Ranking of recent Antique collection

[trumpstylz]

Whats your ranking from first to last? Include handy of course.

[LikeItWasSodaPop]

I'd rank them against similar whiskeys (mashbill, proof, age) rather than against themselves. So Saz 18 would fall behind VWFRR, Vintage 21/23, BMH 23 and the older Michters 10s (which are really 18) but above any of the older High West ryes.

But, playing the game as you've laid it out, I'd have to say:

(1) Stagg

(2) Saz 18

(3) WLW

(4) Handy

(5) ER 17

And then, there's what do I PURCHASE (which means what do I DRINK) more often, it's like this:

(1) Any Saz 18 I find

(2) Handy (because it's often on sale for $59.99 and great in cocktails)

(3) WLW (easier to find than Stagg, and Stagg is so intense, I don't like to drink it all that often, plus I prefer wheaters)

(4) Stagg (see above)

No ER17 on the list -- tried it in bars and just not worth it.

[angler82]

tie- Stagg or Weller

Saz 18

Handy

ER17

I like darker ryes over Saz 18. Handy and ER17 are tasty but expensive for what they are.

[yountvillewjs]

Saz 18

Stagg

Handy

ER17

I haven't opened my WLW yet. I love the Saz 18 and drink it more regularly. I really enjoy the Stagg, but I have to be in the mood for it. The Handy, as someone above mentioned, makes a killer cocktail. The 11 ER17 is much better than the 10 version, but still my least favorite of the line-up, but not in any way bad.

[birdman1099]

Weller this year is great !!!

[mosugoji64]

Weller this year is great !!!

Agreed. Haven't had past years, but this bottle is fantastic.

[Tico]

Saz 18

Weller

Stagg

Handy

ER 17

[LostBottle]

For me, it depends on the year and my changing tastes. It used to be that Stagg always took top honors, but I am not sure that even a stellar release like 2010 can now pass Sazerac 18 which is my new favorite (by a longshot) and, in my opinion, better than VWFRR. Weller will always be the least desirable for me as I just do not like it.

2011 BTAC

1. Sazerac 18

2. George T Stagg

3. Thomas H Handy

4. Eagle Rare 17

5. William Larue Weller

[nivto]

Weller, Stagg, and Saz 18 could have the top spot for me on any given night. Just depends on my mood. They're entirely different whiskies...

I am a fan of ER17. I don't think it lives up to the three above and should have a lower price than them, but I appreciate its age and think it does well for the Eagle Rare name.

I don't get why people pay a premium for Handy. Call me crazy, but I just think it's too young. Being barrel proof doesn't save it for me. Makes a killer ginger and rye, but who wants to pay 70 dollars or more for a mixer?? The 10 year Abraham Bowman LE rye tastes to me like Handy living up to its potential. I'd like to see more of that on the market, because it's one of my very favorite ryes.

[MacinJosh]

1. Stagg/Weller

3. Saz 18

4. Handy

5. ER17

Josh

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[speedbump47]

1) WLW

2) Stagg

3) Saz 18

4) Handy

Didn't try ER17.

Maybe I just got used to the high proof of the other 3, but Saz 18 didn't seem very special, not bad, just not "must rush out to get it" special...I'm just keeping it around in the event my taste buds develop to the point that I can discern why everyone likes it so much. Handy was OK; though I did like the Bowman Rye more as well. WLW is higher than Stagg largely b/c I tend to like the wheaters more. WLW was nearly on par with Pappy 15 for me in terms of enjoyment.

[Beer&Bourbon]

1. Stagg

2. Saz 18

3. Handy/ Weller

I love Stagg even though I find that I don't like most other bourbons that use the same mashbill. A buddy picked up a Saz 18 recently since he's been getting into ryes and I thought it was incredible. While not quite on par with VWFRR, I think it comes damn close; I'll surely be picking up some when/if I can find it.

For whatever reason I've never been a huge fan of the Weller. It strikes me as odd since I love the other Weller products. The Handy is too young IMHO for the price point; I think $50/55 would be more reasonable for that bottling. I've yet to try the ER17 since I'm not a fan of regular ER. I plan to try a pour of someone else's bottle (offers?) or order it at a bar/ the new party source whiskey bar when it opens.

[birdman1099]

I've yet to try the ER17 since I'm not a fan of regular ER.

[bgageus]

I don't get why people pay a premium for Handy. Call me crazy, but I just think it's too young. Being barrel proof doesn't save it for me. Makes a killer ginger and rye, but who wants to pay 70 dollars or more for a mixer?? The 10 year Abraham Bowman LE rye tastes to me like Handy living up to its potential. I'd like to see more of that on the market, because it's one of my very favorite ryes.

[StraightNoChaser]

Handy

Stagg

Weller

Saz18

...

ER17

[GreggJ]

For me:

WLW

Stagg

Saz

Handy

ER17

[yountvillewjs]

I don't get why people pay a premium for Handy. Call me crazy, but I just think it's too young. Being barrel proof doesn't save it for me. Makes a killer ginger and rye, but who wants to pay 70 dollars or more for a mixer?? The 10 year Abraham Bowman LE rye tastes to me like Handy living up to its potential. I'd like to see more of that on the market, because it's one of my very favorite ryes.

Fair question.

Personally, the Manhattan I make with the Handy is the best I've ever had anywhere. A pedestrian cocktail (Manhattan) at any given bar/restaurant near where I live is $12-$15 and not half the quality or flavor I get from these made at home. To me it is worth it - and being a wine guy, a world-class drink at home for $6 all-in is a steal.

That said, thanks to this board, I am constantly finding new and interesting things to try and experiment with. Perhaps this time next year, I'll get to try these Bowman ryes and find that I can do as well (or better) for less and I'll be very happy - but for now, still very happy and drinking well.