I don't like when people say " it's good for what it is" BiB finishes pretty well I'm blind tastings against other BiB at 3 or 3 times the price. Most people associate quality to price, and that's definitely not the case.
I am a huge Evan Williams fan as a daily drinker. Another budget bourbon by Evan Williams that I absolutely love is Evan Williams 1783. This is my go to daily drink. I’m a new subscriber and am really enjoying your content!
Thanks for the memories. Fall semester 1982, my freshman year, Very Old Barton was the official (koff koff) bourbon of the University of Kentucky Marching Band trombone section. The next year we upgraded to Maker's Mark. Still not sure how we successfully navigated our shows.
I totally agree, the Evan Williams is a staple for me on ice or as a mixer. Jim Beam, though, is also a staple for me. It was the first whiskey I ever had on a long walk home on a cold night with a bunch of my college buddies sharing a bottle and cementing a friendship for a lifetime. Thirty years later, we can all recall that time with a sip of that leather pepper concoction. Thanks for reminding me.
Fun stuff. I did a budget exploration over the summer and found that I really like Early Times BiB and Old Granddad BiB. They both do well neat and in cocktails, and no one can complain about the price point at ~$20.
@ImOffTheGrid Brown-Forman sold the brand and existing stock to Sazerac, which will shift production to the Barton distillery. We’ll see how it changes as they run through the existing B-F stock. I’ll be doing my part to help get through it.
Love the channel. I just changed my favorite budget bourbon from EW 1783 to EW BIB. I was surprised how much I liked the BIB. Your channel (and others) made me realize I HAD to try it. What a bargain!
Loved the Beam reaction! I agree on the tasting notes - works OK with some ice and soda water. I really appreciate your tasting notes and honest reactions. Congrats on eclipsing the 12,000 subscribers mark!
My go to budget bourbons are Early Times BIB and Evan Williams BIB. Always on the bottom shelf and absolutely exceed the price in quality. I can sip either neat, and I can use them in cocktails.
I’ve sample pretty much all of the reasonable priced Bourbons ( 55 dollars are less for the large bottle) and I must say that Evan Williams black ( large bottles is 25 dollars at my local package store) is a solid bourbon .Now my favorite which is a little bit more expensive …well actually quite a bit more expensive is Larceny. (Large bottle is 46 dollars . And I did taste some of the 18 and 20 year-old Irish whiskeys that were around $100 mark for .75 But that was iatva fundraiser for the American Cancer Society but I really did not get what I would say was a realistic amount to do a legitimate taste test.
Love this video! One of my best buds and I worked at a liquor store in Bowling Green, KY while we were in college. We had no money and Very Old Barton was our best friend! That same friend now works for Heaven Hill and his union is fighting for better pay and benefits for themselves and their families. Keep up the content, but maybe consider holding off on purchasing Heaven Hill products until the men, women, and families who worked so hard to make Heaven Hill's products during the pandemic are treated fairly and given their health insurance back. Love the content still and hope you'll keep making great videos for everyone!
I'm not gonna lie Kirk, when you got down to the second bottle Jim Beam...I started laughing when you said I'm not very fond of that one! LOL!!!!!!!! I've been meaning to try Benchmark for a while now due to coming from Buffalo Trace but was afraid it'll go down the drain. I've had the others except Old Barton, we've tried them once and we've never touched the bottles again. I held on them them for over a year hoping we'd use them for cocktails....nope. had to get rid of them, gave them to these guys I always see down the road. At least they weren't wasted. Thanks for sharing. You thought about doing bottom shelf battle of Bottled in Bonds?
Ya know Sir, I appreciate this one! What we’re experiencing in my neck of the woods are shortages on many of the, will call them, mid tier bourbons. There’s plenty of booze - if you’re not picky - but if you are trying to find something that isn’t offensive (to the pallet) and doesn’t cost entire too much of your pay check - It helps to have some insight like this. I’m not a big fan of Jim Beam (original) either. But the rest I hadn’t tried. Gonna get a bottle of Evan black label and Old Barton and give them a try. Again, I appreciate your insight, Sir!
Heaven Hill is what I was using to make Manhattan's for my friends that don't like whiskey or bourbon neat. They love it. Thanks for you videos. I'm a little over a year into my journey tasting dark spirits and there is a lot of good advice throughout the channel
I haven’t seen Benchmark small batch in my area but the regular Benchmark 80 proof is the best bourbon for the money, out there. Turned on to it by a liquor store clerk and everyone I’ve told about it loves it. It’s $10 for a fifth, 17.99 for a handle.
My husband and I are new to bourbons and whiskeys. I’ve been watching your videos and I’m very happy with the education and looking forward to jumping in with two feet. I know wines very well (I grew up in Napa Valley) but I’m looking forward to improving my bar cart. Thank you so much!
I always enjoy your videos, Kurt. I've honestly have never tried any of these, but it's great to hear your take on some budget-friendly bottles. Sometimes there's a diamond in the rough out there.
The Evan Williams Black label (86 proof I believe) also surprised me as a budget bourbon. It is almost always on my bar somewhere. The green label (80 proof) is a bit weak and watered down flavor. Its dramatically different when you step over to the black label.
I’m new to the bourbon world. Woodford Reserve was my gateway into whiskey and so far, Blantons is my favorite for its smoothness and flavor. Your channel has peaked my interest in trying new stuff. I was wondering if you would be interested in comparing whiskeys sold at club stores, like Costco?
Another good episode. In the 1970s I was a bartender for an upper end chain steak and seafood restaurant (Reuben's). Jim Beam was the well bourbon. No wonder we poured so many call bourbon cocktails! Corporate were brilliant. The nice thing about a $9 bottle is that if it sucks, you expected it and you aren't out much $$$. If it's decent, you found a bargain! $750 - $1000 (I saw you bought some) if it sucks you get smacked twice. If it's great, big deal. That was to be expected. Thanks! SUBSCRIBED
Agreed and the White Label at $17 is also a steal. If you ever get a chance the Very Old Barton 100 is awesome! It beat a bunch of higher priced bourbons in a blind taste test on our love show. Cheers!
I predicted from the get-go that the Jim Beam was going to make you cringe with disapproval and as a result, place dead last. That being said, I've tasted all of those and I ranked the least expensive at the very top, for having a pleasant taste that didn't offend my palate and for tasting better than the Evan Williams by a slight margin. I chose Old Barton. I'm 65 now and have a fully stocked home bar. It actually came with the 🏡 house. Of course, I've added several bottles to the collection for my own amusement, more than for any guests.
Love your videos. As a collector and a general lover of bourbon O was extremely interested in your comments I know Turkey 101 may not be a " bargain " bourbon but I have to go with that as an everyday smoke a cigar friends sipping bourbon. What I find in these lower priced bourbon is exactly what you kept saying is that leather taste.
Although many call me a Bourbon snob - I find that the Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Devil Cut in 1.75L is an excellent bulk Bourbon for daily doses and good quality at affordable price. I can get the Jim Beam Black for $22 for 1.75L and it sits in a decanter, drinks fine when I don't want to sip on $90/btl whiskey
One that I would recommend is Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington. Toured there last spring, was impressed and ended up buying a bottle of their Blue Corn barrel strength at 128 proof. Can definitely taste the proof but I thought it had great taste. Keep up the great videos, Tony
You are good, I like your style and judgment. Evan Williams is one of my favorite Bourbons. Good value and smooth flavors on each bottle. J. C. Jackson it's also really good! Both are a great without paying up too much, especially if you're going to mix your cocktail. I don't drink my Bourbon straight any way!
Love this! Please try VOB 86 proof, that’s my staple everyday pour. Not as thin as the 80 proof. Also, curious to get your take on their 100 proof. A bit harsh for everyday for me. Keep up the great content!!
Another killer video, thank you. You hit the bullseye again. I so much appreciate videos that don’t waste my time with bourbons impossible to find (Michigan is a not mail order available state) or basically just a collectible for the rich and famous. 100s of good to great bourbons in the $25 to $100 range that are available in many places.😀
First off amazing job being a RU-vid Creator of the rise! And secondly love the channel and topics of your videos. Now the Very Old Barton 100 proof is amazing and actually won blind taste test for us against some much more extensive whiskeys. Cheers and Rock On!
I don't drink bourbon often but keep a bottle around. I prefer rye and Jim Beam rye is one of my favorites. I haven't tried their bourbon so I was surprised at their low rating that seems to carry on over into the comments. I love these kind of videos. Thanks!
Love the reaction to the JB. That is how I was introduced to for bourbon and I steered clear of bourbon for years because I thought that was what all bourbon tasted like. It is awful and IMO only good for adding to marinades.
I just picked up a bottle of the Very Old Barton last month in Tennessee because I had heard it was legit - haven't opened it yet. I guess it also comes in an 86, 90, and 100 proof versions, none of which I've ever seen in my travels. Great video and congrats on the 10,000+ !!
I completely agree with your assessments of Jim Beam and Even Williams but I really like Benchmark 8; I'm not sure how it's different - or if it is - from the Benchmark that you tasted. I'm new here but budget bourbons is all I drink, so thanks for the video and I'm now subscribed.
Appreciate you joining us! I didn’t have the Benchmark 8 on the show but it was recommended to me by other comments. I agree with you. The Benchmark 8 has to be the best of the Benchmark group.
I've been having fun with my Bottom Shelf Battle videos I've been doing... I love the regular Benchmark and Very Old Barton is a mainstay in my whiskey den... can't find it in Ohio, but when I run to Kentucky I always come back with a few bottle... the 86 proof is awesome. I was surprised by the Quality House- to me it is a lot smoother than some of the other bottom shelfers I've tasted. A really decent budget bourbon and just did a video on that one that will air next week. And I agree with you on the Jim Beam. You're paying for the name...
Evan Williams is my daily drinker. I like it alot. Right now I am working on Scotches about $30 + on some of your recommendations and ones from other videos. Having fun. Thanks.
@@slbdrinks Thanks for your comment. I have watched quite a few videos and I like yours the best. They are spot on on the bottles that I have been able to find. I hope to try others as I can find them. Thanks for your thoughts.
As for Jim Beam I am a fan of the Black label Devil's cut and Legent Bourbon. With Evan Williams bottled and bond 100 proof is good I do have some Benchmark 8 I haven't had yet. I will have to look for very old Barton
WOW! JB is my go to. I found Benchmark an adequate substitute, same with EW. Never even heard of the other two. Still surprised how offensive JB was to your pallet. I always find it oaky and sweet!
Loved your spot review. Interesting. EW BL is my go to for an afternoon “Old Fashioned” on the patio. I have found an OF mix that I really like… Daniels Broiler Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer on Amazon ($17). Makes a delicious OF. But I have been a EW fan for many years now.
As somebody just getting into bourbon these are my favorite videos. I'm way more interested in getting the most bang for my buck under $100 than paying 200+ for a bottle of bourbon that you had to compete with hundreds of people also trying to buy the same limited supply
I recommend you try Early Times. It’s $20, a full liter, bottled in bond and 100 proof. Beats out many more expensive bourbons in blind taste tests. I heard they were bought by Buffalo Trace so I am not sure how long this will last. My sons and I have about 20 bottles each.
@@danh9150 saw a video discussing the difference of the old Early Times BiB label vs the new. Cant for the life of me remember how to tell the difference lol. Still got 2 bottles of the old ET BiB, great stuff!
I agree with your judgement on Jim Beam, and Evan Williams. Jim Beam is just nothing to write home about. Don't understand the fascination with it. If there was a generic bourbon, that you could buy in the liquor store, Jim Beam would be it, and just have a white label, with the word "bourbon" on it. Evan Williams Black is a very good bourbon for the money. Haven't tried the rest, and don't plan to.
I would agree that Evan Williams black label is the best of the bunch . Having said that , in my area I can get Larceny and Old Forester 100 for $36-$38 for a handle . That's as budget as I go .
As someone who has been drinking bourbon for 40 years, it amazes me that you’ve never had ANY of these! Maybe it’s because I started when I was in college and had no money. A Jim Beam handle was my go-to back in college for weekends. Thankfully I have been able to expand my palate beyond Jim Beam white label. If you liked the Old Barton 80 proof, you’d probably really like the 100 proof expression. That is a fixture on my bar and great for those days where I want a simple affordable drink. Ditto with the Evan Williams. We can’t drink Wild Turkey Rare Breed all of the time! :)
Great review. I'm glad you decided to check out the inexpensive Bourbons. I discovered Evan Williams black label about nine months ago and found it to be an excellent bourbon for the money. I've realized you don't have to spend $100 on a bottle of whiskey to have a good whiskey. I learned this when I paid $95 for a bottle of Rock Hill. Thanks Keep them coming.
I have only had the Jim Beam and way back when I was a young buck. I was not drinking for taste BTW. For me Wild Turkey 101 is under $20 and its good straight or for mixing. For myself I cant see looking for a solution to a non existent problem. Love your reviews and keep up the great work!
Evan Williams is my to go Bourbon. It's not just a great value, it is better than many more expensive Bourbons. It has a rich flavor, far more complex than its price would indicate. I get a 750 mil bottle for under 15 bucks, and there is nothing in that price range that comes close, and also not too many with higher price points either. I don't taste a leathery flavor, but I do a charred oak barrel, which it should anyway. I tried Jim Beam only once, and no more. Tastes watered down.
I wanted one to mix so I didn’t want an expensive bottle for that. After trying a few I settled on Evan Williams Black Label. I have others that are nicer and mainly for sipping, but I really like the Black Label as an everyday drink bottle.
I've been exploring the bottom shelf whiskey arena. I'm going back to EW black label. I'm doing my best to use up a bottle of Kessler's which I have learned is not really a true bourbon. Its OK as a cheaper faux whiskey buzz but I'm going back to EW black label tried and true. Working man's whiskey.
Working in a store in my past we sold at least 4 bottles of vodka to 1 bottle of what we called brown liquors back in the 70's. I am sure the trend has changed since then. The older customers bought a lot of Evan and the younger customers bought a lot of Jim. Just my two cents.
I believe that! My brother talks a lot about the days where Blantons were always on the shelf along with many other “allocated” releases as we refer to them now. Vodka was def king back in the day.
Thanks for the review! I’ve always enjoyed Evan Williams Black label and used to enjoy Jim Beam white label, but in the last couple of years their quality has gone way down. WT101 in the new bottle is another where I think the quality has gone down too. Great job!
I haven’t seen Benchmark small batch, but the standard Benchmark I discovered within the past year and I like it. Evan Williams BIB, as mentioned below, is reasonably priced and fine. Buffalo Trace is a staple at my California Fresh Market and is frequently on sale.
My go to budget bourbon is larceny small batch wheat bourbon. It's got a nice nutty note and it's got a very nice body texture definitely not thin. Best bourbon I've had for 20 bucks for sure
Interesting. I don't remember Even Williams being that good, but I will fully admit that the last time I had it was many years ago, before my whiskey journey. I am now curious about Old Barton, see if I can find it in my corner of the world.
Try the Very Old Barton 100 BIB for $12-14 and its very drinkable. Same with Even Williams BIB. I like the Benchmark Full Proof, but I like that BT mash bill. Never been a JB fan so I cant argue with you on that one. Great Video.
Thanks so much! I did look at some of these other bottles as well but at the end of the day I really wanted the show to be about true budget bourbons! Thank you for your suggestions!
I hear that for sure but I didn’t on this video primarily because I knew the whiskey itself would be somewhat thin and easily identifiable. Well noted though, thank you!
I just tried another Evan Williams that is probably another tic up the quality stack, The 1783 Small Batch. At first I was thinking it was budget since even in PA I got it for under $20, but it may not qualify as "budget" like the 5 you just tried would. That said, I got it for use primarily as a mixer, but as I normally do I'll try a sip neat, and then try it on the cube. It was pretty decent neat, and as expected a bit smoother on the cube. It has a light but decent bourbon nose. Pretty tasty especially considering the cost. 90 proof, I made an old fashioned with it, and it held up ok.
Can’t complain about Evan Williams black label. It’s a good whiskey for the price and for sipping with friends. Also find the Evan Williams bottled-in-bond enjoyable for a few more dollars.
The original Heaven Hill White Label was a Bottled in Bond that was discontinued a few years ago then rerelease as an allocated...that one, for me, was a better tasting Bourbon then their new White Label at 80 proof. Before the Bottled in Bond was discontinued, I sold it at my store for $12.99 before the price doubled. The Green Label isn't too bad either, if you can still find it.
I like the Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. It was delicious and higher proof. I think it was just under 20. I used to enjoy Jim Beam but my last one was just too thin. I think my taste is certainly evolving.
Thanks for helping with the budget! Do some more bargain tastings, very entertaining. Tried Old Barton in a blind test with some other good stuff for comparison in…it lost but not by much… 12 bucks here in So Cal. Thanks for sharing!
Have you ever tried the Very Old Barton 100 proof? Awesome juice and beat a bunch of higher priced bourbons in a blind we did on a live stream. Cheers!
Had the Very Old Barton in my hand. I put it down and picked up Southern Comfort Black because it was 12.99 THINKING ITS something SPECIAL. BIG MISTAKE!!! I'M GETTING THE very old Barton next time. You got me convinced. There's a lot of nice Bourbons up to $22 I can try out. I've liked them all. You haven't been wrong yet. 💯 i have 7 great inexpensive bottles. It would have been 8 😂
Well I am certainly no whiskey connoisseur nor a rich guy, but I was pleased that you picked the Evan Williams Black Label 86 proof as the #1 bourbon in that group. That is my current favorite and what I usually have around. I only wish that they used a cork stopper instead of a plastic bottle cap. { Sooo much easier to impress chicks with a whiskey bottle that has a cork stopper rather than a plastic bottle cap }............Uh, just kidding about that last remark........wink, wink. Signed, Doug.
One of my favorite bourbons in the world is Evan Williams Black Label. That's my daily sipper. I pay $19 to $22 for a 1.75 liter handle. There are MANY MANY far more expensive bourbons that can't hold a candle to EW Black. Try a blind tasting with your friends!
Another thumbs up for EW. It just doesn’t really seem to get a lot of love from the bourbon drinking community. Tastes excellent and is very, very reasonably priced.
I don’t like Jim Beam by itself either, but add Canada Dry ginger ale (accept no substitute) and ice and it’s an easy favorite of mine. Even better with a lime wedge.