Yes, that’s just a very small portion of my collection, some 262 individual bottles, and counting. I’ve slowed down my purchases recently because I’m only buying stuff I drink. And, if like me, you’re a fan of the New York Knicks and New York Jets, you tend to soothe your sorrows often. (Thank God for the Yankees and Rangers).
I’ve been sending well-received bourbon notes to a local group of aficionados for a while now and a twice-a-month basis because (1) no one needs their inboxes clogged with more stuff and (2) I’m allergic to anything that feels like work. Twice a month feels like fun. And like the very sage Jonathan Macri of the Knicks Film School newsletter recently wrote, his liver couldn’t take a daily newsletter. Neither could I.
But I do know something about bourbon (If I could get a degree in it I would) and this is a way for me to share my knowledge. This newsletter will evolve over time. I’m going to try to make it so that’s interesting, different, and I hope, well written. My journalism background helps me with that part. I just don’t want to give you the properties of the bourbon —- you can get that anywhere —- but I want to peel back the curtain and, if I can get the subscriber base to grow, interview some of the titans of bourbon and bring you the information you can’t get anywhere else.
Here’s my first post. I get a lot of questions about my favorite bourbon and it’s hard for me to answer. I have favorites by price range. Then I find most buyers don’t want to spend all that much money on bourbon. It’s kinda like a first-date thing —- you’ll pay the bill to an extent because you don’t want to blow cash on someone you’re only tolerating.
These bourbons are more than tolerable. And you can find them anywhere.
Bourbon's popularity has exploded over the last few years and now accounts for $3.4 billion in annual sales. But there’s a lot of product out there, from well-known brands like Jim Beam to lesser-known brands like Benchmark. The prices can also vary, with a standard 750 ML bottle retailing anywhere from $10 to $299 and up. With most people on a budget, that begs the question: what are the best value bourbons? Here are 10 you can buy for $30 a bottle or less.
These are manufacturer suggested prices that may vary state by state.
Benchmark, $9.99: Produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery, this 80-proof bourbon provides a nice, light hint of vanilla. It’s not a big pour, but an easy drinker that doesn’t need ice. At this price, you can mix it with soda or put it in a Manhattan and you won’t feel guilty. If all you have is a ten spot in your pocket you could do a whole hell of a lot worse.
Ancient Age 10, $15.99: Also produced at Buffalo Trace, this bourbon has hints of toffee and char. At 90-proof, it has more of a burn than you might expect, but the flavors and price make this a must-have. Here's the thing. It's so good it's gotten hard to find. Damn. If you see a bottle grab it.
Evan Williams 1783, $21.99: Most bourbon lovers will be familiar with the black label Evan Williams, which is a decent low-priced bourbon. But the 86-proof 1783 may be the Heaven Hill Distillery’s best value product. It’s a smooth, light easy, and versatile drinker with a nice peach nose.
Four Roses yellow label, $22.99: Made by the Kirin Brewery Company, this light, 80-proof bourbon gives a hint of well-balanced fruit. Four Roses makes far better bourbon —- the single barrel select is outstanding —- but for the money, this is pretty good.
Buffalo Trace, $22.99: Made at the namesake distillery this 90-proof bourbon used to be easy to get. Not anymore. As soon as it’s stocked, it’s gobbled off the shelf, and no wonder. The balanced mix of spice, caramel, and vanilla make this a fan favorite.
Wild Turkey 101 proof. $22.99: Oak, vanilla, and maple are the calling cards for this big bourbon made at the Wild Turkey Distillery. Given the higher proof, some may prefer it with a little ice or a few drops of water. But I like a big glass with nothing in it because I find it to be an excellent sipper.
Old Forester, $24.99: The Brown-Foreman Distillery produces several brands of Old Forester. It’s two least expensive models carry 86 and 100 proof labels. The 100 proof is the better buy, with bigger maple flavors and a little more heat.
Old Grand-Dad 114, $24.99: The highest proof bourbon on the list comes from the Jim Beam Distillery and is a big, dark spicy bourbon best sipped with ice or water.
1792 Small Batch, $29.99: This Barton Distillery 90-proof product has a very slight hint of rye that’s quickly overtaken by vanilla and caramel.
Larceny, $27.99: This Heaven Hill product packs cinnamon, honey, and nutmeg in its flavor profile. At 92 proof, it’s an easy sipper.
OTHER CONTENT
I strongly believe in helping other independent content producers increase their reach. I’m a sports nut —- being sports editor at a major metro newspaper was the best job I ever had —- so these suggestions may skew sports. There’s so much stuff out there it’s hard to keep track, but these are some of the efforts I read as soon as it hits my inbox.
Knicks Film School: The best NYK newsletter I know. I don’t know how Macri does what he does (5-days a week) but it’s a hell if a read.
The Mets Fix: I am not a Met’s fan but I am a baseball fan who loves great insight. Jefferey Bellone does a great job.
Wild World of News: I have friends who will not read this because of some past and well-documented issues involving Mark Halperin. But he’s among the smartest people in politics and his newsletter shows that.
That’s it for today. Send a comment if you have a question. Until next time:
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”