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FYI: I just joined the American Whisky Club mentioned in this blog. They ask for a 1 year commitment and are looking to do 4 bottles a year.
Any other clubs out there like this?
http://dandm-bytheglass.blogspot.com/
(I am not affiliated in any way with the site hosting the club)
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
http://www.smws.com/
Is anyone a member of any of these clubs? Satisfied?
I believe there is a significant differenct between the two.
A quick read of the D&M page describes a club similiar to many wine clubs there the club makes a single selection which all members receive. With this club you will get regular issued spirits or spirits which have been bottled for D&M.
SMWS has casks bottled and sends members catalogue/notices on a regular basis. There is no requirment to buy anything. I was a member for a few years but dropped membership as I started buying more bourbon and less scotch. I found their bottlings to be excellent, but pricey.
Tom
I'm a member of the D&M Club. So far there have
been two releases:
Stranahan's Snowflake Series Grand Mesa Cask
(distilled: June 10, 2006. Bottled: January 2009)
tinyurl.com/stranahan
Willett 7 year (96 bottles, distilled 11/07/2002)
tinyurl.com/yzgj6vl
I have not opened either yet so I can't comment
on taste. Bottles of both are available on D&M site
(at slightly higher prices than sold to club members.)
I was not familiar with either brand before receiving
the bottles but have since tried another Willett (6
year Bourbon Society bottling) and enjoyed that one.
D&M Oct. 8 blog post shows photos from a visit to
Maker's Mark and suggests they "... might have found
a new barrel for the American Whiskey Club!!!"
tinyurl.com/ygb8qms
I just got the newest release:
Hudson Distillery 2 bottles.
1 100% Corn
1 100% Rye
I'm not thrilled on the price, but am interested in tasting the contrast and what a young small barrel whiskey tastes like.
At the end of the day I would have never bought it on my own so it's like I forcefed myself these bottles.
I haven't opened my Stranahans, and the Willett just didn't agree with me. I thought it was horrible stuff.
I have had the Hudson Baby Bourbon and have been meaning
to try their "Government Warning " Rye. The small 375s go
for around $40. if that helps any.
I checked the D&M blog and found no mention of this latest
Club bottling. The last club post was for the Willett on May
25 so I figgered the Maker's might be next after that. I am
curious as to what kind of special Maker's bottling they might
come up with. Maybe a higher proof like a 95 or 101 as
mentioned in the Premium Bourbon forum?
Rather than feel "force fed", you could view it as D&M describe
the Club:
"We seek out unique expressions of American whiskeys that
we find to be particularly delectable and buy an allotment.
The whiskey you receive in our club is meticulously taste-selected
by our devoted staff. It is unique to D&M as well as your
personal collection!"
I see it as exposure to new whiskeys I might not have normally
tried. Granted, I could go into a store and do it myself but I
like the idea of the Club and will probably stick around as long
as it goes on.
yet again, no shipping to the state of Kentucky. :(
"I checked the D&M blog and found no mention of this latest
Club bottling."
Yes, I know, they are horrible about posting that data on their site.
I can assure you that I have the Hudson in my posession and I'm sure you will get yours shortly.
I opted to be emailed the tracking numbers so maybe you don't get them? Also, I wish they would let us know prior to shipping what we are getting.
I joined the D & M American Whiskey Club last year. So far I have received: Stranahan's Grand Mesa Snowflake; Tuthilltown Manhattan Rye & Corn Whiskey; 4 Roses SB Barrel Proof; and House Spirits Single Malt Batch 12 (small distillery in Oregon).
Any other members? Thoughts so far?
I loved the Stranahan's. It was completely different than anything I have had. The two Tuthilltown's were not my favorite, and were expensive for what they were--young tasting rye and corn whiskey best suited for mixing. I have not cracked the 4 Roses yet b/c I had another bottle of 4 Roses open already. I have only had a few pours of the House Spirits and I like it. I'm not jumping up and down for it, but its a good single malt. That distillery has potential.
Overall I have enjoyed it and will continue my membership. It exposes me to stuff that I would otherwise never have access to and even if I did, would likely never buy. IT can be expensive with shipping, but its only quarterly. I would recommend it if you want to experiment and try different American whiskeys and don't mind the risk that you won't love everything sent to you. Especially if you are in a state with little variety available. It is very exciting to open up a box containing whiskey and having no idea what it will be.
Jeff