bourbon and such

[HuskyHawk]

A friend of mine is trying to convert me to a bourbon drinker. I usually drink gins and mezcals so it has been an interesting task. Now not being a bourbon aficionado I will say the Hudson Valley Baby Bourbon he brought, to get me started in his words, was fantastic and the price was pretty good, $35 or so. I went and bought another bottle. There is a Japanese whiskey he brought over as well that was very good. We killed the bottle and now I cannot remember what it is.

Suggest you try another if you liked that, many consider it one of the absolute worst bourbons on the market. Was the Japanese whiskey perhaps "Nikka from the Barrel"?

Mezcal is super hot right now, prices are soaring. Lots of cool craft gins out there too.

 

[Scot-e]

My main go to is Weller. It’s really good - not too much $$$ either. Highly recommend.

 

[huskeynut]

My favorites:
Knob Creek
Buffalo Trace
Woodford Reserve
Horse Soldier.

Horse Soldier is a new addition to my cabinet. Our restaurant has it and was running happy hour specials using it to make a Manhattan. Real nice, smooth flavor.

I have 2 sons who are also bourbon drinkers. When my sailor son was in Japan recently, he said I must get a bottle of Hibiki. He raves about it.

 

[ColchVEGAS]

Suggest you try another if you liked that, many consider it one of the absolute worst bourbons on the market. Was the Japanese whiskey perhaps "Nikka from the Barrel"?

Mezcal is super hot right now, prices are soaring. Lots of cool craft gins out there too.

Good to know. Like I said I know nothing about whiskey. My knowledge is that I have had Jim Beam and Jack Daniels and hated them so all whiskeys must be terrible, right?

I just looked up Nikka from the Barrel and that is not what he brought. I did however find the picture of the bottle in my searches. It was Hibiki. Very good stuff (at least I thought so), then again I though the Hudson Valley was good as well.

Now if we are talking mezcal or gin I can actually speak semi intelligently about them.

 

[eastmill]

For Rye, Dickel or Redemption.
Both 95% rye,around $25 a bottle N.H. price

 

[Pawsox]

Decent priced ryes - Knob Creek Cask Strength, Michter's Barrel Strength, Humboldt Redwood Rye, High West Yippee Ki-Yay, and Baltimore Epoch
Just opened a bottle of Booker's Granny Batch. Overpriced is my first reaction.

 

[billybud]

I like Blanton's for sipping....

and Woodford's Reserve Double Oak.

and Willet's Noah's Mill

And for my southern pals who like a less refined taste...any of the Jim Beam products.

 

[Chuck]

Re Angel's Envy (referenced a few times above), I don't mind the bourbon, but the rye is great. It's priced that way also. I was excited to get the bourbon at a $50+ price point because I had loved it when drinking at a friend's house. I was disappointed and told him, which is when he told me it was the rye that we drank. That bottle is more expensive and a bit harder to find. I found a bottle for $80 before the lock down.

For every day (well maybe not EVERY day) bourbons, I don't mind Basil Hayden. A bit lighter, but also a bit overpriced IMO. I think you can't go wrong with Bulleit for value to quality.

 

[huskiesNhoos]

Re Angel's Envy (referenced a few times above), I don't mind the bourbon, but the rye is great. It's priced that way also. I was excited to get the bourbon at a $50+ price point because I had loved it when drinking at a friend's house. I was disappointed and told him, which is when he told me it was the rye that we drank. That bottle is more expensive and a bit harder to find. I found a bottle for $80 before the lock down.

For every day (well maybe not EVERY day) bourbons, I don't mind Basil Hayden. A bit lighter, but also a bit overpriced IMO. I think you can't go wrong with Bulleit for value to quality.

Ya, the rye is really good, but usually runs close to $100 here so I havent picked it up in quite a while

There's a couple of newer distilleries out here in CO that are decent but none have really wowed me. I've tried Breckenridge, stranahans, golden moon, and some other I can't remember...

Just an aside if you're ever in Golden CO, go to the golden moon speakeasy. Make all their own spirits and their mix drinks are fantastic

 

[Dove]

At home: Woodford Reserve

At a restaurant: Eagle Rare, neat

At a concert: Blanton's nippers

 

[Waquoit]

For every day (well maybe not EVERY day) bourbons, I don't mind Basil Hayden. A bit lighter, but also a bit overpriced IMO. I think you can't go wrong with Bulleit for value to quality.

I still have to go for Maker's Mark.

 

[Husky1]

Many of the above very good, but mixed like old fashions, etc Costco's Kirkland Boubon is very good for the money.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Re Angel's Envy (referenced a few times above), I don't mind the bourbon, but the rye is great. It's priced that way also. I was excited to get the bourbon at a $50+ price point because I had loved it when drinking at a friend's house. I was disappointed and told him, which is when he told me it was the rye that we drank. That bottle is more expensive and a bit harder to find. I found a bottle for $80 before the lock down.

For every day (well maybe not EVERY day) bourbons, I don't mind Basil Hayden. A bit lighter, but also a bit overpriced IMO. I think you can't go wrong with Bulleit for value to quality.

Ya, the rye is really good, but usually runs close to $100 here so I havent picked it up in quite a while

There's a couple of newer distilleries out here in CO that are decent but none have really wowed me. I've tried Breckenridge, stranahans, golden moon, and some other I can't remember...

Just an aside if you're ever in Golden CO, go to the golden moon speakeasy. Make all their own spirits and their mix drinks are fantastic

Surprised by the Angel‘s Envy love. Not a great value at its price. It’s sourced, they don’t distill anything. It’s a common practice, all the Willett except the newer Willett Family Estate bottles are sourced. Bulleit was sourced from Four Roses for years and the ten year probably still is, but the regular bottle is their distillate now.

The Angels Envy rye is sourced from MGP in Indiana. You will find a lot of rye on the market is also from MDF (sometimes called LDI). It will say distilled in Indiana on the back. A lot of other rye is sourced from Alberta Canada, like Whistle Pig (they started using MGP). The High West Ryes are usually a mix of their own rye with MGP rye. So if you like Angels Envy rye, there is probably some much cheaper stuff you would also enjoy. They aren’t all the same, some get older stock and bet barrels. But you might find one you like.

The Ultimate MGP Whiskey Showdown

Dozens of brands source rye whiskey from the distillery, with bottles ranging in price from $24 to $500. In a blind tasting, which ones will come out on top?

punchdrink.com

 

[HuskyHawk]

Good to know. Like I said I know nothing about whiskey. My knowledge is that I have had Jim Beam and Jack Daniels and hated them so all whiskeys must be terrible, right?

I just looked up Nikka from the Barrel and that is not what he brought. I did however find the picture of the bottle in my searches. It was Hibiki. Very good stuff (at least I thought so), then again I though the Hudson Valley was good as well.

Now if we are talking mezcal or gin I can actually speak semi intelligently about them.

Hibiki can be solid stuff. I’m not into gin, but some friends are and are finding some really great craft gins. Since aging is what holds back craft distillers, gin is something where they can certainly compete.

I vacillate between Scotch, Bourbon/Rye and Rum. Dabble in Mezcal, which certainly beats Tequila but the cost rarely seems worth it beyond the lower priced options.

 

[SixRings]

Surprised by the Angel‘s Envy love. Not a great value at its price. It’s sourced, they don’t distill anything. It’s a common practice, all the Willett except the newer Willett Family Estate bottles are sourced. Bulleit was sourced from Four Roses for years and the ten year probably still is, but the regular bottle is their distillate now.

The Angels Envy rye is sourced from MGP in Indiana. You will find a lot of rye on the market is also from MDF (sometimes called LDI). It will say distilled in Indiana on the back. A lot of other rye is sourced from Alberta Canada, like Whistle Pig (they started using MGP). The High West Ryes are usually a mix of their own rye with MGP rye. So if you like Angels Envy rye, there is probably some much cheaper stuff you would also enjoy. They aren’t all the same, some get older stock and bet barrels. But you might find one you like.

The Ultimate MGP Whiskey Showdown

Dozens of brands source rye whiskey from the distillery, with bottles ranging in price from $24 to $500. In a blind tasting, which ones will come out on top?

punchdrink.com

Angels Envy bourbon is okay but I find the rye exceptional. It’s the aging in rum barrels that gives it a very distinctive taste, IMO. I search for similar ryes but haven’t found one yet with that flavor. Every bit worth the occasional C note.

 

[Mots010]

Picked up a bottle of Old Weller Antique 107 a few months ago and I'd recommend.

 

[Northbound]

Goodness i could do chapter and verse on this topic. I’ve got 150 bottle of bourbon and rye. Just ordered another 15 bottles from Astor.

I started grabbing bottle in the late 90’s - i used to send friends PVW it was very easy to get. The 15 is the best version of PVW to me, but its not as good as the BTAC or PHC

I had never sold on the secondary until this year. I had a bottle if PVW20 that id had since ‘04 and I was never going to drink it so i passed it along for $1500.

Theres so much good juice in the market now that its a great time to like bourbon - but i hope folks move to rum or tequila en masse so i don’t have ti hunt so ling and hard for the bottles i want.

Edit: What really sucks is that K&L in CA can no longer ship to NY like they once did years ago so now i have to have friends chases bottles there for me and send them.

 

[Northbound]

Elijah Craig is good stuff, and it's what, 1/2 the price of Angel's Envy? I liked AE when I first tried it, but haven't been tempted since the price went up.

I wasn't a bourbon guy until a bartender at Plan B in Glastonbury recommended Elijah Craig. Eye opener.

EC used to be age stated at 12years, but that stopped in ‘16, now it’s a mix of 8-12yo juice and its still very very good.

Two great barrel proofs are Elijah Craig BP and Stagg Jr. The regular Stagg is allocated and you’ve have a hard time getting a bottle for anything near retail. Starting with release 6 they really dialed in Stagg jr. It is very good. I do like 4RBP as well, but I kind of miss Rutledge at the wheel of Four Roses. Unfortunately his Cream of Kentucky was a disappointment.

I live a high proof bourbon, but drinking 130 proof all night with friends can put any mam in his place.

I can discuss this ad naseum, unfortunately for all of you.

 

[huskiesNhoos]

Goodness i could do chapter and verse on this topic. I’ve got 150 bottle of bourbon and rye. Just ordered another 15 bottles from Astor.

I started grabbing bottle in the late 90’s - i used to send friends PVW it was very easy to get. The 15 is the best version of PVW to me, but its not as good as the BTAC or PHC

I had never sold on the secondary until this year. I had a bottle if PVW20 that id had since ‘04 and I was never going to drink it so i passed it along for $1500.

Theres so much good juice in the market now that its a great time to like bourbon - but i hope folks move to rum or tequila en masse so i don’t have ti hunt so ling and hard for the bottles i want.

Edit: What really sucks is that K&L in CA can no longer ship to NY like they once did years ago so now i have to have friends chases bottles there for me and send them.

Whiskey exchange just did a ballot system pre-order for pappy. Cool concept where everyone had equal chances and only got a single ballot and winners got to buy 1 bottle of 12, 15 or 20 yr for something like $120-220...I was not a lucky winner

 

[McLovin]

You guys reminded me I need to write another review. This one is up.

View attachment 54708

150+ reviews is not too shabby! What are your favorite bottles (besides pappy or btac) you got in your collection?

 

[HuskyHawk]

150+ reviews is not too shabby! What are your favorite bottles (besides pappy or btac) you got in your collection?

My favorite current bottles are mostly Scotch and Rum. I'm a fan of Sherry or wine cask Edradour. Usually have to order that from Denmark.

Current bourbon: a Blanton's Straight From the Barrel (from Europe); an almost empty Smooth Ambler Old Scout single barrel barrel proof (these are now extinct); a 12 year old Wild Turkey 101 that a guy got me in Japan; and Four Roses Small Batch Reserve (just became available here). I have a very good Whistle Pig single barrel store pick rye.

Lately I've been dabbling in various craft stuff. New Riff is doing some very good things, and I have a bourbon and rye from Driftless Glen in Wisconsin that were picked by a guy I know who mods r/bourbon. He has a lot of reviews and a good website. t8ke.review - Spirits Reviews by t8ke

 

[Waquoit]

Surprised by the Angel‘s Envy love.

I'm thinking it's due to liking the taste and not worrying about the backstory like those boring people you meet at a party.

 

[Milo65]

Thought I'd weigh in here too. I thought Angel's Envy was outstanding, but so is a smaller batch bourbon, Elijah Craig, and may be just a bit better. High bar to clear. And for rye try High West rye whiskey. Also outstanding.

I agree, Elijah Craig is my go to. It’s priced right and is outstanding. Yes, there are better bourbons out there, but not at $33/bottle and it’s readily available.

 

[McLovin]

My favorite current bottles are mostly Scotch and Rum. I'm a fan of Sherry or wine cask Edradour. Usually have to order that from Denmark.

Current bourbon: a Blanton's Straight From the Barrel (from Europe); an almost empty Smooth Ambler Old Scout single barrel barrel proof (these are now extinct); a 12 year old Wild Turkey 101 that a guy got me in Japan; and Four Roses Small Batch Reserve (just became available here). I have a very good Whistle Pig single barrel store pick rye.

Lately I've been dabbling in various craft stuff. New Riff is doing some very good things, and I have a bourbon and rye from Driftless Glen in Wisconsin that were picked by a guy I know who mods r/bourbon. He has a lot of reviews and a good website. t8ke.review - Spirits Reviews by t8ke

A buddy of mine is from Spain and he usually goes back once per year and brings back bottles of Blanton's. I don't understand why they only sell SFTB overseas. I've tried it and it was magical. I'm a huge fan of barrel proof whiskey. The same friend recently gifted me Weller 107 which is freakin awesome. It's going to be hard not to empty it within a few months.

Liquor Depot in central CT had a few great barrel proof Whistle Pig store picks a while back, at a time when Whistle Pig was hands down my favorite whiskey. Those single barrels I bought did not last long.

Another store in central that has some great bourbon is Wise Old Dog (for anyone in the area reading this). They have a really good relationship with Four Roses, which now owns High West, and they get a bunch of Midwinter ever season and also do their own barrel select whiskey each December, which I usually buy a few of.

For craft whiskey, Litchfield Distillery had some great 10 year barrel proof stuff (it was MGP, but what isn't these days) two years back and the stuff I got to sample that was currently in their barrels was even better. Not sure when that got released or if it has.

What rums are you drinking? I am getting into sipping rums a little and bought my first bottle, Diplomatico, last month. It's pretty smooth. That whole industry is foreign to me though and I need help.

 

[HuskyHawk]

A buddy of mine is from Spain and he usually goes back once per year and brings back bottles of Blanton's. I don't understand why they only sell SFTB overseas. I've tried it and it was magical. I'm a huge fan of barrel proof whiskey. The same friend recently gifted me Weller 107 which is freakin awesome. It's going to be hard not to empty it within a few months.

Liquor Depot in central CT had a few great barrel proof Whistle Pig store picks a while back, at a time when Whistle Pig was hands down my favorite whiskey. Those single barrels I bought did not last long.

Another store in central that has some great bourbon is Wise Old Dog (for anyone in the area reading this). They have a really good relationship with Four Roses, which now owns High West, and they get a bunch of Midwinter ever season and also do their own barrel select whiskey each December, which I usually buy a few of.

For craft whiskey, Litchfield Distillery had some great 10 year barrel proof stuff (it was MGP, but what isn't these days) two years back and the stuff I got to sample that was currently in their barrels was even better. Not sure when that got released or if it has.

What rums are you drinking? I am getting into sipping rums a little and bought my first bottle, Diplomatico, last month. It's pretty smooth. That whole industry is foreign to me though and I need help.

Rums I am mostly drinking Privateer and Foursquare (both under their label and Real McCoy), with a few other things ordered from finedrams in Denmark that were picked by people I know (labeled as XXX). I also love Pusser's Gunpowder and buy it whenever I find it. Maggie Campbell at Privateer (Ipswich MA) is an amazing distiller, and a genius at choosing barrels for her distillate. I've met her several times, very cool person. Privateer makes many rums most bourbon fans enjoy. Loads of single barrel, barrel proof rum aged in new charred oak.

I've got some funky Jamaican rum as well. Some people are in to drinking high ester rums neat, but I just add a little to certain cocktails to give them kick.

 

[McLovin]

Rums I am mostly drinking Privateer and Foursquare (both under their label and Real McCoy), with a few other things ordered from finedrams in Denmark that were picked by people I know (labeled as XXX). I also love Pusser's Gunpowder and buy it whenever I find it. Maggie Campbell at Privateer (Ipswich MA) is an amazing distiller, and a genius at choosing barrels for her distillate. I've met her several times, very cool person. Privateer makes many rums most bourbon fans enjoy. Loads of single barrel, barrel proof rum aged in new charred oak.

I've got some funky Jamaican rum as well. Some people are in to drinking high ester rums neat, but I just add a little to certain cocktails to give them kick.

Will have to look out for those! Thanks!

 

[Northbound]

For the life of me I can't understand how review writers do it. God bless you folks.

I've been eyeing my stash of original BMH. I'm in the midst of deciding whether to put a lot into Sotheby's and fund another land cruiser restoration or just hold and drink.

I did just finish a bottle of the very first release of The Boss Hog before it became overpriced and over dressed with the goofy topper. Was very good.

 

[McLovin]

View attachment 54781For the life of me I can't understand how review writers do it. God bless you folks.

I've been eyeing my stash of original BMH. I'm in the midst of deciding whether to put a lot into Sotheby's and fund another land cruiser restoration or just hold and drink.

I did just finish a bottle of the very first release of The Boss Hog before it became overpriced and over dressed with the goofy topper. Was very good.

I need a bottle of this, its the number 1 priority for my collection. I have 2 bottles each of the 2, 3 and 4. Stopped buying after that cause wasn't going to pay $500+ annually for 1 bottle. But would love to have the complete set of the first 4.

 

[HuskyHawk]

View attachment 54781For the life of me I can't understand how review writers do it. God bless you folks.

I've been eyeing my stash of original BMH. I'm in the midst of deciding whether to put a lot into Sotheby's and fund another land cruiser restoration or just hold and drink.

I did just finish a bottle of the very first release of The Boss Hog before it became overpriced and over dressed with the goofy topper. Was very good.

Sadly, I came to spirits too late to get in on the VanWinkle and BTAC fun. I just missed the dusty Turkey craze. I won't pay secondary so I get samples of things that we trade. Bottle splits are pretty popular as a way to try more things, but I like working through a bottle. So far the 2014 GTS is the best I've had. But that was a sample.

I'd sell a lot if I had what you seem to have.

 

[Northbound]

I need a bottle of this, its the number 1 priority for my collection. I have 2 bottles each of the 2, 3 and 4. Stopped buying after that cause wasn't going to pay $500+ annually for 1 bottle. But would love to have the complete set of the first 4.

Be interesting to see if you can find it - I stopped by WP last year and most there had never seen a bottle of it, which I found odd, but unless you've been there since the beginning perhaps it's possible tjeyve never seem a bottle

Im glad WP changed their approach a while back their BS cloak and dagger approach to sourcing was a bit odd. We all know that if you’ve just opened you’ve don’t have aged stock of 12 years. Its ok we all know most of the sources mgp, hh, ad, etc.