Whisk(e)y, Scotch, Bourbon, Rye... What’s your favorite these days?

During this time of increased isolation I’ve found myself getting more into bourbon and seeking out different bottles that I’ve never tried.

My current favorites are Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and High West Double Rye.

I’m curious to know what you all have been reaching for when it comes to whiskey?

Scotch is a drink for special occasions and relaxing. Bourbon is a good any time COVID anxiety drink. Price is also less.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel is a favorite — under $40 but not always stocked. Col. E. H. Taylor Small Batch another under $40 and more rare.
Buffalo Trace is my favorite $28 (often sold-out). Larceny is wheated bourbon. Evan Williams single barrel good and often on sale
Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan) is good, often available, and $50. My bourbon tonight,

Find a locally owned liquor store with big selection and ask for advice.

Scotch is a drink for special occasions and relaxing.  Bourbon is a good any time COVID anxiety drink.  Price is also less. 

Henry McKenna Single Barrel is a favorite — under $40 but not always stocked.  Col. E. H. Taylor Small Batch another under $40 and more rare.
Buffalo Trace is my favorite $28 (often sold-out). Larceny is wheated bourbon.  Evan Williams single barrel good and often on sale
Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan) is good, often available, and $50.  My bourbon tonight,

Find a locally owned liquor store with big selection and ask for advice.

Thanks so much for your insight!

I actually did pick up a bottle of Henry McKenna Single Barrel recently but sadly msrp around here has risen to ~$50. Still a great bourbon, very bright and doesn’t drink like 100 proof.

I want to try something from E.H. Taylor but as you said, it’s tough to find and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it for less than $60 here.

Buffalo Trace is another one I still need to try. 

After seeing Larceny Barrel Proof (Batch B520) beat 5 other really good wheaters in Fred Minnick’s blind tasting (including Weller Full Proof), I’m definitely tracking some down this week.

Evan Williams is another I’ve heard great things about that I still gotta try. One of that last “bargains” left in bourbon.

Haven’t tried Heaven’s Door but I’ll keep an eye out for it.

Cheers!

Prices and availability do vary greatly. Purchased the Henry McKenna for $36 a few weeks ago. Half the fun is trying new liquor stores - like a kid in a candy store. Some local stores are well known for scotch and whisky selections.

Evan Williams Single barrel is on sale locally $18 to $20. Retail around $26. Currently sipping on a glass. I noticed the new label deleted aged 10 years. Current bottle from 2012, prior bottle from 2010. Larceny around $25 and normally available (until the recent reviews). Buffalo Trace is a favorite and $28. If it helps, Buffalo Trace is the parent for Pappy, Stagg, Weller. Blanton's, E.H. Taylor, etc.

The best bourbon/whisky bar closed last year. Knowledgeable staff and 1oz or 2oz pours. Great way to sample.

Must be a shortage on Four Roses Single Barrel, haven’t seen any out here in West Texas for months.


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I'm no help in the bourbon department, but if you're looking for an amazing Scotch, my absolute favorite is a 16 year old Lagavulin. It's about as smokey and peaty as they come with a rich, full bodied, yet smooth, flavor. It's like taking the best whisky available and filtering it through a burnt, sweaty kilt that's been dragged through a peat bog, but in a very good way!

Must be a shortage on Four Roses Single Barrel, haven’t seen any out here in West Texas for months.


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I’m sorry to hear that. It’s interesting how different parts of the country experience scarcity of different things. I see it all the time here in Colorado but there’s quite a few things I bet you have that we don’t. I hope you find some bro!

I'm no help in the bourbon department, but if you're looking for an amazing Scotch, my absolute favorite is a 16 year old Lagavulin. It's about as smokey and peaty as they come with a rich, full bodied, yet smooth, flavor. It's like taking the best whisky available and filtering it through a burnt, sweaty kilt that's been dragged through a peat bog, but in a very good way!

It’s all welcome! I appreciate the recommendation on an Islay because I’ve still never tried one. I’ll try and mooch some from a buddy or get a pour at a bar if I see it.

My scotch experience is pretty limited to various aged Macallan and Balvenie.

Must be a shortage on Four Roses Single Barrel, haven’t seen any out here in West Texas for months.

Imo, as many other Four Roses fans, the Four Roses Small Batch (oval bottle, hand crafted) is better than Single Barrel. Cost less, flavor is stronger and tastes smoother, longer.

It’s all welcome! I appreciate the recommendation on an Islay because I’ve still never tried one. I’ll try and mooch some from a buddy or get a pour at a bar if I see it.

My scotch experience is pretty limited to various aged Macallan and Balvenie.

Macallan and Balvenie and Oban are excellent "starter scotch" offerings.  Also in my favorites.