Decent whisky/bourbon that won't break the bank?

[OCGuy]

I don't buy American Whiskey, Tequila, or Vodka, unless I have to. I will drink Jack in a pinch, but my SO thinks it makes me violent.

Crown from Canukistan or Irish is what I prefer.

 

[xSauronx]

I bought a bottle of rare breed based on a prior recommendation from you. It's not bad...but it's not something I'd likely buy again either. It's such a potent drink that the burn overpowers the flavor and subtlties in the aroma. At like 13% more alcohol by volume than traditional whiskey/bourbon/scotch it really has a punch. I find other scotches or whiskies to be more drinkable.

No intention to disparage your opinion by any means. I simply wasn't worthy for it.

i agree with this sentiment, i tried it a while back and felt the same way. prefer makers mark.

lately though, ive been into irish whiskey and have settled on bushmills. mmmmm bushmills.

 

[TwiceOver]

$11.99 of pure awesome.

 

[Scotteq]

If you'd like to try a Single Malt Scotch, I'd like to recommend a MacAllan 12 Y/O - Either Sherry Cask (lighter and spicier) or Fine Oak (a bit darker and warmer tasting) are readily available, well rounded, enjoyable, and not particularly expensive. The 10's ($40 in NJ) are also good, but (IMHO) the extra couple dollars for the 12s ($45 in NJ) are well spent. These are my "Go To", great for sipping neat or with a small splash of water, and are the standard I compare everything else to.

I'm not a fan of the Glenfiddich or Glenlivet - most of their offerings are too... Delicate, (to use a positive word), for my tastes. Unless we're talking their older, and much more expensive offerings.

If you'd like a site with reviews, check out http://www.connosr.com/ They review *all* whiskys, regardless of type or source. So there's Bourbons and Ryes as well as Irish and Scotch. Anything given 80+ points is likely worth checking out.

Regarding Scotch: Keep in mind that some brands/regions may not be for newer drinkers. Brands from the Island or Islay regions tend to be powerfully smoky and likely wouldn't appeal to someone not used to that. 'Highlands' malts tend to be very light (no or near~no smoke). Most Speyside malts are more rounded.


If you want to see what's currently in my cabinet: http://www.connosr.com/members/scotteq/ I can speak to these.

 

[KMc]

Let's be clear that whiskey is not whisky. The Canadians, Scots and Japanese make Whisky, everybody else (US, Ireland) makes Whiskey.

 

[DJK Frank 16]

Maker's 46 would be my top choice
Woodford Reserve
Makers Mark

 

[child of wonder]

Buffalo Trace

 

[preslove]

I don't buy American Whiskey, Tequila, or Vodka, unless I have to. I will drink Jack in a pinch, but my SO thinks it makes me violent.

Crown from Canukistan or Irish is what I prefer.

There are many much better whiskeys made in America than Crown.

 

[lxskllr]

There are many much better whiskeys made in American than Crown.

I haven't had a Canadian yet that I liked. They're too thin, and sometimes too sweet.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Knob Creek. Seriously tasty. I actually am not a fan of the single barrel reserve so much, but the regular is great.

 

[Soccerman06]

Best >$40 bottle imo

 

[Turin39789]

Pappy Van Winkle

lol

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Best bang for the buck is Evan Williams black.

 

[smitbret]

Maker's Mark

 

[Dr. Detroit]

lately though, ive been into irish whiskey and have settled on bushmills. mmmmm bushmills.

Have you tried Tullamore Dew? Same price point as Jameson & Bushmills - about $20 for a fifth.

My favorite Irish at that price point by far!

 

[Lizardman]

My favorite is Compass Box Asyla http://www.compassboxwhisky.com/home.html

It shouldn't break the bank at about $50 for a .75L bottle. If you try it PM me and let me know what you think.

 

[angminas]

Best bang for the buck is Evan Williams black.

I recommend the 1783; it's aged ten years IIRC and only costs about 10% more.

 

[zinfamous]

George Dickel, motherfucker!

also, Maker's Mark is just fine.

 

[preslove]

Bulleit

 

[mattpegher]

Yukon Jack, I find to be the smoothest, moderately sweet yet still 100 proof.

 

[BladeVenom]

I like almost every decent whiskey better than JD. I'm not sure why JD is so popular.

 

[GoodRevrnd]

On the cheap? Maker's.

 

[mrkun]

Pappy Van Winkle

lol

/thumbs up

 

[uli2000]

I'm not a huge fan of whisky, but I found Pendleton to be acceptable. It's also a local Oregon product, so that was nice too.

http://www.spiritsreview.com/reviews-whisky-canadian-pendleton-10.html

Pendleton is kinda misleading. It's actually a Canadian whiskey that's bottled in Oregon.

 

[brblx]

I like almost every decent whiskey better than JD. I'm not sure why JD is so popular.

different tastes, i guess. i really haven't found anything i like better than jack. a lot of the more expensive whiskeys seem more harsh, and some seem less flavorful, almost 'thinner.' and i hate jim beam. i donno, i think JD just combines certain aspects to be like my sam adams of whiskey (assuming the sam adams is a fresh ale or a lighter lager and not one of their dark syrupy fruit brews).

i like jack mixed or straight, either one; seven crown is cheaper and mixes good; early times is not good but not too bad at a gotrut price.

maker's mark for 'cheap' whiskey? right.