Another sorry a$$ American company and the dollar signs "fit" in this instance...

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-...ourbon-drinkers

Is it the Obama influence?

Probably not, they will keep their promise of change...

Lowering proof to keep up with consumer demand? I guess that could work. As in consumer demand may drop off once they realize they've been had, and vote with their dollars by purchasing another bourbon. Or switch to Scotch, but bourbon drinkers probably don't switch.

This is interesting. I have noticed that you see a lot more manhattans and bourbon based drinks on restaurant menus lately.

On one hand I have always enjoyed MM (on the rocks and wait 5 minutes). I can appreciate that they are trying to maintain a price point. I also appreciate that they told everyone about the change. If it is impossible to tell a difference in taste why make an announcement? Just change the label, and let the public discover that they are missing out on some alchohol percentage.

People will be outraged when they take a look at the label, but by then they will have tasted a bottle and noticed that there was no difference.

Drinkers could switch to Kirkland Burboun around here, it is not quite as sweet or smooth as MM, but is sold at a good price. I have heard it holds its own in mixed drinks, but I don't do that.

Saw this and it's SUPER lame of them. I'll switch to other product just because this is a dumb decision...

Make more (the right call) or raise prices (the economist argument) or deal with scarcity (the passivists choice). But never NEVER NEVER fark with the quality of the product. That's just dumb.

3% less drunk?
3% less hung?
Why not make the bottle 3% smaller? (.36375 of a litre, I could see that on the bottle)
What are they going to do with all of that extra alcohol?

Dumb Decision. Buy Jack.

or use less ice.

So who has any local brands they like? I am partial to the Woodinville Whisky's Rye. I just bought a bottle of Ghost Owl whisky from a place in Sumner I think it is. Pretty tasty and its a burbon I believe. I am just getting into whisky. Jameson has been a staple for a couple years but I am starting to branch out.

Me either, just saw this and knew there were some fans here.

For me it's Black Label Jonny Walker. " Keep on Walkin' "

FU Makers Mark. So lame.

Bourbon was my specialty back when I used to drink. I can't stand Scotch and I've found that most folks are one or the other. I'd stay away from WA distilleries for the next few years until the small batches have really hit their age. Like Scotch, you can't rush it and that's why most WA bourbons are sold clear.

Bourbon begins and ends with Kentucky. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time in KY for a previous job and I spent the entire time blasted on small batches. There are literally 1000's of small batches there that you cannot buy out of state. A couple of buddies and I bought our own cask of Makers back in the day (Makers Ambassador Club). I believe it should be ready in 4 more years (will have to call my friend to find out).

1792, Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve are all reasonable money well spent. Blantons and Bookers if you can afford it. Bookers is damn near fire water at 121 - 130 proof. Tread carefully.

This thread is making me thirsty, but I gave up the brown stuff long ago to tame my evil twin. That guy was AWESOME!

Maker's tastes like bile......
Save some coin, and enjoy performance, flavor, and value.

FYI - Makers relented due to public pressure and will not be dropping its alcohol content.

damage done though... you can't unring the bell.

Not exactly on topic but I made a few of these over the weekend and you can probably guess my preferences.