiosity and thought it a bit on the harsh side, though.

ddavidn > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:04

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Good to know. I wanted to get Four Roses (And Four Roses Single Barrel) and Blanton's before that anyway.

liquid_popcorn > Cixelsyd 09/04/2013 at 13:05

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I've seen the first three but haven't tried them; I'll definitely have to do that.

I've had Yamazaki 18 recommended to me, but haven't gotten around to buying it yet. It's on my list of the next three bottles to purchase though; I'm very much looking forward to it.

Never heard of Pappy Van Winkle...looks fantastic though. I'll look for it on my way home. Thanks!

Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:06

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Totally get that. I don't think I'll be able to finish a bottle of the stronger scotches in a reasonable time. So I generally stay away from the Macallan/tallisker etc. And the wife doesn't like unfinished Scotch bottles around the house. Heck, she doesn't like me drinking at all, even on rare occasions.

liquid_popcorn > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:06

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Nice.

I'll probably pick up Four Roses on my way home; this day has sucked ass so far and I need a drink or four.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:07

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Ah yes, bourbon. The breakfast of champions for you this morning.

I highly recommend Larceny.

Decay buys too many beaters > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:07

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I'd strongly recommend it, well worth the cost of admission if you are a fan of smokey Islay scotch.

ddavidn > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:08

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Yeah, I feel like a drink too. Unfortunately the most expensive bottle I could spring for last month was Kirkland (Costco Brand) 7 year small batch bourbon... which is some sort of knob creek/white label Beam blend, as far as I can tell. It does the job.

ddavidn > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2013 at 13:10

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I am such a fan of smokey Islay Scotch. Ardbeg 10 blew my mind the first time I brought it back from California. Ah, California... Such selection, such a lack of insane liquor taxes...

Decay buys too many beaters > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:12

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You in Utah or something?

ddavidn > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents 09/04/2013 at 13:14

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This one's good, but I like the Glenfiddich 12 a bit more. They're basically the same thing, though. Pretty nice in a scotch & soda

Ghost Dog - For the kittens > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:15

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It's amazing bang for the buck. I like it enough that last year I bought a bottle of the 17 yo. For the cost, I could of bought 2 bottles of the regular. Absolute waste of money.

ddavidn > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2013 at 13:15

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Washington. However, I am and always have been in favor of the laws allowing non-government-run establishments to sell liquor, even with the added taxes.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:20

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A slightly different direction for you here. I'm a huge fan of all whiskeys, Scotch, Irish, Rye, Bourbon. My favorite of all though is the 18 year aged Jameson. An Irish whiskey you can sip. Hard to find but unbelievable to enjoy.

marvthegrate > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:20

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Blanton's is my favorite whiskey. I always keep it on hand. If you can find it, try the Pappy Van Winkle as well. Single barrel bourbon is always amazing.

Pro Tip, don't throw away the stopper when you polish off the bottle. There are letters on them, and different scenes with the horse and jockey. They will spell out BLANTONS. Gotta collect them all!

Decay buys too many beaters > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:21

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Yeah, back when I lived in PA I felt like a criminal every time I bought alcohol (PA has exclusively state run stores for both liquor and beer). Oregon is a lot nicer, because I can actually pick up some wine or beer while I'm out grocery shopping.

ddavidn > Decay buys too many beaters 09/04/2013 at 13:24

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Yeah, it's nice to be able to do that. I'm just happy that I have access to a decent selection now. The state stores were terrible, most of the time. But I am glad we haven't quite progressed to the point of California's liquor-on-every-corner plan. We have a good compromise now, just waiting for the taxes to go down.

ddavidn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:28

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I saw this once, in a case at Total Wine & More. I think I drooled all over the case, they had to bring a mop. I can't imagine what it tastes like.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:31

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I had it at my favorite bar in Plymouth Michigan. it was like a 16$ pour....that was a single.

I believe the bottle at my local high end liquor store it cost around 50-60 at most 75. Almost got it for my last St. Patty's party but I'm not giving out the good stuff to all those idiots. lol I'm keeping that for myself if I drop that money.

liquid_popcorn > marvthegrate 09/04/2013 at 13:37

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Hah, I had no idea! Mine is the A, apparently.

Someone else just mentioned Pappy Van Winkle too; it sounds fantastic.

ddavidn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:37

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Totally. Not sharing the good stuff. Did you mean it was $50-75 for that 18yr bottle? That seems... cheap.

liquid_popcorn > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:38

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Hmm, interesting. How's the taste? I've seen Kirkland beer before, but I had no idea they made bourbon too. Strange.

liquid_popcorn > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents 09/04/2013 at 13:39

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Hah, I have the opposite problem - I had a bottle of Laphroaig 10, and between myself and a friend it was gone in a weekend. Terrible sadness ensued the following Monday morning.

liquid_popcorn > Ghost Dog - For the kittens 09/04/2013 at 13:40

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Good to know.

Buying older variants of spirits I like always seems to be hit or miss...the reserve Maker's Mark I was unimpressed by, but the reserve Bulleit I thought was excellent. Cask strength whisky almost always turns out as expected though, haha.

liquid_popcorn > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/04/2013 at 13:40

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I don't think I've ever seen that one before; I'll have to keep an eye out for it. Thanks!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:41

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It is, that's why I almost bought it. Was going to split it with a couple buddies. Maybe it was 90? I seem to remember I wouldn't have had to pay more for my 1/3 of the bottle than I would have for 2 pours at the bar.

ddavidn > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:41

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It's relatively new. After some deep research, I figured out that they definitely buy it from Jim Beam, who obviously makes lots of different things, but it definitely tastes of Knob Creek, mixed with about 15-20% of something less interesting. It's 108 proof, so that's pretty decent too.

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liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:42

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An Irish friend of mine who's getting married next month has a bottle of that; his cousin brought it back from the Jameson distillery in Ireland last month. I cannot wait for his bachelor party.

ddavidn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:43

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I think I saw it here once, for about $120 which would be $150 after tax. In California, I think it was $99.

liquid_popcorn > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:43

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Damn, okay then.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:44

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Ohhh, can I crash the party? I just want some 18 yr jameson!

ddavidn > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:44

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It's $23 for the liter before tax, which is the important part...

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:45

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Ouch, but then...cali taxes are always a bitch.

Thank you Michigan.

ddavidn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:47

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I forget what Cali's tax was. But it was negligible compared to our 20.5% + $3 per 750ml...

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:48

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Oh, I just re-read your post and understand you're not in cali.

Where are you with those crazy taxes?

liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:50

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Hah, that'd be his call; wouldn't want to piss him off just before his wedding, especially with so many Irishmen around.

liquid_popcorn > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:50

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Wow; my wallet likes it even if my palate might not...

ddavidn > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:53

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Exactly why I have a bottle! It's actually an upgrade from what I was buying before, believe it or not... Can't wait until I can afford another bottle of Maker's or Jameson!

liquid_popcorn > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:54

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Holy hell that's expensive.

ddavidn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:54

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Washington. We just made it legal to sell liquor outside of state-owned liquor stores. I'm happier with the taxes, selection, and convenience than I was when we had less taxes, but no selection and no convenience.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 13:55

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I assume you mean Washington state.

And apparently that means I should never move there and stay in michigan where there is cheap liqour lol.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:56

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I'd fit right in - I'm Irish!

Big whoop wanna fight about it?

liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 13:59

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Great!

Also, not really, no.

Where do you live?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 13:59

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LOL in Michigan.

marvthegrate > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 14:11

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I found out after I had gone through several bottles.

I can also recommend High West Distillery's Bourye, Double Rye, Son of Bourye and Campfire. I was part of a focus group that taste tested the Campfire a couple of years ago.

ddavidn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 14:12

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Yes, Washington the real state. It's a fantastic state. Love it here. Would move only to Alaska or Oregon. But the liquor... definitely bring it back from California when I go...

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > ddavidn 09/04/2013 at 14:20

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Lol, my wife has always wanted to move to Washington. She's never been there though. I'm willing to go anywhere. I grew up in NJ, and now live in Michigan (we met at Michigan State) and my family moved from NJ to South Carolina so I'm not really attached.

liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 14:20

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Might be a long drive for a few shots of Jameson.... We're both in northern VA, about 45 minutes from DC.

liquid_popcorn > marvthegrate 09/04/2013 at 14:21

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Whoa, those all look awesome. I'll definitely add them to the list - thanks!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 14:22

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Damn, I could buy my own bottle for the gas I'd burn.

liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 14:35

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Pretty much, yeah.

I have family in Charlevoix, Petoskey, Detroit, and Ann Arbor MI...maybe next time I'm up we can meet up. I'll bring booze.

Cixelsyd > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 14:48

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Good luck on the Pappy. VERY limited run and VERY high demand. They sell out as soon as they are shipped. You basically have to know the guy at the liquor store and get him to set one aside for you.

liquid_popcorn > Cixelsyd 09/04/2013 at 14:53

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Ah, that'd be why I've never seen it then. Thanks for the tip!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 15:09

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Nice, I'm in Wayne Michigan, near the Detroit Metro Airport. You bring whiskey I'll bring a muscle car.

Fair is fair right?

liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 15:35

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Hell yes! What muscle car? I'd be in a 2013 gti wolfsburg; no muscle cars here, haha.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 15:41

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Would I bring anything less?

A 1968 Mercury Montego MX with a 302 V8, upgraded to an Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake and a Holley 4 barrel. Hopefully doing my exhaust in the next couple weeks. True duals Super 44 Flowmasters and a set of long tube headers, 2.5" system headers to tail pipe is the plan.

liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 15:53

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Holy shit. I'm excited, haha.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 15:54

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lol, how you think I got this name?

Test drive tonight to see if I have the issue with my valve covers all fixed up. If so, off to the shop for the exhaust.

liquid_popcorn > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/04/2013 at 16:24

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Nice!

JEM > liquid_popcorn 09/04/2013 at 16:37

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Until this past weekend, my absolute favorite Bourbon has been Eagle Rare:

But then I went up to Vermont and found this, Sapling from Brattleboro makes a "Vermont Maple Bourbon Whiskey" and it is amazing. And possibly as addictive as crack. Blows Cabin Fever away. It's basically boozy maple syrup. It should probably be illegal. Half the bottle is already gone since I shared it with my band on Monday.

liquid_popcorn > JEM 09/04/2013 at 19:07

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Damn that sounds amazing. Sometime if you're around there again, get me a bottle? I live in DC area, I'll meet you and buy it from you, haha.

JEM > liquid_popcorn 09/05/2013 at 09:05

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It is so amazing. Supposedly they distribute to a couple liquor stores near me (Worcester, MA) but I checked yesterday and didn't see. Figure I'll have to make a couple phone calls to get them to stock it.

liquid_popcorn > JEM 09/06/2013 at 07:58

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Good to know; I haven't been up to MA for a few years, but I'll call ahead before I go next time and see if I can find some.