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OK Bourbon Drinkers of Tennessee, I am leaving Wednesday for my grandmothers house in Tullahoma. Anybody know a good store within say an hours drive of there?

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Blantons may not be he best as a started, it is a very good bourbon but you need to have some experience with bourbons to appreciate Blantons.

To start out with, I suggest Old Fitzgearld, Old Forester, Old Grandad or probably the best choice may be Wild Turkey 101.

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I like Eagle Rare a lot...with that I also drink Buffalo Trace, Old Weller, Woodford, Rittenhouse Rye, WT Rye..I am sure there are others but drinking makes you forget.

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I don't think there are any rules as to starter bourbons. I don't think price is a rule when it comes to tastes, personally. There are expensive bourbons out there that I like, but also that I don't like. Same with cheaper bourbons.

Personally, I didn't care for Bullit. Gave the bottle away after two drinks. But, that's me and my tastes. Bourbon will be like cigars. Each will have his own taste, and will drink what he likes. I started liking bourbon with Marker's Mark. Thought it was the best, until I tried Woodford Reserve. Thought it was the best, til I tried Blanton's. Thought it was the best until I tried.... Well, you get the picture! I have had bottles of over two dozen bourbons at a time in the past. Still have over a dozen. I probably enjoy sippin' Conecuh Ridge more than most of them, but it's because, personally, I like molasses, and I get strong hints of molasses from that one, more than any other. But again, it's a personal taste thing!

One thing to note: ALL bourbons go downhill after they are opened. They oxidize. The longer they are open, the more they will lose quality. Thus, you are better served to have only a few bottles opened at a time, drink those up before you open new bottles. I try to finish any open bottles within a year or less. I'm not a nightly drinker, sometimes not even a monthly drinker. Thus, I seldom have more than a couple of bottles open at a time.

The best bet for those new to bourbon is to buy smaller size bottles to get an idea of the specific bourbons. Then, graduate to larger bottles for the ones you like the most. This will be a problem for many of the upper end bourbons, as they usually are bottled in 750 ml only (at least for my state). Good bars, with a good selection of top-shelve bourbons, is a good way to try them one glass at a time. While it may cost you $5- $10 or more for a glass, it's better than $75 or more for a bottle that you then find isn't to your liking.

I would suggest starting with the bourbons "neat". I'm not a fan of diluting bourbon with water. Some people use ice, which gives a "spectrum" of tastes, from almost neat at the start, to maybe half and half at the end as the ice melts. Personally, after I've had a sip or two neat, less bourbon and more water pales, and I lose interest. But, I usually take a good hour to enjoy a couple ounces of bourbon, because I truly sip slowly, and fully enjoy each sip. If I wanted to do shooters, I sure wouldn't recommend anything above $20 a bottle!

Again, all the above is MY preferences. And, just like cigars, those are going to be different with each person. For those looking for answers on the "starter" question, by all means, look at the suggestions here. However, DO NOT be discouraged because you don't find one or more of the suggestions to your liking. And, like cigars, remember, if at first the specific bourbon doesn't bring cheers of joy to your taste buds, don't dismiss it forever. Develop your palette, learn what you like, then go back and give the discarded ones another try. You might like it the second time around.

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Santa dropped me a nice bottle of Blanton's in my stocking Christmas morning. That Santa is a pretty good wife. :tu

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That's funny..I got one too!

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Last two bottles I bought where Russel's Reserve (love it) and Makers 46, then was given a bottle of Woodford Reserve for my birthday (still unopened). So I have 3 bottles of bourbon, prob the most I have had at one time LOL. I really don't drink to much so they should last me awhile.

What sucks is every time I see this thread I want to go buy another bottle ha ha.

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Nice! A very good pour.

The wife pays attention to me apparently, she handed me a bottle of VWFR 12yr. She said she didn't love me enough for the 23yr. :-(

I was hoping for a gift set of Wild Turkey, I like their glasses that come in the set. I guess I'm going a hunting for some myself.

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I was just wondering if any knows if Pappy Van Winkle sells any of there Bourbon in the little airplane sized bottles, I would love to try some but cannot afford to buy a whole bottle, any of you all ever seen them?

I also got a set of Whisky stones for Christmas I cannot wait to try out!

http://www.teroforma.com/Set_of_9_Wh...nes_20187.html

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Mrs. Claus left a bottle of George T Stagg in the stocking and a bottle of bakers under the tree.

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None of the van Winkle whiskies are bottled in minis. If you want an opportunity to sample various bourbons, you should consider attending the Bourbon Sampler in Bardstown, Kentucky. It is one of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival events and will be held the last Saturday in April 2011. All of the major distilleries are there handing out samples of their bourbons. For more information, go to The Kentucky Bourbon Festival website.

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My wife picked up the liter for me for my birthday and this is one fine bourbon. I had to run out and grab some cheaper favorites to keep me off that bottle. Definitely good juice.

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Your best bet unfortunately might be a good bourbon/whiskey bar. I cracked open mine last night for the game and it's just freakin' wonderful.

And the best thing about bourbon is you can find something tasty and respectful in your price range.

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Thanks guys, I did a lot of searching on the internet and could not find any mini's, oh well, guess I will have to save up for a bottle. I am really enjoying the Makers 46 currently. Think I will pick up Buffalo Trace next as i have heard good things and the price is right!

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Had a nice haul this week. Bottle of Van Winkle 12, 15, and the 107 proof. I can't get enough of the 12.

My favorite right now, unfortunately is the rare bottle of Fred Noe Bookers that I picked up. Such an amazing, and complex bourbon. Too bad I'll likely never come across another...

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Can you post a picture of the Fred Noe Bookers?

I'd love to see what it looks like.

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the last two bottle, I had to scoop it up :P
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...k/STA_6132.jpg

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anyone have source for the van winkle 12 year or maybe the 15 year? I have some limited viaje releases to trade?

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:jd:jd

Nice score!

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What is this, I am not familiar with that name?

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my exact reaction... it was the last two bottle.

The SA open the glass case, and I only wanted one. I sat there for a good 2 minute thinking. Then he just hand me the last bottle and I was like why not?!

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Its a cigar brand.

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Got some Blantons for Christmas..it's ok..not super impressed. Fav is still Eagle Rare.

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Having a Weller 12yr pour right now. Weller is so underrated. 12yr, 90prf (wish it was 100), very nice bourbon, for $22 a 750 where I got it. Can't beat it.

The best bourbon I've had to date, definitely over Pappy 15 - William Larue Weller 12yr, barrel proof unfiltered, 126 proof. Amazing. Neat, room temp, no burn and crazy smooth, amazing flavor, then a late warming of the torso. Never had a bourbon like it.

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having a pour of Bakers 7yr 107 proof. Warming up for the celebration to come, I think I will get the Stagg out tonite though I'll be the only one drinking nobody else that will be around can handle it. What's everybody else drinking tonite?

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I crack open up my Eagle Rare 17 last night...smell and taste so gooood :)

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Ordered a bottle of William LaRue Weller and Sazerac 18yr today :xxx :xxx

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I was fortunate enough to obtain a few bottles of 15 yr old Elmer T Lee special release, single barrel bourbon. The regular bottling is quite good. I expect this special release to be exceptional.

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Got a sweet gift of Woodford Masters Reserve from somebody as a belated (sep 12th!) birthday present last week lol. Anyone had this, any good?

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#1 George T Stagg 143 proof
#2 Bakers 107 proof
#3 Eagle Rare SB 90 proof

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Showoff! :D I made a run to Party Source the other day just for some VW12. I picked up others as well, but those were just collateral damage. I just needed another one of those bottles to hang onto for a bit.

I haven't had the 12yr, though based on their other bottles and prices I can only image it is more than worth the cost. Great bourbons for a generous price tag.

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My wife gave me a bottle of Wodford for Christmas...I approve!

http://oldchurchbbq.com/sharedpictur...tmas%20002.jpg

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Nice catch Steve! Class doesn't start still Wednesday so I picked up a handle of Ezra Brooks 90 proof today in case i get bored :D

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That sounds like a good way to get ready for class Michael!

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That will definitely help pass the time. :D

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2010 WLW and ER17 being shipped to my door tomorrow so hopefully I'll have it by the end of next week.

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That is friggin sweet!

You have inspired me to order some. Dint think I will buy the 30 dollar glasses however.

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Can I get some opinions?

What do you guys prefer, Buffalo Trace or Willetts?
Haven't had the Willetts, but don't want to fork the cash 1st tasting.

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Never had Willetts but BT is good neat or mixed.

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:tpd: BT is quite decent, never had Willetts.

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...must stop reading this thread! Don't need any more ODO!!!!!!:D

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This question entirely depends on your personal tastes. To me, Willetts carries a more Rye flavor that up until recently, I was not a fan of.

The Buffalo Trace, hands down my favorite everyday bourbon. But like I said about the Wlletts, thats for me.

If you can only get one, Id say get the BT first. Then next time get the Willetts. Chances are you'll like them both.

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Buffalo Trace is excellent, but I haven't had the Willetts, so I cannot speak to the comparison.

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Got some Eagle Rare over Christmas. I like it!

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This question is not easy to answer. Kentucky Bourbon Distillers does not yet have an operating still. They will have one ready to start in the near future. They have been buying whiskey from other distillers and aging it in their warehouses. The source of the whiskey is not made public.

They sell barrels and bottle the contents under the Willett label. They include proof, barrel number, bottle number, and the name of the purchaser on a separate label. I have bottles of 4, 6, 7, 12, 17, and 18 year old bourbons that were barrel proof and not chill filtered. I have Willett Rye that is 22 years old, barrel proof, and not chill filtered. The best bourbon with the Willett's label that I ever had was a 12 year sold by The Party Source in Bellvue, KY a few years ago. The Party Source has a few special Willett releases.

The Rye that I have is from barrels purchased by a few friends. The Rye is outstanding.

Compared to their special barrel-proof, non-chill filtered bourbons the bourbon in the pot-still bottle is mediocre.

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Enjoying a pour of Blantons this evening. SMOOOOOOTH. Thinking about a little Wild Turkey for a nightcap.

J.W.

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Why am I one of four people in this god forsaken building when the university is closed? All I had to say was "The roads are impassable between me and the highway" and would be at home with some Baker's to warm my insides, but no I am here working away getting that double time and a half.

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Dedicated man there Justin :D

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Snow in T-town?