What bourbon did you purchase today? Winter/Spring '07

[Gillman]

These are not purchases but bottles left with relatives here two years ago and sampled on this trip.

One was a 12 year old Ezra Brooks 101 proof bought in the Islands. I found it rough at the time and blended it with some Weller 12.

Two years later I am sampling the result and it is really good. The Weller has tamed the EB but allowed some of of its chestnut-like richness to come through. A simple but good 4 grain vatting.

The other bottle was a 1980 Seagram 7 half-gallon that I opened two years ago, took a small taste of, sealed up and tried again on this trip. It is very good, mild, sweetish but with a steely rye undertone. Neither whisky suffered from being held in a cupboard in a (mostly) warm room for two years.

Gary

[Gillman]

The paler-colored Bulleit bought in Fort Lauderdale is tasting great! It has less of the intense peppermint than some bottles have but is a good example of smooth, quality medium-aged whiskey. This would make a great Mint Julep (I find dark tannic bourbons don't) but also is very drinkable on its own. I really like bourbons that combine distillery (grain, yeast) flavors with the best the barrel can give it.

I also passed by Abbey on 16th street just west of Alton in South Beach. This small, wood-panelled beer bar specialises in strong craft beers made in Melbourne, Florida and they do a great job. 10% abv beers seem at odds with the climate and pale lager culture here, but the beers go nicely in the evening when it cools down.

Gary

[Gillman]

And tasting now the Old Whiskey River bought on this trip. Now, I like it. It has a noticeable oily consistency and taste against some decent barrel effects. It is for those who like the taste of young bourbon where the grain values are not covered over by prolonged aging. A good whiskey and probably similar to some bourbon that was popular 100 years ago (when much straight whiskey was sold at 2-4 years of age). This too would make a fine bourbon cocktail. The HH markers (for young HH whiskey) are all over it, IMO.

Gary

[Grain Brain]

I dug Old Whiskey River well enough. I haven't had it since it debuted, but I recall being pleased by it.

Today I got some National Distillers Old Crow bottle date of 89, ND OGD 114, ND OGD BiB, Heaven Hill Old Style Bourbon bottle date of 89, and a Louisville Weller Antique 107 from 94.

[HighTower]

Got 3 bottles of Fighting Cock 6yo 103 proof yesterday. Supplier is deleting FC, so it could be a while before we see it on our shores again.
Did a bit of homework and found one store on the Gold Coast who seemed to have the last of it; Cam and I cleaned them out! Can't wait to try it!

Scott

[full_proof]

WL Weller Antique
ORVW 10
ORVW 15
PVW Rye
WTKS
ER 101 (only one bottle left at the store )
EW 1783

The PVW Rye was next to Old Overholt, and I contemplated for awhile which to buy (I think the clerk thought I was going to purloin a bottle because I was intently studying the shelf). Opted for the VW since it has been harder to find in the bailiwick I frequent.

I'm looking forward to trying these, ER101 is the only one I've sampled in the past.

One store had a bottle of Louis XIII Cognac safely behind the counter. At $1,400.00 I dont think the purchaser will be chasing it with Natural Light brew.

[Special Reserve]

Since the bourbon slush fund received a little boost lately...

ER101 and Weller Centennial (Louisville) in a BHC box. Both for the bunker. Lucky me.

[TomH]

While viisting Chicago over the weekend, I had to stop at Sam's to pick up some wine I ordered. Really didn't plan on buying anything but had to walk thru the bourbon aisle anyway. Didn't buy any bourbon, but I couldn't get away from the bottle of Rittenhouse 21 that kept calling my name. And as I passed the end of the scotch aisle (didn't even have to walk down it) I saw that there was a new Compass Box offering - Oak Cross. After a quick sample it also found its way home. with me. No bourbon but a couple of bottles of great drinking.

Tom

[ggilbertva]

While in S.C. playing golf, I hit the local liquor store and found a couple of items typically not found in VA. Photo attached.

W.L. Weller Special Reserve
Weller 107
Pappy 15
Pappy 20
George Dickel Barrel Select

[Ambernecter]

That is a lovely lil shop you had there Greg and a great lineup photo. Thanks.

I got 2 WT 101, Lot B and a VW 10YO 107. The WT is still at a price that's right - £18 which is good for England.

I have cracked the WT and am enjoying my main "go to" Bourbon hugely!