Tax Return = Bourbon

[kickert]

It is that time of year again when many of us will find ourselves with some disposable income. I have about $135 that has been designated for the bourbon fund. Here is what is in contention:

• $35 - 1.75 of Weller 12. This is my favorite every day bourbon and I may pick up 2 handles so I can drink it without worrying about emptying a bottle.
• $17 - Ritt BIB, the counterpart to my Weller when I am looking for something a bit meatier
• $50 - Pappy 15. I have not had it yet, but judging from my bourbon preferences, this would be a homerun.
• $70 - 08 BTAC-WLW. I have not had this or the Saz18, but I think I would like to try it. Pretty spendy though if I don't care for it.
• $22 - EC12. I have not had an open bottle in a while, but would like to revisit it.
• $27 - ETL. One of my go to favorites. I have been hanging on to the last shot in this bottle for a long time because I stand the thought of seeing it go.
• $23 - 4 Roses SmB. Another favorite that I have not replinished.

Right now I am thinking about 2 Weller 12's an ETL, an EC12 and a Ritt BIB.

How would you all do it? What else would you consider (or not consider)? Do you have your tax refund list made out (or already spent)?

[sotnsipper]

How would you all do it? What else would you consider (or not consider)? Do you have your tax refund list made out (or already spent)?

Sadly no extra money for the bourbon this year but happily paying a vehicle off! Now that may free up some funds for more bourbon. Sounds like you have a pretty good list going, don't know if I would change much.

[Blitz]

I am tempted to take a chunk of money and buy a case or two of one of my top favorites, and just stash it away. You just never know what is going to happen to pricing, availability, etc. Then I would just continue to stock up one bottle at a time with the weekly funds.

[funknik]

Ben, I know you and I have talked about this, but I had a pretty organized plan for my tax return that included a bunch of things I couldn't get here at home:

Wild Turkey Rye
Rittenhouse BIB Rye
Old Weller Antique 107

and I picked up all of those in the meantime from various venues, but mostly at Julio's in Westboro, MA. So, the money I had planned on spending from my tax return, I had already spent and collected all of the stuff I was going to use my tax return for. In addition, I hit the NH Liquor store for 2 bottles of $18 OGD 114 and StraightBoston Kevin had me buy him some stuff in trade for a Stagg '05 (a much appreciated surprise gift, actually). I also bought a couple bottles for other members here at Julio's and used that cash to help fund my recent dusty score of VSOFs -- soooooo.....the money I was going to spend in a lump has already dissolved gradually and I am a very satisfied person.

Ben, you know how I feel -- if I was you, I'd go for the stuff you wouldn't normally buy with this money rather than going for the safe stuff you know you like -- but that's where we differ. You'll be getting a sample of PVW15 from me sooner or later, so no rush on that, but be adventurous....just my opinion.

[ggilbertva]

I am getting a tax return but that's only because of some business losses so no money for bourbon. That's ok though, I have what I need and want so not sad about that.

[kickert]

Well $63 is already gone. I picked up EC12 for $21, a Ritt BIB for $16 and an ETL for $26. I am certain I am going to get a 1.75 of Weller 12 so that leaves $37 left. We are going to do a bit of traveling this week so I am going to hang on to that for dusty shopping. (of course if someone wants to sell me a bottle of ER101, I can do my shopping from here!! ). If that doesn't turn anything up, I am thinking I will go with some 4RSmB and save the difference for something else.

-bk

[funknik]

Ben, go for some AAA 10yr since you can get it down there -- it's cheap & a good substitute for other BT high rye bourbons and it solves your not having to worry about emptying a bottle problem, too. Although, it looks like what you really need now is a wheat bourbon to round out your spread.

[kickert]

Ben, go for some AAA 10yr since you can get it down there -- it's cheap & a good substitute for other BT high rye bourbons and it solves your not having to worry about emptying a bottle problem, too. Although, it looks like what you really need now is a wheat bourbon to round out your spread.

I thought of this after my last tasting of it... but then saw the EC for 3 bucks more and went with it. I could have gotten it instead of the ETL, I do find they tast similar, but I did not think i would be proper to have my avatar be a ETL, but not have any in my cabinets.

[funknik]

As I've said before, you are a dimplomat, but I see where you're going with this -- EC12 is definitely better IMO. I haven't tried the ETL yet, but I suppose it wouldn't do to go around false advertising....lately there's no everyday pour I always have open, but it would be EC12....or AAA 10yr. Does that come in handles or just the 1L?

[Lost Pollito]

No return for me this year. The tax-man is stealin' my bourbon loot!