Questions about ORVW 15 and EWSB....

[tsh3406]

Still being very new at this point, I would like some input on these two. Is the ORVW 15 worth $75 on order if it means not driving around looking for it? Which bottling location is preferable? What are everyone's opinions on the '91 Evan Williams Single Barrel compared to some of the other vintages? I really like the '95, but it is the only one I've tried. Are there any that should be avoided?

Thanks,
Tim

[gothbat]

Do you mean PVW15 rather than ORVW15? If so, then definitely not. $75 is one of the better prices you would pay for the next one up in the Van Winkle line (PVW20). Opinions vary as to which is better, even coming from me depending on my mood but I'd never pay PVW20 prices for PVW15. If it is actually ORVW 15 then it's really up to you if it's worth it, ORVW 15 is no longer bottled and that price is almost double what it would have cost when it was regularly available. I bid on one of these on ebay not too long ago and as badly as I wanted it I just couldn't bring myself to bid more than $45 (I lost).
As for EWSB, I can't say; I've never tried any of those.

[doubleblank]

The early EWSB's were OK, but improved markedly in the '90's (IMHO). I don't recall '91 specifically, but do remember '92, '93 and '94 being better than the late '80's bottlings. I also believe the concensus here is that the later bottlings are better than earlier ones. My guess is that the '95 you like is better then the '91.

Randy

[cowdery]

I agree with Randy, but if you have a chance to acquire some '91 for a reasonable price, you should, just to have the opportunity to judge for yourself.

EWSB is about to get very interesting as, over the next couple of years, we will have the opportunity to taste the "same" whiskey made at three, possibly four, different distilleries. The 1996 is the last of the whiskey made at Bardstown. The 1997 was made at Beam. I'll be tasting the 1998 at the end of next week, and will find out its provenance (maybe Beam, maybe Brown-Forman), then in a couple of years we'll get the HH bourbon made at Bernheim. If you are able, and if you're interested, you should bunker at least a bottle of everything starting with the 1996, to be able to taste that journey after it is completed.

Even the first couple of Bernheim years will be interesting, as Parker and Craig made many changes to the distillery during that period.

[craigthom]

Some of the '96 was distilled in December, so check the label for a date before 11/7/1996 if you want to make sure you get stuff from the old distillery.

[mgilbertva]

I've not had the '91, but I seem to recall some other reviews and first-hand reports saying it was a so-so vintage. The '95, on the other hand, is outstanding.

But as Chuck said, if you can get the '91 at a reasonable price (less than $30?), you should. It's the perfect thing to bring to a tasting or for doing a comparison. I would definitely grab one if I saw it. In fact, I have!

[luv2hunt]

EWSB?? I've got an extra '91 & '95. First one to ask can have 'em at cost plus shipping

Dawn

[tsh3406]

I'm askin'

Tim

[luv2hunt]

Got three pm's...the first one was granted them. Sorry.

Dawn