What are some of your favorite bourbons?

Since the subject of bourbon came up, what are some of your favorites?

When I'm not drinking beer, bourbon is my alcoholic beverage of choice. I have several favorites.

At home I always have a bottle of Benchmark (for bourbon and Coke) and Ancient Ancient Age Ten Year Old (on the rocks).

For sipping bourbons, I like Baker's, Eagle Rare, Old Pogue, and the Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year.

Once a year, around the holidays, I'll treat myself to a more expensive bottle, such as George T. Stagg from the Buffalo Trace Limited Series or the amazing Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year.

When I'm at a bar I usually ask for Maker's, the old standby. It's great in a Manhattan or a Grand Manhattan (Grand Marnier instead of sweet vermouth).

I'd be interested in hearing some recommendations from others.

Not a hugh bourbon drinker myself but my brother is . One of his favorites is Wathens.

For making in Manhattan it's gotta be Makers Mark! For sipping Pappy Van Winkle is what I prefer but I've been known to experiment with almost any small batch bourbon.

For sipping: Bulleit Bourbon

One of my favorites this past year has been the Vintage 17 Year old from Kentucky Bourbon Distiller's out of Bardstown. A tremendous bourbon. The Wall Street Journal did a nice write up about them last year, and rated it the 2nd best bourbon under $50, right behind the Van Winkle 15 year.

Bulleit is fantastic on the rocks...also I've been really into the Ezra Brooks 12 year single barrel lately. In terms of Van winkle products, I prefer the 12 yr or the 13 yr rye...and it's hard to argue with the amazing Blanton's. I generally drink my bourbon on the rocks, but if I do get a manhattan it's Old Forrester all the way...

I keep it simple at home..Old Forester of mixed drinks...Eagle Rare for sipping. I enjoy others too.. but those are my stand-bys.

One of my favorites this past year has been the Vintage 17 Year old from Kentucky Bourbon Distiller's out of Bardstown. A tremendous bourbon. The Wall Street Journal did a nice write up about them last year, and rated it the 2nd best bourbon under $50, right behind the Van Winkle 15 year.

I've been meaning to try the Vintage 17 Year, especially since Pappy Van Winkle is currently hard to come by, retail-wise.

We only drink Bourbon on the rocks. Having worked in the (bourbon) industry for 4+ years, we've tasted just about everything and even some not commercially available (23 year old Evan Williams sold in Japan, anyone?).

Evan Williams Single Barrel 10 year old is my favorite- with a very smooth w/a vanilla and caramel profile, and very well priced compared to the other super premiums. Also Pappy Van Winkle 12 and Booker's. If a restaurant doesn't carry Evan Williams Single Barrel, I'll usually pitch hit with Woodford.

Deb

Pappy's - 23 year old.

I prefer wheated Bourbon.
Makers has a special place in my memories and heart. My father and I sold lots of piping on initial Loretto construction, maintenance and expansion. My EKU roommate and I were treated to a private tour of the distillery and "quart house" by Sam Cecil in late 60's.........tasting all the way through made for quite a day.
While I mostly enjoy Bourbon on the rocks with a splash of water, I still have a Makers & Coke every now & then.....that combo can bring back waves of pleasant nostalgia for those days.

I go the the bourbon festival every year and try to sample as many different bourbons as possible (and still remain standing). Last year I was really struck with Woodford; I thought it was far superior to some of the other bourbons I tried. Granted, though, I'm not a connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination.
When I was younger I really enjoyed knocking back Jim Beam, but in recent years Beam seems to have a distinct perfume taste that really turns me off. I guess my taste buds have changed as I've gotten older.

"(23 year old Evan Williams sold in Japan, anyone?)."
EW is not alone in selling some of their oldest barrels to Japan.

Kentucky Bourbon Distillers produce some nice stuff.

For my pedestrian bourbon Evan Williams is a great deal at 7 years.
For my steppin up to the plate bourbon I go with either Elijah Craig 18, Van Winkles 12 yr Lot B...

Woodford and Buffalo Trace

Makers Mark my old stand-by. And I newly discovered one for me is Four Roses Single Barrel