What bourbon are you drinking in Australia? - Winter 2011

[camduncan]

[quote=Pieface;255910][quote=camduncan;255883]

The proof drop is codswallop. It's just grabbing more margin.

They still aren't going to get within a cooee of JB or JD pricewise. They will have a product at a premium with no point of difference. I can't believe they are going to find around $15/750ml at regular retail pricing from a 10 proof drop. Can you explain how they are at a disadvantage under our system? EC12 and MM are similar proof so I'm not sure where the big impost is coming in...?

I'm trying to remember conversations from several years ago.... I guess I understood it to mean proof was irrelevent in their calculations - they were more concerned with market positioning and where their base product was designed to fit into the overall market. In the US it is their bottom shelf entry level product, like Beam White Label is for Jim Beam and Heaven Hill White Label (Nelson County) is for Heaven Hill, and that is where it's meant to compete.
Don't forget, I'm on the same page - I'm pissed they're dropping the proof! But if that's what they need to do to stay in the market, I'd rather a lower proof BT than none at all.

[Pieface]

Sorry if it seems like I am having a crack Cam, I'm certainly not intending to come across as such. Just disappointed in BT especially as they said they would not drop proof when they entered the market. I just don't see how they think this is a positive step forward.

[PaulO]

BT has several 80 proof bourbons in the US that are priced well under their 90 proof Buffalo Trace: Benchmark, Old Taylor (until they use up the barrels they got from Beam), and Old Charter 8 year old. I don't know why they they would want to deminish their flagship brand. It seems like they could just export some of the lower priced brands they allredy have.

[Pieface]

I saw Benchmark on the shelf the other day...

[camduncan]

I saw Benchmark on the shelf the other day...

That's really interesting.... the BT event I went to a couple of weeks ago gave us a taste of Benchmark, and pointed it out as a product not available in Australia.... I guess they had their facts wrong?

[Stones]

Have you opened it yet Tym? What did you think? I had my first try a couple of weeks ago and really liked it. I hear Southtrade 'might' have some limited stocks of Eagle Rare 17yo, but I'm not sure how we'd get hold of some...

Haven't opened it yet Cam, I intend to this weekend.

[Pieface]

That's really interesting.... the BT event I went to a couple of weeks ago gave us a taste of Benchmark, and pointed it out as a product not available in Australia.... I guess they had their facts wrong?

Rechecked last night. Definitely BT Benchmark @ 80 proof. $38 bux. This is the store that has ETL and ER10/90 currently

[HighTower]

Well......spent a week in Melbourne and caught up with a good friend of mine, Adam.
We went through 21 different whiskeys on a lazy Saturday afternoon/night.
In this particular order....

Mint Julep made with Eagle Rare 10
Very Xtra Old Fitz barreled 58 bottled 68
1792 Single Barrel Barrel "C"
Sazerac 18 2009
Van Winkle Rye
Russells Reserve Rye
Vintage 23 Rye
Rittenhouse 25
Pappy 23 SB
Jim Beam 6 Grain
WT Tribute 110 proof (japan version)
WT Kentucky Spirit 1994 pewter
Jim Beam 1795
Bruichladdich Maine Mhor 3D (I still dont get scotch)
Four Roses Mariage 09
Parkers Heritage 27yo
Angel's Envy
Old Rip 10/107
Parkers Heritage barrel Proof (1st release)
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
Jim Beam Red Stag
GTS 09
a sazerac made with Van Winkle Rye and Hennessy paradis extra

Yeah, I know right.......I must say this was over about a 7 hour period and they were about 10-15ml pours.
It was an awesome day with great food and company, and the standouts were (in no particular order) VXOF, WT KS 94, Ritt 25, FR mariage, GTS09
btw, who follows Red Stag with George T Stagg??

Scott

[camduncan]

What was the Vintage 23 Rye like Scott?

[HighTower]

What was the Vintage 23 Rye like Scott?

I couldn't believe when I opened it, overwhelming smell of ripe cherries.
It's a great rye Cam, thanks you, a much appreciated gift
It was by far the darkest whiskey we had too.....much darker that parkers 27 or rittenhouse 25, almost resembled seasoned oak!

Scott