Bourbon recommendations?

The first thing you must know is that there are actually two types of bourbon: ‘Ryed’ and ‘Wheated’ A true bourbon drinker will form an undying allegiance for one or the other. Even most salespeople in liquor stores will be clueless about the two types.

Bourbon must be at least 51% corn. Generally 65% - 75% corn is used, together with about 10% barley and the balance will be either rye or wheat.

When the balance is rye, the bourbon is known as a ‘ryed bourbon.’ Ryed bourbons are very bold and spicy.

When the balance is wheat, the bourbon is known as a ‘wheated bourbon.’

Wheated bourbons are generally sweeter, nuttier, mellow and easy to drink. The distillers claim the difference between the two bourbons is like the difference between wheat bread and rye bread.

Wheated bourbons are in the minority but Makers Mark, W.L. Weller, Van Winkle, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, Cabin Still and David Nicholson 1843 are some of them if not most of them.

Personally, I think Makers Mark is overpriced and overrated. The red blob of wax on the bottle cap/neck is a great marketing gimmick / ploy but it does absolutely nothing to improve the marginal taste of its contents. You will also note, or not note, any age or aging information on a bottle of Maker’s Mark, i.e., it is rushed to market.

My personal favorite in the wheated bourbons is Weller, most notably their 12Year Old. It runs about $21-$23 a bottle. Is Weller 12 YO absolutely the best bourbon? NO but it ranks up there in my opinion. Consumer Reports probably would call Weller 12 YO a ‘BEST VALUE.’ Personally, $30 is my limit limit for a bottle of hooch. If you want something less expensive, Old Fitz (known as "The favorite of American Presidents.") ain’t all that bad on its 'low end' offerings for $10 a bottle.

Aside from this, BOURBON is as American as baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet……………..

Bourbon is the official spirit of the United States by Act of Congress. In 1964, a congressional resolution protected the term "Bourbon" and only since then has the product been defined.

Another poster recommended Pappy Van Winkle 20 year, but said "Of course, the Pappy is off the charts for price and really not that much better than the others" and I'd completely disagree. Pappy 20 year is BY FAR the best bourbon I've ever tasted which is why it won best bourbon at the San Francisco world spirits competition. If you compare with Scotch prices, you'll never find the world's best at $100.

Other recommendations: Other Van Winkle products (12 year, 15 year) or George T Stagg which won the best American Whisky award from Whisky Magazine this year and Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. All three are over $50 but less than $100, but if you just plan on having a casual drink in the evening, you want something good. If you want something to do shots with...get something cheap.

My all time favorites:

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20YO: $100

Eagle Rare 10YO: $45

Bakers 7YO: $50

Of course, the Pappy is off the charts for price and really not that much better than the others. So I'd add:

Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit: $50

If you want cheaper: Makers, Jim Beam Black and Bulleit

For smoothness you have to go with Makers Mark even though it is over proof (45% ) it tastes really really smooth (about $45)

my personal favorite is Knob Creek - even higher in alcohol but still smooth enough to drink neat ($45-50)

if you like to mix then i suggest Jim Beam ($26)

All prices are Canadian

Bourbon must be 51% corn liquor, the rest can be from grain. Makers mark is a good one, I actually saw it on "Discovery Channel's The History of Distilleries"

I still prefer Scotch Whiskey

Maker's Mark is by far my favorite. Wild Turkey would be my second choice. Jim Beam third.

Maker's Mark is what I order at bars and keep at home its worth any extra cost.

I like Wild Turkey the best and my husband loves Makers Mark

1)Maker's Mark

2)Wild Turkey

3)Jim Beam

4)Jack Daniel's

jack daniels isnt bourbon!!!!