Hey guys I'm pretty new around here but today is my birthday and I was planning on celebrating tonight with some bourbon and a cigar. I am normally a Jim Beam drinker but haven't been exposed to much else and want to try something different. I had some Woodford Reserve the other day and really liked it and the liquor store near me carries Buffalo Trace which I have heard good things about in the Bourbon Thread. Which one do you guys prefer? As far as the cigar goes I am a newbie but have never had a RyJ let me down yet so I will probably get the most expensive one I can find at my local B&M but I am open to suggestions. Thanks guys.
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Personally, I prefer the Woodford, but I'm all for trying something new (to you), so I say go for the Trace.

Happy birthday! :-)
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Happy B-Day!!
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They are both good bourbons. I consider, as most people probably do, Woodford Reserve as THE staple bourbon in which all other bourbons are compared to. That said I've had over 30 bourbons and love trying new ones.

I tried to get off cheap, wild turkey 101 :-)
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Some of the best bourbon I have ever had was Bookers. Had one small glass with ice and the rest was used to make Old Fashioneds....

I think I even smoked some cigars that night, but I can't be sure.
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My favorite bourbon has to be Bulleit.

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Happy Birthday, Rich and welcome! My favorite go-to bourbon is Knob Creek....especially when I'm having a cigar. As far as the cigar, just because it's the most expensive doesn't mean it's the best. What's the name of your local B&M?
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Auburnfan, I knew someone would comment on my remark. I had a Habana Reserve on Thanksgiving so I might go with that again. My local B&M is Town & Country Cigars in Euless or Arlington Cigar Company. I saw a RyJ in a silver tube last time I was there maybe I will give that a try. Thanks for the replies guys and keep em coming if anyone else has suggestions. Thanks for all the Birthday wishes as well guys.
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Town & Country, huh? Ditch the RyJ--I'd recommend grabbing a Taboo Twist or Taboo HSG. If Rob & Patrick are around, tell them we all said "Hey!"
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You can't go wrong with Buffalo Trace. Others I would recommend are Eagle Rare Single Barrel, Russell Reserve, Rare Breed, and Bookers
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:-) My favorite. Can't go with you on the ice, but otherwise... :-)
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Evan Williams Single Barrel & a Punch Gran Puro - great flavor pairing!

My 'everyday' bourbon is Makers Mark - also pairs well with a number of smokes from medium to medium-full flavors, especially maduros & corojos.

And Happy smokin Birthday!!
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Have you heard of the place Gerard? I have been there only a few times so I don't know anyone by name. It's a really cool place especially with the full bar in back. I was trying to stick with a sure thing since it was a special occasion. Although I probably need to try somthing else sittng in my humidor. I've had a few bad experiences trying new things so I admit I have only been smoking RyJ lately because it hasn't let me down. I need to get back into my experimenting mode. Looks like Buffalo Trace takes the lead.
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Rich, Rob is proprietor (I think?) at Town & Country. A few years ago he started selling Taboo Cigars as his house blend. He's a member here as well as at our previous forum home, does a lot of business with folks.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/member.php?u=375

Great guy, great cigars. You're lucky to be in the area!
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HBD Rich! RyJ + Woodford = A Good Night!:-)
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WOW Gerard I had no idea. I'm glad you told me. I will seriously consider trying one. If I don't smoke it tonight I will definitely smoke it in the near future. Town & County has become my new hangout spot. Awesome concept, a cigar shop first and a bar and lounge second. Alot of other shops charge membership fees for these conveniences.
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If you get a chance try Pappy Van Winkle 15 year old bourbon. It is outstanding. The others in the van Winkle line are also quite good. They include: Old Rip van Winkle 10 yr (I prefer the 107 proof), Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 yr (often referred to as Lot "B"), Pappy van Winkle 20 yr, and Pappy van Winkle 23 yr. The older ones are still Stitzel Weller bourbon.
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Shoot if you can get your hands on Pappy 15 buy as much as you can afford. I never can seem to score a bottle of that.
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