help me understand my tastes so far...

[DowntownD]

so for the last couple of months I've been trying several different bourbons, based largely on what I've learned and heard suggested here.

as many of you seem to experience, my tastes change from day to day and week to week, and, frankly, I don't understand what the hell is going on.

so far, in the last 60 days, I've bought and had at least several pours (and in a few instances a couple of bottles of):

* VW Lot B (2 bottles to date)
* Booker's (4 bottles to date)
* PVW 15/107 (1 bottle to date)
* ER 10yr SB (1 bottle to date)
* WLW 12yr (1 bottle to date)
* ETL SB (1 bottle to date)
* FR SmB (90% of 1 bottle to date)
* FR SB (70% of 1 bottle to date)
* BTAC GTS 2007 (50% of 1 bottle to date)
* BTAC WLW 2007 (50% of 1 bottle to date)

my conclusions thus far, which I don't really understand, are:

* I remain very happy with Bookers with only a little water added. still my favorite so far which causes some head scratching.

* I was crazy about the WLW 12yr for the first week I had it, but then it became much less interesting and by the end of the bottle I wasn't that into it.

* the Eagle Rare is good, but kind of average at the price point. I doubt I'll buy it again given other more interesting, and sometimes less expensive, choices.

* the ETL started out ok, just sort of averagely good, but became more and more interesting and has now moved to a favorite.

* I remain underwhelmed with both Four Roses products (gasp). can't say there's anything wrong with them, but they're just not that interesting to me. no idea what to think of this...

* I found the Pappy 15 much more interesting than the Lot B (which I liked but I like the Pappy 15 a lot and enough to never bother with the Lot B if both are available).

* the BTAC WLWeller 2007 is quite good watered down to ~107, and I'm thinking it's what ruined my taste for the WLW 12yr (not a fair comparison cost-wise, I know, but they are similar otherwise). so far, I also like this better than the Stagg and enough to keep around.

* the BTAC GTS 2007 is good, and I was really into it until the WLW came. now I'm on the fence and most curious about the other years of GTS to see what the differences in taste are.

so tell me, take a stab at interpretatin' my tastes so far...

am I just too much a novice and too new to know anything anyway?

are there any clear patterns?

what on earth, if anything, does any of this mean?

;)

- David

[TNbourbon]

Seems to me you like high proof, and you enjoy wheaters in that range. Alas for you, Weller Antique 107 is still some months away from reappearance (though the Special Reserve seems to have made a quicker 'rebound'). Still, if I were you, I'd look for it when it's again available.
Also, I'd advise simply: there's nothing wrong with liking what you like. If you like Booker's, keep a bottle on the bar. Keep Weller 12 for mixing with cola, Stagg for whatever it seems good for. Don't feel obliged to be ALL one thing, or ALL another.
Enjoy!

[mozilla]

To me, your pattern says, that you started at the top....and now the only direction to go is down. You picked some of the best of the currently available bourbons with discernable flavor profiles, now you will have to start mixing in other labels without the strong flavor histories. Maybe some Willetts(they buy bulk whiskey), Wathens(bulk again) or Jefferson Reserve(bulk again) should be in your next forray.

Otherwise, you are just trying derivatives of labels you have already sampled.

[mozilla]

I was thinking a little more about your dilemma....
Seems as though you have left out Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill and Brown Foreman. There are plenty of options within these brands to venture out on. Wild Turkeys items of note are Ky Spirit and Rare Breed; HH has EWSB, Ezra 12 and EC18 and 12 ; and BF sports Birthday Bourbon and Woodford Four Grain. All of these are available within the city limits and should help you to vary your purchases a little.
Hope you find some more to keep your interest.

[OscarV]

Hey Dave, like Jeff Mo said you need to try some Turkeys.
101 and Kentucky Spirit and very good.
I have been serious about bourbon for only a few years now and I still am sorting out what I like, don't rush it, just enjoy this early exploration because there is only a one first time.

[dave ziegler]

David Give Old Forester A try it is smooth and a very nice Pour! It has become one of my Favorites, Jeff & Bourbon Joe Told me about it and I sure am glad they did. Also try Rittenhouse Rye.
Dave Z
Old Hickory America's Most Magnificent Bourbon
===================================

[DowntownD]

you guys are the best. always with the great suggestions... I'd forgotten, momentarily, about thinking of it from the distillery perspective and now I'm reminded of past conversations - so I'm thinking of picking up:

* Old Forester Birthday
* Evan Williams Single Barrel

and something from the Wild Turkey family; which of these is generally considered most interesting?

- Russel's Reserve
- Rare Breed
- Kentucky Spirit

?

also, and this holds true for food too, I don't have the most sensitive of pallets. I like bold flavors and spicy food (but don't care for brandy or anything overtly anise) so with that in mind what am I missing out on?

are the Rye's a logical next step? the Baby Saz or the Rittenhouse (as suggested)? I have no idea what they taste like, but I'd like something fat, full, bold, yet somehow smooth(er). what's out there like this? and of the things I've had, which ones would you guy put in this bucket?

as always, thanks and cheers.

- D

[mozilla]

are the Rye's a logical next step? the Baby Saz or something like that? I have no idea what is tastes like, but I'd like something fat, full, bold, yet somehow smooth(er). what's out there like this? and of the things I've had, which ones would you guy put in this bucket?
- D

I think you nailed it.....:cool:

Go for some rye! Wild Turkey is my choice, though the Saz has its' merits. I would pass on the Overholt and Beam....just not enough get up and go. Old Forester has lots of rye in the mash, as well. Old Grand Dad is another high rye masher and you can find it in 114 proof version.
Happy hunting!

[Huegeb]

you guys are the best. always with the great suggestions... I'd forgotten, momentarily, about thinking of it from the distillery perspective and now I'm reminded of past conversations - so I'm thinking of picking up:

* Old Forester Birthday
* Evan Williams Single Barrel

and something from the Wild Turkey family; which of these is generally considered most interesting?

- Russel's Reserve
- Rare Breed
- Kentucky Spirit

?

also, and this holds true for food too, I don't have the most sensitive of pallets. I like bold flavors and spicy food (but don't care for brandy or anything overtly anise) so with that in mind what am I missing out on?

are the Rye's a logical next step? the Baby Saz or the Rittenhouse (as suggested)? I have no idea what they taste like, but I'd like something fat, full, bold, yet somehow smooth(er). what's out there like this? and of the things I've had, which ones would you guy put in this bucket?

as always, thanks and cheers.

- D


Hello D,

Please try Old Rip Van Winkle 10 years, 107 proof. That should be what you're looking for.

Kindest,

Geb

[gblick]

I second the recommendations to try the Weller Antique 107 and the Old Rip Van Winkle 10/107.

[HipFlask]

Well you r next steps into rye should be WT Rye 101, Rittenhouse. Then try Saz. pick up the 17 year if you can.

you should also like WT Rare breed as it is a barrel proofer at 108 or so.

Kentucky spirit is also a must try, and since you liked the ETL you might find you also like Rock Hill Farms or Blanton's as they are from the same family tree.

finally you haven't spent enough money then you could always try PHC or the 20 yr PVW.