I'm a liquor retailer. I sell this stuff for a living. I was on the wholesale side of the biz when Blanton's was introduced in the 90's. It (& Eagle Rare & Buffalo Trace) used to collect dust on the shelf 5-6 years ago. But as soon as something is hard to get, EVERYBODY wants it. I can't begin to tell you how much of a headache this has become! The majority of the public doesn't want it for the taste, but only because it is rare. Yet there are better Bourbons on the shelf that are regularly available. My #1 is the Russell's Single BBL. Knob creek Single BBL is hard to come by but everything they make is good. I prefer the Roses Select over their Single barrel but both are very good. The shock for me was the Rebel Yell; we only have the cheap stuff & it's pretty rough. Keep doing what you're doing. Folks need a dose of reality to overcome all the hype.
I used to drink Maker’s Mark exclusively. Then a friend had me try his Michener’s US1 American Whiskey, and I was hooked. For $36, it’s a solid winner for me.
Good choice! I told another commenter that I forgot all about the few Michters that I have when we recorded this video. Like you, I think they are pretty darn good!
I've had many bottles of Blanton's when it used to be easy to come by (like Eagle Rare). Some were the best bourbon I've ever had while others just mediocre. Your Knob Creek call is spot on. I would say for the money the Evan Williams Single Barrell is outstanding as well as its about $28.
I did have one EWSB a while ago and wasn’t a big fan. So many people like and recommend it so I am going to have to give it another try. Thanks for your input!
Evan single barrel after 2010 are spotty but still great especially for price. Every barrel is different so maybe ive had bad luck after 2010 vintage but between 10 and 11 i felt 10 was really great and 12 and 13s have been mediocre.
@@williambedard4375 Agree 100%, I had some great bottles around 2005-2007, although a couple of the 2012s have been good, im drinking barrell 1376 atm which is very enjoyable
I’ve only one of these whiskies, but the Knob Creek Single Barrel is probably my favorite whiskey of all time. I am always looking for recommendations and I will have to try the others. My one recommendation would have to be Bulleit Barrel Strength. It is simply an amplification of everything that I love about Bourbon.
As a Single Malt drinker I really enjoy Bourbon too, enjoy your video's too (really helpfull). But we do not have as much choice here then you guys, but very happy with the Four Roses Single Barrel, a few weeks ago I ordered a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed because you speak so highly of it. I like that one too. Keep up the great work. Greetings from The Netherlands
Thanks for the video. I love the Knob Creek 120 proof and the Four Roses Single Barrel. They were some of the first bourbons I had and will always have on them my bar.
Never ever had Whiskey quite like JD barrel proof , it IS phenomenal Steven C! I can't believe McKenna 100prf.single barrel wasn't on this list, I believe it is 1of the World's great spirits, hands down 🤫👊
I just bought a bottle of the JD yesterday and cracked it open for a taste. I thought it was amazing and can’t wait to see what it tastes like after it’s been open for awhile.
Thanks for touting the works of the Russell’s. Their bourbons are always proper and on point. Turkey 101 alone is quite possibly the greatest value in bourbon. Rare Breed? Good Lordy how power and delicious. Cheers. Nice video
Glad you included the Rebel Yell - I think they hit well above their weight, especially their single barrel offerings. I generally agree with these five, however the flavor profile varies significantly such as Russell's with the vanilla and oak, Four Roses with Banana, Knob Creek with sweet Cinnamon and fruit, and the Jack is a grainy sweetness. The only issue I have with single barrels is that it is nearly impossible to find another with the same profile at a later point in time.
I have been lucky finding Blantons for retail. I did however get a bottle / barrel that I wasn’t a fan of. It was off profile, way more peppery than the normal sweet. Months go by I find another (retail, 2 towns away) Blantons and picked it up. Just to find out it was the same barrel as the off profile one I did not particularly care for! It’s unopened for now. But I’ll crack it eventually and hope (probably in vain) it’s better than the first go round! The caveat to that is I now pay attention more to the labels! I agree that Blantons is a good bourbon, but the hype keeps it a tough bottle to find, even tougher at retail!
Another great video . You may know this already , but when searching for hard to find higher end whiskies, bourbons , ryes . I would suggest rather than going to the larger liquor stores that seem to have everything , try the smaller older liquor shops . The reason being that most of their clientele usually go for least expensive drink . So at times they may get a higher end whiskey, bourbon , rye . And so you may buy a great bottle for less than you might expect .
I found this out recently. I always liked Colonel E.H. Taylor and for years now my local liquor stores are always out to the point that they do drawings for it now. I walked into a small liquor store near work to pick up some Buffalo Trace and asked just for giggles if they had any and they said "How many bottles you want?" I bought 3, then they said "we have Blantons too, you want some of those?" They have consistently had both. I only shop there now.
Great choices, I really like the knob creek SiB and the 4R SiB is one of my favorites. I was able to find Blantons a few times a year at retail at my local grocery store up until earlier this year. Cheers
I got a bottle of blantons for retail where I live, I'd buy it again for $60. It can be way too hard to find. I agree with you about the jack and four roses, they are great. I'll have to try to get the others
Thank you …. for you articulate, intelligent, no hype B.S. presentation on your take. It is nearly impossible to find someone who is not auditioning for “Hollywood”. There are those of us who just want knowable information on quality.
Knob creek single barrel 120 proof is the only thing from Jim beams main line that I have really liked. Store picks are amazing. Booker's and bakers aren't nearly as good. Totally agree with you on the jack sibbp so much burnt brown sugar, love it. Four roses is solid haven't had it in awhile usually liked the small batch better but could have changed. The russels reserve sib is the bomb. Something I always keep on my shelf. And store picks are even better. The russels 10 is great but wow this is better. Even the regular wt 101 is great and well priced. Met Mr. Russell and got a signed bottle when I toured the distillery. He's been making wild turkey for over 65 years so he knows a thing or two. Here in VA the rebel is hard to find. The rest are easy. Def recommend you trying Evan sib, and John bowman.
McKenna 10 yr. is, to me, one of the best bourbon values out there. Woodford Double-oaked is right there too with great flavor at a fair price -- although a bit pricier than the Mckenna.
@@mikeess2780 I’ve only had a taste of the double Oaked and thought it was good. Would still go McKenna. I like Elmer T Lee too but it’s because I’m partial to Buffalo trace. I like a little heat cutting into the sweetness, while others look for a variation of notes or smoothness which is why there’s such a wide array of opinions revolving around Basil Hayden’s, four roses etc. I’ll have them all, but my opinion is based on preference if we’re splitting hairs. 😂
I picked up a bottle of that single barrel Russel's reserve and I can say for sure it is in my top 5 as well! Four Roses is amazing as well, haven't had the others!
What whiskey can I buy now, let it sit for 21 years that my grand children can sell and pay for college, car, house, etc Anyone have favorites you recommend?
I’ve always liked store picks, but in my personal opinion the best ones I’ve ever had are a Four Roses SBBP and an Angels Envy Store pick. Both are just fantastic, the 4R is very much Black tea and honey with a lot of clove, tobacco and baking spices, while the Angels is much sweeter and fruit forward with an almost candied raspberry flavor that is rounded off and balanced a bit by a sweet oak that just gives me an ear to ear grin.
I agree with all of these, except I haven't tried anything from Rebel Yell yet. Other good alternatives, although not single barrels, are Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Knob Creek 12, and Old Forester 1920.
wild turkey is crap, thats why they have russells, its the best they could make, rare breed is still well bourbon. kniob creek 12 is good, but it wont touch blantrons for smoothness or flavors, heck they arent even the same profile. and old forrestor 1920, lol yikes, taklk about el cheapo shelfie, i wouldnt even make mixed drinks with it , its for people who do shots of bourbon.
@@slbdrinks thats just it sir, you dont want people to enjoy good bourbon, you want them to enjoy cheap bourbon, money and taste do not correllate! you confuse VALUE with Taste! If we both buy exact duplicate toyota rav 4's, but i pay 800 bucks more than you do, who has the better car? Neither of us! but you got a better deal, but the product stays the same.
Kurt you are so right about the Russell’s Reserve single barrel. It is complex and worthy of being savored. Lots of oak and like you said cinnamon, molasses, and baking spices. Quite delicious.
My Paternal Grandfather drank Four Roses from 1920 or so through his life until the day he passed away in 1965. When their SINGLE BARREL came into the world..... I searched for almost a year to locate one.. I was HOOKED! I talked to my local retailer and bought a CASE and gave each of my drinking buddies a bottle for the following Christmas. It was a HIT. I also recommend it! It's a good buy at $65
Thanks for the fun list! I am curious, however, on the comparison. Even thought they are all “Single Barrel,” we have some wide variation in proofs! There might not be much comparison difference in 93 to 100, but certainly there is at 120 and 130, these bourbons are a different animal. When I drink a barrel proof, I am looking for different characteristics compared to just a single. Thoughts? Blanton's 93 proof Knob Creek Single Barrel 120 proof Jack Daniels Single Barre, Barrel Proof 130 proof Four Roses Single Barrel 100 proof Russell's Reserve Private Barrel Selection 110 proof Rebel Yell 10 Year Single Barrel 100 proof
Very glad I recently stumbled on your channel as you put out some great quality content sir! Awesome takes on cocktails, whiskeys, funny remarks and all in great spirit, pun intended! Keep it up! Loved this list: very well curated!
Another excellent video! Try the Garrison Brothers single barrel one of my favorites. The standard is about $92 the store picks are about $140. I have never tried a store pick. I just purchased my second bottle and was worried it would not be as good as the first bottle because it’s “single barrel “ but it was just as amazing. It’s truly one bourbon that everyone who I have had try it love it.
I been looking for the barrel strength but no luck in eastern PA. I just recently switched from Elijah Craig to Bulleit as a daily drinking, since eagle rare is really rare to find in my area.
You were spot on concerning the Jack single barrel and the 4 Roses. I would suggest another whiskey for you, though it isn't a single barrel, Angels Envy. A very good whiskey with some beautiful flavors going on it. I usually drink with an ice cube on most of my whiskeys to I can get the flavors separated. I will surely try the ones you listed I haven't tried yet. Keep up the channel. Thanks.
Great Channel ! I enjoy the Music in the back and sippin Whisky and smoke a cigar to it and listen to your opinions. I am from germany and bought a blantons for 60 euros and Drink and i like it a lot. Now i will try knob or Russel After your Video !
I totally agree with the Rebel 10 year. I recently picked it up and it’s whoa! And goes awesome with a cigar 💨. We can always do a trade my friend 🙏🏼 because my store has a number of them 👍🏻
What i like about four roses single barrel is that is reminds me of black tea. Its like Bourbon with a hint of tea which I love. Some people may hate it
Dam yall do a great job. I am new to your site, I love a good bourbon, I can't afford a $250 bottle but always looking for something more reasonable in price.
Great channel. Love listening to you. Like the bar piano in the background. I love Blantons and have a hard time finding it in my area. Gosh I LOVE Four Roses. I’m waiting to find Russels Reserve at my Total Wine. You got me salivating for it. You’re the kind of guy I’d love to sit and sip bourbon with. And I do! Haha. See me now?? Grin.
I first tried Blanton's over 40 yearas ago. I've enjoyed it from time to time over the years but can't understand the furor over it right now. I have the Four Roses Single Barrel and agree that it's a very nice bourbon. I'll give the others a try some time, though that Knob Creek sounds kind of rough at 120 proof.
It can be a bit hot if you are not used to higher proof whiskeys. If you happen to try it pour it over ice. That’s how I always drink that one and it’s very good! Thanks for your input!
Hey Jude that puts you in my age group and I agree about Four Roses. Nice! Crass dude maybe but I think Old Forester needs a mention as a great every day Everyman real deal that you can make a great Manhattan or whatever and not break the bank.
Interesting. Blanton's first bottle was released in 1984. You drank it at least 2 years before it came out. Did you hang out with Elmer T Lee as well? Was he as nice as they say?
Honestly Blanton's is one of my biggest let down. I'll take a Jack Daniels single barrel any day of the week over that and they are almost the same proof
I have finally tried russel reserve single barrel. The best parts of the 90 proof 10 year are amplified. But I have passed on two total wine store picks because the proof is the same as well as the absence of any dates for barreling or bottling. The regular single barrel is about $55-60 at any type of store yet total wanted $75 for their barrel pick. I do wonder what kind of differences there are besides maybe knowing the particular barrel the pick is coming from? Also I was lucky enough to score two different barrel picks from rebel yell at a local store called davidsons. They are single barrel & cask strength bottled at 120 proof. What a treat! Especially for $50. The store managers favorite barrel is 6 years old and the other barrel is 7 years old. Both of these bourbons have a very deep dark cocoa and raisin caramel flavor. The six year has a very distinct oak note that tastes like peanuts or even bean protein. The wood is much more mellow in the seven year and a nice cherry cereal grain flavor shines through. Davidson's liquor also has two barrels from ezra brooks bottled at 120 proof. I have picked up one so far that the manager describes as a classic cherry candy flavored bourbon. The ezra barrel picks are only $50 also! I work at a store called hb liquors here in colorado. When it comes to bourbon the majority of what we sell is either barrel proof, single barrel, and store picks. We do mostly single barrel picks but sometimes we pick blends. We are releasing our own private recipe 46 makers mark made from 10 selected staves called chocolate cherry bomb. We have some incredible picks from penelope, blue note, and 3 chord that are a marriage of two barrels to create a "hybrid barrel". Basically a double, single barrel whiskey. The general trend right now is to blend a charred oak barrel with a toasted oak barrel. Penelope and 3 chord did this type of hybrid bottled around 117 proof. They have some of the best classic bourbon notes i have encountered in a $60 bourbon. They both sourced mgp and aged it in their own barrels. These are nostalgia in a bottle. Three chord also did a hybrid of charred oak and uncharred oak. It's a little hot but the flavor profile from uncharred oak is surprisingly floral. Our barell proof elijah craig barrel picks go in days. We have barrel proof picks from stellum, devils river, knob creek (9 year), peerless, woodford, and lots more that stay on shelves longer. Someone got a weller twelve from us this week for $60. There's a list but no lottery. I got an elijah craig 18 for $144. The only raffle we do is for the barrel itself. I don't want to say always but, after bottling is done we will sometimes get the barrel. We should be raffling off the barrel our elijah craig pick came out of! There was even a case where a customer won the raffle and bought a stranahans barrel and it was still about 20% full! It's an exciting time to be in the business. I consider these slb bourbon basement bar videos a strong asset to anyone who is learning the art of collecting spirits. These videos are as important to the industry and craft of bourbon as the people and entities providing these products to the public through retail. It's video channels like slb that keep people updated with what is happening by exposing us to unfamiliar products as well as giving valuable insight as to which products are actually worth the money being asked.
Holy cow what an amazing selection of barrel picks etc! Sounds like your store has it going on! Kudos! Question, are you located anywhere close to the old elk distillery?
I have to revisit this one. Bought one a couple yrs ago and didn’t like it all that much. So many have suggested it though so for that money I have got to give it another go!
Interesting list. I guess I'm going to have to overcome my JD skepticism and give these special bottlings a try (people went NUTS for the single barrel, barrel proof rye). But, the Russell's Reserve Single Barrel has just moved up towards the top of my shopping list. Unfortunately, your No. 1 is as much a "unicorn" as Blanton's. NONE of the big retailers in CA carry Rebel 10 (e.g. Total Wine, BevMo, etc., etc. etc.). I'm hard pressed to think that it is twice as good as the Four Roses or Russell's Reserve (which is what it is going for (110+). But, if I can find it at a whiskey bar, I'll give it a try.,
@@slbdrinks Wow, you were right on the money with Russell's Reserve Single Barrel (Total wine version). It's fantastic. Are the other Russell's Reserve options remotely as good?
I am a little biased because I really enjoy Wild Turkey releases including Russell’s. Rare breed is outstanding. The RR 10 is a bit cheaper but also good.
Now I really want to try that Rebel Yell, I don't think I've seen that before, and I'm intrigued. Another good one you could add to the list is Koval! That's risen to one of my favorite single barrels recently. I never have a hard time getting it in from my distributors either. I think we pay maybe $50 per bottle
The Buffalo Trace line is actually my favorite. I really love Eagle Rare. I've always thought Blantons is a very solid Bourbon, but I wouldn't pay over $100 for it. Not even sure I'd suggest paying that much just because, as you point out, there are a lot just as good (especially for their price).
I completely agree with everything you said. Buffalo Trace offerings are always on my list, but eagle rare is definitely my favorite. I also agree that Blanton's is a good quality bourbon, but a hundred bucks is the most I'd pay and reluctantly at that. Hard to find it anyway, haven't seen it in a while. That again, the eagle rare has been quite rare, LOL.
Excellent list. Huge fan of the Wild Turkey line. I have the Russell’s Single Barrel, 10yr, WT Rare Breed and 101. All fantastic!!! I also have the FR Single Barrel. On the hunt for the JD Barrel Proof. Can’t find it down here in The Boot!
My husband LOVES Blantons. We only recently learned about the secret of the horses on the cork. Unfortunately, we live in Utah, and getting Blantons in to purchase in our state run stores has become rare. Fortunately, we have a good friend in the bar business and sometimes we can purchase bottles from them (And I will deny it if asked in person, ha).
Not a Four Roses fan and haven't had Rebel Yell but 100% onboard with you rother choices. I'll have to keep an eye out for the Rebel yell to give it a try. Thanks
@@slbdrinks When you find a nice 4 Rose's barrel proof store pick, I guarantee you will be impressed. Out of the 10 different recipes, I have had 5 so far, and all were totally amazing. If you have the opportunity to get a few different recipes, buy them and a backup because I guarantee you will be wanting more, and it is a sad day when those bottles go empty. I am sitting on 2 recipes right now. I haven't opened them because none have come in because of everything being shut down before and representatives couldn't go out and do the tastings and picks. But they are doing it right now and we should be seeing these beauties hitting the shelves soon hopefully. Out my way they usually run around $70-75. I have heard other states they are closer to 90-100$. But they are definitely worth it and are pretty complex especially when they open up. I highly advise take your time with it. Get through the next pour, let it air and then stash it for a month and come back. Then drink 1/3 of the bottle, then wait a month. I usually take about 4-6months per bottle. So once you get down about half way they are peaking and mind blowing. It's definitely a bourbon to study and be patient with, but then when it kicks in it is some top notch stuff.
I'd add to this excellent list the John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which can be found in my area for fifty bucks and even starts its life as Buffalo Trace distillate just like Blanton's before being distilled again and aged in Virginia. I think it's delicious.
@@darenwhitaker I live near Memphis. Store I bought from only got 6 in their shipment. They do not just put them on the shelf, they hide them all over the store. Took me about 1 hour to find 2 of them.
Awesome video. Like the way you talk about bourbon. Easy listening ;) Can not totally agree on your choices, especially the Four Roses to me is not even close to most Blanton's single barrel but hey, that's personal taste. Totally agree on what you said about JDSB and Wild Turkey! Also like your bar, nice place. From one small amateur cocktail youtuber to another: Keep up the great work!
I believe, eagle rare is better than the five alternatives he mentioned. He puts blantons, a 90 proof up there then proceeds to show us 5 alternatives at a much higher proof- not really a close comparison but appreciate your efforts nonetheless
@@slbdrinks That's why I really like your selections on this video, because I will take Four Roses single barrel or even small batch and Russell's reserve all day over Blanton's.
Blanton's flavor is just way too inconsistent. I have had two that had a very nice toffee flavor, some that taste like wood, and some that taste like sugar water. Its an overrated crapshoot.
Great video. In Australia we don’t get the rebel 10 single barrel Of the others Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is the only bottle cheaper than Blanton’s in Australia. Russell’s is great bourbons. The others are more expensive than Blanton’s in Australia Blanton’s also easier to find In Australia than Knob Creek Single Barrel and Four Roses single barrel. We can sometimes find Blanton’s straight from the barrel and gold, they used to be easy to find but are now rarer to find. Jack Daniels Single Barrel very rare to find in Australia as well, couple of stores occasionally get it (maybe once a year in limited numbers)
It’s amazing how the bourbon availability changes around the world along with the price points. Would love to try some of the other Blantons but I have never seen any of them.
@anita baaath It definitely didn't hold up to other good bourbons. I was blinded using glencairn glasses. It isn't bad. It just isn't worth more than 50 bucks
After two years, I finally got my hands on some Blantons. Great whiskey, but I enjoy Four Rose's amd Russell's Reserve single barrel so much more. Live and learn
I like to call Blanton's the Patron of Bourbon. The aesthetic of the bottle makes it very easy to be the most recognizable bottle in the bourbon market. Is it good? Yes. Are there better out there? Absolutely. Sometimes packaging and "scarcity" outweigh the fact that you can literally get better bourbon for a lower price. I always like to keep one in stock though as my friends sure do love it. Cheers!
Never been a particular fan of Blanton's....don't love it, don't hate it. Of all the Bourbons you reviewed here, a couple I have not run across in my area, the Rebel Yell and the Russell's (other Rebel and Russell's are available, though0. The only one I've had is the Four Roses, and I have to agree, it's excellent and a good value, bang for buck. The Small Batch and Small Batch Select are also very nice. Even their regular "flagship" Bourbon is surprisingly drinkable; their current ownership has put a lot of effort into resurrecting the brand (once #1 in the US) from the bottom shelf were it resided for so long. I'm usually leery of high proof "barrel strength" Bourbons; 115 is about my top end, with my preference being from mid-90s to around 110, so I'll keep the ice bucket handy when I try the Jack and the Knob Creek. Once again, thanks for a very informative and enjoyable video, Sir!
Thanks so much for the kind words! Try to keep an eye out for that Russell’s you will not be disappointed! I don’t see it as much as I used to either but thinking it might be a COVID thing more than anything else?? I hope
I agree with you on the four roses single barrel but knob Creek is sweet it is sugary maple syrup too stinking sweet just like maybe Maker's Mark and regular knob Creek it's like drinking pancakes..... I'm glad through watching all your videos there was one thing I finally agreed with you on.... and of course none of these are available at my neighborhood store..... and I wish you would list them in your description so I could copy and paste them on a list so when I go to the store I can at least order them because I certainly cannot pronounce them and I probably will never remember them
Ahh so you do not prefer the sweeter bourbons. Ok I get that. Trent likes a lot of butter notes in cocktails and such that I don’t like so I get it, we are all different. Trent is going to start listing bottles in the descriptions. We have had quite a few requests for that.
I get Blanton’s at my local liquor store for 58$. I can get them with regularity. I think it’s great for that price. It’s a bit hot for me but the flavor is excellent! I use it a lot for an old fashioned as it stands up to the ice well. I’d not pay for it on the secondary market. I prefer Eagle Rare but can’t get it currently where I live. Not seen a bottle in NH or VT for months. Great channel keep up the good work.
Appreciate the kind words! 58 is a great deal for Blantons don’t blame you at all on that. Crazy how the availability differs around the country and the world for that matter.
I manage a liquor store in KY and I've tried most of these. All are better than Blanton's by far. We sell it at my location for $100 and it completely tastes like a $30 Bourbon to me. I need to try the Russell's and Rebel.
I watched a documentary about Bourbon and how the distillers almost went under. Blanton's was credited for saving the bourbon industry and starting the specialty bourbon craze.
I agree with all those👍. That Rebel 10 yr is really tasty. I am luck enough to have 3 I picked up from the distillery last month. Lux Row has been killing it
