Originally Posted by FlyingDoctorwu

Hard to really call Makers craft/small batch (yes I know they call themselves that) when they shipped 1.4 million cases in 2013. They are the number two production of bourbon behind Jim Beam... I'll agree that it's pretty good stuff but let's face it.. Maker's makes a good consistent batch of bourbon, but I wouldn't necessary call them a premium whisky. They are one step above Jim Beam. Their biggest innovation in the last decade has been contemplating a switch in proof...

In the same token, ultimately bourbons like Pappy Van Winkle are also sourced whiskeys. There isn't a Van WInkle Distillery; I'm not sure if the current generation of Van Winkles have ever distilled... Their current production comes from Buffalo Trace and while the Van Winkles will try to tell you that it's distilled according to their recipe; it is ultimately the same mash bill that's in Old Weller Antique, Weller 12, etc..... In my mind the greatest whisky coming out in the US these days are at the hands of Jim Rutledge at Four Roses. 10 distinct recipes; great great single barrels... fun to taste and try.. amazing limited edition small batchs...

I'm a big fan of transparency and most of the stuff is indeed sourced. I was at Total Wine and there was like a whole row of oddly labeled stuff that was ultimately all sourced... I find that the guys at Smooth Ambler and High West are really upfront about where they get their liquid from while working on their own production. There's no fancy story, no BS marketing.. the stuff that comes out of Indiana is actually solid whisky...

FDW