Everyone says it's great BUT....

[Stu]

I'm going to commit the ultimate heresy. I've never had an Old Forrester that I liked. I've tried all the premium bottles that are at the gazebo and it is one whiskey that does absolutely nothing for me. I find it harsh. I know I'm in the minority, but then, I like old whiskey, so tastes differ. I think EC 18 is Heaven Hills finest product.

[Old Lamplighter]

The first one to come to mind is BT with KC close behind. I find the mustiness of BT totally repulsive and KC just seems like 9yo JBW in small batches.....nothing special. Another couple are OGD Bond & 86. While I have had a lifetime love affair with 114, the other two are badly lacking in depth IMHO.

[funknik]

I'm going to commit the ultimate heresy. I've never had an Old Forrester that I liked. I've tried all the premium bottles that are at the gazebo and it is one whiskey that does absolutely nothing for me. I find it harsh. I know I'm in the minority, but then, I like old whiskey, so tastes differ. I think EC 18 is Heaven Hills finest product.

I second the OF ban -- I have not dug any that I've had.

[ggilbertva]

Most of the OGD product available today are ones I avoid. I do have an OGD 114 from 1980 that I find to be quite good. Another product that I find overpriced and undrinkable is Basil Hayden....not my cup of bourbon.

[OscarV]

I've never had an Old Forrester that I liked. I've tried all the premium bottles that are at the gazebo and it is one whiskey that does absolutely nothing for me. I find it harsh. I know I'm in the minority, but then, I like old whiskey, so tastes differ.

I agree with all that you said, except OF Signature over cracked ice is OK.

[NYtaster]

The first one to come to mind is BT with KC close behind. I find the mustiness of BT totally repulsive and KC just seems like 9yo JBW in small batches.....nothing special. Another couple are OGD Bond & 86. While I have had a lifetime love affair with 114, the other two are badly lacking in depth IMHO.

[JamesW]

I wish I could do a drive-by and pick up all your unloved Pappy 20's!

Firstly, Pappy 15 is my tops. Pappy 20 is second, followed by Weller Centennial. The Lot B I have on the shelf I'll admit has tasted a little "thin" of late but still a fine whiskey. And VSOF 12 is also outstanding. I agree with Chuck that the Staggs etc... are really not all they're cracked up to be, proof is not a measure of quality though some folks on this board are very "wowed" by this feature. That said, the BTAC WLW at 120 proof is quite tastey and a top pick for me.

My disappointments have been many, especially EC18 (and 12), Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and any Beam product save the Parkers Heritage that I find somewhat decent though grossly overpriced.

[kickert]

any Beam product save the Parkers Heritage that I find somewhat decent though grossly overpriced.

Isn't Parker Beam the Master Distiller at Heaven Hill and not Jim Beam.

[ggilbertva]

That's correct, Parker is at HH

[snakster]

One more rant if I'm allowed, Snaksters avitar just brought this to mind. Just this week I saw Hirsch at the local store for $239 a bottle. Now I bought one a couple of years back at $80 and thought it was OK but a little over priced but for $239????? It must be the last bottle on earth!

I hear ya. I bought all my bottles when PA was closing them out at $50. I bought 5 and sent 2 to another SBer at cost. I drank one and loved it. I still love it at $50. I wouldn't pay $239 if it was the last bottle of anything on earth. I'd gladly part with my last two if someone offered that though.

[JamesW]

Isn't Parker Beam the Master Distiller at Heaven Hill and not Jim Beam.

oops! .... that's true... so then I guess I don't like all Beam products save none

[Josh]

Since my beloved VOB and OF have been raked over the coals, I'm going to fess up as to my dislike of a mid-lower shelfer that has been getting alot of attention: Benchmark.

I've had old ones, I've had new ones. Just blah all around, with a hint of unpleasentness. I'm all for high vfm, but for me, Benchmark just does not deliver. I'm going to have to say AAA 10 star doesn't either. Just all burn with no depth. Makes a decent mixer, but for the same price HH or less makes a better one, with a little more sweetness and complexity.

[Luna56]

Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I really gave this one every opportunity to change my mind but it wasn't to be. There was something about it that kinda turned my stomach a little, like a strong hazelnut flavor or something.

It took me forever to finish the bottle and I hated the last pour as much as the first.

I like WT101 okay, but the Rare Breed was just disgusting to my palate.

Cheers!

[OldJack]

Anyone who dislikes OGD-BIB or 114 is cordially invited to ship me your unfinished bottles. I will give them a good home.

My votes are as follows:

Henry McKenna BIB. It tasted like halls cough drops. Gross. Unless I become a koala bear in my next life, I will have no need for this bourbon.

And then there are the kissing cousins: Russell's Reserve and WTRB. They are both very nice, but I prefer the WT101 over both of them. So does my bank account.

[NYtaster]

Wild Turkey Rare Breed. I really gave this one every opportunity to change my mind but it wasn't to be. There was something about it that kinda turned my stomach a little, like a strong hazelnut flavor or something.

It took me forever to finish the bottle and I hated the last pour as much as the first.

I like WT101 okay, but the Rare Breed was just disgusting to my palate.

Cheers!

Luna,

I'm really surprised by your dislike for RB especially since you like the standard WT fare. RB is a step up in my opinion but it can over power if your not ready. I will say it doesnt seem to do well if you are eating and drinking. I'm curious, are you drinking it neat or do you add water? I tend to go neat but there are times that adding a splash is more to my liking, usually if I have been drinking something of a lower proof this is the case.

For me RB is just more "WTish" than 101 and I really find it to be my top WT bottling. I haven't had the chance to try Freedom butr everything else is included in the previous statement. BTW if anyone has a bottle of WTKF to offer please let me know!!!!!

[sailor22]

Originally Posted by Stu

I'm going to commit the ultimate heresy. I've never had an Old Forrester that I liked. I've tried all the premium bottles that are at the gazebo and it is one whiskey that does absolutely nothing for me. I find it harsh. I know I'm in the minority, but then, I like old whiskey, so tastes differ. I think EC 18 is Heaven Hills finest product.

+1 with emphasis on the Birthday. I have tried several years and it just isn't for me.

[Martian]

Mike, I'm with you all the way about Weller 12. All I got was harshness and woodiness. Chuck, I'm also with you about age. AAA 10 Star has become one of my favorites. It's a 6 yr., I believe. I don't think I've ever seen Lot B.

[Luna56]

Luna,

I'm really surprised by your dislike for RB especially since you like the standard WT fare. RB is a step up in my opinion but it can over power if your not ready. I will say it doesnt seem to do well if you are eating and drinking. I'm curious, are you drinking it neat or do you add water? I tend to go neat but there are times that adding a splash is more to my liking, usually if I have been drinking something of a lower proof this is the case.

For me RB is just more "WTish" than 101 and I really find it to be my top WT bottling. I haven't had the chance to try Freedom butr everything else is included in the previous statement. BTW if anyone has a bottle of WTKF to offer please let me know!!!!!

Well, I said I like the WT101 okay, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

I almost always take bourbon neat. If I'm trying a new one I may add a splash for the hell of it.

Yeah, the RB was a big disappointment for me, though I know it's a quality whiskey and is beloved by many here.

Cheers!

[Eggman]

Howdy,

I just don't "get" knob Creek. It's not bad, but I'm not impressed.

Eggman

[Kendall]

EC12, I just don't get it.

VOB BIB, ?

[ElasticalGomez]

to the OP:

funny you mention those two as they were both acquired by me specially last month and i'm in love with both of them and severely sad that i cannot purchase them where i live. as i have found i am much more a rye drinker than a wheat drinker (not rye whiskey but bourbon, mind you) the Weller12 would be a permanent alternative to MM if it were available here. i loved it for it's smooth finish and strong vanilla taste. the Lot B is one of the most subtle and distinguished bourbons i've ever tasted without feeling underwhelming. it would be poured much more often if it were both cheaper and available where i live.

to each his own, of course. many here seem to love the WT101 while i found it "ok" at first and then began noticing that it tasted like Fritos corn chips. blech.

[The Boozer]

Bourbon. I really don't get a bunch of guys (apparently women too!!) going absolutely ga-ga over whisky. These people spend tons of times (wasted in my opionion), talking, discussing, debating about bourbon. Boring!!. I mean there are packs of these people who actually drive from State to State looking for old bottles of bourbon, that have probably turned rancid, and then sharing and drinking them with each other. Talk about a waste of money. Seriously, these people need to get a ..... wait a minute... I'm on the wrong site.:bigeyes: :bigeyes: I thought this was a scotch site.

(TJ)

[Josh]

Bourbon. I really don't get a bunch of guys (apparently women too!!) going absolutely ga-ga over whisky. These people spend tons of times (wasted in my opionion), talking, discussing, debating about bourbon. Boring!!. I mean there are packs of these people who actually drive from State to State looking for old bottles of bourbon, that have probably turned rancid, and then sharing and drinking them with each other. Talk about a waste of money. Seriously, these people need to get a ..... wait a minute... I'm on the wrong site.:bigeyes: :bigeyes: I thought this was a scotch site.

(TJ)

[The Boozer]

Josh, you're good. You even picked up on my whisk(e)y spelling.

TJ

[chefnash51]

FRSB fell short with me. It was decent enough, but nothing I would go out of my way for .. or spend $40 on again. I still have a fair amount of it left and plan on going back to it soon.

But with my feelings on FRSmB being similar, my expectations are not high.