Virginia Gentleman Red Label

[cornsqueezins]

I just recently noticed VG red label on the shelves south of the border in Bama. Haven't noticed it before so I'm not sure if it's a new addition or what. It was priced pretty cheap: $10.99. I almost grabbed a bottle to go along with some EWSB '91 but figured I better wait and see what others had to say about it. I'd hate to purchase an inferior version of "The Fox" when, for only a few bucks more, I can get the green label (which I've had in the past). And, from an earlier post by Linn, inferior seems to be the case.

I didn't find an awful lot on the red label while searching here. Dave, you've mentioned it more than anybody else. Is this one of your personal favorites? You mentioned it being refreshing? What exactly led you to that description? And do you find it similar and/or inferior to the green label?

-Troy

[bluesbassdad]

First of all, please keep in mind that my tastes seem to change on a daily basis, and my memory for flavors is unreliable. It's been several weeks since I finished the bottle of Virginia Gentleman red label.

I think the word "refreshing" may have been a euphemism for "lacking flavor". I do recall that it seemed light and easy to drink. I drank most of the bottle on the rocks, while sitting on the porch on summer afternoons, which is not my usual way to drink bourbon.

I still have about a quarter bottle of The Fox, and I just happened to have had a drink of it a few nights ago. However, I can only compare it to bourbons that I've drunk recently, such as Russell's Reserve, ORVW 10/107, WT 101, Elijah Craig 12 y/o, EWSB '92, and Old Fitz 1849.

To my taste The Fox lacks some flavor element that I've come to expect, even crave, in bourbon. It strikes me as clean, crisp, and light -- not qualities that I associate with any bourbon in the above list, although the OF is on the light side compared to the others. I find The Fox interesting and pleasant (definitely more flavorful than the red label), but I may not replace this bottle when I finish it.

I'm afraid that asking me my preference between the red label and The Fox is rather like asking a fan of rye mashbills to compare two versions of Maker's Mark.

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[Guest **DONOTDELETE**]

Troy you are better served by purchasing 'The Fox' rather than the 80 proof 'red label'. The original red is only three years old and has a very simple nose and palate. The finish is just as clean and crisp as 'The Fox' just not as long nor as pleasent. If you are looking for something inexpensive to mix bourbonic drinks for guests then Virginia Gentleman 'red label' is a fine choice, as it is easy drinking without any harshness. It is especially appropiate for guests that may say "oh! I don't like bourbon!", as it makes a solid Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour and it also mixes well with ginger ale. I hope this helps.

[cornsqueezins]

Yeah, thanks. I think I'll forego the red label and stick with the green.

Dave, your impressions of the green label are very similar to mine. I also found it to be pleasant but lacking a certain something. But since Kris and Tom had mentioned "The Fox" as being a bourbon unique to their taste, I think I'll go back and give it another try. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing anything by ignoring the red label.

-Troy

[MurphyDawg]

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But since Kris and Tom had mentioned "The Fox" as being a bourbon unique to their taste, I think I'll go back and give it another try.