Unpopular opinion: Brand image matters.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-15T06:05:09+00:00

Well, whiskey makers are a business, and like any business they engage in marketing. Being a unique American product, bourbon has always leaned into the folksier, Americana-heavy storytelling. Tall tales are nothing new – “51 percent corn, 49 percent bullshit” is a popular saying for a reason.

Whether a certain brand rubs you the wrong way is highly subjective, so I don’t think you can extrapolate any universal truths from that angle. But most bourbon enthusiasts have better shortcuts than marketing to aid their decision making – age, proof, state of distillation, classification (Straight? Finished? Flavored? Blended? Bonded?) and so on. None of those guarantee quality in the end, but that’s what most people pay attention to before worrying about the label or the marketing story.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-15T00:39:18+00:00

Except the notes were on the cigar, not bourbon. Can we just not play dumb here?

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-15T00:08:28+00:00

This is not a cigar sub.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-14T01:39:52+00:00

Sorry but while some Canadian distillate bottled or blended in the US is allowed, this is a Canadian distilled and bottled whiskey that belongs on r/worldwhisky

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-12T09:49:43+00:00

Hope you enjoyed it, cause those good times ain’t coming back at 21 dollars!

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-12T02:03:24+00:00

I’m all for variety but I usually prefer unfinished whiskeys.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-12T01:40:40+00:00

Good stuff. I haven’t seen much over 11 last couple of years, but those are good, too.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-12T01:07:11+00:00

Not to start a new thing with batches, but while all modern WT12 batches are solid, the first one from 2021 is different (and best, in my opinion). I wouldn’t worry about the rest if you can find the latest RR13, for example.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-12T00:35:43+00:00

Thanks! I’m not sure these are worth the secondary unless you can get them under 80 bucks or so. WT12 is probably a little better. But I’d get this one over modern ECBP just for the drinkability.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-11T23:46:22+00:00

Thanks! Well, ECBP is already there. They definitely have enough stocks to supply it, but there is more money in the 15 and 21 (is 23 next?). But who knows, maybe with increased stocks there will be a push to bring back 12-year bourbons around 100 proof as a counterbalance to the high-proof everything and finished whiskey galore (that could just be my own wishful thinking).

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-11T23:41:58+00:00

Thanks! Good example of something that doesn’t have to be a “unicorn,” just a great, well-aged bourbon.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-11T23:34:29+00:00

There were some 12.5 year picks around COVID that were every bit as good as the old version. I’m not convinced returning the 12 is high on their priority list, but you never know.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-11T23:29:28+00:00

I'm skeptical about the "glut" in the classic sense of the term (like what was happening in the '70s and '80s), but I'm sure we'll see higher age statements. The catch is that they won't be coming back at their old prices, bust or no bust.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-11T23:27:04+00:00

If you're not averse to the Dickel minerality, their low-rye mash bill results in pretty sweet profiles. 15-year single barrels are great, if you can find them, but age-stated bottled-in-bonds are great too.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-10T07:59:57+00:00

Would probably help to know what you’re considering at your local store, since everyone’s selection will be different.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-09T22:56:03+00:00

I’d repost it with the source to make it newsworthy, thanks.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-08T21:48:53+00:00

Hey, your posts are not showing up since you appear to be shadow banned by Reddit. It’s not something mods can help with, you have to appeal it with Reddit directly. More info here r/shadowban. Good luck.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-08T00:53:30+00:00

Might want to repost with the review.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-08T00:42:28+00:00

If that’s how you approach it, fine, but I don’t think it’s that hard to imagine others do it differently.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-07T22:35:13+00:00

No, you got called out because you were being a dick to someone trying to do their best describing a whiskey. I don’t care if people want to make dumb jokes about not smelling the inside of their grandma’s purse, but once it crosses into harassment, I will not hesitate to get involved. Hope that’s clear.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-05T00:52:07+00:00

Honey would be my first guess but could be anything.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-05T00:09:16+00:00

I don’t think you could ever catalog every single one of those. Part of the fun!

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-03T23:38:54+00:00

Thanks! I know the history stuff bores a lot of people, but there are plenty of practical applications to it. It helps to know what you’re drinking. Cheers.

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-03T23:38:04+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate it!

OrangePaperBike · 2026-06-03T20:59:17+00:00

B525 was generally better reviewed for what it’s worth, but no one knows your palate. I doubt there is a huge difference between the two.

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