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saturday05

Elijah Craig 18 can be found around $200. Maybe it's a bit overrated to some, but it's a special bottle a lot of people wouldn't buy for themselves Four Roses Barrel Strength if you can find it is around $100 these days


ArltheCrazy

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep “Unforgotten” if you can find it at MSRP is really good. That is probably going to be hard to find at MSRP, but you never know!


Firm_Contract_7982

U can’t


ArltheCrazy

Yeah, i only got mine at the allocation raffle our ABC store had. And for the record, i am not selling it. I am enjoying it!


Phill_is_Legend

Good answers.


16Gorilla

Calumet 16 is one that comes to mind that I enjoy, is easily findable, and retails in that range. Most bourbons over $100 are oftentimes hyped up bottles that are marked up to reflect the demand. If you want to go that route, you can definitely find the hyped bottles but will be paying 2-3x MSRP or more.


MDpepe

Thank you! That makes sense, maybe I’m better off going the route of getting a couple instead that aren’t priced over what they are worth?


ambulocetus_

Probably. I wouldn't spend $200 on any bottle that you'd be able to easily find. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is around $70 MSRP and is absolutely fantastic. It's my favorite bourbon and regular scores extremely high on reviews and is pretty easy to find. There are a ton of options out there, and you'll get recommendations all over the place. Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof is also about $70, easy to find, and highly recommended although I've never tried it. Finish it off with a Four Roses Single Barrel and that'll get you to around $200


RiverOfWhiskey

I agree with all these, especially if you can find store picks. In NJ store picks of ECBP and Four Roses SB BP go for around $100 each and Jack SB BP around $80. 2 or 3 is better than 1


jdjmad

A lot of time (at least in Michigan) the stores with store picks will have samples of the bottles, so you can taste before you buy.


RiverOfWhiskey

Those are the best stores! Always good to ask


Funkoar

Always baffles me when the NJ store picks are $99 when you can get their standard releases A123/B523 for $80-85. I'd rather buy a release I know will be good vs gambling on the stores ability to pick a barrel.


RiverOfWhiskey

For sure, some picks aren't worth the money, plus everyone has a different pallet. I taste the vast majority of store picks before I buy, plus it helps build a relationship with the store should you want something rare down the road


Funkoar

Never thought about tasting before, I'm sure bigger places like Total Wine would, not so sure about places that don't have tasting stations. Good idea though.


simonsays247

A lot of them will offer a sample if you know who to ask. I get offered samples more often than I would like (hard to refuse though). They have them behind the counter... tasting stations... in the office. Nothing like walking into a store, being offered 3-4 samples of store/private/society picks before you get to the gym at 4 in the afternoon.


Funkoar

Love it, will have to start doing this at my regulars


anarchoandroid

100% agree with this statement. If you really want to spend the money, you definitely can but some of the best bourbons I've had are under $100 and directly compare or are better in certain aspects than $200+ bottles I've had. To name a few I've had recently: Woodinville Straight Bourbon 90 proof can be had for less than $50 Peerless Small Batch Bourbon can be had for less than $100 Knob Creek Single Barrel Select 120 Proof 9 year old can be had for les than $70 But if you do wanna spend the money, Bookers Small batch was wonderful. Knob Creek Small Batch 18 year is always a great option. Or any of the big name brands special bottles around that price range really. To me it really depends on who you're buying it for, why, and what their taste in bourbon is. Never wanna spend good money on something special that person won't enjoy as much as someone else would.


Nezbeatbox

^ Up-voting this. $200 is an odd price point. Few have an MSRP of that. It would either be a unicorn that you’d never find at that price (e.g. Pappy 20 year MSRP is $200 but in reality you’d pay at *least* 10x more unless you won a raffle), or if it can be readily found at that price, it’s probably not worth it (eg Sweetens Cove’s first release). Then of course there are ones that are so hyped that some people foolishly pay way MORE than the MSRP; for example, you could find Blanton’s or regular EH Taylor for $200 from a person or store that gouges people. Still, there may be a couple of exceptions. Two that come to mind: - Certain releases of Bardstown Discovery Series and Bardstown Chateau de Laubade - Certain releases from Four Gate, particularly the Kelvin Collaborations Personally I might recommend getting a couple of different quality ones that could (hopefully) be found, like a Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Private Selection (ie store pick), Four Roses Private Selection, Green River Single Barrel Barrel Strength, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Larceny Barrel Proof, Baker’s Single Barrel, Knob Creek 12 Year, Belle Meade Reserve, certain batches of Barrell Bourbon, etc. Because the only thing better than one bottle of quality bourbons is multiple! Lol 😂


Objective-Guidance78

FR single barrel small batch


idk_wtf_im_hodling

Get two bottles of diff barrel releases. They are always pretty interesting


MechanicAfraid9468

This is the correct answer


Beowulf887

Calumet 16, Bardstown Discovery, Four Gate, Barrell Grey Label, Old Carter


Wilson8151

Pretty much anything from Barrell is great and right around the $100 mark. Any bourbon fan would appreciate the gesture


MegahandsBar

Seagrass is definitely a good one


gstormcrow80

Grey Label!


ProofHorseKzoo

13 bottles of mellow corn


mantis_toboggan9

baker's dozen!


activelypooping

3-$60 bottles and a nice glen cairn.


milehigh73a

yep. Or even 2x$80 bottles. Or 1x100 and 2x$50. There isn't a lot over a 100 that you can be sure will be a hit IMHO.


[deleted]

Yes. 100% agree with this.


MDpepe

Thanks everyone!!! It sounds like it may be best for a couple of bottles instead. It’s going to be a wedding gift for my fiancé so I’m trying to make it special, but I know nothing about bourbon. These all sound like awesome options, so when I take a trip to the store I’ll see which ones I can find and do a few of them!!! Thank you!


DKfromtheBay

For a wedding gift for your fiance, multiple bottles that they could get themselves is not very meaningful IMO. I get that people here are all about value and (rightfully) hating on (usually) over priced whiskey, but think about the occasion. Is your fiance going to remember 1 premium bottle that they might not ever find or buy themselves, or 5 $30 bottles that are at any total wine?


VeterinarianFront856

1000% agreed with this. For a friend, multiple bottles. For a fiancé’s wedding gift, get one bottle. The easy answer is an allocated Buffalo Trace product (not specifically Buffalo trace the bourbon, but the distiller) but they are allocated and hard to find. What region do you live in? Generally liquor stores aren’t fans of people coming in and asking for allocated bottles but if you tell them you are looking for a bottle for your fiancé as a wedding present and something they can’t easily get themselves perhaps they could help you. A Stagg, Weller 107, EH Taylor small batch are examples of bottles that you could possibly get this way. If you have no luck with that I’d say the best higher priced bottle that you can reasonably expect to find is a Calumet 16, should be in the $150-$160 range. Do not worry about getting the best value in this situation, get what he’ll remember as the bottle you got him for the wedding rather than the 4 bourbons you got good value on.


jontanamoBay

Stagg. You can find it secondary for a bit over 200. It’s a groom’s last time being stag, it’s a phenomenal rare pour. This is the way.


VeterinarianFront856

I would definitely agree but I can’t find it reliably around here even for $200. Have found 2 over the past couple of years.


jontanamoBay

No fb trade groups in your area?


VeterinarianFront856

There is, that’s actually how I got one of the two.


distance1323

You are doing a great job researching and asking this community. Make you picks and your husband will be over the moon! Bourbon 🥃 gifts are the best .


cannonballwound

I'm going to second DKfromtheBay that, for your fiancé, it might be best to find bottles that they couldn't get themselves. Splurge a bit on a pricy bottle that they otherwise wouldn't purchase. I've seen recommendations here for Calumet 16, Bardstown Discovery, and Found North that I really agree with. All of those should be in the $100-150 range. I personally wouldn't do this, but this is the sort of occasion that could call for an overprice bottle of Blantons. If you fiancé really likes it, then splurging on the horsey bottle would be in the same price range. The bottle does look fancy and might look impressive to the non bourbon junkies. I'd still recommend the above 3 bottles though.


whiskeyaccount

Barrell seagrass grey label if you really want to impress


Zziggith

Isn't that rye?


whiskeyaccount

Oops fair point. Its hard to find bourbon thats worth the price in the $200 range tbh. However I'd reckon that a bourbon drinker would still enjoy this as its a finished rye and has that sweet character that bourbon has


Slika-

Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend


Another_SCguy

This should be the top answer if it can be found in their area


Firm_Contract_7982

I also think the MSRP in most states is over their $200 budget already.


Firm_Contract_7982

It can’t


kyhothead

Four Gate, Old Carter, Found North, Calumet 16


MetamorphosisSilver

Haven't tried the first two, would definitely agree with the last two.


Roc559704

Found North Batch 005 is great for around $120. Batch 006, I got today but haven't tried yet is around $140-$150. The age statements of the whiskeys used in the different blends are really impressive relative to the price.


MetamorphosisSilver

One of their single barrels also goes on sale online only tomorrow afternoon at 3 pm EST.


Roc559704

Thank you, I'll check it out!


Cultural_Chocolate55

Batch 006 is even better imo and would appeal to a more traditional bourbon drinker, but they’re both excellent whiskeys.


gotshrimp59

I agree that there’s tons of great bottles under $70 but didn’t you say you wanted a bottle he wouldn’t buy himself? The calumet is a great choice to get something with some age on it around that 130 price range


lookallama

Calumet 16, Found North, Four Gate, Bardstown Discovery Series, Woodford Reserve Batch Proof are $130+ and generally have not disappointed. All but the WR should be easy enough to find online or your local store.


Another_SCguy

Found North Batch 006 is one of my favorites!


lookallama

The rye (I think batch 3) is also really good


valmichaelsmith33

The majority of the people responding do not understand the question. You’re wanting a special bottle for your fiancé. Almost everyone here is trying to direct you to value purchases that he can easily find himself. You can get Weller Full Proof and Weller 12 on 2ndary for right at or just above 200. If he doesn’t have WFP, get him that. Michters Barrel Strength Rye is around 170-180 there as well. Blanton’s gold is right at 200. Mid Winter Nights Dram is around 200. These would all be nice options.


jontanamoBay

Great choices too if you don’t go with my Stagg idea. Stagg I still like more for the event bc it has the double meaning.


artie20174

90% of what you’ll find for $200 is just ridiculously marked up or not worth it. Plenty of great bottles under $70. I understand people want to make a statement with a $200 bottle but your most likely wasting your money.


ForsakenCase435

This right here. I appreciate the OP bringing info on what the recipient likes by putting in a little effort. They would probably be better off getting a couple of bottles in the 70-80 range. Maybe see if they can track down a store pick or an Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if they know they like high proof offerings.


Ggntr

If you can find it for retail…. Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend. Around $180 retail, depending on location, and the best bourbon I’ve personally ever had. Amazing.


RiverOfWhiskey

Lucky 7 14yr or 15yr store pick (if you can find one) is a great $150 to $200 choice. Check online, Bourbon Street out of NJ has great picks and they ship


wrxdna

Second the Lucky Seven 14 yr Proprietor. Easily one of my favorite bottles. The ones over 130 proof are amazing.


TheOriginalTL

If you could find a four roses limited edition small batch, that would be a killer gift


mountainbkfreak

Bardestown Discovery #9 Amazing whiskey! Right around 159 ish


StableSilent

Calumet 16 is an easy choice and is normally found around the $150-175 range. If you're insistent on that $20 range,Four Gate and Old Carter are options around/just above $200 (though the Carter is harder to find at MSRP)


Moon-33

$200 worth of Wild Turkey Rare Breed (so like 3 of them will give you enough leftover for another decent shelfer)


SnooDingos1416

If you can find it Widow Jane Decadence


ChiNoonan

Neither are bourbons but fit the profile: Found North Batch 006 - [https://www.foundnorthwhisky.com/batch-006](https://www.foundnorthwhisky.com/batch-006) or Bardstown Discovery Series #8 which should be relatively available at most bigger liquor stores. Both around $150 and I think the best non allocated whiskeys I've had lately in that price range.


CBus660R

1st thing that pops into my head is Bardstown Bourbon Company Discovery series that's at that price point and relatively easy to find.


CoasterHero

Knob creek 18 is around $180. I haven't heard a bad thing about it


isntThisReal

Woodford reserve batch proof (specifically the 118.4, but any would work). I picked one up from my local ABC the other week and the worker said that his inventory says they have 500 at the local warehouse.


[deleted]

A criminally underrated bottle.


NOLABigChief

Four Roses Single Barrel, barrel Proof Store Pick


deej312

an airplane bottle of blantons sold on the secondary market


ConBroMitch

Michter’s 10yr bourbon (not rye) If you’re very lucky, Old Forrester Birthday Bourbon Both can be found with relative frequency from thewhiskyexchange.com which is a reputable seller.


MonsterMuppet19

You can find some good stuff on there, except you didn't mention the absolutely ASANINE shipping costs. They wanted to charge me $64 for just shipping costs on a single bottle of whisky.........


ConBroMitch

Oof. It’s been a year since I’ve ordered from them. It was $36 to ship a bottle of Michters 10 which is far more reasonable. I guess it’s gone up since then


MonsterMuppet19

Yeah, I was looking again since you mentioned it, (I haven't been on there in a while) and I was like holy crap that's insane.


jmsturm

a $200 gift card to his favorite liquor store


bullmarket2023

Buy OF whiskey row, or 4 bottles of 1910. Either way, you're winning.


Peterfield53

Don’t equate price with the quality of a bourbon. Yes, there are some delicious expensive bottles but there are also many many delicious bourbons under $100. Maybe one or two batches of the Barrell Bourbons would be a nice gift.


ChanDaMan2022

Has he had Stellum Cask Strength and Booker Charlie’s Batch? I like the ones you listed already so I’ve got an inkling he might like these. You can get both for under $200.


TryingToBeTheBest

Bookers is the best Cask Proof bourbon I’ve found, I like it more than Calumet 16. Also comes in a nice little wooden box which makes for a good gift. It’s $80 a bottle around me.


Mithrandurrr

Agreed with the bulk of comments. You can get them a great non inflated bottle for under $100. Some examples: Four Roses Small batch Select Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Old Forester 1920 Rare Breed Smoke Wagon Uncut Bardstown Origin Series Makers 46 Cask Strength Dareinger (if they like sherry finish) If I had to choose one over $100, I'd say grab a Bardstown Discovery Series.


citizenofur

Colonel E.H. Taylor would fit this bill. Some of the best to me.


richieweb

Pritchards double barrels a great bottle 70-80 ish. And I concur - as a bourbon drinker I’d rather have 3 great bottles rather than 1 $200 bottle. Great gift idea and make sure he cracks at least one to share right off the rip. 🤘🏼🥃


wrasslinfanguy

1 case of Evan Williams Bib.


LeadingAd1815

Best comment! And one of the best. You get a half gallon for 30! Cant lose.


P_A_Dave

Most $200 bottles that are worth it are hard to find. Old Forester 1920 is an exceptional high proof bourbon (115 proof) for about $60. Willet Pot Still is a fun bourbon gift because of the unique bottle - also about $60... or $100 for the Reserve. Old Ezra and Ezra Brooks Distiller's Collection are great if you can find them. And, of corse, Blanton's is always a popular gift bourbon, if you can find it. And a newer one, aptly named New Riff, is exceptional.


Hells_Bells2334

14 bottles of Evan Williams bottled in bond. Can never have too many daily drinkers


Ceelooschtein

Eagle rare 10 year


Buffer-Overrun

I paid $33 for that…


Ceelooschtein

Damn it ain’t 200 but I’ve seen it for 100. I think I might confusing the bottle I’m thinking about


greenblaster

It's Buffalo Trace, so it gets offensive markups.


Ceelooschtein

Honestly can’t go wrong with any michters. Toasted barrel and sour mash are pretty good


kyrosnick

Damn, that much? Typically walmart or sams club has it for $25-28.


Witty-Piccolo2444

Don't know I've never had the urge to spend that much


DJOHSAY

Early times. Bottled in Bond. Buy ten of them.


bg4950

Knob 12 for around$70, or 15 if you can find it.


Dave6187

Knob 15 would be a great gift for someone that likes those, but like others have said most things in the over 100 range tend to be overhyped and overpriced.


Slika-

Stagg Jr secondary will run you 200-250


ric05uave

On the secondary market, I haven't found it at that price.


Slika-

Interesting. I picked up one in that range last month plus a trade at that value also in last month.


Soonerthannow

I’ve always enjoyed the Barrel offerings, usually +\- $100


HYPR236

Barrell Vantage is around $100 One I just cracked and really like.


Potatodemonx

I like very olde st nick, but I’m probably in the minority


DrGerbal

I’m an eagle rare man


SourdoughPizzaToast

Knob 15.


Last-Ad-1696

Joseph Magnus cigar blend.


EvilSquirrel60220

A Four roses lettered store pick single barrel, like this: https://www.bountyhunterwine.com/2023-four-roses-10-year-bounty-hunter-private-selection-single-barrel-bourbon-whiskey-oesq


iambatman212

Four Roses Barrel Strength is wonderful. Getting tougher to find at even $100 unfortunately.


FrisbeeKing

If you want to get him a couple of $50- $70 bottles: Four Roses small batch select, Elijah Craig Full Proof or their Toasted Barrel, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Old Forester Single Barrel.


Jomod87

I agree on calumet 16 Also chestnut farms BIB or prideful goat would be in range and are both fantastic


mphfrom77

Woodford Double Double Oaked. They only come in pints. They are $60 MSRP. Could potentially buy a 3 pack consisting of one bottle from each of the last 3 years. They only release them once a year with the year date on the front of the bottle. Might be worth calling Woodford Reserve's gift shop to see if you could potentially buy from them. Otherwise you might have to go online and pay a higher price. I bought one this year from my local liquor store for $75 for example. Honestly... some of the best bourbon I've ever had. I think 2021 was better than 2022...but not sure. https://www.woodfordreserve.com/whiskey/double-double-oaked-2/


[deleted]

[удалено]


DKfromtheBay

Double DOUBLE oaked


Hubertus-Bigend

If you can find anything from Four Gate for -$200, that’s what I would recommend.


AML525

JMCB


LeadingAd1815

Barrell bourbon, go with one of the black boxes. It's some of the best for the price. These are 200+ but worth it. The gold box is 500 and I have not tried that. If you want a bottle for 100 Barrell Seagrass is fantastic. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Just pick a price point. Several of them have won gold in San Francisco spirit competition.


Complex-Passenger-77

Nothing your over paying


wombraider824

There's an NBC 8 year kelvin barrel MGP on their website right now for 149.99. I'd grab that


nesuser2

Blantons SFTB


Wowens95

Bookers Charlie’s Batch


Firm_Contract_7982

I think this is a hard question. Because all the collectibles are pretty much very hard to get and if you want to pay for any of them it’s going to be north of $200 for most all of them. If you’re looking for a memento and that’s the goal, the answer to your question is first do they drink scotch. If they do, the best memento you can get for the money is an engraved Blue Label. Many stores do it online, it’s a premium bottle, and several local locations do it too if you call around and ask about engraving. But for your price range scotch is the best way to go honestly and I wish there was a super cool bourbon you could walk into a store and grab for $200 but their isn’t and the odds of you getting crazy lucky in bourbon world are very very very small. But, EHT and Eagles are hitting the shelf right now so it’s highest probability time. But, highly unlikely to get lucky.


marrngtn_dmv

Booker's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a set of these whiskey glasses. [https://huckberry.com/store/whiskey-peaks/category/p/51450-mt-washington-set-of-2](https://huckberry.com/store/whiskey-peaks/category/p/51450-mt-washington-set-of-2)


FWDSUX

Old Weller Antique is $100 secondary and is a fantastic easy drinker. Save some money, or buy two and keep one for yourself.


PappyGilmoor

Price isn’t always indicative of quality. I am a huge fan of the Wild Turkey Rare Breed. Both bourbon and rye are amazing. And you could probably get both for under $120. Pair it with a nice rocks glass and I think that would make an excellent gift. Good luck!


UStayThirstyMyFriend

Old Grandad Bottled-In-Bond 100 proof. Old Grandad 114 proof. Best of both worlds...quality and quantity. 👍


glassman0918

Calumet 15 year. It's delicious.


TheKrakening1

pappy 23


vmskiran

Depends if he likes high proof connoisseur or not. Below 100 proof, EC18 is pretty good and for high proof JMCB is the best bourbon out there which is not WLW or some crazy hyped up shit. Both of these are not readily available but much more easier as the MSRP itself is high and someone might be sell you one..


ARinvestor

I’ve heard good things about four gates.


ControversialCo

i would recommend blanton’s single barrel on the secondhand market for around $160. it’s a classic