That’s probably true for modern distilleries trying to squeak into the industry. But for established ones, especially scotch distilleries, hard to imagine that, since they have so long a history and the product takes so long to mature.
I think a better way to look at it is that these products are in high demand and have a long timeline to production. 5 or 7yrs ago the stuff they blended into stadard shelfers probably had much higher age juice in them. As demand has sykrocketed the older stuff has been drank up. Older stuff also now can command a huge premium.
The old barrels are emptying out and we need to wake decades to determine if the new will hit the same. As large distilleries run out of old stock they have to source as they wait for new aged barrels and flavor drift occurs. It's just the way it is.
The Bardstown comment is spot on. It’s good but not at a 150 dollar a pop transaction. Also, I’ll add that the 2XO series is overpriced for being good but not that special. On the flip side, Sagamore & Redwood Empire can continue to take all my money with their releases.😊
I get excited when I can afford Knob Creek, but I enjoy the hell outta watching you guys try all these bourbons and ryes that I can only dream of. I love how down to earth and relatable you guys are. No pretentious bovine scatology from you two! Keep it up!
I recently saw a bottle of Weller full proof for $400 and for that price they can keep it. I don't comment often but I love your content, thanks for time and effort.
Just got the OF 1920 for the 1st time a cpl weeks ago. At 1 of the local big chain grocery stores they have it for $47.19 + tax & all the other whiskey rows are less (not 1924).. Anyway, have you noticed any change in the whiskey over the years?
@motohead077 I haven't but others have. I mean if there is a change it's not a massive one. They have a new master distiller and his palate might be a lil different. But it's still sooooo good lol
Trent, I purchased a label off of Etsy to customize an Old Forester bottle. This guy makes a replica to read “1915”. Then do a 50/50 blend of 1910 and 1920. This is a good go to when I’m in the mood for O. F. This bottle is a cool conversation starter for people who know Old Forester products. Angle’ and Dana So-Cal
Completely agree on the 1920. When my 1st and only bottle of it was gone it was eventually replaced by a 1910. What hurts 1920 is it's price point - spend $15 less and get Rare Breed or spend $10 and get ECBP, both of which I enjoy more.
Trent I’m with you a 100% on the 1920! My first pour of my bottle was excellent. I got all of the banana nut muffin notes on the nose and palate. The next three pours were more tame and then it completely lost all the flavor and just became hot. After like 7 pours trying to give it another shot I ended up giving the bottle to a friend. Thanks again for all the great content! Cheers 🥃
My theory on this is that most of the whisky row series is "rapid aged." They're probably relying too heavily on their warehouse heat cycling. We can't rush the aging process. In fact, we need to do the opposite for excellent whiskey. We need to figure out how to slow down the process. A traditionally aged Old Forester that is 8 years+ would be a very different animal from the 1920.
Yea, last 2 bottles of 1920 have disappointed for sure. I’ll even add how JDSB BP has started to disappoint too. Used to be one of the biggest values around IMO
To show were im at in my whiskey journey I just bought my first old forester 1920 im about halfway, i just finished my first Eagle Rare, Four Roses Single barrel, and Weller reserve. Im just starting but getting into it thanks you guys and other creators are motivational kinda like a scavenger hunt for adults.
Hi Guys. I have very good memories that go along with 1920 ... related to a camping trip and family around the campfire. I don't drink it often however, I can't help but enjoy it when I do.
I just bought my first bottle of 1920 about a week ago and I absolutely loved it. Now I’ve finished 3 bottles of 1910, and will always love this one. And my Rare breed also absolutely favorite
I find that drinking any one proof range or particular bottle over time changes my impression of it but, after taking a break, I find that I enjoy it again. I try to vary both in proof and type to keep things fresh.
@@kobaltics Yes, there is an old saying that variety is the spice of life and that definitely seems to apply here and in many other areas. Variety keeps things fresh.
I have a seemingly dumb question as I am fairly new to bourbon. When you are talking about all these bourbons that are not good anymore, like the Old Forester 1920, you are saying at one point it won the blind bourbon madness and now it is not that good. Is it the same bottle that has gotten bad, or is it a new different bottle from the one that won bourbon madness? Like I said, I am fairly new to bourbon, so i am not hip to all the nuance of bourbon drinking as of yet. Thank you in advance. I love the content. Never miss a video. Have a great day.
Totally agree on Amburana finishes. There are few distinguishable differences whether its a rye or bourbon base. It's the one flavor note you will predominantly, making it a "one trick" pony.
Did the rickhouse tour at Bardstown on Sunday. Three pours straight from the barrel…a wheaten, a low rye and a rye. All were wonderful, but the rye was by far my favorite. Also had the origin rye at a bar. Great for $60 bottle. Also on my visit: Nulu extra anejo agave and a Peerless single barrel.
I still have never had the OF 1920. I do enjoy the 1910 so always stuck with that. Recently I have been really impressed with and enjoying Wilderness Trail Wheated and the Peerless Sib. Big fan of your videos. Cheers!
Now I have a question about the Old Forester 1920. I think I know why some are saying it has gotten worse over time. I have 2 bottles of it…one is an older batch with the “Prohibition” label printed on an angle. I also have a pint of 1920, that I got from a gift set of different pints, and the label is straight. I have heard from some of my bourbon customers that the straight label 1920’s isn’t the same as the angled ones. Meaning they changed the formula in some way. Now I haven’t tried to see for myself but I think that may be the issue here.
For me, it’s Heaven Hill fatigue. Henry McKenna and Elijah Craig & Larceny barrel proofs have been staples on my shelf until a month or so ago, when I started just letting them go empty and not replacing them. With scotch and rum, I also only buy bottles that have no added color. Non chill filtered is preferred, but not a deal breaker.
Favorite quote from today’s episode. Kurt saying “I’m not going to Guinea pig’m anymore “. Great video My 2 are Four Roses SB and Early Times Bib. They used to be in my so called everyday sipper but not so much now. Maybe just burned out so in a couple of months they may be come back of the year.
@@francescob3574 Green River bourbon or Bardstown Origin bourbon or 1792 Bib. I know these are more pricey but give me flavors that hit my palate better. Cheers
Totally on board with the 1910/1920 arguments. I tried to love the 1920, but in the end, it's not a bottle I'll back up. I do really like the 1910 though. That already made my day, then hearing my opinions on Weller coming from Trent was an added bonus.
Discovery #8 #9 I agree, they were not like the #3. I put Knob Creek 9 Single Barrel Reserve vs Old Forester 1920 because of proof and price, and did it 3 days in a row and each day I was really surprised how much 1920 was unable to even come close for me. And finished bourbon is...nah, I'm not going to get into it. For me, I don't even care for Old Forester 1910 or Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, anymore. Great video idea! Enjoyed it!
100% agree on the Amburana. I have enough to last. I'd recommend using them in cocktails, especially for the fall. The cinnamon is nice in an old fashioned or mix with apple brandy.
Hard to agree on the 1920. It certainly has evolved overtime, but I still think it’s one of the best values that’s always available. It’s also the bottle that got me into bourbon 😉.
I’ve seen that it does pretty well in single blinds (people know what bottles are in the flight, but not which is which) and often significantly worse when people have no idea what the bottles are. I think it’s good, but I think it’s built up to more than it is, and people WANT to love it too! I am totally biased though in that I think wheaters are at a disadvantage just from not being as “complex,” and a lot of my friends have similar taste to me, so take all that with a grain of salt!
I was at old forester earlier this year and asked some folks there about how they are handling the bourbon explosion since there are empty shelves of their products, at least where I am. They said they are struggling and way underestimated the demand for their whiskey row series. Makes sense that the 1920 would suffer. Not saying they are letting their quality take a hit for production, but it wouldn't surprise me. They didn't even have 1870 or 1910 at the store there. Unreal.
I’d recommend trying the MWND act 11 again. My first pour I didn’t like the back half of the palate. But few days later for whatever reason that was gone and i like it a lot more now. Definitely better then Act 10
That Macallan 18 is one of the best Macallans ever made. The bottle I have is wonderful ! The drawback is it is over $400 not worth that. I bought mine when it was $189. They rely on the name to justify the price. I love that 1920, good stuff.
Wow...Midwinter is my all time favorite whiskey...but I also rarely drink it bc it's basically impossible to get in my area so I'm babysitting my bottle of Act 10...I also love Weller full proof and OF 1920 though lol but none of those I drink on a regular basis. My main sippers are OF 1910, Heaven Hill Bib, and WT 101 lol
Do I detect a Wild Turkey 1855 reserve on the bottom shelf. We found one hiding at my neighbors and had to open it. Had to sift out the dry cork but after that, we all had a sample and loved it.
I definitely agree with the amburana finishes. As I think I've commented before, I have a love-hate relationship with them. I love the initial Cinnamon Toast Crunch hit, but then it seems to stay with me all day, in my nose and on my palette. So I drink them very sparingly. Also agree with the OF 1920, which I always called one of my favorite. I still love it, but I also find myself reaching for the 1910 more often, as I love the double oak sweetness. Super interesting topic, guys.
Interesting viideo, guys. Lately I've fallen out of "like" with the Woodford Double-Oak, but from the same company (Brown-Forman) I've grown to like the "new" Bonded JD Rye. I do wonder exactly what step JD is doing or not doing to it that keeps it from being labeled as a Straight Rye?
I've wondered that myself. I think there are only 2 possible reasons why it's not Straight whiskey. 1) It's a blend for another distiller or different class of whiskey. But it's BiB, so that eliminates that possibility. 2) So they must be using additives and/or coloring, as American Ryes can have up to 2.5% of additives. Straight Ryes can not.
Weller Full Proof depends on the store (I have 7 and have never had a non-store pick) Most are great, some stores really have "meh" picks - I had one store pick that was so meh, I had to blend with Special Reserve to make it decent. Find a store that can actually pick, and one of the best 55 - 70 you can spend
My step dad bought Act 11 for me as a gift and idk if its bc it was free to me but i had a hard time putting it down. Smashed half the bottle in 4 nights.
SLB Classics 0:27 Kurt thinks in overdrive compared to the rest of us 2:08 No ad placement, Trenton is just lazy 3:22 Trenton puts the last minute game right back at Kurt 4:48 Trenton just can’t help the disgusting gene 6:47 Kurt has a hot take that Penelope rio is too sweet 7:15 Kurt complements Trenton 😮 9:02 the boys like the dollars to taste ratio more than just the name 10:06 Trenton knows negative amounts about scotch including pronunciation 11:54 Trenton is bored with the talk of scotch 13:13 Trenton gets a unicorn for a steal😮😮 13:51 Kurt thinks Trenton’s opinion is a bit wrong 15:34 Trenton trying to tell lies about Kurt 18:06 definitely off the rocker right now since you’re standing 😂 18:31 Trenton has a shoe malfunction😂 18:34 nice sign off that Trenton tries to ruin
On the OF1920 observation, I very much agree. The new juice new label just doesn’t have enough depth to it. I still seek out old label 1897s and can typically get them for a song. They run circles around the new stuff and 100 proof ain’t that bad at all. Another new favorite is the Longhorn Steakhouse versions of the Knob Creek 9. Tasty as they get!
You're both always off your rocker, but I can appreciate the list. The problem right now with bourbon is there are unicorns, decent bottles, and crap. And they're all msrp around $90. So anything that can keep me from wasting money is great.
The recurring theme from a lot of these is that they aren't worth what the price is now. I see that from several Bourbon content providers, and that's a problem for most of us. I'm hoping the market will settle down a bit, but the secondary market that seems driven by those folks looking for unicorns has been driving the retail up. That's not my league, I'm not playing at those prices.
I think some collections have priced themselves out of being a worthwhile buy also. Good video guys! I’ve never been able to get on the 1920 train personally, just something about it.
You nailed a few of those guys. I like 1920, but when I'm home relaxing, I don't need the challenge it presents. The 1910 is a little friendlier, and I really like the double oak component of the profile. With respect to the RD1, I was initially impressed and pleased with the cinnamon. About halfway through the bottle I decided it might be an interesting change of pace option from time to time, but its not a beverage I would put in the regular rotation. I concluded I prefer a more traditional bourbon flavor. As for the Macallan 18, suggest you try Aberlour 18. Its a really nice Highland that is much more affordable.
you guys should do a blind on the same bourbon thats not been open, one thats been open for a week, open for a month, and some other time. Would be interesting to see if theres a noticible change. Some in my lineup have changed dramatically as they have aged.
That would be a great episode. I have experienced this change first hand with my go to bottle of Rare Breed. When it got down to the last 2 inches of the bottle there was a very off putting smell. And the cork was still in good condition. ?
@danawollam1805 I feel like when a bottle gets below 1/3 the flavor, it is so different from the first half. Possibly due to alcohol lost from the air in the bottle. Not quite sure, but definitely different.
Knob Creek 9: I was in KY and purchased a bottle. Something has changed...it wasn't that great. The bottle is empty now, but the last few time I actually used it with Cola because I just couldn't get into it. Again, I'm wondering what changed??? Was it me? I don't think so, but wondering if others have had the same experience. Cheers!
The original KC 9yr ended in 2016. That stuff was my favorite!! The NAS KC Small Batch 2016-2020 was not even close for me. Ordered it at a bar/casino & told them it wasn't Knob Creek that they gave me. They said it was & showed me the bottle. That's when I later found out they deceptively (and in my opinion, unethically) dropped the 9 yr aged statement.. The new KC 9yr 2020 to present, doesn't seem much better, if any at all. I think they are using more of their honey barrels for the 12, 15 & 18 year & SiB, etc.
I love saving the Rare Breed, Old Forester 1897, 1920, and Michter's Rye for special occasions. But lately I've been enjoying Evan Williams (black label & BiB - poor man's Weller's special reserve), Benchmark Bib (drinks like Buffalo trace), Sagamore and Elijah Craig Rye quite a bit. I love Old Forester Rye also, but if I drink too much Old Forester I eventually get flavor fatigue of the Banana flavors.
Kurt! I understand the need to move away from the Bardstown Discovery series, especially because of the price, but you HAVE to go scoop up #11 and do a review. It's fantastic, and the rumor is, the 13 year old whiskey in the blend is Wild Turkey.
You all know that you can always add a little water to the higher-proof whiskey. I will always lean toward a high-proof whiskey then add water (with a dropper) until the flavors and alcohol burn are to my liking. It seems like very few of these whiskey channels talk about that when they are tasting high-proof stuff.
I think some of these price hikes we are seeing is do to the insane high prices on secondary and the museum stores. Maybe Distilleries figure if people are willing to pay these high prices why should some flipper be the ones making all the money and not the people who actually put it in the bottle.
Arizona Bar Question??? A while back you mentioned some bars/liquor stores you like in Scottsdale. Would you please provide the names? I'm headed there for Christmas vacation, and I'm sure to be thirsty. Love the shows and Happy Thanksgiving!
The first bottles for me that come to mind are Angels Envy, and Makers 46 Cask strength. Both solid bottles, but I’ve moved on. Cheers to you gentlemen. 🦉🥃 Thanks for the video.
Weller Full Proof may be the purchase I made that I regretted most. But I paid $90 for mine, and it was the first release of it. I may not have been so regretful at $35 lol. But I agree I'd reach for 107 over it.
I wonder if the burn out not only has to do with familiarity, but also with the fact you’ve tried SO MANY great products. I think any of those bottles stands up on their own, but compared with all you’ve tried in all price range’s there’s just something better. My “eh” bottles are buffalo trace and that old forester 1920. I’ve had too many and am not gravitating to Weller Antique and Four Roses Single Barrel.
Over the past 3 years, watching your podcasts and others I have collected about 60 bourbon varieties. I agree that our tastes will change so I have found myself switching between a wide range of bourbons, and having a great experience. Some bourbons I originally had a blah experience with last year I now enjoy a bit! Thanks again and happy thanksgiving!
Howdy folks.. and the proof thing is why I like to start with Weller, Buff Trace, Eagle Rare, lower proof and smooth. Then step it up to WT 101, then another step to Jack SBBP, Wild Turkey Rare Breed…etc…. Just my thang but it works! Totally agree on 1920 n Mid Dream! Thanks n Happy Thanksgiving! Wasn’t long ago u passed 100,000.. now look at ya! 🦃 ❤
Have to agree on the OF1920, It's been a staple, but I find myself looking more at the 1910, and some 4 Roses SB. Also have to agree on the Origin Series for Bardstown, some of the best new releases last year. I am a huge fan of the Rye, really tasty!
agree 100% on the 1920, midwinter, and weller full proof, I have tried all the weller and 107 is my #1. A bottle I will avoid is Willet purple top, the most expensive bottle I regret buying, they are inconsistent, and they change a lot after being opened.
I agree with the expensive bottles. I used to buy and find out. That hurts when you spend 150 on a mediocre bottle. There are some 50-70 dollar bangers out there!! Heck early times is 20 or so and is absolutely delicious
Amburana finish: I have a Red Line Barrel 306 @115.5 Proof Amburana finish that is fantastic. Everyone that has tried it as raved about it. That being said, I've tired other Amburana finishes from Red Line and others that just don't do anything for me.
My first bottle, when I decided to delve into bourbon, was old label 1920 and I have never really cared for it. I agree about Amburana, I only have one, Starlight Cigar Blend and it's pretty much a one note wonder, and it's not a note I'm loving. Last Amburana for me.
Did a blind tasting of whiskey row series a few years back and 1910 was best of breed. Ive had a fresh bottle on my shelf ever since. Not a bottle i reach for every time, but every time i do i love it. Also makes the best old fashioned I've ever had. All that to say, i agree drop the 1920 in favor of 1910
The Macallan has been rated the finest single malt scotch for decades. I prefer the 12 yr old but I and two friends had done a blind taste test of 8 scotch whiskeys. The Macallan 12 was the clear winner. But hey, it’s all personal taste like anything else. Unless one does possess a discerning palate. We do. But thanks for your input. I enjoy the show and appreciate your efforts.
