Great video. FOMO has driven distilleries to put out marginal products at insanely inflated prices. Just say NO NOPE NADA Lots of very good / great products out there at reasonable prices. SLB shows you a lot of them! Great job gentlemen! 👏

@jloutz

Жыл бұрын

This comment should be pinned.

@ChristopherNeeme

Жыл бұрын

Especially when they are putting out deliberately limited quantities to keep the demand above the supply. On top of that, the new industry standard is the 700ml bottle. Paying even more for receiving less.

@thelegionoftools

Жыл бұрын

I have to agree Sir!! Beretta9MMUSA Sr.

@slbdrinks

Жыл бұрын

Robert! Comment is pinned!

@uncledeadhead3674

Жыл бұрын

you say nope nada, ill swoop in grab what i like and walk out, if people are too poor to pay for something thats their problem. What id pay is different than what you can afford. Stop complaining things cost more and you cant get em, and either pick a cheap hobby, or just s go drink rum.

I like these “warnings” episodes. Well done! Cheers from Sweden! 🇸🇪

@slbdrinks

Жыл бұрын

Welcome my friend!

I know it's been said, but it's been so fun to watch Trent come into his own in front of the camera. Going from exclusively being behind the camera to in front of it almost every video has been a cool transition to watch.

@slbdrinks

Жыл бұрын

He is really doing a great job! Thank you!

The banter between father and son is priceless! I so appreciate your honest assessments of all these ''Special " bourbons. Most of the time,there is no good reason to hunt for and spend a lot of money for allocated bourbons. It's become a status thing like expensive cars,etc..

Great chemistry and tips for the novice and beginners. Always informative and easy to watch

These are the most valuable videos of all, in my opinion. Some of us, myself included, are at times tempted to pay secondary for a bottle they never had or seen. As Kurt so wisely mentioned, doing some research before dropping the cash on an expensive bottle is a good idea! You guys sure as heck are helpful in that department

When you mentioned the hunt, it reminded me of hunting deer. My dad and grandpa and uncles were all about getting a "big rack" which was how many points were on it, like "Fred got an 8-point buck yesterday over in Marv's woods!" But, when it came to eating venison, we all agreed those pointless does, or those young spikes, tasted way less game-y and were far more tender.

Great job! Thanks for putting yourselves out there. Videos like this one save a lot of people a lot of money. Tonyb

I am bar lead in a cigar lounge in NJ. I absolutely love you guys, and I am in full agreement with 99% of your opinions.. I am an avid bourbon drinker and recently after years of attempting have acquired a taste for scotch. I thank you for all your input and honesty in the bourbon world. Lmk when you’re excepting guests to come sample with you guys! Great job gentleman!

@laramiestephenson1143

Жыл бұрын

Is your lounge anywhere near Edgewater?

@tylersimon5793

Жыл бұрын

I’m from NJ, what cigar lounge!? I’ll bring some stuff to sip

@chrisdaubert6259

Жыл бұрын

How the hell do you become "bar lead in a cigar lounge"? Obviously I have wasted my life. SMDH

@raythomas9982

Жыл бұрын

NJ definitely represented here. 💪🏻

@nickbenrhardt1026

Жыл бұрын

Love to know what town this lounge is in

I really appreciate you guys showing that high price doesn’t always translate to great taste. I know because I have bottles like that too 😬 Thanks and Cheers

Thanks for always providing your honest assessments! Watching most of your videos, you've definitely established a level of trust for me as a viewer. I'm confident watching and knowing that opinions have not been "influenced" by any distillers! Keep up the good work!

@RockulaRandy

Жыл бұрын

Exactly! It's hard to find someone you can really trust, but Kurt and Trenton playing off one another - I trust them. After watching MANY reviews by these guys, and then sampling myself, I can pretty much know what to expect before the glen nears the nose.

Thanks guys for the wonderful...insightful...educational post. Excellent information we all need. Especially in this day of the $100 plus bottles of bourbon. Please do more.

Surprising to see each of these on the bartop- good of you to put out the word and also not just rail on them, but emphasize the value/scarcity to quality ratio, which very much matters.

Very informative . Can’t wait for tonight’s show. Keep up the good work

Great job, fellas. Another money saving video. You guys have helped me keep money in my pocket for for several years now. Keep crushing it in the online bourbon game, my guys!!

Extremely helpful video, guys. Keep them coming!

The Crown Royal Apple appears to have left a damaging mark on both guys. Apparently, the taste is still lingering on their palate, lol!

a friend was shopping in NJ and stumbled on some 9 yr Willett purple tops for 4 hun red asked if I was interested, just couldn't pull the trigger for that price without tasting. Keep up the great work, love you guys

Love the smack talk in prep for tonight's livestream. Great vid gents.

I love these types of episodes. They really help me avoid buyers' remorse. One thing I've learned is there are some very tasty $40 bottles that hold up to $300 bottles just fine. Sometimes, you simply cant justify the cost!

Thanks for sharing... I've been looking for the Weller SB to finish the collection. I haven't seen it for less than $500. You're not the only source that is saying its not worth the price.... especially secondary prices...

Great and helpful show. Hope to see you guys tonight.

Thanks guys for such videos. I love watching you because of your real world opinions. Not every bottle that is hyped means it's good. Thanks

Absolutely true that there is no correlation between price and quality/flavor. Hard lessons learned. This is the problem with allocations and highly touted (by the distillery, usually) bottles that cost a lot a deliver little. Always get a pour at a bar or a taste first, rule of thumb! Great video, gents!

Great information and I have learned to try a pour at a bar before buying. In Louisville, there are Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, Bourbons Restaurant, and Doc Crows. They also have great food😂. In Louisville nothing is really far apart. You all’s guidance has saved me from serious disappointment!

You guys are great thanks for the review and especially the laughs.

Can't wait to watch tonight's show. Great show as always🎉🎉

Great info all the time. Saves me and I thank you. See you tonight 🥃

Thank you guys for spending the money and reporting the results good and bad in unbiased fashion.

Thanks for the great review! Makes me feel better passing on the Weller

9:22 Trenton "the Heaven Hill 17 yr that came out last year blew my boxers off"🤣🤣🤣🤣 Favorite quote so far.

What a great, informative video on "allocated" bourbons and ryes.....!!!

Thanks for being so honest about those bottles, so many tubers only do the juice they like, we appreciate the honest.

I always reference your videos if I'm not sure about the purchase of a bourbon. I do have a few bars and restaurants that I can get a pour of something before I make a purchase that I'm skeptical about. Great videos...

Excellent video, keep them coming!!

You guys are just the best, I’m glad I watch you bc I’ve learned a lot from the both of you, now I don’t have to worry about buying these bottles. I did purchase a bottle of Jameson 25 years old very excited to buy it I paid 225.00 for it and this was like 20 years ago and it was a total dud as you can see I’m still upset about it after 20 years I feel your pain!!

Great video guys! Weller Special Reserve makes a great old fashioned by the way. I don’t know what it is, but it just mixes well in that cocktail.

@The_Babbling_Brooks

Жыл бұрын

The Wellers are great mixers in general.

Love the videos! Ready for tonight!

Our bourbon bunch liked the purple top Willet wheated. Price was terrible on it, but it's a good pour.

I snagged a bottle of the Weller Single barrel for $50 back last November here in NC. Crazy luck it was sitting on the shelf that day. Grabbed the Blantons for $59 and an ER. It was certainly a unicorn day.

@t.martin3179

Жыл бұрын

LUCKY!

@Robert.Sheard

Жыл бұрын

Where are you in NC? I never see those bottles in Durham 😢

@jdcully7807

Жыл бұрын

Albemarle. I never see those on shelves either. It was crazy luck that day. Kept the receipt for proof. 😂

@Robert.Sheard

Жыл бұрын

@@jdcully7807 I never understand how NC decides who gets what. When BEP came out, a store in Gastonia had a couple of cases, but none of the other 15 or 20 stores in the Triangle and in Charlotte had seen any of it.

I’m a new follower and just getting into bourbon. Keep up the good work!

Yeah, the weller SB we got in Texas last year we’re on point that is intriguing.

Excellent "cautionary tale" information. Thanks guys!

After several months of watching, I finally got Wild Turkey 101. What a revelation! You’ve converted my 25 years of primarily Jim Beam and Woodford in one sip. Thanks from Maine, fellas!

@uncledeadhead3674

Жыл бұрын

WT101 is crap, its well bourbon with zero age at all. hances are you just like low proofs but wont admit it until someone gave you one finally.

Great myth-busting video guys. Videos like this build your community credibility even more! Thanks!

Great video guys can’t wait for tonight let’s gooooooooooooooo 8 pm live show 🎉

I agree in theory BUT I loved the 8 yr Willet sample I got. I liked the “funk”. Not $250 retail liked but still very much enjoyed. Great video!

I share your thoughts about many allocated bourbons. I recently acquired a bottle of Elmer T. Lee which is the only bottle of ET Lee I've ever been able to find. I paid a very reasonable retail price for it and was excited to try it out. My wife and I both found the mouthfeel to be "bright" but very thin with not much flavor. The finish was also gone in a whisper. Based on this experience, I won't spend any time looking for another bottle of Elmer T. Lee.

Fortunately, the bottles I was disappointed in were ones I already suspected as not living up to their promotions, so, the financial hit wasn't bad and thank my luck I haven't gotten anything that is flavored that I can't mix in a cocktail if I didn't particularly like the flavor at all. I do thank you for your sacrifice and information as to bottles that are not close to being a value buy and it seems at almost any price.

It could be the picture quality and/or monitor size, but it sure would be helpful if you could add a quick zoom-in of each bottle you bring to the bartop (or hold it out in front closer to the camera before setting on the bartop). In your vids, many of the bottles are hard to see clearly so it's difficult to know for certain which bottles to look for at our local stores. An extreme example is that dark bottle of Willett for this vid--can't tell much of anything except for what you describe. Thanks for the consideration.

Thank you for the content. It’s very informative. A bit off topic, but do you guys have a space where folks can recommend/request whiskies to be reviewed?

@slbdrinks

Жыл бұрын

Hi Terry. Facebook messenger or Instagram is probably the best.

I really appreciate you guys and your show , my son and I went and ate the other night and I had never tried Blanton so he ordered us one and he paid $35 for two shots and to be honest I was seriously disappointed with it . I could have bought a bottle of Knob Creek for less than what those two shots cost . Knob Creek or Bulliet for me I did pay $44 for a Basil Hayden and $44 for a Four Roses and that’s possibly my limit because I can get a handle of 1.75 Bulliet for $44 so I’m definitely staying under that price because I’m a budget minded bourbon drinker 😉

Really wanna hear your thoughts on the Russels single rickhouse. Don’t think we’ve ever gotten into that one as an official review. Love the content guys!

I like the Antique 107 a lot and I actually see it on the shelf occasionally.

SLB Classics 7:36 Smell the nose, lol 8:28 Finally some blanton’s love (kind of) 10:00 Kurt has an impaired nose 11:02 Trenton with his quick math skills 17:21 final Crown apple 23 yr. reference of the video

Oh man, I had a totally different experience with Weller single barrel. One of my local bars bought a barrell of Weller to serve straight from the tap. It was absolutely fantastic. Just goes to show how much variation you can get in a single barrel release.

@RipReturns

Жыл бұрын

Just did a side-by-side-by-side with Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, and store pick Weller Full Proof single barrel (the last of which prompts this response): the Full Proof (single barrel) was leaps and bounds above the A107 and WSR (admittedly, an informal panel of four partaking). But it does bring to light the obvious points: the secondary market has gotten out of hand, tastes vary, and a single barrel varies by the barrel selected. That said, I have grown to enjoy your channel and value your opinions as your tastes - particular Trent - closely align with my own (admittedly narrower) experience. Keep up the good work y'all. I've enjoyed each show.

Thanks for scheduling your show tonight when my wife is out of town. 🥃 🥃

I love how y’all talk about everyone’s pallet being different! I went and hunted Remus repeal V because everyone loved it and in my opinion it was just bland whereas everyone loved it!

You guys have lead me down the road of exploration. Trying Uncle Nearest Rye tonight.

You guys should have coffee ground by the side to clear your nasal pallet. Guys into fragrance use it all the time to test different scents. The nose tends to go blind after smelling so much. Needs a reset. Just a thought🤷‍♂️

Very fair point. There is a point for each distiller where there is a decreasing marginal return when it comes to an age statement. For me it is 12 years. And I mean this for a straight bourbon, a blended bourbon with some old juice can add a tremendous amount of flavor and character.

I found one of those Willet’s at Total Wine for MSRP and immediately traded it for an EHT Barrel Proof. I kind of thought it wouldn’t be very good.

@mikemoran4578

Жыл бұрын

It's literally just older Willett Pot Still. You did awesome in that trade.

I managed to get a bottle of Old Fitz 10 Year decanter series from Heaven Hill Distillery for around MSRP. I mostly got it for the bottle, but it also tastes very good. That being said, I would be very disappointed if I paid secondary (500+) for it.

Well, blind Mello Corn and the HH 20 if you think. That would be very interesting. love that cone licka.

Crown Royal Apple = Crapple. I appreciate these kinds of videos. Helps enthusiasts save their money. And I think it helps keep the distilleries honest too.

What’s your thoughts on the Russell’s single rickhouse? That one definitely had some sticker shock for a NAS for $250, but I actually found it to be phenomenal and I wasn’t mad at all about the price. But I know others didn’t feel that way and it’s tough to swallow comparing it to a really solid russels single barrel pick.

@slbdrinks

Жыл бұрын

Believe it or not I was bummed at first taste especially considering the price but now that it has opened up I think it’s pretty great. Worth 250.00?? Debatable but good.

Had the opportunity to buy both of these a few weeks ago but went with the CYPB since it only releases twice a year. This video makes me happy with that decision 😭🤣

I like the “We try, so you don’t buy” series. That Willet almost got me too in DC.

Another great episode!

I have only had the weller single barrel and I have to agree. I was so disappointed. Thanks for saving me the money for the others. cheers.

This was very good. I feel knowledgeable.

Appreciate these kind of videos so I don't waste time and money hunting these type of bottles.

Always love your travels. It gives the wife and I new places to explore. Big T you are spoiled rotten and we approve.

I’m comfortably pallet wise, between you both 🤣

Just left the buffalo trace tour. And it seem like they are all poured from the same barrel it's just where they put it and for how long.

This should be a quarterly video. It's a great and helpful topic. There was a ton of speculation and skepticism about the Heaven Hill 20 once it was revealed that it was a corn whiskey. If any of don't surprise me it's that one. The biggest surprise is actually the Old Fitzgerald just because the previous one was so highly regarded. All the early reviews were great too as if the hype and price influenced what the reviewers thought. Now I'm seeing more views similar to yours. I love the comment that Trenton made about Bookers and ECBP. Those still aren't easy to find but they seem to be a lot closer to expectations.

@jacksmith2315

Жыл бұрын

Im not really surprised by the old fitz. Its just too long for a bourbon to be aged. Everyone thats had the higher age pappys say they arent all that great either. Its just too long, they get over oaked. Lota ppl say 15-17yrs max for a bourbon. Anything longer its just too long and hurts it more than helps it.

I saw a single barrel weller in a store today for $1500. Absolutely blew my mind, but did get a knob creek 12 in that same store for $70. So weller brings a wild price I guess.

@thelegionoftools

Жыл бұрын

You made the Best Decision by far. Well done. Beretta9MMUSA Sr.

My most dissapointing allocated bottle was Blantons. Picked one up at the same time I got a Buffalo Trace barrel pick and the barrel pick blew it out of the water. The barrel pick was a fortunate anomoly (as most BT picks are nothing super special) but having a $140 bottle sitting there that was outdone by it's $30 cousin was a huge let down. Even regular BT wasn't that far off for 1/5th the price. If I ever see it at MSRP I might get another one, but not anywhere near the current price point.

Trenton pouring out those bottles!! Haha! Nice pic. I had Old Rip Van-winkle for the first time this afternoon. Friend paid $600 for the bottle. Definitely not worth that IMO although it was a good sip. I would say maybe worth 70-80 which is probably MSRP. Because of the odds I rooting for Kurt tonight but I know Trenton will bring some excellent contenders!

Traded my WSiB for 2 high proof (131+) Blanton’s SFTB. Traded my 2 Willett 8 yr bottles for an ETL, Stagg Jr SP and 2 EHT SiB’s.

You can do another version of this video: bourbon that has become allocated that really shouldn't be! I'll go first: Rare breed Rye. Edit: after the pandemic and glassware/shipping shortages it's interesting to think how some bourbon gets hyped up just because it has a unique bottle design.

I really like the Willet Wheated. It's definitely over priced, but I don't think any bottle is worth $200 when you can get bottles like ECBP for $70.00.

That crown apple is still gonna be catching strays this time next year haha

Agreed with the Larceny, Elijah Craig comments. Also 1792 Barrel Proof - all less than $90 for me and all superb.

Haven’t cracked my Weller SiB yet but got it at msrp so happy about that as sure it is worth at least that much

Crazy how HH went from 2 best bottles of 2022 to 2 biggest duds of 2023 in the same series. Whisky will drive ya crazy haha.

My brother has the black bottle purple top. At first, i wasnt all that impressed, especially for $200+. Now that its had some time to open up, its really really good. We actually poured my pappy lot b and tasted them side by side, hard to tell the difference. I paid $160 for my lot b. I still wouldnt pay $200+ for the willett, but its still really good. $100-150 ya id prob buy it. Def is a lot for 8yr wheated, but still a damn good bottle once it openes up

you guys are the best

Man I agree with a lot of these. The OF19 I am bummed about because I haven't opened mine and I've only had a bar pour. The Weller SiB is super disappointing compared to Weller FP.

@GreenHuedChair

Жыл бұрын

The OF19 is amazing. Don't worry.

@slbdrinks

Жыл бұрын

I do hope you like it. That’s one that wasn’t bad in our opinion just not up to levels of our expectations. All about your palate though and not ours.

I snagged a Weller Single Barrel for $49.99, totally agree... It tastes like a $40-50 bottle. Its maybe a little older and higher proof than Special Reserve. If i ever get a chance to buy another for close to msrp im selling it 🤣

Good to hear people be honest about the hyped allocated bottles. Just because secondary is high does not mean the bottle is great - secondary prices in anything are just a reflection of hype. Hype often begets hype because when you spend $200+ on a bottle you brain tells you that you should like it and then you go online and tell people it is great... even if it is average.

Hard to open unicorns, they’re too expensive to be disappointed, Blanton ruined it for me personally ….waited till I got my 2nd to open one, totally wish I never bought either🤷

@ShaneTheGeek

Жыл бұрын

Same I got a bottle of Blanton’s and it’s nothing special but also not bad either at secondary prices I will never buy another.

I stopped paying over 200 a couple years ago. I have 500 bottles of Whiskey/Bourbon now and have found bottles over 200, just do not live up to the expense.

Very happy I was able to snag the Old Fitz 17yr. That bottle is great!

@slbdrinks

Жыл бұрын

Yes!

Love the video, but couldnt you say that about all the Weller products? They're all just special reserve but at different proof points. If I'm not mistaken the only different one is 12 because of the age.

The value question always weighs on my mind when tasting whiskey, and with so much product available below, (and often well below) $80, it becomes a question of what I am I expecting for multiples higher price? Sometimes the answer is just disappointment. Is there a $500+ bottle that is totally worth it, and what makes it worth that?

Think I'll stick with the $75 and below whiskey/bourbon price point. The most I've paid for a bottle was $98 but it was scotch Macallen Lumina on a cruise and I had ship board credit. So nothing out of pocket.

I feel most the wellers are over hyped because they look so good in a collection

Thanks for review of these. It maybe worth mentioning real secondary prices when review items like this vs value. These all go for 5x - 10x the prices you mentioned in my area. Sometimes you can negotiate a lower price to get somewhat of a deal but still at 2x-5x msrp.

@RockulaRandy

Жыл бұрын

Gee, do you live in Illinois too? 😄

With most of these bottles being 10x the cost of MSRP in my area, I don't even try to hunt them anymore. I may get a pour at a local speakeasy/bar if available at a reasonable price, but other than that I've learned not to FOMO anymore.