5 To Start With

[Speedy_John]

A pox upon me for my forgetfulness. Sorry, Jeff. True, WT12 is no longer available. But, when it was available, it was cheaper than KS here in PA.

SpeedyJohn

[jeff]

Last time I saw it in Lexington it was going for $55, compared to $39 for Kentucky Spirit. I haven't seen any in a while so I'll have to make my 1/2 a bottle last a bit . It has turned into sort of a celebratory bourbon for me, pouring only on the best of occasions.

[MurphyDawg]

Okay, your Crazy!

you really shouldn't bother with anything less than Kentucky Spirit anyway

3 Reasons:

1) I think that Kentucky Spirit and Russell's Reserve taste very much alike (with KS getting the slight edge).

2) Kentucky Spirit cost me $45, Russells Reserve cost me $23.

3) Russells Reserve is available in OH, while KS involves a road trip.


TomC

[MurphyDawg]

1. Kentucky Spirit
2. Russells Reserve
3. WT 101
4. Rare Breed (not a knock on Rare Breed as much as I can get a 1.75L jug of 101 for the same price).

I havent had the 12 year yet but some people said they may be able to hook me up come festival time.


TomC

[jeff]

I think that Kentucky Spirit and Russell's Reserve taste very much alike

See that's what's so facinating about all of this. To me RR tastes WAY different than KS. There is no snobbery or anything going on in my assesment. If (to me) RR DID taste like KS I would have 1 bottle of KS and 4 of RR. I have long been a champion of the value-class bourbons. Hell, last night I had an AAA 10yo and loved every minute of it for $11.99. Many of my favorites cost less than RR, but in this case KS (and Rare Breed) is worth the extra investment. Of course I seem to be in the minority here, so what do I know

[MurphyDawg]

Hey man, its all good.



Tom (if we all liked the same thing, there would only be ONE bourbon bottling. . .) C

[Paradox]

[Barrel_Proof]

I ordered some WT101 neat tonight with dinner. I am 99% sure it was watered down in some fashion. Same flavor, but not 101 proof. I saw the bottle, and it was 101 not 80. How would you guys address something like that?

There is no excuse for watering down or mislabeling bourbons. In most municipalities, such conduct is illegal.

This is how I would respond: Send the manager/owner a letter and if you don't get an adequate apology and invitation to a dinner for two on the house, never dine there again.

Actually, two nights ago I dined with a client at a very nice seafood place in Newport Beach, CA, and we had to finish our meal talking over the loud and obnoxious rantings of a bar patron who had had three or four too many. Instead of ushering the ass outside (our waiter informed us that the offender was a "friend of the owner"), he was allowed to remain and continue to offend for the remainder of our otherwise tasty meal. I will be sending a letter to the owner.

[CL]

Consider yourself debated. I just don't get it with WT.

I don't mind WT; I just don't love it. I do drink 101 when I am out on the town cuz it's usually the best I can get in most bars. In fact, I had a few WT 101 when I went out last night.

[Ambernecter]

Even more offensive than a watered down drink is something else put in the bottle. I remember being in a bar a few years ago and ordering a large Jim Beam straight up. I watched the guy pour the drink out of the Jim Beam bottle and ended up with a large SCOTCH!!
Hard to believe but true.
I demanded the attention of the pub Landlord and he was most apologetic, and basically shi**ing bricks. After making me take a blind taste test of Scotch vs Bourbon, the guy knew he was on a hiding to nothing and gave me several free drinks. Now I think about it I should have "dropped the dime" on his scam - the scumbag!

Don't trust, don't fear, don't beg!