A.H. Hirsch 16 Year

[jburlowski]

Chuck, being the wise sage that you are...

OMG, please don't go there. This just feeds the whole " crotchety" thing.

[SMOWK]

I think the "should I buy or not" threads do more harm than good.

They really help the eBay sales though...

[yountvillewjs]

I had no idea Blue Wax was clearing over $1K

[cowdery]

The internet in general makes it possible for enthusiasts of any type to find each other and carry on a dialogue that feeds the enthusiasm. As I am well aware, the enthusiasm for American whiskey is fairly small, still, and American whiskey enthusiasts are spread all over the world. SB.com makes it possible for us to find fellow travelers and share as if we were all in the same room.

In the case of Hirsch, it really struggled, selling a few hundred cases a year from its inception in the early 90s until the end of that decade. Then sb.com came into existence, the word spread, and Priess quickly sold in a year or two more than had been sold in the previous decade. Yes, there were other factors. Gordon Hue didn't have the distribution chops that Priess had, but sb.com played a role.

Arguably, the craze for all things Stitzel-Weller and especially Van Winkle can be attributed to sb.com.

[Gillman]

I agree, and I believe the same to be true for the resurgence of interest in straight rye.

Gary

[cas]

I had no idea Blue Wax was clearing over $1K

I saw that too. And I left a couple bottles on the shelf when I bought the one I own. At $50 a bottle I didn't think I should get more than one...
Craig

[T Comp]

The internet in general makes it possible for enthusiasts of any type to find each other and carry on a dialogue that feeds the enthusiasm. As I am well aware, the enthusiasm for American whiskey is fairly small, still, and American whiskey enthusiasts are spread all over the world. SB.com makes it possible for us to find fellow travelers and share as if we were all in the same room.

In the case of Hirsch, it really struggled, selling a few hundred cases a year from its inception in the early 90s until the end of that decade. Then sb.com came into existence, the word spread, and Priess quickly sold in a year or two more than had been sold in the previous decade. Yes, there were other factors. Gordon Hue didn't have the distribution chops that Priess had, but sb.com played a role.

Arguably, the craze for all things Stitzel-Weller and especially Van Winkle can be attributed to sb.com.

I agree, and I believe the same to be true for the resurgence of interest in straight rye.

Gary

1,195 people here at one time on 2/5/12 definitely speaks to SBs continuing and growing influence.

[TheDude]

I really appreciate everyone's replies. Its an interesting discussion, and I look forward to reading Chuck's history on the A.H. Hirsch.

I'm planning to attend the Bourbon Sampler next month (heck, its only 30 miles away) and look forward to meeting some of you.

[Josh]

I completed your paragraph for you.

I'm planning to attend the Bourbon Sampler next month (heck, its only 30 miles away) and look forward to meeting some of you. Others of you, not so much.

[TheDude]

I completed your paragraph for you.

Thanks!! I appreciate you helping a newbie out!