Bourbon Suggestions

[Fedoraphile]

I made an old fashioned the other night, the first one I've had. It was also my intro to the world of Bourbon whiskey. I used Jim Beam since it was all I could find. It reminded me of chewing on pencils when I was a kid. I guess my question is, what are some good, quality bourbons appropriate for cocktails? I understand that Maker's Mark is pretty good. Any others in this price range?

[Eric Renderking Fisk]

The best advice I can give you as a recovering alcoholic (with the occasional slip-up with a glass of wine once in a while...) is that you have to go for quality rather than quantity. Stay as far away as you can from the cheap stuff.

[Major Eaton]

What's your budget?

[Fedoraphile]

Eric, I most certainly agree on choosing quality.

I'm not really sure about a budget. I don't know if a $50 bottle of bourbon is a waste if it's primarily used for cocktails. At this point, I don't think I'm willing to go over $50.

[Major Eaton]

These will do you well...

Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Knob Creek Single Barrel

And most should be near the $30.00 range...less if you have a bulk store

[Blackthorn]

I don't have high class taste buds, so Jim Beam is just fine for me. I even go cheaper from time to time, when I"m in a bourbon mood.

[Henri Defense]

Ya know, I'm a sucker for Old Overholt and here in MN I can get it for $10.99. And typically I'm not a stingy guy, as I'll pay a good $30 to $40 for Irish whiskey. I'm a fan of Bulliet as well and Russel's Reserve.




Henri

[Doug Palumbo]

I discovered bourbon through Beam. I like Makers Mark, single barrel Jack Daniels and I have a soft spot for Early Times.

[Fedoraphile]

Of the bourbons listed, Major, what would be the "smoother" ones?

[The Oracle]

Of the bourbons listed, Major, what would be the "smoother" ones?

I can't speak for the good Major, but not having been much of a bourbon fan I don't mind Knob Creek.

[Major Eaton]

Of those three? I'd take Woodford. That'd be my 'well' bourbon.

[davidg]

I would second (third?) Bulliet Bourbon, and Makers Mark. There was another that I've seen called Red State Bourbon, and Blue State Bourbon.. very smooth and at $20/bottle very affordable. I bought Blue State (of course ) but Red is the same..

[Blackthorn]

I discovered bourbon through Beam. I like Makers Mark, single barrel Jack Daniels and I have a soft spot for Early Times.

"A soft spot for..." Yeah, I know that feeling. I have a soft spot for Old Grandad, probably in the same way, but I don't know if it is really smooth and wonderful, or if that's just the memory of being 21 again. Hmmmm, I need to go shopping and do some research.

[Fedoraphile]

I tried some Woodford over the weekend. Smooth and easy drinking. I will certainly pick some up.

[n11pilot]

I discovered bourbon through Beam. I like Makers Mark, single barrel Jack Daniels and I have a soft spot for Early Times.

"A soft spot for..." Yeah, I know that feeling. I have a soft spot for Old Grandad, probably in the same way, but I don't know if it is really smooth and wonderful, or if that's just the memory of being 21 again. Hmmmm, I need to go shopping and do some research.

Do I see the first annual FC whiskey tasting and BBQ social in the offing?