Yeah, but I'm not paying $1200 for a steak when I know of a $20 steak that is phenomenal (Ale Steak at Smoky Mountain Brewery) and can easily enjoy a $50-100 steak.
I've seen too many "professionals" in every industry that have been lol worthy in blind taste tests. Sure, there is a big difference, and maybe I'm just a simpleton, but I'd be willing to bet that most folks can't tell the difference, at least not every time, between a $100 bottle and $500 bottle. Hell, I'd bet there's some in the $20-50 range that would fool most.
I just don't by it. I'm not saying I know better. I'm not saying I know anything really. I'm not saying I have a sophisticated palette because I simply don't. I just don't buy the hype and even if a bottle IS better at a $1k price range to ME PERSONALLY that's an absurd amount to spend on any beverage. Again, please not that as I type this I'm not disagreeing or saying anyone is right or wrong. These are just my personal feelings on the subject.
Jefferson's Ocean Voyage 3 was my absolute favorite bourbon I've ever tasted, even over far more expensive ones.
I'd be down to try higher end bourbons. I would even be willing to chip in some cash for a tasting. If I hit the lotto I might buy a single $1k bottle once to try it but I just can't see it. Maybe my taste isn't mature enough but I've tried prob over 300 bourbons/whiskeys easy and I've found that taste is 100% subjective and price point, for my money, is a poor indicator of quality.