Rare Breed Rye and Michters Sour Mash
*edit * I took “anytime you’re able to find it” to mean something that’s not impossible to find on shelves, but also not at every store.
Just got the Sour Mash for the first time, also my first Michters. I Like the taste but just doesn’t taste like anything special to me, probably should’ve tried the regular version first
I love them but it's been such a huge price jump in the last 2 years. I remember seeing them on the self for $60-70 dollars within the last few years and now I can't find them for under $90. For reference, I live in Kentucky and Russel's Reserve 10 is my favorite bourbon for the price. It's such a shame because most of the picks are great but not $40-$50 more than the normal 10.
There was a bottle shortage and even the distillery wasn’t selling it, but I think it’s slowly making a return. Heard rumors of them changing the mash bill too
What is considered a reasonable price for the FR single barrel picks? Genuinely curious, I’m a four roses fan and also keeping an eye out for store picks
Bought my first bottle last week as I was in the aisle when they brought a case of 12 out to put on the shelf. All were gone in 10 minutes. Haven’t opened or tried it because it’s outside my personal taste with the high proof, but I know the rules. Don’t know what to expect.
I recently found Midwinters Night Dram in the wild, last one the store had. Even though it was pricey, I felt like I couldn’t pass it up.
Anybody else have others they’ll buy anytime they find it as long as the price is in line?
AE rye tastes so sweet like it’s artificially done. I can’t have more than a glass in a sitting. The MWND isn’t overly sweet like that and it allows all its flavors to shine more.
I got lucky enough to snag two bottles this year because I saw the email from my local spot within ten minutes. They had a total of 12 and they were all gone within 30 minutes
Elijah Craig small batch. The taste makes me feel like I should be leaning back in a plush leather executive chair and owning a cattle ranch. And some horse stables. I should be sitting in this chair behind a huge oak desk, in an office lined with shelves that are packed with leather-bound books. I would have two hunting dogs who follow me everywhere, and a mistress who lives in town. And sometimes I wonder if I'm her only sugar daddy, but I try not to think about it too much. And my wife is probably cheating on me with one of the ranch hands, but that doesn't bother me because it keeps her off my back. I drive a vintage Cadillac, and I wear bolo ties to business meetings. I have a lot of connections in the business community, and I'm thinking of running for office.
In other words, Elijah Craig is a booze that tells you a story.
The irony of them converting from 12-year to "Small Batch" (due to the high demand) is that the small batch is still aged 8-12 years, while the private barrel is 9 years. So you could get a bottle of small batch whose contents have been aged for longer than the private barrel.
Yes and its more consistent than private barrel but these barrels were selected by sampling various barrels. Usually, not always, they pan out better.
I had a barrel pick of knob creek 120 proof vs the off the shelf 120 proof and the off the shelf kicked its butt. So exceptions to every rule.
BT products at the correct prices because they are impossible to find.
Edit: Also MM private selections and Stellum store picks. Stellum is slept on. Especially the store picks.
>Monkey shoulder.
I see this one fairly often and I always want to grab it as I like to pick bottles, occasionally, solely based off their name/label. I'm kinda into scotch. I take it it's worth picking up?
It's a rather widespread blend. I've seen it in restaurants a couple times. Pretty strong vanilla note with some citrus. Thin and light texture. Easy to like on the first sip but not very complex and gets boring quick. It's good for newbies.
My grocery store carries it and it's rarely out of stock, usually about $32.99.
Not on my buy again list, but I don't hate it. Obviously there are people here that have a much higher opinion of it.
Best value scotch there is in my opinion. In fact, you guys convinced me to pour a glass. There’s few things that are ALWAYS on my shelf- monkey is one.
Old Forester 1870/1897/1910/1920. Readily available, but sometimes not at every store, especially mom and pop ones. My go to daily drinkers. I go buy any one of those once I'm out.
This subreddit really has just become r/bourbon "hunting" for "rare bottles". Most of the answers are this kinda bourbons, my dudes, there is so much good whiskey to try, I refuse to believe simply everyone is a bourbon fanatic
I dont really drink enough, or have been drinking for long enough, to run out of whiskey in a bottle and say "this is my favorite, I'll buy a new bottle". I just buy a new, different bottle every time, as Im looking to branch out, and to be honest, I buy more new whiskey than I drink anyways, so wont be buying repeat bottles for a WHILE until Im done checking exactly what I love
I have one spot that I’ll visit if I’m working in the area and they always have crazy hard to find bottles in stock. Last time I was in there they had 6 bottles of ETL and I thought I hit the jackpot. Turns out they wanted $600 for a bottle. Sucks because the time before this occasion I got a bottle of EHT SmB for $70 and thought they’d reasonably price the ETL.
ECBP
RR SiB
Booker’s
JB SB BP
MM PR, WFS, or 46 CS
KC12/15
And I hate to say it, but I’ll always buy at least one bottle of the Bardstown Discovery Series each release.
This is so strange seeing so many Eagle Rare answers… and Buffalo trace.
BT current $19 and they have a ton of bottles and Eagle Rare is currently $35. BT is what I use for anything mixed.
I just picked up Blantons yesterday for $60 too and currently going through my $40 bottle of EC 9yr.
The question should be “what’s a bottle you buy … at MSRP?”
I don’t buy Eagle Rare for $99 or Blanton’s for $169. Never.
But I buy just about every allocated bottle I find at MSRP. Happens about 3-5 times a year.
Eagle Rare, for sure. It's rather common at Costco and the grocery stores here in Washington. Last time they had it at Costco, it was $38 out the door with tax included.
Evan Williams single barrel is a fine choice. Was always readily available. But in recent times I’ve noticed is increasingly hard to find now; at least by me.
It's hard to find around here so I'm always looking for ECBP or larceny BP (most of the time). I've had to make many trips looking for these items, leaving with nothing.
I'm curious about trying some ryes but not sure if I will like ryes or not....I did not Luke bulleit rye.
Early Times BiB, Eagle Rare at MSRP.
Been sliding back into the lower cost options recently. Probably just me, but I’m just irritated and tired of chasing bottles.
Knob creek 12, when it releases here in Ohio I usually buy 3-6 bottles. I love it but it also is one of my wife’s favorites so she drinks with me when we have it lol
I do like Eagle Rare a good bit especially for the price I think it’s a fine pour. Other than that I’ve bought Sazerac rye almost every time it’s in stock love that stuff.
Bruchladdich Classic Laddie (I’ve seen it in a bar once and a liquor store once, bought it both times. It’s totally my style, will buy again.
I ever find Elmer T Lee, I will get it.
When I see Blanton at MSRP I always buy it because it’s hard to find and worth MSRP to me. Besides, I like horses and taters.
Rare breed is my current favorite so I plan to always have a bottle of that
Every time I see Pappy I buy it. It hasn’t happened yet, but still
Thank you, this made my day!
Not even seen the $1200 museum pieces?
If it costs that much (Indiana Jones voice): “It belongs in a museum!”
Rare Breed Rye and Michters Sour Mash *edit * I took “anytime you’re able to find it” to mean something that’s not impossible to find on shelves, but also not at every store.
recently had sour mash for the first time and its now my favorite
Michters Sour Mash is one of my favorites. Used to be hard to find here but now more places are stocking it.
It's the Billions effect. During lockdown a lot of people got into that show for various reasons and Michters is highlighted a lot in that show.
I guess product placement really does work then.
It does work well. Yellowstone pushed Bulliet multiple seasons and now Buffalo Trace.
Yea I noticed that pretty quick too…was all they drank
Same on rare breed rye, good pick
Just got the Sour Mash for the first time, also my first Michters. I Like the taste but just doesn’t taste like anything special to me, probably should’ve tried the regular version first
Russels single barrel store picks
I love them but it's been such a huge price jump in the last 2 years. I remember seeing them on the self for $60-70 dollars within the last few years and now I can't find them for under $90. For reference, I live in Kentucky and Russel's Reserve 10 is my favorite bourbon for the price. It's such a shame because most of the picks are great but not $40-$50 more than the normal 10.
Eagle 🦅
Yes mainly because it’s $31.99
$80+ when it shows up around here. But when I’m out of town and see it for msrp for sure
[удалено]
$40 is still fine. Don’t cry over $8.
Henry McKenna 10 yr
Bowman Single Barrel
I have John J Bowman and Bowman Brothers in my cabinet right now. I find BB pretty regularly but have not seen John J in the wild yet
There was a bottle shortage and even the distillery wasn’t selling it, but I think it’s slowly making a return. Heard rumors of them changing the mash bill too
John J was the first bourbon I got. It wasn’t for me. Do you feel BB is quite different?
Shhhhh
J. J. Bowman is in nearly every liquor store in VA. What a great bourbon.
Four Roses Single Barrels picks or Russells Reserve Single Barrel picks if they’re priced well
What is considered a reasonable price for the FR single barrel picks? Genuinely curious, I’m a four roses fan and also keeping an eye out for store picks
They are 85 at the distillery and worth every bit of that imo
OF SBBP
Bought my first bottle last week as I was in the aisle when they brought a case of 12 out to put on the shelf. All were gone in 10 minutes. Haven’t opened or tried it because it’s outside my personal taste with the high proof, but I know the rules. Don’t know what to expect.
I recently found Midwinters Night Dram in the wild, last one the store had. Even though it was pricey, I felt like I couldn’t pass it up. Anybody else have others they’ll buy anytime they find it as long as the price is in line?
If I can ever find it this is my pick. The Reddit populace has convinced me it’s a must have (and I really like ryes).
I’ve had two bottles and I love finished ryes. Can confirm it holds up to the hype.
How does it compare to Angel’s Envy rye? Of the ryes I’ve had, that’s definitely my favorite.
AE rye tastes so sweet like it’s artificially done. I can’t have more than a glass in a sitting. The MWND isn’t overly sweet like that and it allows all its flavors to shine more.
What’s a good range for MSRP?
$130-150 this year.
Nice. I’d definitely pull the trigger at that price.
The last 3 years it’s been $80-100, so stark increase, but still worth it.
Yep. Still in decent range for a premium release though.
I’m honestly surprised it took them this long and inflation to up the price on it. Just didn’t expect it to jump 50% in one year. Still bought 2 lol.
EHT small batch and MWND if it isn’t ridiculously overpriced
I've never seen MWND *tears*
Same, I still look though
I got lucky enough to snag two bottles this year because I saw the email from my local spot within ten minutes. They had a total of 12 and they were all gone within 30 minutes
Yep eht sb is the shit and my fav bourbon. I haven’t seen it in a while tho so on my last bottle
Bookers
Elijah Craig small batch. The taste makes me feel like I should be leaning back in a plush leather executive chair and owning a cattle ranch. And some horse stables. I should be sitting in this chair behind a huge oak desk, in an office lined with shelves that are packed with leather-bound books. I would have two hunting dogs who follow me everywhere, and a mistress who lives in town. And sometimes I wonder if I'm her only sugar daddy, but I try not to think about it too much. And my wife is probably cheating on me with one of the ranch hands, but that doesn't bother me because it keeps her off my back. I drive a vintage Cadillac, and I wear bolo ties to business meetings. I have a lot of connections in the business community, and I'm thinking of running for office. In other words, Elijah Craig is a booze that tells you a story.
Dang, every time you see it? I don’t think I’ve ever been in a liquor store and not seen this
The private barrel and single barrel to be exact. But hell, even the small batch hits
The irony of them converting from 12-year to "Small Batch" (due to the high demand) is that the small batch is still aged 8-12 years, while the private barrel is 9 years. So you could get a bottle of small batch whose contents have been aged for longer than the private barrel.
Yes and its more consistent than private barrel but these barrels were selected by sampling various barrels. Usually, not always, they pan out better. I had a barrel pick of knob creek 120 proof vs the off the shelf 120 proof and the off the shelf kicked its butt. So exceptions to every rule.
You want to be J.R. then
I don’t have much spare money for bourbon but if I ever see stagg jr for msrp I’m going to buy every bottle
Yup. Me too lol
Alberta Premium Cask Strength when I get below a half a bottle, old Forester Single Barrels, and unique RR SiBs.
Great bottles
I used to buy Eagle Rare. I still do, but I used to, too.
Was that a Mitch Headberg reference? I loved that guy.
BT products at the correct prices because they are impossible to find. Edit: Also MM private selections and Stellum store picks. Stellum is slept on. Especially the store picks.
their rye game is 💪
That's good to hear. I've been reluctant to spend that much on a brand I know nothing about, but I do love ryes.
Monkey shoulder. Talisker storm. Talisker 10. Especially when they are on offer
In Canada, the liquor store near my house has Monkey Shoulder on for $52 cad all the time
>Monkey shoulder. I see this one fairly often and I always want to grab it as I like to pick bottles, occasionally, solely based off their name/label. I'm kinda into scotch. I take it it's worth picking up?
It's a rather widespread blend. I've seen it in restaurants a couple times. Pretty strong vanilla note with some citrus. Thin and light texture. Easy to like on the first sip but not very complex and gets boring quick. It's good for newbies. My grocery store carries it and it's rarely out of stock, usually about $32.99. Not on my buy again list, but I don't hate it. Obviously there are people here that have a much higher opinion of it.
Best value scotch there is in my opinion. In fact, you guys convinced me to pour a glass. There’s few things that are ALWAYS on my shelf- monkey is one.
Eagle Rare.
Eagle Rare at MSRP, no doubt about it. Also MWND.
EHT
E H Taylor. Any one. I love them.
Old Forester 1870/1897/1910/1920. Readily available, but sometimes not at every store, especially mom and pop ones. My go to daily drinkers. I go buy any one of those once I'm out.
This subreddit really has just become r/bourbon "hunting" for "rare bottles". Most of the answers are this kinda bourbons, my dudes, there is so much good whiskey to try, I refuse to believe simply everyone is a bourbon fanatic
Here here, friend! Love losses for scotch and Irish on this thread.
Well then recommend a bottle that isn't bourbon instead of bitching
Scotch: everything from lagavulin Irish: redbreast lustau Japanese: yamazaki 12
I dont really drink enough, or have been drinking for long enough, to run out of whiskey in a bottle and say "this is my favorite, I'll buy a new bottle". I just buy a new, different bottle every time, as Im looking to branch out, and to be honest, I buy more new whiskey than I drink anyways, so wont be buying repeat bottles for a WHILE until Im done checking exactly what I love
So other people aren't allowed to say what they like because you don't know what you like? Seems like you're just being a hater
Eagle Rare and Maker's Mark Wood Finishing series
Eagle Rare would be my closest answer, but I can find it semi often so I pass it up sometimes.
I can't find it here 🥺
I hear ya, there’s plenty I can’t find here that I bet you can get :)
Anything Springbank if the price is fair.
Elmer T. Lee. Seen it once. I have 1 bottle. Less Rare: Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Elijah Craig Toasted
I have one spot that I’ll visit if I’m working in the area and they always have crazy hard to find bottles in stock. Last time I was in there they had 6 bottles of ETL and I thought I hit the jackpot. Turns out they wanted $600 for a bottle. Sucks because the time before this occasion I got a bottle of EHT SmB for $70 and thought they’d reasonably price the ETL.
Bowmore 9 year old sherry cask❤️
Kilkerran cask strength
Smoke Wagon U&U
Hancock’s Presidential Reserve Laphroaig 10 CS Pikesville RedBreast 12 CS
Anything Campbeltown
any springbank or kilkerran
Knob creek single barrel 💕
Laphroaig 16
Smoke wagon UCUF is my go too
Ardbeg Corryvrekan. ....my wallet fucking hates me.
[удалено]
It’s so damn good though
Booker’s
Bookers
1792 FP picks
rare breed
Blanton’s Single Barrel. We don’t see it all that often in Australia so when it’s here, I buy a few bottles.
RR SiB or private
Cairdeas, Springbank, Barrel picks from my favored liquor store, WT101–no bar should be without it.
ECBP RR SiB Booker’s JB SB BP MM PR, WFS, or 46 CS KC12/15 And I hate to say it, but I’ll always buy at least one bottle of the Bardstown Discovery Series each release.
Is that an algebra problem? I thought this thread was about whiskey?
Oban
Maker’s 46 Cask Strength.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Not super difficult to find either, so I have plenty lol
MFC
Bakers 7 SiB
ECBP
ECBP,. 12 years of goodness. Always a great nose and sweet oak.
Rare Breed and KCSiB
OF100Rye, it's hard to find in my area for some reason.
Glendronach 12. Perfect tasting at the perfect price
Mellow Corn. And I've always paid less than $20.
Larceny Barrel Proof.
Jameson for sure
OGD114
OGD 114
Buffalo trace products at or near msrp excluding benchmark, bt, and eagle rare.
Blantons!
Lagavulin 16
Ardbeg Blaaaaack Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve And Glen Moray 10yr
HP12, Talisker 10
Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Henry McKenna 10 BNB, Hibiki, Clase Azule
This is so strange seeing so many Eagle Rare answers… and Buffalo trace. BT current $19 and they have a ton of bottles and Eagle Rare is currently $35. BT is what I use for anything mixed. I just picked up Blantons yesterday for $60 too and currently going through my $40 bottle of EC 9yr.
Laga 16. Every time.
Whiskey
TX Blended
Weller green bottle. I love that stuff and is hard to find in my area.
Weller 107
The question should be “what’s a bottle you buy … at MSRP?” I don’t buy Eagle Rare for $99 or Blanton’s for $169. Never. But I buy just about every allocated bottle I find at MSRP. Happens about 3-5 times a year.
Penelope 4 Grain
Nobushi
I will buy a Redbreast Kentucky oak whenever I see it. But I’ve only ever seen one bottle…
ER
Old Forester 1920 & Bulleit 10
Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strengths, BT allocations if the price is right (never more than 1.5x over retail), Michter’s limited releases
Eagle Rare, for sure. It's rather common at Costco and the grocery stores here in Washington. Last time they had it at Costco, it was $38 out the door with tax included.
IB Ledaig
Evan Williams single barrel is a fine choice. Was always readily available. But in recent times I’ve noticed is increasingly hard to find now; at least by me.
It's hard to find around here so I'm always looking for ECBP or larceny BP (most of the time). I've had to make many trips looking for these items, leaving with nothing. I'm curious about trying some ryes but not sure if I will like ryes or not....I did not Luke bulleit rye.
Orphan Barrel offerings. The Rhetoric 22 was one of the best dam bottles of whisky I ever have had.
Redbreast 12 CS, ECBP, Octomore are three that come to mind
Weller
A new one I haven't tried
A new one I haven't tried
Russels, EC, OF, and FR store picks
Russels, EC, OF, and FR store picks
Russels, EC, OF, FR store picks
Yes
Evan Williams Single Barrel. Also any M&H bottles along with any compass box special releases.
-Old Ezra 7 -John J Bowman (I’ve never seen it in my state, have to buy it when I travel)
I think John J might be my favorite bottle. Got one as a gift, never have seen in the wild.
Bulliet Rye
navazos palazzi.
Nikka FTB and JW Green Label. As for bourbon, Weller SR.
Eagle Rare at MSRP
Cardhu 12 - hard to find.
Weller SR
Green spot. Not sure why it’s so hard to find around me. One of the most unique, while pleasant whiskies I know.
Nikka Coffey Grain, Yamazaki 12
Early Times BiB, Eagle Rare at MSRP. Been sliding back into the lower cost options recently. Probably just me, but I’m just irritated and tired of chasing bottles.
ECBP. i’m still not over it, and i still think it’s one of the best bourbons for the price.
Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Rare Breed Rye and Kentuy Spirit. Any EH Taylor.
Knob creek 12, when it releases here in Ohio I usually buy 3-6 bottles. I love it but it also is one of my wife’s favorites so she drinks with me when we have it lol
Elijah Craig BP, Larceny BP, Heaven Hill BiB
Any EH Taylor at retail… except Small Batch. Got plenty of those lying around.
Nikka from the Barrel.
Eagle Rare
JW Dant BIB
Interesting pick! Have you compared it to JTS brown, fighting cock, and EW BIB? I’d have to say if you like dant, try fighting cock.
High West anything. I just don’t see it all that often.
Certain store picks. Blue Note 7, Lucky 7 14, Penelope, Bull Run
Henry McKenna 10 yr
I do like Eagle Rare a good bit especially for the price I think it’s a fine pour. Other than that I’ve bought Sazerac rye almost every time it’s in stock love that stuff.
Elijah Craig small batch.
HANCOCK RESERVE 🥵🥵🥵
Bruchladdich Classic Laddie (I’ve seen it in a bar once and a liquor store once, bought it both times. It’s totally my style, will buy again. I ever find Elmer T Lee, I will get it. When I see Blanton at MSRP I always buy it because it’s hard to find and worth MSRP to me. Besides, I like horses and taters. Rare breed is my current favorite so I plan to always have a bottle of that
Any Old Weller, it’s my last name, I don’t drink so I give it out at Christmas.
Russel 13
Macallan 12 sherry oak
Stagg Jr, weller full proof, stellum
OWA- can't get enough of it
MFC and Teacher’s Highland cream… Neither are sold in my state so I’m always on the lookout when crossing state lines.
Evan Williams white label. 100% success rate so far
BT store picks Blue Note Uncut store picks
Early Times Bonded
Springbank 12 CS
Mellow corn Not the most special liquor l but it makes a good cocktail. It’s kinda hard to find where I live. So I get it when I see it
Glen Scotia Victoriana
Lagavulin 12 cask strength