The Bottom Shelfers

A pair of light, easy-sippers this time. We both rated both at 3.0 and recommend against using them in cocktails. For sure, neat is the best option, although the Yellowstone Toasted on a big rock is a solid choice. 

We both got pretty excited about this episode! The High West was a nice surprise, and we gave it a solid "2" rating. The big winner, however, was the Early Times Bottled In Bond. We both agreed on a "3" rating and that, for certain, it earns the "Great bourbon at a reasonable price" designation. A Bottom Shelfer Winner! Any good 750 ml bottle for $25 is a deal, and this ET was a full 1 liter! A wo...

Two winners this time. The Dickel 8 Year is quite simply a solid sipper. It's not going to blow you away, but it's solid stuff at a great price point. Heaven Hill BOB earned a permanent spot in Todd's Office Bar. It might even make it up to the main stash periodically!

Wow! The Bottom Shelfers strayed pretty far from the bottom shelf this time. We tasted Todd's (former) favorite bourbon, Weller Antique 107, as well as his new favorite, Bluegrass Toasted Oak. Rick & Mark did not declare any favoritism, but both agreed with the 4.0 rating for the Weller and 4.5 for the Bluegrass.  Also, we need to give Shane, our Bluegrass tour guide, another shout-out. By far the...

The Bottom Shelfers hit the road to Louisville! Thomas, Mark, Matt & Josh joined Rick & Todd for in-depth research in the heart of bourbon country. More on the trip coming in the next few episodes.  Shrotly after arrival, we headed out to Angel's Envy following a quick stop in the hotel's watering hole. The Bottled In Bond was the consensus favorite. Dinner at Doc Cro's was amazing. Get the mac &...

This time we tried something we never tried before, a wheat whiskey! The 51% wheat really came through. A very low-key, easy-sipping experience. I say, "Drink it neat!" Also... Do NOT forget to grab a bottle of the BlueNote Crossroads. Great stuff!

A step up for the boys this time. Penelope Wheated & 1792 Bottled In Bond. Both are winners! Stock up for your Holdiay guests! The 1792 BIB struck us both as an especially good choice.

Woodinville is a great everyday bourbon choice. Solid sipper both neat on a rock. The Benchmark Full Proof might be better used as a stain remover or paint thinner. WAY to hot! ...even on ice. 

We had high hopes for Benchmark Top Floor, but... We both went with 1.5 and were maybe a bit generous. The Yellowstone is pretty good! One caveat though... Rick got it for $30 which makes it a good buy. For Todd at $37, not such a bargain. 

Neither of us had heard of these two before... The Kentucky Vintage, well... sadly, it's going under the sink. The Remus wasn't too bad at all, but not a big favorite. We took one for the team on this one!

Heading to a lower shelf set of bourbons this time... Old Bardstown 90 Proof vs. Benchmark Bonded. While the Benchmark #8 did not impress, some of the other expressions - like this one - are pretty good!

Got a pair of 90-proofers this time around. LOTS of similarities between these two... The biggest difference is the rye spice in Bowmans. We both called these "classic mid-tier" bourbons. Both have a great mouth feel with the edge going to Eagle Rare. We recommend the Bowmans neat and the Eagle with a big cube. Two winners here! 

The Bottom Shelfers have a theory... Using a smoker (from Smokeshow ) it is possible to turn mediocre - or even bad - whiskey into something quite palatable. Rick has been a fan for quite some time. FINALLY, Todd gives it a try!

An Independence Day special!!! Woodson, a  6-month "accelerated-aged" Kentucky Bourbon was... eh..., but the 13th Colony was quite a pleasant surprise. Not exactly true bottom shelf picks, but the GA product is a winner in any case.

The Tin Cup cup hexagonal bottle with the literal tin cup lid is very cool. That said, it's a 1. It's going under the sink. Not offensive by any means, but unremarkable. The Breckenridge was a good bit better, but only earned a 2 rating.  Rick & Todd are warning you away from these two. Although if you find Breckenridge for $25 or so, that would be a decent buy.  Oh.... Here's a link to Todd's cho...

Sticking with the Small Batch designation and welcoming the first guest on The Bottom Shelfers. Welcome to Mark! While our guest couldn't get hold of the 1792, he kept Rick & I in line. All three of us were clear fans of the Knobb!

The Devil's Cut from Jim Beam was OK. Maybe a little gimmicky marketing... The Old Forester 100 though! One of us just might put this one on the "my everyday bourbon list." Pricey in NJ at $34, but a great deal in GA at $23.

Gotta' love the two bottles for this episode... And they're both winners. Green River smooth & soft, and old dependable Bulleit with punchy, long-lasting rye flavors.

Penelope is a relatively new distillery, founded in 2018 and Elijah Craig is one of the oldest dating from 1789. We both liked the newcomer - had nothing negative to say. Old Elijah though... The clear winner this time. Both bottles headed to #2, the upper liquor cabinet in the office!

The Old Bardstown was pretty darn good. Redemption? Eh....

Rick outdid himself by choosing these not-bottom shelfers. Both are affordable and really good sippers! Maybe put 'em on ice, but never in a cocktail. Have 'em neat!

Two pleasant surprises! The Benchmark Small Batch neat is a nice sippin' whiskey, and the Old Grand Dad 114 is versatile. I'll enjoy both neat and on the rocks!

Jack Daniels is for sure a classic! Old #7 and Gentleman Jack both have the same mash bill, but are distinctly different. We agreed that you can't go wrong with either. Personally, Gentleman J on ice is great summer day sippin' whiskey!

We found a few redeeming features, but these two both landed on the Bottom Shelf for sure. We're going to try them smoked and see what happens...