timd Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 That was fun Tim...thanks for hosting! I was definitely over served by YOU and Winston!You forgot all the FR1B bottlings though...I think there were 4 of those plus the Balcones and Willett 11yr!I was just covering the rye here - plus I didn't want us to all come across as raging alcoholics...:hot:You also drank Scotch - and said it was good, so that's a sure sign you were over served. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMOWK Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I was just covering the rye here - plus I didn't want us to all come across as raging alcoholics...:hot:I know the truth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostBottle Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 (edited) Last night I was with a few buddies and we did an "epic rye" lineup:Handy 11Handy 12VWFRR ('12)Bowman TPS #1Bowman TPS #3Vintage Rye 21The 2012 Handy drew the short straw... but not by a ton, and it held up well. It's not as good as the '11, but that's in comparison.When you have the 2012 just by itself, it's an amazing pour and very tasty. I have no significant complaints - it's a THH through and through.That said, the Bowmans are just... magical. Some of the best juice ever bottled. Easily a top 5 whiskey for me. Love them.Vintage 21, while not high-proof, is also just a stunner.Tim, how did the 2012 VWFRR taste to you? Do you think it is the same as previous years or are they supplementing it with some different whiskey now? By the way, I'm really jealous of that tasting! Edited November 9, 2012 by LostBottle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timd Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Tim, how did the 2012 VWFRR taste to you? Do you think it is the same as previous years or are they supplementing it with some different whiskey now? By the way, I'm really jealous of that tasting!It probably warrants its own thread... and of course will create a huge stir, but...It's not what it was. Nope, not at all. Having done multiple side-by-side tastings of various bottles over the last few years (I drink my VWFRR - I don't hoard it), I can tell you that the profile has definitely shifted, and at this point it's VERY clear that this includes BT Rye juice.Keep in mind - we had 2 Bowman Ryes (BT), two Handy Ryes (BT) along with Vintage 21 (what Pappy *used* to be)... and I will swear up and down all day long that VWFRR is comprised mostly of BT Rye juice at this point - especially when you taste the honey barrels of Rye BT has available.I still love VWFRR, and work each release to get a bottle or two, but if you care where it came from - and are buying it because it's Medley, or Cream of Ky, or whatever... well it's not. There may well be some of that in here, sure, but it's been different - and getting more different - for going on 2 years now, and this year's is the most different from "the good old days" I've tasted.This isn't my bottle (haven't landed a 2012 yet), and I only had 2 pours, but I don't believe this is the same whiskey I was buying 3-4 years ago at all. Similar profile and still damn tasty, but not the samethat's all I gots to say 'bout that... don't hate on me for my *opinion* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChainWhip Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 That's interesting - I take it all the 2012's have the "C" label? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostBottle Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 That's interesting - I take it all the 2012's have the "C" label?Yes, it looks like this year is C. Perhaps you should send me your bottles of 2012 VWFRR and Handy for scientific purposes.:grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChainWhip Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 (edited) Yes, it looks like this year is C. Perhaps you should send me your bottles of 2012 VWFRR and Handy for scientific purposes. Found this old link: http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?7589-Van-Winkle-Family-Reserve-13-rye&p=103863&viewfull=1#post103863 It seems the letters don't really correspond to any of the sources in that spreadsheet (in the link). I'm in the Seattle area so I'm down with getting you a sample ;-) I gotta get my brother to ship me the VWFRR bottle ASAP. Edited November 9, 2012 by ChainWhip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timd Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Found this old link:http://www.straightbourbon.com/forums/showthread.php?7589-Van-Winkle-Family-Reserve-13-rye&p=103863&viewfull=1#post103863It seems the letters don't really correspond to any of the sources in that spreadsheet (in the link).I'm in the Seattle area so I'm down with getting you a sample ;-) I gotta get my brother to ship me the VWFRR bottle ASAP.The letters mean nothing publicly discernible any longer... That grid was outdated when they started the lettering over again a couple of years back. Essentially there's contemporary A, B, & C- and my "conspiracy theory" is that the new lettering corresponds to when they started blending in the BT Rye. I've seen the occasional G & H in the past 24 months, too, however. And somebody I know says he has an "S" bottle that was bought in 2009. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChainWhip Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 The letters mean nothing publicly discernible any longer... That grid was outdated when they started the lettering over again a couple of years back. Essentially there's contemporary A, B, & C- and my "conspiracy theory" is that the new lettering corresponds to when they started blending in the BT Rye. I've seen the occasional G & H in the past 24 months, too, however. And somebody I know says he has an "S" bottle that was bought in 2009.Reading through the old VWFRR threads, it seems that there is some variation from year to year. One would think if the juice is being tanked in SS containers that it'd be relatively consistent? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timd Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Reading through the old VWFRR threads, it seems that there is some variation from year to year. One would think if the juice is being tanked in SS containers that it'd be relatively consistent?Yep, you'd think that. I certainly don't notice major year-to-year changes of Saz 18. It does vary, but not as much as VWFRR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quantum Posted November 14, 2012 Share Posted November 14, 2012 This was my first time to try the THH, and to me it was the one that stood out from the Antique Collection. If I was rating them it would be on the lower end, but it was the most enjoyable, if that makes any sense. I just really enjoy the spicy, bold, in your face flavor of a young rye. Adding a little water highlights the lack of depth compared to something like the Sazerac 18, but sometimes maturity isn't the most fun in the moment. I would agree that it doesn't really seem to fit with the rest of the BTAC, but I sure as hell enjoy drinking it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithford Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Interesting. John Hansell's Whisky Advocate blog has previewed the top 10 bottles from their Winter 2012 issue. Every BTAC release except Handy made the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryT Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Interesting. John Hansell's Whisky Advocate blog has previewed the top 10 bottles from their Winter 2012 issue. Every BTAC release except Handy made the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMOWK Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 I noticed that, but for me - I'd trade the Saz 18 or ER 17 for a Handy. Can't help it - me likes the bold flavors :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnHansell Posted November 16, 2012 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Interesting. John Hansell's Whisky Advocate blog has previewed the top 10 bottles from their Winter 2012 issue. Every BTAC release except Handy made the list.THH wasn't far behind. The entire Collection is pretty damn good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidfive Posted December 4, 2012 Share Posted December 4, 2012 I am really looking forward to finding a 2012 THH in California. I have had about 1/4 bottle of 2011 and to me it is the best rye I have had thus far. I have not been fortunate enough to compare it to any of the other ryes I read about on this site (VWFRR, Vintage Rye, Etc), but I hope to add to my bar soon enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErichPryde Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 (edited) and the lower octane Bowman rye also shows the depth age can give. but is Bowman rye still suffering progressively younger release dates? Edited February 23, 2013 by ErichPryde Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squire Posted February 23, 2013 Share Posted February 23, 2013 I'm only concerned with the maturity of the whiskys in the expression and I'll leave that to the Master Blenders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theglobalguy Posted February 24, 2013 Author Share Posted February 24, 2013 So related to THH, i'm just about the polish off the bottle i started this thread about. And (meaning this as a compliment) it hasn't weakened since i opened. Still that great spice bite and solid mouthfeel. Is the high proof what's keeping it consistent or the Rye aspect of it? I have plenty other bottles open which have changed over time. Thankfully not this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErichPryde Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 high proof wheaters change... May be combination of rye, proof, and youth. seems like saz 18 changes over time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biskuit Posted March 7, 2013 Share Posted March 7, 2013 Been sipping the 2012 Handy lately, and my oh my I am a convert. It is a beautiful beast of a rye. I do think the price is a bit out of whack given the age, but this also just shows again that greatness can come young or old.Full tasting notes with obligatory Incredible Hulk comparisons at http://www.thirstysouth.com/2013/03/03/2012-thomas-h-handy-rye-review-and-tasting-notes/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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