Thank you Kurt for relaying what you learned from your industry sources. It's basic math, BIB has to be 4yrs. old minimum, Sazerac bought ET in 2020, so anything in a bottle today was distilled by B-F. What could change is who is doing the blending of the existing barrels until late 2024. The Sasarac blending team could turn out some subtle changes to the flavor profile. Time will tell. Still haven't found the ET BIB here in central Wisconsin.
@tothepoint and BiB has to be from one season only so that could introduce additional variability into batches then might be present for other bottles without that restriction because in non-BiB they can blend from a larger selection of barrels. Though I admit I have no idea if this is true
I just opened my very first bottle of this bourbon and am pleased with the quality for the small price paid. Actually bought 2 - First store had it on sale for $19 after tax and a second store had a old price on the shelf but honored it @ 12.50. Wow ! It was a good day !
The Brown Forman version has been one of my favorites since it was released. Since Brown-Forman has their own cooperage, I suspect that there will be differences from the barrel char and wood sources, unless Sazerac also agreed to source the barrels from BF. Also, sometimes it is good to admit that variances are so slight that it does not make any difference. In this case, both bottles in your comparison were delicious and had same flavor profile. For a whole liter, still a good deal at $25.
I've admittedly never tried the Brown Forman bottling, but to me it only made sense that the Sazerac bottlings were currently the same liquid, given the required aging. Very interesting video. Thanks, guys!
Thanks SLB. It's good to know there isn't as much variation as some commentators (e.g. Bourbon Junkies) have said. The Bourbon Junkies, while entertaining, tend to stake out very rigid positions. I guess there is a possibility for batch variation, but I'm guessing the truth lies closer to your experiences.
I have never tried the Brown Foreman and to be honest didn’t know there were 2. I have always loved this pour and buy it whenever I can. It was awesome when it was picked the best BIB and literally the next day I picked up 2 bottles. I also buy OGD BIB as well. Thanks for all these videos and helping us bourbon drinkers out
Yes! Great stuff, 100% agree on batch variance. There can also be age variance between batches, BiB has to be at least 4, but some batches could be older than others. If you had enough sample left, would be interesting to see you swap glasses for a second tasting to judge if/how the glass difference affected things. I understand the math of June 2020 - 2024 for BiB, but that’s if Sazerac waits for new distillate to come of age. They could always use BT1, BT2, or 1792 mashbill barrels already aging if they want, they’d just have to make sure the batch met the BiB criteria.
Appreciate the comparison! One additional detail to look for is the distillery marking on the bottle. There are 3 different bottles in the last 3 years.
I was fortunate enough to purchase both recently… actually was able to purchase 2 BF bottles and a case of the “New” Sazerac bottles. I’m honestly splitting hairs and if there is a difference my palate doesn’t seem to care 🤷🏻♂️. Great review and I’m starting to think you are spot on with Sazerac using BF until 2024 or 2025 for aging purposes.
If it is coming in a tanker, so much for the different blenders theory. I think I am going to grab a Sazerac and do a side by side. I’ll keep you posted. Where I am, there are still a few Brown Forman bottles floating around. Might grab another one of those too. Great info all around in this video.
The real test will be when the actual Sazerac distilled juice starts hitting the streets. It will certainly be different. As it is now, it's the same juice just bottled by a different company (and maybe aging finished in different rickhouses).
I love hearing people know that there is a difference in bottles, they argue, they are smarter... then you come in and say, "I have fact, that its the same whiskey". anyway, great show. I have a bottle with a blue cap on it, not open... and I don't care if its from Saz or Brown... Im excited to do my own neck pour BiB showdown.
We did a double blind with both Saz and BF Early Times. I believe most of us thought the Saz version was the better bottle. We were all shocked they were both ET.
Thanks for the great video. Just picked up my first ET BiB this past weekend in NY. They don’t offer it here in PA, so looking forward to cracking open the bottle later this week.
This is one of the great things about whiskey because it is a crafted thing and their are so many organic factors whiskey is different from batch to batch. Bottle to bottle. The other thing is we change so our pallet changes. Allowing us to experience old things in a new way. More than drink more than a hobby whiskey is a experience. Make sure you share it with good company. cheers!
2 quick things, Old Grandad has always gotten better the longer it stays open. I now open mine and don't touch it for a few months. On the Early Times, I get a leathery nose in addition to the toffee and oak. It is simply the best $20 bottle you'll find for a BnB.
I went out & purchased a ET bib after watching the BiB competition you guys did. The store I went to actually only had the black top Brown Foreman.. it's only been open a couple of weeks, but man it's opening up nicely. it's a solid pour for the price.. I was going to get the Sazerac bottle this past weekend. But I stumbled across and Elijah Craig barrel proof c 920 for $80 remembering kurt saying how good that bottle was. I had to grab it instead.. lol.
@@slbdrinks I had been riding the fence on the Et bib, & you guys were so right on that one . I honestly didn't think I'd see the c920 sitting on a shelf ,& after kurt saying it was good I just couldn't resist.. love what you guys & gals are doing with the channel. It's very entertaining as well as informational.. cheers
For what it's worth, Sazerac said it is committed to using the original BF mash bill and blending the barrels in the batch to match the original flavor profile.
Great review, great info and solid reasoning for the similarities and differences in the bottles. In 3-4 years we might se a much bigger difference but for now, a liter of this at $19.95 is a go to daily drinker.
Great video and comparison! I just wish it was more available to get in my area. I've only been able to find one bottle in the past 2 years of looking, and had to drive an hour out of state to get it. I do think it's excellent and will get more if I can ever find it again. I've seen a similar show on a different channel where they were complaining about how the Brown Forman was so much better than the Sasarac, and that Sasarac ruined the recipe, etc. I think they need to go back and re-evaluate their tastings. Thanks again!!!
Thanks for the review! I found the results very interesting. I had similar findings in my own blind test, but hear other RU-vidrs who feel very differently. Great job! Thanks guys.
Tom T Yea, when you first mentioned that the purchase date was in 2020 I knew that all the juice had to be just about the same as Saz would have not had time to produce their own product. Early Times from either bottle is a great drink. Thanks guys for all your videos, really enjoy them.
Interesting info. I had some early times recently and didn’t think it was what I remembered. Could just be I was biased against the sale. Was not available for a bit but have seen it again. Maybe I’ll grab a liter and give it a go. Thanks!
Great video guys! Seems you are the only ones on the internet that share my opinion 🤣 I see very little difference, and slightly gravitate to the new bottle
Did a tour of Barton's 1792 last summer and the guide told us they bought all the barrels and it would be at least 4 years (since its Bottled in Bond) before any switch could take place to Barton's distilled product. So yeah, there is variance from year to year, but it's the same product other than who bottled it.
Very interesting about the real cutover date of sometime after 6/2024. It’s hard to find around here, but it seems to me that every time I do see one on the shelf, I oughta be buying. If we’re really still getting BF juice (which logic says is true), then this may be the last opportunity to get our hands on the good stuff. Side note, I finally picked up my first (and 2nd) bottle a couple of weeks ago as I’ve never been able to find it. And it’s everything you say. Puts so many of my $50-80 bottles to shame.
I totally agree with the open bottles. I have a ECBP that I thought was like drinking fire water with no flavor and 8 months later I finally tried it again, and now it is like dark fruit, raisins and delicious. I wish I would have bought another.
Intriguing video and information. I read through the comments and there are a lot of factors that can and will contribute to much curiosity and speculation. You and everyone that spoke to it is exactly right on one thing, there is no way Saz has had the time since 2020 acquisition to come out with their own distillate to begin their ET journey. Interesting that they did a bottle and cap change so quickly, but that probably has more to do with the glass shortage and post Covid debacle with supply chain than branding. What has me curious, is by them buying the ET line, are there plans to match the mash bill that makes ET what it is. And I agree that if the Saz people have begun to blend what they obtained from BF, there could be some differences. Will also be curious to see what the barrels from wherever Saz sources does to even the same mash bill since BF owns their own Cooperage. Warehouse differences coming...all things that should truly change ET when the transition happens. All that being said, I like the sentiment that if you like the current juice, its time to load up. Great video as always gents!
agree with this. they are at best, blending things between BF stock and new Sazerac stock. Good chance they may be fully working off existing BF stock still!
For a truly fair test all should have been in Glencairn Glasses or the short glasses. The different glasses affect the nose, what you smell affects the flavor. Mark the bottom of the glasses with a dry erase marker or something else to differentiate the different spirits. Anyway, thanks for all your videos, we enjoy them very much.
I too didn’t realize there was two versions. I’ve had a bottle back sometime and wish now I knew which one it was. Then you said what you did at the end so wow…. Love the video!
Makes sense that Sazerac would need to age their own distilliate for the requisite amount of time before seeing the market. Either way I just picked up a bottle and can say with conviction that Early Times is a fantastic Bourbon value. For me I prefer the pallate over Heaven Hill BiB 7yr while the nose is nicer on Heaven Hill. I prefer the flavor profile of Early Times over Old Forester 100 but I would prefer Old Forester for an old fashioned or whiskey and coke due to the cherry notes. Also tested agaisnt Old Grand Dad BiB and would pick Early Time over Old Gran Dad BiB everyday 'unless there is a change to OGD down the road. I'm sure others would disagree according to their own tastes. Cheers everyone :)
Just bought a bottle of the Saz , or what I thought was Saz distillery , yesterday, havent opened one yet....Now i really cant wait. Thank you so much for the "inside" info.
If u can choose from Early Times, OGD and Benchmark BiB offerings why would anyone spend more money or time trying other things? Jussayin. Thanks SLB for helping me zero in on BiB as my bourbon style of choice :)
Great review guys. Fyi you don't need to research or call anyone, you just need to look at the back of your bottle. You will see brown forman's distiller ID DSP-KY-354 on both bottles and then you will see KY-DSP-12 (barton Sazerac) underneath on the new ones. Cheers!
@@slbdrinks That KY-DSP-12 on the OF 1897 is the second DSP number, meaning that it was BOTTLED (not made) at Barton. A contract arrangement between BF and Sazerac.
I am sure it has already been said here but these are both Brown Forman. While Sazerac purchased it and put it in glass, the liquid is all from BF. What you are tasting is the difference in batches. It would be highly unusual for someone to have actually blended this versus dumping designated stock and comparing to a control sample. Edit: I was half way through the video when commenting. The old product was part of the sale. I believe this was widely disclosed.
Its probably in my head but I dont think I truly get the flavor of a whiskey until its about 3/4 full. I usually open the bottle when I buy it and let it sit for a while before I drink it too. I just notice there is far less burn on most when I try one for the first time.
Love ET BIB Had them both and really didn't find a discernable difference other than, as you pointed out, perhaps slight batch differences. And Brown Foreman absolutely had inventory when the brand transferred so where do you think that would go. Sounds like you got to the bottom of this as best as possible. Bottom line, as Trenton said, one of the BEST bargains in the current bourbon world! Now shut up and don't mention that to anyone!!
I'm fairly new to bourbon to start with. I was lucky enough to find both as Michigan is hard to find a lot of most anything. My tasting I thought they were both very similar and afterwards I found out Sazerac E.Times was still from Brown Foreman.
Great episode. Aside from the Brown Foreman vs. Sazerac debate, I want to say it's really good to see Trenton in front of the camera. I think the episodes go much better when there's someone to bounce comments off of and it's nice to see someone as opposed to listen to a disembodied voice. Having two people on camera probably doesn't work for every episode format you have, but I think Trenton should be on camera more often if possible.
That’s actually a good point about how long the bottles been open because I didn’t fall in love with new riff single barrel until I had it open for a bit…
Now that I finally got me hands on a bottle. I must say it’s amazing. I haven’t had the Brown Forman version. Me and a buddy of mine definitely enjoyed it.
One of the beautiful things about Bond is how each bottle you have will have slightly different taste notes than the next. You could do a blind test between two Brown's and find one better than the other.
Enjoy your reviews. Lucky to get 3 bottles from Indiana last month. Enjoying some now... Hard to find in Ohio. Can't wait to watch your next video. Always have WT 101, Old GD BB and 4 Roses Single Barrel on my shelf...
I can't find fault with your dissertation on Early Times. However when referring to Trenton ... it's he and I ... not him and I. So I'm taking off points for incorrect grammar, but, to be totally fair, adding points for your excellent exposition on the respective merits of the two discrete Early Times bottles. For that I give you an A+ and many thanks for the information.
Finding many of the bourbon mentioned is hard since, living in Canada, the selection here is somewhat limited. However I must admit that hunting for them can be fun as you never know what you are going to find. Example, just the other day I walked into a local store and found Rare Breed.
I am watching old episodes I missed. I love Early Times BIB. I have 6 bottles of the ET BIB with the black screw caps and 2 bottles with the blue screw caps. There is a slight difference, and I prefer the black cap ones, even though the blue caps are good. There is a liquor store in KY that still has cases of the black caps. Every time I visit KY for work, I stop by and pick more up. I just bought 3 more in April 2023. Owner was saying he thought the new blue cap bottles are allocated by Sazerac now. Hoping to get some more black caps to bunker for retirement. 🥃
Good to see your comparison. Though there’s no argument that it’s the same distillate at this point, I would not think the batches are blended by the same hands.
I’ve bought several bottles of early times for $23 or so. I was in one of my favorite liquor stores last week and they had early times listed for $50. It is getting harder to find so if we see it in the $25 dollar range again I will definitely grab it
Did a blind here at the house with those two and the BF came out on top, and by a margin. Much more banana and caramel than the steel cap saz. Strange hearing that they’re supposedly the same, because they were certainly different profiles for us. Also, both were fresh opens, so not a ton of air on them yet.
Because of your previous reviews I went out and bought the Early Times Blue Cap - could not find the Black Cap, or I would have tried them both to let you know if I could tell the difference. I agree this is the best bargain bourbon and it will be my go to: good bourbon at a good price = good combination! Thanks!
That was an excellent video and review. Thoroughly enjoyed it. The "Sazerac" juice being Brown Forman seems very plausible. I do love the placebo effect, and I'm as guilty as any other. For some reason, I got into vintage Old Spice cologne a while back. Apparently P&G bought the brand and did change the bottle art a bit. People swore the new cologne was different but P&G swore they changed nothing. To your point, though, I'd always expect subtle variations among products that are supposed to be identical. What a tangent..... however, sounds like this needs to be revisited with 'real' Sazerac juice when available.
I have 3 brown foreman bottles, one open for 6 months but only one glass poured. I taste it today, and i find it sweeter than spicy, even though Flaviar says spicy is the main note. Not in mine. 🤷♂️ Mine are sweet and tasty.
Hey y'all! Loved seeing the comparison. I'm thinking there may be something that no one has mentioned yet... How about what's the source of the water they use to proof it down to 100? BF definitely uses water from the Ohio river, and if they are bottling at Barton now, are they using a different water source? Or is the bourbon in the BF tanker trucks already proofed down when it arrives at Barton? Just some thoughts. Oh, and for the record, so far, I think the BF is MUCH better than the Saz - but that is just MY opinion! 🥃 Cheers!
I have had both, but it has been a while since I've had the Brown-Forman. I remember it being quite tasty though. I gone through a half bottle of the Sazerac and love it! I recently found it on sale for $14.99 so I grabbed three bottles lol
Great Info! I just picked up a Sazerac ET BIB down in TN and want to know....if it has changed. I still think it is a great pour as I am watching you two!
So the take away is, if you like the Brown Forman version of E.T. ...start hoarding immediately irrespectively of a Saz label. If on the other hand the Saz juice turns out to be better, fob the Forman off on friends. Certainly my friends won't know the difference ... they'll drink and be happy with most anything one serves up ... good, bad or indifferent. Cheers.
My steady range of bourbons are, 1- WT 101. 2- OF 100. 3- OGD 114. Formerly I liked the Brown Forman ET quite well, very good quality and what a bargain. For rye it's OF 100 and Bulleit, both excellent for sippers and cocktails. Speaking for myself the new ET is suitable only for mixing, but even then I think if I don't like to have it neat, why screw up a cocktail. The palate sensation is not very pleasant, and the nose is inferior even compared with Evan Williams BIB. There are some thoughts about the length of aging differences in the new vs old ET, so far I doubt that the new will ever mature to be what the old is. Sazerac gets a bronx cheer from me, poor form to take something really good, putz it up, then peddle it.
I never had a chance to blind them but I thought they tasted very close from memory. Just as good business practice you would try to blend the new bottles the same as the old, right?If I find a bottle of the BF ET I might grab it but for $20 a L I will keep grabbing the new bottle.
I haven't been able to find a lot of detailed information online about the Early Times sale: What exactly was sold, what was transferred, etc. Sazerac got the mashbill for certain (but did they get the same grain suppliers? Might be different varietals of grain!). Did they get the yeast? Is it the same barrel/wood supplier? And even if every one of those details is identical, there's still the issue that different rickhouses seem to have different characteristics, and where the barrels live in the rickhouse changes things. I absolutely do expect a difference when the changeover to Sazerac-barreled Early Times happens, and it's hard to imagine that the quality goes up when Early Times is already such a great bang-for-the-buck product right now.
Agreed on all points. I, like you, only found skeleton info concerning the sale. At this point both releases are fabulous imo! We will see what happens when this is strictly a Saz release.
i just found the blue top saz Early Times BIB. $26 LITER. went back and got 2 more. very good. close to the black cap, but not as deep and dark. neck pour saz vs BF well aired.
I’m only now starting to taste some of these popular “bargain” bourbons like Early Times and Rebel 100, and I was pleasantly surprised by the screw-top, $25 liter of Early Times (Sazarac, I presume). I can’t compare it to its predecessor, but can confirm it’s a fantastic value.
I still have a Brown Forman Early Times bottle - I think I will bunker it for a couple of years to compare it to the Sazerac ET juice. (If I remember or still care)
My thoughts: Both: Great Value. Sweet and Balanced Taste. Great Finish. Old Version: Sweeter Brown Sugar Flavor and More Astringent. New Version: More Oak Foreward and Less Astringent. I Prefer the Old Version.
