BOTM, 11/05: Russell's Reserve 101

[Brennan77]

I'm in the San Francisco bay area right now. The local Bevmo has 6 or so bottles of the 101 on the shelf. I enjoy the RR101. I'm glad I have one unopened bottle. But I don't think I'll stock up. I have too many other bourbons I want to try.

[Rughi]

Brennan,
There're still plenty of RR 101 available in ones, twos, and half dozens in the area. You don't need them, but do you need any Stagg from the last 3 bottlings? If so, there're still a couple bottles of each at Ledger's on University Ave in Berkeley.

Sorry, I would put this Stagg stuff in a new thread, but it's such a one-liner that would seem gratuitous.

Roger

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

Hi Tim,
As I have said before, I go back and forth on which is better, the RB or the RR 101. However, the RB is the cheaper of the two here. I think... They aren't far apart at any rate.
Ed

[ratcheer]

Yes, I figured it would be different in different places. When both were available, here, RB was $32 and RR was $26.

Tim

[ThomasH]

i think Wild Turkeys decision to turn Russells Reserve into a 90 proofer is a joke. It is purely for money reasons. In Ohio, when the 90 proof started to arrive on shelfs, the state raised the price per bottle 4.00+. I would rather have the 101 and cut it back to 90 if I choose.

Thomas

[Chaz7]

Over on Proof Changes, Chuck Cowdery gives a good theory on the proof change, and in this case, it may not be money. I too believe it's marketing and mass appeal. But, at the end of the day, I think (it's only an opinion) the 90 may be a tad better. But since the 101 is it this month, I am partaking. By the way, just picked up abottle of OGD 114 (I am really getting attached to that, much better to me than WTRR 101 and a whole $2.00 less!) and based on a review elsewhere here, Weller Antique 107, which I've never tried. Chaz

[tmas]

AMEN.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

Any word on what we will be drinking together in December?
Ed

[Brennan77]

Brennan,
There're still plenty of RR 101 available in ones, twos, and half dozens in the area. You don't need them, but do you need any Stagg from the last 3 bottlings? If so, there're still a couple bottles of each at Ledger's on University Ave in Berkeley.

Sorry, I would put this Stagg stuff in a new thread, but it's such a one-liner that would seem gratuitous.

Roger

I've not tried Stagg but I hear it's something. My wife has been talking about a trip out that way to some chocolate factory or something, so I may just have to look this place up.

On to Russell's Reserve 101, after further review informed by a few other bourbon tastings, I'm finding it to be quite bold and hot. That's not necessarily bad, but it opens up to what it can be with a bit of water. My uncle tried this one with me and didn't really enjoy it.