taking advantage of dba for my birthday...

[Ruby K]

There's a spot called dba on first ave in manhattan. I'm going there for a couple of drinks before my birthday party tomorrow. They have a pretty sizable selection, and since I'm going to have these while I can still taste em, I wanted to see if folks have some "YOU MUST TRY THIS" thoughts, so I know what I can ask my wife for for my birthday

I have a feeling I know what folks are gonna suggest, although since I can't find Hirsch 20 in a bottle and can't afford a $200 bottle of PVW23, any additional selections?

Hirsch 16
Hirsch 20
Distillers's Masterpiece 18 yrs
I.W. Harper Gold Medal 15 yrs.
Old Charter Proprietor's Reserve 13 yrs.
Old Fitzgerald Very Special 12 yrs.*
Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23 yrs.*
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof
Eagle Rare 17 yrs.
Hancock's Reserve
Henry McKenna 10 yrs.
Rock Hill Farms Bottled in Bond
Jefferson's Reserve 15 yrs.

I tend to like a little bit sweeter bourbon, but am also up for the higher proof. Any thoughts y'all?

[Luna56]

I usually try to have something I've never had before. Often I'm disappointed, but the spirit of adventure always prevails. This includes sampling 17 different grappas at a restaurant in Bussana del Grappa, the home of amazing grappa in Italy. My wife tells me I liked a couple...

Of the ones listed, I've had Hancock's and Rare Breed. I didn't care for the Rare Breed but I can understand why so many here like it. Just not for me. The Hancock's I had in KY last year was superb as I remember. My tastes may have changed/developed since then, but I remember being quite impressed.

I absolutely love Eagle Rare, and I wouldn't pass up a chance to try the 17 YO. Never tried that one myself, the 10YO is what we get up here.

Above all else, remember: It's your friggin' birthday! Somebody else is driving!

Cheers! (and Happy Birthday)
P.S. Since you're in Manhattan, make sure you get yourself a bottle of Four Roses Single Barrel, only available in KY, TN and NY (there may be new markets opening up as I recall). It's the stuff.

[Ruby K]

So I had a great "I'm not yet 30" party last night; twas a ton of fun. But the pregaming I had planned at d.b.a. a bar on the Lower East Side, did not go nearly as well as planned. A nice, chill bar with a very decent selection of bourbon, but they not only didn't they have most of the list I posted the other day, but they didn't even have half of the bourbons they listed on their own chalk board! No Hirschs, No Pappys, and so many other bourbons missing. I had the McKenna, which was pretty tasty, and the Pure Kentucky, which was also tasty, but I think I liked the ET Lee best. Still, was hopeful to try all these bourbons I've only heard about, and was defeated in that regard.

[bigtoys]

Have you been to Blue Smoke (116 E 27th)? They have a van Winkle bourbon that's made just for them. It's pretty good. I also tried the Four Roses there and it's supposedly coming to Illinois very soon.

Good BBQ, too at Blue Smoke, btw.

[NickAtMartinis]

So I had a great "I'm not yet 30" party last night; twas a ton of fun. But the pregaming I had planned at d.b.a. a bar on the Lower East Side, did not go nearly as well as planned. A nice, chill bar with a very decent selection of bourbon, but they not only didn't they have most of the list I posted the other day, but they didn't even have half of the bourbons they listed on their own chalk board! No Hirschs, No Pappys, and so many other bourbons missing. I had the McKenna, which was pretty tasty, and the Pure Kentucky, which was also tasty, but I think I liked the ET Lee best. Still, was hopeful to try all these bourbons I've only heard about, and was defeated in that regard.

Sorry to hear it didn't go as planned. Next time my wife and I are in NY, I'll make sure that I call the night before to make sure I get a current list of bourbons.

[Xibalba]

Hey Ruby, have you been to Fette Sau in Williamsburg? They have a decent bourbon selection, as well as some really good BBQ (by NYC standards). And if you like Belgian beer, check out Spuyten Duyvil across the street (same owners).

I like a block away from DBA, and I never go there, as it's too pricey for the medium-range selection they have. I prefer to get $5 glasses of Wild Turkey at Mars Bar down the street.

[Ruby K]

big toys, I have been to Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard, and I do enjoy it, especially the Pappy Blue Smoke 18. :-)


Mark, I'd definitely recommend calling and asking. and by calling and asking, i mean, like, an hour or two before you go.

Xibalba, thanks for the tip, I'll have to check it out. Maybe the fact that she didn't have the first TEN things they had on the board made her knock down the prices, but if I'm chillin in a bar, I'm okay paying 6 bucks for an ETL. I like it, and it IS NY.