MUScoop
MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: DavidDiggsDawg on April 17, 2014, 08:25:38 AM
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I am a big time bourbon lover based in Milwaukee, but I travel between Kenosha, Milwaukee, Madison, and the Dells for work and I am willing to drive wherever necessary to get a good bourbon. I am looking to connect with other people who also like bourbon to share release info on hard to find bottles of the brown liquor. I am consistently going into liquor stores around the state on my down time to see what is new out there.
Is there anyone else on this site that would like to discuss bourbon with me?
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I must say that I like bourbon on a few occasions, but it is not my first go to.
I've been sitting on a bottle of Hudson Whiskey (Tuthilltown Spirits). It was a gift and I can't remember if it is the Baby Bourbon or the Manhattan Rye. Ever had either?
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Have you roadtripped to Lexington yet?
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In my youth I was a bourbon/whiskey guy.....but now I have drifted to microbeers.
That said I stumbled (no pun intended) into a Texas Bourbon - yes I said Texas. Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye Texas caused me to buy a bottle (pricey) I find it so smooth that I have determined that there is only one way to drink it...straight up - not even ice....pour and sip
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I like Buffalo Trace or Old Forester
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A roadtrip to bourbon country is on the radar!
I am a fan of basil haydens, and pretty much anything buffalo trace puts out. I am currently looking for a bottle of Elmer T. Lee.
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I am a fan of basil haydens, and pretty much anything buffalo trace puts out. I am currently looking for a bottle of Elmer T. Lee.
The hedcut illustration on Buffalo Trace's website is awesome
(https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/sites/default/files/legendary/elmer-.gif)
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Weller's 12 is my gold standard of everyday bourbon
I'll never drink a sip of Makers/Beam again as long as I live
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I'd rather have a single malt scotch.
Or a rye for a mixed drink. Templeton rye is fantastic
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Eagle Rare is a nice choice.
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I have never acquired a taste for bourbon. Friends from the South swear by it, especially with branch, but I find rather sweet. I'll stick with single malt scotch, thank you.
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Wild Turkey and Knob Creek are delicious.
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more like wild turkey is an excellent deal for the alcohol content ;) the 101, 80 proof should not exist.
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Anyone in mke know if the great lakes bourbon is going to be released this year?
side note - if you're in Milwaukee, do that tour, super fun
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Well I recommend Woodford Reserve for smoothness and easily thinking you can handle just one more.
Right this second I'm at the downtown MKE Hilton swilling Booker in a snifter glass. Pretty damn good on Easter weekend.
Cabin Creek is a budget friendly friend as well.
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A roadtrip to bourbon country is on the radar!
I am a fan of basil haydens, and pretty much anything buffalo trace puts out. I am currently looking for a bottle of Elmer T. Lee.
I haven't been able to find any Elmer T Lee in Chicago for the last couple years. I had a glass at a restaurant last week and it was fantastic, my favorite bourbon probably and at such a good price too.
I just recently got my hands on some Eagle Rare and Weller 12, but all Trace brands have been impossible to find in Chicago this last year.
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Weller's 12 is my gold standard of everyday bourbon
I'll never drink a sip of Makers/Beam again as long as I live
Beam Black isn't bad and is easy to find all over the place. I'll take Beam Black for the price over Knob Creek.
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Beam Black isn't bad and is easy to find all over the place. I'll take Beam Black for the price over Knob Creek.
I was a big Makers 46 fan. But I won't be drinking any Japanese bourbon
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I was a big Makers 46 fan. But I won't be drinking any Japanese bourbon
One of the most elegant and exacting cultures on earth.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/how-japan-copied-american-culture-and-made-it-better-180950189/?no-ist
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Angel's Envy came out with a bourbon not too long ago. Awesome. Finished in port barrels. On the sweeter side, so scotch guys won't like it. But their Rye is pretty killer, too.
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I haven't been able to find any Elmer T Lee in Chicago for the last couple years. I had a glass at a restaurant last week and it was fantastic, my favorite bourbon probably and at such a good price too.
I just recently got my hands on some Eagle Rare and Weller 12, but all Trace brands have been impossible to find in Chicago this last year.
I recently started conversing with a guy who runs one of the bourbon blogs. Long story short, he suggested I go to www.wine-searcher.com. It is a website where you can actually purchase booze from different merchants across the US and they will ship it to you. I found two bottles of Elmer T. Lee from a place in Jersey where it cost me $34.99 per bottle and then a ground shipping charge of $25. VERY reasonable prices for hard-to-find bottles of ETL. They should be at my door by the EOB Thursday and destroying my liver shortly thereafter.
Chicago seems to be a complete mess when it comes to good bourbon. Wisconsin is difficult, but it is still doable. If you want to get some Pappy, etc., I would suggest you start finding a couple of stores in your area that you know had the product last year. Become friendly, stop in often, show you are knowledgable, and BUY SOMETHING (not necessarily bourbon, a six-pack will suffice). If you start now, you could easily build up a report with them to find out their method for giving out their stash of PVW. Some places have a lottery, others are first come first served, and some may even let you put a deposit down on what they may get in their stores. The more stores you do this with, the better off you will be in the long run. My buddy and I did this method last year and between the 5 big stores we covered we were able to get 6 bottles of PVW, of varying vintages.
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I must say that I like bourbon on a few occasions, but it is not my first go to.
I've been sitting on a bottle of Hudson Whiskey (Tuthilltown Spirits). It was a gift and I can't remember if it is the Baby Bourbon or the Manhattan Rye. Ever had either?
Both are excellent -- I enjoy their Four Grain Bourbon more than the pair you listed. Check it out when you can.
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Doesn't Bourbon have to be distilled within KY to truly be considered Bourbon amongst connoisseurs?
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Doesn't Bourbon have to be distilled within KY to truly be considered Bourbon amongst connoisseurs?
Most is from KY but not all.
http://liquor.com/articles/the-five-biggest-bourbon-myths/
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Doesn't Bourbon have to be distilled within KY to truly be considered Bourbon amongst connoisseurs?
EDITED:
Conventional thinking is that it needs to be made in Kentucky to be considered "bourbon". Most people still subscribe to this theory and will not consider it Bourbon unless it is distilled in KY. The component others use to determine if it is Bourbon is the combination/concentration of ingredients that go into making the whiskey and the method of aging that define it as bourbon. Jack Daniels has a concentration and process that is almost identical to the process of making bourbon (minus the charcoal filtering) and could probably be considered as "bourbon" but because of the filtering and their desire to differentiate themselves from the market they are billed as "Tennessee Whiskey". The Whiskey Boom has resulted in a lot of gray lines developing. B&E, which is distilled in KY but brought to CA for bottling. It is still considered a bourbon, but some purists may not agree.
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You are partially correct that it needs to be made in Kentucky to be considered "bourbon". The other component is the combination/concentration of ingredients that go into making the whiskey and the method of aging that define it as bourbon. Jack Daniels has a concentration and process that is almost identical to the process of making bourbon (minus the charcoal filtering) and could probably be considered as "bourbon" but because of the filtering and their desire to differentiate themselves from the market they are billed as "Tennessee Whiskey".
It doesn't have to be made in Kentucky.
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It doesn't have to be made in Kentucky.
Sorry, I corrected my comments.
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EDITED:
Conventional thinking is that it needs to be made in Kentucky to be considered "bourbon". Most people still subscribe to this theory and will not consider it Bourbon unless it is distilled in KY. The component others use to determine if it is Bourbon is the combination/concentration of ingredients that go into making the whiskey and the method of aging that define it as bourbon. Jack Daniels has a concentration and process that is almost identical to the process of making bourbon (minus the charcoal filtering) and could probably be considered as "bourbon" but because of the filtering and their desire to differentiate themselves from the market they are billed as "Tennessee Whiskey". The Whiskey Boom has resulted in a lot of gray lines developing. B&E, which is distilled in KY but brought to CA for bottling. It is still considered a bourbon, but some purists may not agree.
The key difference with JD is the charcoal filtering. Some claim this smoothens the liquor while others say it bruises it. either way I have never cared for JD.
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Well I recommend Woodford Reserve for smoothness and easily thinking you can handle just one more.
Right this second I'm at the downtown MKE Hilton swilling Booker in a snifter glass. Pretty damn good on Easter weekend.
Cabin Creek is a budget friendly friend as well.
I had a bump of Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select last night. Wow.
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Ray's in tosa will order you whatever you want generally if you are in MKE. I've had them get me beer that they don't normally carry. Just say that you are interested in something and that you would buy a bottle and they will usually get a case for the shelves, I've also done that with tequila at discount liquor over on Oklahoma. Get to avoid the shipping ;)
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Ray's in tosa will order you whatever you want generally if you are in MKE. I've had them get me beer that they don't normally carry. Just say that you are interested in something and that you would buy a bottle and they will usually get a case for the shelves, I've also done that with tequila at discount liquor over on Oklahoma. Get to avoid the shipping ;)
Love that place like none other.
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OK, if you post in this thread maybe this website is designed for you
http://www.oneplusyou.com/bb/booze
my results
Your Score: 92%
Your level: DRUNKARD
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OK, if you post in this thread maybe this website is designed for you
http://www.oneplusyou.com/bb/booze
my results
100%
That quiz is really easy for anyone who's gone to bartending school. Give us a challenge.
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While I enjoy both Scotch Whisky and Bourbon, one reason I prefer single malts is knowing from where (and when) it came. That said, Black Maple Hill Bourbon is a staple in my cabinet despite what you'll read here
http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/klwinescom-spirits-blog/2012/7/13/the-story-of-black-maple-hill.html (http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/klwinescom-spirits-blog/2012/7/13/the-story-of-black-maple-hill.html)
"The truth is that Black Maple Hill is neither a distillery nor a place of origin. It's an independent label owned by my friend Paul Joseph in San Carlos, down the road from our store. He's got a garage full of other booze too (Murray McDavid, Alchemist, etc.) and every month or so I'll stop by to see what's new. Paul pays Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (Willett, Vintage 17, Pure Kentucky, Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, etc.) to make this blend for him and then he slaps the label on it. So, in reality, Black Maple Hill is a Bourbon that's blended in Kentucky, but owned by a nice man on the San Francisco peninsula."
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While I enjoy both Scotch Whisky and Bourbon, one reason I prefer single malts is knowing from where (and when) it came. That said, Black Maple Hill Bourbon is a staple in my cabinet despite what you'll read here
http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/klwinescom-spirits-blog/2012/7/13/the-story-of-black-maple-hill.html (http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/klwinescom-spirits-blog/2012/7/13/the-story-of-black-maple-hill.html)
"The truth is that Black Maple Hill is neither a distillery nor a place of origin. It's an independent label owned by my friend Paul Joseph in San Carlos, down the road from our store. He's got a garage full of other booze too (Murray McDavid, Alchemist, etc.) and every month or so I'll stop by to see what's new. Paul pays Kentucky Bourbon Distillers (Willett, Vintage 17, Pure Kentucky, Noah's Mill, Rowan's Creek, etc.) to make this blend for him and then he slaps the label on it. So, in reality, Black Maple Hill is a Bourbon that's blended in Kentucky, but owned by a nice man on the San Francisco peninsula."
That's an interesting read on BMH, I've yet to try it, but I've only heard great reviews. Where did you pick your bottle up?
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That's an interesting read on BMH, I've yet to try it, but I've only heard great reviews. Where did you pick your bottle up?
In NY at several places in the city (Drink on 2nd Ave but that closed relatively recently), up in Westchester, and beyond (Wineology in Pawling, and a place in Mt Kisco). In the Chicago area at Prestige locations and Binny's at one point (have had more luck at Prestige locations though). FWIW it is very good; probably my favorite Bourbon.
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100%
That quiz is really easy for anyone who's gone to bartending school. Give us a challenge.
+1, if by "bartending school," you also include being schooled at the bar. 100%.
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That's an interesting read on BMH, I've yet to try it, but I've only heard great reviews. Where did you pick your bottle up?
I got a bottle of BMH at Discount Liquor about two weeks after PVW finally came out last year.
I have asked at several Liquor stores in the area, and Elmer T. Lee is unavailable for any stores to get right now, which is why I went the online route to get a bottle.
Bourbon hunting is fun, isnt it?
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Life is good! These just showed up at my door today after a very long work week!
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the distilleries can't keep up!
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/were-drinking-through-whiskey-supplies-faster-distillers-can-make-more-180951390/?no-ist (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/were-drinking-through-whiskey-supplies-faster-distillers-can-make-more-180951390/?no-ist)
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Life is good! These just showed up at my door today after a very long work week!
I'm a big fan; very nice.
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http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/were-drinking-through-whiskey-supplies-faster-distillers-can-make-more-180951390/?no-ist
Bourbon lovers, you'd better stock up. A day of reckoning is quickly approaching, warns Buffalo Trace, one of the oldest distilleries in the country. A whiskey shortage may soon be upon us.
While bourbon producers have seen this problem coming for more than a year, its impacts are just now beginning to hit the market and will likely only worsen. Here's Buffalo Trace with more on the problem:
Despite the increase in distillation over the past few years, bourbon demand still outpaces supply. The overall bourbon category is experiencing 5% growth, but premium brands are up nearly 20% from last year. Bourbon must be matured in new oak barrels and Buffalo Trace ages many of its barrels for eight to ten years, and some over two decades. That’s a long time to wait for a bottle of bourbon. Not to mention, with the amount of bourbon lost to evaporation over time, barrels are half empty after ten years. The increase in sales, coupled with the aging process and evaporation loss, leads to a shortage with no end in sight.
A shortage of wood necessary to create whiskey barrels, the Spirits Business adds, also seems to be exacerbating the problem.
As Esquire points out, this surge in demand ultimately reflects a change of societal taste. "Ten years ago everybody drank vodka, and Scotch was something you kept around for when your dad visited," Esquire writes. "Now, whiskey of all kinds has become a fetish object of the young, urban, and image-conscious." Sales data show that most coveted whiskey of all is now the high-end, decade-plus aged varieties. Unfortunately, whiskey brewers preparing today's stocks 10 or more years ago did not see that coming.
In other words, now might be a good time to get into gin.
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Deadspin drops some 411 on the 'brown stuff'
http://deadspin.com/get-to-know-the-brown-stuff-a-little-better-1566537843 (http://deadspin.com/get-to-know-the-brown-stuff-a-little-better-1566537843)
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Heard Three Roses is the bomb.
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Heard Three Roses is the bomb.
You mean Four Roses? I have a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch and it's very nice. It's not terribly complex, a little sweet, but very smooth. I recommend it.
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You mean Four Roses? I have a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch and it's very nice. It's not terribly complex, a little sweet, but very smooth. I recommend it.
Yeah thats it!
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For now, Wild Turkey and Old Forester are great. Used to drink Ten High back in the day when in Nam. About $1.50 a quart back then. Could not beat the price.
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Deadspin drops some 411 on the 'brown stuff'
http://deadspin.com/get-to-know-the-brown-stuff-a-little-better-1566537843 (http://deadspin.com/get-to-know-the-brown-stuff-a-little-better-1566537843)
Read all the way to the bottom. This is, for all intents and purposes, a paid advertisement for Knob Creek.
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Read all the way to the bottom. This is, for all intents and purposes, a paid advertisement for Knob Creek.
FWIW Knob Creek is fantastic.
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Used to be a big bourbon on the rocks guy but lately it has been Manhattans. Since I'm mixing I stick with Maker's or Four Roses. Used to be more of a Knob guy. Woodford on occasion. Basil on those really nice occasions. I do have a handle of Beam in the cabinet as I'm wondering if this Manhattan kick stays, maybe the more economical bourbon will suffice. Thoughts?
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I'm about 70% Manhattan, 30% bourbon rocks. Maker's is my safe go-to for the Manhattan, but I'll go with rye or even a Canadian at times, or if at a restaurant claiming to have a "special" Manhattan or variation, I'll sometimes give that a try (too much all the rage these days, and at times dissappointing) . At home, when drinking straight bourbon with a single big sphere or cube, I go with Elijah Craig, Angel's Envy, Makers Mark (sometimes 46), Buffalo Trace and a rotating group of small batch bourbons that I have rec'd as gifts over the years. I have a few excellent ryes, but prefer them in a Manhattan rather than straight.
I buy a fair amount during the year, and then finish off most of it with two events--I have a big group come over post parish golf outing and break out the brown liquor for tasting (including some tasty single malt) and then clear out the cabinet for a neighbor's annual poker party. Then I get to start over. :)
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Lens
How about YOUR Manhattan recipe. I occasionally make one for my better half and could use some expertise.
I do start with MM because everytime my brother-in-law comes into town he brings another bottle.
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bitters, bitters, bitters; must have the bitters...and fresh sweet vermouth (even more important than what type)
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Lens
How about YOUR Manhattan recipe. I occasionally make one for my better half and could use some expertise.
I do start with MM because everytime my brother-in-law comes into town he brings another bottle.
bitters, bitters, bitters; must have the bitters...and fresh sweet vermouth (even more important than what type)
Fill up up the shaker with ice,
About 75-80% with bourbon,
Pour some sweet vermouth on top so it's 95% full (I just use Tribuno)
A few dashes of bitters (I have been using Angostura)
Shake
Strain
Pour over 1 cube
Cherry
Interesting about the freshness of the sweet vermouth. I saw a stand at the MKE Public Market (Maybe Nehrings or next to it) had a bunch of different craft bitters so I was going to try those out soon.
I typically will make a pretty big drink for myself or split it with my wife. Then I'm on to light or pilsner beer or red wine.
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Fill up up the shaker with ice,
About 75-80% with bourbon,
Pour some sweet vermouth on top so it's 95% full (I just use Tribuno)
A few dashes of bitters (I have been using Angostura)
Shake
Strain
Pour over 1 cube
Cherry
Interesting about the freshness of the sweet vermouth. I saw a stand at the MKE Public Market (Maybe Nehrings or next to it) had a bunch of different craft bitters so I was going to try those out soon.
I typically will make a pretty big drink for myself or split it with my wife. Then I'm on to light or pilsner beer or red wine.
(http://img.pandawhale.com/42489-Homer-Drool-eZEY.gif)
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I'm about 70% Manhattan, 30% bourbon rocks. Maker's is my safe go-to for the Manhattan, but I'll go with rye or even a Canadian at times, or if at a restaurant claiming to have a "special" Manhattan or variation, I'll sometimes give that a try (too much all the rage these days, and at times dissappointing) . At home, when drinking straight bourbon with a single big sphere or cube, I go with Elijah Craig, Angel's Envy, Makers Mark (sometimes 46), Buffalo Trace and a rotating group of small batch bourbons that I have rec'd as gifts over the years. I have a few excellent ryes, but prefer them in a Manhattan rather than straight.
I buy a fair amount during the year, and then finish off most of it with two events--I have a big group come over post parish golf outing and break out the brown liquor for tasting (including some tasty single malt) and then clear out the cabinet for a neighbor's annual poker party. Then I get to start over. :)
Legs, I figured you for a beer guy.
Next time I am in town visiting family, I'll need to swing by Casa de Legs for a taste. I'll bring the chili.
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Anyone try Ridgemount Reserve 1792?
A tasty beverage.
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bump .... let's stock up on Indiana bourbon!
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/28/your-craft-whiskey-is-probably-from-a-factory-distillery-in-indiana.html (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/28/your-craft-whiskey-is-probably-from-a-factory-distillery-in-indiana.html)
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH > MYSTERY BOURBON/RYE
<of course I refuse to discriminate despite the horrifying truth>
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So it was my birthday recently, and I cracked open a bottle I got of Pappy 15 year. D.A.M.N. That is some smooth, tasty, tasty stuff. It was like bourbon syrup. Simply Fantastic!
Now my wife just needs to hurry up and give birth so I can celebrate by cracking open a bottle of Pappy 20 I am holding on to!
Sorry, I realize there was no question or topic for discussion in this thread, only my own narcissistic rambling. But I don't care, that stuff was that damn good. Now I just need to find a way to get another bottle this year!
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FWIW Knob Creek is fantastic.
The bourbon or the porno flick?
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So it was my birthday recently, and I cracked open a bottle I got of Pappy 15 year. D.A.M.N. That is some smooth, tasty, tasty stuff. It was like bourbon syrup. Simply Fantastic!
Now my wife just needs to hurry up and give birth so I can celebrate by cracking open a bottle of Pappy 20 I am holding on to!
Sorry, I realize there was no question or topic for discussion in this thread, only my own narcissistic rambling. But I don't care, that stuff was that damn good. Now I just need to find a way to get another bottle this year!
The 20yr is life changing and exponentially better than the 15. Heavy caramel notes, smooth finish, light tobacco notes, just fantastic all the way around.
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The 20yr is life changing and exponentially better than the 15. Heavy caramel notes, smooth finish, light tobacco notes, just fantastic all the way around.
Wife just had the kid, so I cracked open the 20. You were totally right!
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great topic. Bourbon is my drink of choice as well... neat or one cube.
Best value for the money is Hirsch IMO
Best for making a manhattan: Knob Creek
Best for those who want a "lighter bourbon" Angel's Envy
In a league of their own: Any Van Winkle bourbon.
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Wild Turkey American Honey.
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There is a short article in this months The Atlantic on rye for those interested.
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Love bourbon, not much of a scotch guy.
Sipping on a scotch right now called Hedonism....maker is Comfort Box.
Pretty damn good. Taste more like bourbon.
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Its just about that time of year. Has anyone heard if Pappy has been released?
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Had some Bulliet Bourbon last week. Nice.
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Had some Bulliet Bourbon last week. Nice.
I tried it 6 month's ago or so...and it's my new go-to bourbon, especially for ~$23 here. I actually prefer the 100% rye variety, but the standard Bulleit has a pretty high rye mashbill too.
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I tried it 6 month's ago or so...and it's my new go-to bourbon, especially for ~$23 here. I actually prefer the 100% rye variety, but the standard Bulleit has a pretty high rye mashbill too.
That's a great price. 1.75 or .750?
This Pappy stuff is intriguing too?
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That's a great price. 1.75 or .750?
.750 My first bottle was actually at $18, but it's been creeping up every month (likely as popularity grows).
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probably the best way to enjoy good bourbon (http://www.eater.com/2014/11/6/7170583/louisville-bar-sacriligiously-makes-jell-o-shots-with-its-pappy-van)
just recently got the Distiler for the ipad. Helps you pick out various whiskeys when youre looking for something new to try
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Just bought a bottle of Jefferson Reserve on a whim. Might crack it tomorrow. Anyone try it yet?
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Its just about that time of year. Has anyone heard if Pappy has been released?
It's out there. I know it's in Chicago, and I think most other Midwestern and Eastern cities. Not sure about West Coast.
I just grabbed a bottle of the 2014 Four Roses Limited Edition, haven't opened it yet though.
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I went to Buffalo Trace last week. Stuck my hand in some mash - you guys will be drinking it soon. Enjoy.
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I went to Buffalo Trace last week. Stuck my hand in some mash - you guys will be drinking it soon. Enjoy.
At least it was just your hand.
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I went to Buffalo Trace last week. Stuck my hand in some mash - you guys will be drinking it soon. Enjoy.
How was it? They're off the official "Bourbon Trail" right?
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Just bought a bottle of Jefferson Reserve on a whim. Might crack it tomorrow. Anyone try it yet?
Tasted good. Disappointed that it was a blend.
Had some John Bowman last night. Distilled in Virginia. Nice.
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Local saloon is serving Weller right now. Story goes that Pappy is a blend of two different varieties of Weller.
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I just re-read this thread from 4 years ago. Lots of good stuff.
Many Manhattan fans here. I've posted before on this, barrel aged manhattans are incredible. I got turned on to them at the Lake Elmo Inn. They feature four different ones. Emerald Manhattan, the Mystery Manhattan, the Maple Manhattan, and a Holiday Manhattan. All are 60 day aged in charred barrels, and just wonderful.
I bought a barrel recently. Great investment. I made a batch for a friend...he ended up buying 3 10 liter barrels.....a bit of overkill in my opinion, but he was hooked.
Barel aging is really easy..mix...and age. Highly recommended.
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Haven’t seen Elmer T Lee in the NYC area in 4/5 years unfortunately, but it used to be very common. Another Buffalo Trace product, Old Weller Antique 107 is spectacular if you can find it but is only released a couple of times a year and allocated to stores on an extremely limited basis to such an extent that most bottles are accounted for by the store’s best customers before they’re even delivered. I can understand that for Pappy where folks are paying upwards of $1000 a bottle, but Weller Antique is only about $40 so I don’t really understand why it’s become so rare. This has only happened in the last 2-3 yers and like Elmer, Weller Antique used to be almost as ubiquitous as Jack. Someone told me once that Weller Antique is Pappy before it’s Pappy and that BT cut production of that brand substantially to age it more until it becomes Pappy which they sell for a substantially higher price. No idea if that’s true or not but if it is that certainly makes sense because the more they use for OWA the less they have for Pappy. Anyone have any insight on this?
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Haven’t seen Elmer T Lee in the NYC area in 4/5 years unfortunately, but it used to be very common. Another Buffalo Trace product, Old Weller Antique 107 is spectacular if you can find it but is only released a couple of times a year and allocated to stores on an extremely limited basis to such an extent that most bottles are accounted for by the store’s best customers before they’re even delivered. I can understand that for Pappy where folks are paying upwards of $1000 a bottle, but Weller Antique is only about $40 so I don’t really understand why it’s become so rare. This has only happened in the last 2-3 yers and like Elmer, Weller Antique used to be almost as ubiquitous as Jack. Someone told me once that Weller Antique is Pappy before it’s Pappy and that BT cut production of that brand substantially to age it more until it becomes Pappy which they sell for a substantially higher price. No idea if that’s true or not but if it is that certainly makes sense because the more they use for OWA the less they have for Pappy. Anyone have any insight on this?
I've heard something similar from a very distinguished barkeep who manages the liquor and wine for A 5 star joint regarding the relationship between Weller and Pappy.
You are on to something.
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I've heard something similar from a very distinguished barkeep who manages the liquor and wine for A 5 star joint regarding the relationship between Weller and Pappy.
You are on to something.
They have the same mash bill. Weller is still easy to find in some markets. When I was in Dallas for the Cotton Bowl 3 years ago stopped into a liquor store and they had a huge display of Weller handles. You can also find a lot of Weller in STL sitting on shelves. They don't know what they got. Rubes.
Personally I try and target BTAC over Pappy - but to each their own.
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Had Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style last night. 115 proof. A little harsh on the finish for me.
Big fan of Weller Special Reserve. The wheat takes the bite off. I'm more of an Irish Whiskey or Canadian fan myself. My go to right now is Teeling Single Grain or Fourty Creek Double Barrel.
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I "might" be getting my hands on a bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon 2018. Anyone try this yet?
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(http://s3.amazonaws.com/mscwordpresscontent/wa/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Antique-Collection-2018-Group-Shot_1600-1240x696.jpg)
http://whiskyadvocate.com/buffalo-traces-2018-antique-collection-announced/ (http://whiskyadvocate.com/buffalo-traces-2018-antique-collection-announced/)
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How does one go about finding pappy van winkle. I am looking to get a bottle for a client.
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How does one go about finding pappy van winkle. I am looking to get a bottle for a client.
Buy on secondary market and be ready to bend over.
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How does one go about finding pappy van winkle. I am looking to get a bottle for a client.
My brother bought me this for xmas last year. It is so good!
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Buy on secondary market and be ready to bend over.
Any good recommendations of secondary websites?
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Any good recommendations of secondary websites?
what city do you live in? but craigslist or Facebook groups. There are 2 or 3 in Chicago. There are also a few national ones. For PVW23 your looking about $2,500 a bottle. For ORVW it's about $400. Lot B is $550ish.
If you want wheated whiskey you could always look for Weller too. Weller SR can be found on shelves. Same with AO or 12.
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Angel’s Envy
Yippy Ki Yay
Enjoying both currently
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The Vogue Cocktail Bar, back in the day, across the street from the library, would feature Walkers Delux, and for a strange reason. We used chrome plated pouring spouts and all the other brands would get corroded, but not Walkers. The owner, Jack Levinski, claimed that was becsuse Walkers was pure. Jack was in his 80's in the 60's and was a former Cicero speak easy proprietor.
On one of my many trips to Tullahoma Tennessee, home of Arnold AFB, I visited Lynchburg, TN, home of Jack Daniel's, it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
BTW, the only Bourbon I see in Italy is Jack Daniels.
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what city do you live in? but craigslist or Facebook groups. There are 2 or 3 in Chicago. There are also a few national ones. For PVW23 your looking about $2,500 a bottle. For ORVW it's about $400. Lot B is $550ish.
If you want wheated whiskey you could always look for Weller too. Weller SR can be found on shelves. Same with AO or 12.
Northern Chicago burbs
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Northern Chicago burbs
Here are 3 Facebook groups you can try.
Chicago Area:
Chicagoland Bourbon Exchange - CBE
National:
Bourbon Secondary Market - BSM
MegaFireBalls
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I picked up three bottles of Weller today at Binny’s. Had to ask for them. They had them “hidden” in the office.
Also picked up some special batch allotted Buffalo Trace too.
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Here are 3 Facebook groups you can try.
Chicago Area:
Chicagoland Bourbon Exchange - CBE
National:
Bourbon Secondary Market - BSM
MegaFireBalls
Thank you
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I picked up three bottles of Weller today at Binny’s. Had to ask for them. They had them “hidden” in the office.
Also picked up some special batch allotted Buffalo Trace too.
Which Weller's? Which BT? Which Binny's?
I thank you in advance. I just got a bottle for Weller's Special Reserve & Old Antique (Vas Foremost pick). Great bourbon for money.
Also found a $31 bottle of Eagle Rare well at my inlaws in Flint. Outstanding value for that one. My only "problem" is when a I crack a bottle I end up drinking about a third of it each time.
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Blantons is still my favorite. Also a Buffalo Trace(sazarac) product.
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Which Weller's? Which BT? Which Binny's?
I thank you in advance. I just got a bottle for Weller's Special Reserve & Old Antique (Vas Foremost pick). Great bourbon for money.
Also found a $31 bottle of Eagle Rare well at my inlaws in Flint. Outstanding value for that one. My only "problem" is when a I crack a bottle I end up drinking about a third of it each time.
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Special Reserve. Was food the BT was an allocated batch. Nothing special about it on the label.
Willowbrook. Ran into an ‘87 alumn in the parking lot.
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I had a Michter's Rye Manhattan today with a grapefruit bitters. It was the smoothest Manhattan I ever had, and I have had several over the years.
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Finally got a bottle. It's pretty ******** good.
(https://i.imgur.com/p6KbiR2.jpg?3)
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Just got invited to Wiskyfest in Chicago this weekend. Have always been more of a wine guy, but have been enjoying more bourbons/wiskys recently, i.e.. Angel's Envy, Woodford's Reserve. Anyone with experience at this event? Any recs or plan of attack appreciated. I've been to a few Shanken wine events, but this is new territory for me.
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Just got invited to Wiskyfest in Chicago this weekend. Have always been more of a wine guy, but have been enjoying more bourbons/wiskys recently, i.e.. Angel's Envy, Woodford's Reserve. Anyone with experience at this event? Any recs or plan of attack appreciated. I've been to a few Shanken wine events, but this is new territory for me.
Extremely jealous. I've always wanted to go. When I was at Groupon I tried selling them for the specific reason that I could get a ticket
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Just got invited to Wiskyfest in Chicago this weekend. Have always been more of a wine guy, but have been enjoying more bourbons/wiskys recently, i.e.. Angel's Envy, Woodford's Reserve. Anyone with experience at this event? Any recs or plan of attack appreciated. I've been to a few Shanken wine events, but this is new territory for me.
Buffalo Trace booth but there will be a big line. Pappy, EHT, Antique Collection - maybe Double Eagle Rare. Woooooweeee! Wild Turkey RR stuff is solid. Maybe Blaum Brothers from Galena. 4 Roses single barrel is fun since they do 2 yeasts and 4 mash builds. Just try as much as you can and don't drive. The Scotch guys bring the good stuff too.
For those who want to attend tomorrow night at Binny's Lincoln Park is their Whiskey Fest preview. $75 vs. $225 and they have a ton of good stuff since most of the reps are in town they don't mind showing up to another event. Insiders tip.
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Buffalo Trace booth but there will be a big line. Pappy, EHT, Antique Collection - maybe Double Eagle Rare. Woooooweeee! Wild Turkey RR stuff is solid. Maybe Blaum Brothers from Galena. 4 Roses single barrel is fun since they do 2 yeasts and 4 mash builds. Just try as much as you can and don't drive. The Scotch guys bring the good stuff too.
For those who want to attend tomorrow night at Binny's Lincoln Park is their Whiskey Fest preview. $75 vs. $225 and they have a ton of good stuff since most of the reps are in town they don't mind showing up to another event. Insiders tip.
Exactly what I needed. Thanks, Chili. Excited to get to try the Bourbon County Stouts -- what's the difference btw the two?
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Shameless plug for my friend whose start-up focuses on craft alcohol.
https://thecraftycask.com
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Exactly what I needed. Thanks, Chili. Excited to get to try the Bourbon County Stouts -- what's the difference btw the two?
OK, so I found the list on the website. This is what I would do. Now, I don't jack or squat about scotch but for bourbon - this is my idea. I put ****** next to ones I wouldn't miss. The more ***** the more I would seek it out. I don't know if you have VIP tix or not but I put that on here. I also gave you a description on the 2 BCBS beers. Have fun man. I am jealous.
1792
- SiB
Blanton’s
Eagle Rare
- 17yr ****************
Elijah Craig
- BP ****
- 18 yr ******
- 23 yr *******
Four Roses
- SiB
George T. Stagg ***** (VIP)
Goose Island
- 2018 BCS – TYPICALLY Aged in 7-10 year Heaven Hill barrels
- 2018 Reserve BCS – Aged in 12 yr Elijah Craig Barrel Proof barrels
Heaven Hill 27 yr ***** (VIP)
Henry McKenna SiB
Hibiki
- 17yr (VIP)
High West
- AMND (VIP)
Michter’s
- 10 Yr (VIP)
- Toasted Barrel (VIP)
Nikka
- From the Barrel ****
Old Forester
- 1920
Old Rip Van Winkle
- 10yr ***
- 12yr ***
Pappy
- 15yr *****
- 20yr *****
- 23yr (VIP) *******
Sazerac
- 18yr *****
- Straight Rye
Stagg Jr. ***
Taylor Small Batch
Thomas Handy Rye*****
Weller
- 12yr******
- CYPB*****
Whistle Pig
- 12yr
- New Release
- Boss Hog V***** (VIP)
William Larue Weller ************************************
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OK, so I found the list on the website. This is what I would do. Now, I don't jack or squat about scotch but for bourbon - this is my idea. I put ****** next to ones I wouldn't miss. The more ***** the more I would seek it out. I don't know if you have VIP tix or not but I put that on here. I also gave you a description on the 2 BCBS beers. Have fun man. I am jealous.
I survived, and thankfully had a few experts in the group as well.
Kept going back to the BCS about every half hour, really enjoyed the regular version.
My favs were the Pappy 20 yr., Eagle Rare, Hibiki, Michter's, Redbreast and William Laura Weller. My number one would the Nikka from the Barrel. Awesome night, but man do you have to pace yourself.
One of the more interesting booths was the Bowmore. Their line-up was decent, I didn't love any, but at the end of the tasting, they gave you an oyster, where you drank the brine, ate the oyster and then they filled your shell with 12 yr. It was actually quite good (went through a few times). Food spread for the event was pretty nice as well. Might have to make this an annual trek. Thanks for the guidance, Chili.
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Scored some Weller Special Reserve at Binny’s today. I’m three for three at this Binnys in 2019.
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Was able to pick this up on my recent trip to Kyoto. It's drinking real nice.
(https://i.ibb.co/P16tkkz/MVIMG-20190925-195600.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bNK7ttR)
image upload (https://imgbb.com/upload)
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Jap whiskey is quite nice.
Found Pappy 23. Over $220 per serving.
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Was able to pick this up on my recent trip to Kyoto. It's drinking real nice.
(https://i.ibb.co/P16tkkz/MVIMG-20190925-195600.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bNK7ttR)
image upload (https://imgbb.com/upload)
Great whiskey though you can find it in the states pretty easy. The yamizaki is the one to bring back.
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Great whiskey though you can find it in the states pretty easy. The yamizaki is the one to bring back.
You can find age statement Hibiki in the states? This isn't Harmony but 21 year aged. They stopped making age statement whisky's a few years back. If you can find them on the shelf buy them all and don't tell anyone. I found this for under $500 USD so I jumped on it. Most sites you see it sold in the US for about $800+. Trade value is about $850 so I have heard. I thought about the Hibiki 30 but that was about $2700 USD and seemed a touch steep.
On my trip I was fortunate enough to try the Hibiki 30 as well as the Yamazaki 25, 18 & 12. I would take Hibiki over Yamazaki every time. It has a better drinking profile. I wish the Japanese would do some cask strength or at least higher proofed items but I realize that is tough with blends. I think that is the only thing from keeping Habiki's from being in my all time favorites. I prefer things in the 115-130 proof range.
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You can find age statement Hibiki in the states? This isn't Harmony but 21 year aged. They stopped making age statement whisky's a few years back. If you can find them on the shelf buy them all and don't tell anyone. I found this for under $500 USD so I jumped on it. Most sites you see it sold in the US for about $800+. Trade value is about $850 so I have heard. I thought about the Hibiki 30 but that was about $2700 USD and seemed a touch steep.
On my trip I was fortunate enough to try the Hibiki 30 as well as the Yamazaki 25, 18 & 12. I would take Hibiki over Yamazaki every time. It has a better drinking profile. I wish the Japanese would do some cask strength or at least higher proofed items but I realize that is tough with blends. I think that is the only thing from keeping Habiki's from being in my all time favorites. I prefer things in the 115-130 proof range.
My bad I only saw hibiki and just assumed it was the standard bottle. That's one hell of a find
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Bringing this topic back from the dead... I purchased a bottle of Very Olde St. Nick 12 year Antique barrel bourbon yesterday.
Haven't cracked it yet, anyone had it before? Thoughts?
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Anyone had the Jefferson’s Reserve Ocean aged? A buddy and I killed a bottle off at a work event. Barrels are stored on the deck of a cargo ship for aging and they make multiple trips around the globe. It’s a gimmick but does result in a unique flavor due to the exposure to the salty sea air.
My wife and I were planning a Scotch trip to the Highlands (especially Dufftown for Balvenie) but that damn COVID. Maybe next year.
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I don’t believe the salty sea air is the gimmick.
The motion of the ocean is the gimmick.
It agitates the whiskey and changes the aging dynamics with the wood.
I haven’t tried it, but can believe it does produce a difference.
Exposure to air causes oxidative changes that are detrimental to the flavor profile.
A half filled whiskey bottle sitting on you bar shelf will change over time, whereas an unopened bottle will show no changes for a very, very long time.
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I don’t believe the salty sea air is the gimmick.
The motion of the ocean is the gimmick.
It agitates the whiskey and changes the aging dynamics with the wood.
I haven’t tried it, but can believe it does produce a difference.
Exposure to air causes oxidative changes that are detrimental to the flavor profile.
A half filled whiskey bottle sitting on you bar shelf will change over time, whereas an unopened bottle will show no changes for a very, very long time.
That too. It speeds up the aging process. However, the sea air does give ita subtle briney flavor.
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Got introduced recently to Russell’s 10 year and single barrel. Both worth repeating.
Also had Noah’s Mill. Really good. At 114 proof, the first sip is a lot of fun.
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Big fan of Noah’s Mill. Also in that same price range I have really enjoyed Rabbit Hole and a little more expensive HillRock.
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Got introduced recently to Russell’s 10 year and single barrel. Both worth repeating.
Also had Noah’s Mill. Really good. At 114 proof, the first sip is a lot of fun.
I’ve been wanting to try Russell’s. I never thought I’d want to try anything Wild Turkey after experience with the original but Rare Breed was tasty,
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Also had Noah’s Mill. Really good. At 114 proof, the first sip is a lot of fun.
Try the Old Grandad 114, really good buy @ $25. Been fortunate lately getting bottles of Sazerac almost regularly @ Discount.
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Has anyone tried Trader Joe's and Kirkland brands? Looking for a decent but cost effective bourbon/American Whiskey for cocktail making.
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Has anyone tried Trader Joe's and Kirkland brands? Looking for a decent but cost effective bourbon/American Whiskey for cocktail making.
Four Roses Yellow Label is always among the bargain priced bourbons with the highest ratings. It works fine in something like a boulevardier but doesn’t really hold up in an old fashioned which is all about the bourbon. The small batch and single barrel are both excellent and still affordable. I also really like Elijah Craig small batch which is also affordable.
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Four Roses Yellow Label is always among the bargain priced bourbons with the highest ratings. It works fine in something like a boulevardier but doesn’t really hold up in an old fashioned which is all about the bourbon. The small batch and single barrel are both excellent and still affordable. I also really like Elijah Craig small batch which is also affordable.
How does it do in a whiskey sour?
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Has anyone tried Trader Joe's and Kirkland brands? Looking for a decent but cost effective bourbon/American Whiskey for cocktail making.
Kirkland is good for that. Surprisingly good and good value. Their liquor and wine is solid and generally well reviewed.
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Dylan's latest podcast is all whiskey drinking songs (https://www.heavensdoor.com/journal-o/2020/9/24/bob-dylan-welcomes-fans-back-to-theme-time-radio-hour?_ga=2.201354584.816429008.1601052752-1525120362.1600697861&fbclid=IwAR19lF5RwlHH4QYGQaqxBWKvw-uVhsA_q5wAlDQF-6PZHCURof6IlAKWkV0)
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How does it do in a whiskey sour?
Can’t say that I’ve had it in that cocktail. Sorry.
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I’ve been wanting to try Russell’s. I never thought I’d want to try anything Wild Turkey after experience with the original but Rare Breed was tasty,
Wild Turkey 101 is a great daily deal sipper. Especially with all the stupidity around Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare.
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Wild Turkey 101 is a great daily deal sipper. Especially with all the stupidity around Buffalo Trace and Eagle Rare.
As someone in the biz, the stupidity around Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace pales in comparison to the stupidity around Old Fitzgerald and Ancient Age.
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Anyone got a bead on Weller Antique?
I’ve got 5 bottles of Weller Special Reserve, and want to pair one with Antique for a Poor Man’s Pappy.
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Dylan's latest podcast is all whiskey drinking songs (https://www.heavensdoor.com/journal-o/2020/9/24/bob-dylan-welcomes-fans-back-to-theme-time-radio-hour?_ga=2.201354584.816429008.1601052752-1525120362.1600697861&fbclid=IwAR19lF5RwlHH4QYGQaqxBWKvw-uVhsA_q5wAlDQF-6PZHCURof6IlAKWkV0)
This has been a great listen
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Anyone got a bead on Weller Antique?
I’ve got 5 bottles of Weller Special Reserve, and want to pair one with Antique for a Poor Man’s Pappy.
Poor Man's Pappy is Weller 12 and OA not SR & OA.
I have a few bottles. It's good but there are better on the market which you can find. Also, BT Antique Collection is far better than any Pappy. WLW is better than any Pappy.
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A Total Wine recently opened by me. My neighbor and I got in line at 8:40am for the 9:00am opening. We were 9th and 10th in line. By 9am they were 50 people. When they opened the doors everyone beelined to the Bourbon section where 6 bottles of Blanton's were waiting.
There was also some Eagle Rare and New Riff as consolations prizes.
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A Total Wine recently opened by me. My neighbor and I got in line at 8:40am for the 9:00am opening. We were 9th and 10th in line. By 9am they were 50 people. When they opened the doors everyone beelined to the Bourbon section where 6 bottles of Blanton's were waiting.
There was also some Eagle Rare and New Riff as consolations prizes.
The total wine by me has a very small bourbon section. Was pretty disappointed.
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The total wine by me has a very small bourbon section. Was pretty disappointed.
Total Wine is a complete racket. If they try hand selling you a bourbon you’ve never heard of, I can guarantee you it’s a private label made exclusively for them and marked up 35-40%. It stinks because they get more allocated items than most retailers
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Total Wine is a complete racket. If they try hand selling you a bourbon you’ve never heard of, I can guarantee you it’s a private label made exclusively for them and marked up 35-40%. It stinks because they get more allocated items than most retailers
I popped into the Bayshore one and was disappointed, honestly. Won't be rushing back.
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Total Wine is a complete racket. If they try hand selling you a bourbon you’ve never heard of, I can guarantee you it’s a private label made exclusively for them and marked up 35-40%. It stinks because they get more allocated items than most retailers
Yeah, I've had their sales people try and convince me that their Two Star is the equivalent of a $60 bottle. It's not, it's terrible.
I was pretty disappointed in how small the beer cooler was. Their wine selection is meh (I'm mostly Italian reds). Their bourbon selection seems on par with Otto's. The best thing I have found there is ability to by beers by the bottle. But how often do you want to do that?
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Yeah, I've had their sales people try and convince me that their Two Star is the equivalent of a $60 bottle. It's not, it's terrible.
I was pretty disappointed in how small the beer cooler was. Their wine selection is meh (I'm mostly Italian reds). Their bourbon selection seems on par with Otto's. The best thing I have found there is ability to by beers by the bottle. But how often do you want to do that?
They get paid partly on commission
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The total wine by me has a very small bourbon section. Was pretty disappointed.
Woodman's will always have a better liquor department, IMO. Steve's is okay...
I assume you're a westsider.
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I popped into the Bayshore one and was disappointed, honestly. Won't be rushing back.
Sorry to veer a bit off topic but how was the beer selection? I heard it’s better than your average grocery store, but not at a Discount Liquor level. I’m guessing far below Binny’s.
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Sorry to veer a bit off topic but how was the beer selection? I heard it’s better than your average grocery store, but not at a Discount Liquor level. I’m guessing far below Binny’s.
I only have gone to TW in Greenfield but the beer selection there is a far cry from Discount Liquor's.
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Woodman's will always have a better liquor department, IMO. Steve's is okay...
I assume you're a westsider.
No, i just hang out at west towne.
Steve's had a better bourbon selection than total wine, imo.
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Sorry to veer a bit off topic but how was the beer selection? I heard it’s better than your average grocery store, but not at a Discount Liquor level. I’m guessing far below Binny’s.
Underwhelming. Would rank it well behind Ray's/Discount, and a little behind Woodman's.
It's a small store, but I've had great luck at Avenue Liquor on Howell.
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A Total Wine recently opened by me. My neighbor and I got in line at 8:40am for the 9:00am opening. We were 9th and 10th in line. By 9am they were 50 people. When they opened the doors everyone beelined to the Bourbon section where 6 bottles of Blanton's were waiting.
There was also some Eagle Rare and New Riff as consolations prizes.
Blantons??? jesus h christ the world has gone mad. this buffalo trace circle jerk is outta control.
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Anyone try Makers Mark 2020 Limited Release?
Costco had it...one per customer. A little skeptical if Costco has it.
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Anyone try Makers Mark 2020 Limited Release?
Costco had it...one per customer. A little skeptical if Costco has it.
Don’t be skeptical of Costco having something.
As for the Makers, it’s gets sone excellent reviews.
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Anyone try Makers Mark 2020 Limited Release?
Costco had it...one per customer. A little skeptical if Costco has it.
I thought it was pretty tasty
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Bump...anyone finding anything tasty in Milwaukee area? Also starting to travel again for work and cover the entire state of Illinois so any leads on where to stop to find some gems would be appreciated. Just opened a bottle of Colonel EH Taylor small batch, pretty damn good.
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Bump...anyone finding anything tasty in Milwaukee area? Also starting to travel again for work and cover the entire state of Illinois so any leads on where to stop to find some gems would be appreciated. Just opened a bottle of Colonel EH Taylor small batch, pretty damn good.
I really like the bottle of Issac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon that Ray's was selling last week.
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Locally, I like Driftless Glen. Made in Baraboo.
IMO, still doesn't see right to drink bourbon not made in KY, but DG was pretty decent for a newer craft brand. I'm pretty sure it is their own juice too, not sourced.
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I was able to get a bottle of eagle rare about a month ago at Total Wine in Greenfield. Sorry for contributing to the Buffalo Trace "circle jerk"
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a coworker brought back from KY a bottle of Rowan's Creek for me. A little strong for my wife at 100 proof so she's sticking with Jefferson's, so it's all mine.
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a coworker brought back from KY a bottle of Rowan's Creek for me. A little strong for my wife at 100 proof so she's sticking with Jefferson's, so it's all mine.
Drain pour.
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I was able to get a bottle of eagle rare about a month ago at Total Wine in Greenfield. Sorry for contributing to the Buffalo Trace "circle jerk"
BT is a good every day drinker. I don't get the hate for them.
Wild turkey on the other hand, don't get the love for them.
R/bourbon is a great place to learn about bourbon and read reviews. Bourbon became my covid hobby and I learned a ton from that sub.
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Locally, I like Driftless Glen. Made in Baraboo.
IMO, still doesn't see right to drink bourbon not made in KY, but DG was pretty decent for a newer craft brand. I'm pretty sure it is their own juice too, not sourced.
It's a beautiful place right down by the river, but I'm not sure its all that good. Fine for mixers. Personally, if I'm going with Wisconsin made, I choose Hatch.
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BT is a good every day drinker. I don't get the hate for them.
Wild turkey on the other hand, don't get the love for them.
R/bourbon is a great place to learn about bourbon and read reviews. Bourbon became my covid hobby and I learned a ton from that sub.
Funny, WT is always in my cabinet, in fact recently switched from stocking 4 Roses to WT. Agree on anything BT that I've been able to snag. I was at McBob's a while back waiting for my order and spotted Eagle Rare on the backbar and finding out the bar sells it for $5 or $9 for a double, "I'll have a double!"!
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It's a beautiful place right down by the river, but I'm not sure its all that good. Fine for mixers. Personally, if I'm going with Wisconsin made, I choose Hatch.
When we were camping up in the area we went there for dinner and drinks. I would definitely go again and have told many about it. Neat place and good food.
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I was able to get a bottle of eagle rare about a month ago at Total Wine in Greenfield. Sorry for contributing to the Buffalo Trace "circle jerk"
I think most everyone likes the Buffalo Trace stuff at retail prices, it’s the craziness of how much it goes for on the secondary market that is wild.
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BT is a good every day drinker. I don't get the hate for them.
Wild turkey on the other hand, don't get the love for them.
R/bourbon is a great place to learn about bourbon and read reviews. Bourbon became my covid hobby and I learned a ton from that sub.
BT has been WAY WAY over hyped. BT is a fine bourbon when it was $19 a bottle. ER was a good 10 year when it was $28 a bottle. Now that it's allocated / limited here in Chicago - GTFO. It's not that good. WT100 is every bit as good as BT. Also the fact EHTSiB & Rye are now nowhere to find is a crime.
Also, WLW > Any Pappy.
For solid items you can see on shelves getting Little Book when it comes out is great find.
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BT has been WAY WAY over hyped. BT is a fine bourbon when it was $19 a bottle. ER was a good 10 year when it was $28 a bottle. Now that it's allocated / limited here in Chicago - GTFO. It's not that good. WT100 is every bit as good as BT. Also the fact EHTSiB & Rye are now nowhere to find is a crime.
Also, WLW > Any Pappy.
For solid items you can see on shelves getting Little Book when it comes out is great find.
I can buy BT at my little town grocery store.
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Bringing this topic back from the dead... I purchased a bottle of Very Olde St. Nick 12 year Antique barrel bourbon yesterday.
Haven't cracked it yet, anyone had it before? Thoughts?
Looks like I finally have a reason to crack this baby open tonight!
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Looks like I finally have a reason to crack this baby open tonight!
What did you think? I enjoyed it but at the price I was expecting more. Would much rather have Stagg Jr which you can find on secondary for less than the st nick. Really enjoyed the Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Batch Proof I found recently.
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What did you think? I enjoyed it but at the price I was expecting more. Would much rather have Stagg Jr which you can find on secondary for less than the st nick. Really enjoyed the Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Batch Proof I found recently.
I'm not sure it was worth the price, but I enjoyed it.
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Picked up Henry McKenna 10 year. It was $35 until it won best in show in 2019 at the SF Spirits Competition. Not available in Oregon, my wife was doing a client visit and got hooked up with a bottle. Excellent stuff, nice heat at 100 proof.
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Picked up Henry McKenna 10 year. It was $35 until it won best in show in 2019 at the SF Spirits Competition. Not available in Oregon, my wife was doing a client visit and got hooked up with a bottle. Excellent stuff, nice heat at 100 proof.
Yeah, that used to be one of go to bottles for a while. But then that damn award and the bourbon craze ruined it.
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Yeah, that used to be one of go to bottles for a while. But then that damn award and the bourbon craze ruined it.
I’m in the “biz”. There was a time you couldn’t give that away. Pretty remarkable state of affairs. Same with Old Fitzgerald and Ancient Age.
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Wife also brought home Angel’s Envy and Redbreast 12. Enjoying all three.
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I can buy BT at my little town grocery store.
Milwaukee & Madison markets get exact same allotment of BT for some odd reason. So while it's rare in Milwaukee, it's easily accessible in Madison.
FWIW, you can easily get Weller in Texas.
Also, plus 1 on WT 101...to me that's a great everyday option and so much easier to get than BT.
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Went on a tour of Corsair in Nashville this past weekend. I'm a novice when it comes to bourbon, but I thought it was excellent.
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Pedro won 69 games in his big league career- almost all in relief. Had 2.42 ERA in 26 post postseason innings. Big part of the Big Red Machine’s two world championships.
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Pedro won 69 games in his big league career- almost all in relief. Had 2.42 ERA in 26 post postseason innings. Big part of the Big Red Machine’s two world championships.
Well played.
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Three new ones in my collection:
Cooper’s Craft. 100 proof, excellent value at $30. Is spend $50 on this. Nice heat.
Heaven’s Door Straight Bourbon. Bob Dylan’s distillery, really tasty at a good price point too. 25% rye, biscuity, smooth. A little strawberry on the palate surprisingly. Their Double Barrel is next.
George Dickel BIB 2021. Got great reviews, has lived up to the hype. Similar to McKenna 10 year but with the added charcoal filtering of Tennessee whiskey.
My wife boughtbBasil Hayden Toast. She likes it but I find it too light. Overpriced at $50, IMO.
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For solid items you can see on shelves getting Little Book when it comes out is great find.
Was able to get a bottle of Chapter 5 through a lottery draw. Haven't cracked it yet, but reviews seem to favor prior chapters. Also randomly found a bottle of Stagg Jr in a case at a local grocery for $99. Crazy that a year ago you could buy that on the secondary for $200-250, now I have seen it for $300 - $500.
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Was able to get a bottle of Chapter 5 through a lottery draw. Haven't cracked it yet, but reviews seem to favor prior chapters. Also randomly found a bottle of Stagg Jr in a case at a local grocery for $99. Crazy that a year ago you could buy that on the secondary for $200-250, now I have seen it for $300 - $500.
Man, I got my Stagg Jr. on the shelf for like $59 a few years ago. Bourbon has gotten out of hand. I am about to head to Scotch, Rum, and Tequila / Mezcal for my barrel spirits.
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Man, I got my Stagg Jr. on the shelf for like $59 a few years ago. Bourbon has gotten out of hand. I am about to head to Scotch, Rum, and Tequila / Mezcal for my barrel spirits.
As you know, barrel aging does not require expensive booze to make a great finished product.
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Man, I got my Stagg Jr. on the shelf for like $59 a few years ago. Bourbon has gotten out of hand. I am about to head to Scotch, Rum, and Tequila / Mezcal for my barrel spirits.
Are the tariffs the last administration put on Scotch still in effect? I noticed prices at my store and whiskey bar increase on Scoch.
I did a Mezcal tasting in Mexico recently (my wife got the worm). If you can get the stuff that uses wood instead of propane for cooking the pinas that's the really good stuff.
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Are the tariffs the last administration put on Scotch still in effect? I noticed prices at my store and whiskey bar increase on Scoch.
I did a Mezcal tasting in Mexico recently (my wife got the worm). If you can get the stuff that uses wood instead of propane for cooking the pinas that's the really good stuff.
No tariffs on scotch anymore but supply chain issues remain on that and Irish whiskey. As consumers have grown frustrated with bourbon shortages, more have dabbled in the world of scotch which has also made the classics harder to find
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Are the tariffs the last administration put on Scotch still in effect? I noticed prices at my store and whiskey bar increase on Scoch.
I did a Mezcal tasting in Mexico recently (my wife got the worm). If you can get the stuff that uses wood instead of propane for cooking the pinas that's the really good stuff.
I'm hoping that the taters all jump to mescal and let bourbon get back to normal.
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So have a whole day to kill in Chicago this weekend while the spawn is at a soccer camp.
Planning on hitting up Binny's. Are any of the locations known for better bourbon selection than other stores? Have plenty of time, so not concerned with location.
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So have a whole day to kill in Chicago this weekend while the spawn is at a soccer camp.
Planning on hitting up Binny's. Are any of the locations known for better bourbon selection than other stores? Have plenty of time, so not concerned with location.
Lincoln Park Binnys is the gold standard of all them
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Lincoln Park Binnys is the gold standard of all them
Thanks for the recommendation.
Went there this past weekend, was actually disappointed by the selection. Honestly think Woodmans has a better inventory, including store picks. TBF, they were busy as he'll, weekend before Christmas and all.
But they did have Mellow F*ckin Corn, which I don't see here too often.
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Thanks for the recommendation.
Went there this past weekend, was actually disappointed by the selection. Honestly think Woodmans has a better inventory, including store picks. TBF, they were busy as he'll, weekend before Christmas and all.
But they did have Mellow F*ckin Corn, which I don't see here too often.
I sincerely apologize. I would've given you more local spot with more specialty stuff usually that binnys has a broader spectrum selection. I should've given it some thought though as I've been burned by their scotch and Irish selection before
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I sincerely apologize. I would've given you more local spot with more specialty stuff usually that binnys has a broader spectrum selection. I should've given it some thought though as I've been burned by their scotch and Irish selection before
Their Irish section was half an aisle,I think. Shared with rye.
All good tho, fam. Walked out with 4 good bottles.
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Heading down to Kentucky in April and staying in Frankfort - planning on hitting Buffalo Trace & Castle and Key. Any other suggestions?
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Heading down to Kentucky in April and staying in Frankfort - planning on hitting Buffalo Trace & Castle and Key. Any other suggestions?
Skip castle and key.
If your in Frankfort. Hit woodford.
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Woodfords Limited Releases are some of my favorites, if you happen to be there when they let them go in the 375 bottles stock up if you can.
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Lux Row, Michters and Angel's Envy have good tours. I have heard good things about the Maker's Mark tour, but its not my favorite bourbon. Skip Four Roses.
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Another question - how many tours do we book vs just going to the distillery for a taste or to buy?
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Had a Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Mash Bill Unknown at a whisky club last week. Wowza!
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Anyone have any luck with a Total Wine drawing?
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I imagine it’s regional, but my CostCo had 1.75’s of Buffalo Trace for $35.
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I imagine it’s regional, but my CostCo had 1.75’s of Buffalo Trace for $35.
I wish our Costcos could sell liquor. I've heard a lot of people says they get pretty good prices on liquor at Costco and also that some of their Kirkland branded stuff is actually pretty decent.
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I've never been much of a brown liquor guy, but we recently toured J Henry in Dane. Extremely interesting to learn about Bourbon and how it's made, and I learned I like Bourbon.
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I've never been much of a brown liquor guy, but we recently toured J Henry in Dane. Extremely interesting to learn about Bourbon and how it's made, and I learned I like Bourbon.
Hey, that's a pretty nice place. If you're ever near Baraboo check out Driftless Glen. Great building right down by the river.
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I've never been much of a brown liquor guy, but we recently toured J Henry in Dane. Extremely interesting to learn about Bourbon and how it's made, and I learned I like Bourbon.
There’s a lot of styles of bourbon. You can find something to fit your palate for sure. Access is so damn hard right now, though.
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I've never been much of a brown liquor guy, but we recently toured J Henry in Dane. Extremely interesting to learn about Bourbon and how it's made, and I learned I like Bourbon.
2nd on driftless glen (despite being in baraboo). They have some great Bourbon, and use their own distillate.
Dancing Goat in Cambridge is another option, haven't tried their stuff yet, but have heard good things.
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I've never been much of a brown liquor guy, but we recently toured J Henry in Dane. Extremely interesting to learn about Bourbon and how it's made, and I learned I like Bourbon.
I enjoy J Henry from time to time. I also gift bottles of it to friends when I travel out-of-state—all have enjoyed it. I have been able to pick it up at Milwaukee-area Costcos for a reasonable price.