[Pinski]

I really like Monopolowa Austrian Potato Vodka, for Bloody Marys.

[euge]

I really like Monopolowa Austrian Potato Vodka, for Bloody Marys.

That's my brand! And very affordable- I highly recommend this particular vodka.

[erockrph]

I really like Monopolowa Austrian Potato Vodka, for Bloody Marys.

Chopin is probably my favorite vodka, but Luksosowa is pretty damn good as well. I don't know what it is about potato vodkas, but they just "taste right" to me.

[euge]

Luksusowa is another great one from Poland. I agree about potato vodka "just tasting right" and believe it is traditional. At least since potatoes were introduced to Europe...

[Pinski]

Ha, that's funny. We had a family brunch last weekend with Bloody Marys and Mom was supposed to show up with the Monopolowa but instead she had Luksusowa. I thought well, at least it rhymes. Not bad a'tall.

[gmac]

That's why I'm in $20 range and trying different whiskies. Living within my means. Yeah I know it's un-American to do so but right now I'm not going to pay more than $30 for a bottle of booze. All the Scotch I looked at is in the nosebleed range.

How about Scotch then? We've discussed Bourbons. How about a $30 (or less) bottle of Scotch?

I'm late to the party but the best "economy" Scotch around here is Te Bheag (pronounced something like Shay Vek, not Tea Bag).  Very good for the money and worth it to have on hand.  Won't beat Lagavulin but nothing does in my opinion.  Wish I could still drink Scotch but I must be getting an ulcer or something because any straight alcohol seems to give me instant heartburn.

[MDixon]

I don't know how we got on Vodka exactly, but my wife likes 360 Vodka.

[euge]

LOL at first I was like tea-bag?

http://www.abarabove.com/costco-kirkland-bourbon-review/ sounds interesting and qualifies for the price-point.

http://drinkingmadeeasy.com/blog/2014-whiskies-that-dont-need-an-age-statement-to-make-a-statement/

[Joe Sr.]

http://www.abarabove.com/costco-kirkland-bourbon-review/ sounds interesting and qualifies for the price-point.

Kirkland bourbon, IME, is a bit harsh without some melted ice/water.  It's 100 proof but it's more than just the proof.  I'd describe it a bit like MDixon described Bakers.

It is not bad, and it is definitely affordable.  It's just not a smooth as some others.

[redbeerman]

Well, I drank a lot of bourbon over the weekend.  Blanton's was the smoothest,  Four Roses single barrel was very good as well.  Had two tastes from two different barrels at the distillery and you can even tell the difference between barrels.  Also had Henry McKenna 10yr single barrel BIB  it was good as was Eagle Rare 10yr.  Funny Basil Hayden's was a bit harsher side by side with these others.  Willet pot still reserve was not as rich as the price.  If you get the chance Angel's Envy is really good too.  Had Mitcher's rye and also 10 yr single barrel, it was OK too.  Didn't have any bad bourbons.  Buffalo Trace was good, Evan Williams 12 yr old was good too, better with a drop or two of water to open it up.  Learned that from our guide.  I think for the money the Four Roses was the best value.  Can get it here for about $40 a bottle with tax.  I could drink Blanton's all the time, but I can't afford to.  Best place to buy bourbon in Kentucky, Rite Aid Pharmacy.

[kmccaf]

Well, I drank a lot of bourbon over the weekend.  Blanton's was the smoothest,  Four Roses single barrel was very good as well.  Had two tastes from two different barrels at the distillery and you can even tell the difference between barrels.  Also had Henry McKenna 10yr single barrel BIB  it was good as was Eagle Rare 10yr.  Funny Basil Hayden's was a bit harsher side by side with these others.  Willet pot still reserve was not as rich as the price.  If you get the chance Angel's Envy is really good too.  Had Mitcher's rye and also 10 yr single barrel, it was OK too.  Didn't have any bad bourbons.  Buffalo Trace was good, Evan Williams 12 yr old was good too, better with a drop or two of water to open it up.  Learned that from our guide.  I think for the money the Four Roses was the best value.  Can get it here for about $40 a bottle with tax.  I could drink Blanton's all the time, but I can't afford to.  Best place to buy bourbon in Kentucky, Rite Aid Pharmacy.

Sweeet!!! Sounds like you had a good time. Can't wait till I go to Kentucky in a couple of weeks. I've been wanting to visit Buffalo Trace and Four Roses for a long time.

I totally agree about Four Roses. When my friend was getting me into Bourbon, he always had Four Roses and Old Van Winkle on hand. I enjoy having it around, although I use it as a mixer more often than not now.

I had Angel's Envy the other night at a restaurant, and was very pleased with it. I don't think I would buy a bottle, but I will definitely order it again.

[Pinski]

Well, I drank a lot of bourbon over the weekend.  Blanton's was the smoothest,  Four Roses single barrel was very good as well.  Had two tastes from two different barrels at the distillery and you can even tell the difference between barrels.  Also had Henry McKenna 10yr single barrel BIB  it was good as was Eagle Rare 10yr.  Funny Basil Hayden's was a bit harsher side by side with these others.  Willet pot still reserve was not as rich as the price.  If you get the chance Angel's Envy is really good too.  Had Mitcher's rye and also 10 yr single barrel, it was OK too.  Didn't have any bad bourbons.  Buffalo Trace was good, Evan Williams 12 yr old was good too, better with a drop or two of water to open it up.  Learned that from our guide.  I think for the money the Four Roses was the best value.  Can get it here for about $40 a bottle with tax.  I could drink Blanton's all the time, but I can't afford to.  Best place to buy bourbon in Kentucky, Rite Aid Pharmacy.

Dang Red, you covered some ground! Thanks for sharing your notes.

[MDixon]

Opened a bottle of Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch last night and it is divine. Sorry Euge...$50 price point.

[redbeerman]

Round one.

[redbeerman]

Way to begin the night in Kentucky.