Bourbon

[BigDHornfan 6631]

9 hours ago, GreenspointTexas said:

Garrison brothers flagship bourbon is almost 4 years old at this point

GB single barrel is 4 years old

Balmorrhea is 4 years old

Cowboy Bourbon is almost 7 years old now

I have tried and tried to like Garrison but I just don't.  

[BigDHornfan 6631]

9 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Small sample size, but from what I’ve seen MGP appears be running extremely low/maybe out of 10+ year bourbons. Many of the sourcing brands have turned to Dickel for aged product. It was a nice run while it lasted.

It might be time to stock up on Bulleitt 12 Year Rye. 

They didn't run out, but they started using it for themselves instead of letting others source it.  Remus is one of theirs.  And it's outstanding.

[BigDHornfan 6631]

15 minutes ago, NoName said:

off topic here, but what is Chip Tate up to these days? has Tate and Company even released anything?

tatedistillery.com

In 2008, Chip built the heart and soul of his first distillery with nothing more than a few dollars and the goodwill of friends. He breathed new life into an old welding building nestled under a bridge where he welded and pounded out his own copper stills. Those original stills, the two of them, sat toward the back of the distillery, against the wall, their squat onion shaped pots atop circular brick bases, their narrowing necks disappeared up into the gloom of the ceiling. And when those stills reached the end of their lives Chip, the craftsman, set out to hammer, weld, and handcraft four more.

Chip's newest venture, Tate & Company Distillery promises to be his most exciting chapter yet. Using the skills, expertise and relationships he has developed to date, Chip aspires to make Tate & Company a haven for the craft movement not only through his own distilling projects but through exciting collaborations with craft and artisan distillers around the world. After hand building the copper pot stills for what promises to be the most versatile craft distillery in the country, Chip is ready to begin construction on his new facility. Chip has acquired 27 acres to house the expanded design of the Tate & Company Distillery Campus. The campus will provide a state-of-the-art production facility engineered to Chip’s exacting standards. The new distillery will benefit from lessons learned retaining the positive characteristics of Chip's early distilleries and designs without the limitations.

In 2020, Chip will begin production of the whiskies and rum for which he is well-known as well as several new styles of exceptional spirits. (But those are too secret to share!)

[NoName 17167]

Just now, BigDHornfan said:

tatedistillery.com

In 2008, Chip built the heart and soul of his first distillery with nothing more than a few dollars and the goodwill of friends. He breathed new life into an old welding building nestled under a bridge where he welded and pounded out his own copper stills. Those original stills, the two of them, sat toward the back of the distillery, against the wall, their squat onion shaped pots atop circular brick bases, their narrowing necks disappeared up into the gloom of the ceiling. And when those stills reached the end of their lives Chip, the craftsman, set out to hammer, weld, and handcraft four more.

Chip's newest venture, Tate & Company Distillery promises to be his most exciting chapter yet. Using the skills, expertise and relationships he has developed to date, Chip aspires to make Tate & Company a haven for the craft movement not only through his own distilling projects but through exciting collaborations with craft and artisan distillers around the world. After hand building the copper pot stills for what promises to be the most versatile craft distillery in the country, Chip is ready to begin construction on his new facility. Chip has acquired 27 acres to house the expanded design of the Tate & Company Distillery Campus. The campus will provide a state-of-the-art production facility engineered to Chip’s exacting standards. The new distillery will benefit from lessons learned retaining the positive characteristics of Chip's early distilleries and designs without the limitations.

In 2020, Chip will begin production of the whiskies and rum for which he is well-known as well as several new styles of exceptional spirits. (But those are too secret to share!)

wow, they got their permit in 2017 and haven't released anything until 2020? dude must have gotten some cash either from the Balcones split or (more likely) was able to raise some elsewhere...2.5-3 years with no revenue is a tough thing

[thrillhammer 686]

16 minutes ago, NoName said:

wow, they got their permit in 2017 and haven't released anything until 2020? dude must have gotten some cash either from the Balcones split or (more likely) was able to raise some elsewhere...2.5-3 years with no revenue is a tough thing

i'll be a fan.  he knows his craft, and balcones went downhill after he left, imo.   i'm excited to try all his offerings.

[BigDHornfan 6631]

18 minutes ago, NoName said:

wow, they got their permit in 2017 and haven't released anything until 2020? dude must have gotten some cash either from the Balcones split or (more likely) was able to raise some elsewhere...2.5-3 years with no revenue is a tough thing

He got plenty of money when he left Balcones.  He had 27% of the company when he left.

This is an outstanding article.
https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/the-hangover/

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

24 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:

They didn't run out, but they started using it for themselves instead of letting others source it.  Remus is one of theirs.  And it's outstanding.

Could you recommend one of their offerings please?

[GreenspointTexas 9989]

27 minutes ago, NoName said:

wow, they got their permit in 2017 and haven't released anything until 2020? dude must have gotten some cash either from the Balcones split or (more likely) was able to raise some elsewhere...2.5-3 years with no revenue is a tough thing

Hes still building his stills at the moment. I wouldnt expect any product from him till 2021

[GreenspointTexas 9989]

37 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:

I have tried and tried to like Garrison but I just don't.  

Have u tried Balmorrhea or Cowboy?

[BigDHornfan 6631]

2 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Could you recommend one of their offerings please?

The Remus series was really good and so was the Volstead.  Volstead is a little too pricey @$200 IMO.  Remus III is really really good.

[BigDHornfan 6631]

7 minutes ago, GreenspointTexas said:

Have u tried Balmorrhea or Cowboy?

no, but I hear those are better.  Just haven't had the opportunity to try them.

 

[thrillhammer 686]

16 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Could you recommend one of their offerings please?

i wouldn't recommend any of their offerings but there are several on the market now.  besides remus, there's rossville union, eight and sand, and at least one more that i've seen at avery ranch.

[huge 3831]

48 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:

no, but I hear those are better.  Just haven't had the opportunity to try them.

 

I had Cowboy.  It was pretty good.  But not nearly good enough to overcome the Garrison taste in my mouth overall.  And $220.

[Bozo_Casanova 26898]

I have tried and tried to like Garrison but I just don't.  

I agree, but man it’s great in their yard in Hye when the weather is good.

[Dutchrudder 11246]

Just catching up here after Christmas break for a few weeks. Going back to the huge specs release of Weller FP, Blanton's and all, I have a few friends that got in line at 5am for it. They were among the first 20 people there, and they said there were about 50 bottles of WFP on the table. The line was 100+ people long by 7am and had grown to about 200+ by 9:30am. so I skipped it, but those that got there early certainly got some good stuff. He took his dad and got 2 sets of the haul below.

We heard about it through Specs Facebook page. If you like them, then you'll see stuff pop up occasionally, but mostly it's crap. Every year I go through liking a few liquor store pages in November in hopes of winning a lottery. Then unlike then in January, since I don't care about them otherwise.

I did make a trip to Blind Pig liquors in early December to get a bottle of their barrel pick of Whitmeyers Bourbon and Rye. It was excellent, and only 45 a bottle. Very reasonable, and they had plenty of cases to go around, which was nice. Don't know if they still have it, but if you like the non-sweet bourbons, it's worth a shot. The rye really comes through.

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

29 minutes ago, Dutchrudder said:

Just catching up here after Christmas break for a few weeks. Going back to the huge specs release of Weller FP, Blanton's and all, I have a few friends that got in line at 5am for it. They were among the first 20 people there, and they said there were about 50 bottles of WFP on the table. The line was 100+ people long by 7am and had grown to about 200+ by 9:30am. so I skipped it, but those that got there early certainly got some good stuff. He took his dad and got 2 sets of the haul below.

We heard about it through Specs Facebook page. If you like them, then you'll see stuff pop up occasionally, but mostly it's crap. Every year I go through liking a few liquor store pages in November in hopes of winning a lottery. Then unlike then in January, since I don't care about them otherwise.

I did make a trip to Blind Pig liquors in early December to get a bottle of their barrel pick of Whitmeyers Bourbon and Rye. It was excellent, and only 45 a bottle. Very reasonable, and they had plenty of cases to go around, which was nice. Don't know if they still have it, but if you like the non-sweet bourbons, it's worth a shot. The rye really comes through.

I guess they were out of the Michter’s Toasted Finish and W12 when it reached my place in line. 

Edited January 8, 2020 by billfromlaketravis

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

1 hour ago, Dutchrudder said:

Just catching up here after Christmas break for a few weeks. Going back to the huge specs release of Weller FP, Blanton's and all, I have a few friends that got in line at 5am for it. They were among the first 20 people there, and they said there were about 50 bottles of WFP on the table. The line was 100+ people long by 7am and had grown to about 200+ by 9:30am. so I skipped it, but those that got there early certainly got some good stuff. He took his dad and got 2 sets of the haul below.

We heard about it through Specs Facebook page. If you like them, then you'll see stuff pop up occasionally, but mostly it's crap. Every year I go through liking a few liquor store pages in November in hopes of winning a lottery. Then unlike then in January, since I don't care about them otherwise.

I did make a trip to Blind Pig liquors in early December to get a bottle of their barrel pick of Whitmeyers Bourbon and Rye. It was excellent, and only 45 a bottle. Very reasonable, and they had plenty of cases to go around, which was nice. Don't know if they still have it, but if you like the non-sweet bourbons, it's worth a shot. The rye really comes through.

The latest Whiskey Neat podcast is about the Spec’s event. 

['stache 22146]

21 hours ago, BigDHornfan said:

Only one of their offerings I didn’t really care for was the Rumble.
The Single Malt, True Blue Cask Strength, and the Wheated Bourbon are all outstanding.
Still bummed I missed out on this year’s Wheated, it was only a single barrel release this year and I wasn’t able to get to the distillery.
Not sure how the staff select single malt made it up here in DFW, but damn sure glad it did.

I love Rumble. Also like Brimstone and Texas Rye (very different flavor profile). I have not liked Baby Blue or Pot Still. Would love to have some Wheated.

['stache 22146]

21 hours ago, BigDHornfan said:

They do now.
Single Malt and Wheated are both a little over 3 years.
Texas Whisky ages different than Kentucky since our summers are hotter and winters are milder. Process is much faster here. I don’t recall seeing any Texas whisky or bourbon over 4 years at any distillery.

Don't they use smaller barrels too? I've seen some at American Solera Brewery that are much smaller than regular size bourbon barrels.

[BigDHornfan 6631]

I saw full size barrels.

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

Why can’t a Texas distillery make a bottled in bond product? 
 

- One season

- One distillery

- Stored in a federally bonded warehouse for four years. 

- Bottled at 100 proof. 

I believe a glass bottle isn’t part of the BiB Act, but it’s standard industry practice. I know because of the Texas heat, the proof would shoot up to Cowboy levels during storage, but couldn’t they proof it down with fresh Texas spring water before bottling? 
 

These obstacles appear achievable in my opinion. 
 

Edited January 9, 2020 by billfromlaketravis

[Neonmoon 38130]

28 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Why can’t a Texas distillery make a bottled in bond product? 
 

- One season

- One distillery

- Stored in a federally bonded warehouse for four years. 

- Bottled at 100 proof. 

I believe a glass bottle isn’t part of the BiB Act, but it’s standard industry practice. I know because of the Texas heat, the proof would shoot up to Cowboy levels during storage, but couldn’t they proof it down with fresh Texas spring water before bottling? 
 

These obstacles appear achievable in my opinion. 
 

Most distillers don’t makes BIB because of cost. In the olden days before the FDA or the TABC, or any type of regulations, people would add all types of bad shit to whiskey to sell more of it to make more money. You literally could be drinking part turpentine. Therefore having the government guarantee quality through the BIB was a big deal. Nowadays, it’d just an unnecessary added cost of transportation to have your barrels aged in bonded warehouses for 4 years. There is no benefit. No one is cutting their product. The bourbon can be tested for quality and the results can be posted online. 

There are only like 20 BIB produced today 

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

11 minutes ago, Neonmoon said:

Most distillers don’t makes BIB because of cost. In the olden days before the FDA or the TABC, or any type of regulations, people would add all types of bad shit to whiskey to sell more of it to make more money. You literally could be drinking part turpentine. Therefore having the government guarantee quality through the BIB was a big deal. Nowadays, it’d just an unnecessary added cost of transportation to have your barrels aged in bonded warehouses for 4 years. There is no benefit. No one is cutting their product. The bourbon can be tested for quality and the results can be posted online. 

There are only like 20 BIB produced today 

All true, but being the first Texas BiB bourbon would get people's attention. It has some marketing value. 

[RaylanGivens 29]

Got word from a friend that Knob Creek 12 year old has been seen at several Mom and Pop locations in NW Houston. Price is $60-65, very limited supplies.

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

16 minutes ago, RaylanGivens said:

Got word from a friend that Knob Creek 12 year old has been seen at several Mom and Pop locations in NW Houston. Price is $60-65, very limited supplies.

How rare are the Knob Creek Single Barrel 14 year old store picks? I’m convinced they’re diamond in the rough territory at least in Texas. 

Every Houston pick I’ve seen this year has been a 9 year. 

[Chewbacca 7830]

Got word from a friend that Knob Creek 12 year old has been seen at several Mom and Pop locations in NW Houston. Price is $60-65, very limited supplies.

Anyone have this? I can get a bottle locally but have held off. KC is decent, but not sure it is worth 60.

[BigDHornfan 6631]

I haven't tried the KC 12, but every review I've read says it's not worth the $.  Most are saying it's a $30 bottle.  

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

Just now, BigDHornfan said:

I haven't tried the KC 12, but every review I've read says it's not worth the $.  Most are saying it's a $30 bottle.  

Suboptimal. 

[Chewbacca 7830]

Guess I'll pick up more 1910 then.

[huge 3831]

Split this with some friends on the way to the ranch. Smells sweeeeet. Will report back.

[Eggo 4026]

Nabbed my first Bookers today for $90.

[Party_Taco 3891]

Nabbed my first Bookers today for $90.

A little on the high side for that bottle but you’ll likely enjoy it all the same.

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

9 hours ago, huge said:

Split this with some friends on the way to the ranch. Smells sweeeeet. Will report back.

What does the label say? it looks like a blend. 

[Neonmoon 38130]

I want the Volstead 14 from MGP. 

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

23 minutes ago, Neonmoon said:

I want the Volstead 14 from MGP. 

Not sure if it's still on the shelf, but I've seen it in Houston. PM me. 

[BigDHornfan 6631]

10 hours ago, Neonmoon said:

I want the Volstead 14 from MGP. 

trade?  I've got one I am willing to give up

[Neonmoon 38130]

On 1/9/2020 at 11:21 AM, huge said:

Split this with some friends on the way to the ranch. Smells sweeeeet. Will report back.

I went to a place I hate and picked up the this bottle and the Volstead 14.
 

I love MGP so I hope they don’t suck. 

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

I’m drinking my last bottle of Boone County Eighteen 33 12 Year. Really rough week at work. A few close friends were laid off. 
 

Thanks to whomever suggested Boone County was running low on 12 Year MGP juice.I bought a bottle the next day and I haven’t seen it for sale again. 

[Redneck Mutha 8203]

Had a sample of this last night.  Was surprisingly pretty solid.

[BigDHornfan 6631]

Interesting

[billfromlaketravis 11851]

I’ve espoused my love of Buffalo Trace many times on this thread, but I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize their bottom shelf offerings. Benchmark 8 is the world’s greatest whiskey under $10. 

I served plenty of it at my home during the holidays and everybody loved the cocktails. 
 

 

[Paco 1960]

Just... don't.

[Neonmoon 38130]

They trying to grab some of that Specs maple spice bourbon market share?

[ISUCyclones 216]

17 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I’m drinking my last bottle of Boone County Eighteen 33 12 Year. Really rough week at work. A few close friends were laid off. 
 

Thanks to whomever suggested Boone County was running low on 12 Year MGP juice.I bought a bottle the next day and I haven’t seen it for sale again. 

Unfortunately gone forever, they have another MGP wheater out now, not sure if it's down in Texas or not though. 

[ISUCyclones 216]

46 minutes ago, Paco said:

Just... don't.

Lulz, I've been seeing this on shelves and debated grabbing one. I take it not good? 

[Redneck Mutha 8203]

2 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

I’ve espoused my love of Buffalo Trace many times on this thread, but I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize their bottom shelf offerings. Benchmark 8 is the world’s greatest whiskey under $10. 

I served plenty of it at my home during the holidays and everybody loved the cocktails. 
 

 

Buddy of mine told me about it a couple months ago.  Picked up a handle for like $15 and have been making a lot of my old fashioneds with it.  Great flavor.

[Buzzrock 15140]

This is the content I’m here for. Will keep an eye out.

[Bozo_Casanova 26898]

Keep your eyes on the bottom shelf for the benchmark. It’s very cheap and agreed it’s the best thing $10 can buy and better than Jack with ginger ale.

['stache 22146]

How is Benchmark 8 straight? I'm looking for something cheap to pour and drink on lazy weekends. I've noticed my tastes lean towards Buffalo Trace products, so this one's on my list.

Edited January 11, 2020 by 'stache

[Bozo_Casanova 26898]

You'll get your money's worth, for sure. I mean it's probably the cheapest thing worth drinking neat and it's actually good in a whiskey sour.

Edited January 11, 2020 by Bozo_Casanova