The Bourbon Thread!!

[icehog3]

Had a great Knob Creek single barrel pick Manhattan today!

Chayse, Imma be very disappointed if you don't try that 15 year KC pick neat next time. Such a gorgeous bourbon to mix with anything. ;)

Some great bottles at Specs Tony, but I ain't standing in line for 24+ hours for anything besides Booker's Rye or Jennifer Lawrence's poonanny. ;)

[Porch Dweller]

Some grabs from the past week. I picked up the Two Georges Rye at Vom Fass down near Tampa. It's from Yahara Bay Distillers in Wisconsin and is incredibly smooth. The Ezra Brooks is an owner's selection from my favorite B&M. The Maker's Cask Strength I grabbed at my third-choice B&M because they were letting it go for $40.



https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51790273956_b695e5c74e_z.jpg

[bruceolee]

You guys are killing me with these pics! I miss drinking bourbon so much! I guess it's better to be alive and enjoy a cigar and no bourbon than being dead. Great stuff though! looks tasty! God bless you!

[physiognomy]

Catching up on the last 10-15 pages this morning. Some fine pours in here. Hope to clink glasses this year!

[Porch Dweller]

Steph and I met some family up in Franklin, TN for a long weekend. We visited two distilleries while we were there. I didn't want to hit the big boys that are around there (Jack Daniel's and George Dickel); I was interested in the small guys. We went to Leiper's Fork last Friday and H. Clark Distillery on Sunday.

Leiper's Fork makes three whiskeys, Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, and White (unaged) whiskey from a Bourbon mash. The first two were good representations of the style, and very smooth at 100 proof. The White was also quite good, with the tequila-ish odor and slight flavor of moonshine but also with the sweeter whiskey taste. The tour guide said his wife uses it instead of tequila in margaritas and I can see how it would be good that way.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51883992286_24637d5ae9.jpg

H. Clark Distillery is small. REALLY small. The owner (H. Clark) is apparently the guy that wrote the bill allowing distilling in all the counties in TN, instead of just the three that were allowed once Prohibition ended.

Their Single Barrel Bourbon is quite tasty, and has a bit of spice from higher than average rye in the mash bill.

The Black & Tan is an interesting concoction born out of the need to get more than one use from a barrel and an interest in experimentation. A good portion of the mash bill is what is used for brewing oatmeal stout beers. It's got a heavy mouth feel with some chocolate and oat flavors, and a lingering aftertaste with a nice bourbon kick.

The Company Distilling Bourbon is not made by H. Clark, but by a friend of theirs who retired from Jack Daniel's and wanted to make his own whiskies. (Company Distilling and H. Clark are going to merge into one business soon). It's a wheated Bourbon and is very smooth and tasty.

As for the gin, well, I'm not a gin fan. Never have been. I can tolerate Bombay Sapphire but that's about it. H. Clark's gin blew me away. Apparently it won some awards last year. It's so good I could just pour some over an ice cube and sip it.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51882904537_3d6b1d4fbd.jpg

When I said H. Clark is small, I meant it. Here's me beside their 100 gallon still.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51880329103_2726d29f19.jpg

[icehog3]

Sounds like a great trip James! :tu

[CigarSquid]

Snagged this little sampler today. All new to me!
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=1126&pictureid=9606

[icehog3]

I hear a lot about it Garry, but I'm not a Scotch guy so I'll have to live vicariously. ;)

I had a couple wheaters yesterday...


https://i.imgur.com/swbdA5d.jpg

[CigarSquid]

I hear a lot about it Garry, but I'm not a Scotch guy so I'll have to live vicariously. ;)

I had a couple wheaters yesterday...


https://i.imgur.com/swbdA5d.jpg

Not sure I am either... A nice new venture for me. I do know I like that smoke taste though!

[icehog3]

Not sure I am either... A nice new venture for me. I do know I like that smoke taste though!

Good luck with it Brother. I can't even smell Scotch without getting a little queasy. :)

[jledou]

Snagged this little sampler today. All new to me!
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=1126&pictureid=9606

This is one I need to try. I do prefer the peaty scotches the best.

I picked this one up a couple of weeks ago ... very unique

https://www.newhollandbrew.com/jobs/beer-barrel-bourbon/

[stearns]

Scotch is an interesting one for me, I had always associated "Scotch" with "Good Sipping Whisky" and bourbon was just something you mix with coke to get drunk. Even up until maybe 4 years ago my dad would get me a gift card to my local liquor store for my birthday and I'd go in to see which 18 year of any Scotch they had on sale and I'd buy one. Then one day my eyes were open to Bourbon and I started down that crazy slope, and pretty much stopped drinking Scotch all together overnight. A year or two ago a brother from another board and I started up a whiskey sample swap, every few months sending a whole bunch of samples to the other person based on whatever we're drinking. One time he sent me a series of Scotches ending with a 25 year old, the next in the lineup was a Buffalo Trace store pick and I preferred that to any of the Scotch I just drank, regardless of price which I know was vastly different

That being said, when I was doing a bottle purge a few months ago I pulled out a bunch of 25% or less full bottles to kill off, one of which was a Glenfiddich 18 I've had for I don't know how long. I took a sip and pulled out all sorts of great flavors I had never gotten before, a little honey and some floral, it was delightful but took a look of searching due to the low proof. I didn't end up killing that bottle, I put it back with a few pours left, but honestly I don't have the time/money/available alcohol consumption to get into it. I have some friends that are always buying distillery exclusives and getting them shipped over, they say it's cheaper than anything halfway decent you'll find on a shelf in the states, but I know I'd need cask strength and I know those come with a price tag I can't justify so for now I'll stick with really really really enjoying bourbon (and rye, and american whiskey, and sometimes rum) and leave the Scotch to the Scotch guys

Anyways, Tom why you drinking Diet Weller?

[icehog3]

Scotch is an interesting one for me, I had always associated "Scotch" with "Good Sipping Whisky" and bourbon was just something you mix with coke to get drunk. Even up until maybe 4 years ago my dad would get me a gift card to my local liquor store for my birthday and I'd go in to see which 18 year of any Scotch they had on sale and I'd buy one. Then one day my eyes were open to Bourbon and I started down that crazy slope, and pretty much stopped drinking Scotch all together overnight. A year or two ago a brother from another board and I started up a whiskey sample swap, every few months sending a whole bunch of samples to the other person based on whatever we're drinking. One time he sent me a series of Scotches ending with a 25 year old, the next in the lineup was a Buffalo Trace store pick and I preferred that to any of the Scotch I just drank, regardless of price which I know was vastly different

That being said, when I was doing a bottle purge a few months ago I pulled out a bunch of 25% or less full bottles to kill off, one of which was a Glenfiddich 18 I've had for I don't know how long. I took a sip and pulled out all sorts of great flavors I had never gotten before, a little honey and some floral, it was delightful but took a look of searching due to the low proof. I didn't end up killing that bottle, I put it back with a few pours left, but honestly I don't have the time/money/available alcohol consumption to get into it. I have some friends that are always buying distillery exclusives and getting them shipped over, they say it's cheaper than anything halfway decent you'll find on a shelf in the states, but I know I'd need cask strength and I know those come with a price tag I can't justify so for now I'll stick with really really really enjoying bourbon (and rye, and american whiskey, and sometimes rum) and leave the Scotch to the Scotch guys

Anyways, Tom why you drinking Diet Weller?

It was a gift from my Cuz so I gotta finish the bottle. I'd much rather be drinking some stuff I was gifted from CO. -(P

[stearns]

Fair enough. Glad we were able to load up on the ECBP picks while the flood was still going on, now they're few and far between :td

[bruceolee]

Good luck with it Brother. I can't even smell Scotch without getting a little queasy. :)

Johnnie walker swing was the only scotch i could ever tolerate. i even did the outrageous thing and purchased a bottle once. other than that I was always a bourbon man. I loved bourbon in a way that wasn't natural and to this day almost get high off the smell. Since i can no longer drink my cigar habit has increased sevenfold -(P

[CigarSquid]

I had a small JW Black bottle years ago... it is still little more than half full...not a fan of that stuff.

For more flavor, I think the peated/smoke scotch will be good. For classic taste, I will stick with bourbon. Nice change of pace from time to time.

[Porch Dweller]

I'm an equal opportunity whiskey drinker. Irish, Scotch, Japanese, American, friggin' Martian, it doesn't matter to me. And sometimes, that's all in one evening! :D

[icehog3]

James has the idea.... :al :r

Ben, never saw a single bottle here at retail. Luckily I have a couple great friends in CO. :)

Jason, somehow both my cigar and my bourbon consumption are going up. I'm gonna get every ounce out of my three lungs and two livers. ;)

Garry, they tried to give me some JW something or other when we did a tasting at the Middleton distillery in Cork. I traded mine for a second shot of Middleton Rare. :lr

[Porch Dweller]

Garry, they tried to give me some JW something or other when we did a tasting at the Middleton distillery in Cork. I traded mine for a second shot of Middleton Rare. :lr

If that's the tasting where they're putting other whiskies up against Jameson, it's JW Black they use, along with either Jack Daniel's or Jim Beam. At least that's how they do it at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin.

I never did get down to Midleton in my two times in Ireland.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com%2Fiu%2Fs--02uNV0Fd--%2Ft_xlarge_l%2Ff_auto%2Cfl_lossy%2Cq_75%2Fv149023 1460%2Fattachment%2Fgot-shame.gif&f=1&nofb=1

[icehog3]

If that's the tasting where they're putting other whiskies up against Jameson, it's JW Black they use, along with either Jack Daniel's or Jim Beam. At least that's how they do it at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin.

I never did get down to Midleton in my two times in Ireland.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftv-fanatic-res.cloudinary.com%2Fiu%2Fs--02uNV0Fd--%2Ft_xlarge_l%2Ff_auto%2Cfl_lossy%2Cq_75%2Fv149023 1460%2Fattachment%2Fgot-shame.gif&f=1&nofb=1

It's a cool experience if you ever go back, James. And I think you're correct about the JW Black being used in Cork too.

[longknocker]

Good luck with it Brother. I can't even smell Scotch without getting a little queasy. :)

Most Scotch I Don't Care For, Either. Sick For Two Days When I Chugged 16 OZ. At Once On A Dare During My Graduation Party From Anesthesia School!:r:tu

[icehog3]

Most Scotch I Don't Care For, Either. Sick For Two Days When I Chugged 16 OZ. At Once On A Dare During My Graduation Party From Anesthesia School!:r:tu

Anesthesia from Anesthesia. Nice. :r

I drank a pint of Cutty Sark on New Year's Eve when I was 17. A shame I ruined myself for (allegedly) good booze on bottom shelf crap. :r

[CigarSquid]

Snagged these today.

Had a taste of the Connemara the other week, Buffalo Trace nothing new...and Howler Head... I kept seeing it advertised on UFC...so since the lady and I are watching some UFC on the big screen tomorrow, I snagged it.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=1126&pictureid=9613

[Porch Dweller]

I'm conflicted when it comes to Connemara. I'm a big fan of Irish Whiskeys...and also of Scotch including the real peaty ones. So when I have Connemara I'm thinking "I want Irish whiskey. If I wanted peat I'd get an Islay Scotch. Are you not confident enough in your whiskey to let us try it without the smoke?"

Ultimately I tell my inner monologue to STFU and I just enjoy the hootch. :D

[icehog3]

Banana whiskey. Oh, Garry..... :sad

[CigarSquid]

Banana whiskey. Oh, Garry..... :sad

:r:r

I have a feeling it will be in the cupboard for a while.

Impulse buy for the UFC fight tonight...

[icehog3]

:r:r

I have a feeling it will be in the cupboard for a while.

Impulse buy for the UFC fight tonight...

I went to a Super Bowl party and almost brought a bottle as a joke.

When I got there, he already had one, mostly gone. :lr

[CigarSquid]

Did you try it? I am a bit curious on it.

[icehog3]

Did you try it? I am a bit curious on it.

Not even on a dare... :lr

[CigarSquid]

lmao

I shall report back tonight or tomorrow on my thoughts... Unless I crack it open sooner.

[icehog3]

lmao

I shall report back tonight or tomorrow on my thoughts... Unless I crack it open sooner.

https://i.imgur.com/r9FyayT.gif

[gravel]

Banana? Whoa. I tried Screwball where I get my hair cut. Flavored whiskey is not for me.

[CigarSquid]

***UPDATE*** Howler Head-

It is good to me. A little on the sweet side to have it by itself, but once I find something it goes with, I wouldn't buying another bottle...

[icehog3]

When Howler Head grows up, loses the sweetness of youth, and has its big boy balls drop. ;) :lr

https://i.imgur.com/FxNV5Gj.jpg

[stearns]

I'm fine with the very slight banana that comes naturally from a nice high proof Jack Daniels or Old Forester, but I think that's about as far as I go down that road. I did buy Traverse City's cherryfest kit this past year which came with 200ml each of a 70 proof cherry infused whiskey and their barrel strength (110 proof), those didn't suck. The 70 tasted like cherry water and most of it ended up in a batch of cherry old fashiond's, the barrel proof is actually decent and is still sitting on the bar

[longknocker]

All Of These Sound Like Flavored Cigars.:td Booker's Is Still #1 For Me!:dr

[icehog3]

all of these sound like flavored cigars.:td booker's is still #1 for me!:dr

:D :D :D :D :D :wo

[stearns]

Booker's Is Still #1 For Me!:dr

https://c.tenor.com/mG9vRV6W_lsAAAAC/the-office-suck-up.gif

[Porch Dweller]

Lmao!!!

[Porch Dweller]

Not much activity in here lately, so I'll fire it up again. Had some Maker's Mark Cask Strength earlier, now I'm having some WT101.

[icehog3]

Solid pours James. :tu

I recently did a trade with a local guy from a FB bourbon group. 15 Booker's samples from me for 15 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof samples from him. Started working my way through them, 12 different batches from 2017-2021, and 3 single barrel store picks. Going to take me all week, but who's complaining? :D

[Porch Dweller]

Solid pours James. :tu

I recently did a trade with a local guy from a FB bourbon group. 15 Booker's samples from me for 15 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof samples from him. Started working my way through them, 12 different batches from 2017-2021, and 3 single barrel store picks. Going to take me all week, but who's complaining? :D

It's important to have goals. :D

[icehog3]

It's important to have goals. :D

Yeah, and I'm half way done. :al :lr

Grabbed a couple of my favorite Barrell batches at retail yesterday, these batches (27 & 28) are becoming scarce on the shelves.

https://i.imgur.com/cbGZrdI.jpg

[stearns]

Solid pours James. :tu

I recently did a trade with a local guy from a FB bourbon group. 15 Booker's samples from me for 15 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof samples from him. Started working my way through them, 12 different batches from 2017-2021, and 3 single barrel store picks. Going to take me all week, but who's complaining? :D

That sounds awesome! Hope you did them blind, that's where I start having fun. Did 15x Russell's Reserve warehouses in a blind bracket last year, the process of tasting and raking make me really focus on what I was drinking. While most were fairly similar, there were two that both beat out high end Russell's in one final blind matchup at the end (RR13 and RR 2003)

Had the pleasure last weekend of trying, among other things, a 1960's airplane bottle of Makers from an airline that's long gone. After sitting in a glass for a while this stuff was really great, wish the stuff they're making now was as good as the stuff they were making back then :dr

https://i.postimg.cc/fR7HcDHh/PXL-20220506-182441963-MP.jpg

[icehog3]

Was that Elmo Airlines. Ben? :D

Even doing the samples blind, there's so many issues with 15 samples. I can't drink them all in one night, and we know the palate changes based on lots of factors. If I tried to do 15 at once, I'd be buzzed and my palate off half way through (yeah, I can drink :r). So while I'm doing it over a few days and ranking them, I know the method is severely flawed... but I am getting a general idea about the batches I'd seek out again and those I would not.

[stearns]

Five at a time, three times (or 4 at a time and one short round). Put the top tanked against each other for one more winner's bracket :tu

[Brian D.]

Five at a time, three times (or 4 at a time and one short round). Put the top tanked against each other for one more winner's bracket :tu

Is "tanked" a typo, or a pretty good pun?

[stearns]

Typo, but I'm keeping it :al

[icehog3]

Typo, but I'm keeping it :al

I like it. -(P

[icehog3]

Somewhat local (30 miles) store released a Barrell SiB, 8 year MGP at cask strength. Grabbed 2 at a pre-sale discount, and picked them up earlier in the week. Just amazing, maybe better than Batches 27 & 28, chocolate covered cherries, dark fruit, MGP spice on the finish. May have to grab another pair if they discount them again...or even if they don't. ;) :r

https://i.imgur.com/ZBvX9To.jpg

[jledou]

Somewhat local (30 miles) store released a Barrell SiB, 8 year MGP at cask strength. Grabbed 2 at a pre-sale discount, and picked them up earlier in the week. Just amazing, maybe better than Batches 27 & 28, chocolate covered cherries, dark fruit, MGP spice on the finish. May have to grab another pair if they discount them again...or even if they don't. ;) :r

https://i.imgur.com/ZBvX9To.jpg

Looks like a tasty duo. I have been enjoying most of the Barrell products. Picked up the Rye batch #3, probably my favorite and different tasting rye I have had. Worth trying if you can find a bottle.

[icehog3]

Looks like a tasty duo. I have been enjoying most of the Barrell products. Picked up the Rye batch #3, probably my favorite and different tasting rye I have had. Worth trying if you can find a bottle.

I haven't had any of their ryes, Jay, I will get myself a bottle or at least a pour to see how it tickles my fancy.

If you happen to see either Bourbon Batch 27 or 28 on the shelf at retail, I wouldn't hesitate to buy.

[stearns]

I had a sample from a 140+ proof rye from them, I was incredibly impressed, it's certainly hot but had a candy note that was very pleasant

[icehog3]

I had a sample from a 140+ proof rye from them, I was incredibly impressed, it's certainly hot but had a candy note that was very pleasant

I've seen hazmat rye from them a couple times, maybe I'll need o pick one up. :tu

[Beagleone]

Something new

https://photos.smugmug.com/RandomUploads/n-3cNt3K/i-q6R5HQK/0/399bf8d9/XL/i-q6R5HQK-XL.jpg

[icehog3]

Nice Tony. :tu

I haven't had any of the Stagg Jr store picks yet. There's a couple from the area that are getting rave reviews, but at $450 on secondary, I'm gonna have to stick to my Buffalo Trace. ;)

[stearns]

Nice Tony. :tu

I haven't had any of the Stagg Jr store picks yet. There's a couple from the area that are getting rave reviews, but at $450 on secondary, I'm gonna have to stick to my Buffalo Trace. ;)

You around this weekend? Cornhole tournament in Denver, top prize is a pair of local Stagg Jr. picks :banger:banger:banger

[icehog3]

You around this weekend? Cornhole tournament in Denver, top prize is a pair of local Stagg Jr. picks :banger:banger:banger

Hmmm. Any participation prizes? :r

[stearns]

Hmmm. Any participation prizes? :r

The person dressed the most American gets a W12, I bet you could take it :noon:noon

[icehog3]

The person dressed the most American gets a W12, I bet you could take it :noon:noon

'Merica! &#(% Yeah! :D

[Gabe215]

https://i.postimg.cc/VvyPzPnf/88-F2-EAAE-3413-4516-BB9-A-67-DC601503-D3.jpg (https://postimg.cc/LYVbV7xw)

Was all out of an every day sipper, had to grab a bottle of Eagle Rare, haven’t had it in a while.

[icehog3]

https://i.imgur.com/dwikhvn.jpg

Best New Riff single barrel pick I've had to date, dark fruit and chocolate notes and a crazy finish.

[stearns]

Nice! I love ER, I have the big bottle of it and usually start any tasting with that to set my palate

The barrels I picked back in October finally came in, probably bought more horses than I need but I wasn't going to turn anything down after waiting this long

https://i.postimg.cc/nhtFxBp8/PXL-20220829-233528242.jpg

[icehog3]

Did you pick the 1792 barrel as well, Ben? I can't remember.

[stearns]

I did, and at the time I swear it was the best Barton product I had every tried. I haven't opened the final product yet and I'm sure standing in the rickhouse trying them influenced that, but all the guys I was with were Barton-skeptics and we were all impressed with the one we landed on

[icehog3]

I did, and at the time I swear it was the best Barton product I had every tried. I haven't opened the final product yet and I'm sure standing in the rickhouse trying them influenced that, but all the guys I was with were Barton-skeptics and we were all impressed with the one we landed on

Very cool!

Binny's had a 1792 FP a couple years back that has been the only 1792 product I've really loved. I grabbed another there after trying it and traded for a 3rd, still have one left.

[stearns]

I've only tried 3 or 4 Full Proofs, one went almost exclusively into cocktails (which were admittedly delicious), the others lasted a while and were more end-of-night pours. We tried 4 at the distillery, the first was so bad the woman made a note to pull it out of future SBS offerings, the other three were pretty similar with varying levels of nose and finish but all decent

[icehog3]

I've only tried 3 or 4 Full Proofs, one went almost exclusively into cocktails (which were admittedly delicious), the others lasted a while and were more end-of-night pours. We tried 4 at the distillery, the first was so bad the woman made a note to pull it out of future SBS offerings, the other three were pretty similar with varying levels of nose and finish but all decent

When I crack my last one I'll be sure to send you a sample for you to compare.

[icehog3]

Who is really brave (or twisted)?

Not this guy, I can tell you that.

https://i.imgur.com/HmzrAoJ.jpg

[jledou]

Nope on a Rope!

[stearns]

That sounds fake, but that other company actually did make whiskey out of crabs, so who knows these days

[Porch Dweller]

I've drank some piss-tasting whiskies in my time, but not to that extent.

[physiognomy]

Who is really brave (or twisted)?

Shudder. Nope, just no.

[Beagleone]

Christmas exchange ideas, Tom?

[Mikepd]

I bet it has similar tasting notes to a cremosa!

[icehog3]

Christmas exchange ideas, Tom?

Maybe. You should smell the brownies I'm sending as well, Tony. :D

[Porch Dweller]

Steph'll be out of town for my bday so she grabbed a couple of owner's selects as an early present.

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=944&pictureid=9665

[Porch Dweller]

I poured some of the Huber's last night. I knew nothing about it. It smelled like a cinnamon roll. The taste was very complex; it had the flavor of an apple-raison coffee cake with a caramel-bourbon sauce. There's a touch of spice from the rye, but very balanced. It's 112 proof but has no harshness.

All I can say is "wow". It's definitely not a bourbon that you slug back a few while watching the game. It's meant to be savored, and savor it I will.

[jledou]

Nice one James, I have seen the starlight but have not pulled the trigger on them yet. I will have to pick one up to try.

[stearns]

I poured some of the Huber's last night. I knew nothing about it. It smelled like a cinnamon roll. The taste was very complex; it had the flavor of an apple-raison coffee cake with a caramel-bourbon sauce. There's a touch of spice from the rye, but very balanced. It's 112 proof but has no harshness.

All I can say is "wow". It's definitely not a bourbon that you slug back a few while watching the game. It's meant to be savored, and savor it I will.

Their cigar batch is an interesting one, they finish in Amburana casks which is a brazilian wood more similar to cinnamon bark than white oak. A few people are using them, some better than others, but it's definitely a standout finish and reminds me of cinnamon toast crunch cereal

[stearns]

Went to TN for the weekend with my wife and in-laws, my FIL was set on finding this whiskey since it's only sold in TN (despite being distilled in KY), I finally tracked one down on our last day there. He liked the celebrity connection, but it tastes like 91 proof two year old bourbon. Honestly could be worst, looks like it's distilled by Green River who I don't have much experience with but know people love their 4 year stuff. Other than a 100ml flask for him to take home and about an ounce extra that I brought back so I could give it a proper taste, we killed the whole thing in one evening :al :al

https://i.postimg.cc/Hn87hctf/PXL-20221002-210324240.jpg

[icehog3]

Happy FIL, Happy Life. :D

I just made due with some Booker's, Ben. ;)

https://i.imgur.com/B9vKrRd.jpg

[gettysburgfreak]

Nice! I love ER, I have the big bottle of it and usually start any tasting with that to set my palate

The barrels I picked back in October finally came in, probably bought more horses than I need but I wasn't going to turn anything down after waiting this long

https://i.postimg.cc/nhtFxBp8/PXL-20220829-233528242.jpg


You did the tasting for the Stagg Jr? What state? It's pretty much all but impossible to find a Jr in Michigan unfortunately.

[stearns]

You did the tasting for the Stagg Jr? What state? It's pretty much all but impossible to find a Jr in Michigan unfortunately.

I went down to KY to actually pick it, but it was for a group in CO, we had to make a pretty sizable donation to a charity that Buffalo Trace was partnering with to have the opportunity to buy it. It was supposed to be the first Stagg Jr pick made (or one of the first 4, there were three other groups who did our same donation) but things didn't go as fast as they were supposed to and a lot of stores got to make picks before us. In CO there are 4-5 stores that have gotten to do picks, I got lucky on one of them but have never actually found a "shelf" batched Stagg Jr. in a store for anything resembling retail

[big a]

I went down to KY to actually pick it, but it was for a group in CO, we had to make a pretty sizable donation to a charity that Buffalo Trace was partnering with to have the opportunity to buy it. It was supposed to be the first Stagg Jr pick made (or one of the first 4, there were three other groups who did our same donation) but things didn't go as fast as they were supposed to and a lot of stores got to make picks before us. In CO there are 4-5 stores that have gotten to do picks, I got lucky on one of them but have never actually found a "shelf" batched Stagg Jr. in a store for anything resembling retail

Is it the 5280 group by chance?

[hammondc]

Anyone seeing Elijiah Craig Toasted Barrell in stores yet?

[stearns]

Is it the 5280 group by chance?

This one was for CBRC (Colorado Bourbon and Rye Collectors) but 5280 had a Stagg pick last year as well

[stearns]

Anyone seeing Elijiah Craig Toasted Barrell in stores yet?

I see them on and off, they've been out for a few years and were harder to get when they first came out but still somewhat sought after. I like it when I'm in the mood for something sweet

[icehog3]

Anyone seeing Elijiah Craig Toasted Barrell in stores yet?

Saw a couple in the store a couple blocks from me last week, Chip, think they wanted $79?

Cracked a Booker's Beaten Biscuits last night. Peanut brittle bomb.

https://i.imgur.com/G2U5V3Q.jpg

[Beagleone]

Picked up a couple of bottles of the Old Forrester King Ranch edition last week. It is interesting, a bit sweet, but not worth the secondary prices. I got mine at MSRP. When it hit the shelves here in Texas, the flippers were buying it up and posting on the secondary market starting at $250 for a $60 bottle. OF flooded the stores and by the end of week, those secondary prices came down quite a bit.

[hammondc]

I see them on and off, they've been out for a few years and were harder to get when they first came out but still somewhat sought after. I like it when I'm in the mood for something sweet

I love it. EC is about all I drink anymore. I am not paying the stupid prices fols are getting for a lot of my faves. We used to get Rock Hill farms for $35
and pass it around the campfire because I lived in a town called Rock Hill.

[s15driftking]

https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/313215784_10112263429870264_6834130454516181908_n. jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=mkMJ2AJOen0AX-zoZfC&tn=GFXqQFTMAkGikCRU&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAKPqZQu7y7TBlSy1URKyJkrT9d2_zMul9fnjQ0CwQw 2g&oe=635EB7B8

Heater!

[stearns]

https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/313215784_10112263429870264_6834130454516181908_n. jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=mkMJ2AJOen0AX-zoZfC&tn=GFXqQFTMAkGikCRU&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAKPqZQu7y7TBlSy1URKyJkrT9d2_zMul9fnjQ0CwQw 2g&oe=635EB7B8

Heater!

Oh hey there friend, that looks tasty :dr

[s15driftking]

Saw a couple in the store a couple blocks from me last week, Chip, think they wanted $79?

Cracked a Booker's Beaten Biscuits last night. Peanut brittle bomb.

https://i.imgur.com/G2U5V3Q.jpg

Precisely! Beam and HH are notorious for peanuts and/or peanut brittle. Love it.

[Chainsaw13]

Bought this today on recommendation from a couple friends. Very tasty.

[icehog3]

Bought this today on recommendation from a couple friends. Very tasty.

I've heard good things about that one, and it's readily available and reasonably priced. If it was 138 proof it would be perfect for me Bob. ;) :D

I settled for 125 proof last night. :r

https://i.imgur.com/AHbyzCV.jpg

[stearns]

Got lucky on Christmas Eve and snagged and EH Taylor Barrel Proof, had to make a snap decision for one bottle on a table full of amazing stuff, got it down to this and Parkers but I knew I'd be happy with either and one has $100 less of a retail price :noon

Bought this today on recommendation from a couple friends. Very tasty.

The cigar bar we usually go to here has that one, it's a really solid pour especially for the price, makes for a great cigar pairing :ss

I settled for 125 proof last night. :r

I finally found some Barton I was a big fan of, a friend sent a sample of Calumet 16. It's still like $150 for Barton, but I had it blind and was a big fan. Now those 1792FP's? You can have em

[icehog3]

I finally found some Barton I was a big fan of, a friend sent a sample of Calumet 16. It's still like $150 for Barton, but I had it blind and was a big fan. Now those 1792FP's? You can have em

Generally, I would agree Ben. But this particular barrel (Binny's Batch #3) is stellar. This is my 3rd bottle of it, and I've got a line on 2 more locally.

[jledou]

Bought this today on recommendation from a couple friends. Very tasty.


if you haven't tried the triple mash, it is worth checking out at least once.

[MarkinAZ]

Generally, I would agree Ben. But this particular barrel (Binny's Batch #3) is stellar. This is my 3rd bottle of it, and I've got a line on 2 more locally.
Out here in Arizona, I'll run into 1792FB from time to time, but have never really taken a close look at the face for the "Binny" sticker. I'll attempt to be "more aware" next time I run across 1792...

[icehog3]

Out here in Arizona, I'll run into 1792FB from time to time, but have never really taken a close look at the face for the "Binny" sticker. I'll attempt to be "more aware" next time I run across 1792...

Binny's is a chain in the Chicagoland area, Mark, you won't likely see it there. And it was this specific barrel, "Batch #3", that was so much better than any other 1792FP I've tried.

[MarkinAZ]

Binny's is a chain in the Chicagoland area, Mark, you won't likely see it there. And it was this specific barrel, "Batch #3", that was so much better than any other 1792FP I've tried.

Gotcha!

[Navydoc]

Grabbed a bottle of Stagg Jr at my navy package store for $47. Holly cow this is a great bourbon :)

[stearns]

Grabbed a bottle of Stagg Jr at my navy package store for $47. Holly cow this is a great bourbon :)

Hell of a find! Those are getting harder and harder to find these days, and I refuse to pay the $250-$300+ others want for them but I sure do love em :dr

[Porch Dweller]

I grabbed a bottle of George Dickel Hand Selected Barrel to try. I've heard good things about it, at least for the higher proof offerings. The consensus (at least among the whiskey YT'ers I follow) seems to be that the ones below 100 proof aren't very interesting. This one's aged 9 years and at 103 proof, so we'll see...

[icehog3]

Hope it's good, James! :tu

Opened my last Maker's Mark FAE-02 last night...and promptly secured another this morning. :r

https://i.imgur.com/dWNz4EO.jpg

[icehog3]

Opened my last Maker's Mark FAE-02 last night...and promptly secured another this morning. :r

]

And today I lucked into 2 bottles of the new MM Finished Series that has been hard to find in Illinois...along with a couple other bottles I don't see in the store often.

https://i.imgur.com/W3IZraT.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

Starting to build my collection. Hit up a local store and grabbed one of their Ezra Brooks Cask Strength store pick. It was between that or a George Remus store pick. Liked em both but the EB won out.

Tried a couple other stores but nothing interested me. Was on the way home and decided to stop at a smaller store I never knew was there. Only found it on google maps. Good selection. On a whim, asked if they had Blantons. Yup. As he was grabbing that from his secret stash, I asked if he had Eagle Rare. Yup. Paid a bit over msrp, but figured they’ll last me a while. And you can’t find them around here.

[icehog3]

Nice pickups on the Blanton's and Eagle Rare, Bob. I used to luck into a Blanton's at MSRP a couple times a year, but i dont remember getting one for at least a year now.

This was my weekend pickup, I'm super stoked to try it after hearing lots of good things.

https://i.imgur.com/509Pvnh.jpg

[longknocker]

Nice pickups on the Blanton's and Eagle Rare, Bob. I used to luck into a Blanton's at MSRP a couple times a year, but i dont remember getting one for at least a year now.

This was my weekend pickup, I'm super stoked to try it after hearing lots of good things.

https://i.imgur.com/509Pvnh.jpg

Let Us Know Your Tasting Notes, Tom!:D:dr

[icehog3]

Let Us Know Your Tasting Notes, Tom!:D:dr

Absolutely Greg, I'm planning on cracking this bad boy tomorrow night. :dr

[stearns]

Starting to build my collection. Hit up a local store and grabbed one of their Ezra Brooks Cask Strength store pick. It was between that or a George Remus store pick. Liked em both but the EB won out.

Tried a couple other stores but nothing interested me. Was on the way home and decided to stop at a smaller store I never knew was there. Only found it on google maps. Good selection. On a whim, asked if they had Blantons. Yup. As he was grabbing that from his secret stash, I asked if he had Eagle Rare. Yup. Paid a bit over msrp, but figured they’ll last me a while. And you can’t find them around here.

Good stuff all around, I just grabbed a Remus pick a couple weeks ago and really like it. Nice find on the secret stash, last time somebody let me in the back office to see what they had hidden I left empty handed, and also haven't been back :r

This was my weekend pickup, I'm super stoked to try it after hearing lots of good things.

https://i.imgur.com/509Pvnh.jpg

Where is mine?

My brother is having a bourbon and cigar bar at his wedding, asked me to help stock the bourbon. We ended up with 3 handles of Weller Special Reserve, five 750's of Buffalo Trace store picks and a bottle of Blanton's Gold. Should be a good time :al:al

[icehog3]

Where is mine?

I had to trade way above MSRP to get this one, it immediately hit $280-300 on secondary here. It's almost like I hope I don't like it too much.... ;) :r


My brother is having a bourbon and cigar bar at his wedding, asked me to help stock the bourbon. We ended up with 3 handles of Weller Special Reserve, five 750's of Buffalo Trace store picks and a bottle of Blanton's Gold. Should be a good time :al:al

Nice! :noon

[icehog3]

Starting to build my collection. Hit up a local store and grabbed one of their Ezra Brooks Cask Strength store pick. It was between that or a George Remus store pick. Liked em both but the EB won out.



I have liked the EB Cask Strength barrels I have tried, and the price is still reasonable on those and the Rebel CS picks. :tu

I have a Remus pick from one of the local groups but still haven't opened it. I'll have to rectify that soon.

[stearns]

I have liked the EB Cask Strength barrels I have tried, and the price is still reasonable on those and the Rebel CS picks. :tu

I have a Remus pick from one of the local groups but still haven't opened it. I'll have to rectify that soon.

Got word that our local group is getting access to a WFP pick, only catch is you have to buy a EB or Rebel pick to go with it. I always tend to go Rebel, I might switch things up this time, but neither are bottles I'm going to be mad I had to buy

[Chainsaw13]

Ok, what’s the word on the MM special releases? Granted it was probably 15 years ago when I did the tour at the distillery, but they said back then they weren’t going to do special releases, single barrels, etc. That was back when those were just starting. Guess money wins out.

[stearns]

Ok, what’s the word on the MM special releases? Granted it was probably 15 years ago when I did the tour at the distillery, but they said back then they weren’t going to do special releases, single barrels, etc. That was back when those were just starting. Guess money wins out.

That was always their thing... until everybody else started doing them. A few years ago they started doing 1-2 annual special releases, sometimes because the bourbon was aged differently/from a specific part of the warehouse and sometimes just because the batch tasted a little different. This years I think is just a stave finish, which is what they do for their single barrel program

Essentially, for the single barrels they still say that all makers tastes the same as all other makers because rotation, etc. but they let stores and groups "finish" a barrel with 10 different staves, I think there are 6 or 7 options, and you choose the recipe you want (ex/ 2x mocha staves, 4x toasted french and 4x cuvee). Makers then finished the barrel in your combo for a bit and sends you the barrel worth. It was their compromise since they don't think any barrel tastes unique enough to be different from a regular batch of Makers

[Chainsaw13]

That was always their thing... until everybody else started doing them. A few years ago they started doing 1-2 annual special releases, sometimes because the bourbon was aged differently/from a specific part of the warehouse and sometimes just because the batch tasted a little different. This years I think is just a stave finish, which is what they do for their single barrel program

Essentially, for the single barrels they still say that all makers tastes the same as all other makers because rotation, etc. but they let stores and groups "finish" a barrel with 10 different staves, I think there are 6 or 7 options, and you choose the recipe you want (ex/ 2x mocha staves, 4x toasted french and 4x cuvee). Makers then finished the barrel in your combo for a bit and sends you the barrel worth. It was their compromise since they don't think any barrel tastes unique enough to be different from a regular batch of Makers

Thanks for the explanation. I’ll keep an eye out for them.

[icehog3]

I'd gladly buy an Ezra or Rebel pick to get a WFP at a regular price, Ben. All I get here is ones offered on secondary for stupid money. :hn

Bob, Ben gave you the skinny on the MMs, better than I could have. I will say that the 2021 FAE-02 is my favorite Maker's of all time.

[Chainsaw13]

Did a little more hunting this afternoon. Went to a new to me store and got a bottle of MM cask strength. They didn’t have the special releases. Went back to the store I got my Blantons from last week and snagged a Weller 107. (Drinking some right now. Really enjoying it). Went to a third store, this one with a large selection. They had just gotten a big shipment of allocated stuff in. Baby Blantons and Eagle Rare, Weller 107 and SR, plus a lot more. Crazy prices though. $130 for the Weller. Umm, no. Left there after trying a couple of their store picks. The MM SRT, not good. Their Old Forester was super tasty, but at $130 a bottle wasn’t gonna happen.

[Porch Dweller]

I've had a couple pours of this the last week. It was a Christmas gift from Steph. I'm an all-around fan of whiskies so appreciate what they're trying to do, but I think some of the Bourbon sweetness gets lost. I don't know that a Bourbon purist would enjoy it too much.


https://i.imgur.com/BRFGcKW.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

Cracked open the Weller when I got home. Oh man is that good.

[icehog3]

I'm not a big fan of finished whiskey, James, so I've never bought any of the Starlight stuff. It's a huge market though, and all kinds of crazy finishes.

I really like the Weller 107 too, but won't pay the prices they ask around here Bob. I'd really like to get another Weller Full Proof (non store pick), but again secondary is crazy.

[icehog3]

Last night's pours:

https://i.imgur.com/rJlaf4n.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Hac0cGh.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

Making some Old Fashioneds with the JD BiB, and maple syrup aged in Pappy barrels.

[icehog3]

Making some Old Fashioneds with the JD BiB, and maple syrup aged in Pappy barrels.

Our big local chain put the JD BiB on sale for $29 all summer long Bob. It has to be one of the best sub $30 bottles out there.

I opened the newest Booker's (Charlie's Batch, 23-01) last night. First pour was just outstanding, has a lot of similarities to a couple of my favorite batches.

https://i.imgur.com/64jgNz8.jpg

Also opened a local groups' KC 9 year single barrel. They're always solid, this one isn't very unique but it is tasty.

https://i.imgur.com/1KrCibV.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

$29?!?! That’s a great deal.

[stearns]

Did a little more hunting this afternoon. Went to a new to me store and got a bottle of MM cask strength. They didn’t have the special releases. Went back to the store I got my Blantons from last week and snagged a Weller 107. (Drinking some right now. Really enjoying it). Went to a third store, this one with a large selection. They had just gotten a big shipment of allocated stuff in. Baby Blantons and Eagle Rare, Weller 107 and SR, plus a lot more. Crazy prices though. $130 for the Weller. Umm, no. Left there after trying a couple of their store picks. The MM SRT, not good. Their Old Forester was super tasty, but at $130 a bottle wasn’t gonna happen.

Nice snag on the 107! I'd take that over anything else

[hotreds]

Promise to bring some good stuff to Shack including some Hazmat for Tom.

[icehog3]

Promise to bring some good stuff to Shack including some Hazmat for Tom.

You've always got some great bottles, Hugh, appreciate the opportunity to try some crazy stuff.... and Hazmat is right up my alley. Just killed this one over the weekend and I miss her already. :lr

https://i.imgur.com/6T1dRZ1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tyUdEbE.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

Well, I said I was doing buying for now, but that didn’t last long. The owner at a local store hooked me up with a bottle of 1792 single barrel. Asked about Full Proof. Said he’s got a barrel coming, just doesn’t know when.

[jledou]

You've always got some great bottles, Hugh, appreciate the opportunity to try some crazy stuff.... and Hazmat is right up my alley. Just killed this one over the weekend and I miss her already. :lr



At 145 proof, how "light" can that be?

Well, I said I was doing buying for now, but that didn’t last long. The owner at a local store hooked me up with a bottle of 1792 single barrel. Asked about Full Proof. Said he’s got a barrel coming, just doesn’t know when.

The whiskey club in KC here has had a barrel of 1792 coming since last year and we cannot get anything better than "soon" as to when it will happen. They have been saying it was/is a bottling backup or at least that was the story around the first of the year.

[Chainsaw13]

Well, I decided to go hunting this evening. Tried some stores well out of my area. Got a Four Roses Single Barrel and a Coppercraft Straight Bourbon. Tried the Coppercraft. Wow! Like a peanut explosion when it hits the palate. I really like it.

Surprising how the most podunk looking store will actually have some nice stuff. Found Weller SR, but at $45 I’ll pass. Same with the Eagle Rare I found for $82. :fp

My last stop had Elijah Craig 18 for $250.

[stearns]

The whiskey club in KC here has had a barrel of 1792 coming since last year and we cannot get anything better than "soon" as to when it will happen. They have been saying it was/is a bottling backup or at least that was the story around the first of the year.

Seems like everything takes about a year now. I picked some turkey barrels last June, got them in a couple weeks ago, looked at the bottle and it says they were bottled in July so they were literally sitting there doing nothing for 10 months :sl

[icehog3]

At 145 proof, how "light" can that be?



:D :lr

“Light whiskey” may have you picture a spirit on the lower-proof end of the boozy spectrum. However, the exact opposite is true. These are cask-strength spirits with high ABV. The “light” in the term does not refer to the proof. Rather, it references the flavor.

I've had some great and some good 1792 Full Proof single barrel picks. I'm not big on their lower proof offerings but never had a single barrel. Curious to hear what you think Bob.

[Chainsaw13]

:D :lr

“Light whiskey” may have you picture a spirit on the lower-proof end of the boozy spectrum. However, the exact opposite is true. These are cask-strength spirits with high ABV. The “light” in the term does not refer to the proof. Rather, it references the flavor.

I've had some great and some good 1792 Full Proof single barrel picks. I'm not big on their lower proof offerings but never had a single barrel. Curious to hear what you think Bob.

Well, I’m still new to this whole bourbon thing, so my palate is still developing. I had the first pour last night. I got a lot of cherry notes. Not overly oakey. It was late last night and I rushed thru it. Had two cats looking at me, ready for bed. I’ll try to get a better impression soon. But I really liked it. Was completely different from the earlier Coppercraft pour I had.

[icehog3]

The 1792 sounds good, Bob, hopefully it will be even better now that it's open.

I tried my first Coppercraft pour at a tasting on Saturday. It was their Cask Strength, and I was not a fan. I had about 8-9 different pours, and the CC was by far the worst....I'm glad your experience with the straight bourbon was much better Bob.

I traded one of the MM BEP I picked up last week for another 2021 FAE-02, my favorite of the series. Though BEP is a strong second, might have to grab another if I find it at retail.

https://i.imgur.com/KsfT3Jb.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

I read a few reviews on the CC yesterday. Seems people either like it or hate it, not much in between. Sorry to hear you were in the hate it category Tom.

[icehog3]

I read a few reviews on the CC yesterday. Seems people either like it or hate it, not much in between. Sorry to hear you were in the hate it category Tom.

Maybe it was just that expression, Bob, but I don't think I'll seek out any Coppercraft, just try it if it becomes available at another tasting or something. No worries, there's so many I DO like! :D

Went back to the 2023 MM again, it is really tasty.

https://i.imgur.com/WGxhTgW.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

Picked up a bottle of Larceny Small Batch. Really like it. Sweet, cinnamon, easy drinking.

[Chainsaw13]

Went store hopping this afternoon, just to check a few. Amazing how the most shady looking stores may carry stuff you wouldn’t think. One place had the usual HTF’s on the shelf. Double or more than MSRP. Another place, that had me feeling like I could get shanked, had EH Taylor SB and 1792 FP plus others. They were on hold for other customers though. :fp Did overpay for another bottle of Eagle Rare, but the best price I’ve found. Needed another bottle as I’m drinking thru my first bottle.

[icehog3]

The Hunt is fun, Bob, though those independent stores with unicorns at quadruple MSRP can be a kick in the nuts.

I had a drink in memory of pnoon last night. It was so good I had another.

https://i.imgur.com/7QPaKn7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/JXIWDzu.jpg

[icehog3]

Also had a drink while out with some friends yesterday afternoon. First time trying a bourbon (rather than a rye) from Whistlepig, the 6 year Piggy Back Bourbon. I really love their ryes, but I am not a fan of the bourbon. :td

[Chainsaw13]

$80 for Weller SR? Talk about a kick in the nuts. That’s a $27 bottle.

I really need to find a bar with a nice selection to try a few pours before I buy another bottle.

[Porch Dweller]

Just poured some Russell's. So glad this one is still available for <$40.

https://i.imgur.com/M7JRw50.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

That’s one I’ve been eyeing James. What’s the flavor profile like?

[Porch Dweller]

That’s one I’ve been eyeing James. What’s the flavor profile like?

It's pretty balanced. I get honey, vanilla, and chocolate-orange. One of the YT channels I watch says it best, if you like Wild Turkey you'll like Russel's Reserve.

My B&M used to do owner's picks of Russell's and they were always great. But apparently WT is no longer doing them, at least the same way they used to (in person, with the owner tasting several barrels to make their pick). Shame.

[stearns]

A quick look at my current bar top makes me feel like a turkey fiend, I gotta get around to putting some of these away :r

https://i.postimg.cc/HsFCmLSN/PXL-20230509-133344831.jpg

It took me a little bit to come around to Turkey but I'm getting there. I think the shelf 10 year is going to be getting a lot of talk in these coming years and will be hard to find or nonexistent, at least for desired lot codes

My B&M used to do owner's picks of Russell's and they were always great. But apparently WT is no longer doing them, at least the same way they used to (in person, with the owner tasting several barrels to make their pick). Shame.

They still do picks, Bruce Russell pulled 40 barrels out and said open as many as you want when I went. Eddie and Jimmy were around too, mostly hanging out. Highly recommend :tu

https://i.postimg.cc/ht7cQmzg/PXL-20220601-164212810.jpg

[icehog3]

Bob, that's crazy for Weller SR but you see that all over. I just grabbed one (limit 1) at Binny's for $29. Come to Shack this year and I'll bring it for you.

James, I've really been liking the Russell's as well, it's got that WT funk which is outstanding if you like that profile. Lots of picks drop around here, but if you can find it, that Russell's Reserve 13 Year is the best of the lot. :2

[Porch Dweller]

They still do picks, Bruce Russell pulled 40 barrels out and said open as many as you want when I went. Eddie and Jimmy were around too, mostly hanging out. Highly recommend :tu


Confusing...here's the message we got from the B&M: "This unfortunately will be our final Russell's Single Barrel selection as the Campari State manager has made it clear the only way for buying Russell's barrels moving forward is pure volume as it is now inconvenient to have store owners select in person since any store can easily sell a Russell's barrel even if just selected from samples. I love the Russell's family and I will be forever grateful for all the Bourbon passion and knowledge they have shared with me over the years on dozens of barrel selections on their property."

[stearns]

Confusing...here's the message we got from the B&M: "This unfortunately will be our final Russell's Single Barrel selection as the Campari State manager has made it clear the only way for buying Russell's barrels moving forward is pure volume as it is now inconvenient to have store owners select in person since any store can easily sell a Russell's barrel even if just selected from samples. I love the Russell's family and I will be forever grateful for all the Bourbon passion and knowledge they have shared with me over the years on dozens of barrel selections on their property."

I'm guessing that the "the only way for buying Russell's barrels moving forward is pure volume" part is likely due to something with stores getting barrels based on sales, so a store that sells 10x the wild turkey 101 will get more russells single barrel picks, and store that sells none will likely not get picks, it's their way of incentivizing their shelf product sales. The rest of the message is probably due to frustration about that, but Campari is most certainly still doing single barrel picks for wild turkey, due to the three tier system they have no say in what happens to the bottles after they leave the distillery so if a store wants to sell a whole barrel for profit Campari can't stop them

[Chainsaw13]

I'm guessing that the "the only way for buying Russell's barrels moving forward is pure volume" part is likely due to something with stores getting barrels based on sales, so a store that sells 10x the wild turkey 101 will get more russells single barrel picks, and store that sells none will likely not get picks, it's their way of incentivizing their shelf product sales. The rest of the message is probably due to frustration about that, but Campari is most certainly still doing single barrel picks for wild turkey, due to the three tier system they have no say in what happens to the bottles after they leave the distillery so if a store wants to sell a whole barrel for profit Campari can't stop them

That makes sense and answers a question I had in a way. I see all these stores getting barrel picks. At what point does that eat into regular production? But if a store is selling a lot of product, then one or two barrels amounts to what they’d normally sell anyway.

[Porch Dweller]

I'm guessing that the "the only way for buying Russell's barrels moving forward is pure volume" part is likely due to something with stores getting barrels based on sales, so a store that sells 10x the wild turkey 101 will get more russells single barrel picks, and store that sells none will likely not get picks, it's their way of incentivizing their shelf product sales. The rest of the message is probably due to frustration about that, but Campari is most certainly still doing single barrel picks for wild turkey, due to the three tier system they have no say in what happens to the bottles after they leave the distillery so if a store wants to sell a whole barrel for profit Campari can't stop them

Seems likely, thanks.

[stearns]

Seems likely, thanks.

This is a new problem by the way. You used to be able to go to Sazerac and buy a barrel of anything made by Buffalo Trace, Barton, etc. Then they limited it to a certain number of barrels per year and it took a few months to sell out, the next year a few hours, then a few minutes. The last 4-5 years were instant sell outs, now they do quarterly lotteries where ~60 people out of hundreds of thousands win the chance to buy a barrel. Other heritage brands like Wild Turkey probably had similar problems but use a less public way of dealing with nit

[stearns]

That makes sense and answers a question I had in a way. I see all these stores getting barrel picks. At what point does that eat into regular production? But if a store is selling a lot of product, then one or two barrels amounts to what they’d normally sell anyway.

Minimal. It eats into labor because single barrels are a b**** to deal with logistically but you're right, they move so friggin many bottles of Wild Turkey 101, or Evan Williams, or Jim Beam, or Benchmark that no amount of private picks could impact what they're pumping out

[Chainsaw13]

This is a new problem by the way. You used to be able to go to Sazerac and buy a barrel of anything made by Buffalo Trace, Barton, etc. Then they limited it to a certain number of barrels per year and it took a few months to sell out, the next year a few hours, then a few minutes. The last 4-5 years were instant sell outs, now they do quarterly lotteries where ~60 people out of hundreds of thousands win the chance to buy a barrel. Other heritage brands like Wild Turkey probably had similar problems but use a less public way of dealing with nit

Minimal. It eats into labor because single barrels are a b**** to deal with logistically but you're right, they move so friggin many bottles of Wild Turkey 101, or Evan Williams, or Jim Beam, or Benchmark that no amount of private picks could impact what they're pumping out

Never thought of it from a logistics standpoint. Even makes more sense. If you have 2-3000 barrels at any given point you’re managing plus all your normal production, it becomes a hassle. I was watching a video I think on BT. They make ~1500 new barrels a day. So the overall total dedicated to store picks is low for the big distilleries. But like you said, it becomes a logistical nightmare, especially since they’re selling out their stock anyway. And limiting the number of picks increases rarity, thus keeping demand high as well as prices.

[stearns]

Never thought of it from a logistics standpoint. Even makes more sense. If you have 2-3000 barrels at any given point you’re managing plus all your normal production, it becomes a hassle. I was watching a video I think on BT. They make ~1500 new barrels a day. So the overall total dedicated to store picks is low for the big distilleries. But like you said, it becomes a logistical nightmare, especially since they’re selling out their stock anyway. And limiting the number of picks increases rarity, thus keeping demand high as well as prices.

That's the reason BT stopped putting "single barrel" on eagle rare. They're still pretty much single barrels, but they don't shut the line down every couple hundred bottles to make sure everything is drained from the tank before dumping another barrel in, they just dump every time it gets low. Compared to something like Blantons where a few hands touch every bottle and they make sure there's no crossover

[icehog3]

Enjoyed the discussion and some more education thanks to Ben.

Traded for a couple Whistlepig single barrel picks, the Whiskey Rick is a 13 year barrel I've had before, and Snake in My Boot is a 14 year barrel at 119 proof.

https://i.imgur.com/5uWBdbT.jpg

[stearns]

Nice! I'll heed your warning on their bourbon, but I sure do love some of those Alberta single barrels. I have a small handful of 16-17yrs left that I'm holding onto for dear life, I brought one to a bottle share a while back and the guy didn't believe me that some of the 10's were much much older... until he tried it :al

[icehog3]

Nice! I'll heed your warning on their bourbon, but I sure do love some of those Alberta single barrels. I have a small handful of 16-17yrs left that I'm holding onto for dear life, I brought one to a bottle share a while back and the guy didn't believe me that some of the 10's were much much older... until he tried it :al

I know Ben! I've got a 19 year old Alberta single barrel that I've had for a couple years and can't bring myself to crack. The proof is definitely in the taste.

[icehog3]

I had a craving for that Beam "peanut funk" last night so I cracked open a bottle of the most peanut forward Booker's I've tried, Granny's Batch. Pure peanut brittle!

https://i.imgur.com/OjUNK5z.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

So I said I was done buying bottles for now. Well….stopped by the a store with some friends on our way back from dinner. Talked with the guy behind the counter. Asked if they had Larceny Barrel Proof. “I might.” Sold me the bottle at msrp. It’s good, hoping it gets better now that the bottle is open.

[stearns]

Nice grab! I wasn't a fan of the first release a couple years ago but have heard they've gotten better and better with each release since then. Cask strength wheaters are always a good bet :tu

I usually blow my tri-annual HH release money on Elijah Craig Barrel Proofs, 2022 was a great year for them I'm pretty sure I bought a backup of each. A123 was pretty good but not a standout, I'll be curious to see how the new variable age statement goes

[Chainsaw13]

Ben, this bottle is C922.

[icehog3]

Stopped in a store that had their private barrel of ECBP. 9 years, 129 proof, $79 but you had to buy another store pick top buy it. Not sure I would have bought in alone at that price, but none of their many picks enticed me enough to consider it. And they had a table full of the ECPB, so I wasn't the only one passing.

[Chainsaw13]

Got a text from a friend of mine, actually an old boss. One of his workers at the plant in Louisville has a friend that gets use bourbon barrels on occasion. And sometimes they still contain some liquid. I guess this guy recently got a barrel of 1792 full proof, and was able to bottle 70 L for himself.

[Porch Dweller]

Got a text from a friend of mine, actually an old boss. One of his workers at the plant in Louisville has a friend that gets use bourbon barrels on occasion. And sometimes they still contain some liquid. I guess this guy recently got a barrel of 1792 full proof, and was able to bottle 70 L for himself.

:O

[jledou]

Got a text from a friend of mine, actually an old boss. One of his workers at the plant in Louisville has a friend that gets use bourbon barrels on occasion. And sometimes they still contain some liquid. I guess this guy recently got a barrel of 1792 full proof, and was able to bottle 70 L for himself.

Wow 70 L would be a little over 93 750ml bottles or almost half full .... maybe someone set that on the back dock a little to early in the dumping process

[icehog3]

Wow 70 L would be a little over 93 750ml bottles or almost half full .... maybe someone set that on the back dock a little to early in the dumping process

Yeah, that is crazy. You sure on that figure, Bob?

[Chainsaw13]

Yup. I asked that myself.

[Chainsaw13]

Ok, I had the brand wrong. It was 4 Roses. Here’s the text.

So one of the guys who works for me in Louisville has a friend who delivers used bourbon barrels. He often will get a barrel on his load that will not be completely empty. On Monday, he got a barrel that was almost half full. It was a four roses. He bottled 70 liters of full proof for himself ��

[Porch Dweller]

Ok, I had the brand wrong. It was 4 Roses. Here’s the text.

So one of the guys who works for me in Louisville has a friend who delivers used bourbon barrels. He often will get a barrel on his load that will not be completely empty. On Monday, he got a barrel that was almost half full. It was a four roses. He bottled 70 liters of full proof for himself ��

I still say :O


:D

[Chainsaw13]

I still say :O


:D

Agreed!

Yesterday’s acquisition and subsequent pour. Delicious. Very much vanilla on the nose. Carries over to the taste, where I also got small hints of chocolate covered cherries, even once what I thought was butterscotch. The burn hits you right at the back of the throat, in a good way.

[icehog3]

Corsets, Whips and Whiskey? Bourbon for the B&D enthusiast, Bob? :lr

[Chainsaw13]

Corsets, Whips and Whiskey? Bourbon for the B&D enthusiast, Bob? :lr

I’m not saying. :D

It’s named after what used to be produced in the building now housing the distillery. It’s a 100% wheat whiskey.

[icehog3]

I’m not saying. :D

It’s named after what used to be produced in the building now housing the distillery. It’s a 100% wheat whiskey.

Well, whip it. Whip it good. -(P

[Chainsaw13]

Well, whip it. Whip it good. -(P

Who said that? I can’t see you. :D

[icehog3]

Who said that? I can’t see you. :D

https://i.imgur.com/iogXUdf.gif

[G G]

I aint much of a bourbon drinker. I have tried some Makers Mark and a couple other somewhat better brands. I figured I would tell a story real quick and it's not about bourbon, but here goes. My Dad was born and raised in a little town just over the Georgia line called St. George. It's in that part of Georgia that dips down into Florida that we call the Georgia Bend. In the late 50s early 60s there wasn't much to do for work and Dad's family was very poor so he turned to making the product that NE Florida and SE Georgia was pretty well known for, Moonshine. So he was working across the Florida line in Nassau County making shine one day when he became aware that a revenue man was sneaking up to catch him. So he somehow splashed some of the product on him while readying to run, and the burner he was using caught it on fire. He didn't know it at first, and he ran away from the little branch he was on. He got some ways away and realized he was on fire. The shine burns a very dim blue so it's not easy to see. He had to turn back and run back past the revenue man to jump in the branch to put the fire out. He was caught and sentenced to 5 years. He was 16 years old and sent to Raiford Prison, where death row is at. he did a couple years there and was transferred to Appalachiacola where he served out his sentence. Shine aint bourbon but there are people still making it and it's good when it's good and very bad when it's bad. Dad can swirl it in a mason jar and tell you what proof it is just by looking at the bubbles.

[Brian D.]

I like your story, GG. I'm sure nobody here objects. After all, they let me post up about which gas station I got my tumbler filled at, in the thread about fancy coffee. :D

[Porch Dweller]

I like your story, GG. I'm sure nobody here objects. After all, they let me post up about which gas station I got my tumbler filled at, in the thread about fancy coffee. :D

:tpd:

[icehog3]

What a story Greg, amazing!

Have you ever seen the movie "Lawless"? It's pretty good.

And a little Willie too (phrasing) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKMOIPPsAkA

[icehog3]

I can't keep my hands off this 11 year, 109 proof ECBP pick. Freaking oak bomb.

https://i.imgur.com/qElqp3t.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

I agree with Brian, James and Tom. Great story GG.

Stopped by a store on my way home from the cemetery. Huge bourbon selection. They had a bottle of Booker 2022-04 (I believe that’s the date I saw) and a bottle of Little Book Chapter 6. $200/ea. what I expected. But $200 for Blantons. :lr

[icehog3]

None of those should be that way, Bob, Little Book is closest to retail. Booker's is $89 now, Blanton's maybe $65? WTF?

[Porch Dweller]

I don't even like Blanton's at $65, let alone $200. I've just never been much of a fan.

I can get Booker's for around $80-ish on my local Air Force Base, luckily.

[Chainsaw13]

Unfortunately prices around me are crazy for the HTF stuff. This guy had a really nice selection of bottles, but I think he’s over estimating what people will pay. Then the stuff just sits on the shelf.

[stearns]

I don't even like Blanton's at $65, let alone $200. I've just never been much of a fan.

I can get Booker's for around $80-ish on my local Air Force Base, luckily.

I'm in a semi-bourbon online group where last week a guy says "I'm having my friend join the group, he has a ton of crazy bourbon you guys will love him" and his friend immediately posts a brag video... slowly showing the 7 bottles of Blanton's he has and something about being only one letter away... :sl:sl:sl

Now $80 Bookers? That's the deal right there

[icehog3]

I don't even like Blanton's at $65, let alone $200. I've just never been much of a fan.

I can get Booker's for around $80-ish on my local Air Force Base, luckily.

Yup, not a Blanton's guy either James, though I'd buy a SFTB at MSRP. ;)

Booker's 23-01, Charlie's Batch. Get it. I'll buy the open bottle if you don't like it. :D

[jledou]

Agreed!

Yesterday’s acquisition and subsequent pour. Delicious. Very much vanilla on the nose. Carries over to the taste, where I also got small hints of chocolate covered cherries, even once what I thought was butterscotch. The burn hits you right at the back of the throat, in a good way.

I did like the one bottle I have been able to find. A great wheated at full proof.

[Porch Dweller]

Yup, not a Blanton's guy either James, though I'd buy a SFTB at MSRP. ;)

Booker's 23-01, Charlie's Batch. Get it. I'll buy the open bottle if you don't like it. :D

:tu

[G G]

Thanks for acceptance of the story. A little further, not sure 100% how true this one is. The summer I graduated high school (1983) my dad had about 6 OR 8 quarts of moonshine that he made way back in the day. he claimed he had buried it for 20+ years, not real sure it that was the truth or not. But what I can tell you is the shine was about 90 proof, which dad always said anything over 90 proof was not drinking shine. This shine was smooth as water. You could pour some on ice and drink it with just a little burn in the gut. After about 2 or 3 sips though, your legs would kinda get rubbery on ya. LOL

[Beagleone]

Grabbed a bottle of Booker's 2023-01 Charlie's Batch. Haven't opened it yet. Looking for a second before I do that.

I've backed off of the hunt, although there are a few bottles I am looking for. I've got too much right now and most of it is on the floor. Going to look in some industrial shelves to get it off he floor this summer. I also backed off drinking due to some recent accidents I've experienced. I just didn't feel like drinking as I recovered.

[Chainsaw13]

Awesome story addition Greg. I’d like to try some real shine someday. Not the mass produced stuff you can buy at the store.

As for Bookers, I’m hoping to snag a bottle soon. Local grocery store is supposed to have some soon.

[Porch Dweller]

At my first duty station (Tinker AFB, OK) my NCOIC, Jerry, was from waaaaay up in the mountains of Tennessee. 'Shine was part of his family's culture. He drove home about twice a year to visit family. Each time he returned he brought back two or three two-liter Pepsi bottles filled with 'shine.

We were a fun-loving group so someone was hosting a party every weekend. Jerry would bring some 'shine occasionally and pass the bottle around. Eventually he realized I was the only one that would continue to drink it with him. Nobody else liked it but I did, so at some point in every party he'd give me a look and we'd go sip some 'shine. It tasted like a blend of vodka, mezcal, and light rum. That may sound nasty, but it was actually pretty tasty. Jerry's family's best estimate was it was around 115 proof. It had a mule kick right up front but was surprisingly pleasant and smooth going down.

Good times...

[G G]

Awesome story addition Greg. I’d like to try some real shine someday. Not the mass produced stuff you can buy at the store.

As for Bookers, I’m hoping to snag a bottle soon. Local grocery store is supposed to have some soon.

I am def not a shine expert by any stretch. But there is folks who know how to make it, and there are those that don't but do anyway. It's a different taste for sure, but when it's good and smooth it's pretty good stuff.

[stearns]

I am def not a shine expert by any stretch. But there is folks who know how to make it, and there are those that don't but do anyway. It's a different taste for sure, but when it's good and smooth it's pretty good stuff.

My father in law used to get some stuff from West Virginia, always had a mason jar in the freezer and would pull it out towards the end of parties. Sure was tasty, I never asked where he got it but I've had my share of bad stuff, the good sure can be good :tu

I've backed off of the hunt, although there are a few bottles I am looking for. I've got too much right now and most of it is on the floor. Going to look in some industrial shelves to get it off he floor this summer

Storage is the real concern, I don't drink nearly enough and am out of space as well, I need to kill off at least 5-6 before I can bring more bottles into the house :r

[icehog3]

I need to kill off at least 5-6 before I can bring more bottles into the house :r

https://i.imgur.com/11i3Mu2.gif

[stearns]

https://i.imgur.com/11i3Mu2.gif

https://media.tenor.com/CAeDJHOkumQAAAAC/pokemon-i-choose-you.gif

[icehog3]

https://media.tenor.com/CAeDJHOkumQAAAAC/pokemon-i-choose-you.gif

https://i.imgur.com/uvqF13n.jpg

[Porch Dweller]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FhpOBB53 A9DbEc%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=7755fe79522f1133030e4941d4a50e706beb83e9a2e536 0b2af6f76dd9020b7f&ipo=images



:D

[icehog3]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FhpOBB53 A9DbEc%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=7755fe79522f1133030e4941d4a50e706beb83e9a2e536 0b2af6f76dd9020b7f&ipo=images



:D

https://i.imgur.com/g6RQLhi.gif

Got a new wheater from Copper Sky yesterday after a good experience with a Hazmat single barrel from them. This is a bit sweet, good but not as good as the Maker's Mark wood finished batches or Weller Full Proof.

https://i.imgur.com/83oWwYK.jpg

[Chainsaw13]

Well, right place, right time kinda thing. Stopped by Total Wine on my way home from a day in the woods. They were putting out the BT stuff they just received in. Got an EH Taylor Small Batch, another Eagle Rare and a Weller Special Reserve. Guess I just missed out on the Weller 107. Feel like I stole them paying msrp.

Happened to be talking with another customer about Bookers. He said he saw the guy with a bottle of the 107. So we walked up front where they were putting more stuff out. The 107s were all gone. The EHT they had only six of. 4 went in the first two minutes.

[icehog3]

Any day you get ER and EHT at retail is a good day, Bob. :D

[Beagleone]

I managed to do a hat trick and grab three bottles of EHT SmB at retail yesterday. I also got another bottle of Booker's Charlie's Batch, also at retail.

Not sure why, but the local Spec's stores were dropping EHT SmB in large quantities over the last couple of days. Usually, they get one or two case every other month or two. Most stores were getting 5 cases or more. Some had as many as 15 cases. All allocated, meaning one bottle person per day per store. Luckily there are three near me. Other BT products were also present, but not in the numbers of EHT.

I really need to do an inventory soon of everything I have. I think with this haul I have 5 cases of various EHT bottles.

[stearns]

I managed to do a hat trick and grab three bottles of EHT SmB at retail yesterday. I also got another bottle of Booker's Charlie's Batch, also at retail.

Not sure why, but the local Spec's stores were dropping EHT SmB in large quantities over the last couple of days. Usually, they get one or two case every other month or two. Most stores were getting 5 cases or more. Some had as many as 15 cases. All allocated, meaning one bottle person per day per store. Luckily there are three near me. Other BT products were also present, but not in the numbers of EHT.

I really need to do an inventory soon of everything I have. I think with this haul I have 5 cases of various EHT bottles.

A friend of mine in TX lucked into a couple cases of this guy, according to some turkey-chasing friends there are only 3 or 4 picks out of this warehouse in existence right now so I grabbed one, I forget the whole story but I think it was allocated to Specs but they never claimed it so the distributor sold them off. That happened recently with a Russell's pick locally, ended up on the shelves of Total Wine because the distributor didn't give a sh*t and just sold it to whoever wanted it once it came in despite what the label says

https://i.postimg.cc/bwrv0mSH/PXL-20230511-175453141.jpg

Image isn't loading, but it's a Specs Russell's Reserve pick from warehouse E

[Chainsaw13]

Is Szazerac Rye worth picking up?

[Chainsaw13]

I managed to do a hat trick and grab three bottles of EHT SmB at retail yesterday. I also got another bottle of Booker's Charlie's Batch, also at retail.

Not sure why, but the local Spec's stores were dropping EHT SmB in large quantities over the last couple of days. Usually, they get one or two case every other month or two. Most stores were getting 5 cases or more. Some had as many as 15 cases. All allocated, meaning one bottle person per day per store. Luckily there are three near me. Other BT products were also present, but not in the numbers of EHT.

I really need to do an inventory soon of everything I have. I think with this haul I have 5 cases of various EHT bottles.

That’s awesome! The Total Wine I hit up only had the one case of EHT. They had already put out the few cases of BT and what little Weller they’d gotten. When I walked up, the guy walked up with the cart holding the EHT and ER (iirc they had a few cases of that). Too bad the place is 30 miles away.

[Chainsaw13]

Cracked open the EHT yesterday. Man that’s good stuff.

[Chainsaw13]

Ok, decided to do some more hunting today. Hit up another total wine. There was a rep from Iron Fish, the owners son. Tried a sample of a couple cask finished bourbons, maple syrup and 4 cask (a blend of all 4 they have). Both were good. Ended up getting a single barrel maple syrup finished. 114 proof I think. Gonna try it in an old fashioned soon.

[icehog3]

Is Szazerac Rye worth picking up?

Are you a rye fan, Bob? I can take it or leave it most of the time. Sazerac is always available here.

[Chainsaw13]

Are you a rye fan, Bob? I can take it or leave it most of the time. Sazerac is always available here.

I don’t honestly know. Yesterday, just so happened to stop by the store that had it Wednesday. They were out. I know there’s many rye’s out now that I really don’t need to hunt it. It sells quick around here. Guessing a case of it being from BT, so everyone grabs it while they can.

[Chainsaw13]

I should buy a lottery ticket. Talked to the manager at Total Wine yesterday. The EHT I picked up Wednesday was his allotment so far this year (6 bottles).

Picked up a bottle of Old Elk single barrel (Meijer store pick) and an Iron Fish maple syrup barrel finish cask strength over the weekend. The OE so far is good on the first pour. Getting almost a Reese’ PB Cup on the nose. Lol. The IF is definitely sweet. Would be a good dessert pour.

[longknocker]

I should buy a lottery ticket. Talked to the manager at Total Wine yesterday. The EHT I picked up Wednesday was his allotment so far this year (6 bottles).

Picked up a bottle of Old Elk single barrel (Meijer store pick) and an Iron Fish maple syrup barrel finish cask strength over the weekend. The OE so far is good on the first pour. Getting almost a Reese’ PB Cup on the nose. Lol. The IF is definitely sweet. Would be a good dessert pour.

:noon:banger:D:tu Like The Time I Found 3 Bottles Of Buffalo Trace At Costco & Costco Prices!:dr:tu

[Porch Dweller]

I should buy a lottery ticket. Talked to the manager at Total Wine yesterday. The EHT I picked up Wednesday was his allotment so far this year (6 bottles).

Picked up a bottle of Old Elk single barrel (Meijer store pick) and an Iron Fish maple syrup barrel finish cask strength over the weekend. The OE so far is good on the first pour. Getting almost a Reese’ PB Cup on the nose. Lol. The IF is definitely sweet. Would be a good dessert pour.

I've only had about three bottles of the Old Elk but I've enjoyed each of them.

[kingcobradude]

$80 for Weller SR? Talk about a kick in the nuts. That’s a $27 bottle.

I really need to find a bar with a nice selection to try a few pours before I buy another bottle.

Agreed. Local liquor store just got a fresh shipment too

[kingcobradude]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1njoxRPSOsiSap9QrsQZbNi2gK0vkPTLj/view?usp=drivesdk
Picked this up today. This is some good stuff

[longknocker]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1njoxRPSOsiSap9QrsQZbNi2gK0vkPTLj/view?usp=drivesdk
Picked this up today. This is some good stuff

Much Better Than The Standard Makers, Clay???

[kingcobradude]

Much Better Than The Standard Makers, Clay???

I haven't had standard makers.

[stearns]

I haven't had standard makers.

Go grab a bottle and do a side by side, it will help appreciate the uniqueness of the finish from the pick :al

[Chainsaw13]

Go grab a bottle and do a side by side, it will help appreciate the uniqueness of the finish from the pick :al

So on my way back from lunch, hit up the local liquor store and grabbed a bottle of the BRT-02. Drinking it right now. Very enjoyable. Unique. They also had the BRT-01. Worth picking that up? I went with the 02 as a quick search had it more to my flavor profile.

[kingcobradude]

Go grab a bottle and do a side by side, it will help appreciate the uniqueness of the finish from the pick :al

I will have to. My bottle isn't even open yet, they had a tasting of this at the liquor store

[stearns]

So on my way back from lunch, hit up the local liquor store and grabbed a bottle of the BRT-02. Drinking it right now. Very enjoyable. Unique. They also had the BRT-01. Worth picking that up? I went with the 02 as a quick search had it more to my flavor profile.

They were both pretty good but I preferred 02

[Chainsaw13]

They were both pretty good but I preferred 02

Thanks Ben. I’ll stick to this one. I have plenty of bottles to drink from now.

[stearns]

Sounds to me like you still don't have nearly enough :D

[icehog3]

I picked up two more of the MM BEP.... Bob, if you run into that, it is better than both the BRTs (and all except FAE-02) in my humble opinion.

[Chainsaw13]

Sounds to me like you still don't have nearly enough :D

Well I went from maybe 4-5 bottles to 20+ different bottles with about 30 if you count multiples. My kitchen counter is overflowing.

I picked up two more of the MM BEP.... Bob, if you run into that, it is better than both the BRTs (and all except FAE-02) in my humble opinion.

I’ll keep my eye for it. I was surprised to see last years bottles on the shelf, let alone at msrp.

[icehog3]

I’ll keep my eye for it. I was surprised to see last years bottles on the shelf, let alone at msrp.

Unusual but you find those hidden gems now and then. :tu

[Chainsaw13]

So I sent my friend in NC, a huge bourbon drinker, a pic of my meager collection. He sends me pics of his stuff that would put some liquor stores to shame. He just sent me a pic of a bottle of Very Old Fitz he got as a retirement gift.

[Chainsaw13]

And now he just sent me a pic of his last haul from KY. Wow. I’d blow my savings on what he got. Multiples of Weller 12, WLW, and plenty others.

[stearns]

I suspect if they're getting WLW from Kentucky they probably did blow some savings. You can occasionally get lucky at a distillery there for certain special releases, but in general people who live in KY tend agree it's easier to get allocated stuff in other states. That being said, KY and DC are the only places where a store is legally allowed to buy from a collector and resell the bottle, so literally everything ever is available, but they all come with a fitting price tag

[kingcobradude]

Picked up a (small) bottle of regular makers to compare to the private selection I got

[Porch Dweller]

I opened up the GD Hand Selected Barrel tonight. It's pretty damned tasty. I'm not the greatest at getting tasting notes, but I get cherry, caramel, and tiramisu on the nose. The palate is sweet cinnamon apple and a pleasant peppery note. I'd pick up another bottle of this if the price was right.

https://i.imgur.com/MBtEcYh.jpg

[kingcobradude]

Having some regular makers tonight

[Chainsaw13]

I suspect if they're getting WLW from Kentucky they probably did blow some savings. You can occasionally get lucky at a distillery there for certain special releases, but in general people who live in KY tend agree it's easier to get allocated stuff in other states. That being said, KY and DC are the only places where a store is legally allowed to buy from a collector and resell the bottle, so literally everything ever is available, but they all come with a fitting price tag

So bear with me, I’m still a noob. Looking at the pic again, so I see bottles of Weller 12. Next to it is a bottle of W. L. Weller 12. Different bottle shapes, different labels. That’s what I was calling WLW. It’s not the bottle from the BTAC series.

[stearns]

Ah I see, sounds like it could be an older bottling of Weller, in which case see above about spending your savings in KY :r

But seriously that's pretty cool, I was never much of a fan of Weller 12, I found a bottle for $60 a few years ago which felt expensive at the time but boy was I wrong. I have a friend with a closet full of old Weller stuff, but somebody told him how much it's worth so he wanted close to $400 for an old handle of 107. It's probably low for what he could get for it, but I'm sure not paying that

[stearns]

I opened up the GD Hand Selected Barrel tonight. It's pretty damned tasty. I'm not the greatest at getting tasting notes, but I get cherry, caramel, and tiramisu on the nose. The palate is sweet cinnamon apple and a pleasant peppery note. I'd pick up another bottle of this if the price was right.

https://i.imgur.com/MBtEcYh.jpg

Sounds delicious! Those Dickel picks can be all over the place, I've had a few that are fruity heavenly and a few that are over the top mineral and borderline undrinkable. Glad you got a good one :tu

[icehog3]

I agree with Ben, James, the Dickel picks are pretty inconsistent, I'm also glad you got a good one.

Met some old hockey teammates out at a burger & bourbon place, and tried these 3 "new to me" pours:

Larceny Barrel Proof A121. Doesn't hold a candle to Elijah Craig BP.

Barrell Bourbon Batch 19 (2019). Sweet and complex, but not as good as Batch 28.

Maker's Mark Cask Strength. Meh. Gimmie the wood finished series or a high proof single barrel over this.

So what to do after that? Come home for some old faithful Knob Creek 102 proof single barrel. :r

https://i.imgur.com/0DGWQn6.jpg

[Brian D.]

...the dickel picks...

phrasing! :d

[Chainsaw13]

Sounds delicious! Those Dickel picks can be all over the place, I've had a few that are fruity heavenly and a few that are over the top mineral and borderline undrinkable. Glad you got a good one :tu

Interesting, one of the guys I watch on YT says the same about Dickel. Guess I’ll stay away from them for now.

[Porch Dweller]

Interesting, one of the guys I watch on YT says the same about Dickel. Guess I’ll stay away from them for now.

One of the YT channels I follow talked about them a few months back. Their consensus was that the bottlings that are below 100 proof are meh, the ones above are worth it. That's the only reason I grabbed mine; it's 103. I'm glad I did as I quite like it. I'd like to find some of the ones that are 110-115.

[icehog3]

Interesting, one of the guys I watch on YT says the same about Dickel. Guess I’ll stay away from them for now.

For the less than stellar ones, I get a strong taste of Flintstones chewable vitamins. Not great in a bourbon for my palate.

[Porch Dweller]

Grabbed a few bottles at my favorite B&M. I was hoping to find batch 4 of the K.Luke, which is barrel proof, but they were all sold out. That's good for the owner's, though, as it's their whiskey.

Love the KC, though I haven't had this particular batch as yet. I've not had the Early Times BIB but have heard a lot of good things about it.

https://i.imgur.com/DeKFtIv.jpg

[icehog3]

Recent 9 year KC picks have been really good, James. Hope this one fits that bill.

Early Times BiB was always my favorite "budget" pour, though that's recently been trumped by Jack Daniels BiB for my palate.

[kingcobradude]

Go grab a bottle and do a side by side, it will help appreciate the uniqueness of the finish from the pick :al

Regular seams weak in comparison

[Porch Dweller]

There was some Widow Jane 10-year at my B&M, which I've never tried. I've read a lot of good things about it, but I just have a hard time laying out $85 for a 91 proof bourbon. There are a helluva lot of damned good cask strength bourbons out there for a lot less.

Anyone had any Widow Jane? Is it worth it?

[icehog3]

I have not, James. A couple bars near me have it for pours, I might give it a try next time I go to one.

[Chainsaw13]

Ugh! Stopped by Total Wine on the way to my friends cottage, to grab another bottle of Wolcott. Reps from Oregon Spirits where they’re giving out samples. Tried their regular, wheated and rye. Liked them all, but was really surprised by the rye, so snagged a bottle. My bank account hates me. :D

[icehog3]

Had this pour at a friend's BBQ last night:

https://i.imgur.com/wRRoNLM.jpg

It's as if Miller Brewing Company said. "Let's make Miller Lite Light, and make it extra extra light". Freaking Corona Beer has more substance. Rant over. Came back home and drank something better.

https://i.imgur.com/pdWRqpK.jpg

[kingcobradude]

Had this pour at a friend's BBQ last night:

https://i.imgur.com/wRRoNLM.jpg

It's as if Miller Brewing Company said. "Let's make Miller Lite Light, and make it extra extra light". Freaking Corona Beer has more substance. Rant over. Came back home and drank something better.

https://i.imgur.com/pdWRqpK.jpg

The basil Hayden is light? Or the other one?