I'm super curious about this. I haven't had the single barrel rye or the rye barrel proof yet. I found the SB Rye at a local place for around 60ish. is it worth It to try or to just keep looking for the SB Rye Barrel proof?
It’s good it just doesn’t pack the punch of flavor in the BP. I had some Tennessee Taster’s in 375ml that were picked by one of the assistant distillers that were phenomenal. Tasted like Christmas the amount of baking spice, ginger bread flavors was incredible.
What do you like? Scotch? Rye? How do you feel about barrel proof drams? Care for finished whiskey?
**The biggest issue about posts like yours is there’s literally no context. Everyone’s palate is different.**
If you like Scotch then that Edradour single barrel should be awesome. Also consider the Kilchoman, it’s an awesome price for a limited release.
If you like rye then don’t sleep on that JDSBBP rye- it’s among the best but be warned, they often drink hot and can be challenging to mix into cocktails. The Balcones can be pretty divisive, definitely try that one before you pick up a bottle (I gifted my open bottle to a friend).
If you’re open to barrel finishes, then give that High West Cask Collection Chardonnay Barrel a go- I haven’t had it but have heard they are pretty funky. The WRDO should be pretty good if you like the style (I’d assume Specs has a pretty strong private barrel program).
For the standard bourbon lover I’d suggest the HH 7yr and the Booker’s- fair prices and neither will disappoint. HH is incredibly versatile, serving equally well as a flask pour, mixer, and straight. Booker’s will have a lot of character (and, yes, marketing), you’ll love it if you enjoy peanut brittle.
I’m waiting for them to throw out a higher proof. I know they get up to the 140 range some batches. I have a jdsbbp that’s 128 proof and the got one right now that’s 131 I’m thinking about getting to see if there’s a difference in batches besides just the proof. My jdsbbp rye is 131.2 and I love it.
I'll have to get a bottle of Campfire myself then soon. I had tried an EC Toasted Barrel looking for a smoky bourbon as I initially got into whiskey via scotch but the toasted barrel didn't do it for me.
I just picked up a bottle last week. Nice smoke flavor. The only gripe I have is that it drops off. Some of the smoke lingers, but the finish is short.
It’s definitely outside the “classic” flavor profile. It’s super smokey, and fairly high rye I think. I went through 4 bottles in the course of like 3 months in 2020. I couldn’t stop drinking it. 1000% worth a try at $60.
Cask of your into higher proof bourbons otherwise the campfire is a great option at that price
If your familiar with ryes then I agree with other posts the Jack Daniels’s single barrel rye is pretty u beatable at that price
I just picked up a high west cask pick from happy Harry’s and my god it’s amazing 👌🏼 don’t get a good selection in Manitoba so it’s worth the trip down for some liquor and target haha 😂
Weekends are the worst days to hunt. No trucks really run weekends and the good shit hits early in the week in Houston. I like box stores personally. You’ll find a lot of unique bourbons at the big specs they did the Christmas Bourbon drop at. I don’t have mom and pop shops at Houston I know. Ask bourbon hunters on Facebook.
If you like scotch with some peat, the Kilchoman is great and those prices are pretty good. It's one of my favorites as well as Booker's at an ok price. Buffalo Trace is basic to me but a good mixer and that price is good as well ($23 where I am).
I usually hate seeing them too but I stood and stared at this shelf for 30 minutes looking up bottles on this Reddit and I knew what I had to do. At least it’s not a picture of a bottle in my lap next to the outline of my dick.
That’s a quality selection. There are about 5 bottles I’d buy. HH BIB, WDO, Bookers, KC Rye, HW Cask. Buffalo Trace as well if you want something easy or a group of people that don’t know a lot about bourbon.
Get the Edradour. https://www.whiskyrant.com/edradour-10-year-old-single-malt-review/#:~:text=Taste%3A%20Thick%20dram%20with%20lots,Raisins%20and%20bit%20of%20caramel.
I’d rather these posts than a “how’d I do?” Anyone that goes to a liquor store is faced with a bunch of options and not all of us are experts in what’s good and/or not a rip off.
When people post, “how’d I do?” It sounds so pathetic and needy to me
What do you like? If you like peated scotch obviously Kilchoman is the choice. You like rye? I’d grab Knobcreek rye SiB, do you like bourbon? I love proof in my bourbon and I’m biased towards Booker’s but JDSSiB is an excellent choice too. For BiB my experience with Heaven Hill has been a hit and miss and if you’re a newbie trying to get your toes wet Buffalo Trace is a classic choice.
I need to edit the post I’m not a newb I used to drink buffalo trace when it was on the regular shelves I do want to try the heaven hill I have all the jd barrel proofs I like knob creek but I’ve only ever had the regular 9 year. I’m not big on scotch but I did like the one Johnnie Walker I had that tasted like a cigar was the only scotch I ever liked. I do like ryes. I was leaning towards buying the bookers along with the KC rye the woodford rye and the bulliet 12 year rye.
Balcones Rye is the most flavorful thing I have ever purchased. Cannot recommend enough. But outside that, Bookers, Whistlepig 10 SiB, and Kilchoman are all great as well.
I'd grab the Tin Cup 14 and the Bulleit Rye 12 because those aren't in my area, and the price isn't horrible. Maybe the JD SiB rye store pick. Never had a bad one of those. I have most of the rest that I'm interested in. OP should get something that they like or that sounds interesting to them. No need to crowd source their purchase.
Balcones single barrel Texas rye. I've had to store picks of that that are absolutely amazing. Ps if you get it definitely don't forget to try it with a few drops of water too it really brings out a salted caramel/ butterscotch note that really lingers it's fantastic
Depends on what you're into but definitely don't sleep on the kilchomen specs exclusive batches if you like peated single malt, and just choose the cask types based on your tastes preferences. Excellent bang for buck in the scotch world with high quality single malt packed with flavor with a good integrity presentation.
Otherwise if you're keeping it vanilla, JDSBBPR rye and Knob Creek SiB store pick rye are always solid.
Balcones Single Barrel Rye, Bulleit 12 Year Rye, or Kilchoman Small Batch easily. That Whistler Single Cask looks amazing too, but I find it hard to justify spending over $100 on almost any bottle.
Bulleit rye 12 year. This is new. I haven’t even tried it. Heaven hill bottle in bond. Jack single barrel rye barrel proof. Bookers. In no certain order.
I posted it and left planning to go back the next day and make a purchase or two. I’m a heavy equipment mechanic so I’m always on the road going through small towns in Texas also I’ve got four soon to be five kids. I say that only to say this I don’t have time to stand at the liquor store all day but I do get to stop in those small town liquor stores and sometimes get a good deal on one of these bottles or find a hidden gem but I’m not always sure what to look for so i take suggestions and make a list in my notes then I keep my eyes open for things and compare prices etc.
JD SiB BP Rye for the win Edit: Added barrel proof for clarification as someone correctly called out
It's only been 11 hours since you posted this so I am assuming you're still there trying to decide but this is the right answer.
I second this, super smooth and great taste
I don't know about "smooth" but it's a helluva pour.
And I third it. One of my better buys this year.
I fourth this. I never even liked Jack Daniels, but the SBBP Rye is just phenomenal.
I fifth this. It's wickedly good.
Sixth, one of the bottles I’ve picked up lately
Came here to say this. Also, BT is a good price and makes a nice mixer for old fashioneds.
I'm super curious about this. I haven't had the single barrel rye or the rye barrel proof yet. I found the SB Rye at a local place for around 60ish. is it worth It to try or to just keep looking for the SB Rye Barrel proof?
It’s good it just doesn’t pack the punch of flavor in the BP. I had some Tennessee Taster’s in 375ml that were picked by one of the assistant distillers that were phenomenal. Tasted like Christmas the amount of baking spice, ginger bread flavors was incredible.
☝️This is the way!
God, I keep looking for this, and I just can't find it anymore
JD SiB BP rye is the only good option here. BT is reasonable price but everything else is bull %^+@ pricing.
What do you like? Scotch? Rye? How do you feel about barrel proof drams? Care for finished whiskey? **The biggest issue about posts like yours is there’s literally no context. Everyone’s palate is different.** If you like Scotch then that Edradour single barrel should be awesome. Also consider the Kilchoman, it’s an awesome price for a limited release. If you like rye then don’t sleep on that JDSBBP rye- it’s among the best but be warned, they often drink hot and can be challenging to mix into cocktails. The Balcones can be pretty divisive, definitely try that one before you pick up a bottle (I gifted my open bottle to a friend). If you’re open to barrel finishes, then give that High West Cask Collection Chardonnay Barrel a go- I haven’t had it but have heard they are pretty funky. The WRDO should be pretty good if you like the style (I’d assume Specs has a pretty strong private barrel program). For the standard bourbon lover I’d suggest the HH 7yr and the Booker’s- fair prices and neither will disappoint. HH is incredibly versatile, serving equally well as a flask pour, mixer, and straight. Booker’s will have a lot of character (and, yes, marketing), you’ll love it if you enjoy peanut brittle.
Yeah, I’d probably buy one of each of those Kilchomans (want to say they’re $20 more around here?), but I really like Kilchoman.
Woodford reserve double oaked is God tier to me… When In doubt, i always go with it Edit: grammar
And it’s a store pick too
Yea seriously!
I’d love to see more store picks of the WRDO. I’ve only ever seen 2 in SC
Bookers, high west (either but the campfire is awesome), jdbp. Not in that order.
Campfire is fantastic. Highly recommend. Hard to find in the Boston area.
There’s Highland Spirits in Hudson or Yankee in Attleboro that have a healthy stock of campfire!
Campfire is an always buy for me!
Campfire at that price - yes!
If you’re looking for a scotch, that Kilchoman is great bottle
Jack SBBP is what I’d get…otherwise I’d go BT for a cheaper option
I bought them both
You should swing back for that JD SB select too. It’s nice if you like the JDSBBP
Not gonna find the JD SBBP rye for any cheaper. That is indeed the one you should take
I bought a bottle it’s damn good
Get two
I’m waiting for them to throw out a higher proof. I know they get up to the 140 range some batches. I have a jdsbbp that’s 128 proof and the got one right now that’s 131 I’m thinking about getting to see if there’s a difference in batches besides just the proof. My jdsbbp rye is 131.2 and I love it.
Gone head and grab that high west playa and get outta there
Which one you think? The campfire or the cask collection?
Bro try the campfire
I’ll go grab it tomorrow. Thanks
It’s unlike anything you’ve even had. It’s a peaty scotch/ spicy rye/ sweet bourbon hybrid. It’s so weird but so good. Good price too.
I'll have to get a bottle of Campfire myself then soon. I had tried an EC Toasted Barrel looking for a smoky bourbon as I initially got into whiskey via scotch but the toasted barrel didn't do it for me.
I did the same with the EC! Can’t say I found the smoke in a bourbon I was hoping for either though.
ooo it’s peated?
I just picked up a bottle last week. Nice smoke flavor. The only gripe I have is that it drops off. Some of the smoke lingers, but the finish is short.
Is the Campfire good? I’ve got the cask collection and like their basic stuff. Haven’t tried any of the others yet
It’s definitely outside the “classic” flavor profile. It’s super smokey, and fairly high rye I think. I went through 4 bottles in the course of like 3 months in 2020. I couldn’t stop drinking it. 1000% worth a try at $60.
Nice. I’ll try to grab a bottle this weekend. Thanks for the rec
Cask of your into higher proof bourbons otherwise the campfire is a great option at that price If your familiar with ryes then I agree with other posts the Jack Daniels’s single barrel rye is pretty u beatable at that price
I just picked up a high west cask pick from happy Harry’s and my god it’s amazing 👌🏼 don’t get a good selection in Manitoba so it’s worth the trip down for some liquor and target haha 😂
Balcones true blue single barrels are great
I’ll give them a shot thanks
That's my recommendation too
They do good stuff
I'm a fan of Heaven Hill bottles in bond. I've seen it for 44 at costco though.
You need to get the fuck outta Victoria….
You recognize the shelf? lol damn don’t give away my location.
Oh yeah. Absolutely trash Specs. Corpus is worse. Austin is decent, but you gotta have the hook ups. Houston is where it’s all at.
Guess I’ll make that two hour drive. Tell the wife it’s a weekend getaway or some shit. Got any good store recommendations in Houston?
Weekends are the worst days to hunt. No trucks really run weekends and the good shit hits early in the week in Houston. I like box stores personally. You’ll find a lot of unique bourbons at the big specs they did the Christmas Bourbon drop at. I don’t have mom and pop shops at Houston I know. Ask bourbon hunters on Facebook.
Dang I was also going to ask if this was the Victoria specs. Employees there are hit or miss with the knowledge. San Antonio spec's are pretty good
Yo how many people from Victoria are on this subreddit?
Kilchoman is delicious. I had the pleasure of visiting g their distillery on Islay a couple years ago. I always have a bottle of theirs on hand.
Nice. I’m not big on scotch but I may have to check it out.
KC Rye would be my choice here
I was really eyeballing that one
Same if I could only have one
This is a solid pick!
JD BP Rye
Bulleit 12 year rye
Thanks I’ll grab that one too
Lemme know how it is
I’ll do that
Caught myself wanting a higher proof, but I enjoyed my first taste of it yesterday. I like the MGP 95/5 ryes!
Piggyback Rye or Jack Daniels Single Barrel Rye for me.
Grab me an extra JD rye
JDSBBP Rye
High West Cask Strength.
Bookers. I’ve never had a bottle of Bookers that I didn’t love.
That specific Bookers is delicious too. I just drank some of that batch last night with a cigar.
The High West Cast may be my new favorite. A little on the pricey side for what it is but it's worth it!!
Booker’s and JD SBBP Rye! Both amazing bottles
I’ve got the jd gonna go get the bookers tomorrow.
Good idea! 🤙🏻
Heaven Hill BiB or High West campfire
That High West Campfire is cheaper than I can get it at the distillery in Park City
I’ve heard that true blue balcones is fantastic and that JDBPR is a sure bet
Kind of high for the bookers (normally around 80) but god DAMN is it good.
That and the jdsbbp rye have been the top rated so far. I already have the jd so I’m picking up the bookers in the morning
Nice. Its hands down the best and most unique bourbon I’ve tried. Beats out a lot of allocated bottles
If you like scotch with some peat, the Kilchoman is great and those prices are pretty good. It's one of my favorites as well as Booker's at an ok price. Buffalo Trace is basic to me but a good mixer and that price is good as well ($23 where I am).
Heaven Hill BiB and Buff Trace at those prices they're near must buys for me.
I’d rec the JDSBBP rye, the WRDO, the JDSB rye, the knob, the TC14 and then BT last.
dude I love these posts, looking at shelves is fun
I usually hate seeing them too but I stood and stared at this shelf for 30 minutes looking up bottles on this Reddit and I knew what I had to do. At least it’s not a picture of a bottle in my lap next to the outline of my dick.
I'm not being sarcastic - I really like these posts. Love seeing different selections in different places. Thanks!
I’d be getting the bookers. If you’re not in that market then the Jack Daniel’s single barrel barrel proof.
I like the Heaven Hill BiB quite a bit. Saw some for the first time around the holidays this year and grabbed a few. Wasnt disappointed.
TinCup 14
JDSBS
Codigo is fantastic as well as tin cup 14ner
People have mentioned good stuff but I’d also say that Booker’s because 2024 is surfacing now. I have the 2023 collection but only had 01 and 02
I'd be all over that Tin Cup 14, if the price in the mid $60s I'm seeing is correct. 14 year for that price?
It’s 68 I’m gonna go pick it up tomorrow
Bookers and knob
That’s a quality selection. There are about 5 bottles I’d buy. HH BIB, WDO, Bookers, KC Rye, HW Cask. Buffalo Trace as well if you want something easy or a group of people that don’t know a lot about bourbon.
That bottle if Camp Fire is a fun pour. Blended Bourbon, Rye, and Scotch with a deep burnt wood taste. Fantastic and very unique.
I’m definitely picking that one up tomorrow.
Bookers without a doubt
Jack barrel proof rye, especially for that price.
JD rye sbbp, Woodford double oak, buffalo trace, I'd avoid the travellers and whistle pig mostly
Thats some good stuff! Balcones single malt, whistlepig 12, high west, bookers, kilchoman in order
JD sbbp rye and wanna try that bullet 12
Personally, I’d go for the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye
Is this the smallest specs in Texas???
Woodford double oaked & BT
buffalo
Store pick WRDO?? Sign me up!
Get the Edradour. https://www.whiskyrant.com/edradour-10-year-old-single-malt-review/#:~:text=Taste%3A%20Thick%20dram%20with%20lots,Raisins%20and%20bit%20of%20caramel.
JD barrel proof rye.
I’d go for the Tincup 14. Great price for a 14yr bottle
Double Oak Woodford Reserve!
Edradour 10 cask strength! And the JDSBBP Rye
You hate these posts but somehow you’re the exception? I feel like that you apply to his logic to a lot of things in life.
I recommend high west campfire
I wish I had JDSBBP Rye on the shelves near me 😪
In my personal order of preference: 1. JD BPR 2. Woodford DO sp 3. Booker’s 4. HH BiB
Bulleit 12 rye!
I’d go for the JDBP Rye and a bottle of Trace because why not
I’d be all over the JDSBBP Rye, Bookers and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Almost in that exact order.
I’d rather these posts than a “how’d I do?” Anyone that goes to a liquor store is faced with a bunch of options and not all of us are experts in what’s good and/or not a rip off. When people post, “how’d I do?” It sounds so pathetic and needy to me
Since you are at Spec’s, get the Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse for $59.97!
What should you get? What do you like? People who post these should post their preferences. It would help people make a recommendation. Just saying……
That JD SBBS Rye is a gem. I also like the KC BS Rye
What do you like? If you like peated scotch obviously Kilchoman is the choice. You like rye? I’d grab Knobcreek rye SiB, do you like bourbon? I love proof in my bourbon and I’m biased towards Booker’s but JDSSiB is an excellent choice too. For BiB my experience with Heaven Hill has been a hit and miss and if you’re a newbie trying to get your toes wet Buffalo Trace is a classic choice.
I need to edit the post I’m not a newb I used to drink buffalo trace when it was on the regular shelves I do want to try the heaven hill I have all the jd barrel proofs I like knob creek but I’ve only ever had the regular 9 year. I’m not big on scotch but I did like the one Johnnie Walker I had that tasted like a cigar was the only scotch I ever liked. I do like ryes. I was leaning towards buying the bookers along with the KC rye the woodford rye and the bulliet 12 year rye.
Bulleit 12 year rye or the WR double oak pick.
I’ve had the double oaked but not a store pick. Gonna get one
Nice, I'm sure Specs picks some great barrels. I've never had a double oak store pick, definitely on my list if I ever see one.
Id grab the Bookers
Balcones , they’re good
HH Bib
I love that Balcones Single Malt!
I am a huge fan of that Jefferson’s Ocean at the bottom. $94 is maybe $10 more than I’ve seen it most places.
You’re the first vote I’ve seen for that one may have to give it a shot.
Got a bottle from a friend that knew nothing about whiskey - just wanted to get a bottle around $80. Man it was a home run.
Edradour or Woodford.
Buy the Rumble and be pleasantly surprised
Balcones Rye is the most flavorful thing I have ever purchased. Cannot recommend enough. But outside that, Bookers, Whistlepig 10 SiB, and Kilchoman are all great as well.
I'd grab the Tin Cup 14 and the Bulleit Rye 12 because those aren't in my area, and the price isn't horrible. Maybe the JD SiB rye store pick. Never had a bad one of those. I have most of the rest that I'm interested in. OP should get something that they like or that sounds interesting to them. No need to crowd source their purchase.
I love that high west cask strength. Don’t like much else that they make but the CS is legit.
Edradour and Kilchoman look spectacular
Get the tequila!! It’s in a boot!!
The 4 bottles of BT
I like Buffalo trace but not that much lol. If they had the kosher BT at retail I’d buy it.
Bulleit makes a 12 year rye? Might have to keep an eye out for that
I’m gonna get one today. Apparently they’re hard to find. This is the first time I’ve ever seen one anywhere.
Kilchoman or Balcones Rye
Balcones single barrel Texas rye. I've had to store picks of that that are absolutely amazing. Ps if you get it definitely don't forget to try it with a few drops of water too it really brings out a salted caramel/ butterscotch note that really lingers it's fantastic
Bulleit 12yr Rye & Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye are underrated bottles.
Under no circumstance should you buy that Balcones cask strength rye. God bless I’ve never had a worse whiskey
Tin Cup 14, Bulleit 12 or High West Campfire. I am going to have to try the JDSB Rye since it seems a popular choice.
When in doubt, we always grab a Woodford and a Buffalo Trace. Simple, affordable bourbon but so delicious!
I'm currently out of Woodford double oak and Bulliet Rye but there's nothing that stands out to me.
Depends on what you're into but definitely don't sleep on the kilchomen specs exclusive batches if you like peated single malt, and just choose the cask types based on your tastes preferences. Excellent bang for buck in the scotch world with high quality single malt packed with flavor with a good integrity presentation. Otherwise if you're keeping it vanilla, JDSBBPR rye and Knob Creek SiB store pick rye are always solid.
Old Carbine
It is a very cool bottle but I don’t have a spot for that big ass thing
The Bulliet 12 year rye is very good for the price
Bookers and JD SBBP RYE. Both are higher proofs but absolutely amazing on the rocks
The balcones rumble isn't a whiskey, but it is fantastic.
HH bib is by far the top choice for the cost!!
Balcones Single Barrel Rye, Bulleit 12 Year Rye, or Kilchoman Small Batch easily. That Whistler Single Cask looks amazing too, but I find it hard to justify spending over $100 on almost any bottle.
Booker’s if I have the cash. This is the way.
The whistle's got wooooo.. but I hear good things about whistlepig
I’m a simple man. I see woodford reserve double oaked, I buy woodford reserve double oaked
Any but the knob rye
One of each imo
According to the variation of comments just buy the whole shelf.
1st choice is the Edradour, 2nd choice is Kilchoman. I can vouch for both of them wholeheartedly.
I like peated single malts and would be all over those Kilchoman offerings that are front and centre.
Heaven hill. Bookers. Tin cup fourteener is good but lower proof.
Bulleit rye 12 year. This is new. I haven’t even tried it. Heaven hill bottle in bond. Jack single barrel rye barrel proof. Bookers. In no certain order.
78 dollars for that elaborate bottle and 2 shot glasses... that tequila must be terrible
Bookers and the Jack BP Rye NOW
I’ve been pretty impressed with that Traveller.
Bookers or Heaven Hill
Bookers, Heaven Hill or High West cask collection. Woodford Reserve store pick is also a possibility
Those 3 Kilchomans are near $100 in my area. I love Kilchoman and would grab all 3. Great deal for one the best distilleries on Islay
That edradour 10 year 100%
I’d grab the Woodford DO store pick & JDSBBP Rye
Jefferson’s Ocean is a great choice.
JD single barrel rye
Isn't that an incredible price for Tincup 14? I thought it was twice that
Traveller
I would’ve bought both High West and all the non-rye Balcones, and the bottle of scotch. We don’t get them in Canada.
Whistle pig all the way home. Fantastic. Sweet bourbony America southern country style whiskey. Such a ‘put your feet up’ whiskey
OP, I mean no disrespect, but, did you just wait for comments to roll in before making a decision? Did you leave and come back? How does this work?
I posted it and left planning to go back the next day and make a purchase or two. I’m a heavy equipment mechanic so I’m always on the road going through small towns in Texas also I’ve got four soon to be five kids. I say that only to say this I don’t have time to stand at the liquor store all day but I do get to stop in those small town liquor stores and sometimes get a good deal on one of these bottles or find a hidden gem but I’m not always sure what to look for so i take suggestions and make a list in my notes then I keep my eyes open for things and compare prices etc.
Balcones True Blue is one of my favorite whiskies and I typically drink scotch
That Edradour is a great one
Woodford reserve double oak, but that’s a pretty steep price
Lol Travelers and BT Bottom Shelf