porcupine Posted March 23, 2006 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)]
jparrott Posted March 23, 2006 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....
tenunda Posted March 24, 2006 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.
Barbara Posted March 24, 2006 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?
CrescentFresh Posted March 24, 2006 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.
zoramargolis Posted March 24, 2006 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?
tenunda Posted March 24, 2006 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...
porcupine Posted March 24, 2006 Author 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.
porcupine Posted March 24, 2006 Author 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.
Chris W Posted March 24, 2006 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.
brr Posted March 24, 2006 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
CrescentFresh Posted March 26, 2006 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.
porcupine Posted May 14, 2006 Author 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?
jparrott Posted May 14, 2006 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.....
porcupine Posted May 14, 2006 Author Posted May 14, 2006 The third one.....well that's a bit of a different kettle o' fish..... yes? and?
KOK Posted May 16, 2006 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
jparrott Posted May 16, 2006 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).
KOK Posted May 26, 2006 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
jparrott Posted May 26, 2006 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.
winecompass Posted June 22, 2006 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
mtpleasanteater Posted June 26, 2006 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.
zoramargolis Posted June 26, 2006 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.
mtpleasanteater Posted June 26, 2006 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?
jparrott Posted June 26, 2006 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.
Camille-Beau Posted June 28, 2006 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
dirtymartini Posted July 21, 2006 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.
porcupine Posted July 25, 2006 Author 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
TSE Posted July 26, 2006 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?!
porcupine Posted July 26, 2006 Author 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?
ol_ironstomach Posted September 7, 2006 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.
porcupine Posted September 7, 2006 Author 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?
Roger Troutman Posted September 8, 2006 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.
ol_ironstomach Posted September 8, 2006 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...
jparrott Posted September 9, 2006 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.
Joe Riley Posted October 12, 2006 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
DanielK Posted October 13, 2006 Posted October 13, 2006 Joe, I assume that you're bringing this to the picnic on Sunday?
porcupine Posted October 19, 2006 Author Posted October 19, 2006 Recent aquisitions: Michter's 10yo single barrel straight rye, and Sazerac rye. I'm thinkin' major Manhatten action tonight.
adambernbach Posted October 22, 2006 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.
jparrott Posted October 23, 2006 Posted October 23, 2006 I fear Bill Thomas and I have created a monster. Rocks is into bourbon now.
ol_ironstomach Posted October 23, 2006 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?
yeuxblu Posted October 23, 2006 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.
porcupine Posted October 23, 2006 Author 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!).
Camille-Beau Posted October 24, 2006 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
Gubeen Posted October 26, 2006 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.
alan7147 Posted October 28, 2006 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.
legant Posted October 28, 2006 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?
Camille-Beau Posted October 28, 2006 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
porcupine Posted October 30, 2006 Author 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.
zoramargolis Posted November 4, 2006 Posted November 4, 2006 Joe Riley has a bottle of 18 y.o. Sazerac for sale in his shop.
jparrott Posted November 4, 2006 Posted November 4, 2006 Actually, Joe has all of the 2006 Buffalo Trace Antique Collection for sale. More info here.
jparrott Posted November 17, 2006 Posted November 17, 2006 Just took delivery of the Willett "Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel Rye", 22 years old, un-chillfiltered, 68.35% abv, from a barrel I helped select last spring. What a magnificent whiskey. Sandlewood, mace, nutmeg, almost a violet thing. Lots of old-old cognac character. Spectacular, and nowhere close to showing its 68.35% abv. Bravo! Those of who paid for bottle(s), please get in touch with me to arrange a transfer.
ol_ironstomach Posted November 21, 2006 Posted November 21, 2006 (naaah, my first attempt at an analogy wasn't working, so I'm scrapping it. see, the Willett will also quietly kick your ass while you're not looking) I wish I'd taken a chance on a few more bottles of this stuff. Seriously. Jake said he thought it would be good, but I don't think that any of us expected it to turn out this good. Simply incredible. Thanks, Jake.
jpschust Posted November 21, 2006 Posted November 21, 2006 I would very potentially be willing to do a tasting out of my small collection for some of the folks on here. I've got about a 15-20 tops helf bottle collection.
jparrott Posted November 24, 2006 Posted November 24, 2006 Very Old FitzgeraldAh, now there's something to be thankful for .
porcupine Posted November 24, 2006 Author Posted November 24, 2006 Ah, now there's something to be thankful for . The stuff drinks like Cognac. Only better.
ol_ironstomach Posted December 29, 2006 Posted December 29, 2006 Mark Slater's current signature appropriately describes one of the final tasting gimmicks on the Buffalo Trace distillery tour, namely a pairing of good root beer with bourbon balls. And surprisingly, it works pretty well...probably even better if the bourbon balls lean toward the strong side. I say "surprisingly" because in high school, I used to down A&W with Chunky bars during chess club. The corn syrup water trying to pass for root beer made that craptastic "chocolate" taste like chewing on a block of wax.
jpschust Posted February 9, 2007 Posted February 9, 2007 Okay. It's getting to the point where I can't even roll over in my sleep without it being picked up in the tabloids.And the Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese at Ray's The Classics is outstanding. And five dollars! One Potrero, two Potrero, three Potrero, four, (Neat, max one cube, definitely not on the) Rocks. Pffft. Potrero is supposed to be served cut with water or on ice because of the distilation process. In bottling Potrero isn't diluted with water like many whiskeys, thus it is designed to be served with something to dilute it a touch.
jparrott Posted February 9, 2007 Posted February 9, 2007 There are three Old Potrero bottlings on the market right now. All are from a 100% rye-malt mash. One of them is uncut. "18th Century Style" Whiskey--2 years in uncharred oak, bottled barrel proof (usually around 62%). "Straight Rye" Whiskey--2 years in charred oak, bottled at 45% abv. "Hotalings" Whiskey--10 years in uncharred oak, bottled at 50% abv. Most no-longer-bottled Potrero bottlings are 2 or three years uncharred oak and barrel proof.
Banco Posted February 9, 2007 Posted February 9, 2007 There are three Old Potrero bottlings on the market right now. All are from a 100% rye-malt mash. One of them is uncut. Great. Just as I was getting over my DTs. Where do you get the gentile version?
jpschust Posted February 9, 2007 Posted February 9, 2007 http://www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/oldpotrero_18th.htm check out the bottom right corner.
jpschust Posted May 14, 2007 Posted May 14, 2007 I am in Louisville. Watch this space. Closely.Are you there with Bill?
jparrott Posted May 14, 2007 Posted May 14, 2007 Got back last night. Good times. They brought back a lot of useful stuff, in useful quantities.
ol_ironstomach Posted December 17, 2007 Posted December 17, 2007 ...and then she made fun of his brief Dickel shortage.
dirtymartini Posted December 21, 2007 Posted December 21, 2007 Now if only I hadn't drank all those Grand Cru Burgundies from the cellar.......
alan7147 Posted December 27, 2007 Posted December 27, 2007 I was just able to get a bottle of Four Roses blended whiskey blended by Frankfort Distillieries in Baltimore. I am guessing the bottle is from the 50's or early 60's and it still has the tax stamp intact. The back label states: "The straight whiskes in this product are 4 years or more old. 40% straight whiskey. 60% neutral spirits. 6% straight whiskies 6 years old. 10% straight whiskies 5 years old. 24% straight whiskies 4 years old." It looks like about 1/4 of the bottle has evaporated. As I paid next to nothing for it, is it worth trying to taste or should I let it just sit as a collectable? Thoughts?
ol_ironstomach Posted December 28, 2007 Posted December 28, 2007 I was just able to get a bottle of Four Roses blended whiskey blended by Frankfort Distillieries in Baltimore. I am guessing the bottle is from the 50's or early 60's and it still has the tax stamp intact. The back label states:"The straight whiskes in this product are 4 years or more old. 40% straight whiskey. 60% neutral spirits. 6% straight whiskies 6 years old. 10% straight whiskies 5 years old. 24% straight whiskies 4 years old." It looks like about 1/4 of the bottle has evaporated. As I paid next to nothing for it, is it worth trying to taste or should I let it just sit as a collectable? Thoughts? I'm not a fan of the thin flavor of blended whiskeys, so my bottle of Baltimore-made blended Four Roses sits unopened on the shelf both as a memento of Maryland's distilling industry, and as a sort of reminder of how far we've fallen. After all, Maryland and southern Pennsylvania were where rye distilling found its high water mark. Ironic that the last Maryland whiskey should turn out to be effectively a bottle of grain alcohol with some straight whiskey added for flavor, diluted to proof. There's still a fair amount of the former Seagrams-era blended version of Four Roses still out there...it only went out of production shortly after Maryland stopped issuing tax stamps in the mid-1980s. And it's worth reiterating that the old blended product is absolutely nothing like the current Four Roses whiskeys (now under Kirin ownership), which are superlative straight bourbons.
Camille-Beau Posted May 14, 2008 Posted May 14, 2008 Excerpt of an email received from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America (SMWSA): Since our launch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in North America some 15 years ago, we have always had the goal of opening a U.S. Members facility, similar to that of The Vaults in Scotland. We are finally in a position to commit to opening a members venue and after much research we have selected Washington DC as its site. They're considering a location in Capital Hill.
jparrott Posted May 15, 2008 Posted May 15, 2008 They're considering a location in Capital Hill. Oh. Um. Oh. Wow.
wolverine Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 And it's worth reiterating that the old blended product is absolutely nothing like the current Four Roses whiskeys (now under Kirin ownership), which are superlative straight bourbons. Interesting. I haven't tried Four Roses since attempting to drink it abroad around 2000 -- it seemed to be the only bourbon served in Spain and sparked my appreciation for gin.
Camille-Beau Posted May 17, 2008 Posted May 17, 2008 Oh. Um. Oh. Wow. If they can replicate The Vaults in DC, this should be a nice place. Just thought it was worth mentioning.
tripewriter Posted May 19, 2008 Posted May 19, 2008 Just took delivery of the Willett "Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel Rye", 22 years old, un-chillfiltered, 68.35% abv, from a barrel I helped select last spring. What a magnificent whiskey. Sandlewood, mace, nutmeg, almost a violet thing. Lots of old-old cognac character. Spectacular, and nowhere close to showing its 68.35% abv. Bravo! Hi Jake, Is this the bottle you had at the picnic? Or was it another super-tasty Willett?
jparrott Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 The bottle at the picnic was the Willett "Pear Tree" 6yo Bourbon (61.2%). It's at Ace.
SeanMike Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 The bottle at the picnic was the Willett "Pear Tree" 6yo Bourbon (61.2%). It's at Ace. Woohoo! I was right! Waitaminute...is the "Pear Tree" the standard 6 year old Willett? I've got a bottle of six year old plus a bottle of the pot still shaped bottle...
alan7147 Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 Woohoo! I was right!Waitaminute...is the "Pear Tree" the standard 6 year old Willett? I've got a bottle of six year old plus a bottle of the pot still shaped bottle... I believe that the original 6 year old Willett's (122-proof) that Joe had are gone. There is currently a 6 year old that is cut down to a lower proof as well as a 6 year old Pear Tree. Also, there is a 7 year old floating around called Fuss n' Feathers (I perfer the Pear Tree).
jparrott Posted May 20, 2008 Posted May 20, 2008 All of our single barrel Willetts come in the cognac bottle with the coat-of-arms label. There have been the following Willett young whiskeys from us: Original 6yo--no name, sold out. 6yo, 94 proof--no name, sold out. 6yo, barrel proof--"Pear Tree" [The name is in small type on the back label.] 7yo, barrel proof--"Old Fuss and Feathers" Pear Tree and Fuss and Feathers are currently available. We are about to take delivery of another 6yo 94-proof barrel, which will mostly be for on-premise use.
SeanMike Posted May 21, 2008 Posted May 21, 2008 Ahh, I must have the original 6 year old then. That is some darn good whiskey. I should drink some of it tonight. (And the pot still, but I belatedly remembered that it is a blend.)
zoramargolis Posted August 2, 2008 Posted August 2, 2008 Makers Mark goes green. http://greenbiz.com/news/2008/07/03/makers...k-bourbon-waste
aaronsinger Posted August 23, 2008 Posted August 23, 2008 I was in NY over the weekend and went to a great bar in the village; they had tons of bourbons I had never heard of; I tried WL Weller Centennial. Does anyone know of this distiller? I had never heard of them before and google doesn't seem to do much. Very good. Smoky, heavy feel in the mouth, but very smooth going down.
jparrott Posted August 23, 2008 Posted August 23, 2008 The W.L. Weller brand is bottled at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, KY, currently from whiskey distilled at the Bernheim plant in Louisville. BT is now distilling wheat-recipe bourbon (all of the Wellers are wheaters) and the two 7-year-old expressions (W.L. Weller Special Reserve and Old Weller Antique 107-proof) will switch completely over to that juice soon (there may be some in there now along with Bernheim juice). W.L. Weller Centennial was introduced as a brand by United Distillers as part of the "Bourbon Heritage Collection." After split-up of UDV (the Old Fitzgerald brand and the Bernheim plant went to Heaven Hill, the Weller brand to Buffalo Trace), Buffalo Trace continued to bottle the brand until last year. The Centennial bottling has now been discontinued. If you find any bottles on store shelves, grab them for yourself or send me a PM--I know someone who wants some.
Joe Riley Posted October 6, 2008 Posted October 6, 2008 Ever the clever marketers, the folks at Maker's Mark have released bottles which are half blue and half red, with red, white and blue wax on the necks (some with the red wax on top, others with the blue wax on top) to commemorate the presidential election. Gotta admit, they look really cool: "Republican" bottle "Democrat" bottle
edenman Posted October 7, 2008 Posted October 7, 2008 When we have this, the Domino's Tracker, the 7-election site, and what I'm sure are countless other product/election mashups, I humbly propose doing away with the voting booth. Good consumers (and all good Americans consume, dammit) will just choose our next great leader with their wallets.
Joe Riley Posted December 23, 2008 Posted December 23, 2008 This fall, Old Forester released a special "Repeal" Bourbon, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition in the United States. Distillery info here: Old Forester Repeal Bourbon This is a one-off product, and only available in 375ml size (shaped like a flask), but it comes in a package that includes the tasting glass in the photo, along with a copy of the 21st amendment (which repealed Prohibition) Just the thing to chase away the winter chill while exclaiming, "Down with Volstead!"
ol_ironstomach Posted November 18, 2009 Posted November 18, 2009 In the news: Scotch distillers Whyte & Mackay (now part of Beam Global) to attempt to secure samples of historic McKinlay & Co blended whisky from one of the last known caches - locked in ice beneath Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1909 Antarctic hut. http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/kiwis-drill-in-antarctica-whisky-3145691/
mdt Posted January 13, 2010 Posted January 13, 2010 Want to buy in bulk? Want a barrel of Bruichladdich? Click.
ol_ironstomach Posted March 24, 2014 Posted March 24, 2014 Popped into Astor Wine & Spirits today before turning for home, and was pleasantly surprised to find two things. First, and this is probably old news, Mackmyra is available in the US. This is a surprisingly good Swedish malt whisky that's an interesting diversion from mainstream Scotch. Sadly though, they were out of stock.Second, and this is bigger news for fans of Irish whiskey, as of March 1st Green Spot is now being imported to the US. It's custom distilled by Midleton for Mitchell & Son of Dublin, and one of the most pleasurable Irish whiskeys I've sampled. Took me the better part of last year to secure a couple of bottles from the UK, so being able to buy it locally is a huge win in my book. Astor's shelf price was around $50; Joe Riley says that a small quantity will be available in the DC market later this year. And if that wasn't good enough news, its fancy sibling Yellow Spot is supposedly arriving next year as well.http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2014/02/13/two-deluxe-irish-whiskies-arrive-in-us/
The Hersch Posted March 24, 2014 Posted March 24, 2014 "Cuisine represents a knife edge that separates attractive stimulation from death." I'm pleasantly floored by this epigram. I'm not sure why it puts me in mind of this, from one of the brilliantly wacky footnotes in Flann O'Brien's The Third Policeman: De Selby likens the position of a human on the earth to that of a man on a tight-wire who must continue walking along the wire or perish, being, however, free in all other respects.
ol_ironstomach Posted March 27, 2014 Posted March 27, 2014 That O'Brien quote is pure gold. Glad to be of service!What floors me is walking through memory lane in this thread, especially the first page of items from not so long ago, compared to the current distilled spirits frenzy. For instance, consider this post, which refers to Pappy Van Winkle 20: At $105.96 is it really that good? legant wasn't alone in expressing incredulity. The Van Winkles had their work cut out for them to convince people to buy Pappy for a c-note...and that was back when it was still pure Stitzel-Weller juice. Eight years later, people are paying $50 just for the empty packaging, and the average asking price on wine-searcher for a full bottle is well north of $1000.Madness. And I thought it was extravagant of Ledger's to ask $175 for that first BASG-selected bottling of super-aged Willett Rye. Follow your tastebuds before everyone else wants in on life's awesome things.
mr food Posted March 27, 2014 Posted March 27, 2014 I drank Pappy when it was just another good bourbon and priced accordingly. I'm sure it is still a good bourbon, just the price point has changed and I no longer am interested in drinking it.
DonRocks Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 What do I have? Save-for-special-occasion, use-in-mixed-drinks, or pour-down-the-drain?
SeanMike Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 I got the Four Roses also and it was fantastic. And Don's cartoon reminds me of back when Blanton's was one of the only really premium bourbons you could buy, and at that time, its cost meant I only got it rarely. I gave it to my dad to try, telling him specifically "do NOT mix this" and when I turned my back he added Diet Coke. :(
The Hersch Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 I got the Four Roses also and it was fantastic. And Don's cartoon reminds me of back when Blanton's was one of the only really premium bourbons you could buy, and at that time, its cost meant I only got it rarely. I gave it to my dad to try, telling him specifically "do NOT mix this" and when I turned my back he added Diet Coke. :( I don't care if the whiskey is cheap or expensive, mixing it with Diet Coke, or any other cola, or ginger ale, or any other sweet, carbonated soft drink, is disgusting. Even more disgusting with Scotch. (I actually find unmixed bourbon pretty repulsive all on its own.)
PappyVanWise Posted March 28, 2014 Posted March 28, 2014 So semantically speaking....Robin was mixing American with an E and Batman assumed it was Scotch, right? So our bourbon and rye cocktails aren't being frowned upon as the cartoon would suggest.
DonRocks Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 So semantically speaking....Robin was mixing American with an E and Batman assumed it was Scotch, right? So our bourbon and rye cocktails aren't being frowned upon as the cartoon would suggest. I was wondering if people would notice that! The cartoon is a variation of an internet meme I've seen before - it was posted for no other reason than because I think it's funny.
PappyVanWise Posted April 30, 2014 Posted April 30, 2014 Got a few whiskies to add to my collection last night. None of these (except the Stagg Jr) seem to have Va distributors, so they are from a little store out in California. I do have a bottle of the Va Stagg Jr, and it's 128.7 proof compared to the California one which is 134 I believe. I opened the Collingwood Canadian 21 year Rye last night, and it is fantastic. I haven't been a huge Rye drinker in the past, just prefer bourbon, but this was a real eye-opener for me. I'll probably start a new thread for it and the others as I try them, just wanted to share the whiskeyporn picture. 1
PappyVanWise Posted May 2, 2014 Posted May 2, 2014 Just some more whiskeyporn and bragging. Got this in a trade for some rare beer, very excited to try it as I've only had the Pappy 15 so far.
JPW Posted May 2, 2014 Posted May 2, 2014 Nice! I'd almost be tempted to drive down to Richmond if you felt like sharing. 1
PappyVanWise Posted May 20, 2014 Posted May 20, 2014 Sipping on Oola Waitsburg bourbon from Seattle tonight. Right in the sweet spot at 94 proof, so doesn't need anything to cut it. If it was a tad cheaper, this would probably a solid cocktail bourbon, but it's got some good flavor neat. Fruit and spice over wood flavors, if that's your kind of thing. 1
DrXmus Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 Got a few whiskies to add to my collection last night. None of these (except the Stagg Jr) seem to have Va distributors, I saw a Collingwood whiskey of some sort at the Vienna, VA ABC store last week.
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