Maybe you guys can recommend me something

I like cocktails (old fashioned, improved whiskey cocktail, whiskey sour, etc, etc) I usually drink Woodford Reserve but I'm not afraid of something funky (like if I make a rum based drink I'll use a heavy hand on the rhum agricole, or I add an extra dash or so of bitters something that calls for bitters)

e: I did get a bottle of Four Roses and I liked it (it's also gone lol)

My current favorite for Old Fashioned's is Chestnut Farms. Just a really smooth flavor, good enough on it's own. Runs around $65-75/bottle.

https://d3omj40jjfp5tk.cloudfront.ne...543b/large.png

Did the bourbon thread go quiet for the winter?

https://tastersclub.com/cdn/shop/fil...g?v=1738187389

Was just gifted this, but haven't opened yet. Anyone have thoughts? I may wait until cigar season, or at least an unusually warm day so that I can do both.

The 10 year is OK. It's very "smooth" if you're into that kind of thing. I prefer my whiskeys to have a little bit more character or bite.

Chestnut Farms juice is garbage. Way overpriced for what it is as are most of the rest of the Spirits Direct shit bottles that Total Wine employees push on all customers. For half the price, get yourself a bottle of Elijah Craig small batch, maybe $32. You'll thank me later, even if it's just for cocktails.

That's my main takeaway from Basil Hayden in general... I did a toasted side-by-side once including their Toast and IMO there was almost nothing to it (especially when going to/from EC, Woodford, etc). Pretty sure I've had their regular bourbon, too, and it was very similar... too watered down and basic for my tastes.

Not sure it would age well for that reason, either.

Just secured myself a 2024 George T. Stagg. I haven't opened the bottle but was wondering what others think of this year's offering.

Jefferson's Tropics bourbon was absolutely delicious, if you can find it.

The George T Stagg were you able to get it closer to msrp? Or did you pay the high Secondary price.

I got a bottle of Stagg at the Black Friday thing at Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits. It's the "A" version (as opposed to "B", not that I know the difference). It's great juice. Not the best I've ever had, but beyond solid.

George T. Stagg is always very tasty. This year's is no exception. Water opens it up very well.

LARGE difference between George T Stagg (tall, traditional shaped bottle) and Stagg. (short, squatty bottle)

Both are great pours, but we're talking $700-800 difference in price on the secondary market.

Bourbon's secondary market is weird. George T. Stagg's were going for over a grand for the longest time and at least around KC, you can get a GTS for around 600-800. The squat Stagg/Stagg Jr. bottles have gone down to maybe 300ish.

Looking at social media/YouTube, there is definitely a pushback among bourbon followers about what is "cool" to own these days. The rare allocated bottles used to be what was hot and now you aren't a "real" bourbon fan unless you tout some 50 dollar bottle as being better than any expensive bottle and look down upon those "wasting" money. I suppose it's like any other trend and someone will release a new rare bottle at it will be back to being all the rage and the cycle will begin again.