All this Bourbon that I can't drink

[TNbourbon]

Rob, I've collected something or other -- coins/stamps, wines, decorative eggs, books, bourbons/whiskeys -- almost all of my life. So, I understand.
The coins/stamps went when I had obtained everything I could afford to buy, and my options were to lock 'em up in bank vault where nobody could enjoy them or let someone else enjoy them (AND turn them into some cash for other purposes ).
The wines have (mostly) disappeared gradually over the years, of course, with meals I've prepared, Gazebos/gatherings I've shared, or as gifts.
The eggs went via eBay when they were taking up too much space.
The books do get reread occasionally and can be organized, in a sense, in bookcases, etc., but even some of those get traded or given away.
As for the whiskeys -- well, I've opened some Wild Turkey 12yo and the Pappy 23s (and a few others) to share with some of the fine folks here, and while I regret their passing, I would regret even more not having enjoyed the whiskey or the company.
My most prized bottle at present, Rob, is a W.L. Weller 8yo BIB distilled in 1940. I don't sit around wondering what it's worth as part of my estate. I sit around wondering when will be the appropriate time to open it.
Don't cheat yourself. The only question about opening and drinking 'em is 'when'.

[Ghoste]

TN, you bring up a good point. The pleasant pour with a good friend should be a much more important memory than the fact we once owned such and such bottle of whiskey.

[RedVette]

Someday I want a room that has a wall like this.


That is one of the reasons I have a hard time with irreplaceable bottles. Yeah, I'm turning into a collector.

[barturtle]

Ah, Maker's lounge! Yeah, first time I went in there I was filled with envy. I got over it when I realized that if I stored all my bottles like that I'd have to dust them all

[Hedmans Brorsa]

Another factor to be taken into account is how swift a product can disappear off the shelves.

One year ago it seemed like every specialist shop in Europe that I know of, carried AAA 10yo. Some month ago when I started looking for a replacement to my soon-to-be-finished bottle I suddenly realized that it was all gone.

In an almost funeral-like state of mind I finished off the last drops yesterday.
With its dry dark chocolate base with elusive fruitiness dancing atop, this is a Bourbon that will be sorely missed.

[doubleblank]

Tim, I guess I have a two part collection. The "bunker" contains bourbons that I really enjoy and try to acquire as much as possible. This includes some hard to find/out of production bourbons (SW bourbon, WT Tribute, etc) and the single barrel purchases I've been apart of. Everyone of these is intended for consumption.....even that VW 17yo (Boone whiskey) I got at the auction. The other part is really more of a collection from a stricter definition. Most were not purchased because they're great whiskies. They are from long closed distilleries....brands that have disappeared....interesting bottles, etc. I sort of rotate these into a couple of display cabinets around the house. But if you see one you want to taste....then let's open it up. I just don't know if that Old Hickory 10yo (a decent sized brand from Penn)is any good.

BTW, I'm trying to "bunker" as many of Julian's older bottlings as I can for a TBA get together and taste-a-thon.

Randy

[dgonano]

I also am trying to save as many S-W distillates as possible...but only to have available for our future get-togethers. Randy gave me some good advice in a past thread as to "why keep in my inventory any item that your retailer regularly carries on his shelf?" . I stock up on the OFB, Stagg, and our personally selected BT purchases. Other items I collect are the Drew Kulsveen bottlings which I only find out of state and some e-bay purchases.

Now Rye whiskey is another matter!

[barturtle]

why keep in my inventory any item that your retailer regularly carries on his shelf?

I have a similar rule: Don't keep anything at home that you drink regularly at bars.

Keeps me from saying:"Man, that seems like it's the only thing I ever drink!"

This pretty much applies to WT 101 (and if they don't have that I fall back on JD) Mostly for pool night.

[Ken Weber]

Come visit us in Kentucky, there is plenty Ancient Ancient Age on the shelves!
Ken

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

Come visit us in Kentucky, there is plenty Ancient Ancient Age on the shelves!
Ken

Or come see me, I still see it on the shelves here in Japan.

I have a few bottles bunkered, but feel it is too precious to drink since it has be discontinued. My loss. I will have to crack one of those bottles!
Ed