Handles?

[hambone]

I was running the numbers in my head the other day at the store and it is much more economical to buy a handle instead of a fifth (especially on sale). Assuming it is a bourbon you know you will like and have space in the cabinet are there any drawbacks to a handle? Does the extra air in the bottle cause issues when it gets low?

[Enoch]

I use handles for Bourbons I drink regularly. I use it to refill an empty fifth bottle so it doesn't take up so much room on the shelf.

[cowdery]

Unless you're extremely sensitive to it, oxidation damage takes years to develop in a partially full bottle. Presumably you are contemplating the purchase of handles because you go through those products pretty quickly.

I don't buy a lot of handles, but always have one of Very Old Barton BIB on hand.

[tip]

There is always a handle of Forty Creek Barrel Select in my liquor cabinet.

750ml x 12 bottles = 9 liters @ $222.02

1.75L X 6 bottes = 10.5 liters @ $221.03

If I'm buying by the case that's a free* 1.5 liters and a savings of $0.99 to boot.

* Your wife might not find this "free", mine doesn't.

[hambone]

Unless you're extremely sensitive to it, oxidation damage takes years to develop in a partially full bottle. Presumably you are contemplating the purchase of handles because you go through those products pretty quickly.

I don't buy a lot of handles, but always have one of Very Old Barton BIB on hand.

Not sure how quickly I will go through them, but I have bought handles of EJ12, WT101 and Dickel 12 recently when they were on sale. They are 3 of my favorite everyday pours.

[cigarnv]

Not sure how quickly I will go through them, but I have bought handles of EJ12, WT101 and Dickel 12 recently when they were on sale. They are 3 of my favorite everyday pours.

Your other option is to pour off the remainder of your handle into a 1 liter bottle to help minimize the effects of long term oxidation......

[SMOWK]

Handles always seem to disappear faster than 750s around here. The mentality is: "You've got a whole handle, drink up my friend."

[OscarV]

I've never seen anything in a handle that I wanted to drink.

[CaptainQ]

I've never seen anything in a handle that I wanted to drink.

I'm with you Oscar. Here in WA they never stock anything but bottom shelf juice in handles. The few 1.75s I have were purchased elsewhere. I only have a few: Weller 12, OWA and SW Old Fitz(see a trend here).:grin:

[callmeox]

I've never seen anything in a handle that I wanted to drink.

Rob has a handle on his counter that may change your mind.

[fishnbowljoe]

FWIW, I have a couple of handles open on my cabinet. Everett's Weller SR (glass), and EW BIB (plastic). I like 'em both, and will probably buy replacements when they are gone. I also have a couple of handles of early 80's Old Forester BIB in my bunker. The only reason I don't have more handles, is they just take up too darned much room. Joe

[T Comp]

I've never seen anything in a handle that I wanted to drink.

[Young Blacksmith]

I've been buying Bulleit by the handle for a while now. I pour it off into two smaller bottles and finish off the remainder. I'm always in awe when I see the empty!

[tmckenzie]

I always buy handles if what I am drinking is in them. It is cheaper. Do not have to worry about air in them, a handle never last more than a week for me for some reason. They must leak.

[craigthom]

Maybe just a sip from the handle of WT 101 Old NO. 8 from 1992 a few enjoyed at the gazebo table? I also have handles of SW Rebel Yell, OF-DSP 16, OF-DSP414 and Ezra Brooks from 1985. I'd actually prefer smaller as I always have a lot open for variety but I never look a gift horse in the mouth. I don't have any current production handles.

I've got a handle of S-W Rebel Yell and was not impressed by it. $18 down the drain!

I know I've seen but not purchased handles of Baby Saz. They look like giant versions of the regular bottle.

[SMOWK]

I've never seen anything in a handle that I wanted to drink.

I've got a half gallon of 1958/1964 Old Fitz BIB that could change your mind.

[PaulO]

I don't usually get handles, but would consider it (as long as it's not plastic). What I really like are the glass 1L bottles. They remind me of the pre war quart bottles.

[T Comp]

I've got a handle of S-W Rebel Yell and was not impressed by it. $18 down the drain!

I'll agree as far as it is my least favorite of the S-Ws I've had. Mine is from 1983 and 86.8 proof. I just had an impromptu taste between it and a S-W Special Reserve from 1995 with their similar proof levels. The Rebel Yell is harsher, grainier and even more sour in after taste to the Special Reserve which has more classic S-W praline candy sweetness and balance through the end. Same thing for a 1985 OF 80 proof Prime I also just threw in to the tasting. A nice reaffirmation on how the master distillers can craft different profile tastes (as for Rebel Yell and its proclaimed "Southern Sour Mash ... Especially for THE DEEP SOUTH") from barrels holding the same mash bill. S-W whiskey is best at 100 proof or above but I'm still looking forward to choking down :grin: the S-W Primes and Reserves I have.

[ILLfarmboy]

I've never seen anything in a handle that I wanted to drink.

Same here, 'cept for BT at one store.

I'd like to see handles of OWA, Baby Saz, Dickle 12, and ORVW 10/107. I'd buy them.

[Young Blacksmith]

if by OWA you mean Old Weller Antique, they come in handles around here. Saw one yesterday with the 7 year age statement on it. Passed, as I still want to get a small one to try.

[Enoch]

I always buy 4R yellow in handles. The 750s cost about $20 while the 1.75s cost $25. It really makes no sense. But $5 more for over 2x the whiskey seems a good deal to me.

[craigthom]

Ten years or so I toured the Glenfiddich distillery, and they were bottling handles when we got to that part of the tour. The guide said (I know, I know) that they were just for the American market. Apparently we are the only ones who like to buy in bulk.

And, yes, I know, it was a "thing tour guides say", but she gave the impression that she had been doing this for a while and knew her stuff, unlike any guide I've had at a bourbon distillery except Freddie.

[Parkersback]

I always buy 4R yellow in handles. The 750s cost about $20 while the 1.75s cost $25. It really makes no sense. But $5 more for over 2x the whiskey seems a good deal to me.

My math has never been all that great, but I agree that this seems like a good bargain.

[G.H.Adams]

My cabinet won't hold handles and the bunker is full. I too prefer the liter bottles of bourbon I drink a lot of as they seem to last me longer.:slappin:

[bgageus]

For bottom shelf I always go handle.

For higher it depends

I regularly buy Knob by the handle because my regular store has a great price and that is what I mix my and my wifes Manhattans with.

My wife and I were out and saw Eagle Rare handle and we discussed that because it was a single barrel bottling it is a greater risk that we get a less tasty batch, but I guess that also means that if we get a great barrel we would be bigger winners.