All Activity

I would look for Cat's Eye Distillery's Optanium or an RY3 Light Whiskey. Those are reasonably priced and very good. That would give an idea of what a light whiskey is like. Jacobs Pardon is excellent and HOT - I think 71% ABV - but more expensive by a bunch. If you can swing it, it is worth it, but so are the other two I mentioned. Here is a link to some others and a description of light whiskey. https://www.bourboneur.com/post/is-american-light-whiskey-bourbon-exploring-key-differences-and-popular-picks

I saw Blanton's and Eagle rare on the shelf yesterday for $89 and I think $45 respectively. That particular store sometimes puts them out on a special release table but these were on the regular shelf.

I do that, sometimes, but it depends on the drink. If it's a cocktail where the whiskey is the star of the show I'll use really good stuff. I firmly believe great cocktails need great whiskey as the foundation. For drinks where the liquor gets lost in the wash, like that California Cool-Aid, bourbon slush, or in recipes, I'll use the one's that I don't care for as much or the cheap, but good, stuff like Ancient Age or EWB...

Do you mean malted bourbons or American single malts? To answer your question, no, peat is a scotch thing. The peat is grown there. American Malts, both bourbon and single malts, in my experience, can have some smokey characteristics, but I have not experienced peat flavor. I have several high malt bourbons and probably 10 different American Single Malts. I have to experience anything like peat flavor. The closest I have come is some medicinal/herbal and peppery ryes. Not a fan of those, but don't find them often. If you are looking at something in particular, ask, maybe someone has tried it. However, I would not be too worried about it.

I do not have any other light whiskeys in my collection. The closest I have is a bottle from American Metal.

Yesterday as I was out and about, the local Spec's had 23 cases of EH Taylor Small Batch. It's the second time in a month that I've seen cases of EH Taylor Small Batch in that quantity. The store manager shared that it's likely some of the harder to find bourbons from Buffalo Trace will become easier to find. He mentioned Blantons, EH Taylor and Eagle Rare. Oddly, as I was catching up on some you tube bourbon channels last night, one influencer essentially said the same. I'm curious if others have seen or heard something similar?

I bet. I was lucky to find the 15 and Jacobs Pardon. Older light whiskey was just starting to get hot in the market. Penelope is well known as well. Do you have any other light whiskeys?

You like what you like and there's nothing wrong with that!

I had one of those last week while visiting the in laws in Cincinnati. It is excellent. We can't get that here.

I also use some of the bourbons I don't much care for as mixers. Naples is beautiful. Loved visiting there.

Same...we lived in Naples, Italy, many moons ago & I acquired taste for it, and Amaro Montenegro as well. The Blade & Bow is pretty good, but not great. This one was gifted to me, and I probably won't replace it. The reason I used it for the cocktail is that it was relatively early in the afternoon & wanted something in the 90 proof range, and wasn't going to waste any BT in it....

I enjoy Peroni, and the frosty mug is fantastic. How is the Blade and Bow bourbon? I've seen it before, just haven't bought one

Curious question for those who enjoy scotch. I don't particularly care for the peated flavor from a traditional scotch. That said, would that flavor profile also translate to Single Malt bourbons too?

I was out and about yesterday and discovered some other Old Elk varieties that I'd not seen prior. It's amazing how many different varieties there are from them

I bought the Peerless Double Oaked Rye. It was really good. Didn't taste like the usual rye.

I think this one is next on my list. I saw a deal for 4 of the usual Michter's varieties (Sour Mash, Bourbon, American Whiskey, Rye) for $119. That seems like an awesome price.

I've been searching for it. Only seems to be available on the secondary market and the price is quite high.

Really? I have never watched a single episode of Star Trek

Putting anything on your steak other than some salt should lower your credit score.

I know it's not bourbon, but the sentiment is the same-same! And it's really, really early Sunday morning - what's a guy to do???

WT 101 8 yr, 1792 FP, Nashville Barrel. YUM...

This was a collaboration between Worldwide Wine & Spirts and Beverage King, both in Connecticut. 5 Years in bourbon barrels and 1 years in a Mezcal cask and bottled at cask strength. Nice tropical fruit and sugar notes and very smooth for the age and proof. You get sweetness on the palette with a little agave smoke, but the finish is really where the mezcal hits. Really nice savory smokey flavor that reminds of BBQ. Really nice and unique pour. 8/10.

Never heard of Kinsey before but when I saw cask strength rye, finished in Amarone casks, and for $55, I had to try it. It is a store pick for WorldWide Wine & Sprits in Connecticut. It is good, really good, especially for the price. The nose is full of rich red wine notes and the palette doesn't disappoint. Rich grape and wine notes with some fruity and rye sweetness followed by a nice rye peppery (mild pepper) finish. Wow. I really enjoyed it and recommend it highly. Not sure how similar this is to other offerings of Kinsey's, but this was great. 8.75/10

Never had Smoke Wagon before and had no idea what to expect. Had the pleasure of trying the store pick at WorldWide Wine & Spirits here in Connecticut yesterday. A bottle came home with me. It tastes a little hot for 59.6% ABV and 7 years old, but other than that, I have no complaints (and I am not one to shy away from high proof). It is pretty smooth but has a little more burn at the end than I was expecting. The mouthfeel is medium but the flavors are rich with vanilla being prominent. It has a really nice woody/oaky quality to it that is borderline similar to a toasted oak. Really nice and no regrets. Not sure if this is indicative of all the smoke wagon offerings, but this one was well worth it. 8.5/10.

I have the 15 year from last year. It is a "light" whiskey. If I recall, and do not quote me on it because I looked it up a while ago, there are different rules, but basically bourbon minus the charred oak and it can go into the barrel hotter, etc. I am not sure what rules pertain to the type of wood and as you can see below, the taste can vary. The 15 year is one of four light whiskeys I have (Jacobs Pardon, Optanium from Cat's Eye, RY3 Store pick, being the others). I really enjoy light whiskey and the Penelope is no exception. They are generally rich in flavor but lighter on the wood influence and I get all sorts of sweet and savory flavors from them. A 15 year light whiskey is generally hotter and not as smooth as a similarly aged bourbon but they are unique. If I recall, and I will have to try it again soon, I got sweet vanilla notes and it was really nice. Going from memory, but the Optanium has berry notes, the RY3 coconut and vanilla, and the Jacobs Pardon has some apple cinnamon going on. I would expect the 17 year Penelope to be more of the 15 years profile but be a little smoother. However, the flavors can vary widely with light whiskeys, so who knows. I would love to hear any opinions on it. Especially comparing it to the 15 year.