BOTM, 8/06: A.H. Hirsch 16yo

[Hedmans Brorsa]

I have seen some other sources that say Adolph Hirsch, a former Schenley executive, was involved early on, but those sources aren't as reliable as Tim, so I can't consider that confirmed.

And yet, it is his monicker that adorns the label. If he wasn´t involved at all, then the Hue family (assuming, of course, that they christened the brand) must have held him in high reference.

Was there a Belmont brand available as late as 1993? Or is it printer´s gremlins who have paid you a visit?

[cowdery]

The source I consulted says Belmont was sold after 1933. Belmont was Max Sellinger's brand, which originated at the site of the current Bernheim and not with the pre-prohibition Bernheim company.

[MikeK]

I've had the very good fortune to try all three variations. Contrary to many, I am a fan of the Gold Foil. It has a ton of dark fruit on the nose and palate, which I really like. I find the Gold Wax slightly too old and dry, but then I'm not a fan of the older Pappy's either. I just recently opened a Blue Wax and it is showing good promise with a lot of sweetness and good age.

The Gold Foil is still available in my area if you know where to look, usually around $75.

I do have a few extra Gold and BLUE wax bottles if anyone is looking. A bottle of Joseph Finch will guarantee a spot as my favorite bourbonian while older S/W Old Fitz BIB's are also a favorite ...

[Brennan77]

Just getting around to pouring a gold foil sample. It's nicer than I remember from the two times I've sampled the bottle before. A couple of drops of water really open it a bit. The wood flavors seem nicely cooled compared to others. I really like it. The mint description is right on, IMO, especially in the enjoyably strong, but never rude lingering finish. I might have to pick up an extra bottle for long term keeping.

[Frodo]

Also, what are some of the other prices people are seeing/paying for gold foil 16 at retail. Is the $60 at Binny's a great deal, or about average?

The stuff goes for $179 at our state liqour stores up here (the LCBO). I've had one shot of the stuff at a bar, and I thought it was sublime, but it's not worth $179 cdn to me when Bookers can be had for $80, and the last dregs of ETL go for less than $40.

Not sure which version gold foil/other that we get up here. I think it's the blue wax version.

[doubleblank]

I just returned from Las Vegas (Val's hometown) and, as many here know, the Bellagio still pours Hirsch 16 Blue Wax at several of their video poker bars. They are free if you're playing the $1 games.....$12 if you're not. I put $50 into one and played dueces wild poker for an hour.....had two pours of Hirsch Blue Wax.....and left with my original $50.

Tasting wise.....I get maple and mint...followed by its signature dry finish which I like. Its not an overly woody dry finish....just a simple dry finish leaning towards being flinty (not quite metalic as some find).

BTW, these same bars will also pour you Pappy 15 or 20 "VPC" (video poker comp) as well as some fine scotches like Lagavulin 16, Talisker 10, Balvenie 15 SB and 21 yo......and even the notorious Black Whisky.

Randy

[Gillman]

Randy, will this tank the duty free business? That is a big business world-wide.

Gary

[CrispyCritter]

Well, I still have the unopened gold wax bottling - still unopened.

I ought to snag a bottle or two of the gold foil, though.

Meanwhile, I've been sampling another, completely different Hirsch bottling - the 8yo Canadian Rye. More in Non-American... but, suffice to say, it's tasty.

[TimmyBoston]

I'm very happy to see Hirsch 16 chosen this month. It is really some great stuff. I've only had the gold foil, but I think it's really great. It's one of my favorite pours. Occassionally I have a tempermental palate and my bourbon will taste astringent, but my Hirsch 16 always satisfies. I hope anybody who hasn't had it will pick up a bottle or try a pour at a friends or bar. It really is worth it.

[DrinkyBanjo]

Well I've had this bottle for almost a year and have sampled it two times before tonight. Each time I try it I like it a bit more. Tonight it was very enjoyable, nice nose and taste. A bit of a metallic taste to it though. I don't know if that thought has been put into my head though.