Being someone who suffers from PTSD and Depression, I can say you’re 100% correct. I listen to these to get through some dark thoughts, while enjoying a glass.

The best descriptions of the Van Winkle genre I've seen. I love Bourbon. I drank Scotch exclusively for 40 years until I moved to the South 13 years ago and got caught up in the history, legacy, romance and the uniquely American story of Bourbon. Several of my "Scotch Only" friends have also transitioned to Bourbon. As I educated myself on the various production methods of whiskeys, I quickly formed my opinion that, as a result of only using malted barley in its mash bill, scotch would have to rely on the barrels for flavor. Whereas Bourbon, on the other hand, has a variety of mash bills utilizing various grains which will impart unique flavors before the whiskey ever reaches the barrel. I've had the pleasure of touring a number of distilleries during my bourbon journey. I have to say that Wild Turkey and Buffalo Trace are my personal favorites. Thank you for what you do.

Randy. I’m blown away by your messaging at the end of the video. Thank you for for your intentional decision to be a force for good. I’m sincerely inspired to love on other people. Thank you.

Thanks so much Randy. This really helps the little guy like me who doesn't have the resources to get Pappy. You're a good man.

I want to thank you so much for all of the history that you bring to your talks. Unabashed,free of bias (pallet excluded) that you give to us for objective review and consideration. Your inclusiveness is second to none.

On the day of my wife's memorial service, a friend brought over a Pappy 23. It was fantastic, but thinking back you are right part of it may well have been the occasion, just a few of the bourbon drinkers my family gathered in my den. I live in a rural community, and it is difficult to get really special bourbon here, but I buy a bottle of bourbon once a week, trying a different brand each time, and of course saving the ones I love most for when family come by. 6 months ago I had the opportunity to be in Las Vegas, for a wedding, and found a bourbon bar there, I was determined to try some stuff I could not find at home. I did Wellers 12, and was done in with the flavor. then I got curious about how it compared with the Pappy I had a year earlier, so I splurged on a Pappy 15, I was a little disappointed, but ecstatic that I can sometimes get a Weller 12 here, or at the chain liquor store in a nearby town.

I don't know how you got through that last segment without crying, cause I didn't. I loved what the Buffalo Trace guy said in the "Neat" documentary. It was something to the effect that bourbon is about the people not the whiskey. I love how we can get into the science, economics, and down to micro levels but then zoom out and have perspective on what matters. Your knowledge of bourbon is amazing but it's the love that made me want to write a long ass response. I don't know you, but I love you too.

Randy, sorry for the delayed comment, but I just got caught up with all your videos for this year and am now going backwards because of the quality of your posts. This and the video on secondary markets and the pricing procedures was beyond excellent. Your knowledge, speech and succinctness is a welcome addition to the bourbon channels. Keep making these Op-Eds.

At a restaurant recently, I had, for the first time, the 12 year Van Winkle Special Reserve and I enjoyed smelling it almost more than drinking it. It was worth every penny. Since buying the whole bottle looks like it'd be north of $1k, I really appreciate these alternatives. Great video.

I hear you Randy! Love First. Hate is exhausting. I am happy I found this channel.

I’m glad you made the connection between the Van Winkle 12 and the ECSB and I completely agree. It is a very similar experience.

I like Willett Pot Still Reserve also a wheated Bourbon (recent 2021), I also like Wheler special Reserve and Makers Mark, I never tried Pappy Van Winkle to compare, I do like Russell Reserve both single barrel and the 10 year 90 proof, Nobb creek 9 is good, Woodford Reserve is good, I tend to like wheated Bourbon and low rye. I travel Texas to Cleveland Ohio, both ways 2 times a year and stop and tour many of the distilleries. I like Rebel [Yell] at Lux Row.

Maybe it’s the bourbon talking but your sign off hit me in the feels. Great episode!

I am new to the bourbon craze, and love hearing knowledge from people about bourbon. You seem to be one SOLID dude Randy. Thanks for the video!

Thank you for taking the time to educate and share your thoughts. I'm far from a bourbon expert, but I never get into the 'is it worth it?' discussion because it's so subjective and really depends on how much money you have and are willing to spend. If you really love it, but aren't willing to part with the money it's hard for me to say that it's not worth it. It's just that you either can't afford it or you value other things in life that spending that much money is prohibitive to you. I would just say that unless you can find a cheaper alternative and can't taste the difference between the two, then you should look elsewhere and save your money. But if that's not the case then it's one of a kind. I've never had the earlier versions of the 20 year Pappy but the more recent versions I was a bit underwhelmed. Kinda had a bitter taste to it. Love the 12-year Lot B. Thank you so much for the recommendations comparable to Lot B. I'll have to try them out.

Almost 52 years old, and I am a whisk(e)y/bourbon/rye neophyte, with nary a year under my belt. When others looked to craft during the lockdowns, I went with training in spirits😆. I became drawn to this SPECIFICALLY for the education, the history, the flavor exploration & to build opportunities to have shared experiences with others. I am in awe, sometimes, at the community that gathers for the love of this spirit. I look forward to growing, within this community, and I appreciate finding people, like you, to learn from. Here's to health, prosperity, and peace of mind for us all...🥃cheers!!!

Well said dude. I’m truly sorry for ur loss. it’s a pain and part of ur heart that can never be filled again bro.

This was a great video until the end … Then it got even better! Appreciate the message. I’m so sick of hearing people online say terrible things about people they don’t even know. I feel like the media wants to sew division. Not that anybody should care, but I used to be a Mormon. One of the things the church does right is a program called home teaching where you are assigned a random family to check in on periodically to make sure they’re doing OK. These are usually people you might not ever get to know otherwise. I got to know many wonderful people through that program and am deeply thankful for that experience. That taught me that if we just visited with folks periodically we would learn to love each other a bit more.

So I loved the content, shared it with some of my close friends. Then I got completely blindsided by your end message and got even more excited by your “purpose”. Great stuff man, I’m subscribed and recommending to a whole mess of others! Keep up the good work. Be the good.

Your sign off made me a subscriber. I have seen your videos and always enjoyed them. I am not super curious about Pappys but was curious about your thoughts on Pappy alternatives when this showed on my feed. Never tried Pappys but agree w your quality alternatives. That being said, your sign off hit my core. Lost someone I loved dearly to suicide when I was a teen, 40 YAGO. When you mentioned you want people to feel connected and loved you verbalized what I have felt and worked towards my whole life. You also are loved. I love you. Do good and good will return to you. Abundant good awaits you my friend. Appreciate you greatly. 😊

Hey Randy, just found your channel. Without going into a lot of detail, we have few things in common. I'm so glad I stuck around til the end. Best wishes!

ding ding ding ding ding!!! The point around 18:13 mark is solid regarding PVW. Thanks for giving the alternatives. Problem in my area is I think the Bourbon fans saw this video and scooped up the age alternatives.

Great video. I loved the Pappy analysis, but the absolute high point was the why you started the channel, well done. Peace unto you sir.

Great video, and great recommendations! The majority of the folks paying secondary prices for these Pappy bottles aren’t buying to consume. Just to have a trophy on their shelf. I had the opportunity to try the Pappy 15 and 20, and is nowhere near the price of secondary. Definitely a really nice experience, but not at the price point. You hit the mail on the head with the experience. You can enjoy any bottle when you’re with the right people that you love and care about. Cheers, and thanks for the video!

Great closing message. Sorry for your loss. Thank you for your content and your insight.

Good video. Really thoughtful. Analytical. Reasonable. Measured. And then you got to the last 2 mins and hit it out of the park. It’s worth remembering: this is about experience. Discovery. Enjoyment. And so much more so with others. Connect.

Last Old Fitz I saw was 1100$ here in the Dallas area. But I’m definitely with you on older bourbon. I’m finding that I enjoy a 10 or 12 year much more that a 15 or older. My very favorite rye has been the Whistle Pig 12 year. Nice video well put content.

I'm at the point where I'm just not chasing much. I've found so many good bottles are on the shelf that even those are hard to narrow down. If I run across something hard to find I might grab it, but man the shelves are stocked with such good stuff.

Here's a fun story. 4 or 5 years ago I raised a stink about a big liquor store price gouging on 12 year lot b. I got an eager liquor distributor to bring the hammer down on the store and end result was i became the benefactor of a free bottle of lot b that was purchased at the marked up price as sort of a sting. Was enjoyed by my wedding party before I tied the knot. The details of the story make it very memorable.

I remember seeing Pappy of some variety a long time ago. on a shelf. In the grocery store! Price was around $80 and I thought that was too expensive at the time. lol If only I had known.

First time visitor to your channel (from U.K.) loved this video, great history and recommendations, plus very important message at the end 👍🏻

Excellent Job Randy. Glad you mentioned Knob Creek. I love the 12 year but I think the 9 year single barrel reserve is even better. Some people get caught up in the fact it's made at the same place that makes Jim Beam

My first time tuning in to your podcasts. I admire your knowledge about Bourbon and the conversational style that you have to convey it. More impressive is who you are and why you do this. You are a good man and now I'm a fan.

Just found this channel. New sub, love the bourbon history. Sorry to hear about your loss.

This is my first time viewing one of your videos. Great topic. I get a lot of suggestions for bourbons to try from videos like yours. Thanks. So sorry to hear about your brother. What a great message and way to close your video. Be well.

Ooftah, 15:40 was a major bally maneuver there. Agreed however. The Makers Mark 101, yup.

I miss 2006 so much. I was caught off guard by the bourbon craze and never developed good bottle hunting instincts because I never had to. I'm like a tiger raised in captivity that gets released into the wild and starves to death. I do love me some Maker's 101, though. Happy to see Knob Creek mentioned at the end - I picked up a bottle of 12 today which made me happy and I've got some single barrel store picks that are basically unicorn tears in a bottle.

Your extensive knowledge is always appealing.

Randall, another great segment. In case you didn’t know, some of the early Pappy bottles (20 and 23) were Rye Mashbill! Like the “bat signal” 🥃

I found this video soo spell bound. Randy was so easy to listen to.

I still have a bottle of the original 107 style bottle and since i can get the red and green pretty easy i’ll keep that old one until such a time as i can’t get the newer ones.

Great video and info. Unfortunately, I never have been able to find or taste and Pappy or VanWinkle product in spite of having over 125 whisky's (Bourbon, Rye & Scotch). Fortunately, I have most of you alternatives. The only thing that I wanted to mention is that regular Old Fitzgerald if available and very cheap. I think you were referencing the more difficult versions to find. Just wanted to clarify. Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your family in the New Year. The same to all of you out there!

I'm a 60 dollar top man. My bud's evidently don't work good enough🤣🤣🤣 at the end you mentioned some AWESOME bottles

Thank you for your kindness! Very much appreciated

Thank you for taking me to school on the lore, construction, and similarities within bourbons that would be similar to VanWinkle products. Additionally, thanks to your channel for making videos about personal connection between themselves and others. Positive Stuff.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I hope this helps you heal as much as it might help others. Lot's of great information. I especially like the reminder that drinking bourbon is about the experience and although you didn't use these words, not about the price. All the best. I just hit the subscribe button.

I listened to one of your podcasts not too long ago and completely forgot to try to find you on KZfaq. When you went through the show philosophy it just really hit me in a good way. Sad to hear your story of why, but really love that you were able to turn it into something he would be proud of. Thank you! And thank you for the history lesson and alternatives to pappy!

First time watcher of your channel. Great message at the end of the show. Wish more people could be like that.

Just watched this video, my first of one of yours and I learned more about Bourbon in this one video than the the last 50 I watched. Since I am a fan of wheated Bourbons your opinion and your selections will be noted at looked for in my shopping. But your honesty and devotion to the memory of your brother and basic humanity pushed me over the edge made me a fan. The dogs at the end confirmed it. I’m a subscriber, a fan and will look forward to all of your videos. Thanks.

I work in a large liquor store and have never even seen a bottle. One of my coworkers and her husband managed to lay their hands on a bottle of Pappy and told me they wished they had sold it, to them it was disappointing. I myself am a lowbrow Knob Creek and Wild Turkey lover, only crazy people would pay the ridiculous prices allocated bourbon goes for now.

I just got into bourbon and I can say, unequivocally, you are the best!!! Yes, it is an experience. It is an AMERICAN experience which is truly spiritual!

So sorry to hear about your brother, tragic. You are correct, if someone is depressed I always tell them to find a hobby they love and connect with others who have the same interests.

Darn great show! Thanks again for simplifying the awesome experience that is bourbon.

Very informative. Although I quit drinking hard liquor years ago, I still apricate a quality small batch and what goes in it to make it so good. Thanks...

Just came across your channel. I really love your message. Sorry about your brother. I love you too and your deep knowledge. With I have a neighbor like you.

Great message at the end, Randy. Very informative watch too. Great way to start off a Sunday! Cheers.

I've tried all the Van Winkle and my favorite is the 10 and 15 yr. Also a big fan of E H Taylor small batch. More rye but smooth and drinkable.

Randy first time I saw this video. Great content and totally agree with you thoughts. I shared an Old VW 10 with friends and it was a great experience but have to say the W107 is just as good. Keep it up and really like your channel.

Another in depth review to get us all thinking. I really enjoy all of the alternative choices, it’s about the experience that makes the bottle something special. Love the new sign brother! SSW!

Sorry to hear about your brother. Your philosophy is awesome, you got yourself a new fan. Cheers!

Great information. I love Russell's 10. Unfortunately, it's becoming harder to find and more expensive in my area.

I agree that everybody has different tastes and there are a lot of available products that you can be happy with, you just have to find what you like.

I just started a collection of bourbons and just happen to love the Weller…I have zero experience in drinking I just like what I like

Thank you for you great review and rundown of some outstanding bourbons...I was very moved by you ending. G-d Bless you and your family. May your brother Rest in Peace

You are 100% right. The 20 and 23 are not very good. 15 used to be my favorite. Now 10 is. The 12 is also meh. I actually prefer weller 12 to pappy 12. But both are only ok. BTAC is better in every way.

That was a powerful send off. Thank you.

WOW first episode watched and now I’m a subscriber! Thank you for the quality information, i wondered about a lot of what you broke down in terms of pappy, the origin, and naming conventions. I’m happy to know i already have a bunch of your alternatives in the cabinet since i haven’t been able to taste any van winkle product yet. But i love your message, i appreciate the community and camaraderie of whiskey as well! And last but not least, my deepest condolences for your loss

Just found your channel. Loved the education about Pappy's and learning about the alternatives but the end of the video where you opened your soul to complete strangers and promoted community...dude, huge props and respect.

Great info Randy. Very informative. I appreciate all your research into whisky.

The first time I listen until the end and heard the story. In addition to the great content, the purpose for the channel now has me hooked. Love the love! #don’tstopkeepgoing

Glenmorangie is a scotch, but it does have a hint of orange. Glenmorangie Signet also has the orange flavor along with chocolate.

This was a fantastic episode brother! I'm new to the channel but I'm sold. Great message at the end. Thank you for the honesty and thoughtful insights. You've just picked up a fan for life. Cheers from Texas!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sorry to hear about your brother.

This video popped up on my feed and so glad it did. Great vid. Loved the history, alternative choices and ending messages. We need more love in the world. Cheers 🥃

Great conversation about alternatives to those unobtainable bottles. I am very found of how good the Maker's 101 is. I want to try the I.W. Harper 15 next, it is a Diageo product not Heaven Hill.

Great piece...really enjoyed your presentation! I can strongly relate on the loss of your brother as I have lost 2 close friends and fortunately recognized issues with my son and we've able to intervene. God bless...

Thank you

Just starting to learn about whiskey or whisky. Have a small bar and been wanting to change it into a great mini whisky bar in this area. Learning a lot. I want 4 roses small batch now. As least have a nice as mall good variety.

Good info. Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about your brother…prayers for all of your family.

New to all your videos but really respect your message at the end of your videos. God bless 🙏

Another great episode as always and how fitting to share your brothers story during suicide awareness month. Thanks Randy

Thanks for the info. I agree with all of your alternatives. I wish I could find more of them here in Ft Lauderdale, FL

Great great video, thank you!

Thanks for the insight

First time watching. Great education, recommendations and information. Thanks!

First time I’ve watched your show! I’m really glad I had! I’ve watched multiple other podcasts, yours is different. You named it right, “real talk”. I will be watching more and sending them to my friends/groups that are into bourbons. Love how you ended! ❤️

This was great! Loved your closing comments. Peace and blessings - and love - to you!

i really dig makers 101, and just topped a newly shipped makers barrel proof and it was amazing bordering on phenomenal.

Fantastic educational video. Thank you.

I agree with you. When you set down with a rare bottle with people you are close to celebrate something, probably in a few years from then you will only remember the good time you had and not so much about the whiskey you were drinking. I have never had the opportunity to have any form of Pappy but I was able to have some George T Stagg at a restaurant last year and do remember it to be very very good.

Great video, subscribed.

Hi Randy, this is the first time I come across your channel. Thank you for your message 🙏 it sparked some inspiration in me to pass the love around. Thank you.

very educational video!

Awesome message at the end, my friend. I’ve become a serious bourbon drinker in the past year and I’m always looking for something new to add to my bar. Some of the bourbons you mentioned and your final message are definitely in my collection.

For me..I was turned on to Kentucky Par on my honeymoon and that hits everything for me and stands in my cabinet dead center top shelf and has been shared with my dearest friends.

Great information.Enjoy your channel.

Peaked my interest with Makers being in my price range 🤔😏🥃. Great video by the way.

Just found your channel and subscribed. I’m located in east Texas and just really starting to get serious about bourbon. I appreciate your knowledge and especially loved your sign off - I feel like bringing folks together is my bourbon philosophy as well. Looking forward to watching a few more of your shows brother!

Thank you!

Great video, very sorry for the loss of your brother and very good take on trying to bring people together