GG, GH, GI have all been very good. From my understanding, anything released up to today, and for the immediate future, should have a significantly larger proportion of 10 year old barrels in the mix. WT101 is currently advertised as a blend of 6-8 year old barrels.

I happen to feel bourbon hits its sweet spot between 10-14 years old in most instances; too young (as most releases are these days) and it tastes less complex and more alcohol forward, too old (looking at you pappy 20/23) and it's like drinking oak tincture. Obviously bottling "to taste/profile" has its merits, but there is no substitute for time in the wood. I have yet to find a bourbon that I thought was better after its age statement had been removed or lowered, and I've proven this multiple times with countless blind tastings. Bourbon can reach maturity sooner than anticipated, and in fact become "too ripe", but this most definitely an exception, and not the rule.

I'm pretty basic when it comes to bourbon, really.

Give me a corn heavy mash bill, preferably sweetened up with some wheat, (or the rye portion throttled back some), give me 10 years in the wood, and give me at least 94 proof, 100 being better, 107 being optimal. To me, that is basic bourbon, which used to be so common, but now is getting harder and harder to find.

Jim, Jack, and the rest of the watered down, over-priced regulars are basically swill to me at this point; genuine proof and age is actually needed to carry flavonoids. If it wasn't for the advertising campaigns and ties to Sinatra, run of the mill JD would be bottom shelf $15 whiskey at best.

On the job today installing tablets for their POS. Nice BBQ place with a healthy bourbon selection. That also told me they are having a bourbon tasting with management at 10 to pick a new Buffalo Trace single barrel exclusive and they said I could join in!

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Daaaaamn. I didn't think it was possible for a place like that to exist outside of KY.

It’s in Delaware. And they have 2 locations. And once a month they have an exclusive bourbon tasting dinner for $150 a head. You get to sip on things like Pappy.

Lucky if you're near enough to Louisville!

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The Old Fitzgerald(s) and the the Willett Family Reserve have piqued my curiosity. How was the tasting?

Oh also, thanks Grandnational007 for the info. Looking forward to giving this guy a taste test. Always been a fan, it's my "daily sipper" at the local watering hole, but previously I've only kept a mini with the 7 year age statement at home.

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The tasting was great. They selected a nice Buffalo Trace.

I read that WT Rare Breed also benefited from this "shortage." I picked up a bottle of GG yesterday and sampled it with a neighbor. Wow--definitely worth a try for those shopping in the $40 range. I am going to pick up a few more bottles on the way home from work today.

Not sure what the latest proofs are, but WTRB has always been a mystery to me...not that its bad or anything, it just kind of exists in a weird market segment.

It's essentially a barrel-proof version of the standard 101 proof offering, but because of the relatively low barrel entry proof (107-115) to begin with, which is a signature of the WT brand, you only end up with a couple more proof points over the standard 101 offering.

In my neck of the woods, WTRB is a $50+ bottle, and at an average of 6-14 proof more (3%-7%), it just doesn't justify the 100+% price increase.

I saw a spread sheet a while back that showed the cost to proof ratio of barrel proof offerings over the standard versions, and was shocked to see how much of a premium you pay.

Example being: EC = $28, 94 proof. ECBP = $65+, avg 130 proof. You're only getting 18% more proof, but paying 150% premium for the uncut juice!

As I recall, OGD114 was the best bargain, as Beam charges linearly for alcohol % in the OGD line 80/$16; 86/$18; 100/$22; 114/$26

Stagg Jr, at $49 and about 130 proof is also a great bargain (when it can be found, of course) for a Buffalo Trace Product barrel proofer.

I could go on for days, and I haven't even had a drink yet, haha.

Yep-got a couple of bottles of this a little while ago. Definitely worth the price for 135 proof bourbon.
Did find a big bottle of WT 101 with GH on the back-also very good stuff. Will be acquiring more bottles of this in the very near future.

Been following the thread and interested in trying some bourbon. What's the best way to drink? Pour half a bottle in a tall glass and guzzle? Two three ounces over ice and sip? Picked up some Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig both 94 proof. My normal drink is rum and coke so I'm a light wait.

I only drink it on the rocks and only use ice balls as they don't melt as quickly as ice cubes do. Mine is o e that came in an Elijah Craig gift pack but this one looks pretty similar.

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+1 on the ice ball

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I only use an ice ball in cocktails for sure

Interesting thread.
Agree with BrewNinja, enjoy neat for lower proof and a bit of ice for higher proof. Although I've never particularly enjoyed whiskey stones. Nothing like the feeling of those things slamming into your teeth to get your weekend started. I get them all the time as gifts and theres probably 4-5 packs of them just taking up space in the freezer.

Agreed; whisky stones are the dumbest things ever...they appear like a great idea on paper, but the execution is shit. Plus they don't have the thermal mass to really do anything at all. And like you, I get a set at least once a year as a gift because family and friends know me as a "whiskey guy". I've started putting them in house plant pots around the house as decorations, haha.

If I want my bourbon cold, I add a cube. If I want it cold, with no watered down taste, I either put a glencairn in the freezer for 20 minutes, or put the bottle in the fridge or freezer for a little while, depending on how cold I want it. It doesn't have to be complicated, haha.

Now thats a solid idea. I've been getting zero utility out of them all this time...

I prefer all my whiskey chilled. That said, I don't have a problem with whiskey stones. However, my gel filled glasses, meant to be frozen, make for an easier clean up.

I assume it best to sip your glass and not drink it like a soda or beer?
Is it ok to leave bourbon in the frig?
I like the test sample idea
Thanks

I keep a bottle of Weller Special Reserve in the freezer for bourbon-diet cokes and manhattans; works well.

Happy St. Paddy’s day weekend. Slainte.

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Right back at ya!

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Well, I’m not Irish, but I’ll honor the holiday by doing what’s right.
Happy St Pats day!

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Not Irish either, but ferda-a la' Letterkenny:

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That’s a Bowz pour for sure! Is that a store pick Antique by the way?

My latest pickups. Can’t wait to try them out.

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Yessir it is. My fav...

Since I live on Knob Creek, how could I resist.
Nellie approved.

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Oh Jeez!
Worth a little meander from bourbon.

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That’s my go to rye. Delicious stuff.

Thirsty Thursday.

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Search and search.... can't find anywhere local.
Might be time for internet!

Stopped at a different liquor store tonight to pick up a bottle of Willett. While browsing the bourbons I stumbled across this one (see pic). Anyone had this bad boy? Worth the price tag?

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Then I went to check out, and holy shit a mini of Willett! Never knew!

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It’s out there, surprised you can’t find it as I’ve heard Tennessee is much more bourbon rich than KY even.
It’s worth the search, the last three batches have been phenomenal.

I haven’t had any Few that I cared for in the past. I’d like to support a somewhat local distillery but .... yuck. Blaum Brothers on the other hand...

Have a nice weekend gents. My first pull of Blanton’s Gold.

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Stagg in the house...

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Order Details
Title
2018 George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky, USA

Oh Baby! Gonna' be playin' some pinball and drinkin' some bourbon...

No pins available to play in Nashville but I hit the blantons hard. Bar tender gave me the cork when I killed the bottle.

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One of the best bottles and THE best cork in Bourbon

If you have another night, hit the Whisky Kitchen. Good folks and nice place for a few drinks.

Start stockpiling the McKeena 10 year Single Barrel! I miss the old label.

https://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article210730964.html

https://kybourbon.com/henry-mckenna-single-barrel-awarded-best-in-show-whiskey-at-2019-san-francisco-world-spirits-competition/

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yup they already increased the price from $32 to $37 over the last 6 months, now it'll be $45 and damn near impossible to find.

If you're ever up here in N.E. Tennessee, stop by Tennessee Hills in Jonesborough.
It's a great place to visit and talk to Mr. Callahan himself. He's proud of his bourbon!
They love to give you a tasting of everything they make.

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Found this today at a local 'boutique' liquor store for $36, guy said he just got it in and only 3 bottles left. Checked online Total Wine - nada, checked PA Wine&Spirits and it looks like 1 bottle left in the state.

Thought it was fantastic at this price point and will likely go back tomorrow and get those remaining bottles.

Well sadly this is the last of the OWA... but wow it is such a tasty bourbon, I hope to find some more one day.

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