I am here today, boys and girls to speak of value propositions in bourbon.
First, some ground rules:
My palate and your palate are different.
My experience with bourbon is not yours.
Your experience with bourbon is not mine.
That does not mean that we can have no conservation.
Any conversation twixt us is not to settle anything about bourbon.
The last rule does not rule out a meaningful conversation, else there would be no Bourbon Enthusiast.
Now, on with the show!
What you are willing to spend for bourbon is entirely up to you, as is what I am willing spend for bourbon. I find that it is worth my enjoyment of bourbon to spend a bit more than what the cheaper bourbons cost. The reason, I put it plainly before you, is that the cheaper bourbons are not as good as those that cost more.
Now, there are what I call gimmick bourbons which most often play upon the widespread notion that the best bourbons are either older or higher proof. As it happens, I claim that both of these propositions are true, with reservations.
Some bourbons are too old and become too dry, or worse, bitter. Age is not a sure guide to the quality of bourbon, but it is a useful guide, sometimes.
Proof is also not a sure guide, but it is also useful simply because it means there is less water to dilute flavors. For some palates, this does not enter into the quality equation.......... to me, it does, because a higher proof bourbon will not dilute the rich flavors of the barrel, something I prize.
All of which leads to the notion of the value proposition as it relates to bourbon. Which bourbon gives you the most flavor for its cost?
Without question, that bourbon is Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon. I have held this view for many years now.