I need Whiskey help please. Top 5 whiskeys.

[Irving]

Hey guys.

We are getting married in Las Vegas at the end of September. We decided that we want to have a cigar bar, and a whiskey bar at the wedding. I'm not that familiar with whiskey, so I'd really like some cool ideas from you guys.

Tonight I picked up a bottle of Stranhan's on sale for $49.99 at Total Beverage.
I see that most other whiskey brands come in smaller sizes, so I was thinking of a smaller ($25) bottle of Bullett, and Knob Creek as well.

Anyway, when I walked into Total Beverage, I was stunned at the sheer number and variety of whiskeys. So, if you have to put together a Whiskey bar for a wedding, what would YOU put on it?

If you have ideas for cigars as well, that would be nice, but I'll likely just order some of those variety packs off the web.

Stranahan's
Knob Creek
Bullett
?
?
?
?
?
?

[kanekutter05]

I'm a fan of Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack myself

And on the cigar front, I haven't found a shop that beats Tewksbury downtown on 15th and Lawrence

[00tec]

Not sure on the whiskeys, but Daveco has a decent size humidor if you're looking for cigars (don't actually smoke cigars, just took note of it.

[J]

Hate to rain in your parade. But I wouldn't put any of those three in my list unless for sentimental reasons. If you want to serve something from the Beam distillery, basil Hayden's, Bakers, and Bookers are all better than knob, in that order.

It would be good to get you to taste a small variety of small batch (or better, single barrel) bourbons/sour mashes, and then I could easily recommend a bunch of stellar bottles. I've done multiple tours of bullet county Kentucky, and surrounding areas, and tasted hundreds more.

Do you have a budget in mind per 750mL? Most good bottles are 750s only.

ETA, gentlemen jack goes below those you suggested, IMHO.

[ChadAmberg]

Bushmills for the Irish Whisky.
A fine Scotch.
I hear the Japanese make a fine whiskey now that's preferred by many.

[275RLTW]

Stranahan's is about the best for the money and it's local (don't you dare ruin it with a mixer...). A glass of that and a Cohiba are weekly traditions around my fire pit. I wouldn't spend $250 per bottle on rare whiskey that no one is going to appreciate. If I run across the pond again before you leave, I'll grab you some cubans...

[J]

Stranahan's is about the best for the money and it's local (don't you dare ruin it with a mixer...). A glass of that and a Cohiba are weekly traditions around my fire pit. I wouldn't spend $250 per bottle on rare whiskey that no one is going to appreciate. If I run across the pond again before you leave, I'll grab you some cubans...

I think I must be a whiskey snob. But stranahans is very overpriced for the quality IMHO compared with what you can get in single barrel small batch out of bullet county. feel the same way about peach street out of palisade. I really want a good Colorado whiskey, haven't found it yet.

The CO guys charge 15-20 year prices for a 3-5 year whiskey.

[RMAC757]

Haven't read the while thread yet but I have to agree with this. Stranahans is way over priced for it's quality. If you want something along these lines made in Colorado for a much cheaper price go with Leopolds made here in Colorado
http://leopoldbros.com/New_site/Whiskies.html
I happen to be a scotch snob and if cigars are in order I suggest having a couple on hand. A good intro, quality one would be Balvenie Doublewood which should run you around 40 (Also consider their Carribean Cask). Macallen is a great choice for those who want something not to complex and would probably be enjoyed by all. Glenmorangie is pretty light and also relatively inexpensive. If you have to drink an Irish I would suggest Redbreast in 12 year or if you can get your hands on it Jameson Gold Reserve

I think I must be a whiskey snob. But stranahans is very overpriced for the quality IMHO compared with what you can get in single barrel small batch out of bullet county. feel the same way about peach street out of palisade. I really want a good Colorado whiskey, haven't found it yet.

The CO guys charge 15-20 year prices for a 3-5 year whiskey.

[XC700116]

I think I must be a whiskey snob. But stranahans is very overpriced for the quality IMHO compared with what you can get in single barrel small batch out of bullet county. feel the same way about peach street out of palisade. I really want a good Colorado whiskey, haven't found it yet.

The CO guys charge 15-20 year prices for a 3-5 year whiskey.

Check out Deerhammer Distillery in BV. Right now they are only doing "white whiskey" which honestly is fantastic. But they've started aging as well of course that's a few years out though for obvious reasons since they just got their license about a year ago.

[Irving]

If I run across the pond again before you leave, I'll grab you some cubans...

That would be beyond cool, however, what are the chances of the TSA throwing a fit if they go through my luggage?