I think Belle Meade alone is reason enough to not hate on MGP. I've got all kinds of time for a label that says it's distilled in Indiana, comes in at 100 proof or higher, and isn't chill filtered.

proc said:

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Trump 2020 said:

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proc said:

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Help me understand the undercurrent of dislike for MGP brands here.

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I love MGP brands. The more I get into bourbon, the more I'm liking MGP and the less I'm liking Buffalo Trace/Sazerac.

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Maybe I'm just misreading some posts, I just stumbled onto this thread a few weeks ago.

But Joseph Magnus, George Remus, Old Scout, Barrell, and Mayor Pingree are all really good bourbons to me.I have yet to try OKI or Pinhook, but people are raving about those two lately. MGP is just the source for the white dog.

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Yeah I think most people who haven't branched out just have an instinctive aversion to whiskey distilled outside Kentucky. I agree, though, there are a lot of great MGP brands. My favorites are Smoke Wagon and the Nulu and Starlight ryes.

proc said:

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Help me understand the undercurrent of dislike for MGP brands here.

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You are right, there are folks (myself included when i started on my bourbon journey) that look down upon it. It was only after I had an epiphany that I let go of my disdain for MGP. I think it spurs from the company selling the bottle is essentially hiding something in plain sight. People in general don't like it when they feel like someone is trying to pull a fast one. Some companies (e.g. Bardstown Discovery and Fusion Series) are fairly transparent about it and thus customers are more willing to purchase.

To be honest, the way I finally overcame it was actually pretty simple:

If it is good whisky, then drink it.

I still like to research who made it to see if it is one of my favorite distillers or if there is another distiller that I'm starting to like so that I can be on the watch for other products that they might be releasing. But I no longer worry about whether it is an MGP or "Sourced" product. I just don't think it matters anymore. Either you know how to select good juice to put in the bottle or you don't, regardless of where the juice came from.

proc said:

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Trump 2020 said:

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proc said:

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Help me understand the undercurrent of dislike for MGP brands here.

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I love MGP brands. The more I get into bourbon, the more I'm liking MGP and the less I'm liking Buffalo Trace/Sazerac.

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Maybe I'm just misreading some posts, I just stumbled onto this thread a few weeks ago.

But Joseph Magnus, George Remus, Old Scout, Barrell, and Mayor Pingree are all really good bourbons to me.I have yet to try OKI or Pinhook, but people are raving about those two lately. MGP is just the source for the white dog.

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MGP Brands are also some of my favorites. I think a lot of people dont like when a brand does not "make their own whiskey" or all "MGP taste the same"

There's a lot of reasons to like MGP but unfortunately a lot of them also aren't on shelves anymore.

There's still really good MGP out there, especially rye, but nothing like the 10-12 year MGP stock that used to be available from SAOS and Belle Meade to name 2.

There's also some real **** MGP on the market as well, they distill a **** ton of liquor every year so of course some of it won't be a winner.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Speaking of Basil Hayden.....Let's talk Old Grand-Dad.

Big 3 is Old Grand-Dad, Old Grand-Dad Bonded and Old Grand-Dad 114.

My friend said that 114 is his every day sipper, I haven't tried it yet but will take his word on it being good enough for his palette.

I've had their Bonded and it was very smooth butterscotch flavor, with a little heat from the rye Mash Bill. Great affordable bourbon and can be picked up pretty easily.

Anyone have similar or different opinions on this line?

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I've got a bottle of OGD114 - I like it. Will probably replace when it's empty. It's not gonna blow you away, but it's pretty good and a really great value. It's a peanut bomb in my opinion so if you don't like the beam funk it's probably not gonna be for you. But it's solid neat and makes a nice old fashioned - the high proof helps it hold up well to the ice and other flavors. Could definitely see it as an everyday sipper for sure.

andrewch783 said:

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MarathonAg12 said:

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Speaking of Basil Hayden.....Let's talk Old Grand-Dad.

Big 3 is Old Grand-Dad, Old Grand-Dad Bonded and Old Grand-Dad 114.

My friend said that 114 is his every day sipper, I haven't tried it yet but will take his word on it being good enough for his palette.

I've had their Bonded and it was very smooth butterscotch flavor, with a little heat from the rye Mash Bill. Great affordable bourbon and can be picked up pretty easily.

Anyone have similar or different opinions on this line?

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I've got a bottle of OGD114 - I like it. Will probably replace when it's empty. It's not gonna blow you away, but it's pretty good and a really great value. It's a peanut bomb in my opinion so if you don't like the beam funk it's probably not gonna be for you. But it's solid neat and makes a nice old fashioned - the high proof helps it hold up well to the ice and other flavors. Could definitely see it as an everyday sipper for sure.

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Very good for Old Fashioneds, but flat out unbeatable for bourbon Manhattans.

What everyone's thoughts on the High West stuff? Not the MWND but the American Prairie Bourbon, Rendezvous and Double Rye? Just seeing if worth giving a try. My personal favorites are EHT SmB, ER, Bellemeade and everyday favorite is OF1920 for reference

Anyone try this yet?

TThom said:

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What everyone's thoughts on the High West stuff? Not the MWND but the American Prairie Bourbon, Rendezvous and Double Rye? Just seeing if worth giving a try. My personal favorites are EHT SmB, ER, Bellemeade and everyday favorite is OF1920 for reference

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I like the double rye quite a bit. Never had the prairie though.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Anyone try this yet?

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Ha. I see what you did there.

The America Prairie isn't anything special - pretty bland and boring. The private finished barrels are another story though. I have one finished in PX Sherry casks and it's really good.

That is a Great trade. Stagg Jr is so good and EHT rye is so bad. It just falls really flat on every account for me.

Found a Booker's 2020-03 and an Eagle Rare on the shelf in Salado at MSRP. Little place called Vintage Spirits that was unassuming from the outside, but had a good selection and prices inside. Passed on a MWND for $215, though. Regretting that a little.

MW03 said:

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Found a Booker's 2020-03 and an Eagle Rare on the shelf in Salado at MSRP. Little place called Vintage Spirits that was unassuming from the outside, but had a good selection and prices inside. Passed on a MWND for $215, though. Regretting that a little.

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Pretty sure that's well above secondary if you're hankering for one.

MarathonAg12 said:

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Sazerac said:

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This proof head had a good day

Stagg Jr - traded my EHT Rye
ECBP - friend purchased at TW for me last month
4RBS x 2 - Store pick locally at 2 locations!
KC120 - buy when I see
RB Rye - seeming harder to find so snagged
JD BP - heard its great, why not!

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The JDBP is some amazing stuff at 130 Proof. I really think people see the JD brand and scoff. Hey, their loss and more for me at a great price.

Rare Breed Rye. I haven't opened this bottle yet, but I agree about the scarcity. I picked up a bottle at TL and it hasn't been restocked in about a month.

And finally, the unsung hero, KC120. Not always on the shelves, but the price is always right. It has not been subject to the Bourbon Baron's secondary market scheme.

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If the 4RBS = Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength, those are awesome. I got a couple bottles last year of the OESQ from TL. The two that I have are Cinnamon and Butterscotch Bombs. Absolutely delicious. Great bottle for around $60 bucks if I remember right on the price.

Only problem is that they are just about as hard to find as Stagg Jr or EHT Barrel Proof around Central Texas.

Yes this is the 4R barrel strength. Premier Liquors in Houston has a store pick release. I'm sure they will have them left today. They were $8x limit one.

First I've ever seen in person.

Sazerac said:

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Yes this is the 4R barrel strength. Premier Liquors in Houston has a store pick release. I'm sure they will have them left today. They were $8x limit one.

First I've ever seen in person.

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the one on Yale?

And West 18th

both locations. W18th had 10 cases out by the bourbon. Yale you had to ask, wasn't clear how much they had.

Sazerac said:

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both locations. W18th had 10 cases out by the bourbon. Yale you had to ask, wasn't clear how much they had.

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I'm in Austin area, so I probably won't get out there to pick one up. However...

What version was it out of curiosity?

They have 10 different versions based on the yeast and mash bill.

https://fourrosesbourbon.com/our-process/

Premier is a good store. The one off Yale is bigger than 18th. Get to know Saraj "Raj", the tall Indian behind the desk. Former Airforce guy and very friendly. This is the place I was able to pick up the PVW10 and GTS in December 20. He has a lot of barrel purchases so just ask them when they are coming in. They are labeled for Premier. If you buy frequently from him he will usually hold bottles for you. His wine selection is cool as well and it does not feel anything like going through the trouble of a specs downtown.

OESQ

Felt like the one on 18th was larger and def had bottles that Yale didnt.

I have not actually been in 18th, just saw the store front and thought it was one of those typical straight line stores. Anyhow, Saraj hangs out almost fulltime at Yale and he is the connection. But to your point, i have heard him talk about needing to go to 18th to pick stuff up for Yale. Either way, good guy.

Anyone else heard anything on the BTAC lottery at TW for grande reserve?

i believe it said February when I signed up but nada to date.

Still waiting. They say late February.

ah i see it now. Thanks Cactus

CharlieBrown17 said:

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MW03 said:

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Found a Booker's 2020-03 and an Eagle Rare on the shelf in Salado at MSRP. Little place called Vintage Spirits that was unassuming from the outside, but had a good selection and prices inside. Passed on a MWND for $215, though. Regretting that a little.

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Pretty sure that's well above secondary if you're hankering for one.

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Yep. You can get it for $150 - $160 on secondary markets