porcupine Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 Today the good people of Schneider's were kind enough (cough) to sell me a bottle of Black Maple Hill 18yo rye whiskey. Think I'll have a wee dram [can I say that aboot rye?!] after dinner tonight. I love both bourbon and rye, but am not very experienced with either. And there's no thread on this site! Surely some of you have opinions...? What are your favorites, and why?eta: day-am, that's smooth! a little sweet, almost perfumy somehow, faintly woody, with an impossibly long finish. Sorry I'm not enough of a writer to give a better description. The only other rye I can compare it to is the Van Winkle reserve that ol ironstomach used to serve. This is better. [sorry, dave] --- [The following posts have been split into separate threads: Bookers 25th Anniversary Bourbon (VikingJew)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 I'll post some recommendations when I'm not juggling stuff, but I did want to link to a board (which focuses on American whiskey) that I have found invaluable. Among its posters/readers are the whiskey writer Chuck Cowdery and representatives from Heaven Hill and Buffalo Trace distilleries. Check it out! StraightBourbon.com Forums PS: I'm thinking about going to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival this fall, if anyone else is also considering.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenunda Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I'm a fan of Woodford's (and not just for the cool bottle), Basil Hayden's (which is heavy on the vanilla), and Gentleman Jack, a smoother and more delicious version of the old standby. My "everyday" (though it's not every day) bourbon is a Schenider's recommendation: JTS Brown's Kentucky Bourbon. It's 20 bucks for a handle and--while it might not be "Kentucky's Finest," as it claims--it's pretty damn good. I'm especially enamored with another Schenider's suggestion, Elmer T. Lee's Schneider's batch. Schneider's bought a couple barrels of it special ten years ago. They bottled and shipped it last year; it's wicked good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I grew up believing that were "bourbon" people and "scotch" people and never the twain shall meet. I won't go into how I discovered that I like both. Nevermind. Today, however, while buying a bottle of Gin , my local liquor store was featuring an Irish Whiskey branded "Michael Collins." Now, that is a name to intrigue the hearts of all Irish "Republicans" (which bears no resemblence to the American kind). Anybody know anything about this? The only Irish whiskey I am familiar with is "Jameson's." Has the "Celtic Dragon" developed a marketing sector? Does Irish Whiskey deserve comment on this board? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrescentFresh Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 The only Irish whiskey I am familiar with is "Jameson's." Has the "Celtic Dragon" developed a marketing sector? Does Irish Whiskey deserve comment on this board? Next trip to Firefly or Corduroy, ask for a glass of Redbreast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoramargolis Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Occasionally, the MoCo liquor stores have Woodford Reserve on sale for $19 or $20. When they do, I stock up. Of all the straight bourbons in the $15-$30 a bottle range, Woodford is our favorite. I'm still hoping to find Sazerac Rye, though the 18 y.o. rye from Schneider's sounds really interesting. Was it wicked expensive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenunda Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Next trip to Firefly or Corduroy, ask for a glass of Redbreast. Redbreast is transcendent. It was a gift to myself upon getting a raise and a good review at work. So delicious. Michael Collins is swill. They were handing it out in Boston all this last weekend, yet NO ONE was buying it. Sometimes the free market is a great thermometer... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted March 24, 2006 Author Share Posted March 24, 2006 I'm still hoping to find Sazerac Rye, though the 18 y.o. rye from Schneider's sounds really interesting. Was it wicked expensive? yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted March 24, 2006 Author Share Posted March 24, 2006 I'm still hoping to find Sazerac Rye, though the 18 y.o. rye from Schneider's sounds really interesting. Was it wicked expensive? yes. But also wicked good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris W Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Lately I've been enjoying Pappy Van Winkke's Family Reserve 20 & 23 year old bourbon. Amazing stuff if you can get your hands on it. I found it at the Wine Specialist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brr Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Today my local liquor store was featuring an Irish Whiskey branded "Michael Collins." Now, that is a name to intrigue the hearts of all Irish "Republicans" (which bears no resemblence to the American kind). Anybody know anything about this? The only Irish whiskey I am familiar with is "Jameson's." Has the "Celtic Dragon" developed a marketing sector? Does Irish Whiskey deserve comment on this board? I concur with CrescentFresh on Redbreast - its a fine whiskey. As for Micheal Collins, a new distillery was started in Ireland about 15 or 20 years ago...Cooley Distillery and they will let anyone put a label on their whiskey for a price (they'll even make personalized miniture bottle as wedding favors). Blech! Heres the press release on Michael Collins. They are responsible for a whole swathe of whiskeys including a Brennan's whiskey, which I find kind of amusing. Personally, I tend to stick with the classics from Irish Distillers (which is now owned by Pernod)....several types of Bushmills, several Jamesons, Redbreast, and Middleton....and I think there's one I'm forgetting......Tullamore Dew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrescentFresh Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Redbreast is transcendent. It was a gift to myself upon getting a raise and a good review at work. So delicious. When you receive your next transcendent raise, get yourself a bottle of Midleton's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted May 14, 2006 Author Share Posted May 14, 2006 A question for all you experts: I've recently found several old bottles, and have no idea whether this is Good Stuff or plonk: 1. Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 80 proof (still with a Maryland excise tax sticker on it - I ain't seen one of those since before I was old enough to drink). 2. Wild Turkey Liqueur 80 proof (also with a tax sticker). 3. Very Old Fitzgerald bourbon, 100 proof; the label sez "bonded eight years old", "barreled in 1957" and "bottled in 1965". What do I have? Save-for-special-occasion, use-in-mixed-drinks, or pour-down-the-drain? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted May 14, 2006 Share Posted May 14, 2006 The first two are no great shakes. I'd have to see the bottles to give more precise dates, but the whiskeys are only interesting from an academic perspective. The third one.....well that's a bit of a different kettle o' fish..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted May 14, 2006 Author Share Posted May 14, 2006 The third one.....well that's a bit of a different kettle o' fish..... yes? and? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOK Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 Knob Creek bourbon is my favorite, and especially good when it's on sale for $17.99 @ MoCo stores. Pikesville rye is an excellent bargain, often sold for $7.99 or $8.99. Very underated, and not available everywhere. Thanks, Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 If you comb some of the dingier liquor stores in Baltimore, you can still find a few bottles of Pikesville from when it was distilled at Michter's in Pennsylvania (they'll say "Distilled in Pennsylvania" on the back label). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOK Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 If you comb some of the dingier liquor stores in Baltimore, you can still find a few bottles of Pikesville from when it was distilled at Michter's in Pennsylvania (they'll say "Distilled in Pennsylvania" on the back label).I've searched a few of the sketchier stores but so far no luck. Will the Michter's Pikesville taste much different than what I now have, if I ever find it?Thanks, Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 Yes. It will be a bit rougher, but also a bit more richly flavored. There was more copper in the still at Michter's than Heaven Hill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winecompass Posted June 22, 2006 Share Posted June 22, 2006 You found a bottle of Black Maple Hill whiskey! How you'd get that lucky? I've been searching for whiskey from Black Maple Hill for years ever since I read an article where several bourbon connoisseurs selected it over Bookers, Blanton, Pappy Van Winkle, and the rest. Which store did you purchase the rye? How was it? --- Todd wine-compass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtpleasanteater Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 They usually have one kind of rye and one or two kinds of bourbon at the liquor store in cleveland park, Ive also seen the bourbon at the wine specialist (21 & M st). The rye is expensive ($96) and I've never had it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoramargolis Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 You found a bottle of Black Maple Hill whiskey! How you'd get that lucky? I've been searching for whiskey from Black Maple Hill for years ever since I read an article where several bourbon connoisseurs selected it over Bookers, Blanton, Pappy Van Winkle, and the rest. Which store did you purchase the rye? How was it?--- Todd wine-compass.com Joe Riley at Ace Beverages on New Mexico Ave. sells both Black Maple Hill bourbon and rye. He does provide generous price breaks to Rockweillers, but even so, they were both too pricey for me to consider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtpleasanteater Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 I read somewhere that the Black Maple Hill comes from the same producer as the Van Winkle stuff, but I've also read that the Van Winkle Rye (which I like alot) is made by someone else. Does someone know if any of this is true? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted June 26, 2006 Share Posted June 26, 2006 It is thought that Van Winkle Rye was distilled at Medley. It is pretty much clear that the current release BMH rye was distilled at the original Bernheim plant. It is true that Julian Van Winkle bottled the first few BMH whiskeys (they are bottled by the Kulsveens now) but the distillery source of the whiskeys change over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camille-Beau Posted June 28, 2006 Share Posted June 28, 2006 You found a bottle of Black Maple Hill whiskey! How you'd get that lucky? I've been searching for whiskey from Black Maple Hill for years ever since I read an article where several bourbon connoisseurs selected it over Bookers, Blanton, Pappy Van Winkle, and the rest. Which store did you purchase the rye? How was it?--- Todd wine-compass.com The Wine Specialist on M Street has Black Maple Hill 18yr Rye Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirtymartini Posted July 21, 2006 Share Posted July 21, 2006 Black Maple Rye 18yr is available at Agraria. But, only on Sunday and only if you tell um the password. Which is 'password'. Just kidding, it's there all the time. But, you still have to say 'password' to get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted July 25, 2006 Author Share Posted July 25, 2006 Oh, my. Went on a little expedition this afternoon, returned with several new and intriguing bottles [thanks, Joe!]. What to try first? such a decision. Anyway, I'm now sipping a glass of Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 20 year old Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (while waiting for Mr P to take me to RTS for dinner). Oh, my. It's a total palate-killer neat, but with a few drops of water it blooms into a well-balanced wonder. I'm still no good at describing alcohol with words like "vanilla" and "oak" and "char" - I can't tease out the components of this drink just now. Best I can say is it tastes like the quintessence of bourbon. Perhaps a bit more harshly alcoholic than expected now that I've been at it a few minutes. Perhaps it needs to breathe a bit? a bit more water? Perhaps I shall have to try again after dinner... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TSE Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 Oh, my. Went on a little expedition this afternoon, returned with several new and intriguing bottles [thanks, Joe!].So, where did you go and what did you buy?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted July 26, 2006 Author Share Posted July 26, 2006 So, where did you go and what did you buy?! Ace Beverage. I also bought Junipero gin, Agavero tequila liqueur, and sake in a milk carton. And a few bottles of Avondale rose. The big question for tonight is, do I make margaritas or gin and tonics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Old news that I hadn't seen before: cluster analysis techniques applied to classifying single malt whisky. AKA "if I like a particular malt whisky, what other whiskies might I also enjoy?" The study, conducted by a researcher at the University of St. Andrews' business school, is unsurprisingly confined to Scotch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted September 7, 2006 Author Share Posted September 7, 2006 The study, conducted by a researcher at the University of St. Andrews' business school, is unsurprisingly confined to Scotch. Doesn't this belong in the "whisky" thread instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Troutman Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Those of you with an interest in straight rye whiskey might enjoy a visit to Temperance Hall, in Petworth. They pride themselves on their rye collection, and their Web site states that they have nine different varieties to choose from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Has anyone seen the Old Potrero Hotaling's locally for a reasonable price? One Labor Day cookout seems to have taken a major toll on mine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted September 9, 2006 Share Posted September 9, 2006 I have not seen this anywhere locally. Love that it's 100 proof--the classic whiskey bottling proof. Sad that they didn't (or couldn't, because of mixing of distilling seasons) put it out as a bond--that would've been really old school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Riley Posted October 12, 2006 Share Posted October 12, 2006 Pay attention, people. This stuff was obviously intended for our consumption and use: More info here: http://www.bruichladdich.com/wwwproduct/pd.../rockstaste.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielK Posted October 13, 2006 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Joe, I assume that you're bringing this to the picnic on Sunday? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted October 19, 2006 Author Share Posted October 19, 2006 Recent aquisitions: Michter's 10yo single barrel straight rye, and Sazerac rye. I'm thinkin' major Manhatten action tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adambernbach Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Recent aquisitions: Michter's 10yo single barrel straight rye, and Sazerac rye. I'm thinkin' major Manhatten action tonight. both great whiskeys, especially the sazerac. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 I fear Bill Thomas and I have created a monster. Rocks is into bourbon now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camille-Beau Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Latest acquisition: A.H. Hirsch 20yr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 I fear Bill Thomas and I have created a monster.Rocks is into bourbon now. So, did you guys drink it neat, or on th...uh, I mean, who paid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yeuxblu Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Does anyone in town do a tasting of whiskeys, bourbons and such, you know a sampler for the unschooled? My appreciation for brown beverages is lacking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted October 23, 2006 Author Share Posted October 23, 2006 Cracked open one of the bottles of Very Old Fitzgerald (barreled in '52) Saturday to let it aerate a bit before serving Sunday. What a smooth, lovely, lively thing. I shall be lucky to ever taste its like again (once I've finished the bottle, that is!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camille-Beau Posted October 24, 2006 Share Posted October 24, 2006 The Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America is holding a local whisky tasting tomorrow night at the JW Marriott for those of you who like your whisky without the "e" From the invitation: "Ladies and gentlemen are cordially invited to enjoy a connoisseur’s evening co-hosted by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society & Robb Report, featuring over 60 rare and exceptional single malt and Scotch whiskies. A dinner buffet will be served for your enjoyment. At evening’s end, a selection of premium imported cigars from the humidors of Montecristo will be provided for your enjoyment." The Scotch Malt Whisky Society website . Click on "Calendar" for the list of all event locations. I'm a member so if you want to go as a non-member guest, please let me know. -Camille Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gubeen Posted October 26, 2006 Share Posted October 26, 2006 I have been a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky association for quite some time. These events are pretty good but what is amazing is their selection of single cask single malts only available to members. Their "club" in London is also pretty good too, drams for three pounds of their privately bottled whiskies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan7147 Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Latest acquisition: A.H. Hirsch 20yr. Where did you find the 20? I love the 16 and have not seen the 20 year old yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legant Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 This is the #1 Rated Bourbon Whiskey in the WorldRated 99 out of 100 by the World's Spirits Championships The 'Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve' is aged an unheard of 20 years, and bottled at 90.4 proof. This whiskey is wonderfully smooth and rich. No other bourbon today can stand 20 years of aging, but this bourbon does it with style. 'Pappy Van Winkle' was a true character. This bourbon, like 'Pappy', is full of the character that makes it a very special whiskey. It, too, has been put in a class of a fine after dinner cognac. At $105.96 is it really that good? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camille-Beau Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Where did you find the 20? I love the 16 and have not seen the 20 year old yet.Internet searching. It took a couple of months of random searches to locate one bottle from a wine merchant in California. Just today I located another at a NY wine store that was sold one hour before I called to ask about availability. A different store is selling a bottle for the astronomical price of about $600. PM me if you want the link. I suppose that's why you see the price of a single glass listed at $70 at our own local Bourbon restaurants.Information on the Malt Advocate Whisky (and Whiskey) Fest in NY - November 6, 2006 and Chicago - April 13, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porcupine Posted October 30, 2006 Author Share Posted October 30, 2006 At $105.96 is it really that good? It is that good if you get it at a discount. But then I'm a relativist when it comes to bargains. Does anyone in town do a tasting of whiskeys, bourbons and such, you know a sampler for the unschooled? My appreciation for brown beverages is lacking. There's been lots of talk but little action on this. Stay tuned - something may come up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoramargolis Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 Joe Riley has a bottle of 18 y.o. Sazerac for sale in his shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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