Favorite bourbon/ whiskey...

I had a taste of it last week at a friend’s house - it’s good and the price you found seems reasonable as well.

 

Yup, just buy it

 

I didn't get the EC different store, but I did add another JJB which I will break into one tonight.

 

Found this yesterday. The store clerk said I just missed some EH Taylor, Wellers and Buffalo Trace though.

 

Bought a bottle a few years ago and did struggle to finish it, can't recall any tasting notes though.

 

Weller 12, CYPB, EHT single barrel, EHT small batch and stagg dropped at a few stores in my area yesterday.

 

Pretty epic lineup last night.

 

Holy moly!!

 

nice collection! What year George t are those? Can't zoom in enough to see the proofs.

 

Nice! What was your favorite?

 

We had 19,20 and 23

 

I think the wharehouse c or the birthday bourbon. That's a homer pick though. I brought the BB.

 

This is what makes having friends that are into bourbon so much fun! I bet that was a great time!

 

In today's world that is a pretty solid downpayment on a new tundra.

 

So, here's one from a while back... I believe this was from 2011, and it was my first George T and Thomas Handy.

The Handy was 128.6, which is fairly 'average', but the Stagg was bottled at 142.6 (which I believe is my highest 'quality' bourbon find to date)...

 

That’s some serious hazmat proof on that Stagg. Did you try it? I’ve noticed the higher proof BTAC is still enjoyable versus some others I’ve tried are just straight fire.

 

Nothing I buy (in the high quality liquor category) goes unconsumed ... I believe good/exotic whiskies and fine wines are just like exotic cars; they are meant to be enjoyed as intended and not stuck in a basement or garage somewhere collecting dust and waiting to be wiped off w/someone's feather duster.

Yes, I remember it being hot, but not to the point where flavor profiles were lost. I normally 'open' my whiskies w/a few drops of water while they are breathing; this process definitely took some the 'edge' of that high octane proof. I know you're a highly 'seasoned' connoisseur, but for some of the folks that are new to this game or haven't played w/the higher proofs, here's what I've learned....

For anyone new to dabbling in some of the higher proofs/barrel strengths, I say don't be afraid to try them and don't be afraid to make some minor adjustments if needed to enjoy. In other words, if someone finds a nice whisky at 125-140 proof, try doing (4) 1 oz pours into 4 different glasses. Do one neat; do one opened w/a few drops of distilled or branch water (not tap or bottled drinking water as it changes the flavor); do one w/an 1/8oz of water; and one w/a 1/4 oz of water... let them open and breath for about 5 minutes and then sample (this essentially allows you to sample the whiskies at various 'slightly lower' proofs until you determine what works for you and what you enjoy the most. If someone enjoys a high proof whisky that's been diluted 4:1 more than drinking it straight, good for them; it allows them to enjoy their purchase more, get an extra 5-6 pours out of their bottle, and allows them to have more varied experiences w/a single bottle of whisky.

If you're someone that enjoys your whiskey w/ice do them same thing but use ice (1 vs 2 vs 4 cubes of ice). Remember to make your ice from distilled or branch water so as not to change flavor profiles w/additives, and keep in mind dilution ratios of small cubes vs large cubes vs giant ball of ice will be different. If I was using ice, I'd allow some dilution time and time for the whiskey to open prior to sampling (I don't know what those time frames look like as I don't use it).

Bottom line is that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy whiskey

Cheers!!!

 

That was a very well said and informative post indeed. I remember doing a very similar setup at Old Forester on Whiskey Row.

 

Epic is an understatement!

George T and OF Birthday Bourbon are my favorites. I have a Pappy 12 and 20. They USED to be my favorite (10 years ago), but since living in KY, I have found so many other great bottles.

My wife was in Japan last summer, brought me back the Japenese Market Black and Red Label. The Black was OK, very low proof, but the Red was outstanding and falls between Blanton's Gold and Regular.

I've been a Michters fan for years, and their standard offerings are fantastic for the price, but the 10 Year Bourbon and Rye are some of the best Juice I have ever had.

This is a great time to love Whiskey.

 

What are some of your favorites that are available in Kentucky?

 

Birthday Bourbon is by far my favorite. I never pass up a chance to add one.

 

Pappy 20 year

 

So, had anyone here tried the "traveler?" It's the collaboration release from Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace. I'm asking because I'm interested in honest opinions about these special releases that celebrities really pump up. Personally I'm not impressed. The good part is that is priced in the right tier, and not trying to corral people into thinking it's a damn fine bourbon when it's just average at best.

 

Tried Traveller....well it's not bad but I didn't think it was very impressive. Compared it against Buffalo Trace and it doesn't hold up against BT.

Traveller is a pretty light mouthful to it and isn't packed with flavor, it is a easy sipper. Here it's $40 a bottle. Honestly feel there are better options in it's price range.

This comparison was with the first pour out of the bottle and did not let it sit for long before trying. It may come alive with a drop or two of water but have not tried that yet

 

With the exception of Longbranch, celebrity-endorsed bourbons have been a constant let down for me. Great way to overcharge while under-delivering, although I'm sure they're not all bad. I don't go out of my way to try them anymore.

 

Basically how I feel as well.

Well said. And I also agree that for $40 I'd rather drink something else that delivers a bigger bouquet and punch. You said it best. It's light.

 

Whistle pig ginger beer, great whiskey for sipping or cocktails

 

Still can't believe I got my hands on this. Quite enjoyable. Higher proof and a little more robust than regular ol' Blanton's. Classic caramel finish. Recommend you buy if you can find.

 

Got mine right when it came out and finished it already. It’s good, not great but I’m also sipping Stagg, EH and Weller as well so that is to be expected. It has good flavors and nothing bad about it, but also nothing to rave about. There are plenty of other bottles to buy for cheaper/same price but it is a fun party bottle to bring out. Definitely a conversation starter and a great bottle to share. I’ll probably grab another eventually to serve friends since they don’t enjoy my higher proof options.

 

Was in Florida last week and came across these, I have only seen the Benchmark 8 in my area. For my palate the small bench is the only one I like, the single barrel has a waxy flavor I get from Beam or WT products, the Top Floor has that plus grassy note. Glad they are cheap as I will end up giving those 2 away.