What are you STILL drinking right now

[jeff]

No, No, No! You can't just say "I'm having my first taste of George T. Stagg." and leave it at that. As is tradition in these parts, you must rant and rave of its merits. Any less will get you a public flogging. Try again and put your heart into it

[CL]

On my way to the airport in L'ville, I stopped by Hooray's to see if they had any more WT 12 yo left. I was going to pick up a bottle if they did and offer it up for trade with my fellow Bourbonians. But they were closed until 6 pm! Primary elections in KY today. I never knew about such a law.

Is this KY or federal law? I've never noticed it in NC, but then again, I am never in a bar or liquor store during the day on election day.

But, I had time to stop by Hooper's for that 23 yo Pappy. Unfortunately, there were out. It had been depleted the previous weekend. But, the bartender said it didn't matter. He couldn't serve alcohol until 6 pm! (It was only 4:30 pm.) I said I am from out of state so it didn't matter, but he didn't buy that.

The bartender had just come on shift and the previous one was going off shift. They both saw I knew bourbon, so we talked for a while about it. It turns out that the waitress I had at lunch the day before was exagerating. While Hooper's does have a large selection, they are well behind the Oak Room. They did mention, however, that Julian stops by occasionally to chat.

Oh well. The good news is that I found a good spot to hang next time I visit the relatives.

[bobbyc]

I don't know who else has that law , It is specifically to keep politicians from buying votes with a drink. No one has ever tried to buy my vote

[Speedy_John]

In Pennsylvania, all liquor stores (which are all owned and operated by the state) are closed on election day. Licensed establishments which do most of their business on food are allowed to open and serve alcohol as normal. IIRC, bars which don't serve food can't open until 8 p.m. after the polls close.

So, it ain't just KY, but it's not a Federal law.

SpeedyJohn

[tommy]

You're right, Jeff, that was a bit understated! What can I say--I have laconic ways. After reading so many great things about Stagg, I had to try it. I trekked all the way to D.C. to get my two bottles, and the Stagg was well worth the effort. (I also picked up some Sazerac rye, Eagle Rare 17, and a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 90 proof, since I was in the neighborhood.) Stagg is certainly one of the most flavor-packed bourbons I've sampled so far. I was most impressed, however, with how gentle the finish was for such a high proof whiskey. Stagg truly is a benchmark.

I hope I put that flogging off for at least another day!

Tommy

[jeff]

Ok Tommy, you're cleared for now, but we've got your name and we'll be watching you If you really want to clear the air, you might try posting some tasting notes on that Eagle Rare 17 or the Sazerac Rye.

[OneCubeOnly]

Do you mind me asking where exactly you found Stagg in DC? I'm still a Stagg-virgin...mostly due to lack of availability.

[tommy]

I picked up my Stagg at Central Liquors, which is on F Street, somewhere between 12th and 9th Streets. Be warned: their prices are a bit high (Stagg is around $50 there, whereas bourbonians in other places have reported prices of $40 or less). I don't know if that's because the supply is dwindling, or if it's just more expensive on the east coast. There was one bottle left back in March, so call ahead. Their information is available at www.centralliquors.com. Hope this helps.

tommy

[OneCubeOnly]

Awesome! Thanks for the heads-up! I've visited there before when I was on a quest for another rarity.

[jeff]

Weller 7yo Special Reserve. Decent bourbon for $10, but far from the level of the 12yo IMHO. This one seems to take on some of the qualities of the "Antique" 107 proof that I don't like. I had at first thought it was a function of higher proof, but now I am wondering if this bourbon just needs some age on it to become special. How old is the Antique anyway? I'll check later. So far my favorite is the 12yo followed by the 10yo Centennial, the 7yo Special Reserve, and at a DISTANT last place, the "Antique", which I doubt is all that "Antique"

[CL]

I was having some of my first bootle of Old Charter Classic 90 earlier tonight, retrieved during from my recent trip to L'ville. But, after dinner, I read some more SB.com and had Jeff prompting me about the Weller 12 yo.

So, as I am about to settle down and continue the book I started on the airplane last night, I put some Weller 12 yo in one of my new Getz Musuem glasses. Damn, this Weller is good. It makes the Old Charter seem limp. Anyhow, a book and a bourbon are waiting for me. See you all later.

P.S. Yesterday, we had a high alert at the airports. Yet, I walk into the L'ville airport with seven bottles of bourbon in a box to carry on the plane. I thought for sure the security folks would give me a good going over. But, they just rolled it on through their xray machine and didn't say a word to me. I thought that they would tear that box apart and make sure that I didn't have any flammable liquids. I mean, how can they tell on the machine that it's not gasoline?

[ratcheer]

Watching the finals of American Idol, tonight (Go, Reuben!), I had an Old Forester 100 on the rocks. Very satisfying.

Tim

[robbyvirus]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />

Watching the finals of American Idol, tonight (Go, Reuben)

[cornsqueezins]

Chuck, your post reminded me of an incident last year when I was going through the security check at the Salt Lake Airport. My carry on bag got some strange looks from the security lady as it went through the x-ray. She placed the bag over to one side and requested assistance from other personnel. I was expecting the worst. But all they did was run the bag through the x-ray again, stare and gawk for a few minutes and then let the bag pass through. They handed the bag to me and I asked if there was a problem. They said that at first there appeared to be a suspicious looking object in my bag but after a second inspection, the object did not show up. And they were okay with that!

I was so tempted to say something like, "Great, my disappearing bomb passed inspection!" but we all know where that would've landed me....

By the way, are there any restrictions or guidelines for bringing alcohol on a plane? As long as the bottles are unopened and within your carry-on or other luggage, is there a limit to how many bottles you have with you?

-Troy

[CL]

Three of my seven bottles were already opened. I have carried open bottles on several times without any hassle.

[ratcheer]

I agree. Him being a local young man, I supported Reuben all the way. I honestly feel like he is the best.

However, I had some second thoughts last night when I heard Kimberly sing "Midnight Train to Georgia". Her perfomance was spot on. I'm not sure I have ever heard anyone sing anything better than that.

Clay is very good, too. I don't take anything away from his talent, I just prefer Reuben and Kimberly.

Tim

[jeff]

Elijah Craig 12yo. Whisky Magazine awarded this bourbon a co-gold medal along side Pappy 20yo. I can see why! And at only 1/6th the cost, this one is a no brainer! Good Stuff!

[bobbyc]

I have a sister and her husband flew to Germany with a bottle of EC12 that was open and they had drinks from it on the flight over. Of course this was before Sept , 01 I don't know the airline, or what protocol they have for this. I have heard of people being cut off from the liquor supply on a flight.

[texascarl]

Enjoying a large Manhattan made from my high-proof 'mingled' decanter.

I've 'mingled' up a confederation of 2 parts Rare Breed 108, 3 parts Knob Creek 100, 2 parts Old Forester 100, 2 parts David Nicholson 100 and 1 part WT Rye 101. Pretty danged tasty.

[robbyvirus]

I do admire Reuben for the way he consistently supported the old 205!!

[CL]

I haven't been partial to EC 12 yo in the past, but maybe that is changing. While I was in Bardstown last week, Bobby, Brenda, my sister, and my Grandmother stopped at Talbot's for a drink. I wanted to have a HH bourbon given that Bettye Jo had been so helpful to my family that day. I chose EC 12 yo. I don't know the exact reason why, but it tasted much more appealing to me. I made a point to try it again, and I will, as soon as I clear some room in my cabinet.

[bobbyc]

</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />

I don't know the exact reason why, but it tasted much more appealing to me.

[CL]

Amen, bourbon brother Bobby!

[ratcheer]

Thanks. I read in this morning's paper where a group of prominent Birmingham businessmen stated that it is doing Birmingham's image a world of good that he speaks so highly of the area, with him being black and now so famous and popular.

Tim

[bobbyc]

While on the subject , I haven't had a drink since last Saturday at the Talbot with CL . I think I'll have one tonight. I feel like toast after the work week. Don't know what I'll have though. Stagg has reappeared here, Tempting. If I come up with something interesting I'll be back.