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Forum nameGeneral Discussion
Topic subjectIm learning to appreciate whiskey
Topic URLhttp://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=4&topic_id=13444938
13444938, Im learning to appreciate whiskey
Posted by rdhull, Sat Oct-16-21 09:38 PM
Not really a drinker like that but this colleague gave me this bottle of Balvenie...like almost a year ago and I finally took a few shots last week. I like the smoothness of it but I really like the BUZZ it gives me. This shit is dangerous, I can see why folks get caught up. Single malt (whatever the fuck that mens etc lol) is now my shit fo-eva..forever? for Eva Eva?Yeah
13444943, no ice, no water
Posted by will_5198, Sat Oct-16-21 11:42 PM
13444946, the nice thing about whiskey is when it hits, it HITS
Posted by Nodima, Sun Oct-17-21 10:06 AM
but that's also the trouble with whiskey


~~~~~~~~~
"This is the streets, and I am the trap." � Jay Bilas
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/archive/contributor/517
Hip Hop Handbook: http://tinyurl.com/ll4kzz
13444952, Yes indeed
Posted by calij81, Sun Oct-17-21 02:05 PM
13446259, lol
Posted by J305, Thu Oct-28-21 07:44 PM
>but that's also the trouble with whiskey
>
13444954, Starting out with Scotch? Impressive
Posted by spenzalii, Sun Oct-17-21 04:43 PM
The right way to drink it is the way you like to drink it. Damn the drinker snobs (though neat or over ice are quite good)

Getting into scotch is like getting into wine. Different brands, different regions, different distinctive tastes. Balvenie is great Speyside scotch. Plenty in their range and that region to enjoy
13444971, THIS HERE!!!!
Posted by KnowOne, Mon Oct-18-21 07:46 AM
>The right way to drink it is the way you like to drink it.
>Damn the drinker snobs (though neat or over ice are quite
>good)

Long as your not mixing it with soda lol
13445995, the master distiller at Buffalo Trace agrees
Posted by cgonz00cc, Mon Oct-25-21 09:17 PM
>The right way to drink it is the way you like to drink it.
>Damn the drinker snobs (though neat or over ice are quite
>good)
13444974, I’m going through this now with rum…
Posted by soulfunk, Mon Oct-18-21 07:53 AM
In the past I’d only had basic rum like Bacardi as a mixer, but after getting into tiki style drinks like authentic Trader Vic Mai Tais, painkillers, grogs, zombies, etc. I came to appreciate the huge variety of the different types of rum available. At this point I’ll usually sip rum neat or with a large ice sphere. You can get a really nice bang for your buck in aged rum vs. other spirits, likely because there isn’t the regulation on defining what is “rum”. That also again means there’s a ton of variety in taste and styles based on whether it’s pot still or column still, over proof or not, blended or not, length of aging, country of origin, etc.

I’m partial to Jamaican rums like Smith and Cross, Appleton 12 Year, Wray & Nephew, etc because of the funky flavor. But I also like Hamilton, rhum agricole, etc.
13446049, RE: I’m going through this now with rum…
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Oct-26-21 02:06 PM
You can get a really nice bang for your buck
>in aged rum vs. other spirits, likely because there isn’t
>the regulation on defining what is “rum”. That also again
>means there’s a ton of variety in taste and styles based on
>whether it’s pot still or column still, over proof or not,
>blended or not, length of aging, country of origin, etc.
>
>I’m partial to Jamaican rums like Smith and Cross, Appleton
>12 Year, Wray & Nephew, etc because of the funky flavor. But I
>also like Hamilton, rhum agricole, etc.



Yup, have ou tried the Badian RUms I posted Below? Is marketed as Rum for Whiskey drinkers.

Im looking for a nice aged Jamaican rum so I can experience that funk I read about. My wife's fam is from Guyana so we have the Demerara style.
13446073, For an aged Jamaican rum I’d recommend either
Posted by soulfunk, Tue Oct-26-21 06:14 PM
Appleton Estate 21 Year or Hampden Estate Single. If you want a great value Jamaican rum that has the distinctive ‘funk’, you can get a bottle of Smith and Cross really cheap. Or the Appleton 8 year. Best way I can describe the funk of aged Jamaican rum is like an overripe banana.

All of the above are great as sipping rums, but I love them in cocktails because the funkiness comes out in layers in drinks like a Hemingway daiquiri or a traditional Trader Vic style Mai Tai (completely different from the fruit juice heavy resort style Hawaiian mai tai.)
13452937, Picked up some Smith and Cross…
Posted by Dstl1, Tue Feb-01-22 04:52 PM
to replace the bottle of Bicardi, I had. There was just enough left of the Bicardi to do a side by side taste test of them both. That S&C hits the nose as soon as you uncork it. …you can smell it once rhe the plastic rips (c)Beanie Sigel. Way, way, way more complex than the Bicardi. Not even the same level of taste. Looking forward to making an actual drink with this.
13444982, I'm going through this now with Bourbon...
Posted by Sleepy300, Mon Oct-18-21 08:54 AM
I was an avid scotch drinker until Covid. Got bored wanted to try something different while I was stuck and home on the grill. Started with Makers 46, Uncle Nearest and Buffalo Trace. Fast Forward 18 months...I'm a big fan of the Woodford Reserve Double Oak (the regular Woodford Reserve is just okay..but that double oak tho?? The cinnamon, oak and vanilla notes..Shit, lol).
13445665, If Double Oak is your jam, try Old Forrester 1910
Posted by spenzalii, Thu Oct-21-21 04:28 PM
Tastes like that Woodford, but went to finishing school. Highly recommended
13445667, I like 1910 a lot...that one is harder to come by
Posted by Sleepy300, Thu Oct-21-21 05:16 PM
They have other Old Forrester years but 1910 was the closest to Woodford Double Oak. I was meh on the other years.

I also like Noble Oak for a cheaper option. Old Soul is pretty str8 too.

Rabbithole Cavehill is pretty good too (nose and palette)
13446042, Interesting. What you get definitely is affected by where you live
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Oct-26-21 12:27 PM
Like, I can reliably find just about any Old Forrester (except the allocated bottles like Birthday and Single Barrel) pretty easily in the DC/MD/VA area, and for a reasonable price. Finding, say, Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare, neither allocated and should both be well under $40, is a bit more complicated.

I have a few mainstays (Rare Breed, 1910, Four Roses Single Barrel, Elijah Craig (especially Barrel Proof, when it's not extortion prices), 1792, Double Rye) but try others to see what the hype is or whether I want to add to my bar or pass. I've become a fan of the Bardstown Distillery Fusion series (has #3 thru #6). Too many different whiskeys out there to either stick to one or not drink what you like. Many like Knob Creek. I can't get into it, no matter what the bottle or proof. 1920 is the preferred OF bottle, but 1910 is my jam. So on and so forth
13446067, Facts
Posted by Sleepy300, Tue Oct-26-21 04:49 PM
>Like, I can reliably find just about any Old Forrester
>(except the allocated bottles like Birthday and Single Barrel)
>pretty easily in the DC/MD/VA area, and for a reasonable
>price. Finding, say, Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare, neither
>allocated and should both be well under $40, is a bit more
>complicated.

I'm not too terribly far from you (NC). For instance, Buffalo Trace doesn't come by too often...it'll show up every so often at the counter but the bottles are limited/first come/first serve. As far as Old Forrester, it depends on the year. I see it all the time but a certain year may not be as accessible as another year of Old Forrester...Go figure



>
>I have a few mainstays (Rare Breed, 1910, Four Roses Single
>Barrel, Elijah Craig (especially Barrel Proof, when it's not
>extortion prices), 1792, Double Rye) but try others to see
>what the hype is or whether I want to add to my bar or pass.
>I've become a fan of the Bardstown Distillery Fusion series
>(has #3 thru #6). Too many different whiskeys out there to
>either stick to one or not drink what you like. Many like Knob
>Creek. I can't get into it, no matter what the bottle or
>proof. 1920 is the preferred OF bottle, but 1910 is my jam. So
>on and so forth

Agreed here too...Four Roses was okay...was a little hard to get into. Still trying to find which Basil Hayden I like too (Dark Rye was a hell no...port wine has no biz in bourbon, lol). On the other hand, one that caught me way off guard was Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select. Actually pretty damn good.
13447214, Four Roses (all iterations)
Posted by will_5198, Sat Nov-06-21 11:46 PM
is the best value bourbon you can get nationally. most bourbons are too honeyed and flat for me (prefer rye), but Four Roses is just blended perfectly.
13447562, I've only had Small Batch
Posted by Sleepy300, Wed Nov-10-21 01:14 PM
It depended on the mood for me. Worked best at night on the porch after work/kids were down.

Currently working through Rabbit Hole Cavehill at the moment - pretty solid. I do need to up my rye palette though.
13450325, This post has been amazing, for a beginner...
Posted by Dstl1, Sat Dec-18-21 12:14 PM
whose current experience with bourbon is a bottle of Evan Williams, lol. So, I just copped this at Costco, on your recommendation.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/953/gFMrei.jpg
13450328, Four Roses Small batch is good, Single Barrel is even better (to me)
Posted by spenzalii, Sat Dec-18-21 01:17 PM
Either will be a different experience than that Evan Williams (though I will say the white label EW bottled in bond is a fantastic bottle on the low, for the low)
13450331, enjoy
Posted by will_5198, Sat Dec-18-21 02:07 PM
it's whisky season :)
13482612, ive had this since the last time i saw the post
Posted by cgonz00cc, Thu Apr-13-23 11:46 PM
so so good, and well-stocked in my area
13445996, try a bottle of Michter's if you can find one around you
Posted by cgonz00cc, Mon Oct-25-21 09:18 PM
13446068, Will do. Good looking out fam EOM
Posted by Sleepy300, Tue Oct-26-21 04:50 PM
13444992, nice, Balvenie is my fave too
Posted by Robert, Mon Oct-18-21 09:30 AM
(just feels cleaner/smoother to me than the others in that range..Macallan, Glenlivet, Highland, etc)
13445152, im not a big drinker
Posted by mista k5, Mon Oct-18-21 04:01 PM
whisky is what got me in. still not a frequent thing but if i am drinking it is a whisky, irish, scotch or bourbon. started with scotch but lately been sticking with bourbons.
13445167, Yup. It’s my go to.
Posted by jetblack, Mon Oct-18-21 04:54 PM
Straight or a cocktail. Old fashioned. Sour. Hits just right for an older feller like myself.
13446038, Old Fashioned is where I'm at
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Oct-26-21 12:13 PM
Hard to go wrong there.

Sup fam?
13446155, What's the diff bw Old Fashioned and Old Fashioned Sour? nm
Posted by vik, Wed Oct-27-21 06:47 PM
13446228, Not old fashion sour - whiskey sour (or just sour for short).
Posted by soulfunk, Thu Oct-28-21 12:34 PM
An old fashions is whiskey, bitters, and sugar (a cube or simple syrup), while a whiskey sour is whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup (with an optional egg white added to give it froth on top.)
13446241, Right on. I love me an Old Fashioned
Posted by vik, Thu Oct-28-21 03:51 PM
but I've only had the egg white on gin drinks. Gonna try this out.
13446672, i enjoy a bit of maraschino cherry juice in place of sugar/syrup sometimes
Posted by cgonz00cc, Tue Nov-02-21 04:43 PM
13446739, Yep - there's a lot of nice variations subbing the "sweet"...
Posted by soulfunk, Wed Nov-03-21 07:51 AM
I'll swap for some demerara syrup or some Cointreau at times to change it up.
13446801, Had an old fashioned straight up last night and
Posted by vik, Wed Nov-03-21 02:14 PM
the bartender dropped a cherry in it. Great way to finish it.
13445465, RE: Im learning to appreciate whisky
Posted by Shakeet Lokh Em, Wed Oct-20-21 03:19 PM
If you got gifted a bottle of Balvenie, someone really likes you lol. Try to find a scotch bar in your town. You can try a bunch of different ones and find the notes you really like. So you're not buying scotch blind.
13445476, Cop you some Mister Sam’s
Posted by Anonymous, Wed Oct-20-21 05:03 PM
13446001, A bit too much
Posted by rdhull, Mon Oct-25-21 11:10 PM
13446041, I gave up
Posted by Cocobrotha2, Tue Oct-26-21 12:26 PM
I tried to develop an interest in whisky and bourbon. I found a couple of each that I like but, ultimately, I'm not interested in deliberately exploring anymore.
13446047, I wish it were easier to post photos. I accumulated 20+ bottles
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Oct-26-21 02:01 PM
over the pandemic. Those who know me know Im not a big drinker, but It was something to do with a good friend of mine I spend a lot of time with. Hunting bottles is a fun past time - along with tasting and enjoying the spirits.

If I drink on weekdays, its a 1-1.5 oz pour just so I can taste and appreciate it. I/m not trying to get lit or even nice.

I started off with a couple Japanese Bottles and Bourbon (cause thats what my boy likes), and slowly expanded to Irish -- which is my favorite all around because of how well balanced it is and the value you get compared to Bourbon and Scotch. You can get a really really good bottle of Irish Whiskey for $60-85 pretty easily. I then started playing with Scotch cause that what folks from Thailand drink, and came full circle back to Bourbon and other American Whiskeys cause the market has so many people innovating. At the end of the summer I started trying nicer rums and ended up in Barbados where I got several bottles. I have to still explore all the regions of Scotland.

My boy who I drink with has a lot of the American classic bottles folks search for -- some Weller, Bookers, etc.

What ive learned is that for me ---$70-$130 seems to be the sweet spot on what is good/want to pay. Ive had pours of bottles that are more expensive -- and its more about the hunt/chase and rarity vs how much better it tastes. I can often taste the difference in value liquor under $50/bottle. Irish and Rum have a lot of value, though that seems to be changing quick. Its a market you may want to explore if you want to be ahead of the curve. Also starting to mess with mezcal.


My current collection is below
Here is the View Only Google Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1naB493_lEObmkqMnyjco9eaRR4jqMj1qkP9p2tUa7ZA/edit?usp=sharing


Name Category Remaining Proof ABV Age Statement Price/Bottle
Baller Single Malt American - World 94 47 NAS 60
Four Roses OESF SB Bourbon 122.4 61.2 12 80
Stellum Bourbon 115 57.5 NAS 50
Kings Co peated Bourbon Bourbon 90 45 NAS ?
Kings County Barrel Strength Bourbon 127.5 63.7 ? ?
Barrell Batch 026 CS Bourbon 112.64 56.32 9 90
Penelope Rose Cask Bourbon 94 47 3-4 60
Kings CountyFR8 Barrel Proof (store Pick) Bourbon - Wheated 130.6 65.3 5.5 110
Isaac Bowman - Port Bourvon 92 46 40?
Found North CS -Batch 002 Canadian 130 64.9 16 125
Mcconnell's Irish 84 42 5 29
Redbreast SBCS Irish 117.4 58.7 NAS 110
Rebbreast 12 CS Irish 111.6 55.8 12 65
Redbreast Lustau Irish No 92 46 NAS 60
Powers john Lane Irish 92 46 12 75
Yellow Spot Irish 92 46 12 100
Blue Spot Irish 117.4 58.7 7+ 100
Two Stacks CS Irish 130 65 NAS 69
Two Stacks Irish 86 43 NAS 49
Aardberg Uigedail Islay Scotch 108.4 54.2 12 85
Yamazaki 12 Japanese 86 43 12 130
Ichiro Malt and grain Japanese/World 93 46.5 NAS 110
Nikka Whisky from the barrel Japanese/World 102.8 51.4 8=NAS 85
Hibiki Harmony Japanese/World 86 43 NAS 85
Fouresquare Sagacity Rum 96 48 12 65
Foursquare Redoutable Rum 122 61 14 100
Foursquare Premise Rum 92 46 10 100
Johnny Walker -Celebratory Blend Scotch - Blend 50 100 NAS 85
FOursquare Shibboleth Rum 114 57 16 150
13446050, I know this is illegal, but I was thinking about throwing a local event
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Oct-26-21 02:14 PM
with people in my circle or a few degrees separated.

Where i can sell pours of my Whiskey for folks to try at a value. It'd allow me to recoup my $ toward new bottles, get rid of old stock, and enjoy it with folks who are looking to try things.

For bottles that are $120+ i'd do $15 pours (probably usually 20+ at a bar

For Bottles 100-120 $20 $12 a pour

Everything else $5-10 a pour

I'd limit # of pours for stuff I want to hold onto.
13446190, you'd sell drinks to your friends?
Posted by ThaTruth, Thu Oct-28-21 09:14 AM
13446242, Ayyy that shit he's hawking? Can't knock the hustle for real
Posted by vik, Thu Oct-28-21 03:51 PM
13446248, Yeah. Plus he's talking about throwing an actual event, not just
Posted by soulfunk, Thu Oct-28-21 04:18 PM
folks stopping by the house to kick it, asking if they want a drink, and then charging them $15...
13446269, not to mention pouring bottles costing 100's
Posted by rdhull, Thu Oct-28-21 08:57 PM
>folks stopping by the house to kick it, asking if they want a
>drink, and then charging them $15...
13446385, I just want to clarify: I do not believe this to be a hustle at all
Posted by vik, Fri Oct-29-21 04:43 PM
Respect.
13446301, nah with my friends i always share. This would be an event
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Oct-29-21 10:35 AM
With friends of friends or like a group of dads from my kids school. People I know well enough to fuck with and offer then a drink, but I wouldnt say friends. Its a tasting event so they would get to try stuff you can't find everywhere and at a fraction of the cost
13446813, are "events" like this common in your area?
Posted by ThaTruth, Wed Nov-03-21 02:31 PM
>With friends of friends or like a group of dads from my kids
>school. People I know well enough to fuck with and offer then
>a drink, but I wouldnt say friends. Its a tasting event so
>they would get to try stuff you can't find everywhere and at a
>fraction of the cost
>

inviting people you know but don't really know, to an event that you yourself say may be "illegal", would that be a good idea?
13446156, gatdamn well I declare nm
Posted by vik, Wed Oct-27-21 06:48 PM
13446186, Wow...this is next level for REAL...
Posted by soulfunk, Thu Oct-28-21 08:49 AM
13446512, Man, listen... I have zero chance at finding Blue Spot or SBCS
Posted by spenzalii, Mon Nov-01-21 05:08 PM
Unless that Redbreast SBCS is better than the 12CS, I won't worry as much, as the 12CS is devastatingly good. I haven't come across that Blue spot anywhere, and if I do I'm sure they want 3 digits for it. Catch me on the right day and I may spring for it. But again, that CS is such a hitter as long as I have a bottle or 2 of that I'm good.

A few others I'm trying to get but never have seen are Stagg Jr, Russell's Reserve 13 and Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye. If I spot one and bonus time hits I'll treat myself. But I'm not holding my breath.

I've got to have a look at my stash and see what I've still got. I think it may me scotch heavy at the moment as much of the bourbon I buy I drink.
13446651, I think I got both at Total win in NJ
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Nov-02-21 02:53 PM
I had to stalk the internet for awhile well after they were released. I saw them up one day and just bought them. I have two coworkers who live in NJ so I asked each of them to pickup for me lol

Looking back at my scores I rated SBCS well above 12CS, but it wasnt accross the board. 3 folks liked SB more and the twop that liked the 12 more, realy liked it.

I have about 30% of the Blue spot left, Im gonna drink that slow. Its good but a bit of a novelty for me. I got all of those bottles at the fair MSRP, I think $90-$110. I really want a Red Spot and Redbreast 21 .

Yea Stagg Jr is impossible to find and The Russells Reserve 13 is way out of my budget for a single bottle


>Unless that Redbreast SBCS is better than the 12CS, I won't
>worry as much, as the 12CS is devastatingly good. I haven't
>come across that Blue spot anywhere, and if I do I'm sure they
>want 3 digits for it. Catch me on the right day and I may
>spring for it. But again, that CS is such a hitter as long as
>I have a bottle or 2 of that I'm good.
>
>A few others I'm trying to get but never have seen are Stagg
>Jr, Russell's Reserve 13 and Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel
>Proof Rye. If I spot one and bonus time hits I'll treat
>myself. But I'm not holding my breath.
>
>I've got to have a look at my stash and see what I've still
>got. I think it may me scotch heavy at the moment as much of
>the bourbon I buy I drink.
13446656, I'm a drinker. I don't like Irishes, only bourbon and scotch
Posted by T Reynolds, Tue Nov-02-21 03:20 PM
Then again I have not tried the majority of the Irish whiskeys on your list

This is a sick list though, and a cool hobby

Know a good spot near me for Hibiki and Yamazaki that undercuts any other price locally i've seen. text me if you need info
13446658, RE: I'm a drinker. I don't like Irishes, only bourbon and scotch
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Nov-02-21 03:30 PM

>Know a good spot near me for Hibiki and Yamazaki that
>undercuts any other price locally i've seen. text me if you
>need info


Nice. Like low 100s?

Im looking for that Hakushu.

What dont you liek about Irish? Too bland? I think the majority of Irish's you can find easily are okay -- but are more on the bland side.
13446661, It all tastes like fookin proper twelve to me
Posted by T Reynolds, Tue Nov-02-21 03:40 PM
drank way too much Jameson in my 20s so maybe it's just ruined the entire country's flavor for me

you know like how some people are with rum or tequila if they overdo it one too many times

but yeah low 100s for yama and high 80s for hibiki. might as well tell you here, IRL I keep that name hella close. I use their price to leverage against people charging 2 bills (not naming names) It's called

*looks both ways*

The Liquor Store

on Flatbush and Livingston

13446669, LOL i was gonna drop a Proper 12 joke
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Nov-02-21 04:11 PM
LOL i have never had Jameson

>drank way too much Jameson in my 20s so maybe it's just
>ruined the entire country's flavor for me
>
>you know like how some people are with rum or tequila if they
>overdo it one too many times
>
>but yeah low 100s for yama and high 80s for hibiki. might as
>well tell you here, IRL I keep that name hella close. I use
>their price to leverage against people charging 2 bills (not
>naming names) It's called
>
>*looks both ways*
>
>The Liquor Store
>
>on Flatbush and Livingston
>
>
13446678, Redbreast will change your mind on Irish if all you had is Jameson
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Nov-02-21 04:50 PM
There's a HUGE difference. Like it doesn't even taste the same. I guarantee that 12CS will have you singing a different tune

That said, I definitely understand doing too much of a thing. I can't drink cognac for that reason. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much Henny in my 20's. Hard pass for me across the board
13446736, No doubt, would love to be proven wrong.
Posted by T Reynolds, Wed Nov-03-21 07:35 AM
I haven't ONLY had Jameson but the few Irish I've had just make me stick with what I love in Bourbon and Scotch for the most part.

I'll look out for Redbreast

13446858, You can find redbreast 12 - the core line for 55-65
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Wed Nov-03-21 08:32 PM

Anything under 60 you should jump on. Nobody hates redbreast 12.
Around the same price you can find Redbreast Lustau which has a sweeter finish since it was finished in Oloroso sherry casks


>I haven't ONLY had Jameson but the few Irish I've had just
>make me stick with what I love in Bourbon and Scotch for the
>most part.
>
>I'll look out for Redbreast
>
>
13446859, Shit! This post just made me look up the new redbreast PX series
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Wed Nov-03-21 08:35 PM
>it’s available at Total Wine in NJ!



>Anything under 60 you should jump on. Nobody hates redbreast
>12.
>Around the same price you can find Redbreast Lustau which has
>a sweeter finish since it was finished in Oloroso sherry
>casks
>
>
>>I haven't ONLY had Jameson but the few Irish I've had just
>>make me stick with what I love in Bourbon and Scotch for the
>>most part.
>>
>>I'll look out for Redbreast
>>
>>
>
13447030, Wait! What is this PX series you speak of?
Posted by spenzalii, Thu Nov-04-21 09:52 PM
Limited edition release? Already can't find the SBCS. Now I need to find another rare bottle?

So be it. I know for sure I'm getting a 15, so I'll just keep an eye out for this one.
13447031, RE: Wait! What is this PX series you speak of?
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Thu Nov-04-21 09:54 PM
Where do you live?
13447175, DC/MD/VA
Posted by spenzalii, Sat Nov-06-21 01:26 AM
It's a crapshoot out here. VA is out as they are state regulated, but at least you know what they have and what the price will be. MD depends on what county you're in as to whether is government run or private. DC is the wild west. Being downtown means there's plenty of stores, but what each has and what they charge varies wildly. The Costco in DC sells liquor, but their selection isn't always great, and when they do have something nice, you have to be ON IT before it sells out.
13447335, Tried the Redbreast 12, definitely drinkable. Solid choice
Posted by T Reynolds, Mon Nov-08-21 05:01 PM
Looking forward to trying the PX one day as well
13446674, hows that Barrell?
Posted by cgonz00cc, Tue Nov-02-21 04:47 PM
a store by me is pushing it hard,but i'd honestly never heard of it
13446680, Depends on the batch
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Nov-02-21 05:04 PM
Barrell sources and blends their bourbons rather than distilling their own. While some batches are better than others, most are quite good from what I understand. Still, it may pay to see which bottles they have and check a review or two
13446930, Nothing Ive had by them is ever bad.
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Thu Nov-04-21 10:46 AM
but at 80+ per bottle I agree with the above. Its hard to justify coppin if you don't really trust their brand or have seen reviews. They are doing a lot of innovative stuff with their releases though. There is a site that reviews all the Barrell batches...let me see if I can find it.

I don't think tjis is what i was looking for, but this has a bunch of batches and releases reviewed.

https://www.breakingbourbon.com/search?query=Barrell

My batch overall is really good.
13450991, When I worked in a wine shop (...a month ago...) I really preached Barrell
Posted by Nodima, Mon Jan-03-22 12:55 PM
Not only because I liked the rep I worked with but because, and I hate to be the one to introduce this term to this thread, the taters were so constantly asking for Blanton's and EH Taylor (not even the truly hard to find stuff, or even Eagle Rare which is actually dope!) that I got almost evangelical about Barrell on angles I don't even believe in. I hate the secondary market, and even moreso what subscription services have done to the bourbon market (and, maybe even more, what it's done to the perception of rye and any wheated/wheater that's not Weller/Pappy) but for whatever reason I decided to try and let these people know that if you really want to collect and NOT drink your whiskey, Barrell has that drip. It's the fucking Off White of bourbon - you buy it now, while it's on the shelf, or you'll never see it again.

Maybe they dilute that appeal a bit by the fact that EVERYTHING is that way, but imagine the NFT jerk in 2075 that wants to drink through the origins of one of America's most original and experimental whiskey producers and imagine you're the guy that has Batch 13 through 25, or the original run of Seagrass and Armida. But these jerks never fucking understood what I was talking about, they just wanted to flip a Blanton's from $50 to $200. And this is all forgetting the fact that I REALLY like the flavor of everything I've ever tasted from them, and I've tried probably 20 Barrell products. I really want those bottles opened and drank. But I got so annoyed by the Sazerac trend fuckers I couldn't help but try to get it off shelves any way I could.

So glad to be out of that shit for a while lol.


~~~~~~~~~
"This is the streets, and I am the trap." � Jay Bilas
http://www.popmatters.com/pm/archive/contributor/517
Hip Hop Handbook: http://tinyurl.com/ll4kzz
13446069, I’m so here to learn
Posted by Amritsar, Tue Oct-26-21 05:18 PM
Cuz it still just burns going down my chest lmao.
13446070, RE: I’m so here to learn
Posted by rdhull, Tue Oct-26-21 05:22 PM
>Cuz it still just burns going down my chest lmao.

The smooth nice ones not so much. But when it hits the gut
13446071, There are some supposedly good Indian whiskeys
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Oct-26-21 05:45 PM
I’ve been waiting to try or deciding when to leap for a bottle

https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/world/newest-amrut-indian-whisky-showcases-hidden-gems-of-its-nation/
13446157, My Masserji (uncle) loves this shit nm
Posted by vik, Wed Oct-27-21 06:52 PM
13446650, have you tried any?
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Nov-02-21 02:48 PM
>
13446802, O best believe! A bit sweet for my taste tho nm
Posted by vik, Wed Nov-03-21 02:15 PM
13446102, Fuzz with them Japanese whiskeys
Posted by Buddy_Gilapagos, Wed Oct-27-21 08:39 AM
Hibiki is my shit.


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"
13446260, Yessir. Hibiki is so smooth
Posted by J305, Thu Oct-28-21 07:45 PM
13446508, RE: Fuzz with them Japanese whiskeys
Posted by Quas, Mon Nov-01-21 03:55 PM
Had Hatozaki whiskey the other day, and it was great.
13446185, my next door neighbor invites me over from time to time to hang out in
Posted by mikediggz, Thu Oct-28-21 08:40 AM
his garage...he has a drum set out there and occasionally ill bring my guitar over there and we'll fuck around. usually we just sit out there and chop it up while watching tv and drinking. whenever i go over there i know its gonna be a long nite lol.

usually as soon as i pull up he'll hit me with a half a red cup of straight henny on the rocks and we start from there. well i drank up all the henny and he hasnt reupped so the other night i went over and he was like, what u drinkin nigga? i said maaaan, iono...u got some jack? he said yeah what u wanna mix it with? i said u got sour mix? yup. i havent had jack in a GOOD minute but i love them whiskey sours. 2 coronas and 2 red cups of whiskey sours later i was stumbled home twisted lol. i dont really drink like that these days so i was quickly reminded that whiskey aint for kids.
13446289, I need a neighbor like that!
Posted by Buddy_Gilapagos, Fri Oct-29-21 07:33 AM

**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"
13446313, LMAO don't we all nm
Posted by vik, Fri Oct-29-21 11:22 AM
13446321, bro is well off. he and his wife prob clear 350-400k/yr
Posted by mikediggz, Fri Oct-29-21 11:48 AM
hes my age (50) and doesnt go out much and just likes the company. he has a full bar at the crib. i see him out in the yard and he'll be like whats up for later? pull up! sometimes im hesitant because i know im gonna end up stumbling home lol.
13446766, I had a neighbor like that during the pandemic
Posted by Buddy_Gilapagos, Wed Nov-03-21 11:54 AM
We were in a pod together and no one was going out so it would be a stroll over to each others house and drink and talk shit.

It really got me to the point that I really don't want to go out drinking unless I can stumble home and not deal with crowds. ... Pandemic aged me about 10 years.


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson

"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"
13446191, a while back a had a neighbor from Kentucky that used to put me up...
Posted by ThaTruth, Thu Oct-28-21 09:16 AM
on the whiskey & bourbon game. He had all kinds of shit.

I'm rather basic now my default is Gentleman Jack on the rocks.
13446247, what type of glass do you use?
Posted by mista k5, Thu Oct-28-21 04:15 PM
i ordered a pour of elijah craig the other night and they gave it to me in a glencairn glass. i had seen them online and i know theyre supposed to be good for tasting but i think it was the first time i had drank out of one.

didnt really like doing so, it was awkward.

usually they just pour it into a rocks or old fashioned glass.
13446270, jelly jar
Posted by rdhull, Thu Oct-28-21 09:13 PM
jk lol
13446911, I just got some Glencairn glasses and the pipette
Posted by sectachrome86, Thu Nov-04-21 09:51 AM
I like a rocks glass too but they're kind of too big for just drinking whiskey straight. Looks like an empty glass unless you're pouring a lot of whiskey in there.
13446261, Better to sip vs. shots :-)
Posted by J305, Thu Oct-28-21 07:52 PM
I personally like to have whisky (any alcohol, really) over a very small amount of ice. Purists will say that's a terrible idea and you can ruin a good whisky that way -- the trick is to just drink it quickly before the ice melts lol (yes I've tried several different types of whisky stones before, none of them do it for me).

Personal favorite scotch for the last couple of years has been Macallan 12. Wifey digs Balvenie. I find Glenfiddich to also be a really good option that's not quite so pricey -- great for a casual sip after work type of situation.
13446302, RE: Better to sip vs. shots :-)
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Oct-29-21 10:36 AM
>I personally like to have whisky (any alcohol, really) over a
>very small amount of ice. Purists will say that's a terrible
>idea and you can ruin a good whisky that way -- the trick is
>to just drink it quickly before the ice melts lol (yes I've
>tried several different types of whisky stones before, none of
>them do it for me).
>
>Personal favorite scotch for the last couple of years has been
>Macallan 12. Wifey digs Balvenie. I find Glenfiddich to also
>be a really good option that's not quite so pricey -- great
>for a casual sip after work type of situation.


Yea im usually a straight drinker-- since an oz can dilute real quick. However, sometimes ill drop an ice cube or a couple drops of water in to open y whiskey up and get a different flavor profile
13446315, I'm trying to cop some whisky stones
Posted by vik, Fri Oct-29-21 11:23 AM
maybe look into that if you havent already.
13446399, I wasn't feeling the stones
Posted by J305, Fri Oct-29-21 11:52 PM
I've got a couple of different types in my freezer right now come to think of it. The main issue for me is that they don't really get that cold to begin with, and they warm up quickly. If anyone ever creates a viable alternate solution for that I will gladly pay to try it.

In the meantime I just use a very small amount of cubed ice, or, better, a single one of those giant ice cubes.
13446400, Ah word. Yea I usually just drop a giant squared cube of ice
Posted by vik, Sat Oct-30-21 03:33 AM
but I prefer neat,
13446677, my 3x3" ice cube tray is my shit
Posted by cgonz00cc, Tue Nov-02-21 04:49 PM
the coolest thing ive ever owned that costs less that $5 lol
13446649, Yea i almost bought some once
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Nov-02-21 02:48 PM
>maybe look into that if you havent already.


But i realized I usually dont liek cold drinks either --unless its a really hot ass day. Like I said, I use a dropper with water and that really helps open up my stronger stuff
13446679, Wish I had bought more Japanese whiskey before it got popular and scarce
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Nov-02-21 04:57 PM
Managed to buy a Yamazaki 12 and a Balvenie 17 under $80 at one point. Try finding either at that price now. Such is life

I think next year I may try and find a Yamazaki, a Hakushu, and a Cita (which I have only found once in the wild and I wasn't prepared to buy anything). I can get Hibiki Harmony easily enough (remember when Costco sold them for $50. Man inflation sucks). That bottle makes an excellent decanter too fwiw. Toki isn't bad by any means, but there are other bottles at that price point I like better.

In the interim Nikka works quite well. I've got Nikka From The Barrel and a Coffey Malt. I'll likely get the Coffey Grain as well (both are lovely, but I think the Malt is sweeter)
13447059, FAM! I used to buy Yamazaki 12 for $45!!!!!!
Posted by KnowOne, Fri Nov-05-21 08:23 AM
Wish I had stocked up back then smh
13446740, 1 - I love this post. 2 - We old, y'all...
Posted by soulfunk, Wed Nov-03-21 07:52 AM
13446788, Haha
Posted by rdhull, Wed Nov-03-21 01:53 PM
13446805, we really are but nothing wrong with that!
Posted by vik, Wed Nov-03-21 02:17 PM
13446815, I've learned to say old age is a blessing.
Posted by ThaTruth, Wed Nov-03-21 02:32 PM
13446840, After these last couple years, ABSOLUTELY.
Posted by soulfunk, Wed Nov-03-21 05:11 PM
13447205, Lol...older & wiser
Posted by J305, Sat Nov-06-21 04:58 PM
13447210, Absolutely. I shudder to think about what I was drinking in my
Posted by soulfunk, Sat Nov-06-21 06:56 PM
early OKP days. In college I started drinking trying to convince myself that I liked Bud Light. From that, sweet stuff like Smirnoff Ice. First “cocktails” I liked were terrible margarita and daiquiri mixes. Then Henny and Coke. By my 30’s I discovered craft beers and loved them, but definitely didn’t like the calories and weight I put on because if I drink beer, I need to drink 2-3.

First time I realized that I liked whiskey was when I had a New York Sour at a nice restaurant in my late 30’s. Then is was old fashions. Now that I’m in my early 40’s, I’m all about scotch, bourbon, and quality rum.
13447563, FACTS...My palette used to be.."whatever's available", LOL
Posted by Sleepy300, Wed Nov-10-21 01:17 PM
Thank goodness for evolution
13447034, Had a look through my collection this evening
Posted by spenzalii, Thu Nov-04-21 10:15 PM
While the heavy up bottle purchases won't be until next month (bonus time and a buddy heading to the Whiskey Trail), I can grab a bottle or two in my weekend errands. In no particular order:

Nikka From The Barrel
Nikka Coffey Malt
Redbreast 12 CS
Redbreast Lustau
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Laphroig 10
Macallan 12 Double Cask
Lagavulin 16
Johnnie Walker Green
Talisker Select (GOT)
Glenlevit 15
Glemorangie A Tale Of Cake
Glenfiddich 19
Bardstown Discovery #5
Larceny BP A121
Elijah Craig BP B520
Elijah Craig BP B521
1792 BiB
1792 FP
Old Forester 1910
Bulleit Blenders' Select
Murray Hill Club
Joseph A. Magnus
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

A lot of the scotch I got before the tariffs hit, and a few only have a dram left, so I have to figure what to replace and what to try new. The Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Glenlevit 15 are staying in rotation. The others may get changes out. I've since moved to bourbon, so while I've had a few more of those, I've gone through them (hence the upcoming heavy up). Ideally, I'd get a handle of something for a daily and get bottles for the collection. But, I never said I was smart, so...
13447035, they had Macallan 12 Double Casket Costo
Posted by rdhull, Thu Nov-04-21 10:19 PM
>While the heavy up bottle purchases won't be until next month
>(bonus time and a buddy heading to the Whiskey Trail), I can
>grab a bottle or two in my weekend errands. In no particular
>order:
>
>Nikka From The Barrel
>Nikka Coffey Malt
>Redbreast 12 CS
>Redbreast Lustau
>Ardbeg Uigeadail
>Laphroig 10
>Macallan 12 Double Cask
>Lagavulin 16
>Johnnie Walker Green
>Talisker Select (GOT)
>Glenlevit 15
>Glemorangie A Tale Of Cake
>Glenfiddich 19
>Bardstown Discovery #5
>Larceny BP A121
I was set to cop but wasnt sure

Ill get it this week


>Elijah Craig BP B520
>Elijah Craig BP B521
>1792 BiB
>1792 FP
>Old Forester 1910
>Bulleit Blenders' Select
>Murray Hill Club
>Joseph A. Magnus
>Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye
>
>A lot of the scotch I got before the tariffs hit, and a few
>only have a dram left, so I have to figure what to replace and
>what to try new. The Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Glenlevit 15 are
>staying in rotation. The others may get changes out. I've
>since moved to bourbon, so while I've had a few more of those,
>I've gone through them (hence the upcoming heavy up). Ideally,
>I'd get a handle of something for a daily and get bottles for
>the collection. But, I never said I was smart, so...
>
13447061, A lot of personal faves on here...
Posted by Sleepy300, Fri Nov-05-21 08:37 AM


For Scotch:

Laphroig 10
Macallan 12 Double Cask
Lagavulin 16
Johnnie Walker Green <<< I like this better than JW Blue...IDK IDK IDK, lol.

Lagavulin and Laphroig go beautifully with the right cigar...occasional type shit. The Macallan Double Cask I had for the first time about a month or two ago...was pretty good. Did not like the finish though.

Bourbon.. I love the Old Forester 1910 you have on here (I mentioned earlier in the post). I need to try some of the other suggestions you have on here. Based on your list, our tastes may be similar, lol.
13447093, I had a bottle of JW Blue. I don't think you're wrong...
Posted by spenzalii, Fri Nov-05-21 10:29 AM
The Blue was a gift when my daughter was born (especially since those bastards at my job were calling me while I was taking my wife to the NICU, but that's another story). It's good. But the price is more because of it's legacy status as the premium drink from the 60s. I'm not mad at it per se. Everybody should try it at least once. Will I get another bottle? One day, if only to say I have one and impress people and have an occasional nip.

That JW Green, on the other hand? On the low, that's probably their best expression this side of any super rare or limited edition bottles they have. 15 year single malt blend? It's like Monkey Shoulder on steroids. Prices were creeping over $80 so I didn't reup for a minute, but now that I've seen them back to the mid $50s, it's time for that reup

That Lag 16 is definitely some occasional dram, but it's a damn good occasion when I have a swig. Goes great with a ribeye, let me tell you.

I'm pretty high on Belvenie moreso than Macallan, honestly. I've has the 12, 14 Caribbean Cask, 17, and 21 PortWood (another gift when I bought our house, and really great stuff too). I can't tell you why there's none on my bar cart though.

Out of all the scotch, that Glenlevit 15 is my sleeper pick
13447109, I had a bottle of Blue myself...
Posted by Sleepy300, Fri Nov-05-21 11:46 AM
It was also a gift but from the JO - I had taken another management job and the team I was leaving bought it for me as a gift. Engraved name and all so that bottle I kept for sentimental reasons after I finished it. And it was my fave at the time - Although looking back, I'm not sure whether it was based on novelty or how I truly felt to keep it a buck, lol. However, since then my palette developed as I tried more and got a sense of what I truly liked. By the time I had JW Green...I already knew I liked it better, lol.

I haven't had Belvenie in a hot minute. Once I started drifting into Bourbon during the Covid Chronicles, the only scotches I've had was the Mac Double Cast and another JW Green.
13447111, Tariffs and the 'Vid did put a pause on scotch, and push on bourbon
Posted by spenzalii, Fri Nov-05-21 12:08 PM
A Talisker here, Highland Park 12 there, but a lot of my scotch has been on hold. I'm sure it will pick up a bit next year.

Just so many good bottles of bourbon that run the gamut of price and taste not to get into it. I refuse to play the secondary market game though. The only bottle I paid more than I wanted to was that Larceny BP A121, because I had never actually seen a bottle in the wild in 6 months of looking and stumbled on it at a random store during a lunch run. $99 was more than I wanted to spend, but I wasn't mad either. But what people want for any Weller, Blantons, Stagg Jr on the market? Miss me with all that.


13454028, That Macallan 12 Double Cask is legit. I can't get into Laphroig tho
Posted by J305, Sat Feb-19-22 02:00 PM
A little too peaty for my personal taste.
13447336, Just had some Glenlivet 12 Double Oak last night
Posted by T Reynolds, Mon Nov-08-21 05:04 PM

It was DELICIOUS bro

the chocolatey notes at the end are really unlike anything else I've had recently
13447216, Oban 14
Posted by will_5198, Sat Nov-06-21 11:54 PM
haven't seen it listed yet, but this is my favorite single malt scotch to gift or serve to a group.

it is super accessible (sweet up front, great fruity aromas, but you also get those background notes of smoke and spice that hang around) and makes people feel like they are drinking something familiar but really refined.
13447438, Oban 14 is pretty good...nice catch
Posted by Sleepy300, Tue Nov-09-21 01:29 PM
For some reason, I can't place it in my "which scotches come to mind when I want to offer suggestions" catalog, lol. Not sure why though because it's straight.
13447446, One of my first non big name (JW) scotches. I thought it was Japanese
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Nov-09-21 01:48 PM
>For some reason, I can't place it in my "which scotches come
>to mind when I want to offer suggestions" catalog, lol. Not
>sure why though because it's straight.


lol.

I remember think because of the name that Oban was a japanese whiskey.

Overall its a great solid whiskey and like will said, great to bring to an event or give as a gift.

My boy really likes the Oban Little Bay. Its a weird bottle. In NJ we can find it for 50-60, but anywhere in NYC its like 85-95
13450440, In SoCal there are deals at Costco
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Mon Dec-20-21 04:59 PM
My boy always picks up 2-4 bottles (around $69) when they have them. He said it was how he got his wife to drink whiskey.
13447435, nothing makes your breath smell worse, alcohol wise
Posted by beeinfinite, Tue Nov-09-21 01:20 PM
than whisky or scotch.
13447436, this is definitely Case
Posted by rdhull, Tue Nov-09-21 01:23 PM
>than whisky or scotch.
13447775, Depends on the scotch
Posted by spenzalii, Fri Nov-12-21 08:59 AM
If you're drinking a peated scotch, you may smell like cigar butts for a minute
13450329, Found a Larceny Barrel Proof last week. B521
Posted by spenzalii, Sat Dec-18-21 01:32 PM
Only the second time I've seen one in the wild. Meant I had to bay $100, which is more than I wanted to, but fair all things considered. Now to find (or rather pay for) its ECBP cousin for the matching set.

My buddy went on the Whiskey Trail two weeks ago and picked up a couple bottles for me. Not sure what. One is a factory release from Bardstown, but the others I won't know until tomorrow. Good times
13450364, I recently had a pour of Bardstown Disc (cant remember which series)
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Sun Dec-19-21 12:27 PM
But its really good. I was surprised because how available it is and how expensive it is on the market.
13450366, I've become a fan of Bardstown Distillery
Posted by spenzalii, Sun Dec-19-21 01:07 PM
One standout is their transparency. While the source a good deal of their whiskey they have been producing their own as well. Each of their Fusion and Discovery series give you the breakdown of the age and mashbill in each release, which is cool. That way you can track what you like and what it was made from. Fusion is older sourced blended with their own distillate, while Discovery is blended from older sourced whiskey.

I've had their Fusion series from 3-6, as it's more affordable and easier to accept if one of the blends doesn't fit me as well. I loved #3, but #4 wasn't as hitting. #5 was better, as was #6. With the Disco series 2-4 seems to be the high point for many. #5 saw Dickel added to the blend, which was a point of contention for many. I went to a Bardstown event and talked to a few reps and confirmed. Ended up buying a bottle. It's... interesting. The Dickel mellows after it gets some air and makes it much more palatable, but that's a hard pill to swallow at $130 retail. I've heard Disco #6 is better, but I don't want to chance it. For that money something like The Prisoner is more up my alley. That 10 year bottle is lovely.

And from an aesthetic point of view, I love the rounded rectangular bottle. Go figure.
13450441, It was the 6, and its good.
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Mon Dec-20-21 05:00 PM
Ive heard from a couple places now that the 5 was disappointing, but the 6 is in a different class.


>One standout is their transparency. While the source a good
>deal of their whiskey they have been producing their own as
>well. Each of their Fusion and Discovery series give you the
>breakdown of the age and mashbill in each release, which is
>cool. That way you can track what you like and what it was
>made from. Fusion is older sourced blended with their own
>distillate, while Discovery is blended from older sourced
>whiskey.
>
>I've had their Fusion series from 3-6, as it's more affordable
>and easier to accept if one of the blends doesn't fit me as
>well. I loved #3, but #4 wasn't as hitting. #5 was better, as
>was #6. With the Disco series 2-4 seems to be the high point
>for many. #5 saw Dickel added to the blend, which was a point
>of contention for many. I went to a Bardstown event and talked
>to a few reps and confirmed. Ended up buying a bottle. It's...
>interesting. The Dickel mellows after it gets some air and
>makes it much more palatable, but that's a hard pill to
>swallow at $130 retail. I've heard Disco #6 is better, but I
>don't want to chance it. For that money something like The
>Prisoner is more up my alley. That 10 year bottle is lovely.
>
>And from an aesthetic point of view, I love the rounded
>rectangular bottle. Go figure.
13450369, anybody here mess with Whistle Pig?
Posted by ThaTruth, Sun Dec-19-21 02:22 PM
13450370, overpriced
Posted by will_5198, Sun Dec-19-21 04:08 PM
it's good but their luxury marketing costs are passed onto the consumer
13450495, Not really a Rye man
Posted by C. Thelonius, Tue Dec-21-21 04:42 PM
but Whistle Pig 10 is delicious. And yeah, it's pretty expensive. I only bought the fifth once in order to try it. My favorite rye may be Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. It's about $50 (if you can get it near state minimum in Michigan). Great bottle. Another rye I bought recently was Limousin Rye 6 Year Cask Strength. I bought a store pick, so I'm not sure if the price was typical, but I might like this more than the WT Rare Breed tbh.
13450498, Give this man a medal
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Dec-21-21 06:19 PM
> Myfavorite rye may be Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. It's about $50
>(if you can get it near state minimum in Michigan). Great
>bottle.

Rare Breed Rye is absolutely fantastic. I'd take a bottle of that over Whistlepig everyday. Sometimes harder to find than RB bourbon, but if you can find it, absolutely worth it.

Slightly cheaper but still highly recommended would be High West Double Rye.
13450501, Definitely adding to my list…
Posted by soulfunk, Tue Dec-21-21 07:19 PM
13456143, a vendor bought me a pour of this last week
Posted by mista k5, Tue Mar-22-22 04:54 PM
this was interesting. i did not know anything about it and i couldnt figure it out lol they told me it was bourbon but it had such a unique taste. i dont think its something i would go back to often but it was fun trying it.
13450404, bought a bottle of elijah craig
Posted by mista k5, Mon Dec-20-21 10:19 AM
i tasted it a couple years back and really liked it. dont usually find it available at bars. i almost went with a scotch or something i havent tried but decided to go the safe route.
13450474, Back Home in Cali and just found the best store Ive ever seen
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Dec-21-21 11:16 AM
for an independent store. Prices are not a steal since the owner knows his shit...but really really good prices and rare stuff. Im gonna go talk to him before I leave but I think they ship all over
13450476, Details ..? nm
Posted by vik, Tue Dec-21-21 11:34 AM
13450477, Speaking of stores, I'm pretty sure Total Wine is racist...
Posted by soulfunk, Tue Dec-21-21 11:41 AM
We just had one open in our area. Really nice selection of wine, whiskey, bourbon, etc. They have a so-so selection of rum (I have a few local spots with better selection and WAY more knowledge from the employees.)

But anyways while I was there grabbing some rum and scotch, I texted my wife asking if she wanted anything. She asked me to get some wine (a specific Cab she likes) and Remy. I'm not into cognac myself because it's overpriced for what you can get compared to whiskey and rum. But I go to the cognac isle and they have three types that are locked up - Remy, Hennessey, and Covoisier. Here's the thing - they just had the REGULAR of those three locked up. They had way more expensive cognac available on the shelf, not locked at all. The Remy Martin XO was over $200 a bottle, not locked. Martell XO? Not locked. Ferrand (again, over $200 per bottle)? Not locked. Plus all kinds of expensive whiskey, wine, etc. wasn't locked.

So I ring the bell for assistance, and a manager comes over to unlock the regular Remy VSOP for me. Not only is it locked, he wouldn't give it to me there, he took it up to customer service and when I checked out I had to ask them to go get it from customer service for me. I'm pushing around a cart with over $300 of stuff in it, but they don't trust me to give me a $50 bottle of Remy to put in my cart?

When I checked out I asked the manager why those specific bottles were locked while more expensive cognac and other items weren't. He said rather bluntly that based on the demographics of the area (this is in Ann Arbor, MI) that certain items are flagged to be locked based on how likely it is to get stolen.

I won't be going back there.
13450478, yep, they do that lol...
Posted by ThaTruth, Tue Dec-21-21 11:44 AM
>We just had one open in our area. Really nice selection of
>wine, whiskey, bourbon, etc. They have a so-so selection of
>rum (I have a few local spots with better selection and WAY
>more knowledge from the employees.)
>
>But anyways while I was there grabbing some rum and scotch, I
>texted my wife asking if she wanted anything. She asked me to
>get some wine (a specific Cab she likes) and Remy. I'm not
>into cognac myself because it's overpriced for what you can
>get compared to whiskey and rum. But I go to the cognac isle
>and they have three types that are locked up - Remy,
>Hennessey, and Covoisier. Here's the thing - they just had the
>REGULAR of those three locked up. They had way more expensive
>cognac available on the shelf, not locked at all. The Remy
>Martin XO was over $200 a bottle, not locked. Martell XO? Not
>locked. Ferrand (again, over $200 per bottle)? Not locked.
>Plus all kinds of expensive whiskey, wine, etc. wasn't locked.
>
>
>So I ring the bell for assistance, and a manager comes over to
>unlock the regular Remy VSOP for me. Not only is it locked, he
>wouldn't give it to me there, he took it up to customer
>service and when I checked out I had to ask them to go get it
>from customer service for me. I'm pushing around a cart with
>over $300 of stuff in it, but they don't trust me to give me a
>$50 bottle of Remy to put in my cart?
>
>When I checked out I asked the manager why those specific
>bottles were locked while more expensive cognac and other
>items weren't. He said rather bluntly that based on the
>demographics of the area (this is in Ann Arbor, MI) that
>certain items are flagged to be locked based on how likely it
>is to get stolen.
>
>I won't be going back there.
13450479, I was just taken aback at how blatant it was…
Posted by soulfunk, Tue Dec-21-21 12:04 PM
Like the manager had his answer ready to go like it was a question that gets asked multiple times a day. And the fact that they had cognac that was 4 times as expensive on the next shelf not locked??? They were basically like “y’all ni$$as don’t know about THIS ish. We KNOW what y’all want to steal.”

Plus I don’t get the logistics - if I have a cart full of stuff, and they don’t have self checkout, how would it even be possible for me to steal a bottle of Remy?
13450481, Bro, I first noticed this with Walmart…
Posted by Dstl1, Tue Dec-21-21 01:01 PM
Walmart recently started having certain liquor on lock. Where I live, St. Charles County…there’s a Walmart super close to me in a pretty chill neighborhood. There is a small section in the liquor isle that has some stuff in a locked cabinet. I honestly haven’t looked to see what kind of stuff is in there, but I definitely will the next time I go. Another Walmart is further east and RIGHT off the highway…and a hop, skip and a jump from St. Louis County. You walk down the liquor isle there, joint look like a scene off Lock Up. Everything on lock except some wack ass wine. I was in there one day because it was close to where I already was and I had to push the button for assistance to get a fucking bottle of Bailey’s. Bailey’s, yo. Not only was it locked in a cabinet, it had the little collar around the top of the bottle, so even if you stole it, you couldn’t open it without destroying the bottle.
13450483, I actually understand it for stores like Walmart, since they are
Posted by soulfunk, Tue Dec-21-21 02:22 PM
selling all kinds of stuff besides alcohol. And they definitely have differences based on location in terms of what is locked up. BUT what I typically see at grocery stores and drug stores like that is there is some kind of logic to what is locked up. Like either EVERYTHING is locked or with those collar locks, or you'll see more expensive bottles locked with basic stuff just available to grab.

What was weird about Total Wine was literally having $30 bottles of Hennessey locked up on a shelf right next to a $300 bottle of something else not locked, in a store that is completely full of all kinds of ranges of expensive wine/spirits.
13450497, I mean.....
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Dec-21-21 06:17 PM
It ain't right, but they not wrong.

I may be jaded, as I'm used to seeing cognac and Patron and whatever the popular for now bottles under lock and key around home base, but out in the wild closer to work downtown. Since I don't drink it, I don't really care. I guess my conditioning has been conditioned.
13450496, lol
Posted by infin8, Tue Dec-21-21 05:42 PM
LOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOL
13450499, Like NY city removing Kools/menthols for non black vote
Posted by rdhull, Tue Dec-21-21 06:30 PM
>We just had one open in our area. Really nice selection of
>wine, whiskey, bourbon, etc. They have a so-so selection of
>rum (I have a few local spots with better selection and WAY
>more knowledge from the employees.)
>
>But anyways while I was there grabbing some rum and scotch, I
>texted my wife asking if she wanted anything. She asked me to
>get some wine (a specific Cab she likes) and Remy. I'm not
>into cognac myself because it's overpriced for what you can
>get compared to whiskey and rum. But I go to the cognac isle
>and they have three types that are locked up - Remy,
>Hennessey, and Covoisier. Here's the thing - they just had the
>REGULAR of those three locked up. They had way more expensive
>cognac available on the shelf, not locked at all. The Remy
>Martin XO was over $200 a bottle, not locked. Martell XO? Not
>locked. Ferrand (again, over $200 per bottle)? Not locked.
>Plus all kinds of expensive whiskey, wine, etc. wasn't locked.
>
>
>So I ring the bell for assistance, and a manager comes over to
>unlock the regular Remy VSOP for me. Not only is it locked, he
>wouldn't give it to me there, he took it up to customer
>service and when I checked out I had to ask them to go get it
>from customer service for me. I'm pushing around a cart with
>over $300 of stuff in it, but they don't trust me to give me a
>$50 bottle of Remy to put in my cart?
>
>When I checked out I asked the manager why those specific
>bottles were locked while more expensive cognac and other
>items weren't. He said rather bluntly that based on the
>demographics of the area (this is in Ann Arbor, MI) that
>certain items are flagged to be locked based on how likely it
>is to get stolen.
>
>I won't be going back there.
13450500, fuck total wine
Posted by will_5198, Tue Dec-21-21 06:51 PM
their selection is actually relatively shitty for what they are supposed to be

most of their wine comes from the same importer and isn't that great

and yes, the employees "recommendations" are just advertising -- notice how they only seem to push a product that has a full display stand in the store
13450502, Yeah - when I say “really nice selection” I’m just saying
Posted by soulfunk, Tue Dec-21-21 07:52 PM
that they have all the basics vs. some spots which have huge blind spots. You aren’t going to find anything “rare” there at all. And I was shocked at the lack of rum selection - I asked someone what rhum agricole they had available and no one knew what I even meant, even though it was on their website (not in stock at the store though.)

I was also shocked at their lack of selection with regards to mixers - they only had the cheap syrups and such, no real grenadine or orgeat, no Liber and Co, etc.
13450504, total wine has just made me appreciate
Posted by will_5198, Tue Dec-21-21 08:20 PM
my local spirits store, where they actually can give you real recommendations and have special stuff I can't find anywhere else

like you said, total wine is fine for grabbing something from one of the big distributors (just need some Bulleit? cool), but the more I've gone the more disappointed I've been

(not to mention the racist part)
13450511, RE: fuck total wine
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Wed Dec-22-21 11:09 AM
Yea total wine has a large selection but nothing rare. Sometimes if you want something like Oban you can find it there cheaper by a few bucks.
13450512, Exactly. It's like Home Depot vs. a good local hardware store.
Posted by soulfunk, Wed Dec-22-21 11:29 AM
Home Depot will have ALL the essentials, but the much smaller local hardware store will somehow have the exact custom sized lag screw that you need to repair your attic ladder.
13450907, i just realized theres one in Novi near me
Posted by cgonz00cc, Fri Dec-31-21 12:55 PM
i havent been in there tho because Plymouth and Northville have such good mom and pops'
13450987, What mom and pops spots do you recommend in Plymouth/Northville?
Posted by soulfunk, Mon Jan-03-22 11:55 AM
I'm in Canton, and in Plymouth/Northville all the time for my kids sports (often having to kill time while they are at practice).

The best places I've found in the area are out of the way - Wine Palace in Livonia (on Middlebelt off 96) and Stadium Market in Ann Arbor...
13453626, Wine Palace is killer!
Posted by cgonz00cc, Sat Feb-12-22 03:44 PM
Good Time Party Store at 7 & Northville Ed is really good, but their beer action is better than liquor. Really nice staff that will talk to distributors about requests.

6 & Park at 6 & Northville Rd has a really good whiskey selection but there is a little bit of a markup

Bellyz Up at Lilley and AA Trail has a good selection too. Found a bottle of IW Harper 15 Yr there one time and its the only place ive ever seen it. Good pizza, chicken (not broasted actually fried), and shrimp too fwiw lol
13450923, Try Tippins Market
Posted by C. Thelonius, Fri Dec-31-21 03:44 PM
Tippins is a local store further back on Ann-Arbor Saline Rd. They have lots of great store picks and prices are very reasonable, generally slightly above state minimum. Incredible selection of bourbons and ryes.
13450988, Good call - adding to my list!
Posted by soulfunk, Mon Jan-03-22 11:55 AM
13451345, yup that's definitely racist
Posted by J305, Fri Jan-07-22 08:39 PM
Reading that story I just hear Dave Chappelle's voice in my head telling the joke about ordering chicken.

BevMo does the 'bring the bottles to the register' thing out here but I've only ever seen them do it for stuff they pull out of the locked cabinet (which is their premium top shelf stuff)
13450536, Anyone on the west coast fuck with KL wines?
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Thu Dec-23-21 10:55 AM
they seem like the better version of Total Wines and other big box liquor stores
13450758, a vendor sent me a johnnie walker collection set
Posted by mista k5, Tue Dec-28-21 06:37 PM
he sent one to my coworker too. not sure if were allowed to keep them but uh yeah lol

probably the 18 and blue label will be the most expensive ive tasted.
13452847, finally tried them
Posted by mista k5, Mon Jan-31-22 02:01 PM
i tried the black label and gold label a few weeks back. i enjoyed black label but gold was so much smoother.

i tried 18 year label and blue label this past week. didnt really enjoy either. blue label kind of tasted like cough syrup.

i guess im a cheap date. ill give them all another try. i think i might enjoy the 18 yr one more but i will be surprised if i enjoy the blue label one.

i might need to go donate these at the corner jk lol
13450791, Almsot picked up a bottle of Green or Yellow Spot
Posted by makaveli, Wed Dec-29-21 12:36 PM
i don't think I've ever seen it in a store here before, I've wanted to try it for a while but that's a hefty price to pay for whiskey you've never had before.
13450841, both are really good irish whiskeys
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Wed Dec-29-21 08:50 PM
If the price point for the green is 60-70 its a better value and starter than the Yellow at 85-100.

I had the yellow first too
13450842, Any jack Daniels fans? Anybody in the market for Jack Daniels 10 yr?
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Wed Dec-29-21 08:52 PM
I found a case at a local grocery store for a decent price. In the secondary market Ive seen them go for as much as $220.

Id move one to someone here shipped for $170. In transparency, MSRP on it is 70-80

Review here: https://www.breakingbourbon.com/review/jack-daniels-10-year-tennessee-whiskey-2021
13450906, Secondary market is the wild west. Sadly, it's affecting retail
Posted by spenzalii, Fri Dec-31-21 12:36 PM
I really hate seeing a bottle with a reasonable MSRP being sold 3-5x that on the open market, but hate it even more when the stores do the same. I totally get supply and demand, and get the more reviews and online mentions something gets drives the interest and price up. Still... JB 10 year is selling for waaaaaaay more than it should at retail or secondary. Weller? Stagg Jr? Blantons? GTFOH with the price delta between MSRP and what you can actually find it at.

You end up balancing how much you see a bottle for in your area, how often you can find it, and how much you are willing to pay for it. Recent example: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel. MESP should be under $50. It's not allocated, per se. However, you can't find it often in my area, and when you do, it's been $150-$225. That's more than I'm willing to part with. But, last week, I found a bottle being sold for $75, which I snapped up.
13451057, That's how they do Old Forrester 1910 in my area
Posted by Sleepy300, Tue Jan-04-22 11:49 AM
Same with Buffalo Trace...they don't sell that here for some odd reason..but if I drive to the DMV, they have it no problem o_O
13451359, Wow. They doing the Whiskey Row series like that?
Posted by spenzalii, Sat Jan-08-22 12:00 PM
Those are usually pretty easily found in most stores in our area. There's about a $25 delta I've seen between low end ($45-49) and high end ($65-$70) on any of the Whiskey Row series (1870, 1897, 1910, 1920). That's reasonable. Now, finding any of the special Single Barrel, Barrel Proof or Birthday bottles is an exercise in futility. But with the core range so good, it doesn't bother me nearly as much
13451347, Gentlemen Jack is one of my defaults I’ve tasted some of the…
Posted by ThaTruth, Fri Jan-07-22 08:54 PM
“high end” stuff but it really didn’t wind my watch

Most people that I know that like Jack like regular Old No.7 lol
13450990, Uncle Nearest 1856, Blade & Bow, Suntory, Mitchers...
Posted by CyrenYoung, Mon Jan-03-22 12:53 PM
..Old Forester, Knob Creek, Bulliet.

My preferences: toasted oak, smokey, savory.


*skatin' the rings of saturn*


..and miles to go before i sleep...
13450998, what are you thoughts on the Nearest 1884?
Posted by Sleepy300, Mon Jan-03-22 02:06 PM
I haven't tried Mitchers just yet
13451021, Light, mellow, and easy...
Posted by CyrenYoung, Mon Jan-03-22 06:57 PM
..not as heavy or robust as their other selections.

*Mitcher's has a wonderful bitter/bold balance.


*skatin' the rings of saturn*


..and miles to go before i sleep...
13451036, Michters US-1 American Whiskey is fantastic
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Jan-04-22 01:47 AM
If I could find and afford it (prices vary, but I've seen $40-$60) I'd have it as a 'daily' drink. Out of their four core bottles (rye, bourbon, American, sour mash), this is my favorite.
13451056, Noted...thanks fellaz
Posted by Sleepy300, Tue Jan-04-22 11:46 AM
Always looking to expand the palette. As we've discussed a few weeks back, Woodford Double Oak is my current go to but don't want to get stagnant. I've had both Uncle Nearest's but that was around the first summer of the Pandemic..so 2020? May be worth a revisit...

Mitchers is now on the list of 'to do's', LOL
13451357, I have the Nearest 1856, kinda heavy but cool
Posted by ThaTruth, Sat Jan-08-22 11:06 AM
13451417, Update: Got a bottle of Mitchers US-1 and Eagle Rare this past weekend....
Posted by Sleepy300, Mon Jan-10-22 12:24 PM
Both were pretty damn good. With Mitchers Small Batch, I got an oak, peppery vibe on the palette. Definitely fit the winter vibe. Eagle Rare was smooth like Gary Coleman though, lol. Had more of a caramel/vanilla flavor. I think this one would be more spring or Fall.

Net - both are added to the rotation. Although Eagle Rare is from the Buffalo Trace family which they don't sell in NC for whatever reason so I'll have to catch it on times where they rarely have it in the store.

Once again, good looking out on the options fellaz.
13451016, Picked up a bottle of Wright & Brown Rye Whiskey yesterday
Posted by vik, Mon Jan-03-22 05:57 PM
distilled here in Oakland, CA. Will likely crack it later tonight ..
13452341, Fuck is my eyes seeing right now?!?!? (c)Q-Tip
Posted by Dstl1, Fri Jan-21-22 09:58 PM
https://www.totalwine.com/spirits/scotch/single-malt/balvenie-30-yr/p/20051750
13452342, Much difference between the Woodford Reserve Double Oakes…
Posted by Dstl1, Fri Jan-21-22 11:36 PM
and the Select…besides $20? Want the Old Forester 1910, but can’t find that joint around me…only the 1920.
13452358, If you can't find 1910, the Woodford Double Oak is the one you want
Posted by spenzalii, Sat Jan-22-22 11:45 AM
The selects don't spend time in another barrel like the Double Oak, which gives it that taste. 1920 is totally different. If memory serves, that tastes closer to Knob Creek, which I'm not a huge fan of. I may have to do a whiskey flight to verify because I would rather buy WRDO or 1910
13452365, Listen to this man ^^^^
Posted by Sleepy300, Sat Jan-22-22 02:44 PM
I was talking about this very trade off earlier in the post. 1910 is rare in my area (NC) too for whatever reason but we have 1920 and it doesn't taste the same. I would say if you can't find 1910...get Woodford Double Oak or Noble Oak (which is cheaper).

13452344, ok hold up
Posted by will_5198, Sat Jan-22-22 12:12 AM
I haven't really bought much whisky in the last four years, but WTF happened to the market? fucking regular Buffalo Trace is sold out everywhere? an insane resale market with a bunch of Rudy Kurniawan fakes?

I remember when Pappy and Japanese whisky went crazy, but now we're at the point where $25 bourbons I used to see lined up by the dozens are now unattainable and double the price when allocated?

somebody explain this shit to me
13452357, RE: ok hold up
Posted by ThaTruth, Sat Jan-22-22 10:37 AM
>I haven't really bought much whisky in the last four years,
>but WTF happened to the market? fucking regular Buffalo Trace
>is sold out everywhere? an insane resale market with a bunch
>of Rudy Kurniawan fakes?
>
>I remember when Pappy and Japanese whisky went crazy, but now
>we're at the point where $25 bourbons I used to see lined up
>by the dozens are now unattainable and double the price when
>allocated?
>
>somebody explain this shit to me

I think more people started stocking their home bars during the pandemic, I've seen a lot of regular shit sold out for months.
13452798, Wifey bought me a little drink cart...
Posted by Dstl1, Sun Jan-30-22 03:14 PM
as a surprise. She's always whining about not being able to get gifts for me, because I buy everything I want. I went to do some stuff, yesterday and when I got home and came downstairs, she had it put together. I'm extra surprised, because she can't keep a secret for shit, lol. She did good though. Here's my setup and tiny collection, so far.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2747/q8tYiG.jpg
13452805, Nice. Got 3 great bottles down there too
Posted by spenzalii, Sun Jan-30-22 08:55 PM
Now buy one of those small ice makers and you'll be set
13452806, mini fridge is just to the left…got the ice spheres on deck
Posted by Dstl1, Sun Jan-30-22 09:10 PM
.
13452807, good looks on that EW Bottled in Bond…
Posted by Dstl1, Sun Jan-30-22 09:11 PM
it’s good as shit and went for the low, low.
13452851, Glad to be of service
Posted by spenzalii, Mon Jan-31-22 03:11 PM
That EW White Label is hard to beat at the price. Now, as long as it stays on the low and not suddenly get all expensive
13452803, good single malt or quality bourbon are goats in the field imo
Posted by PG, Sun Jan-30-22 07:03 PM
fuck that white liquor with mix... sippin on something serious is a pleasure.. moderation and you ain't got shit to fear.. go hard and you'll pay tho.
13453858, Sagamore Spirit Double Oak - winner
Posted by spenzalii, Wed Feb-16-22 08:58 PM
If you think rye may be too spicy for you, or like Woodford Double Oaked but want something with a little more variety, this bottle has your name on it. It's not as good as 1910, but its definitely has a spot on my bar stand
13453919, Fam, how does it compare with the Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye?
Posted by Dstl1, Fri Feb-18-22 02:55 AM
been looking at that one as my first rye.
13453967, That Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye is something different
Posted by spenzalii, Fri Feb-18-22 01:52 PM
Real talk, that is one of my favorites. It's just not the easiest to get a hold of in my area. But that bottle is absolutely recommended.

The Sangamore is a little different. Not as high proof, not as complex. That one is more a dip your foot in the water rye. Rare Breed is cannon ball rye.

Alternative I'd recommend: High West Double Rye. Punches well above its price range and weight.

Alternative I wouldn't recommend: Angels Envy Rye. A bit too sweet, and not in a good way. For the same price, that Rare Breed beats the brakes off it every day and twice on Sunday.
13454014, So, check this…
Posted by Dstl1, Sat Feb-19-22 06:45 AM
right now, I’m growing my little collection. I have currently:
A nice, funky Jamaican rum (Smith and Cross)
A dark cherry vanilla, Canadian whiskey…it’s really some bullshit that just caught my eye
4 bourbons (EW Bottled in Bond, WR Double Oaked, Old Forester 1910, Yellowstone Single Barrel Handpicked Collection)
1 Tennessee whiskey (George Dickel Tennessee Sour Mash)
1 Japanese whiskey (Suntori Toki)
My plan is to cop a good Scotch, Irish and a rye…then chill for now. It’s literally just me and I don’t drink everyday. One of my close homeboys moved to South Carolina and the other, who lives here, doesn’t drink. I’ve been reading a ton of “must have” lists. Shoot me your three best recs for Irish and Scotch.
13454015, Depends on price point
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Sat Feb-19-22 07:22 AM
But Irish

I’d put a redbreast on the cart. The core line is the redbreast 12 and you should be able to get it for 60ish

As an alternative I’d recommend Green Spot or Method and Madness. All 3 of these brands come out of the Middleton distillery- but these two will be harder to find. Another one you might come across is Writer’s tears.

In terms of scotch there’s so much. A classic expression might be Glenmorangie 10
If you don’t mind paying around 80 - and Oban 12 is something you also can’t go wrong with. My boy in Cali find Oban 12 at Costco for 60something and stocks up as his daily scotch.
A scotch I will always have in my cart is Aardberg Uigeadail. It’ll taste so different from anything on your cart- but may be an acquired taste with all the smoke and peat. I love that shot but I can’t drink it everyday. But it’s one of those pours where some nights I want nothing else but Uigeadail. Ardbeg makes some other good stuff in the 55-65 range.

Rye- as named above, High West makes a lot of good rye at good prices. If you can find it— Nashville Barrell Company has a very good Rye called duet that comes in between $55-75.
If you don’t mind your Rye being from NYC, check out Fort Hamilton’s Rye. I actually know the guy who owns the distillery. Before I got into whiskey I coached his son on a soccer team. But their bottles should be $40-$50 and he made the Minnick top 100 list this year.

Some find the Minnick list controversial. I think it’s a great starting point.
Speaking of- a rye that was one of the most talked about this year (#3 on the lis) is Barrel Seagrass. I like it a lot but it isn’t a classic Rye.

Next time you need to refill your Japanese- a great 70-90 bottle would be
nikka by the barrel
Or Nikka Coffey Grain or Coffey Malt

Cheers!




Fred Minnick's Best Bourbon: Top 100 American Whiskeys 2021

Just watched some of the YouTube and figured I would compile/repost the list for the TLDRs

(https://youtu.be/lKjUfemKfSI)

```
100. BALCONES WHEATED BOURBON
99. BANNER WHEAT WHISKEY
98. FORT HAMILTON DOUBLE BARREL
97. SAGAMORE SPIRIT BOTTLED IN BOND
96. LEGENDS SINGLE BARREL
95. WHISKEY ACRES MAPLE FINISH
94. ELIJAHCRAIGB521
93. BUZZARD'S ROOST TOASTED
92. CUTWATER DEVIL'S SHARE
91. GRAND TETON CORN WHISKEY
90. WILDERNESS TRAIL BIB 2021

89. KENTUCKY PEERLESS SMALL BATCH
88. DAVIES DOUBLE BARREL
87. IRONROOT HARBINGER
86. PINHOOK BOURBON WAR
85. OLD ELK SOUR MASH RESERVE
84. BOONE COUNTY WHEATED
83. KINGS FAMILY TENNESSEE BOURBON
82. WOODINVILLE SHERRY FINISH
81. ST. AUGUSTINE PORT FINISHED BOURBON
80. 291 E COLORADO WHISKEY BATCH 8

79. VIRGINIA DISTILLERY COURAGE & CONVICTION
78. ELIAH CRAIG C921
77. SPIRITS OF FRENCH LICK WILLIAM DALTON
76. BOOKER'S 2021-04
75. DOC SWINSON'S ALTER EGO
74. BRADSHAW BOURBON BATCH 4
73. KINGS COUNTY DISTILLERY EMPIRE RYE
72. SPIRIT WORKS DISTILLERY STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY
71. NELSON'S GREEN BRIER TENNESSEE WHISKEY
70. IRONROOT HUBRIS

69. LONE ELM WHEAT WHISKEY
68. WHISKEY ACRES BLUE POPCORN BOURBON
67. LEE W.SINCLAIR 4 GRAIN BOURBON - BOTTLED IN BOND
66. HORSE SOLDIER PREMIUM SPRING 2021
65. MILAM & GREENE PORT FINISH RYE
64. OLD LINE SINGLE MALT, MADERA FINISH
63. NASHVILLE BARREL COMPANY TENNESSEE CASK
62. BARDSTOWN BOURBON COMPANY FUSION NO.5
61. FOUR GATE RUBY RYE BATCH 11
60. NEW RIFF RED TURKEY WHEATED

59. BARRELL BATCH 28
58. LARCENY C921
57. JEFFERSON'S RESERVE PRITCHARD HILL CABERNET CASK FINISH
56. O.H INGRAM RIVER AGED FLAGSHIP
55. DAD'S HAT BOTTLED IN BOND
54. AUGUSTA BUCKNER 13 YEAR
53. WESTLAND PEAT WEEK
52. WESTWARD CASK STRENGTH SINGLE MALT
51. BLUE RUN KENTUCKY STRAIGHT HIGH RYE BOURBON
50. LIBERTY POLE SPIRITS PEATED RYE WHISKEY

49. FOUR GATE BLUEGRASS TRILOGY I
48. HARD TRUTH SWEET MASH RYE BATCH1
47. PENELOPE 4 GRAIN CASK STRENGTH
46. SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT 5 YEAR OLD BOURBON
45. BLOOD OATH PACT 7
44. RABBIT HOLE BOXER GRAIL
43. KINGS COUNTY CASK STRENGTH
42. KENTUCKY SENATOR 15 YEAR OLD
41. CHATTANOOGA WHISKEY BOTTLED IN BOND BOURBON
40. SWEETENS COVE

39. BLACKENED CASK STRENGTH BATCH 106
38. HIGH PLAINS RYE
37. DETTLING 72 MONTH
36. UNCLE NEAREST MASTER'S BLEND
35. HUBER'S STARLIGHT DISTILLERY SINGLE BARREL
34. BARRELL BATCH 27
33. FOUR ROSES LIMITED EDITION SMALL BATCH
32. SMOKE WAGON UNCUT BATCH 25
31. LEOPOLD BROS. THREE CHAMBER RYE
30. YELLOWSTONE, ARMAGNAC FINISH

29. JEFFERSON'S RYE, COGNAC FINISH
28. A SMITH BOWMAN CASK STRENGTH
27. MICHTER'S10 YEAR RYE
26. MAKER'S MARK FAE-2
25. GARRISON BROS. LAGUNA MADRE
24. BARRELL BATCH 30
23. DICKEL / LEOPOLD BROTHERS THREE CHAMBER COLLAB
22. STAGGJR.BATCH16
21. WILLIAM LARUE WELLER
20. PARKER'S WHEAT WHISKEY

19. THOMAS HANDY RYE
18. MICHTER'S10 YEAR BOURBON
17. SAZERAC 18 YEAR OLD
16. BLUE NOTE 17 YEAR OLD
15. NEW RIFF MALTED RYE
14. OLD FITZGERALD 11 YEAR SPRING
13. OLD FITZGERALD 11 YEAR FALL
12. BOOKER'S 2021-03
11. WILD TURKEY MASTER'S KEEP ONE

10. JACK DANIELS 10YR
9. BARDSTOWN TRIPLE STAVE
8. KEUIPER BELT 8 YR
7. ANGELS ENVY MADEIRA CASK FINISH
6. OLD FORESTER BIRTHDAY BOURBON
5. REMUS REPEAL V
4. EAGLE RARE 17
3. LITTLE BOOK CHAPTER 5
2. BARRELL SEAGRASS
1. RUSSEL'S RESERVE 13
```

Edit #1: Fixed formatting (copied from text editor)

Edit #2: Fixed 30-39

Edit #3: Fixed "DETTLING 12 MONTH" to "72 MONTH" which OCR and I missed
13454018, yoooooo, good lookin out...
Posted by Dstl1, Sat Feb-19-22 08:40 AM
definitely what I needed. I'm not out here making it rain at the liquor store, but I have no problem dropping a hundo on a bottle. I might hit Costco, this afternoon to see what they are working with. That's where I got my first bottle, the Four Roses joint. They had a ton of stuff, but I wasn't sure how to proceed. I'm armed with a lot more knowledge now. Thanks again, bro. On a funny note...I was recently reading online a list of essential Scotch to have and Ardbeg Uiegedail was on there. Dude said of it:
“If you’re doing entertaining, you need a bottle like this in your bar,” says Tardie. “Crack the bottle, pour a glass and watch your friends look around for a fire extinguisher. This is a big, bold peated scotch that’s not for the faint of heart. I personally love it. Not always, but on a cold night, nothing warms me better than a nice glass of Ardbeg. The Uigeadail takes on some of the flavor from the sherry casks that it has been aged in. It delivers almost a salty-sweet combo that leaves a finish that lasts for what seems like hours.” How’s that for a party trick?
13454202, Great picks above, for sure
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Feb-22-22 01:01 PM
Scotch is a huge field for sure. I definitely dig the Aardbeg as suggested and need to get another bottle. Also highly recommend Lagavulin 16, which is as classic a peated scotch as you can find. If you're not going for peat I suggest Glenlevit 15 or Glenfiddich 18.

>Next time you need to refill your Japanese- a great 70-90 bottle would >be nikka by the barrel Or Nikka Coffey Grain or Coffey Malt

Both Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt slap. By The Barrel is a little harder to find in my area, but worth it if you can find it (if just for the square bottle). They feel like a step between Irish and Scotch, but very much it's own elegant thing.
13453933, I havent bought a new bottle for myself in 2022
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Feb-18-22 09:08 AM
Ive been leveraging deals I found in Cali, Secondary market, and my open bottles for trades.

Through all the trading of Jack Daniels 10 that I had,

I came up on EH Taylor Small batch, Midwinter's Night act 7, and Knob Creek 15 Store pick.

When I make these deals I always try to trade open samples
so I've gotten a bunch of stuff I couldnt find or buy otherwise.

Remus Reserve
Sam Houston 15
Russells Reserve Store Picks

Im going upstate with my boy this week and we are excited to try a Wild Turkey Flight I have which includes the illustrious Russell's 13

Russell's 13
Wild Turkey Master's keep 17
Russell's Reserve Store Pick from Queens
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
13454019, that's kinda ill that there are marketplaces for trading...
Posted by Dstl1, Sat Feb-19-22 08:52 AM
I never really thought about it, in the context of whiskey. Is there some kind of middleman, for lack of a better term, that makes sure both parties receive what they are supposed to receive?
13454024, I wish more liquor stores operated the way this lady runs hers (link)
Posted by guru0509, Sat Feb-19-22 12:28 PM

https://youtu.be/xRsF7nKea98?t=80


>I never really thought about it, in the context of whiskey.
>Is there some kind of middleman, for lack of a better term,
>that makes sure both parties receive what they are supposed to
>receive?
13454027, BREH!!!! She is amazing...
Posted by Dstl1, Sat Feb-19-22 01:02 PM
I would give her store all my money, LOL.
13454205, im not far but i rarely go that way
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Feb-22-22 01:31 PM
If I was around, I would make it a pointto stop by
13454204, RE: that's kinda ill that there are marketplaces for trading...
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Feb-22-22 01:31 PM
>I never really thought about it, in the context of whiskey.
>Is there some kind of middleman, for lack of a better term,
>that makes sure both parties receive what they are supposed to
>receive?

Im a part of some local facebook groups and its the trust of a small local community.

Ive sold a couple things and then asked "hey do you wnat to trade a few samples, here is what I have open"

Both times I was met with open arms. Am i 100% sure they are trading what they say? Probably not - but not far off. The main groupo where I participate in is geared towards drinkers and people who want to try and experience stuff--not just flip and have whiskey museums.

If someone in these local groups scammed another, you could report them and they would be banned.
13454023, I work for a Japanese company, and their whiskeys are so floral/fragrant
Posted by guru0509, Sat Feb-19-22 12:25 PM
before Covid when office parties and gatherings were a crucial part of team building, they would break out all kinds of bottles on Fridays after our last team meetings

They honestly taste nothing like the whiskeys I grew up with in an Indian household

I dont know how to describe it but they taste like elixirs or potions

my favorites ( i don't own any of these, just tasted them in various settings..if i bought japanese whiskeys id be posting from AA in a few weeks, theyre that tasty)

Yamazaki single malt 12 years old (had this at my boss house)

suntory hibiki

chita single grain

nikka non peated yochi




>Not really a drinker like that but this colleague gave me
>this bottle of Balvenie...like almost a year ago and I finally
>took a few shots last week. I like the smoothness of it but I
>really like the BUZZ it gives me. This shit is dangerous, I
>can see why folks get caught up. Single malt (whatever the
>fuck that mens etc lol) is now my shit fo-eva..forever? for
>Eva Eva?Yeah
13454069, Copped two bottles...
Posted by Dstl1, Sun Feb-20-22 06:10 PM
High West Double Rye...damn, Rye hits different. Copped at Total Wine, last night. Makes a damn good Old Fashioned.

Belvanie Caribbean Cask 14 Year. I'd seen this on some lists of must have Scotches and was intrigued by it. Apparently, it's not easy to find. I started seeing it online for resale prices. Dude at Total Wine, last night told me they hope to have some bottles, next month. Ran inside an around the way liquor store today and there it was...on the wall, behind the counter...for $80. I copped and there was one left. The sneakerhead in me nearly bought that one on some flip it for profit shit. I chilled. Maybe someone else looking for it, will stumble upon it like I did.
13454078, Damn, I didn’t know the story behind Uncle Nearest….
Posted by Dstl1, Sun Feb-20-22 10:57 PM
copping both their offerings, on the strength. Will also be planning a weekend trip to Shelbyville, this summer.
13454089, Bruh..that story + first summer of Covid being trapped in the crib
Posted by Sleepy300, Mon Feb-21-22 10:40 AM
Is what got me turned on to Bourbon vs Scotch I had been drinking up until that point. I prefer the OG 1856 over the 1884 but they are both good.

Let us know what you think fam.
13454209, Sold out at both my around the way stores…
Posted by Dstl1, Tue Feb-22-22 01:54 PM
the second one, was the one where I found the Belvanie 14 year Caribbean Cask and dude was like “the manufacturer is out of stock”. Read something later on in the Reddit whiskey sub, that echoed that. Total Wine say they got em on the shelf, so maybe I’ll slide through and see.
13454211, yep I think there has been some kind of production shortage recently
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Feb-22-22 01:57 PM
I see them around still - but I think stores arent getting new bottles
13454207, yep. I actually like the blakc label (cheaper version ) better
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Tue Feb-22-22 01:40 PM
Its a great drinker to always have on the shelf when you cna find it in the 40s.

Speaking of check this event. My local group (named above) posted this.

May be of interest to yall. Its technically Free and tomorrow night:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/looking-back-and-surging-forward-the-uncle-nearest-legacy-six-years-in-tickets-258383210137

13454270, ^^^^^bump for the event tonight (its free)
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Wed Feb-23-22 12:16 PM
13454090, Tried Angel's Envy...wasn't feeling it
Posted by Sleepy300, Mon Feb-21-22 10:47 AM
Missed the fine print where it has Port...sighs...same thing happened to me when I tried Basil Hayden Dark Rye :-\

Port casks in bourbon is definitely an acquired taste - I couldn't get with it. In NC, Angel's Envy is one of those elusive ones so when I saw it, I copped it off the strength of that...I know better now, lol.
13454203, I like the bourbon well enough, don't like the rye.
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Feb-22-22 01:06 PM
I'd keep AE for people that say they don't like dark or bourbon. It's usually a safe gateway that's crowd friendly. For my personal drinking? Too many other bottles I like better, but it has it's place. That AE rye, on the other hand? Definitely not my jam. Bought it once, never need to do so again

Now that Basil Hayden Dark Rye? Yeah, I got duped on that one too. Almost poured it out. Won't be doing that again.
13454389, The Uncle nearest podcast
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Thu Feb-24-22 12:41 PM
last night there were tech difficulties so they had to record it and post it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHnEPFOFP1I
13454416, It started before I was off, last night…
Posted by Dstl1, Thu Feb-24-22 01:55 PM
so thanks! Watching it now.
13454427, She said it’s possible every distillery in Kentucky, had a Nearest
Posted by Dstl1, Thu Feb-24-22 02:43 PM
.
13454429, Damn, they spittin, talking about rebranding problematic names
Posted by Dstl1, Thu Feb-24-22 03:03 PM
.
13454477, i listened to the first 15
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Thu Feb-24-22 07:46 PM
but had to get back to work. I liked where she was headed. I just cant focus when I have things playing
13455248, finally got my hands on a bottle of Uncle Nearest 1856
Posted by Dstl1, Mon Mar-07-22 02:17 PM
them joints were literally disappearing in real time. Went to a TW, that said it was in stock. Didn't see it. Dude came by to help and I told him what I was looking for. He looked it up on his hand-held inventory jawn and was like "it says I have 2". After 5 minutes of looking and walking around...nope. Gone. Looked up a second TW that said they had them in stock, but instead of driving over there, I decided to order it for curbside pickup. Ordered it right there from my phone before I left the first store. Paid in full. By the time I even left the parking lot, I got a phone call from TW saying the order I placed was being cancelled because the item is not in stock. Fast forward a week...end up finding it at the smallest, hole in the wall spot around our way. I wasn't even looking for it, either. Went in there with my wife because they always have this flavor or Ciroc that she likes. Took a walk down the whiskey isle and there it was. They had two bottles. I copped BOFEM. Made a mean Old Fashioned, last night. Haven't sipped it straight, yet...but, I was pleased.
13455259, LOL nice...glad you enjoyed it homie
Posted by Sleepy300, Mon Mar-07-22 03:31 PM
13455272, RE: finally got my hands on a bottle of Uncle Nearest 1856
Posted by ThaTruth, Mon Mar-07-22 09:11 PM
>them joints were literally disappearing in real time. Went
>to a TW, that said it was in stock. Didn't see it. Dude came
>by to help and I told him what I was looking for. He looked
>it up on his hand-held inventory jawn and was like "it says I
>have 2". After 5 minutes of looking and walking
>around...nope. Gone. Looked up a second TW that said they
>had them in stock, but instead of driving over there, I
>decided to order it for curbside pickup. Ordered it right
>there from my phone before I left the first store. Paid in
>full. By the time I even left the parking lot, I got a phone
>call from TW saying the order I placed was being cancelled
>because the item is not in stock. Fast forward a week...end
>up finding it at the smallest, hole in the wall spot around
>our way. I wasn't even looking for it, either. Went in there
>with my wife because they always have this flavor or Ciroc
>that she likes. Took a walk down the whiskey isle and there
>it was. They had two bottles. I copped BOFEM. Made a mean
>Old Fashioned, last night. Haven't sipped it straight,
>yet...but, I was pleased.

yeah its wild how sometimes you find stuff like in places where nobody knows what it is lol
13455275, they had it in the meijer near me once
Posted by Rjcc, Tue Mar-08-22 07:12 AM
I bought one bottle and have never seen it in stock there again

www.engadgethd.com - the other stuff i'm looking at
13455305, I've tried the 1856 and 1884 last year. Honestly? Weren't my bag
Posted by spenzalii, Tue Mar-08-22 01:35 PM
They weren't bad by any stretch. Just not something my palate preferred at the moment. I feel like I'm sinning against the culture by saying that too..

I may give it another whirl next month. Worst case, if I still don't dig it I'll save it for people that come to the house
13456134, I didn't know anything about Fred Minnick...
Posted by Dstl1, Tue Mar-22-22 04:17 PM
before Shawn introduced me to him, with that Top 100 Bourbon list. Recently I got an email from TW with some of his "top picks". I was reading the reviews like...yeah, TW must have thrown him a bag. I must not be alone in that thought, cuz they are frying him on Reddit, over these picks of "his":

I'm not whiskey expert, by any means, but this one made me laugh out loud:
“Notes of applesauce and elements of grain with a kind of oatmeal/oat milk finish. A younger bourbon that you might enjoy if you like something a little more intense.”

https://www.totalwine.com/content/trending/fred-minnicks-whiskey-picks
13456142, https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/tjnl2e/that_check_must_have_been_pretty_nice_to/
Posted by Dstl1, Tue Mar-22-22 04:48 PM
https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/comments/tjnl2e/that_check_must_have_been_pretty_nice_to/
13456150, I spelled whiskey wrong. Can admin fix it please?
Posted by rdhull, Tue Mar-22-22 08:57 PM
13456166, my brother got me a bottle of redbreast 12 for my birthday
Posted by makaveli, Wed Mar-23-22 09:58 AM
trying to hold off until we move into our new place, but looking forward to cracking it open.
13456439, So, I’ve realized I really like rye…
Posted by Dstl1, Sun Mar-27-22 04:39 PM
like, a lot. The bottle of High West Double Rye I grabbed was getting some work. I decided to step up a bit…and picked up a bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. It’s barrel proof and it lets you know it, right away. The nose is strong, but not straight lighter fluid strong. It’s a lot to it. The burn comes on quick, but it doesn’t hang around super long. Still trying to figure out everything going on with the finish.
13456704, Two of my faves there
Posted by spenzalii, Mon Mar-28-22 12:20 PM
I've got to get another RB Rye. They got harder to find as of late. The Double Rye is what turned me on to rye in the first place. The blend has changed from their original bottlings, but it's still super good.
13470843, stumbled upon an IW Harper 15 Year today
Posted by cgonz00cc, Thu Oct-13-22 09:52 PM
W
13470856, went to a whiskey bar in Ohio
Posted by legsdiamond, Fri Oct-14-22 07:26 AM
I lived in Kentucky for a few years and remembered our guide at the college telling us tobacco and whiskey is what Kentucky is known for.. I laughed and dude was like, “no, seriously, its what we do”

anyway, not sure whiskey is my thing but I can buy a bottle and it will definitely sit on the shelf for a while because its not something I can binge or go in on.. gotta sip that shit sloooooow
13475383, A few, new bottles...
Posted by Dstl1, Thu Dec-22-22 02:14 PM
I got an alert, the other day that Uncle Nearest Rye was available on the site. I copped a bottle of that. UPS says it will be here Saturday, so I might bust it open on Christmas.
https://unclenearest.reservebar.com/products/uncle-nearest-straight-rye-whiskey

I worked with a guy at one of our dealer partners on a pretty fucked up claim and throughout our many phone conversations, we started talking whiskey. Dude sends me two bottles to the office. I don't know much about either, but a very cool gesture.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9821/kFQlPR.jpg
13475425, Heard about that Nearest Rye. May check it out
Posted by spenzalii, Fri Dec-23-22 10:53 AM
Got to make a stop at a store this evening. If the price is right, I'll pick it up. If it's close to the RB Rye, well, I know which I'll be choosing

I've had a Heaven's Door before, but couldn't remember which. Enjoy and report back
13475433, Nice...
Posted by Sleepy300, Fri Dec-23-22 12:57 PM
I've been sipping on the Heaven's Door Single barrel cask strength so clocking in around 119 proof. Let us know what you think about that double barrel...never had the other one either so I'm curious.

Enjoy homie
13475429, Picked up a bottle of Green Spot this week
Posted by makaveli, Fri Dec-23-22 11:48 AM
My bottle of Redbreast is also low. I love them both but prefer the Green Spot. I even got my wife to start drinking it and she doesn’t really drink much.
13476179, I noticed them sipping some Uncle Nearest on Best Man Final Chapters.
Posted by soulfunk, Thu Jan-05-23 07:01 PM
Thought that was a nice touch. They had the 1884 bottle.
13476181, The props/set dressers/scenic depts thank you for noticing...
Posted by CyrenYoung, Thu Jan-05-23 07:12 PM
..quite a few product placements in that series lol.


*skatin' the rings of saturn*


..and miles to go before i sleep...
13476727, That product placement worked too - I immediately made an
Posted by soulfunk, Fri Jan-13-23 02:30 PM
Uncle Nearest Old Fashioned right after seeing it in that scene.
13476635, LOL I peeped that...I thought that was dopeAF
Posted by Sleepy300, Thu Jan-12-23 02:14 PM
13476726, Yep - it wasn't called out or anything, really subtle but nice.
Posted by soulfunk, Fri Jan-13-23 02:27 PM
13476305, Tried that Nearest Rye. It's...interesting
Posted by spenzalii, Sat Jan-07-23 10:47 AM
I got a TON of butterscotch and ethanol on the nose and palate. It's not bad, but it is very case specific. Worst I can say is it could stand a bit more aging, which may knock down the ethanol. But if you like the flavor profile or the brand, have at it. I'd buy it every day over, say, Angel's Envy Rye without thinking twice, if that means anything.

That said, if I'm going for a rye this wouldn't be the first bottle I went for, both in flavor or price (or area). Low end, WT 101 Rye, Old Forrester Rye or High West Double Rye! would be my jam. At the Nearest Rye's price point, Rare Breed Rye or Sangamore Spirits Double Oaked Rye would be in my glass. I believe Nearest sources their rye from Canada, and I'd find a bottle of Lot 40 and be happy. Any of those have a wider flavor profile than the Nearest rye, to me. I'll probably get another bottle to have, but I wouldn't say it's the best representation of rye whisky if you're trying to dip your toe in it.
13476640, man, whiskey is SO subjective...
Posted by Dstl1, Thu Jan-12-23 02:36 PM
I really liked it. Put a little dent in the bottle over NYE weekend. It's not a kick in the ass like my Wild Turkey Rare Breed, but I think I like it a little more than my High West Double Rye. You sorta said the same about one of the UN bourbons. Might just be they aren't really for you, in general. Same way I see folks on Reddit rave about Redbreast 12 and if I could give my bottle to someone, I would. Copped some Writer's Tears Double Oak and instantly loved it.
13476655, I'd gladly take that Redbreast off your hands sir...
Posted by spenzalii, Thu Jan-12-23 04:25 PM
Yeah, everything ain't for everybody, and that's fine. There's so many bottles out there you can find what you like and stay with it.

I did finish my UN Rye, but on the reup WT101 Rye was on my bar cart.
13476659, fam, let's link. I'll send you that jawn...
Posted by Dstl1, Thu Jan-12-23 04:45 PM
on some Happy New Year steez. I can use the box they shipped my Uncle Nearest Rye to me in. Something told me it would come in handy. Hit me on the inbox, my guy.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3289/vHmoce.jpg
13476717, have you had the willett 6 year rye?
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Jan-13-23 01:31 PM
13476720, nope...
Posted by Dstl1, Fri Jan-13-23 02:05 PM
but, I'm reading up on it right now and I am...intrigued, lol.
13476722, its one of the core ryes that people look for
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Jan-13-23 02:09 PM
>but, I'm reading up on it right now and I am...intrigued,
>lol.

its a good one to have on your shelf. People will try and sell it for 85+, but if you're patient, I think you should be able to find it in the 60s.
13476716, I almost bought it off the strength of how pretty that bottle is
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Jan-13-23 01:30 PM
Ive only seen it in one store-- so I came close-- but as I said above-- staying disciplined for home buying
13476721, LMAO, it really is a pretty bottle...
Posted by Dstl1, Fri Jan-13-23 02:08 PM
that's definitely a woman's touch...and I don't say that jokingly. My wife was right there when I unboxed mine and her first (and only) comment was...."that's a gorgeous bottle!"
13476715, Took my boy here on a BBQ/Whiskey crawl last weekend
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Jan-13-23 01:29 PM
https://www.sanfordsnyc.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/WHISKY.pdf
This menu is so extensive and the prices are reasonable-- itd be trouble if I lived nearby.

I havnet ppicked up any new bottles for myself in 4-5 months I think because this house hunt were in the middle of. Though for this friend's birthday we chipped him and got him the new Makers makr wood finishing series -- which are definitely good
13476723, Here is what we got to try between the 3 of us
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Jan-13-23 02:23 PM
Heaven Hill 17
Hirsch 28 yr
Magnus Cigar Blend batch 39
Old Carter 13 yr old
Kentucky Owl 11 yr rye
Buffalo trace Orphan Barrel - Rhetoric 22yr


Some really good pours all around
13476724, and how can I forget the old Fitz 11
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Jan-13-23 02:25 PM
That pour was actually worth all the hype I see around it. Would I pay 1000? No. But if I ever see it anywhere near MSRP i will buy on sight
13476729, Kentucky Owl is held in high regard on Bourboun Reddit..
Posted by Dstl1, Fri Jan-13-23 02:40 PM
I haven't had the opportunity as of yet.
13476735, never seen a Japanese distillery map
Posted by T Reynolds, Fri Jan-13-23 03:37 PM
pretty dope
13476737, ain't that bad ass???
Posted by Dstl1, Fri Jan-13-23 03:57 PM
.
13476901, got that Uncle Nearest 1842..damn this is smooth af
Posted by rdhull, Wed Jan-18-23 10:43 PM
Bought a cigat too to enjoy
Made an Old Fashioned
then two other small pours
yo...smooth as fuck..nice..maybe too nice for this lightweight
cooter brown status lol
13481060, Finally hit up the Uncle Nearest distillery...
Posted by Dstl1, Sat Mar-18-23 11:54 AM
originally, I was supposed to go last year as a Father's Day gift from my wife, but Covid put me out of commission for a good minute. The tour guide was a beast. Young dude, but he was kicking facts. It started with him taking us into a recreated speakeasy. Everything in there had different pieces of symbolism built into it. He talked about the suffrage and temperance movements and how they related to prohibition and ultimately women being able to vote.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1466/iFuv2f.jpg

After that we watched a video...which honestly got me a little choked up towards the end.
https://vimeo.com/325286687

We saw the still, well one of them and the building where the barrels are aged. The building is not climate controlled so that the varying temperatures can act on the barrels in different ways...all to make the finished product what it is. The final stop was...you guessed it...the tasting. My wife isn't a whiskey drinker (which is good because we were headed to Memphis, right after the tour and she definitely needed to start off driving) but I knocked off all my little shots...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/6404/q3e4I4.jpg.

Overall, it was really enlightening and worth the trip. I end up spending way too much at the gift store 🙃...that included a miniature aging barrel to start an infinity barrel with...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/1413/z6ajVN.jpg

After dropping a little bread...we dipped out with ya boy smashing a grilled cheese brisket sammich from the BBQ spot on the property.
Some random pics...
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/5247/ykch1L.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/7656/3Iuz83.jpg

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/1502/cwdWch.jpg

13482620, That sounds really dope
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Apr-14-23 07:19 AM
I’d love to add taht to the list
13481783, Okay I’m LOVING the Nearest Rye….
Posted by soulfunk, Fri Mar-31-23 09:20 PM
Been having a glass every night this week with a large sphere of ice…so good.
13482278, same here, man...
Posted by Dstl1, Sun Apr-09-23 02:40 PM
the only rye I reach for before the Uncle is my Wild Turkey Rare Breed.
13481852, Bardstown Bourbon's newest releases SLAP
Posted by spenzalii, Mon Apr-03-23 03:18 PM
They had a tasting in DC some weeks back. They had all 3 of their new Origin Series releases, a 6 year old high rye bourbon (white label), a 6 year BiB wheated bourbon (black label), and a 6 year old rye (green label). The white label feels ready made for cocktails (it would make a killer old fashioned) but can stand on it's own. The black label is a step above your Maker's and Larceny if wheat is your thing. Some call it a Weller killer, which I can't speak on for taste (can never find a bottle in the area, and the ones I did find were 3 bills and up) but definitely has it beat for cost ($50 msrp, if I remember correctly). That rye, on the other hand, was absolutely delicious. It' sgoing to cost more, but if I can't find Rare Breed Rye, I'm absolutely picking this up.

All 3 form their new core range, as these are all their own distillate, unlike their Fusion and Disco series. If their first crack tastes like this, I can't wait to see what their subsequent older expressions taste like.

They also had the last Fusion (#8) and Discovery (#9) on hand. They know how to blend. That Disco 9 was $120 and worth every penny I spent on it. Probably will hold out until my 20th anniversary later this year to crack into it. Will pick up the Fusion 8 because it's just good
13482287, Any recommendations on a good starter bottle of scotch?
Posted by soulfunk, Sun Apr-09-23 08:43 PM
Been drinking bourbons and ryes. I’d like to get into single malt scotch but it’s daunting and expensive enough that I want to make a good choice for a first bottle.
13482292, my two non-expert suggestions...
Posted by Dstl1, Mon Apr-10-23 07:53 AM
Glenmorangie 10 Year....this one I got on the strength of several recommendations from folks on Reddit....the other, which I actually would recommend first, if you can find it is Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask. For me, it's a smoother transition from bourbon to scotch and I find myself grabbing it way more.
13482302, Okay perfect - I saw the same recommendation for the
Posted by soulfunk, Mon Apr-10-23 10:04 AM
Glenmorangie 10 Year on the whiskey subreddit. I'll pick up a bottle this week!
13482301, Scotch? Been a while, but here are a few
Posted by spenzalii, Mon Apr-10-23 09:55 AM
Glenfiddich 12. This is classic Speyside 12yo single malt that is readily available, won't break the bank, and a pretty solid entry for people to try scotch if it's their first time or they are moving up from a blended scotch like, say, Johnnie Walker Black.

Balvenie 12 Doubewood. If finished or double barrel bourbons was your jam, this may be of interest. Another solid Speyside pick, this also spent some time in sherry casks before being bottled.

Glenlevit 15. A personal favorite that doesn't get a lot of shine. A bit more complex than the ones above with an almost sweet finish from the French oak casks. Find it at a good price and it will do you good.

Highland Park 12. This is my wild card, as you start to get some of that peat smoke and salty, briny, iodone note that many think all scotch has. It's not nearly enough to turn you off from it, but enough to be noticeable and determine if that note is your jam or not. If it is, the world of Islay scotch will open up to you, and buddy, there's some hitters there.
13482303, Great list - thank you!
Posted by soulfunk, Mon Apr-10-23 10:04 AM
>Glenfiddich 12. This is classic Speyside 12yo single malt
>that is readily available, won't break the bank, and a pretty
>solid entry for people to try scotch if it's their first time
>or they are moving up from a blended scotch like, say, Johnnie
>Walker Black.
>
>Balvenie 12 Doubewood. If finished or double barrel bourbons
>was your jam, this may be of interest. Another solid Speyside
>pick, this also spent some time in sherry casks before being
>bottled.
>
>Glenlevit 15. A personal favorite that doesn't get a lot of
>shine. A bit more complex than the ones above with an almost
>sweet finish from the French oak casks. Find it at a good
>price and it will do you good.
>
>Highland Park 12. This is my wild card, as you start to get
>some of that peat smoke and salty, briny, iodone note that
>many think all scotch has. It's not nearly enough to turn you
>off from it, but enough to be noticeable and determine if that
>note is your jam or not. If it is, the world of Islay scotch
>will open up to you, and buddy, there's some hitters there.
>
13482621, I’d add Oban 14 or Oban little bay
Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Fri Apr-14-23 07:21 AM
13484495, Re-Up Gang. The bourbon bar cart overhaul continues
Posted by spenzalii, Sat May-13-23 11:00 AM
The cart got a little thin during late winter, so it was time to take stock. Decided to just put together a list of the bottles I know I like and start whittling them down a few at a time. Over the last couple months I've got:

1783
Russell's Reserve 10
WT 101 Rye
Michter's US-1 American
Maker's Mark 101 (I like this better than their cask strength)
Elijah Craig
Woodford Reserve Double Oak
Four Roses Single Barrel
Bardstown Origin Series Bourbon
Bardstown Origin Series BiB
Bardstown Discovery #9 (gift from a friend)
Uncle Nearest Single Barrel Rye (friend went to the distillery and grabbed it for me)

Next up will be bottles I want to have a handle of either as a rail option or a popular pick if people come over (which may happen this year? Who knows, people still be sick and stuff...):

Crown Royal (haven't decided on purple or black, but probably purple)
Evan Williams BiB (find me a better cheap bourbon. I dare you)
Tito's (can always get it cheap and it's the 'it' vodka for some reason. Plus, it's not Ciroc, which I have a thing against for a whole other pedantic reason)
Bombay Sapphire (cheap at Costco)

After that are either roundout bottles for the cart that either I haven't found or just haven't got yet because I haven't gone to the right store selling for the right price:

1910
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (this one has been tricky either finding at price or in store. Doesn't really matter too much which batch or year. That said there are 2 stores that have their own barrel pick, so I may cop one of those instead. Or all. Who knows)
Larceny Barrel Proof (same as the EC, though I don't think there have been any picks of this yet)
Raye Breed Bourbon and Rye (one store has them for under $50. Just need to get out there)
Bardstown Origin Series Rye (supposedly shipping now, but haven't seen it in my area yet. I can complete the set when I find it)
Bardstown Fusion #9
Sagamore Spirits Double Oaked
Noah's Mill (this is a weird high proof bourbon that gives off cinnamon and black tea vibes that shouldn't work but I dig it. It's an acquired taste)
Penelope Toasted Barrel Cask Strength (these guys have been making a name for themselves as a really good blending outfit. I think MGP just bought them, which is interesting as Penelope uses MGP distillate already)

Once I have those I can add a rum or 3 and get to looking at my Irish, Japanese and Scotch bottles
13484497, found this in my dad's pantry last month
Posted by will_5198, Sat May-13-23 02:33 PM
went home for a friend's wedding and didn't realize he still had this:

https://imgur.com/NQbxSAF

said he bought it a long time ago for about $200 (ah, the good old days)
13491644, Finally tracked down a replacement bottle of OF 1910...
Posted by Dstl1, Wed Sep-20-23 10:11 AM
hands down my absolute favorite bottle.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/3346/sAksGU.jpg
After 3, around the way liquor stores and getting pump-faked by a Total Wine location...I found the joint at a damn Neighborhood Wal-Mart, lol. They had 4 of em, too. I damn near copped them all, but I didn't wanna be greedy. If anyone needs one on the help out, I can run back up there.
13491709, Can never go wrong with 1910.
Posted by spenzalii, Thu Sep-21-23 10:33 PM
Glad that's a bottle I can find relatively easy here. Definitely a favorite of mine.

If you have issues finding it, we can work something out again...
13491724, 1910 is the ish...!
Posted by Sleepy300, Fri Sep-22-23 09:53 AM
Access to it is hit/miss here in NC. They'll have other ones but 1910 is there like every 2 or 3 times I hit the ABC store.

An interesting one for me lately has been Jack Daniels Single Barrel Select. Sorta caught me off guard...tastes pretty decent.
13495448, Invest in whiskey (and/or wine)?
Posted by Sponge, Mon Dec-04-23 11:30 PM
I don't know anything about whiskey and wine, but I've heard about these platforms (Vinovest, Vint). Tho, what you like/want to drink may not necessarily be what you should invest in says the VinoVest CEO (link below). But, yes, you can drink your portfolio, too. Having to inquire about shipping quotes sounds like a pain/hassle, tho. These investments are considered collectibles so they're taxed higher than, say, long-term cap gains on your stocks/etfs. VinoVest won't send forms for your taxes, only monthly statements. (More hassle.) On the other hand, storage is bonded warehouses so neither VAT tax nor additional sales tax. And liquidity is another thing to think about. Read some stuff on Reddit where liquidity took a bit longer than some investors expected. Links-

https://www.vinovest.co/whiskey-investment
https://www.vinovest.co/how-it-works
https://vint.co/

2 podcast eps with the CEO of Vinovest-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqgl1GGA-v8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9M1ztAuP1M

Dunno. Just wanted to see what you all think about this. I'm not into it. Tho, one day I might try out Masterworks (art investing).