What bourbon did you purchase today? (Fall '07)

[OscarV]

Here's an interesting one. Not as exciting since the 100 proof FRSB showed up in NYC this year, but unusual nevertheless.

That's an old FRSB from before Kirin owned them.
From the '90's when Seagram's owned FR.
I posted your pic again below.

[Gillman]

Actually I now can see this is 43% ABV too (like the cognac-shaped bottle I mentioned).

However my friend mentioned buying a 100 proof FRSB recently in The Netherlands which was shaped differently to the one we know here.

Can someone explain all the variations and chronology...?

Gary

[OscarV]

Are you sure your friend got a European export at 100 proof?
I am only aware of the Euro at 86 proof.
By my count there are 12 different FR labels.

Small Batch- KY and Japan, recently added US markets
Single Barrel- same as above
Yellow Label- ditto above
New Yellow Label- see above, new recipe
Single Barrel- from the '90's under Seagrams ownership, US only
Single barrel- European export, 86 proof
Single Barrel- 40th Jim Rutledge ann.
Single Barrel- The Party Source bottling
Super Premium- AKA The Platinum bottle, Japan only 86 proof
Black Label- Japan only, 80 proof
Blended Whiskey- looks like the Yellow Label bourbon
Blended Whiskey- Prior to the Yellow Label look-a-like

I have 10 of the above, I will get the other two in a couple of weeks in KY, they are The Party Source bottle and the New Yellow Label.

[Gillman]

Okay many thanks, I will check with him.

Gary

[Special Reserve]

Keep in mind that you are only entitled to shop duty free if you spend a minimum of 48 hours in Canada. I'm not saying I (and probably others) have always spent 48 hours in Canada, but those are the rules. You should know this if only so you don't tell the border agent "oh, I just ran across the border to visit the duty free shop!"

I have gone across the border just to buy whiskey. When you do that and don't stay in Canada for 48 hours (let alone 48 minutes), you can buy numerous bottles and declare them at customs (don't try to fool them as they have your license plate number and know how frequently you cross the border and they take your license plate at the duty free in Canada) you will have to pay customs of about $2 to $3/bottle and they will search your car with dogs etc. while you are paying your bill. It's a good idea to have a passport. Additionally, I believe the tunnel toll is about $3.50 each way.

Their bourbon selection is hit or miss. I've found it to be more miss except for the WT products discussed above.

There are terrific values on Canadian and Scotch Whiskeys and Canadian wines.

They used to have bargains of the month listed but they stopped recently.

Their phone numbers are listed below.

http://www.dutyfreetunnel.com/contact.php

[nor02lei]

That's an old FRSB from before Kirin owned them.
From the '90's when Seagram's owned FR.
I posted your pic again below.

Oscar,

I got 2 bottles looking like that with the exaction that the labels are green. It is a Europe SB edition from the 90-is before the current one.

Leif

[Gillman]

Okay I didn't have it quite right (sorry), I checked and the Four Roses Single Barrel available in Europe currently is still packaged in the same, decanter-shaped bottle (somewhat reminiscent of some Cognac bottles) and is still 86 proof. However, I am informed that its palate is rich and very similar (fruitcake, red hots, cinnamon) to that of the Four Roses Single Barrel 100 proof (the rectangular cut glass bottle) sold here.

In the past, that 86-er was (I am informed) more subtle - blander if you will - presumably to appeal to a market used to fine brandy and liqueurs - I agree with that because I have tasted that version although not the earlier, Seagram's-era one that has been mentioned. But the most recent bottlings available there are I am told in every way like our Four Roses Single Barrel 100 proof except for the lower proof.

Gary

[stroker394]

Bought these 2 bottles today in a store in Columbia, TN. I was suppose to meet with asome guys from work and have a tasting session. They all bailed. Which do I open first? OGD or VOB?
000_0727.jpg

[OscarV]

I would start with the VOB, try it several times, then go to the OGD, you will notice the extra 20 on the proof, OGD's spice is a favorite of mine.

[gothbat]

I tried to make the best of today and grabbed myself a one liter WT 101 8yr from Duty Free today and then sadly walked down the long terminal to my plane to go home. I wanted to grab a bottle of the Four Roses and another WT101 8yr but I had to pass. I don't check anything so it all would have been too much to carry; I was probably over the carry on limit even without the one bottle I bought.
It's nice and all to be back at my own pc rather than paying to use some piece of junk in a coffeeshop internet cafe but I think I could have suffered for a while longer...