The Bottom Shelfers

Rick Howe & Todd Youngblood
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Leisure
  • Updated Monthly

The Bottom Shelfers are two college fraternity brothers continuing their 5+ decade quest to find THE great whiskies available at a reasonable price. They figure their recon may never end…

  1. May 18

    High West & Early Times Bottled In Bond

    We both got pretty excited about this episode! The High West was a nice surprise, and we gave it a solid "2" rating. The big winner, however, was the Early Times Bottled In Bond. We both agreed on a "3" rating and that, for certain, it earns the "Great bourbon at a reasonable price" designation. A Bottom Shelfer Winner! Any good 750 ml bottle for $25 is a deal, and this ET was a full 1 liter! A word of caution... Brown-Forman was the original Early Times producer, but sold the brand to Sazerac in 2020.  There are three different versions of the Early Times Bottled In Bond. The original Brown Foreman produced stuff is no available at retail.  We got the "transition era" stuff,  distilled by Brown Foreman, than aged and finished by Sazerac.  That's the round bottle blue cap version. Going forward, Sazerac kept the blue cap but swapped in a square bottle. So bottom line, The Bottom Shelfers give a gold star to the round bottle blue cap. In our quest to serve humanity, we're going to need to do an episode with the square bottle blue cap stuff.  Watch this space!

    39 min

  2. Apr 22

    George Dickel 8 Year & Heaven Hill Bottled In Bond

    Two winners this time. The Dickel 8 Year is quite simply a solid sipper. It's not going to blow you away, but it's solid stuff at a great price point. Heaven Hill BOB earned a permanent spot in Todd's Office Bar. It might even make it up to the main stash periodically!

    44 min

  3. Mar 26

    Weller Antique 107 & Bluegrass Toasted Oak

    Wow! The Bottom Shelfers strayed pretty far from the bottom shelf this time. We tasted Todd's (former) favorite bourbon, Weller Antique 107, as well as his new favorite, Bluegrass Toasted Oak. Rick & Mark did not declare any favoritism, but both agreed with the 4.0 rating for the Weller and 4.5 for the Bluegrass.  Also, we need to give Shane, our Bluegrass tour guide, another shout-out. By far the best tour on our recent foray to Louisville!

    54 min

  4. Feb 22

    Monks Road and Daviess County Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Live from Louisville!

    The Bottom Shelfers hit the road to Louisville! Thomas, Mark, Matt & Josh joined Rick & Todd for in-depth research in the heart of bourbon country. More on the trip coming in the next few episodes.  Shrotly after arrival, we headed out to Angel's Envy following a quick stop in the hotel's watering hole. The Bottled In Bond was the consensus favorite. Dinner at Doc Cro's was amazing. Get the mac & cheese! Back at the ranch that evening, we opened up some Monk's Road and Daviess County Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Ummmm..... Not great choices - earning a consensus 1 & 2 rating respectively.  Bourbon bus tomorrow morning!

    33 min

  5. Jan 29

    Blue Note Crossroads & Bernheim Wheat

    This time we tried something we never tried before, a wheat whiskey! The 51% wheat really came through. A very low-key, easy-sipping experience. I say, "Drink it neat!" Also... Do NOT forget to grab a bottle of the BlueNote Crossroads. Great stuff!

    43 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    Peneleope Wheated & 1792 Bottled In Bond

    A step up for the boys this time. Penelope Wheated & 1792 Bottled In Bond. Both are winners! Stock up for your Holdiay guests! The 1792 BIB struck us both as an especially good choice.

    44 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey & Benchmark Full Proof

    Woodinville is a great everyday bourbon choice. Solid sipper both neat on a rock. The Benchmark Full Proof might be better used as a stain remover or paint thinner. WAY to hot! ...even on ice.

    45 min

  8. 10/25/2025

    Benchmark Top Floor & Yellowstone Select

    We had high hopes for Benchmark Top Floor, but... We both went with 1.5 and were maybe a bit generous. The Yellowstone is pretty good! One caveat though... Rick got it for $30 which makes it a good buy. For Todd at $37, not such a bargain.

    38 min
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Bottom Shelfers are two college fraternity brothers continuing their 5+ decade quest to find THE great whiskies available at a reasonable price. They figure their recon may never end…

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Howe & Todd Youngblood
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    The Bottom Shelfers