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So, moseying around the village tonight, found a bottle of Hirsch Selection American Whiskey, aged 20 years in used bourbon barrels. Not labelled AH Hirsch, but either identical lettering or lettering chosen carefully. Was listed around the same price as Pappy 20. Anyone have a bead on this either way?
I don't specifically know what this is, but Priess Imports, the company that owns the Hirsch name, told me that while they don't intend to use A. H. Hirsch again, they are going to use the name Hirsch (without the A.H.) for other offerings. So it's clearly from them, but what it is exactly I can't say.
It's not bourbon, but American Whiskey as stated by the label. I have had it. There is a real lack of nose, but the taste is decent. I cant remember specifics, except that I was unamazed. For the $70+ I think I would leave it on the shelf. I had it in the same night as Pappy SB barrel #2 and AH Hirsch 16, NO comparison to those.
I have also seen this at the Wine Specialist in DC. Was told by Matt (their whiskey guy) that it actually is a bourbon even though it doesn't say so on the label. Not really sure what to make of that.
I think the used barrels eliminates that (it being a bourbon) as a possibility. Thanks for tip, Vange, I'll save it for that WT Tribute I have a bead on.
If it legally could have been labelled bourbon it would have been. Since it isn't, you can be sure it's not, no matter what anyone tells you.
That was my reaction as well. Just odd that this otherwise very knowledgeable whiskeymonger would be saying this. Wonder where he heard this or if he was just confused.Quote:
Originally Posted by cowdery
It it aged in used barrels, so cant be bourbon, right?
Again, uninterestingly for the price tag. Buy the Michters bourbon instead, WAY better and similar price point.
DEFINITELY get Tribute over this one!
Pardon my ignorance, but how do we know it was aged in used oak barrels?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sijan
Malt Advocate Volume 16, Number 4 Fourth Quarter 2007 issue
"New Products" page 18 Center column
Hirsch Selection 20 year old American Whiskey--
(I'm not going to copy the article, just take the needed info) This is "Illinois Whiskey" distilled from bourbon mash. The whiskey was put in 120 used casks in Feb 1987.