How was the 4 Wood?
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To be honest it was a little hot, but still very tasty. It was out shined a little by the ER 17, but still a great bourbon.
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Thanks :-) I think it retails at $100+/-. Is it worth that?
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Woodford Reserve's Master's Collection is always priced at $100 +/-

Worth it? Depends. If gladly pay that for the original Four Grain or the Sweet Mash from 2 years ago. But was disappointed in the Sanoma Cutler(?) and the Maple Wood if the past. I haven't broken open my bottles of Rye from last year, so can't comment. Honestly, for that money, you'd probably be better off with 2 bottles of Four Rose single barrel. Or, one bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel strength, and a bottle of Evan Williams single barrel. And maybe change left in your pocket.

I think Woodford has helped promote small batch distilling and given other small batch makers something to cheer about. But they are probably overpriced compared to what's now out there! Does that mean I wouldn't buy a bottle? Only if I could taste test it first!

Honestly, of the seven bottles I pictured several posts ago, NONE were over $50, even the Florida palm, which has a distillation of only 1000 gallons. I'd rather spend $100 on two bottles of small craft whiskeys than $100 on one bottle that has, so far, been only 50% hits with me!
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Grabbed the 23 a week or so ago. Finally tracked down the 20!
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Chip, let me know if you want me to pick up a bottle for you. They're local to me and I've been wanting to go there
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Ian, what kind of pricing have you found on the 20? WA State just changed our liquor laws going from all State run, to private industry so the distribution is pretty screwed up right now. I've only found one Pappy bottle in stock somewhere and the shop is frickin trying to rape someone... after tax, it's $299 for the 20 year!?!
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Ummm, pass. I paid $185 for the 20, and $279 for the 23. $299 for the 20 is just stupid.
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Picked up a bottle of Larceny yesterday before work. Haven't tried it yet as I was too tired after work to stick around and pour me a glass.

I'm hoping to grab a bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel LE 12 when I get back up to my parents' places for Christmas.
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Just found out that my wife's next contract will be back in Knoxville. McScrooge's HERE I COME!!! Great selection, great prices!!! They had some single barrel Four Roses that they had the whole barrel made up for them last Christmas. Hope they have more this year!!!
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Just picked up a bottle of Elijah Craig 12 year old and I really enjoyed it. Very nice sweet corn flavor throughout. Not as intense as the 18 year old, but very good. Possibly the best bourbon for the price.
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Cool, hit me up if you swing through Nashville :-)
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Yesterday I picked up a bottle of Van Winkle 13yr Rye, Templeton Rye, and an E.H. Taylor. Going to be a great Christmas!
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I picked this up today.

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Watershed is made here in Columbus, OH and was reading about it in the local paper.

I was wondering if anyone has had anything from OYO? This is another distillery here in Ohio and they have a rye, whiskey, and bourbon.
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Had my first experience with bourbon last night:
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Damn, I see this becoming a go to.
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Welcome to the delicious side, my brother.
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No turning back you started with one of the best:-)
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Ok Bourbon Banterer's...

Admittedly I have little experience with Bourbons, Maker's Mark has been my go to for many years, after reading this thread and getting some advice from some of the guys here I went and tried 2 more bourbon's to add to my list...

Maker's Mark
Four Rose's Small Batch
Knob Creek

I have to say I enjoyed the Four Rose's Small batch's smoothness but missed "the burn" of my Maker's Mark... The Knob Creek was ok, just ok... I Didn't care for the heavy "bite" and while it had good "burn" I still enjoyed the "warmth" of the Maker's Mark better...

Forgive all the "quoted" words... I don't know if they are the proper terms to describe what I am trying to say but they are my best attempt...

So today when I was picking up another handle of Maker's Mark I asked the local ABC's shopkeeper about other Bourbons, Specifically the Buffalo Trace because I have heard a lot about it from others... He said not to waste my money... Anyone agree with that?

My next question would be if you were looking for a Bourbon with similar "Burn" "warmth" and "bite" to Maker's Mark, what would you suggest? What if you were trying to keep it affordable (under 50.00)?

The guy did say Woodford is probably the best bet, but with the price tag, It might be a while before I get around to that one...
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Jim Beam Black is a very good value and comes close to what I would describe as a little more "rustic" or bold. Perhaps this is what you are going for?

Maker's 46 is very good as well. To me it's a bit lighter and more floral than regular Makers.

For a very bold and unrefined Bourbon, there is Bookers. One of the few that I couldn't handle. Quite a challenge.

Thus appears to be the Bourbon game. Much like cigars. Try a bunch in airplane bottles, or go to a good bar and sample to find what you like. Most important; drink what you like and like what you drink.

If you want really "rustic and affordable" there's always Military Special Bourbon and Heaven Hill Green. :-):-) Seriously, don't try those.

Edit to say, I think Jim Beam Seven year (red) is one of the best for the money and quite under-rated.
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Picked up a bottle of Eagle Rare because it was on sale at the local ABC. Very nice. Very smooth and sweet.
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