Bourbon Hit List

[kickert]

I have two that I want to try in the near future.

EC 18

Lot B

And.... according to your other post, OGD 114.

[Hondo]

And.... according to your other post, OGD 114.

True... but after these two.

It occurs to me that my bourbon addiction would be a lot easier for me if I were independently wealthy! :cool:

[DeanSheen]

This is the list I have been musing over trying/buying. Since I cant get most of these here I have to either buy them off the web or grab them when I go to KY in April.

I think I want to try the Four Roses before I buy any. I also have some reservations about springing for the Old Portero and VW 107 blind. I didnt like the OWA I had but I only tried one bottle of it and never tried to water it down. I'm thinking the VW 107 is going to be damn close to OWA.

OTO, I see that Party Source has a private bottling of AAA. I'm def. picking one of those up on my way down to the sampler to figure out if I should grab a bunch more on the way back up.

AAA 10

Evan Williams SB

Fighting Cock

Weller 12

Old Grandad 114

Van Winkle 107

Blantons

Elijah Craig 12

BTAC

Old Potrero

Old Charter 13

Rittenhouse 100

HIGH WEST RENDEZVOUS RYE

Willett Pot Still Reserve

Four Roses Single Barrel

Four Roses 120th Anniversary

[PAspirit1]

Excluding the bourbons I am avoiding due to price, the list is EC12, EWSB '96 or '95, ETL and maybe the underpriced OF sig I saw yesterday.

[callmeox]

This is the list I have been musing over trying/buying. Since I cant get most of these here I have to either buy them off the web or grab them when I go to KY in April.

(snip)

Evan Williams SB

(snip)

I saw a mix of the 1998 and 1999 vintages on the shelves in Lake County this past Friday, so if you move quickly you can get one of each year to compare.

[Blitz]

Good thread.

First, here's where I've been:

• Buffalo Trace - Like a lot
  
• Knob Creek - Love it. Regular pour for me.
  
• Rittenhouse 100 BIB - My first Rye. Jury still out
  
• Woodford Reserve - unremarkable
  
• Evan Williams 1998 - Liked it okay, not memorable
  
• Makers Mark - so so.
  
• Pappy Van Winkle 20 - Love it, but not as regular pour

Here is where I want to go:

• Old Grand Dad 114
  
• Eagle Rare 10
  
• Elija Craig 12
  
• Four Roses SB
  
• Pappy 15
  
• Bookers
  
• Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Am I on the right path? Any redundant choices? thanks for your input.

Since I first posted this, I have seen a lot of love for Elmer T. Lee, so I am adding it to my hit list.

[Klepackage]

Blitz,

Absolutely pick up some Elmer T Lee. It was one of my first variations outside the common bar bourbons and now it's a go to pour.

As for the rest of your list, here are my impressions

OGD 114 - I think you'll enjoy this based on your love for Knob Creek

Eagle Rare - My SB is not bad/not great. Your results may vary. The Eagle Rare 101 seems to be universally loved on these boards.

Elijah Craig 12 - I would take this over the OGD 114 as well as the EC 18 year version.

Pappy 15 - I liked this more than the 20 year personally. In all honesty, you're not going to go wrong with a Van Winkle product though.

Bookers - It's high proof and you really taste the alcohol. If you want something in the high proof range, look for a George T Stagg or a Thomas H Handy Sazerac. Both are 125+ proof but can be had neat and are still delicious.

WTRB - Some people love it. At $35+, I'll personally get something else. To be fair, I'm not the biggest WT fan in general. Buffalo Trace > Wild Turkey.

[Blitz]

Blitz,

Absolutely pick up some Elmer T Lee. It was one of my first variations outside the common bar bourbons and now it's a go to pour.

As for the rest of your list, here are my impressions

OGD 114 - I think you'll enjoy this based on your love for Knob Creek

Eagle Rare - My SB is not bad/not great. Your results may vary. The Eagle Rare 101 seems to be universally loved on these boards.

Elijah Craig 12 - I would take this over the OGD 114 as well as the EC 18 year version.

Pappy 15 - I liked this more than the 20 year personally. In all honesty, you're not going to go wrong with a Van Winkle product though.

Bookers - It's high proof and you really taste the alcohol. If you want something in the high proof range, look for a George T Stagg or a Thomas H Handy Sazerac. Both are 125+ proof but can be had neat and are still delicious.

WTRB - Some people love it. At $35+, I'll personally get something else. To be fair, I'm not the biggest WT fan in general. Buffalo Trace > Wild Turkey.

Hey klepackage,

Thanks for your feedback. That's why I am here. Here are a few updates. I got the EC 12 and thought it was awful. I know alot of people love it, and I know it's inconsistent. I also got some Bookers. People complain that it's too high proof to drink neat, but Booker Noe's intent with this product was for the end user to decide the proof (by adding water) instead of the distillery deciding the proof. I really like it. Also, Eagle Rare, I agree with you, it's okay. The the bottle doesn't call to me like others do. I also agree Buffalo Trace>WT. I can't get into the WT products, but I don't give up on anything until I give it a full chance. We'll see.

[funknik]

I'm coming for Julio's RHF...add it to the hit list...also, lots of things I can't get:

Rittenhouse Rye BIB

Virginia Gentlemen SmB "The Fox"

Weller Antique

Very Old Barton, BIB

Old Fitzgerald (any expression)

and I'm really itching for:

Eagle Rare 10/101

any age statement Wild Turkey

[ACDetroit]

Hey Boozer, I know of places with the Ezra B 12...let me know if you're looking for any.

Tony

Have seen very few comments about Ezra B SB. Glad that a few people have tried it. Avaialble but tough to find in my state (MI). Did pick up a bottle yesterday and was planning on opening it tonight.

TJ

PS: I may drink the whole bottle since my wife is going to make me sit through a chic -flick with her tonight. :bigeyes: :slappin: :bigeyes: :slappin: :drinking:

[T47]

I feel I’ve done pretty well here in the isolated PNW, thanks to some very kind SB folk! I would someday like to try some Four Roses Single Barrel, Old Forrester B-day Bourbon and some PVW 23. But MOST of all, I want to try anything available at the Gazebo one day...in the company of some of you fine folks...now that would be a drink I would truly savor.

:toast:

[luv2hunt]

I feel I’ve done pretty well here in the isolated PNW, thanks to some very kind SB folk! I would someday like to try some Four Roses Single Barrel, Old Forrester B-day Bourbon and some PVW 23. But MOST of all, I want to try anything available at the Gazebo one day...in the company of some of you fine folks...now that would be a drink I would truly savor.

:toast:

I can help you with all of those :grin: :grin: If you ever decide to come to the gazebo.....you have to promise to stop at my house!!

Dawn

[Stu]

I feel I’ve done pretty well here in the isolated PNW, thanks to some very kind SB folk! I would someday like to try some Four Roses Single Barrel, Old Forrester B-day Bourbon and some PVW 23. But MOST of all, I want to try anything available at the Gazebo one day...in the company of some of you fine folks...now that would be a drink I would truly savor.

:toast:

Todd,

You've got to make it to the gazebo some time. I promise it's an experience you'll always remember. These folks are even nicer in person than they are on this site (I know that sounds impossible, but it's true). I found the gazebo by accident the first time I went to KBF, that's when I learned about this site. I've been going back twice/year ever since. I wasn't even a bourbon drinker at that time (I drank that iodine and seaweed flavored stuff from across the water - which I still enjoy). They educated me as to the nuances of good bourbon, and made a bourbon lover out of me. I'm still learning and learn more every time I go. Again, if you or any other member ever find your way to the Ozarks, let me know and stop by for a visit and some refreshment. I don't have the best bar in the world, but I always have at least 10 or 12 open bottles and a few more in reserve, and my wife is a gourmet wild game cook, so I think you'll find something to suit your taste. (Just don't ask me where the big headed kid with the banjo lives.)

Back to the topic, my hit list is any bourbon I've never tasted, as well as finding some of those delicious "dusties" I've tasted at the gazebo.

[Buffalo Bill]

Hancock's Reserve for me. After all these years and I still have not tried it, largely due to price and tasting comments—*and I'm a BT fan. BB

[The Boozer]

Hey Boozer, I know of places with the Ezra B 12...let me know if you're looking for any.

Tony

Thanks Tony,

I believe the Red Wagon Shop carries it regularly but if they are short, I will give you a hollar. All the other stores are either out or don't carry it. Have you tried it?

Sorry it took me awhile to get back with you, been busy with work.

TJ

[ACDetroit]

Thanks Tony,

I believe the Red Wagon Shop carries it regularly but if they are short, I will give you a hollar. All the other stores are either out or don't carry it. Have you tried it?

Sorry it took me awhile to get back with you, been busy with work.

TJ

TJ, I've had the 15yr old but not the 12. The 15 is outstanding but I have not seen it around in a while.

Tony

[Eggman]

Howdy,

One day I want to try Wild Turkey Rare breed.

Eggman

[BunkerBooze]

here's my hit list:

Any Willett bourbons or ryes

W.L. Weller Centennial

Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 101 proof

Old Charter Proprietor's Reserve

Old Potrero Hotaling's (any years)

Pappy van Winkle 20yrs

George T Stagg

[tommyboy38]

Hmmm....What's on my hit list?

Off the top of my head, I reckon it might look like this...

2008 WLW

any 2000-2002 WLW

BHC VSOF

SW Van Winkle 12

Michters 10 yr SB

There are many other bottles which are expensive and would like a taste but I try not to buy any "mystery bourbon".

I's also like to open my Hannah & Hogg.

[funknik]

I'm still gunning for:

WLW (any year)

McKenna SB -- this one was very good, it really surprised me

Lot 'B' (need to replace a fallen soldier, but at a reasonable price)

Older WTs (specifically RB or RR101 (I can dream))

Also, I can't wait to get my hands on some more AAA 10yr -- that stuff is awesome.

[ggilbertva]

I looked back on my response in Jan and adjust as follows:

I've had the Repeal...not gonna bother

I've had the Miarage and it was pretty good so I'll keep that on the list

BTEC, would still like to get these just to try

Would love to find the early BHC bottles.....any of them

The only other things are older bottles not currently residing in my bunker

[TonyDVC]

My hit list:Eagle RareLot BBooker'sany age Pappy'sSome of these I can't find, some I can find but they are alittle pricey.TonyDVC

[JMac72]

Love the ORVW 10/90 and the 10/107, Weller SR, and Bookers.

I don't why, maybe its the label, but I really want to find a bottle of Johnny Drum 15 year, Peter Jake's Private Reserve, and Pure Kentucky XO (here because I read a review where it was described as being similar to the Van Winkle line).

After that and in no particular order:

Elmer T Lee

WT Rare Breed

Old Grand Dad 114

Weller 12 year

Rowan's Creek (this one I keep wavering on).

[ggilbertva]

Love the ORVW 10/90 and the 10/107, Weller SR, and Bookers.

I don't why, maybe its the label, but I really want to find a bottle of Johnny Drum 15 year, Peter Jake's Private Reserve, and Pure Kentucky XO (here because I read a review where it was described as being similar to the Van Winkle line).

After that and in no particular order:

Elmer T Lee

WT Rare Breed

Old Grand Dad 114

Weller 12 year

Rowan's Creek (this one I keep wavering on).

I have a Rowans Creek and it's good. This comes from KBD who doesn't distill their own stuff....yet. So, one bottle may be different from another based on who/what distillate they use for each run.

[JMac72]

I have a Rowans Creek and it's good. This comes from KBD who doesn't distill their own stuff....yet. So, one bottle may be different from another based on who/what distillate they use for each run.

Thanks for the info. I keep wavering because I am reading too many reviews about Rowans. Moreover a number of them keep comparing it its big brother Noah's Mill and Noah's Mill usually is the preferred one and hence the indecision.

I'm going to have to get off the fence and just buy a bottle. Hopefully I'll find one in Las Vegas or Tucson in June/July.