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I got a late start to the cabinet tonight. Having Old Fitz BiB 8yr, from 2021, I think. Pretty good, it isn’t my fave OF, but good nonetheless. Cheers

After the Stg Junior, I transferred the big clear cube over to a glass of OF SiB barrel proof. I typically only drink OFSiBBP with a cube, and it tastes pretty damn good that way, I must say.

I observe a lot of them (the overwhelming majority of whom are still relatively new to whiskey, even if they have tried a lot of different ones) have absolutely convinced themselves that OWA tastes superior in every way to WFP, CYPB, WSiB, and of course W12. Even though it's all the same NAS stuff (with the exception of W12 with the age statement). It's definitely a "monkey see, monkey do" phenomenon pervasive with people who live their lives on social media.

I saw several HMcK B.I.B. the other day.

It appears the current MSRP is ~$60, but practically nobody is going to sell it for that. I purchased and enjoyed it as a regular pour (back in the early 2000s) and it cost $21 - $25. This included initially the 7 year age stated and later some NAS single barrels. My perception was - this is one step up from 90 proof MM, an easy drinker, not mind blowing. I suspect many people forking over big money for this: never tried it before, chasing labels, influenced by social media.

We decided to relax today after a long week. Chilled this morning, then decided to order pizza for a mid afternoon lunch. On the way to pick up our pizza, I ran into the grocery store to grab a 2 liter RC. I figured that I’d make a quick stop in the liquor department since I needed a bottle of MM for my new personalized MM Ambassador Father Day label. To my surprise, a few bottles of BT were on the shelf. So I walked out of the grocery store with RC, MM, and BT.

Cool story.

Well, I listened to the race on the radio. Some of my in laws got to meet Newgarden and his crew a couple years ago. Somehow he found out my brother in law was a big 500 fan, and had ALS. They are the nicest people, even put a sticker with Brian's name on the race car. Newgarden is our favorite driver. We're thrilled about the second win in a row. Nobody's ever done three.

I shared a sample of a 120.6 proof Binny’s ps Wyoming Whiskey this evening with @JerseyDon at the Legion. Pretty hot, but the flavor was good. It was even better with a couple of drops of water and a couple of small chunks of ice. Been home a while now. Getting thirsty again.

That was a hell of a pass on the outside by Newgarden at 220mph. Balls. Big ones.

Sorry if the blackout made you miss it. Truly a riveting finish, as @mbroo5880i has iterated. I watched on the little 20" screen in the basement while removing ancient vinyl tile adhesive and inhaling far too much of my own exhaust due to the N-95 mask I had on. Anybody know what asbestos tastes like? Asking for a friend. Tonight the squarish decanter was filled to the tippy top with a nearly equal blend of Larceny BP and regular 92 octane Larceny. Goes down far too easily. I just noticed the decanter is too full to put the stopper back. Better clear that neck pour. Dang OCD.

AI is overrated. I could get a pic exactly like that within 5 seconds if I put a glass of bourbon on the table in front of my GSP. The dog lunges after my bourbon and beer any chance she gets!

With heat index over 100, it's time to pull out the big ice cubes. '16 130.0 proof Junior in my glass.

Guinness is better in Ireland

More WT101 post-Indy 500. Storms delayed the race but the finish was awesome. Newgarden (repeat), O'Ward, and Dixon. I thought O'Ward was going to win his first 500 but he was passed on the final lap. The latest time of day finish in Indy history. I will be watching the Pacer game tomorrow night but switching back and forth just so I can see the driver's WAGs.

Gorgeous early evening sitting out front loving that tomorrow is an off day. Listening to some tunes with an Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Belicoso and an Old Tub on a cube. Truly a blissful time.

Ok...I wanted to end on a non-terrible note, so i grabbed one last sample bottle. The aroma was pleasant before I even pick up the glass with nice generic bourbon notes bolstered by a nice nutty/almond aroma bordering on maple sawdust. The palette was a little weak. None of the flavors were well developed except a floral grassy note, otherwise, it was hard to pick out much nuance beyond a (maybe) buttery sweetness. Nothing seemed out of place, although it did have a slight funk to it, not at all unpleasant. The finish was just fine. Nothing great, but nothing disagreeable. I think some people would really enjoy this, but I just found it middling. I did recognize it though. I bet most people do as well. 51 / 90

My last tasting I couldn't even score some categories because I just couldn't taste much of anything. The nose was almost non existent. I did get a faint muddy-sweet citrus almost reminiscent of Buffalo trace, but worse. The palette literally tasted like nothing. If I let the alcohol sit in my mouth long enough I almost got a sort of buttery sweet as the alcohol broke down, but the only note I got was peppery char Finish was the same pepper that faded in a second or so. This was borderline tasteless without crossing over to offensive. 19 / 90

My third tasting involved a longer gap between ratings and a good water rinse off both glass and mouth. The nose was almost missing, but after searching I got a faint full pickle. The palette was really weak. I got some generic bourbon- like smells, but the only thing I could really make out was black pepper charred oak note. If I really tried, I could almost call it baking spice. There was nothing unpleasant here, but also nothing inviting. The finish was short, and peppery, but not unpleasant. This was a general stinker. Not unpleasant, but nothing remarkable. Adding this to a mixed drink rotation would be just fine. 23 / 90

Second tasting I need to own that I didn't wash my pallette enough between these. Nose was a nice maple sweetness with baking spice and it got better with a little time. The palette was a little tricky, it tasted complex at first with some almond custard sweetness and a touch of al almost apricot stone fruit. The complex notes faded though and I think some of the mix of the last glass may have influenced that. By the end it was still very pleasant, and extremely well balanced with more basic notes of oak, spice and sweetness (a little extra sweet). I did get a minor almost scotch-like taste that stayed throughout. The finish was very nice and moderately long. 62 / 90

First of a few pours this afternoon... Nose had an amazing rye spice, caramel and vanilla. The palette was broad and complex, but all the flavors were well behaved with none of them overpowering, but also none of them really robust. There was a leathery oak with complex fruit sweetness and baking spice. Nuances were easy to sort through Finish was amazing with a lasting cherry with some oak char and vanilla My highest score 74/90

My second tasting was hard to score. The nose was really nice. I should have given it a higher score with a nice fruity baseline with a touch of vanilla.i docked points for minimal sweet, no oak, and forgettable spice. The palette was really hard to judge because the overwhelming flavor was a strong but basic char. I really had to dig past the char to find the other flavors. Not much was present on the front end, but once it hit the back of the tongue, overwhelming char. I had to swallow after a long chew to get a very pleasant cherry with some vanilla. Finish was pleasant but marred by the first half. By the end, I had a nice pleasant cherry bomb on my tongue. It was hard to score due to the nice flavor masked by a huge flaw. 42/90 points

Beef ribs!

Last wild display i saw was Oct 2018. By this time it was VERY appreciated and they sold most of the display by the case. Afterwards the owner started listening to the little birdy in his ear.