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Post by Groundhog66 on May 23, 2023 14:16:03 GMT -8
I've been wanting to start a collection for sometime now, just had a wild hair a couple weeks ago and started grabbing some bottles, here is the state of affairs thus far. It's amazing that they say the bourbon can change in time after the bottle is opened, I guess it's really no different than wine or other spirits. I just need to get my pallet dialed in to start discerning and understanding what it is I'm actually tasting. Just for starters, I've pretty much kept everything under $100, going down to about $35 I think. No sense in going hogwild until I know I can actually appreciate it.
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trilo
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Post by trilo on May 23, 2023 20:20:22 GMT -8
Oh yes! Whisky and Bourbon used to be my hobby for few years. My favourite bang for the buck bourbons were: - Eagle rare 10 yo (single barrel back then), which you have at the back there. - Ewan Williams White label (BiB = Bottled in Bond) - Rittenhoyse Rye (BiB) No idea about what the prices are now, but Rittehouse rye and Eagle rare used to be so cheap considering the quality. Ewan Williams has been always cheap and good. I would actually say that out of all the malts and bourbons I had (close to 200 during my short lived hobby), Eagle Rare had the best price/quality ratio when it was still marked as a single barrel. Right behind it is Ewan Williams white label and then Rittenhouse rye (mind you, this is price/quality ratio). Only malts, IMO, that can compete with an equally good price/quality ratio are Laproaigh 10 yo and Glenfarclas 105. From malts I ended up having Clynelish 14 and Bunnahabhain 12 as my favourites. I tried lots of fancy stuff, but after a full circle (it felt like that) I found these two to be honest, classic and straightforward malts, especially Clynelish 14, which to me is a stereotype of a malt whisky. My all time favourite to this day is Balvenie Portwood 21, which cost me 73e back in the day One of the reasons why I stopped drinking whisky was that the prices got out of hand meanwhile quality didn't increase, it rather decreases with all the NAS (non age statement) bottlings and even with the distillery bottlings, one was able to tell that the quality had dropped (from tasting notes). Inflation in quality didn't hit bourbon so bad, but Finnish retailer (we have a monopoly here) decided to drop all the good regular bourbon bottlings, and replace them with all these fancy artisan 50cl bottlings, which cost you an arm and a leg. I even wrote them to get their shit togerher. I mean I had to get my Ewan Williams from a neighbouring country... Well, I'm waiting for the better days. EDIT: Definetly get few bottles of Ewan Williams White label there. It often happens, that 20-40 years forward those cheap whiskies and bourbons are also coveted for various reasons: they simply were good, production ended, they could have dropped off the BiB for marketing reasons, quality has gone down, etc. Most of all, always trust your own nose and palatte, whatever others might say (for example, we may not agree on the bourbons/whiskies I have listed here). If something feels off or doesn't taste good/not how it's supposed to, give it another chance (let the liquor breathe and cut with water, experiement in general). I have turned down Bushmills 16 as it was so rotten (most likely a bad batch), and because of that we should always give another chance. Few other suggestions from North America: - Alberta Rye - Sazerac Rye - Buffalo trace (45%:edition) - Was about to recommend WT: Rare breed, but you have it. Happy hunting!
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Post by Groundhog66 on May 24, 2023 5:33:43 GMT -8
Eagle rare has a good reputation, but availability in some states has been an issue. I have found it here in CA for $50, not sure it's worth that, but I paid $45.
The best bang for the buck on my table currently is the 1792 Small Batch I think, only $30, and it's very tasty.
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trilo
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Post by trilo on May 24, 2023 6:02:38 GMT -8
Eagle rare has a good reputation, but availability in some states has been an issue. I have found it here. in CA for $50, not sure it's worth that, but I paid $45. The best bang for the buck on my table currently is the 1792 Small Batch I think, only $30, and it's very tasty. I haven't had it in ages. They dropped the single cask marking from the label, as they couldn't guarantee that all the liquor in bottle was from a single cask due to an automated process. While some of it might be true, I think they have cut the costs and corners since it started to grow in popularity. One way to try improve it, is to let a bottle sit open for 4-8 hours. It's 10 years after all, which is quite alot for a bourbon. Btw, letting the bottle breathe properly did wonders to some smoky whiskies. I remember Longrow CV was down right disgusting straight after opening, but after 6 months with some air in the bottle it turned out to be a stunning dram!
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victor
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Post by victor on May 24, 2023 7:41:53 GMT -8
It's strange how many +$100 bourbons there are now, when, a few decades ago, there were hardly any. I don't think it's just inflation. But there are a lot more really good bourbons now then there were then. I still think there's no need to spend more than (and often considerably less than) $100 to get a nice bourbon.
I enjoy Woodford, which I don't see in your collection. Woodford Double-Oak is even better, but it's a bit sweet which isn't to everyone's taste. Angel's Envy is another good one, which I enjoyed a bit of last night.
My father's go-to was always Makers Mark, but I got angry with them about 20 years ago when they brought in a new marketing team to raise their profile, in the process raising prices substantially. Nevertheless, they do make a good bourbon. And my buddy swears by Four Roses as the top price performer; I agree that it is, but it's not my favorite as a sipping whiskey.
Elijah Craig and 1792 make it into the rotation from time to time - I like them both but don't find them exceptional, so just pick them up when the packy happens to put them on sale.
I won't touch Evan - I've heard that it's actually good, but back in college I drank a ton of their cheapest stuff and got enough bad hangovers that I swore off of the brand.
You've got a few in there that I've never seen - you'll need to supply tasting notes so I can decide whether to pick some of them up. A lot of the ones you have that I've not seen aren't available locally. I do need to make another pass through Kentucky, as its been a few years since I was last there - it's always fun to get some of the limited releases that don't make it outside of the state.
PS: good suggestion about adding a bit of water - sometimes that can really make a whiskey open up.
PPS: Rye is not bourbon! But rye is good - often in rotation from Spring through Autumn for me. Try WhistlePig, or if you're making a cocktail Bulleit.
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trilo
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Post by trilo on May 24, 2023 8:10:11 GMT -8
Thank you Victor for pointing out the Rye Bourbon distiction! I thought about it, but writing whisky, whiskey and bourbon was tiring enough Reason why I prefer calling it all whiskey.
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trilo
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Post by trilo on May 24, 2023 8:23:43 GMT -8
Oh and a great collection there!
I don't recognize some of them either, but it's the same with the Single Malts.
Demand has gone through the roof and new brands are popping out constantly!
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scubarob99
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Post by scubarob99 on May 24, 2023 11:33:42 GMT -8
When I'm out to dinner, Woodford Reserve is my go to. At home I drink the local stuff just because I can bike to the distillery ( a tad over $40) Rob
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Post by Groundhog66 on May 24, 2023 14:05:29 GMT -8
I know Woodford is very common, and gets good reviews, but I have started in a certain direction, utilizing a few "Top" lists to get a base started. TBH, I am now concentrating on the hard to get bottles right now, and I will certainly add some of the more common varieties.
Heck, Wild Turkey 101 gets fantastic feedback, and it's like $25 for a liter.
I grabbed the Blue Spot Irish whiskey when out hunting, I overheard someone buying a bottle, speaking of the fantastic price and rarity. There was a Limit 1, so I had a buddy grab one for me as well.
Oh, and that is Angels Envy in the decanter, been enjoying that one for a few years now.
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Post by dapellegrini on May 24, 2023 16:10:35 GMT -8
I don't know much on this topic - but on a recent family trip with several whiskey snobs, this was very popular:
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trilo
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Post by trilo on May 24, 2023 21:16:23 GMT -8
I know Woodford is very common, and gets good reviews, but I have started in a certain direction, utilizing a few "Top" lists to get a base started. TBH, I am now concentrating on the hard to get bottles right now, and I will certainly add some of the more common varieties. Heck, Wild Turkey 101 gets fantastic feedback, and it's like $25 for a liter. I grabbed the Blue Spot Irish whiskey when out hunting, I overheard someone buying a bottle, speaking of the fantastic price and rarity. There was a Limit 1, so I had a buddy grab one for me as well. Oh, and that is Angels Envy in the decanter, been enjoying that one for a few years now. Now that you brought up WT101, I can say that almost anything above 100 proof is worth grabbing . If they bother going beyond 100 proof (50% vol.) it means they are serious (also one of the requirements for BiB). I was about to recommend it, but I remember having mixed feelings about it. I highly recommend grabbing Glenfarclas 105. It's a 120 proof Sherry heaven and really takes water well. You'll get your moneys worth, since it's basically whiskey concentrate
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small
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Post by small on May 25, 2023 4:12:06 GMT -8
I know Woodford is very common, and gets good reviews, but I have started in a certain direction, utilizing a few "Top" lists to get a base started. TBH, I am now concentrating on the hard to get bottles right now, and I will certainly add some of the more common varieties. Heck, Wild Turkey 101 gets fantastic feedback, and it's like $25 for a liter. I grabbed the Blue Spot Irish whiskey when out hunting, I overheard someone buying a bottle, speaking of the fantastic price and rarity. There was a Limit 1, so I had a buddy grab one for me as well. Oh, and that is Angels Envy in the decanter, been enjoying that one for a few years now. Now that you brought up WT101, I can say that almost anything above 100 proof is worth grabbing . If they bother going beyond 100 proof (50% vol.) it means they are serious (also one of the requirements for BiB). I was about to recommend it, but I remember having mixed feelings about it. I highly recommend grabbing Glenfarclas 105. It's a 120 proof Sherry heaven and really takes water well. You'll get your moneys worth, since it's basically whiskey concentrate I was under the impression Bourbon couldn't be ore than 80 Proof? I for one would stick to JWB and water, 8 year red label wasn't very good and I on the occasion I had the 25 year Blue label I didn't think I enjoyed it enough to pay the premium over the Black label...Again when drinking IO had different priorities. That said their logo is possibly one of my next tattoos!
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trilo
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Post by trilo on May 25, 2023 5:10:55 GMT -8
Now that you brought up WT101, I can say that almost anything above 100 proof is worth grabbing . If they bother going beyond 100 proof (50% vol.) it means they are serious (also one of the requirements for BiB). I was about to recommend it, but I remember having mixed feelings about it. I highly recommend grabbing Glenfarclas 105. It's a 120 proof Sherry heaven and really takes water well. You'll get your moneys worth, since it's basically whiskey concentrate I was under the impression Bourbon couldn't be ore than 80 Proof? I for one would stick to JWB and water, 8 year red label wasn't very good and I on the occasion I had the 25 year Blue label I didn't think I enjoyed it enough to pay the premium over the Black label...Again when drinking IO had different priorities. That said their logo is possibly one of my next tattoos! Can't be lower than 80, but as far as I know, it can be higher. For BiB bourbon 100 proof is min. I'm just going to call all of them Whiskey from now on (Bourbon and all of its sub-categories, Rye, Malt and all of its sub-categories, grain etc. etc.). Way easier as there are myariad of strict rules and categories. In the end, they are all liquor aged in an oak barrel/cask/hogs head/Vat etc. etc.
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small
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Post by small on May 25, 2023 7:55:13 GMT -8
I was under the impression Bourbon couldn't be ore than 80 Proof? I for one would stick to JWB and water, 8 year red label wasn't very good and I on the occasion I had the 25 year Blue label I didn't think I enjoyed it enough to pay the premium over the Black label...Again when drinking IO had different priorities. That said their logo is possibly one of my next tattoos! Can't be lower than 80, but as far as I know it can be higher. For BiB blurbon 100 proof is min. I'm just going to call all of them Whiskey from now on (Bourbon and all of its sub-categories, Rye, Malt and all of its sub-categories, grain etc. etc.). Way easier as there are myariad of strict rules and categories. In the end, they are all liquor aged in an oak barrel/cask/hogs head/Vat etc. etc. "What is Bourbon? Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made from a mash bill of at least 51% corn. Just like Scotch must be made in Scotland, Bourbon must be made in the United States. While the rules are slightly less strict with bourbon than Scotch, it still has to conform to a few requirements, which you can read more about in our blog post on how to drink bourbon. The spirit must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol and be no more than 62.5% ABV when poured into casks for aging in new charred oak barrels. Finally, while Bourbon has no minimum aging period, a Straight Bourbon must be aged for no less than two years and have no added coloring, flavor or other spirits added." Taken from: tastersclub.com/blogs/articles/scotch-vs-bourbon?state=ILAgain I don't have much of a clue or how it would change it to something other than, "stronger" Bourbon, if it meets all the other rules for the naming convention...I wouldn't think it grows stronger after it is distilled but maybe it does... Again I don't put a lot of stock in much of this; drink what you like. My brother and his circle would go to Milwaukee for several years in a row, to a tasters convection. Too rich for my blood. He did say he learned a lot, and he'd buy from a specialty shop in his town, that IIRC also has a wide selection of Olive Oil. The Whiskey and Whisky can also be bought in different size bottles? and there are Mini casks on the wall??? With waiting list for particular distilleries, and you need to be dropping $$$$ regularly at the store to even get on a list, let alone be called when it arrives... One of his pals; in the same circle, also likes a certain type of wine, (Not all wines) and brings a "Special Glass", in a nice wooden box, because it has the perfect amount/proportion of Lead??? in the glass, and has the desired shape, thickness, and opening at the rim....Which also conforms to a certain spec! Geeezus just swallow at last! Heck even in the Picture it looks like you need a certain glass to "really" enjoy these... All these years I had no I did I had been doing it wrong...Maybe that's how I developed a drinking Problem!!! LOL
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trilo
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Post by trilo on May 25, 2023 8:52:28 GMT -8
Isn't 80 US proof 40% alc. vol? Bourbon can definetly be stronger than 80 US proof/40% alc. vol.
Or am I missing something?
EDIT: And BiB is more than just stronger Bourbon, especially in today's market, much like its original intention was.
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cd_god
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Post by cd_god on May 31, 2023 6:55:04 GMT -8
Not Bourbon but if anyone is in the neighborhood
PowerMaster Malt Liquor (Brookfield)
PowerMaster Malt Liquor Brewed and bottled by Colt 45 back in 1990 Full case of twelve 40-oz never opened bottles All in original packaging This product caused controversy back in the 1990s.
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Post by Groundhog66 on Jun 1, 2023 12:05:25 GMT -8
Isn't 80 US proof 40% alc. vol? Bourbon can definetly be stronger than 80 US proof/40% alc. vol. Or am I missing something? EDIT: And BiB is more than just stronger Bourbon, especially in today's market, much like its original intention was. Yes, 80% would be 160 proof. BiB is 100 proof, and barrel or cask strength is typically about 120 - 135 proof.
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donciccio
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Post by donciccio on Jun 2, 2023 7:09:02 GMT -8
I've been wanting to start a collection for sometime now, just had a wild hair a couple weeks ago and started grabbing some bottles, here is the state of affairs thus far. It's amazing that they say the bourbon can change in time after the bottle is opened, I guess it's really no different than wine or other spirits. I just need to get my pallet dialed in to start discerning and understanding what it is I'm actually tasting. Just for starters, I've pretty much kept everything under $100, going down to about $35 I think. No sense in going hogwild until I know I can actually appreciate it. Golly. This picture makes my liver quiver.
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cd_god
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Post by cd_god on Jun 3, 2023 20:56:00 GMT -8
I've been wanting to start a collection for sometime now, just had a wild hair a couple weeks ago and started grabbing some bottles, here is the state of affairs thus far. It's amazing that they say the bourbon can change in time after the bottle is opened, I guess it's really no different than wine or other spirits. I just need to get my pallet dialed in to start discerning and understanding what it is I'm actually tasting. Just for starters, I've pretty much kept everything under $100, going down to about $35 I think. No sense in going hogwild until I know I can actually appreciate it. Golly. This picture makes my liver quiver.
But all of the bottles are full
That is sort of like having a safe queen watch collection
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Post by Groundhog66 on Jun 4, 2023 9:29:10 GMT -8
Golly. This picture makes my liver quiver.
But all of the bottles are full
That is sort of like having a safe queen watch collection
Most are open and being enjoyed.
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