10 Bourbons BETTER Than Blantons! - Bourbon Real Talk 137
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- Let's start with what this episode is not. It is NOT a slam on Blanton's. In fact, we love Blanton's. This IS an episode that provides our top 10 alternatives to Blanton's that we feel taste just as good if not better. PLUS, these alternatives are affordable and easy to find at most liquor stores. So, if you're tired of not finding any Blanton's and want to try some solid pours that give Blanton's a run for it's money, take a look!
UPDATE: For the hundred or so of you who commented that these bottles can not be compared to Blanton's because the proof point is so different have figured out the exact point of the video. I was trying to explain that when blanton's was released as one of the first ever premium bourbons it laid waste to the competition. Once the whiskey world figured out that there was a market for premium, what came after were even better versions of premium with higher and higher proofs. In some cases the industry started going after premium buyers with a higher proof bottom shelf products (many of the whiskeys in this episode are in that category)
Imagine someone suddenly has money and they want to collect sports cars. They drive some super cars from 2015-2022 era. Then they go drive a 1984 (first year for blanton's) porsche and evaluate it not based on how technologically advanced it was compared to its contemporaries in 1984, but how well it drives compared to the 2015-2022 supercars. They are going to think it is a piece of shit. That is what happens to Blanton's. What cracks me up is Blanton's saw that other brands were beating them in the premium space with fuller flavored whiskey, and the released blanton's gold and SFTB...which competes well in ANY category.
So when whiskey trolls make fun of blanton's they sound like idiots to me that refuse to compare the 2022 porsche to the other supercars, and insist that porsche sucks because they drove an 1984 model once and it didn't perform as well on the track.
COMMENT below some of your favorite alternatives to Blanton's!
If you like this content, or even the discussion of this subject, I would like to personally invite you to join our free member community. groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity
Motion graphics intro by robsusman.com
BRT Merch:
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Still Austin is available for shipping outside of TX:
shop.stillaustin.com/
0:00 Intro
0:21 Disclaimer
3:03 Blantons
5:09 1792 Full Proof
6:29 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
7:28 Benchmark Full Proof
9:12 Russells Reserve Single Barrel
10:11 Four Roses Single Barrel
11:18 Shameless Merch Plug
12:06 Knob Creek
13:04 Old Forrester 1920
14:31Makers Mark Cask Strength
16:10 Still Austin Cask Strength
17:23 New Riff Bourbon
18:39 Bonus Bottle: Jack Daniels SiB BP
20:04 Show Philosophy/Sign Off
22:10 Outtakes
22:26 BRTC Invitation
#bourbonrealtalk #bourbonlover #blantons #whiskeylovers #whiskey #betterthanblantons #top10 #1792bourbon #elijahcraig #benchmarkbourbon #bourbondrinking #whiskeytasting #whiskeytips #bourbonhype #whiskeyresources #whiskeycollection #bourbonshopping #whiskeybusiness #whiskeyknowledge #bourboneducation #wildturkey #knobcreek #oldforrester #makersmark #newriffbourbon #stillaustinbourbon #bourboncommunity - Zábava
I really, really appreciate the positivity of this channel. The bourbon content is great, but secondary to the positivity. Thank you!!
I appreciate that! Cheers! Have you joined the free member community yet? Tons of positivity over there. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Great channel! Keep up the good work! I always look to you all when I want to try something new but don’t know what to look for! Your input or thoughts always help me make a decision!
Blanton's was my first real love in the bourbon world! I think an important thing to remember, in addition to everyone liking different things (and that it's ok to do so), is that your personal tastes will change BY THE DAY! That and the taste of bourbon will change under certain circumstances. I had Angel's Envy for the first time the other day and I didn't really care for it; it was just ok. I went back to it a few days later and LOVED it. It's now one of my favorite low proof pours (at MSRP of $50 in VA). So, yes, I've had things I like better than Blanton's, but at MSRP there are few I like better. The best whiskey is the one you like to drink!
Amen!
Ditto. I started my bourbon journey because I took a sip of the Blanton and loved the finish. Which let me to angels envy. Looking to see other options to try. I’m also in VA. cheers.
I love bourbon but I hate how hard it is to find good bourbons sometimes. Lists like this are good because the selections are typically available and reasonably priced. Great job guys, keep it coming!
Glad you enjoy them. I have tried to do videos that show "good bourbon" isn't always hard to find bourbon. There is always plenty of great tasting bourbon available on the shelf. Cheers!
I just stumbled on your channel. Thank you so much for the great top 10 list. But more importantly, thank you for your positive attitudes and spreading such a positive message to people everywhere. Bourbon is great and it is a wonderful way to make friends and tell stories. But I agree that I have seen too many people be too negative or hateful about others opinions on bourbon. I really appreciate your positive outlook and stance on this subject. Please keep it up
Thank you for the encouragement. If you are on Facebook I would like you to join facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
1792 FP and Old Forester 1920 are the best that I’ve personally had. Wild Turkey 101 is my fav value bourbon
Could not argue with any of that! Cheers!
Have you tried rare breed yet? It’s fantastic at the higher proof!
@@brianstuart4203 yes! Very good! 😃
I agree with everyone of these picks. Great video. Russell's Reserve (SB) is easily my favorite. I live very close to New Riff. I highly recommend a tour if you're in the area. They're doing some really cool things.
One of the best new distilleries IMO.
My Russell’s reserve single barrel store pick is so good I really don’t need to search for any more sippers. So glad I finally got into WT products.
First time watching y’all. Great reviews on bourbons. I’ll never forget when I tried Blantons for the first time before it became popular (2011) I love your philosophy. I love your openness and real talk! Look forward to future shows.
Glad you enjoyed it. I would like to personally invite you to our free member community. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
WOW, I just found a bottle of Still Austin (Black Label) coming in around 118 Proof. Oh my my my, This is certainly a bottle I will keep on the shelf. Such an amazing depth and mouthfeel, not to mention the satisfactin of the higher proof. Superb flavor. I can't thank you all enough for such a great list for a mid-level bourbon drinker like me to expand my pallett and most importantly: OPTIONS!! I got into a rut, this sure opened up a door. Thanks fellas!
So glad you enjoyed it. There are so many great shelf available bourbons out there.
Have you joined our free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Man the end of this episode definitely pulled my heart strings. Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!. If you saw the end I hope you joined our free member community. There is a lot more of those good vibes there. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Love the review! So sorry about your brother! I just started my bourbon journey but my son was diagnosed with cancer 7 years ago as a 10 year old. He beat it, but it was a hard fight. It's just as easy to love as hate. Love your channel!
Thank you! Have you joined our free member community? You attitude would be a welcome addition. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Just started my bourbon journey and found your YT video for the noobie help. I love your philosophy and the sense of community and love you are fostering. It’s awesome to see that spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie. ❤.
Welcome to the channel! Happy to have you here.
You explaining the premise behind the show and how you end it just got a life long fan in me. I’ve struggled in the past with stuff and this kind of message and idea is exactly what the world needs more of. Good on you for taking this on and doing a great job.
Thank you! I strongly recommend you join facebook.com/group/bourbonrealtalkcommunity. We have a initiative running in Sept. to pair people who need connection with those who have the capacity to give it. If we help each other the world gets better. Cheers!
Just got into bourbon and love your reviews. Great education and appreciate your style! Cheers
Awesome, thank you! Did you join BRTC?
Great video through and through, agree with all the picks. The aftermarket prices are killing all of us in this “hobby”..we all need to remember that price point does not equate to value or taste. Enjoy your pours!!!
We have a double blind tasting video coming out that will prove this!
I stumbled across the channel; love it. An Englishman in Belgium. I'm a Blanton fan and it is not always easy to find lots of bourbon in Belgium, but managed to get 7 bottles (!) at 70 euros each... I thought it a good deal. My tastes have improved from finding Jim Bean and Jack Daniels .... always ready to learn. Good luck with the channel.
So glad you enjoyed it! Have you joined the free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Great video guys! I really appreciate the positive vibe and constructive suggestions in this great hobby. In addition….I happened to be sipping on that Jack single barrel when I watched this. Cheers🥃
Nice! Have you joined the free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Love the video, great job. I am very new to the scene. So much to learn and taste. I am constantly watching about 4 or 5 of whiskey channels, and Blantons was one of my first. Fairly easy to get, paid about 100 bucks. Then i stumbled upon a bottle at Costco for 69$. I'm up to about 20 of the more widely praised picks. I am really enjoying the chase. Thank you for your list, my latest is a Belle Meade Reserve. Keep it up guys!
Cheers!
I love watching you guys. Randy your channels means a lot as your message resonates with me. We have too much hate and we need to show more love. Thanks my brother and I hope to share a bottle with you one day. 🥃
Same! Have you joined our free member community. We will be coordinating meet up in there. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Thank goodness you added Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof. I poo pooed Jack Daniel's for years, then tried the Barrel Proof expressions and have made them a regular in my line up. Some barrel proof offerings can be hit or miss, but my experience with the JD barrel proofs is a nice consistency. Also, I'm bummed I never made it to Still Austin on my last Texas visit. Hit Garrison Brothers, Milan & Greene, and Andalusia.
Maybe next time. SSW is planning a big even down there in the spring. Maybe come in for that.
That’s a great selection I can’t get them all here in Oz, but I do love Four Roses single barrel, Makers CaskStrength is in my collection and so is Old Forester 1920.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video guys! You will absolutely love the Party Source and New Riff. It’s 5-10 minutes from my house and is a daily stop for me. Great staff and selection
Can't wait! Trip got delayed 30 days because Wes got sick, but everything is reschedule.
I really really love your guys content. Thank you for getting me to go and try different bourbons and whiskies. I have expanded my palate thanks to you guys and several other channels. There is actually 2 other ones I would choose over Blantons you guys didn’t bring up. Woodford reserve double oaked , and the Kentucky derby that is the anniversary one every year as well from them. So good and delicious. I am on the scout for the 1792 Fullproof, New Riff, and any of the Penelope’s. Then of course the Eagle Rare, EH Taylor, Weller products too. Cheers mates. Really enjoyed this video.
Thank you watching!
I am so sorry about your brother. I lost my daughter several years ago and found solace in friendship and positivity. Thank you for your content.
To your list, I would add Bardstown Origin series Wheated BiB, WT Rare Breed, Knob Creek 12 year, and Larceny Barrel Proof. All are at or below Blanton's SRP and far more available. Thank you for spreading the magic and community that is bourbon.
I am sorry for your loss!
Never even knew Benchmark made a full proof! Knob Creek has been solid for years! Love there barrel picks as well. Just picked up a New Riff SB, so excited to see it on your list. Cheers!
Nice snag!
They also make small batch, single barrel, top floor, bonded
@@rthilson came here to say this.
Also Mash n Drum did a review of the benchmark lineup.
@@jackwoodford519 yes I did the single barrel and the bonded are pretty good small batch I’m not a fan
What a great explanation of how people can be! I have been a teacher for 25 years… Bravo on your pre-disclaimer! Keep it up gents.
Kind regards!
Wow, thank you!
Love your review. Even more, I love what you stand for - Love! Well done fellas.
Glad you enjoyed it
Just stumbled on this video, Great Job! Love your videos. So Sorry for your Loss.
Thank you!
I got my first bottle of Blanton's for the first time last week. I've been on the hunt for almost two years. I tried it last night and it is a good whiskey. Glad I have one finally and looking forward to trying other brands as well. My current favorite is Colorado Bourbon from wood Creek Distillery.
I like their rye! Congrats and cheers!
I appreciate you keeping your brother’s memory alive with this channel!❤
Thank you and thank you for being here with us!
Great video, and nice to see a good number of bottles that are readily available in the U.K.
I tried to pick bottles that were widely available. Glad you liked it.
You guys crushed this video! Great list and so on point...cheers.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great Channel. I have been chasing Blanton's for a couple of years and I certainly appreciate the Bourbon Real Talk. Thanks Guys
Glad you enjoy it. Have you joined our free member community? www.facebookcom/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
@@BourbonRealTalkSorry I do not have a FB or Twitter Acct. Only Instagram. I did Subscribe to your CZcams channel which I found to be excellent and informational.
I just watched a couple of your videos. I'm so torn to hear about your brother; I also went through a loss of a loved one in that manner at a young age. I absolutely love the positivity and love you are spreading. Everyone can come together despite their political views and ideologies. I have been starting to get involved in the bourbon community and learn how to navigate my local abc stores. I have had some luck with allocated bottles. I'm happy to get to see a bit what the hype is about. You really have something special going. I'd really love to chat with you some time about all of this. Sending Love from NC.
Thank you for the support. Did you join BRTC? You can tag me in there, but if you want to talk PM me.
@Bourbon Real Talk Sorry this got lost in my feed... No I haven't but I certainly will
Hit the nail on the head with these! Only thing I’d change or add is some other honorable mentions; Knob Creek SiB, Penelope 4 grain BS, Smoke Wagon Uncut, Noah’s Mill, & Belle Meade Reserve.
So many great whiskeys out there sitting on the shelf’s. No need to ever chase or pay over msrp on btac
When I said KC I said ALL KC, so SiB was included. I had some SiB to show, but I wanted to make the point that even their base level product is more full flavored without finding anything special. I am not very familiar with Penelope. I have had it and liked it, but not something I keep on the shelves. SWUU is really hard to find, so I would not have included it in this list. Tried to find things that are reasonably available. I get that availability varies per region, but all the bottles mentioned are not too difficult for me to get where I live. NM and BMR both could have made the list, I just happened to not have a bottle on my shelves. Thanks for the feedback.
Damn, dude, you got good taste.
I've never had the Penelope, but everything else in your list is top notch in my opinion.
Noah's Mill rarely gets any love nowadays, but it's one of my favorites.
Smoke wagon uncut is fantastic
All those are great. I will always buy a Stellum store pick as well. Delicious.
Great content per usual, gentlemen! Randy, I'd drink ECBP every day until I die if I could! I've looked all over for full proof benchmark...maybe it'll hit shelves in MD at some point!
Thanks! I think you can get it in Indiana. When we go to KY at the end of the month (the trip discussed in this video got rescheduled because Wes got sick) I will try to find it and bring some back.
Your last piece about your brother was great. Sorry for your loss and happy for your gains. Keep it up. Thanks for the content.
Thank you!
My two favorite people on CZcams! Keep up the great work love you guys!
Wow, thanks!
Taste and price are subjective.
Blanton's is good, but for the money I think there are better. The gouging of prices on it lead me to others.
Whiskey Lemmings... love it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Back in August 2021 I moved my daughter from Nashville up to college at Pitt. While I was up there one of the parents introduced me to Russells Reserve. Man, that is a really good bourbon. I have since added it to my collection.
RR is always solid. Cheers!
Love the premise! I have many tater Blantons friends. My suggestions to sway them would likely be sub 100 proof (high proof is not their bag, as loyal Blanton drinkers). Maybe list a few single barrel alternatives with similar drinkabilty!
That was part of the point of the video. I was trying to explain that when blanton's was released as one of the first ever premium bourbons it laid waste to the competition. Once the whiskey world figured out that there was a market for premium, what came after was an even better version.
Imagine someone suddenly has money and they want to collect sports cars. They drive some super cars from 2015-2022 era. Then they go drive a 1984 (first year for blanton's) porsche and evaluate it not based on how technologically advanced it was compared to its contemporaries in 1984, but how well it drives compared to the 2015-2022 supercars. They are going to think it is a piece of shit. That is what happens to Blanton's. What cracks me up is Blanton's saw that other brands were beating them in the premium space with fuller flavored whiskey, and the released blanton's gold and SFTB...which competes well in ANY category.
So when whiskey trolls make fun of blanton's they sound like idiots to me that refuse to compare the 2022 porsche to the other supercars, and insist that porsche sucks because they drove an 1984 model once and it didn't perform as well on the track.
Great job staying positive. I’ve been on the same journey with many of those pours. Trying to be realistic on Bourbon expectations Finding wonderful bourbon with out falling for the marketing hype and high pricing on secondary market. Not going to go there.
You can do it! There are plenty of great bourbons on the shelf and relationships pay off to get the hard to find stuff.
Unfortunately i dont know anyone that drinks bourbon 🤦♂️. Very Nice to have you folks 🥃 Cheers. RC
I am glad we would be there for you.
Outstanding episode. Love the positive vibes. I agree with a lot of your picks, and like Blanton’s too. My addition to the list would be Chattanooga 111.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Came across this video and subscribed! 👍 I have half of the mentioned selections. Always open to other good bourbon that I don't need to hunt down and pay over the retail price. Just my luck without even trying to look, I found Blanton's at my local grocery store (Vons) and snagged it! 🍻
Thanks for the sub!
Love your channel guys! Love the message.
Thank you. You should join our member community. Tons of good vibes in there. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Thanks much! Great analysis! Really appreciate the backstory. Truly sorry for the loss of our brother.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it! Did you join our free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
I was Recently searching for my next pick. While at the store there was a guy looking for Blantons. I said to him good luck. Then talked him into 1792 bib.
All day every day, and twice on Sunday (except in TX where you can't buy liquor on Sunday 😂)
💯 agree with the list and a learned a couple that I now have on my list (Still Austin and New Riff). I am on the hunt for some solid TX offerings after recently migrating to Houston. I have had countless pours of Blantons over the years but never owned a bottle. I can say that I am certainly a fan and I think it was said perfectly that "if you don't like Blantons, you don't like bourbon". Simple. That said, I also say the same about Wild Turkey 101. It is such a great representation of Bourbon in my opinion.
Thanks for this stellar list that is not only educational, but was presented in the least pretentious way that I have witnessed in such a long time. Thank you brothers!
So glad you enjoyed it. Have you joined our free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Great video. For sure, Blantons is a really good pour. It's good, but not worth searching high and low for. Great list of really great pours. Thank you. Blantons does have the coolest looking bottle in the business.
I would have to agree. I also love the IW Harper 15 year and Belfour Spirits bottles, but maybe I just like art deco bottles. JDBP, 4RLE, WT Master's Keep do it for me too. My favorite bottle shape is The Prideful Goat style. Like OF, Belle Meade, etc.
That Willett bottle is really sweet looking. The old Wild Turkey "Turkey Feathers" bottle was cool, too.
Great list, I have not had a chance to get Blantons so this list is a great help..
Try it in a bar. Solid whiskey, just not as full flavored as a lot of lines that have been invented after Blanton's opened people's eyes to "premium bourbon".
Awesome video, and as always, I really enjoy the content and the “mission” of the channel. I also agree on the Blantons - delicious bourbon no question - but there are better options. When I tell bartenders that I love bourbon and ask about their offerings, a lot of times they say “we have blantons…$14 for 2oz” (for example). I never knock them down as if I’m too good for blantons which I know some people do. Blantons for $14 in Boston does pique my interest as a good back up. But if they mention ECBP, Knob 9 or Bookers (which is what some new sports tend to have), I’ll go with that. I’ve heard a lot about Still Austin but I don’t think they distribute to MA. I’ll checking bags when I visit my buddy in Fort Worth this spring. Do they have Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered in your area? That is one of my favorite bourbons of all time. I’d pick it over Blantons or many others! Thanks again!
You should be able to order the Still Austin in the online link in the video description. I love SWUCUF, but it is so hard to find in my area that I didn't want to include it. I tried to pick alternatives that are relatively easy to find, or at lease easier than blanton's. Have you joined our free member community? Your outlook would be a welcome addition. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Such a powerful and uplifting message at the end. I love you too
Thank you! I love it when people say it back!
Great video, as always. Staying on the topic of Blanton’s, have you considered doing a video about bourbons that are supposedly the same mash bill as Blanton’s and even made at the same distillery? If not I got a wild crazy story of one that took me down a investigative journalist rabbit hole.
When I do alternative to Blanton's I will cover those.
I love this show. I like Blanton’s but I think I prefer Michters to it in flavour, would probably even go Elijah Craig small batch over it. But when it’s around I don’t mind grabbing a bottle of Blanton’s single barrel.
Sooooooo happy about the last add of the Jack. I was sipping it while watching thinking “guys… this is amazing and should be on the list!” Lo and behold it got on the list.
I am obsessed with BP JD TN whiskey and rye
Great stuff, guys. And always, I love your closing message.
Thanks so much! Have you joined our free member community. There is a lot more of those good vibes there. facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
@@BourbonRealTalk Going to take a look now..
I like this list. New Riff is a great new bourbon that I have recommended to a few people now. I also believe that it's hard to beat JD. Keep up the positivity.
Thank you for the positive feedback. Have you joined the free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Some great picks here. New Riff, Knob Creek, EC, and some values. 🥃
Glad you liked it!
If I ever find a bottle of Blanton’s on the shelf I’m gonna try it,but I’m so glad there are other picks that are just as good or better that are more readily available.So far on my bourbon journey,I have found that I like old forester 1920 or barreled in bond, makers 46,Angels envy,woodford double oak,etc as my favorites.I think it’s just the mystique,and the hunt that makes Blantons so desirable,I have yet to try it but hopefully one day.
You should just buy a pour in a bar. That way you will see what it is all about and can come to your own conclusion.
Its in a lot of bars. Try some at one sometime
This is awesome, thanks for positive and informative content
Glad you enjoyed it!
So I love the video. But just curious if you could do one of bottles you like more than Blantons that are comparable in proof. Most of your picks were way higher in proof than Blantons. Love the video and the channel
Logan, TBH I prefer the ones I picked because the are fuller flavored from the higher proof. I can't think of any low 90 proof whiskey that I think tastes as good as Blanton's.
@@BourbonRealTalk makes complete sense also thought it was a very big compliment to Blantons that it was all full proof or higher proof stuff.
Great and fair list! Thank you! I have 5 out of the 10!
Thanks for watching!
My favorite part of the video. “This is our opinion. So, that doesn’t make us right and you wrong or you wrong and us right”.
If you watch my face I realized I didn't reverse it, but it was too late. If you record enough you will find you say all kinds of stupid shit 😂
@@BourbonRealTalk it made me chuckle! I didn’t realize the Benchmark Full Proof info. Need to find a bottle and give it a try!
Agree, great list. 1792 FP is a solid sleeper. Just haven’t had the Still Austin.
You can get it:
shop.stillaustin.com/
Great show fellas. I'm going to look some of those fine spirits up, thanks.
Let us know what you think. Are you in the free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
Great listing. I'm lucky enough to get Blantons every 3-6 months, where im at, in Colorado. I have had more trouble finding the Old Forester for some reason. I will have to look for the Bench Mark and New Riff as i have never had them. Thanks,
That is awesome! Thanks for watching.
I have everyone of these on my bar but the Texas one. Spot on with the Maker's Cask Strength, the only wheated bourbons I've ever thought much of are the cask strengths.
Thanks for the validation! Cheers!
The Party Source! We used to come across the river in college and buy BIG cans of beers!
Nice! Cheers!
Just love the history and significance behind burbons.
I geek out on history bit, so I try to include a bit in every episode.
That's generally what comes outta me too when I drink bourbon. I love you man!
❤️
These are all great choices. As far as price and availability, you nailed it. Unfortunatly I think the people who hunt blantons are probably the same people who enjoy a lower proof. I think listing more 90-100proof options would be more on par with the blantons playing field. cheers
That was part of the point I was driving at. I was trying to explain that when blanton's was released as one of the first ever premium bourbons it laid waste to the competition. Once the whiskey world figured out that there was a market for premium, what came after was an even better version.
Imagine someone suddenly has money and they want to collect sports cars. They drive some super cars from 2015-2022 era. Then they go drive a 1984 (first year for blanton's) porsche and evaluate it not based on how technologically advanced it was compared to its contemporaries in 1984, but how well it drives compared to the 2015-2022 supercars. They are going to think it is a piece of shit. That is what happens to Blanton's. What cracks me up is Blanton's saw that other brands were beating them in the premium space with fuller flavored whiskey, and the released blanton's gold and SFTB...which competes well in ANY category.
So when whiskey trolls make fun of blanton's they sound like idiots to me that refuse to compare the 2022 porsche to the other supercars, and insist that porsche sucks because they drove an 1984 model once and it didn't perform as well on the track.
Great list. Thanks guys.
Thanks for watching!
I really like blantons, last bottle i had wasnt as smooth as it used to be i felt. Had 1792, not bad, elijah craig my father liked, at first i did not enjoy Woodford Reserve, but recently iv been enjoying it alot more. But to be honest, my go to and favorite is good old 4 Roses.
Great video 👍 would have liked to seen a few more bottles in the sub 100 proof range like Blantons. But i definitely understand being a proof hound. Cheers
I can't think of any low 90s proof whiskeys that I think taste as good as blanton's. I was trying to explain that when blanton's was released as one of the first ever premium bourbons it laid waste to the competition. Once the whiskey world figured out that there was a market for premium, what came after was an even better version.
Imagine someone suddenly has money and they want to collect sports cars. They drive some super cars from 2015-2022 era. Then they go drive a 1984 (first year for blanton's) porsche and evaluate it not based on how technologically advanced it was compared to its contemporaries in 1984, but how well it drives compared to the 2015-2022 supercars. They are going to think it is a piece of shit. That is what happens to Blanton's. What cracks me up is Blanton's saw that other brands were beating them in the premium space with fuller flavored whiskey, and the released blanton's gold and SFTB...which competes well in ANY category.
So when whiskey trolls make fun of blanton's they sound like idiots to me that refuse to compare the 2022 porsche to the other supercars, and insist that porsche sucks because they drove an 1984 model once and it didn't perform as well on the track.
Hope all that makes sense.
@@BourbonRealTalk thanks for the detailed response. That makes total sense. Blantons is at the top of the heap of sub 100 proofers but almost any barrel proof puts it to shame. I can only really think of 2 i would put above Blantons- Old Forester 1910 and Woodford Double Oaked
@@jsb2277b I would not put them in a list against blanton's because they are both toasted barrel finished products, but I see you point. Cheers!
I have been into whiskey for a very short time, just about 4 years. I have had Blantons twice. Both experiences were great. I wish I had gotten in when it was priced affordably. Love 1792, EC and Four Roses. Haven't had Benchmark, Russell's Reserve. I have an unopened bottle of the KC 9 Barrel Select. I have tried it and loved it, but haven't cracked the bottle. I love the OF 1920. I haven't had the MM Cask Strength. I love the 101. Sooooo good. People always bag on MM and call it a mixers whiskey and they wouldn't be wrong with MM or MM46, but they have so many great neat bourbons. Same with JD. Every whiskey snob turns their nose up at JD, but the barrel proof is amazing. I have noticed the price going up in the last year.
I love the connective power bourbon has. It is odd how you can bond over it almost instantly. I love making connections with people with a love or even interest in bourbon. Just found this channel and subscribed! Keep on spreading the love and the love of bourbon!
Right on! Did you join the free member community? facebook.com/groups/bourbonrealtalkcommunity/
In my experience, most people who love Blanton's tend to prefer a very "smooth" whiskey, so any barrel strength or full proof offering is probably not going to be received very well.
Personally, I would steer them towards Basil Hayden's. It's a slightly higher rye mash bill like Blanton's, it's low proof like Blanton's and it comes in a fancy bottle,..not quite as fancy as Blanton's, but still a nice looking bottle. I took a bottle last weekend when visiting a friend whose favorites are Blanton's, Buchanan's (blended scotch, very smooth), and Jim Beam white label, and he loved the stuff.
I have found that many casual whiskey drinkers want a whiskey that basically goes down like vodka, these are people who will enjoy bourbons like Blanton's, and Basil Hayden's, and scotches like Buchanan's and Johnnie Walker Blue Label,....not that there is anything wrong with that.
Agree 100%. To be clear I was not making this for people who drink blanton's and are looking for alternatives. I will do that video one day. This was more for the newer whiskey enthusiast who is having a hard time finding blanton's, so they know there are plenty of other whiskeys that will provide a bolder flavor experience.
@@BourbonRealTalk 👍🏼That makes perfect sense.
Exactly. I'm looking for an easy to find alternative to Blanton's that has the same smooth experience and good flavor in a pretty bottle with a collectable topper that leaves me with a free drawstring bag. If there is no alternative that will give me all of these for 63 bucks then I'll have to keep hunting Blanton's.
Another great show guys. I will checkout the Facebook page community. Thanks and Merry Christmas
Thank you! See you in the community!
So, you are proof guys and that is cool. Good for you, and I appreciate the inclusion of the Full proof on this list.
But that all being said, I would like to hear about bottles that are better than Blantons at _similar proof_ to Blantons, instead of just a lot of higher proof stuff.
There are not enough straight bourbons at similar proofs that are not toasted or finished that consistently get picked over Blanton's in a blind to do this episode. To fully understand my logic read the description of the video. I don't want people looking for blanton's, that can't find it, to give up on the hobby. They need to know there are plenty of better drinking experiences available on the shelf that are not expensive or hard to find. I can not teach them about the plethora of available similar proof and price alternatives that are better, but there are not many...if any.
You had me at Russell's Reserve...can't get enough of it...great bar here in Louisville is The Garage Bar in NULU. Russell's Reserve, Elijah Craig, Old Forester always in stock...
Nice! We may swing by when we come at the end of the month.
@@BourbonRealTalk I will definitely join you!!!
All pallettes are different...
Excellent list ! Many great bourbons on the shelf in the $30 - $60 range ... Cheers
Very true! Thanks for watching!
Man I’m not even kidding the ending of the video made my day. Definitely plan on joining bourbon real talk thanks guys :D
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you sharing your philosophy with us.
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Awesome show Lads! I enjoyed it.
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Solid list. I haven't had some of your selections. The only one I would disagree with from my personal taste is the KC. I wouldn't ever choose the standard KC 9 over blantons. I did, however open a KC SiB select that might be one of the top 3 bourbons I've ever had.
Fair enough! Cheers!
Great channel, god bless you gentlemen!!!
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Absolutely love the energy, appreciate the suggestions, and just want to ask a question. What are your feelings about Basil Haden? I think I already know your your response because I believe it is only 80 proof. But honestly I really enjoy it and perhaps its because I am a bourbon newbie but I would love to know if you have any suggestions that newbies like me might find enjoyable?
I love BH. It was one of my first bottles of whiskey when I got started. You guessed correctly that I do not drink it often these days because my palate has become more accustomed to higher proof, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. When I do surveys about what people's gateway bourbon was, the number one answer is usually BH for a good reason. It tastes great and is approachable at 80 proof. Depending on how you want to expand your palate you could do it one of a few different ways. If you want to move toward higher proof offerings you might try Old Grandad BiB or 114. They are the same whiskey as BH, just higher proof and lower costs. If you want to expand your palate without breaking the bank. I would pick up an Evan Williams BiB. I have a lot of videos on suggestions for purchases. Here are a few:
czcams.com/video/CcO42uwaqB8/video.html
czcams.com/video/R2p4W-jDJaI/video.html
czcams.com/video/8A71ZaH4DZ0/video.html
Love the list! New to the channel and FB page but love it already. To echo some, I think a list of bourbons in the same proof range that you'd prefer over Blantons would be helpful as well. Like an Eagle Rare or Michters American, etc. to give folks that aren't big proof hounds something they can explore as well. Otherwise, great list. I still need to get around to New Riff, the only one (besides Still Austin) that I dont own and have never tried. Cheers
TBH I prefer the ones I picked because the are fuller flavored from the higher proof. I can't think of any low 90 proof whiskey that I think tastes as good as Blanton's. I am adding the link to buy Still Austin online.
@@BourbonRealTalk hey that's fair. Once again, taste is all subjective at the end of the day anyway. And thanks!
glad to see you putting knob creek up there .its my go to Il ove knob
Same
Another great video. I like Blanton’s but I prefer mash bill 1. I’d take EH Taylor and Eagle Rare over Blanton’s anyway of the week. Love New Riff. You’re choices were spot on. My only comment would be I wish you had more choices that were close to the same proof as Blanton’s. 100 and under. I enjoy a higher proof too, but it would of been nicer to see more that are in the same proof point. Great job. Can’t wait to see the video at Buffalo Trace. Cheers
The proof issue was part of the education of the video. I was trying to explain that when blanton's was released as one of the first ever premium bourbons it laid waste to the competition. Once the whiskey world figured out that there was a market for premium, what came after was an even better version.
Imagine someone suddenly has money and they want to collect sports cars. They drive some super cars from 2015-2022 era. Then they go drive a 1984 (first year for blanton's) porsche and evaluate it not based on how technologically advanced it was compared to its contemporaries in 1984, but how well it drives compared to the 2015-2022 supercars. They are going to think it is a piece of shit. That is what happens to Blanton's. What cracks me up is Blanton's saw that other brands were beating them in the premium space with fuller flavored whiskey, and the released blanton's gold and SFTB...which competes well in ANY category.
So when whiskey trolls make fun of blanton's they sound like idiots to me that refuse to compare the 2022 porsche to the other supercars, and insist that porsche sucks because they drove an 1984 model once and it didn't perform as well on the track.
Love the characterization of whiskey trolls and whiskey lemmings.
I would say I paid way too much for my first bottle of Blanton’s and it was one of my most amazing bourbon experiences.
After 4+ years of diversifying my palate, I will say that I can appreciate many of these picks. But, still love Blanton’s.
My alternate list would be
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (A121)
- IW Harper 15 year
- Weller Antique 107
- SmokeWagon Desert Jewel
- Jefferson Ocean Voyage 17 (only this voyage)
- Van Winkle Lot B
And honestly for the money
- Evan Williams single barrel
- Bulleit Bourbon single barrel
Agee with all of these. Although some are as hard to find as blanton's!
Hadn't had Benchmark full proof. I was surprised! I'm a fan. Strong and sweet...and less than 20 bucks by me. I like to blend it with Rebel 100.
Nice! I have been a fan since it came out!
When you called out the trolls and the lemmys I just became a fan and subscribed. Love it! Also my family is responsible for 1792. My cousin is the master distiller who created it. So I liked that pick.
Are you saying you are related to Thomas Moore?
Thanks for this list. It was great to see a list of easily attainable choices to pick up and try and the price point seems reasonable on all of them.
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Great message love the show guys !
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Great video, I got a pour of blantons for $13 and was glad to get to try it since it's so sought after. I thought it was decent but being a high proof guy it was just missing the viscosity/oil feel that higher proofs have and to me it was less flavorful. Tastes a little watered down too. I love most on this list you listed, oddly not a fan of 1792 full proof compared to the rest (it wasn't a store pick though). Question: I know i'll never find blantons straight from the barrel and if you have tried it and if you like it more then anything you presented in the list?
Blanton's SFTB would easily beat anything in my list for MY PALATE.
Great video guys! 🥃
Thank you! Cheers!
Good picks! I agree with most ( if not all). The one I think could be added in your top 10 is Woodford Double Oak😉!
I left it off because it is toasted barrel finish. I didn't think comparing finished whiskey to Blanton's was not fair.
Ok, got it…makes since!
Keep spreading the love!!
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Yall my kinda dudes i love a higher proof for the most part i love the Chattanooga whiskey 111, still haven't tries the benchmark but hearing good things
I had some Benchmark Full Proof last night. I think you will like it when you try it as long as you are not expecting a mind blowing experience. It is more like high proof Buffalo Trace than Stagg.
Never had stagg but i like higher octane anyway so im sure itll be good
enjoyed this video. Taste is ALL Subjective. What you may like, I may not be able to get my head around. Subjective!!! Does not make you right, does not make me wrong. Hell, there are tastes I can't find in my whiskey that others can find. I would say that causes me to be jealous. What am I missing. I love to see reviews that say, this is just as good if not better. IF you can't find it, then move on to what you can find. Blantons' to me is all Hype. Not going to track it down or pay over $100 for the product.
Exactly! There is plenty of great whiskey to be had!
Awesome channel! Luv you guys too!
Thanks so much! I love it when the viewers say it back!