Bourbon

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

12 minutes ago, Wanker Bob said:

Now this is the excellent info I don't pay you blokes for. I bought a 1920 a few weeks ago and like it. Got a weller today and I've never tried weller so looking forward to it. 

They also had a Master's Keep Rye but I'm not paying that much for this stuff

Cornerstone was good, but a one time thing. I’d hold out for Master’s Keep Decades. 

[RichUT 1,943]

So long, dear friend.

[msudawg 371]

Nice! Another local DFW pick.
This one is great too!

How have you not cracked that. Drank about half in first week. So damn good

#HailState - Go Bulldogs

[BigDHornfan 6,638]

How have you not cracked that. Drank about half in first week. So damn good

#HailState - Go Bulldogs

Old pic. I’ve drained one, still have another.

[Onboard 2.0 9,083]

I'd buy at least 2 of the Rare Breed 116. That is some damn fine hootch, and smooth as hell for 116.

I'd buy the Bulleit as well. I haven't had any of their offerings I didn't like.

[Onboard 2.0 9,083]

10 hours ago, RichUT said:

So long, dear friend.

2020 just gets worser, and worserer

[msudawg 371]

1 hour ago, BigDHornfan said:

Old pic. I’ve drained one, still have another.

Wish i could get another one... need to get a regular one to compare side by side before i drain this one. 

[Party_Taco 3,915]

Turns out there are some benefits to flying into wildfires...

Pretty solid pour that has a decent bite up front for a 90 proofer with a lonnngggg finish full of vanilla. Easy drinker to be sure and I’ll likely finish the whole thing this week.

[Neonmoon 38,130]

I would like to reaffirm my opinion that Old Forester 1870 is damn good bourbon. The OF Whiskey Row series is general is abundant and delicious. 

[Onboard 2.0 9,083]

24 minutes ago, Neonmoon said:

I would like to reaffirm my opinion that Old Forester 1870 is damn good bourbon. The OF Whiskey Row series is general is abundant and delicious. 

Reaffirmation is always a good thing, veeeeeeery cathartic.

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

1 hour ago, Neonmoon said:

I would like to reaffirm my opinion that Old Forester 1870 is damn good bourbon. The OF Whiskey Row series is general is abundant and delicious. 

No idea why it’s so good, but I think it’s better than 1910.

[Neonmoon 38,130]

4 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

No idea why it’s so good, but I think it’s better than 1910.

I originally thought  you were nuts with this opinion, but now I understand it. I think they are both delicious. 

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

27 minutes ago, Neonmoon said:

I originally thought  you were nuts with this opinion, but now I understand it. I think they are both delicious. 

1870 is the sneakiest Whiskey Row offering. It’s definitely a blend . I bet there’s some tasty 8 year old stock in there. 
 

Edited September 13, 2020 by billfromlaketravis

[Eggo 4,026]

Tonight was a good night. AE Rye in the glass, Horns rolling on the projector. 

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

Minnick reviewed all of the 2020 BTAC releases. Lucky SOB. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fWKe3sVypIg

[Wanker Bob 379]

Wow did that video give me a big laugh. Just wow

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

Minnick’s 2020 BTAC rankings: 

1) Sazerac 18

2) WLW

3) Handy

4) GTS

5) Eagle Rare 17

A little bit of an upset at the top. WLW seems to win the BTAC tasting every year. ER17 consistently finishes last. Based on Minnick’s review and the 2020 world whiskey rankings posted upthread, it seems like a really good year for Handy. 
 

Again Minnick is a lucky SOB. Buffalo Trace sent him half pint sample bottles 3 months before we mere plebs could even hope to score some.

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

On 9/11/2020 at 7:42 PM, billfromlaketravis said:

@Bert Orangedropped a bag. 
 

Thanks again to @Bert Orange for the samples. Really good guy. He came out of his way to drop these off. Much appreciated. 

Preface: I'm not great on tasting notes, but I'll try my best. I'm a lot better at determining if something is good or not. 

My rankings: 

1) Smooth Ambler Old Scout, 10 years old, 107.8 Proof : 9.0/10

2) Boone County B & RS Pick, 14 years old, 109.8 Proof : 8.5/10

3) Old Carter American Whiskey Batch 3, 12 years old, 138.1 Proof : 8.0/10

 

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 

Nose: Smooth. trace amounts of ethanol, slightly astringent. 

Palette: Oak, good mouth feel up front, but thins out some.  Smooth. Doesn't have that medicinal MGP taste. Sweet caramel. Smoothes out the MGP rough edges that I haven't cared for in the past. 

Finish : Smooth. The hug stays with you, but for for very long. Slight burn. 

 

Boone County 

Nose: Fruity, slight ethanol burn. 

Palette: Oaky, sticky sweet. More oak, slightly astringent. Maybe two years too many in the barrel. Thin mouth feel but pleasant. Good, but I like the 12 year Eighteen33 a little better. 

Finish: Smooth, but leaves in a hurry. 

 

Old Carter 

Why is this American Whiskey and not bourbon? I searched online, but couldn't find much. My guess is that they used French Oak to age the whiskey. 

Nose: It stings the nostrils. Bold agressive. Not your typical nose, there's a little funk. French Oak Barrels maybe? 

Palette: Classic MGP profile, just at a much higher proof. Oak, leather, slight butterscotch sweetness. Flavor profile wasn't for me. It tasted like hot MGP. That said, pretty complex whiskey with a lot going on. I appreciate complexity. 

Finish: Hug all the way down. Long burn. 

 

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

I scored a bottle of EH Taylor Barrel Proof today. 

[H_Boogie 80]

I scored a bottle of EH Taylor Barrel Proof today. 

Well done. Was this a stumble upon or a planned thing? I thought I had one lined up the other day back in my hometown (Tulsa), but kept striking out with local people to run up there. Had them on the shelf for a full hour after the store opened, but the person I finally got to go walked in about 10 minutes later. Crazy how different some markets are. Specs off 75 in Dallas had probably 60 people lined up before opening.


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[BigDHornfan 6,638]

Little Book ch 4 is interesting.
Brown rice bourbon is very unique tasting.
Neck pour was good, excited to see how this one opens up.
Belfour LE Rye for when the Stars win tonight and send fucking Vegas out the bubble.

[USCATX 1,099]

Old Carter uses the light whiskey from MGP, goes into used barrels.  You can make legal bourbon out of any kind of oak.  

[USCATX 1,099]

4 minutes ago, BigDHornfan said:

Little Book ch 4 is interesting.
Brown rice bourbon is very unique tasting.
Neck pour was good, excited to see how this one opens up.
Belfour LE Rye for when the Stars win tonight and send fucking Vegas out the bubble.

I need that Chapter 4 to complete my set but it’s already come and gone from TW.  LB is riding the chapter 3 hype and the secondary value is quickly approaching retail for 4.  I’ll still buy it though. 

[Spur08 385]

My haul today

[H_Boogie 80]

Anyone in here land one of these? Pretty sure I missed the boat already.


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[BigDHornfan 6,638]

I need that Chapter 4 to complete my set but it’s already come and gone from TW.  LB is riding the chapter 3 hype and the secondary value is quickly approaching retail for 4.  I’ll still buy it though. 

I’ve got them all but my ch 1 is just about gone. Need to find another

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

13 minutes ago, H_Boogie said:

Well done. Was this a stumble upon or a planned thing? I thought I had one lined up the other day back in my hometown (Tulsa), but kept striking out with local people to run up there. Had them on the shelf for a full hour after the store opened, but the person I finally got to go walked in about 10 minutes later. Crazy how different some markets are. Specs off 75 in Dallas had probably 60 people lined up before opening.


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I begged. It wasn’t dignified. 

[H_Boogie 80]

I begged. It wasn’t dignified. 

Haha, perfect. Pride is checked at the door when it comes to some of these finds.


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[Bert Orange 1,183]

4 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Thanks again to @Bert Orange for the samples. Really good guy. He came out of his way to drop these off. Much appreciated. 

Preface: I'm not great on tasting notes, but I'll try my best. I'm a lot better at determining if something is good or not. 

My rankings: 

1) Smooth Ambler Old Scout, 10 years old, 107.8 Proof : 9.0/10

2) Boone County B & RS Pick, 14 years old, 109.8 Proof : 8.5/10

3) Old Carter American Whiskey Batch 3, 12 years old, 138.1 Proof : 8.0/10

 

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 

Nose: Smooth. trace amounts of ethanol, slightly astringent. 

Palette: Oak, good mouth feel up front, but thins out some.  Smooth. Doesn't have that medicinal MGP taste. Sweet caramel. Smoothes out the MGP rough edges that I haven't cared for in the past. 

Finish : Smooth. The hug stays with you, but for for very long. Slight burn. 

 

Boone County 

Nose: Fruity, slight ethanol burn. 

Palette: Oaky, sticky sweet. More oak, slightly astringent. Maybe two years too many in the barrel. Thin mouth feel but pleasant. Good, but I like the 12 year Eighteen33 a little better. 

Finish: Smooth, but leaves in a hurry. 

 

Old Carter 

Why is this American Whiskey and not bourbon? I searched online, but couldn't find much. My guess is that they used French Oak to age the whiskey. 

Nose: It stings the nostrils. Bold agressive. Not your typical nose, there's a little funk. French Oak Barrels maybe? 

Palette: Classic MGP profile, just at a much higher proof. Oak, leather, slight butterscotch sweetness. Flavor profile wasn't for me. It tasted like hot MGP. That said, pretty complex whiskey with a lot going on. I appreciate complexity. 

Finish: Hug all the way down. Long burn. 

 

Any time. Glad you enjoyed them (at least it appears you did). MGP has a lot to offer to bourbon. Thankfully they weren’t low aged supply when everyone else was or secondary would be even more fubar. 
 

Interestingly I’d put that SAOS squarely in the bottom of the top third of the bottles I’ve consumed from them. It gets even better from there. 
 

Just feel MGP has its place and a well-done MGP can hang with Kentucky juice.  

[Bert Orange 1,183]

1 hour ago, USCATX said:

Old Carter uses the light whiskey from MGP, goes into used barrels.  You can make legal bourbon out of any kind of oak.  

Exactly this. It isn’t finished in used casks - it’s aged entirely in used casks. Which means it can’t be called bourbon. 

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

25 minutes ago, Bert Orange said:

Any time. Glad you enjoyed them (at least it appears you did). MGP has a lot to offer to bourbon. Thankfully they weren’t low aged supply when everyone else was or secondary would be even more fubar. 
 

Interestingly I’d put that SAOS squarely in the bottom of the top third of the bottles I’ve consumed from them. It gets even better from there. 
 

Just feel MGP has its place and a well-done MGP can hang with Kentucky juice.  

Do you have any advice for buying SAOS? Obviously look for Distilled in Indiana, and store picks, but is there a proof/age sweet spot? 
 

 

[Bert Orange 1,183]

7 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Do you have any advice for buying SAOS? Obviously look for Distilled in Indiana, and store picks, but is there a proof/age sweet spot? 
 

 

It’s so barrel dependent that there isn’t really a formula. But have had most success in the 10-12 year and 110-120 proof ranges. 

Edited September 15, 2020 by Bert Orange

[Herbie Hancock 7,523]

I’m back bitches.

[elguapo 4,621]

Is EHT Barrel Proof around Austin right now? One of my white whale bourbons (no surprise there).

[Herbie Hancock 7,523]

It hit GG two weeks ago and last week it hit Spec’s. Got a new Spec’s in Weatherford and so I stepped in to see what their beer selection was like. BP and ER were just sitting there behind the counter and they had cases of all 3 sizes of BT and WSR on the shelf.

EHT BP#6 is probably definitely in my top 5, possibly even top 3 favorite bottles of all time.

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

30 minutes ago, Herbie Hancock said:

I’m back bitches.

You'd get downvoted on Orangebloods for this picture. You can't see the Porsche/Maserati logo on the seats or steering wheel. Be better poster. 

Edited September 15, 2020 by billfromlaketravis

[Herbie Hancock 7,523]

You'd get downvoted on Orangebloods for this picture. You can't see the Porsche/Maserati logo on the seats or steering wheel. Be better poster. 

Gotta have a modest American diesel to pull the tractor that costs more than a Porsche and Maserati combined

[Neonmoon 38,130]

Enjoying a MMPS OLC store pick. Oh boy. That place knows their shit. 

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

Maker’s Mark Private Select sounds like a pretty good idea.

[H_Boogie 80]

Anybody have a line on when Deb’s in Austin might be getting their HW Double Rye Syrah SP or Old Forrester Barrel Proof SP? Seems like they tease stuff WAY in advance.


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[RichUT 1,943]

The OF barrel proof is supposed to hit by the end of the month.

[huge 3,831]

On 9/14/2020 at 9:17 PM, H_Boogie said:

Anyone in here land one of these? Pretty sure I missed the boat already.


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I have one on hold with a buddy who went to the Katy Longhorn Liquor drop.  Should procure today.

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

I assume given the high price, lack of age statement, and the fact that it's Old Forester that SiB Barrel Proof will eventually become a readily available product? 

Brown-Forman sure as hell knows how to market. Smart move to release SiB BP as store picks first. 

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

While we're on the subject of Old Forester, some observations from Zykan and the Bourbon Pursuit fellas: 

- Despite being BFF's with Zykan and Campbell Brown, the Bourbon Pursuit/Whiskey Quickie guys gave 2020 Birthday Bourbon an unfavorable ranking. Thumbs up on the nose, sideways thumbs on the taste and finish. I'd say it's time to hit the panic button on 2020 Birthday. You know the samples OF sent out were the absolute best of the lot. 

- Zykan described 2020 Birthday as having a funky, tropical fruit nose. The Bourbon Pursuit guys described the note a lemon custard. It sounds like she tried to double down on the cherry bomb note that worked so well in 2019. 

- Zykan has some very, very nontraditional views on how bourbon should taste and how to age it in the barrel. She expressed an interest in pumping air into the barrel as the bourbon aged. She also referenced Old Forester turning on the heater during the winter in their rickhouses. Finally, she derided proofers for being overly masculine. For anyone that's curious, I'd recommend Bourbon Pursuit Episode 270.  

- Zykan argued against precedent that Birthday was a 12 year old product. It sounds like barrels containing 2020 Birthday had an abnormal amount of leakage and there some concern about putting out 2020. 

- She said most of their 6-8 year bourbon stock is committed to OF 100. There's a reason it's so good. The rest gets blended into their Whiskey Row Series. 

- I love and hate Zykan. I love that she doesn't want Old Forester to be boring. She wants to push the envelope and it has created some wonderful products like 1910, the rye, 1870, and 1920. I hate that she has de facto veto power on what barrels become Birthday Bourbon. She's going to hit some homers, but there going to be some whiffs. It sounds like 2020 is going to be a whiff after the terrific 2019. Birthday is such a sought after product that consumers are going to demand more consistency like the BTAC line. 

All that said, if I have the opportunity to purchase 2020 Birthday, I will pull the trigger. 

P.S.: Minnick hates OF 1910. Go figure. 

Edited September 16, 2020 by billfromlaketravis

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

Any guesses on the availability of the new Benchmark Series? Dam you Buffalo Trace, I want to buy all 5. 

[billfromlaketravis 11,899]

On 9/14/2020 at 8:56 PM, BigDHornfan said:

Little Book ch 4 is interesting.
Brown rice bourbon is very unique tasting.
Neck pour was good, excited to see how this one opens up.
Belfour LE Rye for when the Stars win tonight and send fucking Vegas out the bubble.

I’m going to need a final ruling here on LittLe Book 4. I have a bottle in my cart. 

[RichUT 1,943]

I fucking love LB4. I have two other buddies deep in the bourbon game that feel the same way. I’d buy a second if I happened to run across one.

[RichUT 1,943]

Little Book ch 4 is interesting.
Brown rice bourbon is very unique tasting.
Neck pour was good, excited to see how this one opens up.
Belfour LE Rye for when the Stars win tonight and send fucking Vegas out the bubble.

Talk to me about that Belfour LE Rye. Their standard Rye ain’t half bad, if not a bit overpriced. There is little to no info on the higher end Rye. How is it?

[BigDHornfan 6,638]

6 hours ago, RichUT said:

Talk to me about that Belfour LE Rye. Their standard Rye ain’t half bad, if not a bit overpriced. There is little to no info on the higher end Rye. How is it?

If you think the standard is overpriced, well this one is about a 100 bucks over that one.  Retails for about 200 depending on where.

It's 100 proof aged 24 months and its the only one that Ed and his son did completely by themselves.  It's their first truly independent bottle.  Ed created the mashbill and his son distilled it himself.  There was only 12 barrels produced so it is limited.  I really like it, its young so it's more of a floral profile instead of a typical Rye spice.  It drinks remarkably smooth for 100 proof.  

One cool thing Ed did was give everyone on the 1999 Cup winning team a bottle with their name engraved on the cup.  That top is heavy as hell.  It doubles as a 1 oz jigger.

 

I‘ve met his son through one of the local whiskey clubs I am in and he’s really passionate about what they are doing and it seems they are doing it right and taking their time with everything.

They are in the process of building their own distillery in Kentucky.

 

I also got Ed to sign my backup LE Rye, he’s super nice in person.

Edited September 17, 2020 by BigDHornfan

[Yev Kassem 1,078]

Landed a Booker’s Country Ham today at Spec’s for $80. I’ve never had Booker’s before and have always heard that Country Ham was the best batch, so I figured what the hell.