From The Columbus Foodcast:
Bear, Rockmaster Mike, and Heather join the Foodcast crew at Details to discuss some hidden bottom shelf gems. Extra Special Guest, Chris Dillman, of Details and The Vino Files, joins us late in the show to act as an expert witness.
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[audio:http://media.libsyn.com/media/columbusfood/Episode_037.mp3]
Author: Walker
Walker is the founder of ColumbusUnderground.com and co-founder of TheMetropreneur.com along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media from a hobby into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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For more information on Bourbon, visit your local library. And this thread. http://www.columbusunderground.com/ohio-bourbon-now-available-at-details
I knew he had put that taste chart somewhere on this site. Excellent editing and good time, Zach. I was definitely out of my league during the actual discussion but am definitely more informed now.
I’ll just refer to that corner of Details as my recording studio from now on. Good job on the intro, Heather.
Bear was kind enough to make a few minor corrections to the price list that I compiled from various Google searches. Shoppersvineyard.com tended to have the lowest price if anybody wanted to make a big order and save on shipping for those out of state bottles.
Segment 1 (3:59) – Bourbonmaster Mike’s Tour:
Mike and Bear’s favorite: Bookers – $39.99
Mike’s cheap pick: Old Crow – $9.99
Bear’s cheap pick: Bulleit – $29.91
Zach’s cheap pick: Old Ezra 101 – $16.99
Heather’s cheap pick: Buffalo Trace – $19.99
Bourbon Whisperer’s pick: Evan Williams Single Barrel Reserve – $25.99
Segment 2 (17:46) – Bear’s Picks:
Scotch: Jon, Mark, and Robbo – $30.99
Rye: Old Overholt – $14.00
Rye: Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond 100 proof – $14.99
Vodka: Platinum: – $11.99
Gin: Beefeater – $15.99
Gin: Greenall’s – $14.95
Segment 3 (28:13) – Mixmaster General Chris Dillman’s Picks:
Gin: Beefeater – $15.99
Gin: Tanqueray – $15.99
Gin: Prokers: – $17.88
Gin: New Amsterdam: – $16.99
Tequila: Jose Cuervo Silver – $14.99
Tequila: El Mayor: – $33.59
Scotch: Buchanan’s: – $31.99
Mixer: Luxardo: – $27.99
Mixer: St. Germain – $28.99
Hmm, Bulleit has gotten more expensive since I last bought it. I’d swear it was under $25. I might need a new cheap bourbon pick….
I’m by no means a spirits connoisseur, but anything in the $30-40 range doesn’t seem to accurately be “bottom shelf” to me. Maybe mid-to-high shelf, but off of the “extremely high” shelf?
Then again, my shelves are probably kept a a much lower than average level. ;) This was a great listen and very informative though. Will have to try out a few of these suggestions!
Glad you liked it. :-)
To be clear(er)… the point wasn’t really to focus exclusively on bottom-shelf stuff that was worth drinking, but rather, on value spirits at any price point. That explains, for example, the Jon, Mark and Robbo, which has single-malt Scotch taste at blended-Scotch price; hard to find anything else in its league for under $60 IMO.
That said, we did try where we could to focus on value and inexpensive, with the recession spirits theme in mind.
Correct. It isn’t all about “cheap”, it’s about perceived value. cheap and crappy is NOT better than reasonably inexpensive and enjoyable. If all you want is “cheap” you don’t need a podcast to help you, all you need are the pricetags at the store.
For example, I think that Bookers, although one of the more expensive ones Bourbons discussed, is actually a very good value. It’s a sippin’ whiskey with a solid flavor that encourages “nursing” the drink for a while to enjoy it. The flavor is satisfying, and if you’re not pretty well lit by the second double, you’re made of stronger stuff than I am. That expensive bottle delivers more than double what something that costs half as much might.
Of course, it’s all a matter of individual tastes. Everyone likes different things.
That being said. I’m *really* enjoying RYE this year.
Thanks for the clarifications guys. It was the original description mentioning “bottom shelf” made me think “cheap” but I agree that your selections all seem to be of solid value despite the range in price tags. :D
The misconception is entirely my fault. I went into recording with the expectation that Mike and Bear were going to tell me about $40-$60 bottles that were as good as some of the $100 stuff. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard all the sub $20 recommendations with a few 30-40ish bottles in there. I probably should have called the episode “Maximizing Your Bourbon Investment,” but I’m a sucker for the “Nobody puts Baby in the corner” quote. ;-)
Edit: +1 to enjoying rye. Mike has gotten me thoroughly hooked on Old Overholt. (At least I THINK that’s what I was drinking…)
Even @ $40-50 a bottle, it’s still a good deal when you consider how long it can lasts. And the cost per pour is far less on your own bottle than the bar’s (not that supporting your local sud slinger is a bad thing).
I am also interested to know if any of the liquor stores here in town carry the mini-bar sized bottles good for a few shots. Might be a good way to try out a variety before purchasing a larger bottle.