So, I switched it to Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, a very widely distributed bourbon from Heaven Hill. The original nomination was Weller Antique, which is widely available in some markets and sparse in others. Could this be its year? Evan Williams Bottled in Bond. Proof: 100. So, we switched Eagle Rare to its sister brand, Buffalo Trace, which always warms up my palate in the winter. While Eagle Rare made it through the nomination stage, when it come to buy at the retailer, Westport Whiskey & Wine did not have it. Russell’s Reserve has been hitting my sweet spot of late, and many, including myself, thought this would definitely be in the running. Russell’s Reserve 10 year old small batch. Proof: 90. Once again, this wonderful bourbon was in the running to win it all. Price Range: $23 to $28.Įarly Times had already won a blind tasting with me previously, having captured gold in the Bourbon Pursuit blind BIB Showdown. Brown-Forman Early Times Bottled-in-Bond. Proof: 100. I didn’t find this note, however, and it failed to impress in the field.Įarly Times Bottled-in-Bond was a contender for Best Everyday Bourbon. I have always found a peanut butter note in this bourbon, and that can be incredibly enticing during a blind tasting. But I worried its subtleties could get lost in a deep field, which this was. Price Range: $24 to $30.Įlijah Craig Small Batch is layered in vanilla and often so soft on the palate. Old Forester packs a banana note that I thought could dominate the competition if I happened to be in a banana mood. This is another nutmeg-forward bourbon I thought could standout in blind competition.

Going in, I didn’t give this much of a chance for my palate. I had always found an over-oaked note here. In my past blind tastings, Old Grand-Dad did not fare well. Beam-Suntory Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond. Proof: 100. Old Grand-Dad was a contender for Best Everyday Bourbon.

Fred minnick best bourbon 2019