PHC 27 Vs. Willett 28 Year

[TheRod]

I have an opportunity to purchase a bottle of either PHC 27 or a Willett 28. The Willett 28 is priced at $269 and the PHC 27 at $199. I've read great things about the PHC 27, but virtually nothing in regards to the Willett 28. The search function netted few results, only mentioning the Willett 28 in passing. Has anybody compared the two before? Any tasting notes for the Willett 28, or information on its provenance? Which one would you recommend I purchase? I'm trying to determine whether the super aged bourbon's are quality products to savor, or just a novelty at this point.

[Lazer]

buy both bottles, but don't open them untill you've got 15 - 20 bottles under your belt. I'd start with anything that rhymes with poor Moses, or Mild Jerkey and go on from there. :cool:

[callmeox]

The age stated Willett bottlings are single barrels and are done either privately or for a specific merchant, so simply giving an age doesn't really single out which one you're referring to.

What area of the country are you in? Is the bottle at a certain retailer? Many times the back label will indicate who it was bottled for.

[SSBourbon1]

The age stated Willett bottlings are single barrels and are done either privately or for a specific merchant, so simply giving an age doesn't really single out which one you're referring to.

What area of the country are you in? Is the bottle at a certain retailer? Many times the back label will indicate who it was bottled for.

I don't know a whole lot about the PHC 27, and I haven't had the really old Willett's but i have to say that all Willett bottlings I have had I have been thoroughly enjoying. The oldest is a 16 year. I think you can't really go with the Willett....

[TheRod]

The age stated Willett bottlings are single barrels and are done either privately or for a specific merchant, so simply giving an age doesn't really single out which one you're referring to.

What area of the country are you in? Is the bottle at a certain retailer? Many times the back label will indicate who it was bottled for.

The Willet 28 I found was in a Bevmo in California. I didn't get a chance to look at the label as it was behind glass.

[luther.r]

The Willet 28 I tried at KBD was way too oaky; I didn't like it at all. I've had a sip of PHC27 and it was great. So that would get my vote, especially with the price difference.

[sailor22]

The Willet 28 I found was in a Bevmo in California. I didn't get a chance to look at the label as it was behind glass.

[StraightNoChaser]

It's extremely hard to judge. Everyone's palate is different. In all honesty, you could hate both of them and you wouldn't really know without trying both yourself.

That being said, while you can somewhat rely on the general opinion of the 27yo PHC, I don't think you're going to find much in the way of opinions of the Willet 28. A. because it's far over the budget many of us would consider for a single bottle, B. being a single barrel, you're looking at a limited offering (probably way less than <200 bottles) that the vast majority of users here don't have access to

[White Dog]

I did get a chance to taste a 28yr Willett, and it was WAY too woody to really enjoy. In fact, it was the woodiest whiskey I've ever tried. I appreciated tasting it on an intellectual level, but I would not kick back and enjoy it. That said, who knows what barrel you're looking at? I can only speak to the one I tasted, and it was not a Pacific Edge selection.

[keith18]

It's extremely hard to judge. Everyone's palate is different. In all honesty, you could hate both of them and you wouldn't really know without trying both yourself.

That being said, while you can somewhat rely on the general opinion of the 27yo PHC, I don't think you're going to find much in the way of opinions of the Willet 28. A. because it's far over the budget many of us would consider for a single bottle, B. being a single barrel, you're looking at a limited offering (probably way less than <200 bottles) that the vast majority of users here don't have access to

This is good advice. I'd also add that I've seen the PHC 27 in a bar here in Washington. There might be a bottle a high end whiskey bar near you. It's gonna be a pricey pour, but at least you could try it before you shell out $200.

[TheRod]

Solid advice gentleman. I'm going to pass on the Willett 28 until I at least have a pour. PHC has been on my wish list for some time now, so I think I'll bite the bullet and pick it up.

[p_elliott]

I've had a PHC 27 on my radar screen for a couple of years now as well. I just haven't pulled the trigger it just sits on the shelf looking at me.

[HP12]

Probably a Pacific Edge selection. If so, I would go with the Parkers Heritage without a doubt.

Yep, what he said. For me, it's a no brainer! Get it before it's gone. It's hard to find as it is.

[Tico]

Yep, what he said. For me, it's a no brainer! Get it before it's gone. It's hard to find as it is.

I agree!

Its probably the price that has allowed it to stick around for this long. Didn't it come out fall 2008?

[HP12]

I agree!

Its probably the price that has allowed it to stick around for this long. Didn't it come out fall 2008?

You are correct. PHC 2nd / 27 yo was released fall '08. The steep price has something to do with it's ability to stick around on shelves but also there was a fairly hefty 6,600 bottles produced with somewhat broad distribution helped to find their way into remote areas. Hunters can still run across it but it is harder and harder to find. Damned good, tasty whiskey.

[TheRod]

Curses! I seem to have "misremembered" the price of the PHC 27. $249.00!!! I need to rethink paying that much...

[Rutherford]

Ultimately, I'd recommend trying EC 18 (which, from my experience, can still be found) and other bourbons in that age range if you haven't yet to determine if you like bourbons that old. For my taste palate, bourbon doesn't get better after 12 years, but many taste palates are different. If you really like 18-ish year old bourbons, it may make sense to spring for this. If not, it would probably not be a good use of your money to buy either of these.