40th birthday bourbon.

[clingman71]

I am rapidly approaching my 40th birthday. I have decided that as a gift to myself, a more "premium" than normal bottle is in order. After much reading, questioning, and deliberating, I am leaning toward a wheater.

Three friends since gradeschool and myself all turn 40 within a few months of each other. We are splitting a Pappy20 across the 4 birthdays(3 down - mine to go). Because of this I have left PVW20 off of my list of options.$50-$100 range

JRPS17 vs PH10 vs Vintage 17 vs PVW15

Any opinions? Or others not named?

[hectic1]

If you've never had barrel proof bourbon before I'd suggest getting a bottle of 2010 Parker's Heritage Collection which was bottled at two different proofs...127.8 and 124.2...I've had them both and think they're both very good. This is HH first premium wheated bourbon that I've had the chance to try and it was a pleasant surprise for me...it was 10yrs old at bottling.

I would also take a look at the 2010 William Larue Weller which was bottled at 126.6 proof and has gotten good reviews. I haven't had this bottle because it's a little pricey for me and I didn't enjoy the 2009 bottles that I had so I've held off for now. I think this bottling is around 11-12yrs old.

[StraightBoston]

+1 on the William Larue Weller idea; if you've got a line on Pappy 20, you're not going to find compelling differences vs. the JRPS17/18 (IMHO). I enjoyed my tastes of the PHC wheated but have found more flavor in the WLWs over the years.

[AaronWF]

I think PVW 15 is the best of the lot, but I'd go with the unfiltered, barrel-proof WLW '10 for this occasion. I was not very impressed with a bottle of batch 4 of the JPSR17 I had. The PHC10 becomes a very respectable bourbon after adding water (in my somewhat limited experience with it), but the WLW captures much more flavor without needing any water at all. I have yet to sample the Vintage 17.

[jcg9779]

You won't go wrong with any of the three that have been mentioned - PVW15, PHC 2010, or WLW. I'd probably lean towards the PHC 2010 because you've already had one offering from BT (PVW20) and it might be nice to try a wheater from a different distillery. Just my opinion.

[StraightBoston]

You won't go wrong with any of the three that have been mentioned - PVW15, PHC 2010, or WLW. I'd probably lean towards the PHC 2010 because you've already had one offering from BT (PVW20) and it might be nice to try a wheater from a different distillery. Just my opinion.

That's why I recommended the Weller, since conventional wisdom around here is that Pappy 20 and JRPS are Stitzel-Weller juice, not BT. As reported elsewhere, today's Pappy 15 is likely a combination of S-W and Bernheim distillate.

[White Dog]

Taste is subjective, and IMHO, having had them all, I would say go for the PH10. I could smell that Bourbon all day long.

Makes me wonder about current Old Fitz BIB and VSOF12yr. Why so dull, HH?? Just a matter of honey barrels for PH? Let's step up the game and give BT a run for their money in the affordable wheated category.:cool:

[RyanL]

I've only had PVW15 and PHC10 off that list. If you have had PVW15 before I would say go for the PHC10 and give it a try. It is an amazing bourbon. After finishing off my 1st bottle of it I immediately ordered 3 more if that tells you anything.

[SMOWK]

I vote for PHC10 or WLW10. The 2010 WLW is my favorite Weller to date. The PHC is good because it is quite different than profiles of Weller and Pappy.

[Josh]

I love Pappy 15, some days I think it's the best wheater on the market.

PHC and WLW are going to be good too.

Unless you have your heart set on a wheater, I'm going to recommend something else: Four Roses.

I don't know where you live, but if you can find one, get a Four Roses Single Barrel Barrel Strength retailer bottling. They usually run about $50-$55. Recipes to try: OBSV, OBSK, OBSQ, OESO or OESQ.

Of course any of the Mariage/Ltd Ed Small Batch, or Ltd Ed Single Barrels would work to.

[clingman71]

I am pretty set about this bottle being a wheated. As for 4R, I'm not sure exactly why, but they'be never quite done it for me. When I make the trek down to cork 'n bottle, they always recommend it. I just did the tour at 4R a few weeks ago, enjoyable, but the whiskey , while good, just isn't one of my favs.

I love Pappy 15, but in thinking something different for the occasion.

Thanks

[SMOWK]

As for 4R, I'm not sure exactly why, but they'be never quite done it for me. When I make the trek down to cork 'n bottle, they always recommend it. I just did the tour at 4R a few weeks ago, enjoyable, but the whiskey , while good, just isn't one of my favs.

I'm in the same boat. Can you elaborate as to why you feel this way?

[clingman71]

Im not sure that I can. while I have enjoyed bourbon for many years, it has only been recently that I have really looked deeper into the specifics of what I like. I'm coming from a craft beer background. I can get very detailed in my descriptions of likes and dislikes with beer, not there yet with bourbon. I can generalize flavors, and give a like or dislike, but don't get some of the nuances described by others.

I have had 4R suggested to me by various friends, bourbon lovers, stores, etc. I have tried it many times, and it is ok. there is nothing specifically bad about it, I just don't prefer it. It just doesn't do it for me.

I'm admittedly a little off sometimes though. I really like Buffalo Trace, but not so much a fan of Eagle Rare. I really like Elmer T Lee, but none of the Ancient Age so much. I really like most Weller, and love Van Winkle 12 & 15, but don't like regular Makers. I really like 1792, Barton not so much.

maybe as my taste evolves, I will enjoy 4R, maybe.

[Tennessee Dave]

Whatever you chose have a great 40th!

[Stones]

I am the same with Makers (eck) but relish any of the VW wheaters or the Wellers. I've savoured a bottle of the WLW '06 and a WLW '08, one at my wedding.

You really can not go wrong celebrating your milestone with either a VW or a Weller.

Happy 40th!

[clingman71]

Well I was having terrible luck with my search, with the exception of $98 for a JRPS17 here in Ohio. That was going to be my last resort if nothing could be found. I got my hands on an older Weller 12 single barrel cork n bottle selection, #3 for those who are familiar with their series. Good, but not exactly what I was desiring for this occasion.

I was considering a BTEC Wheat on Rye Party Source selection, but $$$$$, $59 for a 375, a bit steep for me.

After numerous calls to various places I found myself 1 1/2 hours from home in Florence, KY at Partytown. I found a PHC10 wheat!!!

So I decide to hit the many smaller liquor stores in northern KY on my drive home. I stumbled onto a WLW 126.6, not sure of the year. Then I happened into a Kroger and found a shelf full of ORVW 10/107 for $25.99!!!!!

While I didn't find any "dusties" of older product, the trip was very successful.

By the way, if anyone is interested, Party Town in Florence, KY has a Thomas Handy Saz on the shelf.

[jcg9779]

So I decide to hit the many smaller liquor stores in northern KY on my drive home. I stumbled onto a WLW 126.6, not sure of the year. Then I happened into a Kroger and found a shelf full of ORVW 10/107 for $25.99!!!!!

[BigRich]

Wow...I hope you bought the entire shelf! ORVW 10/107 is $50 here in Georgia.

[Parkersback]

Then I happened into a Kroger and found a shelf full of ORVW 10/107 for $25.99!!!!!

!?!??!?!???????!!?!?!

Congrats, and I hope when you left they hadn't a one left.

[clingman71]

Zero. I'll be making another trip down to northern KY in a few weeks to scout other Kroger locations.

[clingman71]

Tennessee Dave, thank you.

I have the Parker's all set for tomorrow. My birthday is Sunday, but no need to miss a Saturday evening opportunity to try a new whiskey.

Side birthday note: had a family birthday dinner tonight, as I was born on my Grandfather's birthday these have special significance. My sisters got me an ETL, a Jameson 18, and 4 Dogfish Head World Wide Stouts, very appreciated.

[clingman71]

Just want to thank everyone for their ideas and advice.

I got my last pour from my shared bottle of Pappy, and a few pours over the weekend of the PHC10.

All I can say is that these are both excellent bourbons. Different, but excellent.