BOTM 5/10 Ancient Age

[fishnbowljoe]

Downshifting this month. Let's see what everyone has to say about Ancient Age. I believe this bourbon is more widely distributed than last months BOTM. At least I've seen it on the shelves in a lot more places lately. So what say ye? Let's hear your thoughts. Maybe we can get a few more posts this month. Cheers, and happy posting! :grin: Joe

[Doggerlander]

I'm curious to see how people describe this one. I haven't been able to come up with a good word to describe a hint of unusual flavor/scent in AA. It seems like tea, but others haven't agreed with me. It's not unpleasant, just hard to describe. I must like it because my bottle is getting near done.

[Dramiel McHinson]

Me and Ancient Age go way back. As I have posted in the past, I was introduced to AA by my grandparents by way of sneaking sips from unattended drinks. They mixed it with Canada Dry Ginger Ale and a good shot of bitter lemon. Even as a young bourbon hound, AA of that period was smooth, aromatic and delicate. Just right for tender palates not ready for a throat closing, eye watering, booger blowing bourbon made for real men in deer camp.

It went through a dark period for me when Seagrams took it. In 2007, I found a pint bottle of it in Tennessee at 10 years and 90 proof. That's odd, I thought, I didn't think it was ever issued in recent history with that age and proof but there it was. So I bought it.

It was outstanding. It was rich and smooth. That aromatic, almost shoe polish, nose was there. The taste was of roasted buttered almonds with brown sugar and cinnamon. Just the slightest hint of sweet smokey oak was there. I loved it. I gave the bottle to my grandfather for him to reminisce of the old AA he used to drink.

No problem. I'll buy more. I haven't seen it since. Anywhere. To me, Ancient Age, Like Gentleman Jack, realizes its greatest potential in a good quality glass of dry style ginger ale. They were made for each other like a couple toasting their 50 year anniversary.

Now some will not agree about AA's place in the rankings of fine bourbon but AA, like my first girlfriend, has a special place in my heart. It was AA that started my lifelong affair with bourbon.

[Vosgar]

Joe - I may have to kick you in the nads when you get back from vacation. When we were at JT's the other week, you talked me out of buying an AAA, now you're making AA the BOTM? You're killing me! Enjoy your trip and buy a cup while you're there. :grin:

Gary

[BourbonJoe]

I have always found Ancient Age to be a pedestrian whiskey. There is nothing terribly wrong with it, but there is nothing to declare it a great whiskey. A decent mixing whiskey IMO. Spend the extra money and get the AAA.

Joe :usflag:

[p_elliott]

Joe - I may have to kick you in the nads when you get back from vacation. When we were at JT's the other week, you talked me out of buying an AAA, now you're making AA the BOTM? You're killing me! Enjoy your trip and buy a cup while you're there. :grin:

Gary

I have always found Ancient Age to be a pedestrian whiskey. There is nothing terribly wrong with it, but there is nothing to declare it a great whiskey. A decent mixing whiskey IMO. Spend the extra money and get the AAA.

Joe :usflag:

I have to wonder BourbonJoe if your serious about his post or your just trying to get Fishnbowljoe's nads crushed :slappin:

[Hawg73]

I have never tried AA. I will have to see if the local packie carries it and pick up a bottle.

[Josh]

I picked up a bottle of AA today.

The family resemblence to its mashbill-mates is clear in the nose, but upon initial entry the corn is very strong.

As the corn fades, a sort of harsh, slightly bitter taste but no wood to be found.

The finish gradually fades into that sweet tea taste Doggerlander mentioned. Then a little tingle, then it's gone.

For under ten dollars, it's not terrible, and certainly better than any cheapo blend, but not something I'd drink on a regular basis. I actually think I may like it better than the last AAA 10* I bought. I'd rather spend a few more bucks for Evan Williams, Old Forester, or VOB.

[OscarV]

but not something I'd drink on a regular basis. I actually think I may like it better than the last AAA 10* I bought. I'd rather spend a few more bucks for Evan Williams, Old Forester, or VOB.

Man oh man, can't one day go by without a MI guy bashing a BT product?!?!!?:grin:

[StraightBoston]

Just checking -- the 3yo 80 proof? I have a 200ml to sample.

[reg]

AAA 10 Star in 1.75 plastic bottle. Best Value in Alabama ABC.

[wormil]

I always keep a jug of 10 Star around. It's better than most whiskeys in the $15-25 range.

[funknik]

I have only had the AA BIB which I think is a fine whiskey for the money, but unremarkable . . . it IS cool to have a BIB from BT, though.

Although I have only seen it here once, AA is listed as available in Maine but only in the 1.75L plastic bottles, so I passed . . . no plastic for me, thanks.

[ebo]

I picked up a bottle of AAA 10 star today because of the feedback in this thread. I must say, I'm very impressed for $12.00. I'll definitely be buying this again.

[Solomon2]

Does anybody know how much rye is in the 3yo AA mashbill?

[flintlock]

I picked up a bottle of AAA 10 star today because of the feedback in this thread. I must say, I'm very impressed for $12.00. I'll definitely be buying this again.

Ebo - can your retailer also get the 10 year? I'm having difficulty finding 10 year. I would assume if a retailer can get 10 star they can get 10 year, but so far this hasn't been the case.

I love AAA 10 star also, even though I have to drive to Georgia to get it.

[Josh]

I've only ever seen AAA 10 y/o in Kentucky, although I think Binny's had it at one point.

[chefnash51]

To clarify - The AAA 10* is a 6 year old. The AAA 10 yr is, well, a 10 yr old bourbon.

and I have always thought that the AAA 10yr was only avail in KY.

[squire]

Is the 10 yr AAA available anywhere? I haven't seen it in years.

[chefnash51]

The Party Source has it avail if they ship to your state. It's single barrel selection as well.

[squire]

Thanks, we have the 10 Star here, I was referring to the 10 yr old version.

[chefnash51]

Thanks, we have the 10 Star here, I was referring to the 10 yr old version.

And the part source has it as a private label. http://www.thepartysource.com/express/results.php?t=t2&s=TPS+PRIVATE+BARREL+SELECTION

[squire]

Thanks again Kevin, that is what I was talking about. As a general rule I prefer distillery expressions so the blender can create a broader composite of whiskys. I think of it as an orchestra rather than a single instrument.

Having said that I would definitely buy this 10 yr old, especially at that price. Grab it while you can guys, I would if my State was on the ship to list.

[Lucas Jackson]

The Party Source has it avail if they ship to your state. It's single barrel selection as well.

Grabbed a bottle of the AAA 10yr from TPS. The shipping to CA was about 12$/bottle. Ill let you know what I think when it gets here! =]

[Martian]

I got sick on AA and Coke when I was in high school in the laste 1960s. Never bought another bottle. The 10 Star is another story. It's a definite best buy. My favorite liquor store has not had the 10 Star in stock the last couple of visits. I'm afraid to ask them why.