I am having my birthday party at a bar this evening and I thought I’d get myself a treat. Usually, I drink Jamesons, Dewars or Makers Mark, but tonight I’d like to try something new (and perhaps pricier). I’m looking for advice on good whiskies and bourbons that can be commonly found at a normal bar.
I’ve read through this thread, but most of the suggestions are for buying bottles to have on hand at home.
Where to start…
For a step up from Maker’s, try their latest expression: 46. For a real step up, try either Russell’s Reserve or Kentucky Spirit from Wild Turkey.
You can usually find Woodfords Reserve at bars.
That would be my choice as well.
Booker’s or Baker’s
McCallan. None better.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. None better.
Hmmm, both these posts can’t possibly be true… 
Hm. Not really a step up from Makers. Maybe a step sideways.
If you want something a little fancier, I’d try Blanton’s. It’s good stuff.
I’ve had Blanton’s, and for my taste, still nothing beats Woodford Reserve. It’s my all-time favorite spirit. Obviously tastes differ, but if you’ve never had it before, I definitely recommend giving it a try. Sipped neat, it’s like the distilled essence of the world’s best caramel sundae.
Highest end whiskey I’ve tried has been Makers Mark. I don’t know, it seemed good enough but I’ll probably stick to beer. My birthday just passed a few days ago and I contemplated getting myself a Duvel Tripel Hop but never got around to it.
Pappy van Winkle.
Hmm. I see MOL hasn’t posted. Has anyone busted down the door of her apt. to check that she is ok?
Four Roses Single Barrel is very tasty, though it’s probably hard to find at a bar. I’m another who considers Woodford a step up from Maker’s.
Elijah Craig 12 or 18, or the Evan Williams Single Barrel are all 3 excellent bourbons. So are Blanton’s and Woodford Reserve.
Glenmorangie Astar or Nectar d’ Or are interesting and great Scotch whiskies.
For something interesting (if you can find it at your bar) try Yamazaki 12 or 18 yr old Japanese Malt Whisky. Really good… but not Scotch either.
If you want to try some nice scotch, Glenmorangie, Glenlivet and McCallan are all excellent and relatively easy to find.
I understand this is a connoisseur’s thread, but as far as a good mid-priced bourbon goes, how is Early Times regarded?
What about Wild Turkey?
I usually mix bourbon with ginger ale or Coke, and the last bottle I got was Old Grandad, which was a little overpowering for my tastes.
Any good, not crazy expensive labels I should seek out?
Woodbridge (bourbon).
I enjoy an occassional glass of Macallan 12 myself.
You might also enjoy Bruichladdich, although they may not have it unless you go to a bar that serves a lot of different whiskeys.
Early Times is disgusting.
Wild Turkey is pretty decent stuff. I’d recommend as an answer to your last question.