Listmakers and those that like to assign numbers are coming back to Nirvana.  College football is all about the rankings.  Pre season polls, strength of schedule, RPI, and a vast array of metrics barely scratch the surface when separating the chaff from the wheat.  Americas Bookie’s The Brink will follow sort with the ritual assigning of the numbers.  Today we will look at Bourbons and tomorrow we take a different spin on college football rankings.  So without further ado, let us uncover what gives us the best value in the bourbon category.

Give Me Smooth Strength for My Money

Some lists like to tickle you by starting at the bottom and then progressing to the mountain top.  Here we did something different.  We went out and got five bottles of bourbon and over the course of a week tried them all each day but in a different order.  That way each got to be first, last, and everywhere in between.  After all of this we had a clear winner.  Old WL Weller 12 Year old took it hands down.  Did not get one vote beneath second and was not the most expensive.  At only $25 a bottle, it was right in the middle for taste. We got pronounced almond and vanilla that went down glass smooth.  The length of aging paid off well here.

Consistency by Tinkering?

A clear second was the Old Forester 1870.  The number basically indicates a reference to how it was made in that era.  Back then, they would take three batches and mix them all together with nary any filtration.  Perhaps the thought back then was to protect a weaker batch by using two that came through very well.  In the modern age where almost every stage of the process can be controlled, this is not necessary.  Purists would pitch a fit at this but it does suffer from not being filtered as much as others might be.  It was a quality drink but the citrus overtones did not go best with the hint of spices they used in their process.  $45 a bottle also knicked it down to the solid second.

Four Roses was cheap in cost at $19 and was above passable.  The one we had the highest hopes for was the disappointment of the bunch.  Oola Distillery brags that they go from grain to glass and have at least a hand in every single stage.  This was their first whiskey product and it will get better as they perfect their craft.  Right now it is a definite avoid at near $50 a bottle for an average at best product.

So there you have it.  If you can find an Old Weller 12 year old bottle.  Buy one or a bunch.  Good for presents, parties, or just yourself, you wont go wrong with the best of the bunch here.  Good fortune to you today as The Brink kicks off their college football coverage tomorrow.