I'd give this a hearty second. Having tried many of the others, Willett does stand above them. It makes a good argument about higher proof's being more flavorful.
I'd love to see this line in a longer age from LDI/Willett, but I'm not getting my hopes up too much on this one.
B
"Life is life and fun is fun, but it's all so quiet when the goldfish die."
You guys have just about talked me into it. Only problem is the new year funds being as they are, have me in a corner. Which is the better choice: 2 of the Willett 5yo OR the BMH 18 I passed on the other day (a dusty in an out-of-the-way store...$90 might explain why)?
I like the LDI rye, but if you've had one you've had them all. Probably the best one is Bulleit Rye, in terms of what you get for the price.
Col. Charles K. "Crotchety" Cowdery
"Whiskey Don't Keep."
"A man comes from the dust and in the dust he will end-- In the meantime it is good to drink whiskey."
-->WhiskeyWonka<--
Personally, I might go with the BMH, just for the fact that it is not going to be widely available, or probably much lower in price anywhere. While the Willett will be somewhat more easy to find again in a couple of months.
Chuck, I'd generally agree with you about the Bulleit, out our the other usual suspect on the market that are LDI based, it is the best of the bunch for the price. But I would still tip the scale in favor of the Willett, it still is just a bit deeper than the Bulleit in terms of it's overall flavor profile. Straight, a bit of water or in a cocktail, it's a mighty fine pour, even if it is a few dollar more than Bulleit.
B
"Life is life and fun is fun, but it's all so quiet when the goldfish die."
Yep, that's the way I am leaning and now that Chuck has thrown Bulleit into the discussion it reminds me that I have ever tried it. Been doing some online research on reviews of the BMH18 this afternoon. Not too many shining ones to say the least. Seems the majority have found it lacking for the price and the BMH23 a lot better buy. Both are dinosaurs from the latest news though as old rye supply is running low & out.