I just dumped a bottle of EC12 down the drain

[clingman71]

They say different strokes for different folks, I'd rather have an EC 12 than a Weller and I'd rather have an EC 18 than a Pappy 15, but then, I'm an Islay lover.

I'd never really thought about it until reading your post, but I'm a fan of peaty Islay single Malts, but with bourbon I have a bit of a sweet tooth, preferring richness above spice and dryness. And with beers, I love big roasty RISs and hopbombs. There are few maltier sweeter beers that I'll drink at all. I also prefer big dry reds when drinking wine. Bourbon is sort of on an island flavorwise compared to my preferences with other drinks.

[BourbonJoe]

but then, I'm an Islay lover.

Ain't that the stuff they use to hold down the dust on them Arkansas back roads?
Joe

[unclebunk]

I'd never really thought about it until reading your post, but I'm a fan of peaty Islay single Malts, but with bourbon I have a bit of a sweet tooth, preferring richness above spice and dryness. And with beers, I love big roasty RISs and hopbombs. There are few maltier sweeter beers that I'll drink at all. I also prefer big dry reds when drinking wine. Bourbon is sort of on an island flavorwise compared to my preferences with other drinks.

I have a similar taste profile when it comes to single malts, bourbon and beer, though I do love the spiciness of ryes, the rich peppery quality of many red wines (nothing dry for me, thank you) and the sweet maltiness of French farmhouse ales and many Scottish ales. Overall, the bigger the better, I always say!

[McKinney]

I agree with WhiskytoWhiskey that other uses can be found for whiskey one doesn't care for straight, especially at this price point. I don't like EC12 neat or on the rocks, but I've found I like it best when making mint juleps. At my Derby Day party I blow through at least one bottle mixing up juleps and then go through another bottle or so through the year mixing more juleps but don't touch it otherwise.

[JPBoston]

Come back to it after it's been open for a couple of weeks. I've had similar experiences with a variety of bourbons and this effect seems to wear off with breathing.

Little update... my bottle of EC12 did indeed open up nicely after about 2 weeks. It lost a bit of the subtle chocolate flavor, but the reduction of the astringent finish made it much, much better.

[Flyfish]

In addition to giving the EC 12 a chance to open up over time, I would encourage you to give yourself a chance to open up over time. Years ago, for example, I was not at all impressed by Bookers. Since then, I don't think Bookers has evolved much but I certainly have. When approaching an unfamiliar bourbon, I am inclined to withhold a negative judgment until I have sampled at least a half bottle--neat in a Glencairn, with a drop or two of water, and on the rocks. Generally speaking, I am more likely to blame my own deficiencies than to find them in the bourbon. When I was 15, I thought my father was an ignorant jackass. When I was 25, I was surprised by how much smarter he had become.

[smokinjoe]

In addition to giving the EC 12 a chance to open up over time, I would encourage you to give yourself a chance to open up over time. Years ago, for example, I was not at all impressed by Bookers. Since then, I don't think Bookers has evolved much but I certainly have. When approaching an unfamiliar bourbon, I am inclined to withhold a negative judgment until I have sampled at least a half bottle--neat in a Glencairn, with a drop or two of water, and on the rocks. Generally speaking, I am more likely to blame my own deficiencies than to find them in the bourbon. When I was 15, I thought my father was an ignorant jackass. When I was 25, I was surprised by how much smarter he had become.

Such a great post! You articulate my thoughts exactly.We change, and are much more deficient than the whiskey.
So, my daughter is 13...this means there's hope for me over the next 10 years? I can change for the better??!!?

[unclebunk]

In addition to giving the EC 12 a chance to open up over time, I would encourage you to give yourself a chance to open up over time. Years ago, for example, I was not at all impressed by Bookers. Since then, I don't think Bookers has evolved much but I certainly have. When approaching an unfamiliar bourbon, I am inclined to withhold a negative judgment until I have sampled at least a half bottle--neat in a Glencairn, with a drop or two of water, and on the rocks. Generally speaking, I am more likely to blame my own deficiencies than to find them in the bourbon. When I was 15, I thought my father was an ignorant jackass. When I was 25, I was surprised by how much smarter he had become.

Yes, indeed. A great post and all right on the head. I'm always slightly bothered when certain friends drop by to sample something special that I've brought out just for the occasion, only to negatively react after one small pour. So much can be gained, as you said, by reserving final judgement until numerous pours have been had over a period of time.

[Photodudems]

Code stamped on the bottom of the bottle:
42 21 231 11 16:32

I guess that says bottled in August 2011?

Anyone care to explain how to read those?

[HighInTheMtns]

Fairly sure that those codes are from the bottle manufacturer. Compare to a Blanton's which will have a similar code on the bottom that will not match the handwritten bottling date nor the laser inked bottling date (but those will match each other)

FWIW that code refers to the 231st day of 2011. The first two numbers are unrelated to the date. But that's just the date of bottle manufacture anyway.