Trolling the Bottom Shelf (Part 2)
We all love good bourbon. However, it is becoming harder and harder to find the bottles that consistently gain high praise from booze reviewers: everyone from respected industry insiders to Facebook nut jobs who somehow have gained a following despite their lack of ability to write a coherent sentence (or speak one in the case of some video reviewers). And what about limited edition releases? Forget about it. They are like mirages in a desert wasteland. Whatever are we to do? My solution is to turn your attention to the bottom shelf. That land of perhaps old, vaguely familiar labels and well-known but not generally respected brands. Much lower prices, too. Surprises await in this netherworld.
Old Crow
Old Crow is an 80 proof Bourbon. It is a brand that is very important in Bourbon history. Jim Beam now owns Old Crow and is the producer of the Bourbon in the bottle. A liter of Old Crow goes for under $9.
THE EXPERTS:
Thewhiskeyjug.com: “Not a fan of it neat. Not bad on the rocks. Shines in cocktails.” “Starts out life as Jim Beam white label, but it’s aged less and the barrels are mixed to have a lighter flavor…” “...a rather strong corn flavor…”
Thirtyonewhiskey.com: “...doesn’t seem to have much complexity…” “...the subtlety of Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball…” “This isn’t the worst of the worst.”
Whiskeywatch.com: “One of the leading bourbon brands currently available…” “...a fine, affordable bourbon that has a rich taste and texture.” “It has a very smooth taste that is round and well-balanced…” “...very young and soft.” “...thin body and a mid-viscous liquid taste.” “...a very smooth and rich feel to it on the tongue.”
Proof66.com: “The best of the current 3 year old mass production bourbons.” “...thin legs.” “Nothing special but not rot gut as some web reviews would have you believe.
Spiritsrevew.com: “While not entirely objectionable, it lacks character - even bad character - it’s just bland, harsh and ultimately pointless.”
MY TAKE:
I agree with Thewhiskeyjug.com, it’s not bad on the rocks, not bad at all. Light flavor with a short, simple finish. The pale gold color looks nice in the glass. The fact it is Miss Beka Sue’s favorite is something else it has going for it. Recently, I had the opportunity to sample some Old Crow from 1969 with Steve Akley and a few others via Zoom and it was delicious and well worth what the little one ounce bottle cost me. Ah, the good old days. This brand has an interesting and convoluted history, which you can learn more about in this article by The Whiskey Corner’s, Wes Hardin. Bottom line, I think people are much too hard on The Crow. Try it and if you don’t like it you’re only out a few bucks. Mix it with ALE8…fabuloso!
HEAVEN HILL GREEN LABEL
Heaven Hill (green label) is a 6-year, 90-proof Bourbon that is available only in Kentucky. It can be had for a retail price of $12.99
THE EXPERTS:
Modernthirst.com: “Look, if you can find another bourbon at this price point that is this good, you’ve found a steal.” “This stacks up against far more expensive bottles and more than holds its own.” “78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley.” “Remarkably dark for a 6 year old 90 proof whiskey…” “Palate: a lot of corn, sweet vanilla and caramel, some brown sugar, and plenty of oak tannins.”
Fred Minnick on Facebook: “This is what I buy for all my bourbon drinking friends when they visit.” “Good and cheap bourbon that is only available in Kentucky.” “One should not judge this bourbon by the shelf it sits on.”
Bourbonforthemasses.com: “When you pour it on ice it turns into an absolute brown sugar bomb.” “Palate: very much oak and vanilla forward, behind that there is a nice note of brown sugar with a slight bit of spice.” The finish is long with oak and vanilla.”
Bourbonguy.com: “There’s enough heat and complexity to keep you interested, but not so much it’ll distract you from other things that might need your attention…”
Total Wine: “This bourbon has nice spice and sweetness with hints of cinnamon and corn on the nose. It highlights flavors of apple, brown sugar, peanut and light spice dancing around on the palate.” “A well kept Kentucky secret.” “No wonder they want to keep it in Kentucky - smart folks.”
MY TAKE:
I love this stuff! I’m drinking some neat with my coffee as I write now, in fact. It’s become my go-to bourbon and I make no apologies when I serve it. I currently have three 1.75 ml bottles and a case of 750 ml bottles in inventory (the 750s make great gifts). Wonderful, sweet, well-rounded bourbon flavor and I love the cinnamon notes. Fred Minnick also says that if Heaven Hill sold this to a private bottler they would put it in a fancy bottle and sell it for $40. Drink it and you will gain a whole new respect for Heaven Hill; they have become my favorite large distillery.
Bottom line, things aren’t too bad on the bottom shelf. Check it out. Adventures await!
