Best tip to build a collection: Do NOT Buy too many all at once. You will look up in a few months and have 100 bottles sitting there that you could never finish. Try to pace yourself. Also don't only look at buying Buffalo Trace products. They are good but not worth the hype.
That was a great list, Matt! I’d maybe add Evan Williams BIB as a lower cost bourbon with a pretty unique profile. Green River would also make my list as a newer kid on the bourbon block. #America!
I'm not a big JD fan. I am however impressed with your collection which resembles my list of want and gotta have as well as already have.👍 I also like the Very Old Barton, Evan Williams BiB, Larceny and Wilderness Trail.
I would just suggest that budget bourbon collectors might consider a local or state distillery in the mix. Often not budget selections, yes, but always worth exploring. 😊
Apologize for second post, you just keep getting better and better in this vid. Not interested in skin products but you deserve Patreon support, you are good. Thanks Matt.
"the breast bourbon under $30" So happy I have a bunch of 1792 already because the WTWT-effect is going to empty the shelves of 1792... Great list, only 2 I would consider adding would be Cooper's Craft 100 and Eagle Rare. PS - we love you too WTWT!
Two things I cannot figure out: -Why do I like Russel’s Reserve 10 year and single barrel but dislike Wild Turkey 101? -Why do I love Knob Creek 9 Single Barrel Select but really don’t like regular KC9? Anyone else have similar experiences to this?
My top three I think should be on their as well: Four Roses Single Barrel Four Roses Small Batch Select And my FAVORITE “budget bourbon” Knob Creek 100 9 year Great vid!
@@sn1000k knob creek 9 year is around $30-35 and four roses single barrel is around $45-50. Small batch select is the most expensive but at only $55 generally. Also, the video is t a budget list of Matt is throwing rare breed up there that’s $57 in my area and other places. Calm down buddy boy.
There’s 10 yr Russels and Eagle Rare in the 40$ range. Rare Breed and OF 1920 in the sub 70$ price range for barrel proof. Don’t spend more than 100$ for bourbon when you’re a newbie.
Budget Bourbon...this sums up my collection 💯. Can't go wrong with any of these suggestions. Haven't tried the benchmark series yet. Can't find them here in PA.
I am in PA as well, and just found Bench Mark Top Floor at the Jersey shore. It tasted like a young version of Buffalo Trace. They seem impossible to find at home.
Thanks Matt. I'd love to see a Pt. 2 for those of us deeper into our bourbon journeys. I was actually adding bottles to my shelf and it was tighter on the interior shelf. That boy is bowing (Boeing) like a 747. I need some advise on organizing and maintaining a collection properly.
I agree with this and so many comments. I would say with so many channels out there, finding the ones that best align with your tastes helps figure out what chase.
Excellent list! I started with Larceny and 1792, and I still keep a bottle of both on my shelf. It's hard to go wrong with the Benchmark bourbons for the price, and I love that you included "upgrades" based on what you prefer from the budget offerings.
I have a small collection…I try to finish a bottle before I grab something new. Also I’m over the bourbon hype and gonna stick to the ones I can find easily and are affordable like Rarebreed, Woodford DO, Makers Mark, etc. I’m not paying much over $100 for any bourbon.
@@ADHDWhiskey - That's what smoking weed while drinking Bourbon will do you. You go around calling Yoopers Uppers. Lol Don't tell my relatives in St. Ignace.
Awesome way to get'er going! S6arting on the lower end from major distilleries and find the profile you prefer. Npt to mention, spme of the lower end stuff is magnificent in and of itself. Nice video!
Switched from Scotch to Woodford reserve after a visit to the distillery. It's been downhill ever since. up to 19 different bottles of various Burbon's/Ryes.
great video. When I was starting out my biggest mistake was not looking at the state of distillation… I started before RU-vid reviews were a thing so it took me a while to recognize the weak link. Other advice - if you see something you like and it's at a good price buy a few bottles. A few years ago rare breed in my area was selling for $31. I bought 5 bottles. I should have bought 50.
Great list. I would say that is a great list for someone who has been collecting for a while. It's good to go back and revisit the classics/old standards. Helps the pocket book as well.
Your Videos are the best! My bourbon collection just grew after someone gave me Buffalo Trace as a gift 3 years ago. Thanks for the great content! I feel like I learn most of this from watching a ton of your video over the course of a year. Its awesome to see it all together like this.
In Georgia, you can find most of the Benchmarks in most stores. From the 8 to the bonded, full proof, single barrel, top rick, they are all great budget bottles at less than $30. And every outro makes me sing in my head... "Keep you mind on your bourbon and your bourbon on your mind" - You're welcome :)
I would add a category of single Barrel store picks, once the newbie decides they want to explore. Because they're going to want to chase Blanton's. You can get these almost everywhere. Stellum, Pinhook yellow, New Riff, and the Knob Creek single Barrel you mentioned. These are all great, for 50-60 bucks
This is a great list and provides a great range for budgets so people can start their collection with what they can afford. I'm really glad to see 1792 Small Batch on the list, it's a great pour for the price. One of my new favorite rye is from Widow Jane, Paradigm Rye and can be picked up for ~$45.00.
😁I think you did perfect that's a wonderful starter list you touched on a little of everything and you said it prefect when you said "As you acquire your taste for different profiles" or something like that.....I see people saying you missed this or that... I think they are missing the point of a new collection i mean think about it why would someone want a Double Oak in a starter collection if they really don't know if they like Oak yet or other finished products. I think your list gives a newbie a great place to start and explore the flavors
I've switched from Evans BiB to 1783 as my daily. It's lower proof, so I'm not kicking my liver as hard, so I tell myself. And I feel it has less of that peanut shell taste I get from the BiB, and it's just $1 more for the 1783.
Fantastic list Matt! I really agree with Old Grand Dad 114. Amazing value and taste. One of my favorites and becoming hard to find since all you yahoos keeping recommending it! 😀
Matt, great vid. I'd suggest on top of this that a newbie has to find a really well-stocked bar or restaurant in their area and just explore a bunch of things to find out what you like and don't like. Indeed, a well-educated bartender can offer a selection of variations---wheated, rye, TN, etc. etc. and then you can refine your "what I like" based on oak, fruity, etc. etc.
@@ADHDWhiskey You're right, but maybe that's also because BUSY bar will keep opening and pouring whereas a lot of "first sip" neck pours are very very different than what the bottle matures into with time and air.
I would totally include JTS Brown. Can’t be Kentucky only since I see it all over Seattle for $13-14. Beat out Blanton’s by a mile in a recent blind taste I did with a friend.
You my friend are one of the best resources around. Always great advice and suggestions and your point about selecting bourbon by buying expensive stuff before establishing your flavor preference is 100% correct. I have more than a few expensive bottles that still come up short for my taste. Ty
Matt, great video to help those starting a collection, or just advise newbies as to what is out there! Good choices, i would include Of 86.. i think its good to take your time starting out wih the lower proof stuff and work upwards.. it takes a little time to develop and in that time one can easily polish off several bottles of OF 1986 or what have you.. but i am just in my 2nd year so a lot to learn and most importantly.. a lot to enjoy!!
Great video, some great ideas. WT101 was one of my first tastes, very good. Right now, trying Makers Mark 46, Four Roses Small batch, and later, going to try Knob Creek 9. Loving the journey
thanks.. great list. I am a brand new collector/ hoarder and within 30 days I have too many bottles... much of your list actually. Bulliet and Old Tub both get a bad rap.. but t I included those in my first few bottles. But based on the community feedback.. there is no such thing as too many bottles.
Late to the game... Omissions: 4 Roses Redwood Empire and for me, Blade and Bow. Great list...as I'm about 3.5 years down my path...I've settled down to my needs...well done
Great, informative video for someone wanting to start their bourbon journey. Be forewarned: you will get the itch and end up with way too many bottles, it's okay. Find something you like and enjoy with friends.
I really would have benefited from this video about 4 years ago. 😂 Overall, I think you nailed it. My only addition would be something from Four Roses. SBS or Single Barrel.
I started out with a couple of bottles about 2 years ago and then had to build a bar cause I had soo much and no room to put it all! I now have over 90 bottles and growing…gonna need more room…
In Oregon I can get Bowman Brothers Small Batch for $36 and its my favorite bang for the buck. I haven't liked Larceny or Weller Special Reserve, I also didn't like Rare Breed or Old Grand Dad 114. But I love Evan Williams 1783, Tin Cup 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Elijah Craig, Knob Creek 9, Russels 10.
I honestly think that to start a good beginner bourbon collection a person should start with 2 to 3 highly rated Irish whiskies. After all, it's a collection and most highly rated Irish whiskey ages in bourbon barrels. Plus, the lower proof of the Irish whiskey can be a first pour when comparing bourbons. Written while sipping John's Lane release
I've been drinking and collecting bourbon for over 10 years. I haven't found a Canadian whiskey or an Irish whisky that I would recommend to a new BOURBON collector.
Excellent list! Very comprehensive and covers the gamut of proof and distilleries. And good advice on not hoarding...enjoy what you've got with friends and family and educate them along the way!
Four roses was missing. I think the Small batch select is a great bottle. Or add in some Bardstown bourbon company with their new origin series. New Riff also is solid and their core range is really good both for bourbon and rye.
I love Legent. Great to see it at the end. It was a great list - maybe add OF 1920 for a higher proof option there. I prefer Woodford Double Oaked to 1910, but both are great doubles. I love your videos. It sounds like you enjoy the products you endorse - probably while endorsing them.
So far in my bourbon journey Russels reserve 10 year is my favorite, EJ small batch is a close second. Been on the hunt for that Early Times BiB seems to be hard to find here in Alabama unfortunately.
In the beginner rye whiskeys, Sazerac is solid, so is Old Overholt and Old Overholt bonded, many of the most epic sazerac cocktails in NOLA use Overholt
Remember: OPENED bottles are a bar. Unopened bottles are a collection. Buy multiples of whisk(e)y you enjoy to put away for later. These will become your collection.
This is a ton of bottles to start with. Try 3 or 4 and when you finish try another. If you love the bottle you can buy it again. If not try something else. You really don't need more than like a dozen bottles of whiskey. Of course, I have way more than that.
I would say if you can actually find a Weller Special Reserve for MSRP or a little above, it would be fine for a beginner whiskey collection. Nothing that's going to blow your socks off and a good introduction into wheated bourbons.
