ETL vs RHF

[CorvallisCracker]

Both are BT mashbill #2.

In this post Ken Weber of BT states that barrels used for RHF are 7-10 years old.

In this post he states that ETL is from 10yo barrels. A more recent statement from someone else at BT states that 9yo barrels are now being used as well.

I've had both, but not side-by-side. Are the flavor profiles significantly different?

Here in Oregon the ETL is $29 and the RHF is $52. What justifies the difference?

[Josh]

Here in Oregon the ETL is $29 and the RHF is $52. What justifies the difference?

10 points in proof and a swanky bottle?

[CorvallisCracker]

10 points in proof and a swanky bottle?

Hmmm...local price for VOB 90 is $15, VOB BiB is $15.90...

Must be the bottle.

[keng]

Without dealing with age or fancy bottling, my bottle of RHF was great. I think it's in the $40's here which has kept me from buying another, but I enjoyed every drop out of that bottle.

[ratcheer]

Without dealing with age or fancy bottling, my bottle of RHF was great. I think it's in the $40's here which has kept me from buying another, but I enjoyed every drop out of that bottle.

I agree. I prefer RHF even though I know they are the same whiskey. Both are very good, though.

Tim

[BMartin42]

Both are fantastic bourbons. I have a bottle of each open on the bar right now. Despite the age, the RHF is significantly darker than the ETL. Also, the RHF has much more caramel, as well as a thicker mouthfeel. The ETL is a great value for the price. The RHF is a great bourbon at any price. I love both, but if $ is no concern give me the RHF. If $ is a concern, then the ETL will suffice just fine and then some.

[squire]

Of the two I prefer the RHF though I dislike having to pay for the bottle.

[darkluna]

I've only had a couple of bottles of each. I found Elmer T Lee thin and underwhelming. I liked the taste of Rock Hill Farms, but it is more than I like to spend, usually. Your mileage will probably vary.

[DeanSheen]

I've only had a couple of bottles of each. I found Elmer T Lee thin and underwhelming. I liked the taste of Rock Hill Farms, but it is more than I like to spend, usually. Your mileage will probably vary.

Pretty much this. I pass on both and since I cannot get either locally it causes me no nervosa. I really don't mind RHF but not for the price.

[ErichPryde]

I've had ETL that was freakin' awesome and RHF that was freakin' awesome. I don't think either bottle is freakin' awesome on a regular enough basis to be worth the price point, and RHF is just ridiculous if it's 50 bucks anywhere.

The problem? Barrels selected by individuals or places like Julio's/Binny's tend to be INCREDIBLE. Unfortunately, whoever is doing the selection for Julio's must be selecting the barrels that least fit the typical profile. You think BT would get the hint, with all the raving and madness that goes on over some of those selections. Do away with single barrel if you have to and do small batch if you want to blend out some flavors. Quite frankly single barrel is not all its cut out to be.

[squire]

Erik I've been thinking along the same lines. I'd rather see small batch replace single barrel and be presented in a simple bottle.

[ErichPryde]

Erik I've been thinking along the same lines. I'd rather see small batch replace single barrel and be presented in a simple bottle.

Squire,

I don't want to see single barrel removed from the picture entirely. there are single barrels out there that I really, realllllly like. I think the problem with single barrels, is that it's all in the eye of the beholder. I'm 100% for single barrels when I know that the taster and I are of like palates.

Agree with packaging... but many times packaging sells the product. I doubt we'll see a reduction of packaging madness anytime soon.

[squire]

Yes, that remark about small batch replacing single barrel is my take and not something I read into your post. I'm developing more of an interest in small batch expressions, I like them and I like the idea of the blender having more colors on their palette.

I've had some good singles and a few were disappointments, but so long as they sell at premium prices we will have to go along and that includes the packaging.

[jburlowski]

I'm not sure there is any inherent advantage of "small batch" (whatever the heck that means) over a "big batch".

[p_elliott]

I'm not sure there is any inherent advantage of "small batch" (whatever the heck that means) over a "big batch".

Exactly what I was thinking. "Small batch" is a catch phrase like "new and improved" it has no definition you could pour a 1000 barrels or 5000 barrels and call it a small batch.

[squire]

Granted, the phrase small batch doesn't mean much, it's certainly not specific enough to be useful in determining what's in the bottle.

Selective mingling is what I have in mind, I like to think that's what Craig, 1792 and some others were intended to be, but single barrel and small batch have taken hold and the houses are supplying the market.

[ErichPryde]

Here's my take on small batch. I have five bottles of whiskey, All of which have unique profiles. If I mingle them in certain proportions, perhaps the end result will show off the awesomeness of some of the whiskey and hide some of the nastiness of some of the whiskey.

That's small batch, and to my understanding, PVW15 is made in approximately this way. I'd like to see more true small batch whiskeys on the market, but I doubt we will.

[squire]

Doubt we will Erik, we enthusiasts are a voice in the wilderness.

[squire]

Am working on it, 50/50 blend of Barton 43% and Grand Dad 43% doesn't quite work though I like both, perhaps I've found a use for that Rebel Reserve.

[ratcheer]

Ok, I pulled out my bottle of Rock Hill Farms and had a healthy pour this afternoon while I was reading. I usually save it for special occasions, but this thread had my interest piqued.

I would have to say it was one of the top three or four best whiskeys I have ever tasted. It starts with a smooth flavor that I can only think of describing as buttery. Then, it moves to a rye-spicy bite with deep dark tones of leather and / or tobacco. Wonderful stuff.

Honestly, I would rather pay $50 to 60 for this than $28 to 33 for ETL. ETL is very good, but at least this bottle (it is fairly old, most likely purchased in 2005) of RHF is amazing.

Tim

[Gillman]

Tim, good review. Some bottles of RHF I've had, as for all bottles from Buffalo Trace, have had a "damp earth" note. Not always, but sometimes. Do you get that in the 2005 RHF?

Gary

[ratcheer]

Tim, good review. Some bottles of RHF I've had, as for all bottles from Buffalo Trace, have had a "damp earth" note. Not always, but sometimes. Do you get that in the 2005 RHF?

Gary

Thank you, Gary. No, I didn't. I know what you mean, though, I have gotten a flavor like that from Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve, a long time ago when it was 10 years old and 101-proof.

Tim

[straightwhiskeyruffneck]

I always thought blantons was more similar to RHF than Elmer t lee, maybe sort of in between? I'll go out and get all three and taste side by side!

[ratcheer]

I always thought blantons was more similar to RHF than Elmer t lee, maybe sort of in between? I'll go out and get all three and taste side by side!

Even though all three are pretty much the same whiskey, to me Blanton's tastes quite different from the other two. To me, ETL and RHF are bold, dark flavored while Blanton's is lighter and more sophisticated. Maybe its just me.

Tim

[squire]

Tim my first bottle of RHF was one of the most remarkable Bourbons I have come across and if not for the container I would drink it often. I agree with your assessment of Blantons also but like it less well.