I turned into a proof-hound in the recent past and have most of these bottles and find your assessment spot on. Interestingly, once I climbed the proof mountain I find that my sweet spot now is somewhere much lower. Somewhere in the 100 - 110 range. I think the main reason for this is that I get older the really hard stuff hurts my head more! Great review guys!

Guys, I am so grateful that you posted the bourbons I. The description and took the time toale chapters! You guys are doing great and the only whiskey-tube channel where I watch every video start to end.

Enjoyed this Budget Friendly cask strength review. MM Cask Strength has become a favorite and an excellent value. Bought my first bottle for $33 during Thanksgiving week 2022 in the Minneapolis area, didn't know it was so good, wish I bought a couple more. OGD 114 was still well under $30 early last fall here in Wisconsin, it's been discovered and prices are climbing.

I enjoy watching all of your content. But this is right on point for so much of the audience I think (and certainly me), who are not going to buy big money bottles but realistically can try these, and are wanting to progress in their whiskey journey with higher proofs. Excited for the scotch show as well. Thanks!

I really love this channel. The way u guys present this as something for everybody is awesome. Keep rocking from Naperville, IL

Once again .. a home run. definitely, looking forward to the budget scotch videos next . Bourbon folks are usually somewhat biased against scotch whisky. I Sincerely hope that Kurt tries to change that perception. Awesome guys . Keep it up.

Great content as usual guys! Keep up the great work.

Thank you for your great content! Got the Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut Unfiltered today, new for me, and love it! Had to pay $10 more at about $49 at SPEC'S (Total Wine didn't have it), but it is worth it! It actually doesn't drink like a high-proof whisky despite being alcohol-forward on the nose. Yet it is nicely balanced and has a butterscotch note towards the end and in nosing the glass after the drink. I am happy with the purchase!

You guys have been putting amazing content out on a regular basis. Keep up the good work guys. Love the vids

Great video, thanks guys! Budget and available bottles are the ones I like hearing about most. Cheers.

Off topic but, mad respect to you Kurt for running your drywall business. I hung for two years as a kid in California back in 1988 just before screw guns became the norm. We nailed it all off with an axe! Good times... Love your channel!!!

Absolutely agree 1792 out of those are my favorite. I have 6 store pick bottles only because when they shipped they sat on the shelf and I bought every single one. Best under rated bottle.

That Blue Note Juke Joint is amazing, got a local store pick recently and I was blown away. Great story on how these came to be and all as well. Seriously it’s a fantastic tasty pour!

Great list. I might add Knob Creek single barrel select at 120 proof, Bulleit Barrel Strength and Chattanooga Cask 111.

I’ve only had the Benchmark Full proof from this list, and at $23.49 in SoCal, it’s hard to beat at the price point. That said, I need to try all these. Great show as always guys; keep it up.

I never heard about letting a bottle breathe until I heard you guys talk about it. Its funny I am in the process of going back through bottles I didn't like at that time and retrying them to see if they have changed. The best example I have was my own Bourbon Madness Tournament. Wilderness Won and I had that bottle in my don't like pile for a long time.

Glad you put that Blue Note on there. I saw it the other day and was not sure if I should grab one. I love Jack Daniels BP which I am having now. One could argue “budget” is around $30-$35 for the Total wine DJ BPs as an idea. Well it is a 375 ml. Great content. I also really enjoy this content. Even good middle of the road non allocated options could be an idea.

Love the content, discussion and fellowship.

Great List..... I am glad your are giving the spot light to other bottles besides Rare Breed (we all already know is great!), and I am "shocked" that other people are "shocked" that is not on the list. Cheers!

Trenton, it was cool meeting you on my trip from Ohio to Chicago. Keep doing awesome stuff!

I missed the Blue Note on patreon, dang it! You are right about the Benchmark, great proof value and taste for the money. Cheers

thanks to slb i discovered benchmark full proof and became my go to every day pour

Another entertaining and useful presentation guys.

You guys inspired me to open my 1792 FP store pick. So good! It's actually my first 1792, need to explore some more.

Time Stamps: 01:17 - Benchmark Full Proof 04:32 - Blue Note 06:25 Makers Mark Cask Strength 08:56 - Still Austin Cask Strength 12:04 - 1792 Full Proof

Just picked up my first bottle of OGD 114 from total wine with their $10 off coupon ended up being $17.99, and I'm definitely enjoying it. It's the highest proof bourbon I have and the proof is not that noticeable. Great flavor.

Good video. New bottles to look for. Thanks

Awesome video

Man. I bought one of those Makers last Friday night and sipped on it ALL weekend. That has to be one of my top 7-10 bottles right now!!!!

My first cask strength was the Benchmark Full Proof, $19.99 at Woodman's, $22.99 at Binny's. Took a while to be able to appreciate it, but like you said, the longer the bottle has been opened, the mellower it seems to get. You talked me into trying the Makers Cask as my next bottle, like the base Makers and the 46. Thanks guys.

Solid list!! The Blue Note is fantastic!! Wish I could get it here in California, I have to have friends bring it home when they go there.

Thanks for the nod to the 1792. I just got a store pick recently and wow so good

Grabbed a 1792 full proof yesterday, first time I've saw one in my area so when I saw it overpriced to 75 at one store I went to one of my old spots that keeps things in check and scooped it up for 60. Can't wait to dip into it based on how it did in the bracket! My favorite is the bench mark, but I can't get it in WNY, usually will grab one when I'm on vacation somewhere. I also love the maker's based on availability, can grab that any day of the week and love it in Dr. Pepper!

Love blue note and 1792 Full Proof just picked up benchmark full proof very excited for that one!

best thing about Still Austin is its a "spirits direct" item at total wine and they always have coupons for those items. normally saving 10-15% cheers guys!

Makers mark is a go to for sure. Very cheap for what you get and can be found on any shelf.

I love 1792 Full Proof but it's really hard to find . I will try to find Blue Note. Thanks for the videos as the information provided is awesome!

All great picks! I have all except the Blue Note, and I think Trenton hit the nail on the head, if your looking for a BUDGET full proof/ cask strength the benchmark is the way to go, personally my favorite cask strength to date has been a Florida total wine barrel pick from Old Forester, when I tasted it, it reminded me of Stagg jr or a old rip vanwinke but I wouldn't consider it to be budget...

Great stuff as always. Big fan of 1792 would love to try some other offerings besides small batch

I really enjoy these “budget friendly” series. What about like a budget friendly BiB episode? I’d love to see that. I’m a big fan of the bonded stuff.

Well I nailed it on the last video, makers cask strength was definitely going to be on the list! It’s well deserved to be there.

Maker’s cask is a staple in our house! $40/bottle in MI and always available. Great picks❤

Still Austin Cask Strength is the only whiskey I have ever tasted the youth on, and liked it. It is such a unique flavor profile, where you can taste some youth, some pecan pie, and its not harsh at all. Do recommend. I gotta try and get me a 1792 full proof as well.

Another great video. And chapters!?!? Woohoo!!

I just had Wild Turkey Long Branch and 1792 Full Proof. They both breathed and been burped. Today 3 months since opening, i am blown away by the flavor profile. Purely awestrucked wow!

My guy just released a 1792 FP single barrel store pick. Outstanding stuff!!

Thanks for the video! I must say I wouldn't have expected Trenton to have the words "umami" and "ponzu" in his vocabulary....always surprising.

I like and buy every one of these bourbons. Pricing here in Texas is a bit lower on the Maker's ($36) a bit higher on the Blue Note ($50)...which I think is pushing it considering for $5 more I can have Jack Daniels Single Barrel - Barrel Proof. We do have the same pricing on the Benchmark. Barton high-end products are a little more rare here but my 1792 Full Proof store pick (Spec's) was only $43...an absolute bargain! Thanks as always...both of your comments are spot on, other than Trenton's obsession with "Pixi Stix..." 🙂 P.S. OGD is always on my shelf at $20!

We found the Still Austin to be different, but not bad. For me it had a black pepper, jalapeño pepper flavor, and then when it was long gone, there was a sweetness coating your mouth like you had just drank a coke. Definitely unique and so flavorful for 2 years. I have a feeling it would be amazing with a year or two more age on it. Cheers guys!!!

OG 114 is fantastic! Also Old Forester 1920 again another higher proof but not labeled barrel or cask strength but man good stuff! Great video guys!! Now I’m thirsty so see ya later!

That Blue Note Juke Joint is outstanding!!!!!

Having Benchmark Full Proof as I watch. It is fantastic for the price. I'd literally just said it's gpod, but it is no Juke Joint the moment yall put that up next lol.

I really like 1792. We got a store pick from Beehve Iiquors in southern Missouria nd it is exceptional. Also am enjoying Makers cask strength. Great info thanks!

MM Cask Strength is definitely in my top 5. I luv it.

Thank you gents....LOVED this, CHEERS! 🥃

Great video guys the only bottle Id add if it were my list would be Smoke Wagon Uncut the younger another 50 bottle. Great value and flavor. Usually is at around 115 to 117 proof

Glad to see our local Still Austin on the list (right down the street from us). It is super popular here in a crowded Tx whiskey market.

Great lineup fellas

Great video! Anyone who watched Wednesday’s video automatically knew it was a mishap and repeat. Thanks!!

Great 2nd video gentlemen!

Love the Still Austin Cask Strength. I think it is the best TX whiskey for sure.

Great review. I love the MM 46 CS, just so hard to find. I kind of thought that I wouldn’t like the regular MM CS, but I look forward to giving it a try. I’ve also passed on the Blue Note a few times but glad to see it here! Cheers!

As I've read from others, Rare Breed is fantastic! Here in Massachusetts, it can be found for $43. Love what you guys do keep it up!!

Thanks for the list guys!! I’ve really been enjoying the 1792 small batch, especially as it has been opening up a little, definitely gonna keep my eye open for a cask strength

YEEEESS. I called it before Kurt said it. Yes. Very good bourbon for the $$$. This is one of those bourbons that stands up to the rare ones that aren't available at that price point.

Another great video. OGD 114 is nice!

I have a 1792 Full Proof store pick, and I can't bring myself to open it because I don't have a backup bottle yet....Can't wait to get into it!

MM and Blue Note.... love ! Difficult to find Blue Note but I had ordered it from Seelbachs for $39.

I love the bottle of Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut Unfiltered that I bought from Seelbach’s. I was skeptical of Still Austin Cask Strength, due to it being a Texas whiskey, but it is fantastic. Just picked up a Binny’s Rebel Cask Strength store pick for $50. A very nice cask strength wheat bourbon. Great episode. 🥃

I just opened my first Bench Mark full proof. Fantastic flavor and proof. $25. Wow.

I'm a little surprised that you did not include Rare Breed in the mix. $49.99 in Ohio and hard to beat. I would like to try the Blue Note and Still Austin. And would love to find a 1792 full proof. Great video again!

I’m still new on my whiskey journey, and I’m beginning to understand that I may be blessed to live in western Tennessee. The more I listen to more knowledgable people talk, the more I hear about whiskies that are highly sought after and hard to find-then I go to the liquor store or to work and I’m drowning in those juices. Blue Note is the well whiskey at the bar I work at, and we stock everything they’ve ever made. We even did a tasting class with all their products when they were released (if you can get a bottle of the 9 year old, it’s good stuff)

Got some Benchmark Full Proof tonight on this recommendation. 20 dolla, no holla. I'd had the BiB for the same price, which was great. The Full Proof is pretty tasty, right out of the gate. The original Benmark, when I tried it 10 years ago, improved greatly after opening the bottle. Peak Maker's Mark for me is the cask strength. I've got enough

Great video for me, as I haven't gone the cask strengths yet. I love Still Austin Musician and will purchase this one. I hope that you can come around to our whiskies. We have some really good ones.

Not exactly budget, but the Elijah Craig BPs are probably the best value on the market. You get a 12+ year aged bourbon at cask strength (usually 130+ proof) for around $75. I’ve even gotten some great deals, like a bottle of the A123 for $60+ tax! Definitely something to always look out for.

One thing we do lack around here are cask strength/barrel strength bourbons, the only ones I have seen were two Old Forester Single Barrel store picks. Have seen several cask strength whisky's one of which you tried I believe (Alberta Premium Cask Strength) and several local distilleries have them available as well though we generally have to order those directly from the distillery unless a local private store has them on hand, often as store picks.

I have everything but the Still Austin and Benchmark, but I live in Texas, so Still Austin is on my short list. Of the 3 I have, I'd have to say 1792 (fantastic!!!), followed by Blue Note, then the Makers. All great though and all among my favorites. Looking forward to Still Austin! I also have the OGD 114 and find it to be very good, and at that price it's on my 'always have' list.

Have all of those except the Still Austin and couldn't agree more with your choices. 1792 FP is sooo good, and I have a couple that cost $49. The BN pick I have is a caramel bomb that could get you in trouble.

Very surprised that the Chattanooga 111 cask strength isn’t on the list. Best bang for the buck I’ve had I think.

I like Kurt more and more everyday smoked meats and bourbon great combination! And wild turkey is my favorite distillery also.

I love the Blue Note. Such a great bottle. I'm in middle Tennessee, so almost every store I go into has a pick! Whats kinda strange, is I've never seen it for under $50, and I'm in TN!

Ahh Trenton, Green River is outta Owensboro, Ky and br distilling is outta Memphis Tn, but yes I do agree it's hard to beat a blue note juke joint uncut unfiltered. We have 7 different picks and they are all different.

Can't wait for Monday 👏👏

Jack daniels single barrel barrel proof is a great buy for the money too! How about a rye episode? Sagamore cask strength is great!

Blue Note Uncut Unfiltered store probably my favorite whiskey period. It's an outstanding pour dollar for dollar

Got a bottle of Blue Note juke joint down in Florida. Great stuff! For the price or not, love it! Not available in Ohio.

I did an 8 bottle tasting last weekend and 1792 full proof came in number 2-3 for 3/4 ppl. The forth picked it as number 1. 1&2 was Jack Daniela single barrel barrel proof and ogd 114 for me

The makers mark is $160-$200 a bottle in Australia. The 1792 is $200-$400 if you can even get it. Where as I can get rare breed for $90 and bookers for $120

1792 Full Proof is very good. But their Single Barrel (about 100 proof) is much better overall star-to-finish. If you can get the 1792 12-year (about 96 proof), it is very smooth! As for Texas whiskies, we have got to get you some Rebecca Creek Double Barrel (finished in Spanish oak), that is heavenly at 122-124 proof at about $57 locally. As you enjoy Old Forester 1910 and Woodford Reserve Double Oak, you will enjoy the RC Double Barrel!

Old Hamer Distillers Select (only at the distillery) $40, 125 proof...Amazingly good. I put it nine a number of blinds and it either wins or comes in second. Pick it up if you see it. Westfork Whiskey Distillery in Indy and Westfield IN.

Great video picked up an Ezera Brooks Cast Strength that is a store pick... Not exactly a budget bottle but definitely a value bottle. After tasting it in the store I didn't ask the price. Would pay double for it.

Blue Note Juke Joint is becoming a favorite.

Your blue note barrel pick is one of my favorite bottles!! And i have upwards of 250 bottles!!

My main cask strength pick is based on consistancy bottle-to-bottle. Many are not consistant in this category for my palette. It is a few dollars more. I know it is said a lot, but bottle to bottle, I have never had a less than wonderful bottle of Rare Breed. I compare every cask i get to it including expensive ones. It is just so well blended. Suckle suckle after every finish...

Great video. Blue Node is not available in Illinois as of 1Jan but it is in Missouri.

I'm one of the Texans y'all mentioned, though surely a minor one. 🙂 I've not yet had the chance to try any Still Austin juice, but it seems to impress everyone. Thanks for the kind words about the Republic of Texas. 🤠⭐

Love the vids guys. Where did you get your glasses? (eyewear) 😅

OGD 114 $19.99 in Round Rock, TX. No better deal in my book.

Gotta say, I do not get the hype for 1792 Full Proof. I hunted down a bottle and have finished half of it. It still hasn't grown on me. Glad you enjoy it, but not for me! MM cask strength is great pick!

Smooth ambler old scout barrel proof store picks are really good.