Posted: 2/7/2024 1:17:05 AM EDT
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Just getting into bourbons. Tonight I tried Rebel which had a really nice wheat smell to it and I really enjoyed the flavor. Tried Wild Turkey 101 and it was less flavorful with a notable heat on the tail end from that extra proof. In other threads people suggested Four Roses but not the bottom tier. The reviews for these two when comparing are all over the place. Seems like the slight edge goes to the Small Batch with claims of more flavor even though the single barrel is aged longer. What's your preference between these two?? Thanks! |
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Quoted: I actually like the bottom tier Roses, the other ones you can’t go wrong IMO. I’m a single malt snob with scotch FWIW. Same here with the bottom tier Roses. It’s great on the rocks and as a mixer. Buddy’s sister is a rep for them. Tried the small batch, it was really nice. |
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I dont like the small batch or the small batch select. The latter tastes chemically to me. The single barrel is one of my favourites of bourbons that are typically available. But 44 dollars is steep for drinking as fast as I used to drink. If you dont have a problem with moderation its gtg. |
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Single barrel is a single barrel...meaning it's going to be a little different every time. Some of the best bourbon I've ever had was a four roses honey barrel....some of nastiest paint thinner grade was a 4R single barrel. Small batch is consistent. Find some kickin chicken Russell's reserve, that's worth a try. |
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Quoted: Small batch. It was very harsh. Have you tried more than one bottle? Only ask because, while I have no experience with the brand, like 90%+ of the responses are saying Small Batch is gtg. But I realize bourbon is pretty subjective so one man's swill is another's treasure. Thanks |
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Small Batch. Single barrel can be hit or miss, more likely hits honestly but unless you're interested in uncovering the different profiles stick with the small batch. If you're just starting your bourbon journey try a makers mark cask strength, really great for a reasonable price. |
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Quoted: Small Batch. Single barrel can be hit or miss, more likely hits honestly but unless you're interested in uncovering the different profiles stick with the small batch. If you're just starting your bourbon journey try a makers mark cask strength, really great for a reasonable price. Appreciate that. I've been waiting until they go on sale to save a few bucks. So the next time it's on sale I'll snag a bottle. There's no real following for most of them, so no need to worry about who has the inside scoop and then wait outside the store with the other people that can afford to do so. Thanks |
| I've had two different bottles of single barrel. One was awesome, the other was meh. And, they were the same mash bill. They change the mash bill on single barrel every so often, so if you find one you like, buy a couple. The bottle of small batch I had was pretty good, better than the meh bottle of single barrel. |
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Quoted: Just getting into bourbons. Tonight I tried Rebel which had a really nice wheat smell to it and I really enjoyed the flavor. Tried Wild Turkey 101 and it was less flavorful with a notable heat on the tail end from that extra proof. In other threads people suggested Four Roses but not the bottom tier. The reviews for these two when comparing are all over the place. Seems like the slight edge goes to the Small Batch with claims of more flavor even though the single barrel is aged longer. What's your preference between these two?? Thanks! |
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Quoted: This! Although if you can find a single barrel barrel strength it's worth the ~$100 price tag. I just received a case of the pick that I did at the distillery 3 months ago. Hot goddamn fire. 9 year, tier 6, 125pf They're $100 now? I remember paying $60....but that was a while ago. |
Truth be told I don't have a super refined palate and probably couldnt tell the difference between them. All I know is they are super fucking smooth and taste amazing. They were my go to semi nice bourbons when I was into bourbons a few years ago. I always recommend both. 
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Quoted: Just getting into bourbons. Tonight I tried Rebel which had a really nice wheat smell to it and I really enjoyed the flavor. Tried Wild Turkey 101 and it was less flavorful with a notable heat on the tail end from that extra proof. In other threads people suggested Four Roses but not the bottom tier. The reviews for these two when comparing are all over the place. Seems like the slight edge goes to the Small Batch with claims of more flavor even though the single barrel is aged longer. What's your preference between these two?? Thanks! Small Batch Select if you can find it. Should be around $50. It's better than the two you've mentioned. Now if you can find a Single Barrel, Barrel Strength those are fantastic. There will be different recipes like OESV or OBSV those are amazing but very "Hot".  Edit: another great one I like that is available and doesn't break the bank is Old Forester. Their Single Barrels are fantastic and I really like their 1920 but mostly because it's a higher proof than the others. |
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The problem with single barrel bourbons is the lack of consistency. You'll get some that are awesome and some that suck. Small batch should be pretty consistent. They mix barrels to get a certain flavor profile. Tip: when you get a single barrel, open it quick and try it. If it's good, go back and grab another bottle or two from the same barrel if you can. |
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Quoted: The problem with single barrel bourbons is the lack of consistency. You'll get some that are awesome and some that suck. Small batch should be pretty consistent. They mix barrels to get a certain flavor profile. Tip: when you get a single barrel, open it quick and try it. If it's good, go back and grab another bottle or two from the same barrel if you can. Downright logical 
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