Any Oppo Bourbon Drinkers?

"Slow4o" (Slow4o)
03/10/2014 at 16:45 • Filed to: Whiskeylopnik

I have recently (last year or so) been exposed to the wonders of good bourbon.

What you see above is my small but, if I do say so myself, nice bourbon collection. From left to right is Eagle Rare 17, George T Stagg, Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Thomas Handy Sazerac, William Larue Weller, and Old Forester Birthday Boubon 2013. I also have a bottle of Willet in my decanter right now. I opened the Stagg for the first time last night and it was just amazing. So who else on here likes a good glass of straight Kentucky bourbon?

DISCUSSION (89)

For Sweden > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:47

Too much unconsumed bourbon.

Do you even drunk bro?

ddavidn > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:47

I do. I do very much. Unfortunately, that bourbon collection is about six times bigger than mine at the moment. But if it's drinkability I'm looking for, bourbon served neat is my drink of choice.

Also, I own this, if you ever need me to look something up:

Kinja'd!!!

Audi-os, amigos > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:48

Bourbon on the rocks is the best thing in the world.

I have an utterly uncultured palate, but I likes what I likes.

Cixelsyd > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:48

Love it.

Here's something handy for you:

http://www.gq.com/life/food/2013…

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:49

Hear, hear.

My current go-to is Bulleit's Rye.

Fookin' Prawns > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:49

...I have a 2-shot plastic bottle of Johnnie Walker Black that's still unfinished. Can I be part of the club?

jkm7680 > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:50

No, but somebody did pass out in front of my house mumbling something about Bourbon and a sexual encounter with my mailbox.

BKRM3 > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:52

You have some great stuff there! If you're looking for others, try the Thomas Jefferson, the Buffalo Trace and, of course, both the regular (orange label) and the rye (green label) Bulleit varieties. Bulleit is definitely my go-to!

GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:53

I still haven't even seen a bottle of the Eagle Rare 17, but if and when I do it will be purchased on the spot. Let me know how you like the 17 because I love the 10!

wkiernan > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:54

That's some fancy stuff there. I only buy similar top-shelf goods for special occasions like New Year's day. My DD (daily drinker) is the ninety-proof goodness of George Dickel #12, which is Bourbon-esque even though it's from Tennessee, not Kentucky.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:55

I do, but I don't have the cash for this kind of ...stash

wkiernan > Fookin' Prawns
03/10/2014 at 16:55

Not until you finish it off.

Roberto G. > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:56

There's only ONE bourbon for me. Period.

Kinja'd!!!

yamahog > BKRM3
03/10/2014 at 16:56

Was about to say exactly this, get out of my head! I just enjoyed some Bulleit this Saturday myself. Love the Eagle Rare in the photo too.

Jake, Yes, wearing khakis > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:57

Kinja'd!!!

I'm a makers fan. As you can tell i need to buy a bit more.
I also have a soft spot for some Sambuca....One benefit of being a bourbon whiskey drinker is that no one else will touch my Makers :D

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Roberto G.
03/10/2014 at 16:58

WUT

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 16:59

on top of my "I'm cheap post" lol.

My favorite bourbon right now is Big House Bourbon.

Only about 20 bucks a bottle, I'd say best in it's category that I've found!

Slow4o > Jake, Yes, wearing khakis
03/10/2014 at 17:00

Maker's isn't bad for an everyday cheap sipper for me, but I do like Elijah Craig more for the price range. Or Elmer T Lee but that is impossible to find now.

'Wägen, EPA LOL > BKRM3
03/10/2014 at 17:00

Just grabbed a bottle of Bulleit Rye to replace my now empty Buffalo Trace last weekend. I'll second both of those and then add Makers Mark and Woodford Reserve in that order. Personal preference; /flame suit on.

Slow4o > BKRM3
03/10/2014 at 17:00

Haven't had a Bulleit yet. That is going to be my next one after I finish the Willet unless something else catches my eye.

Roberto G. > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
03/10/2014 at 17:00

WTF WUT?

Slow4o > Roberto G.
03/10/2014 at 17:01

I'm sorry to say you're missing out.

BKRM3 > yamahog
03/10/2014 at 17:01

You know what they say - great minds and all that.

I had the Eagle Rare for the first time last fall when it was on sale in PA liquor stores and I was VERY pleased with it for the price. I think it was $23 or something on sale. It's a steal at that price!

Slow4o > For Sweden
03/10/2014 at 17:01

Very slowly. Those are my nice ones that I want to make last until next years release. I have a couple of everyday drinkers that I go through plus a kegerator haha.

CKeffer > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:02

I love the stuff, and currently have a handle of 1792 in my liquor cabinet that's half gone (it's about 2 weeks old btw :-/). Others that I like are Woodford reserve, Four Roses small batch 90proof, Bookers, and several others. Basically if it's a small batch or single barrel bourbon, I'll probably like it. I'm also a fan of speyside scotches.

Saracen > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:02

I'm a fan of a good bourbon and a cigar.

Slow4o > Cixelsyd
03/10/2014 at 17:03

Damn that is awesome. I knew that a lot of things had the same mash bills, and the Weller/Pappy connection, but that is a great visual.

BKRM3 > 'Wägen, EPA LOL
03/10/2014 at 17:04

Hahaha you'll get no flaming from me. I don't go out of my way for Makers but I absolutely will drink Woodford Reserve, it's a very solid choice. The most important thing, which we both clearly appreciate, is variety!

Slow4o > GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo
03/10/2014 at 17:04

I got lucky with finding my Buffalo Trace Antique stuff, I stumbled upon them through a friend. And the 17 is awesome, probably my 3rd favorite after the Stagg and WLW.

BKRM3 > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:04

Oh man, you're in for a treat!

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:05

I'm right there with you, and I applaud your decisions in purchasing these. (Notice I didn't say "taste," because they look hardly touched!) If I'm not mistaken, all of those are products of same distillery in Frankfort, right? I've had every one of those at one time except the Stagg, and I believe I've only had a younger bottle of Eagle Rare (was it 7 or 10 year?) But those aren't my everyday bottles. I'll usually have the Buffalo Trace 1.5 liter from Costco on hand; these others less frequently.

Slow4o > wkiernan
03/10/2014 at 17:06

Dickel is good stuff from what I've heard. My daily drinker is Willet right now, but I like Elijah Craig a lot, and Elmer T Lee if you can find it, which is really hard to do right now. And I drink all that stuff up there pretty slowly (special occasions for the Antique Collection bottles). The Birthday Bourbon is probably over 6 months old haha.

Slow4o > Audi-os, amigos
03/10/2014 at 17:07

Slowly start putting less and less ice in it, and in no time you'll be drinking straight and all the ladies will flock to you.

That last part will not happen.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Roberto G.
03/10/2014 at 17:07

Kinja'd!!!

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Roberto G.
03/10/2014 at 17:07

It's like someone posting on the front page that their Corolla is teh best.

Just sayin.'

Slow4o > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
03/10/2014 at 17:09

Yea I want to make these last until next fall until the new release comes out. The EH Taylor is almost gone. Eagle Rare makes a pretty common, semi cheap 7 year I believe. The Eagle, Stagg, Handy, and Weller are all from the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, the only one I am missing is the Sazerac 17 I believe. It is a bummer you haven't had the Stagg, it is by far my favorite.

Slow4o > BKRM3
03/10/2014 at 17:10

I have yet to have the Eagle Rare 7 but I've heard its real good for the price point.

Slow4o > 'Wägen, EPA LOL
03/10/2014 at 17:11

I have been drinking a bottle of Maker's and I have enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Slow4o > CKeffer
03/10/2014 at 17:13

One of the first small batch bourbons I had was the 4 Roses small batch. It was great. My next daily drinker will probably be either Bulleit or a single barrel 4 Roses that my local liquor store is selling for pretty cheaply.

BKRM3 > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:17

ooooooh, I'll have to look out for that one, I've never had it either

Roberto G. > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
03/10/2014 at 17:20

Well, I like it. And here in 'Urop we don't get all your fabulous, local, semi-homemade brands that you like so much. It's same as it's for the Americans, when they write that the "Liquore Galliano" is the best Italian liquor, while in Italy no one repeat no one knows it. The globalization of liquors has still a long way to go...

RPM esq. > Roberto G.
03/10/2014 at 17:22

...and most bourbon drinkers will tell you that it isn't even bourbon (similar mash bill, but charcoal filtering /= bourbon).

RPM esq. > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:23

...it won't happen, but you'll be too drunk to care. Win/win.

RPM esq. > wkiernan
03/10/2014 at 17:23

And start drinking bourbon, presumably.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:24

I've been to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival twice. In 1999 I got to hang out with the master distiller for Maker's Mark. Good stuff.

I like Blanton's but I've found it a little inconsistent, probably due to its single-barrel bottling. It's like a wine vintage. I've had bottles of Blanton's that were more like Beam Black than a single barrel premium whiskey.

The best Manhattan I ever had was at the Festival in 2000 and made with Woodford Reserve. I think they added vermouth with an eyedropper.

I met Booker Noe in 2000 and he was a pleasant old man. I enjoyed Baker's and
I also like the big, spicy bite of Booker's. At 120+ proof, it's definitely one for slow sipping.

But my favorite Beam brand bourbon has to be Knob Creek. It's a Big flavor with a smooth finish.

As far as cheap, mass market bourbon goes, I'm a fan of Four Roses yellow and Wild Turkey 101.

RPM esq. > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:25

In a big way. Nice collection! I must admit I don't think any bottle has ever stayed that full in my cabinet for more than a day or two. Also, if I may comment, some rye would do nicely in there!

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:26

I've been to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival twice. In 1999 I got to hang out with the master distiller for Maker's Mark. Good stuff.

The best Manhattan I ever had was at the Festival in 2000 and made with Woodford Reserve. I think they added vermouth with an eyedropper.

I met Booker Noe in 2000 and he was a pleasant old man. I enjoyed Baker's and
I also like the big, spicy bite of Booker's. At 120+ proof, it's definitely one for slow sipping.

But my favorite Beam brand bourbon has to be Knob Creek. It's a Big flavor with a smooth finish.

As far as cheap, mass market bourbon goes, I'm a fan of Four Roses yellow and Wild Turkey 101.

Jake, Yes, wearing khakis > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:27

Too fancy for me. My sisters boyfriend got me into whiskey so my tastes have been shapped by the fact that he always has makers at their place

Slow4o > Jake, Yes, wearing khakis
03/10/2014 at 17:28

Elijah Craig is only like 30ish bucks, so around the same as Maker's. Expand your horizons!

But really just drink what makes you happy haha.

Slow4o > Roberto G.
03/10/2014 at 17:28

Yea living overseas does make that a problem.

Slow4o > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
03/10/2014 at 17:30

I'm a fan of Knob Creek as well, especially their 100 proof. It is a good sipper for the price point. And Booker's and Blanton's are on the list of bottles I need to get.

Jake, Yes, wearing khakis > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:31

Ill have to check it out. I usually buy one bottle at a time, apartment life with women = no space for my suff

Slow4o > RPM esq.
03/10/2014 at 17:32

Thanks! Well it helps when I have some daily drinkers and also a kegerator (yay bachelor party gift!). I do need some rye. I had some Angel's Envy, and that stuff was delicious, so that will probably be in my future.

Slow4o > Jake, Yes, wearing khakis
03/10/2014 at 17:37

Kinja'd!!!

We actually just bought a nice liquor cabinet deal, so for the first time I can actually display/store my beauties haha.

Hooker > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:38

Yes, but my collection isn't nearly as nice as yours. I max out at Makers Mark because it's reasonably inexpensive and tastes good. Has to be a slow drink. People always ask me what I mix it with. I just look at them funny and tell them nothing. Not even ice. Then they look at me funny.

Slow4o > Hooker
03/10/2014 at 17:39

I know the feeling. The only thing I mix is this Texas bourbon I got as a present which is really only suitable for Old Fashioned's. I've been drinking Maker's as a daily recently and have liked it more than I thought I would.

Hooker > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:41

I often will lift my tongue and let those taste buds get a crack at it. It's even better then.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:46

I thought enjoying bourbon was a requirement to post on Oppo!

That Colonel Taylor is great stuff, as is the Weller. If you have a chance try Breckinridge, which is made in Colorado as the name suggests but none the worse for it.

Also here is a pic I took at the end of last year in my office:

Kinja'd!!!

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Roberto G.
03/10/2014 at 17:53

So sorry for your bourbon situation.

Campari is the best Italian liquor, BTW.

DollaMoneyAve > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 17:54

I laughed out loud, which does not happen often. Thank you

Jake, Yes, wearing khakis > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 18:10

I need this, too bad it'd take up half of my living room haha

Quite a nice collection you have going on there

Slow4o > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
03/10/2014 at 18:14

You beautiful bastard are those all yours?!! I am very jelly. I am now on a list to get some next year, but we will see if I am able to. And haven't heard of a good bourbon from Colorado, so if I see it I will have to give it a try.

RPM esq. > Jake, Yes, wearing khakis
03/10/2014 at 18:25

There's better stuff than Maker's (not that Maker's is bad by any means) at lower price points. For example, and depending on your taste: in my experience Bulleit (if you like the slightly more complex, rye-y profile) is usually cheaper, Elijah Craig (similar to Maker's, a little woodier and less sweet) often is. If you like a barley-, rather than a wheat-dominant taste, a bit more like a blended Scotch, try WL Weller—not my cup of tea but I know a lot of people whose palates I respect who like it. Finally, hard to go wrong with Buffalo Trace.

RPM esq. > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
03/10/2014 at 18:29

I just wanted to second the Colorado bourbon recommendation.

RPM esq. > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 18:31

Also, I'll just leave this here: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/tag/whiskeylop…

RPM esq. > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 18:33

Try Michter's single-barrel rye. You will not be disappointed.

Wurrwulf > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 19:23

I've gravitated more towards rye whiskey as of late, with daily drinkers rotating between Bulleit and Knob Creek. My go to bourbon is 10 year Bulleit. I need to tend to my scotch, though. My Quarter Cask Laphroaig is getting lonely in the back of the cabinet. I wish I had the coin to snag higher end stuff, but I've got to drink at a price point for now.

Did you home build your kegerator or buy one premade? I built a two tap keg box out of a refurb fridge. Unfortunately, ever since the Dr told me that my liver was damaged, it only gets used for birthday parties.

CKeffer > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 19:25

Nice 1792 is my daily sipper. Usually runs around $23 a bottle.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 19:45

If you want the good shit, you have to go to Kentucky.

Mustafaluigi > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 19:54

What a lot of bourbon drinkers don't realize is that Buffalo Trace Distillary is the same place that does Eagle Rare and even all the Van Winkle stuff as well.

Slave2anMG > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 20:06

Hell yes. Partial to Knob Creek, Maker's Mark (for stuff in unfancy bars it's quite decent) and Woodford Reserve. Mighty mighty good stuff.

Slow4o > Mustafaluigi
03/10/2014 at 20:07

Yup. They do a ton of stuff out of there.

Slow4o > Wurrwulf
03/10/2014 at 20:10

Ouch that sucks man. It was premade. My groomsman chipped in and bought it for me. And I have a bottle of Glenlivet I have yet to touch as well haha bourbon has taken over my sipping drinks.

WhaleTailWant > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
03/10/2014 at 21:39

Kinja'd!!!

I too hit the Pappy jackpot last year. To all those out there, it is a special thing, and I highly recommend.

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 23:12

This guy!

Though I have a tendency to wander in and out of the Irish Whiskey, Scotch, and bourbon worlds.

Cixelsyd > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 23:20

Where do you live that Elmer T Lee is hard to find? Its basically my everyday sipping whisky here. Never had trouble replacing it and it is cheap.

Slow4o > Cixelsyd
03/10/2014 at 23:29

It's been hard to find since he died for me. I'm in Houston how about you?

Cixelsyd > Slow4o
03/10/2014 at 23:32

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. Just picked up another bottle last month when my last one ran out.

Slow4o > Cixelsyd
03/10/2014 at 23:45

The proximity might have something to do with it then. If it wasn't so cheap I would try and work something out with you to ship it, but I would have to buy like a case of it to make it worth it haha. I'll just stick with exploring other bourbons in the 25-45 range.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > WhaleTailWant
03/11/2014 at 00:05

Nice. I have the 10-year but in the other bottle format (which I think was done for export only). Which one is your favorite?

'Wägen, EPA LOL > Slow4o
03/11/2014 at 08:38

It's particularly good for a Manhattan imo.

sonicvato > Slow4o
03/11/2014 at 14:25

I am a huge beer fan, but I am trying to venture into whiskey. I am starting in bourbon, and so far have had Buffalo Trace (which I really enjoyed) and the Trader Joe's brand bourbon (which is meh at best, but good for spike lemonade). Next on my list is Four Roses, and the Bulleit Bourbon. However I try to be conscious of ingredients used, I have been reading bourbon is notorious for use of GMO corn and other ingredients, except Wild Turkey and Four Roses which have a commitment to non-GMO - good for them. Also, not trying to start a fight about GMOs ;)

GV_Goat > Roberto G.
03/11/2014 at 14:43

It's not bad stuff at all... I'll drink it if i'm in the mood for a jack and coke. I just have a thing for that. And I'd drink it straight to if i had nothing else in the house.

Roberto G. > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
03/11/2014 at 16:29

Wholeheartedly agree: it's my favorite drink. I have one almost every evening, when I'm off from work: long stem big baloon glass, double shot of Campari, two/three ice cubes, a sice of orange and fill the glass halfway with prosecco. Use a straw to kill the orange slice, and stir the mix till you get 1/3 in. of foam. Best aperitif ever, and doesn't smash your liver. Well, not immediately... but I'm not in a hurry.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Roberto G.
03/11/2014 at 18:50

Well, here in the land of abundant corn and rye, I like the Boulevardier, with nearly equal portions of rye whiskey (or a rye-forward bourbon), Campari, and sweet vermouth. Strictly speaking the recipe is equal portions, but I usually cut back just a bit on the vermouth. Shaken and up, or on the rocks. It's my favorite drink for playing Gran Turismo.

WhaleTailWant > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
03/11/2014 at 19:32

So far I have only had the 15yr old and I truly enjoyed it.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > WhaleTailWant
03/11/2014 at 23:32

I've had them all 10-23, and I think the 15 is the best, followed by the 12. I like my bourbon to have some bite, so while the 20 and 23 are good to drink for sure, they are a little smooth for my taste.

Benzed92 > Slow4o
03/12/2014 at 18:40

This is my great grandfather's bourbon recipe and it is heavenly. The bottle my parents have was $500 for a pint. The bar we got it from charges $90 a shot, but it's nearing 100 years old and was aged for 17 years. Maker's Mark is the evolution of the recipe because the last batch was lost in a Stitzel warehouse when prohibition was enacted. In any case, if you have a chance to try it, I promise it's worth the $.

Kinja'd!!!

Slow4o > Benzed92
03/13/2014 at 08:21

Woah thats crazy.