Elmer T. Lee has been my favorite Bourbon for just sipping, but it has become very hard to source. Thoughts on other, similar style Bourbons that I might be able to find. I do not intent to mix drinks with it.
Blantons
I’m not sure how hard this is to source outside Virginia but this is similiar to Elmer T. They use Buffalo Trace distillate, distill it once more and age in their rickhouse for about 10 years. It’s delicious and $50 here at the VA ABC.
ETL is the BT #2 “high rye” mashbill so ya, Blanton’s should be similar. Also with that mashbill are Ancient Age (the 10yr is pretty nice, 10 star not as much), Hancock Special Reserve, Rock Hill Farms. The Bowman line mentioned is, I believe, all BT #1 lower rye mashbill. The Abraham Bowman line is pretty varied with all the annual barrel treatments but some are quite nice for sipping.
I’m particularly fond of Smooth Ambler Old Scout single barrel cask strength 10 yr and 11yr at the moment.
Just won 2 bottles of the E.H.Taylor 4 Grain! Woo hoo! I’ll be keeping one and looking to trade the other.
Bill is right, if you like Elmer T Lee try Rock Hill Farm. Blantons is much richer.
What are some of the better bourbons for $50 and under? I’ve enjoyed eagle rare 10 and blanton’s recently. Looking for anything that can favorably compete w these two?
High West Double Rye
Anyone have any Elijah Craig 18 they’d like to trade?
Lots of choices - Evan Williams Single Barrel is a ridiculous value typically, around $25 (though varies barrel to barrel), or Four Roses small batch if you want something a bit more delicate. If you see Four Roses single barrel selections from a trusted liquor store (not the standard Four Roses single barrel - private selections are typically older and higher proof), those can be killer and right around $50 (to $60).
Highly recommend the willet rye, not a bourbon but well worth $45.
Speaking of which the new batch of the WFE 3 yr cask strength Rye was recently released in the Metro NY area …
Recent buys - Weller 12 and Elmer T. Lee. Different, but both outstanding for the price.
I also enjoyed a dram of Elijah Craig 18 the other night.
Where did you find the Elmer?
Idaho, where the liquor stores are state run. Less than $40 with tax.
Any thoughts on the Knob Creek 25th Anniversary?
a 10 best bourbon article and they left Blanton’s out!
http://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/cocktails/here-are-the-10-best-bourbons-in-the-us/ss-BBC4JnJ?fullscreen=true&li=BBnb7Kw
It seemed that several of them were somewhat limited release items. Blanton’s is a regular, but very good, option. As an aside, I found another Elijah Craig A117 Barrel Strength today for $48, along with two E.H.Taylor 4 Grain, which I won in the lottery. It was a good day.
Since I got two of the E.H. Taylor 4 Grain, I’d be willing to trade a bottle.
What are you looking for in trade?