Taste is inherently subjective... but by now we've learned to trust yours. More of these episodes on accessible, affordable liquors please!

Bottom shelf is in my price range so I am voting for that

please do one for rum! this is great ♥

This is exactly the type of content I'm looking for right now.

Your reviews are very helpful and we love your subtle charm

Yeah this was a really nice video

I like these also, theyre a great guide for "i need some bottles for a get together, and most of these are gonna be mixed, so quality aint a priority, but i dont wanna give em trash"

Yup I agree hard enough to say "I agree "

Yup I agree hard enough to say "I agree "

I kind of expect booze reviews to be calm. Now, if he starts reviewing crack and it's low energy? Unforgivable.

As someone who greatly enjoyed your "how to...." videos I have to ask, "how to whisk(e)y"?

Huh, wouldnt have expected to find you under a HTD vid xd

i dont know how many days its been since your last fall death sry i stopped counting and also probably missed a death or eighty

That was one expensive practical joke, slipping that Pappy in there! 😊

I've never gotten to try Pappy's but when I saw that come up I'm like I thought it must have been some cheap version they were making or something. I was totally confused for a while

Do you appreciate the _good_ stuff, or the _expensive_ stuff? Let that question mull about in your head, for a bit, because they're not mutually exclusive.

@@NaruSanavai Not entirely, no, and I suppose the question would be "what counts as expensive?" Most of my typical bottles(talking base spirits) range around $60-$70 for a 750mL bottle, and I find that when I venture much cheaper than that, the quality of what I'm drinking starts to noticeably suffer. There are exceptions, of course, but that's been my general experience. For the sake of comparison, a bottle of Smirnoff vodka(because it's available everywhere) runs about $30 in my area.

@@bradsimpson8724 very true and that is like $15-20 in my area. I think the most I ever played for a 750ml bottle was for J.R. Reverly cask strength, which is 115 proof, it was $70. But it tasted like pure caramel with a toasted peanut finish. I would mix it with cream soda for a delightful treat. like most things like Jack Daniels, Jim Bean and the like are in the $15-20 price range for me. But most of what I enjoy and use the most like Jameson, or Plymouth Gin are around $25-30 for 750ml.

@@bradsimpson8724 Jeez, I think there's loads of great bottles less than 60-70 each, ESPECIALLY in the world of rum, gin, and bourbon. With only a few exceptions, 60-70 is pretty much god tier level and the most I would spend before thoughts of diminishing returns creep in

@@nevadanate4957 Unfortunately, I think you're failing to comprehend what's being discussed here. I suggest you read the entire comment thread, then re-read your comment, and see how little it contributes to the discussion.

I hope he doesn’t get flagged for it. I loved that bit

I came here to comment on that… hoping I wouldn’t be the first. Y’all make me realize I am in the right place on the interwebs!

@@dougmoore6612 Heck yeah!

Timestamp?

@@jungleman3321 7:44

Technically he thought he was working with a

I don't think any of his descriptions are wrong either. That's a pretty accurate description of pappy to me.

He just doesn't like Pappy. He also rated it pretty low in the high end video. The consistency is good.

@@The_Jovian Yes that's my point.

@@andersonimes1892 But he did not react as negatively in the Pappy video when he knew that they were all "higher end" whiskeys.

I mean at 120 bucks i wouldnt call it absurdly overpriced

@@LeatherDaddy97 $120??? Where you gonna find Pappys at srp?? And do t even come at me with “well one time I won a lottery..” this routinely goes for $3000+ on secondary.

@@sn0wb00ts secondary isnt the price of the whiskey. A $20 microwave in a grocery store isnt an $800 microwave just because you bought it online for that.

@@LeatherDaddy97 difference there is I can actually go to the store and buy the microwave for $20. You can hardly go to a liquor store and buy the pappys for retail. You can stick your head in the sand and argue semantics all you want, but the reality is that hardly anyone gets to buy pappys at retail.

@@sn0wb00ts You're really not getting the point. Pappy's MSRP is $120. The manufacturer values their product at that price point. The price become artificially inflated on the secondary market due to rarity. It isn't worth $3000 just because that's what some people pay.

Spilling is Greg's signature bartender move, though!

tabletop gods need their share

This comment is criminally underrated…

Plus the Cabin Boy clip for Cabin Stills. So many wonderful little touches put in, good stuff.

Right? I heard that and just giggled!

@@EMSpdx Same. His references are out of control, everyone knows that.

Had the video on in the background and I wasn't watching, just listening and thought KZfaq was freaking out.

He's a big nerd and that's (part of) why we all love him so much. (I haven't watched dune yet so I was just confused, thanks for the comment lol)

It's because he was expecting cheap bath tub whiskey and was handed overpriced bath tub whiskey. Not being a snob, I appreciate them both.

Could also mean that Pappy is more hype then quality, that the nostalgic limited stock market ploy is stronger than the quality. I mean even wine “experts” when in a blind test with expensive and cheap options can’t perfectly distinguish. Find what you like and enjoy it, don’t let the hype guide you’re taste 😃

Yeah but they tricked him into thinking it was cheap triggering some type of placebo effect on his already tired palate

@@agecali7893 He gave his own rationale in the video of why he disliked Pappi's. He even believes that hype and reputation can have an affect on taste.

Don't be dramatic

I work in a liquor store and I've tried many of the highly sought after Buffalo Trace products (BT, Blanton, Pappy, Weller, etc). I can confirm they range from mediocre to bland and uninteresting (and all way overpriced). I will never tire of telling people it's ...okay-ish stuff, but not very good for the money. Their reactions are priceless. I would only ever buy a bottle of Pappy to trade for a case of something good.

@@gamesjunkie best whiskeys in your opinion?

@@1995pieter If we're just talking American whiskies, Old Forester makes fantastic bourbons. Best bourbon I've ever had was a store pick single barrel Old Forester. Their rye is great too. Also Henry McKenna 10yr Bonded Single Barrel is constantly fantastic. Overall best rye whiskies would go to Michters. Especially if you can get hold of their toasted or 10 year rye. Rittenhouse is a great all arounder if available in your state too. Or Dad's Hat green label if you really want a tasty, punch you in the mouth rye.

In no universe did I expect to see you here.

In fact not being a pappy man can save you quite a lot of money

It's 107 proof. Any whiskey that strong is gunna throw off a taster undiluted. If he was tasting a 90 or lower proof pappy I would put more stock in this result

@@sams_salad_service3653 his is also a drinking channel, you know

Save a lot of money by not being so

I had this same thought, because I almost certainly DON’T want my bottom-shelf whisky to be doing anything wildly unique or different. In that context, a curve ball would immediately make me question the quality of the whisky

That’s how scotch and Irish are for me. When I first started drinking them, it was fun because they were different and tasty in their own ways. Eventually I realized I was tired of fun and different and just wanted something that agreed with my preference. That’s when I went back to rye and bourbon. Now the few times per year that I crack open scotch or Irish, I actually appreciate them more.

For sure, let alone the impact of a vertical comparison, inebriation, etc. One of my Laga DE's is both one of the best and worst scotches I've ever had depending on what my palate is doing that day.

It can be like looking at a Picasso without knowing who he is and what he is trying to achieve. His bold risks or intentional style can be lost if you don’t know what they are going for. The opposite can be true as well.

@@BlkHunterGatherer This is how I feel about single malt so far. They're all different and interesting to try but I have yet to find one that hits right every time. I honestly prefer blended for this reason lol

That's because truffles don't actually have much taste. The mushroom itself is almost entirely aromatic, which is why it lends itself to a good oil and not a good raw ingredient. It's shaved thin over hot fatty foods because that bit of heat is all it takes for the aromatic element to hit your nose, especially when thin. And then whatever is left is given to the fat. And since it's an aromatic, it loses all value a day or three after being unearthed. Its expense is from mystique and difficulty of production.

@@veraducks well, it really depends on which truffle you try. I'm extremely lucky since I live near a tuscanian (? Not sure it's the right adjective) town where cheap ass white truffles are searched in march ("bianchetto" truffle). I love the flavour and it surely need something fatty to trap and bring flavor (e than chewbosky vid about salads actually explains how this helps in general), but grated last minute while emulsifying some butter (& parm) tagliolini it's a 5-10€ per person pleasure that is surely worth once a year. (in general, however, not liking truffle is kinda lucky, like I save a lot on wine and I'm glad of that)

Truffle, I find, is one of those things that gets abused. A little must be good, so a lot must be better, right? The judicious application of truffles is great, but too much ruins things. And I can't afford to even dream about buying Pappy; that breaks my liquor budget just thinking about it.

Bless, I thoroughly did not enjoy them at my friend's wedding and they lingered in my mouth until the next day

@@theworldisastage1984 made by perfume companies often (the truffle component)

Congrats on your (somewhat) recent deconversion! Hope you're doing well and enjoying your new found freedom

@@kevinwells9751 Thank you! We're having a blast. Leaving was the best decision of my life. :)

Same! It’s been so fun to ease my way into alcohol as a 29 year old. 😅

Always scared to bring some paint thinner like popov vodka or something. But hey. Sometimes the jungle juice needs that cheap kick

@@MrMustang1116 Sometimes you just need a New Amsterdam martini

@@lucasfranco6345 beats a popov Martini that's for sure.

Especially family

Especially family

Isn't that just vodka lol?

@@flopus7 lol wut

The charcoal is supposed to make it not taste like acetone, right?

@@MuriKakari uhmmmm, not really?

@@cronoz-sensei4259 Okay, that's just the claim I heard.

Also Bourbon is (one of?) the most regulated spirits. So the minimum Quality is already solid and there's no cutting corners or mixing in other stuff. Jim Beam is boring as hell, but it's still a 4+ years aged Straight Bourbon without any additives. Compare that to blended colored Scotch, sugared and flavored Rums, Mixto Tequilas, Canadian Whiskies ...

Can confirm this opinion. Like I love Turkey 101, and I've got friends that look at me like I've got 3 heads because I do lol. I've always thought it to be pretty bang solid stuff for not too much money

​@pntballfreek that's my go to bourbon. I do try to try 1-2 unknowns to myself between bottles of 101, never know what I may take a liking to

Seems so simple when the ego is put aside.

Imagine being proud of being in the Whiskey Tribe

Came here to comment on that 🤣😂 my mouth is ready to find 🥜

It's actually not. It's just that it's become so over hyped and everything else along with alot better options now. That It's nothing special anymore other then it's made a name.

Connor McGregor agrees.

Eh I would drink pappy over Jim bean any day, personally but I usually just settle for some Woodford reserve.

@@nickk5948 Same. Tried them both at a whiskey festival I checked out maybe 13 years ago and they both hold a warm spot in my whiskey soaked heart.

You have surely mistaken. Greg clearly says many times in this episode that he was drinking McKenna Henry, and not Henry McKenna as you have suggested in your comment. 😂

Maybe I'll avoid it then, because Maker's Mark is rough. There's a strong note right in the middle of its evolution that reminds me of expired candy.

This is one I have passed on BECAUSE the price was so low. Maybe worth a reconsider.

This is one I have passed on BECAUSE the price was so low. Maybe worth a reconsider.

It probably shouldn't have "natural flavours" added either but distillers will do distillery things to sell more bottles...

@@Fastwinstondoom that was suspect! I didn’t think they could put bourbon on the bottle if it has stuff added

Correct, bourbon is heavily regulated in the US. If you buy in the US and it says straight bourbon with no age statement it’ll probably be at least palatable

@@Fastwinstondoom bourbon cant have natural flavors added either

@@LeatherDaddy97 Better send a strongly worded letter to the people who make Cabin Still then.

Have you tried it blind? I had a friend who swore up and down that he hated Pappy (mostly due to the hype) who unknowingly put it in first place and said he loved it in our most recent blind tasting. Preconceived notions are a hell of a drug

@@jamesn5625 I've been lucky enough to try it twice. First time I knew what it was, and enjoyed it. Second time blind, didn't enjoy it nearly as much. I'm not saying Pappy is bad, that would be asinine. I'm just in line with Greg's thinking that your brain can translates $$$ into enjoyment. Or again, my palette sucks.

@@Cormier66 Your palette doesn't suck; it's just your palette. Taste is subjective, and there is no standard on it (other than societal admonishments or praise; more or less, peer pressure). Also, without the "peasantry", we wouldn't have what's regarded as some of the best tasting/most-eaten foods in the world. See, you're still comitting to that preconceived notion that higher price=good, low cost=bad, and that's just not true, generally; you have to take it case by case and judge it on its merit, to you, as an individual.

Canadian mist and old crow.......bro, you got me hunting for a trashcan and a toilet. Having flashbacks to about 10 years ago lol

I am not a whiskey man myself but after watching this I want to try McKenna and Mellow Corn for sure. At 20 bucks a pop it's worth the risk. Also small correction: it's 'piqued' (don't hurt me 🙈)

@@therexbellator lol thanks man

I actually found mellow corn today.

@@pntballfreek same exact thought bro just replace mist with Canadian hunter

I recently became a big fan of larceny. It’s priced very reasonable too.

I hung around people that wouldn't give it a chance because it had a plastic cap. People just love to let their judgements ruin their potential experiences. Personally, I'm not a Mellow Corn fan, but I do like Evan Williams BIB (another plastic cap hero).

If you like mellow Corn try some of the Sierra Norte Mexican corn whisky. It's really good

The bottled in bond is higher proof but has less age than the black. IMO, the black is the better whiskey on its own but the BIB will stand up better in highballs and whatnot.

@@cptjeff1 I didn’t know that bib was less aged. I know it’s at least 4 years, and I like the extra proof. honestly even their single barrel is a great value.

Meh, I feel like there's a quality drop in that price range. Most of the best bourbons are below 30, and often the so called craft whiskeys are too young and too overpriced to really qualify as good.

@@singincowboy Somewhat. My two favorite whiskeys fall into that range. Makers 46 and Willet Pot. Basically more taste and less diluted feeling, but you don’t pay for cask strength.

Weird... I drink EW often and I don't get sweet nor peanuts. Maybe my pallet is worse than Greg's.

@@brandongastelum9005 Is it black label or Bottled in Bond (white label)?

@@cade5400 I drink them both off and on and detect very subtle differences in them. I just don't taste either of those notes.

@@brandongastelum9005 Yeah, taste is weird 🤷🏻‍♂️ I doubt your palate is any worse than Greg’s, just different

@@cade5400 I got home and took a sip. Now I definitely pick up that peanut brittle taste you mentioned. I can't believe I never tasted that before!

Their top ends, like Elijiah Craig Barrel Proof are pretty stellar too. I am a fan, speaking generally of HH.

Luxco just bought a distillery, so Ezra probably will change in a few years, but it's likely to be Heaven Hill juice still at this point. If that is the case, every drop he tried except for the Pappy(and possibly that one too if he's right about his pappy being fake) was distilled by Heaven Hill. They just own the bottom shelf.

Good find!

Hard to beat EW. I can get the BIB for $14

Old Forester 86 is my go to mixer

Oh Larceny is some tasty stuff

I really wanted to like Evan Williams but something about the flavor really puts me off. If it's a cherry note then I think I don't like cherry notes in bourbon. Not sure. I'm more into Old Grand-Dad and Earlytimes.

Jamison, crown royal, and jack Daniels all are pretty solid base line whisky's. However each one of them will have a different taste to them. But for mixers I would suggest finding an inexpensive option you like for yourself. And an old fashioned is supposed to highlight the whisky not overpower it. So using a more top shelf whisky should be fine if the instant packs taste fine. But use a lesser bottles first and then try the fancier stuff. To see if you actually like them. That Evan Williams BnB he used in this video isn't that bad for something like that. It's cheap like dirt cheap and is pretty neutral imo. Perfect for simple mixed drinks. As I like Jamison sours, I subbed the EW BnB for the Jamison I could tell there was a slight off taste but nothing crazy that made it feel like it was something else.

The 86 and 100 are both money for ~22 and ~25 respectively. 1920 of course as well but that's ~$60

@@claytonbigsby69 absolutely, and the 1910 is fantastic as well in that 50-60 tier. Their rye is super reasonable too, like about 35 iirc? Nice and floral stuff. I think I remember Greg liking that one in the Manhattan matrix video?

I literally started to think is this a Mandela Effect thing

All great, but also over my arbitrary $20

Cheapest one of those whereas I live is 41 dollars

I’d personally call Buffalo Trace a mid-tier

@@ozymandias3456 ive never seen any of them over 26

@@timcox5373 its definitely a budget bottle

EW is pretty solid, all 'round. But, most of Heaven Hills stuff seems to be. Not the """"best"""" or most interesting, but certainly _consistent._

@@NaruSanavai Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has got to be one of my favorite bottles. Heaven Hill definitely puts out some good bourbon.

Yk he is just so unbiased tho he likes what he likes, and he gives an honest opinion. id love to see him dive deeper and find his favorite

I dunno, I've had Pappy, and I'm thinking his secondary market Pappy is adulterated or straight up counterfeit.

It's like wines you can have a preference for wines of varied price range and it all be valid and try expensive ones that make you wish it were polite to visibly gag. It's in how you interpret the flavour as much as it's purported value.

If you like it drink it lol