OWA Private or Single Barrel

[smknjoe]

I was inspired to post this after seeing Cigar Dan post his list of recently aquired bottles. Can anyone recommend any SB versions of OWA that are superior to the standard bottlings? On the TPS website the SB version gets fewer stars than the standard bottle.

[Tico]

Ive purchased CnB and TPS single barrel selections, both are good but varies by barrel.

[smknjoe]

Are they typically better than standard bottles? I'm not familiar with CnB.

Edit: When I say better I really mean are they more flavorful or complex. For instance, Greg over at bourbondork describes some of his private barrel pics as caramel/butterscotch bombs with some wood. I would like to try something like that if possible.

Edited February 15, 2013 by smknjoe

[JPBoston]

....

For instance, Greg over at bourbondork describes some of his private barrel pics as caramel/butterscotch bombs with some wood. I would like to try something like that if possible.

Add me to that list, please.

[luther.r]

Are they typically better than standard bottles? I'm not familiar with CnB.

Edit: When I say better I really mean are they more flavorful or complex. For instance, Greg over at bourbondork describes some of his private barrel pics as caramel/butterscotch bombs with some wood. I would like to try something like that if possible.

From my experience most single barrels are 8 years or older. My understanding is that OWA is typically 7ish years but they can dip into younger barrels to blend in. I've found most of the single barrel bottles I've bought to be better than the standard, but not night and day better. Getting the SB means you can get an age statement.

CnB is Cork 'n Bottle BTW.

[wadewood]

When we eventually get together remind me and I'll bring a sample of the OWA Greg is talking about. The best SB versions are always the ones you had a hand in tasting the barrels and selecting, such as this one.

[callmeox]

It depends on if your palate aligns with the folks who picked the barrel and what they are looking for.

CnB used to select some great single barrel OWA but the gentleman who did their selections left and I have not liked what the new guy/gal/group has picked.

My palate and Jay's at Party Source have never agreed. I can't recall any of his single barrel selections being exceptional or dare I say better than the standard bottling.

[smknjoe]

When we eventually get together remind me and I'll bring a sample of the OWA Greg is talking about. The best SB versions are always the ones you had a hand in tasting the barrels and selecting, such as this one.

Sounds good.

It depends on if your palate aligns with the folks who picked the barrel and what they are looking for.

CnB used to select some great single barrel OWA but the gentleman who did their selections left and I have not liked what the new guy/gal/group has picked.

My palate and Jay's at Party Source have never agreed. I can't recall any of his single barrel selections being exceptional or dare I say better than the standard bottling.

...and I was afraid this would be a response. I guess I'll just have to find out.

[callmeox]

...and I was afraid this would be a response. I guess I'll just have to find out.

Sorry to be Debby Downer, but OWA is priced low enough that taking a chance on a bottle isn't going to break the bank.

There are no guarantees in single barrel bottles.

[OscarV]

CnB used to select some great single barrel OWA but the gentleman who did their selections left and I have not liked what the new guy/gal/group has picked.

I have some of C-N-B OWA Barrel #49 hidden down in the bunker but beware my 2nd Amendment is protecting them.

[smknjoe]

Oh, it's cheap alright. Just wanted to see if there were any unanimously good ones so I keep the number of open bottles I have to a minimum. It's somewhere close to 13 or so right now.

[qman22]

The only private barrel of OWA I've had is the current one at TPS and I like it better than the standard version.

[Tico]

Are they typically better than standard bottles? I'm not familiar with CnB.

Edit: When I say better I really mean are they more flavorful or complex. For instance, Greg over at bourbondork describes some of his private barrel pics as caramel/butterscotch bombs with some wood. I would like to try something like that if possible.

I think those are 1789b selections, I've tried a few of those and they are great. It really does all come down to barrel selection. Talk th the person who selects and they should be able to give you a good understanding of what you can expect.

[SFS]

Oh, it's cheap alright. Just wanted to see if there were any unanimously good ones so I keep the number of open bottles I have to a minimum. It's somewhere close to 13 or so right now.

Gee, I don't even own 13 bottles. Even if I include the backup (singular).

[smknjoe]

Gee, I don't even own 13 bottles. Even if I include the backup (singular).

I've been pretty busy the last few months...you never know until you try it though.

[smknjoe]

I think those are 1789b selections, I've tried a few of those and they are great. It really does all come down to barrel selection. Talk th the person who selects and they should be able to give you a good understanding of what you can expect.

[MauiSon]

Got me curious, so I googled and came across Josh's article. Yeah, I'd love access to private selections, but I have no interest in tobacco and BS - my loss, I guess.

[p_elliott]

Are they typically better than standard bottles? I'm not familiar with CnB.

Edit: When I say better I really mean are they more flavorful or complex. For instance, Greg over at bourbondork describes some of his private barrel pics as caramel/butterscotch bombs with some wood. I would like to try something like that if possible.

The ones Greg is descibing he had a hand in picking out.

[Josh]

Got me curious, so I googled and came across Josh's article. Yeah, I'd love access to private selections, but I have no interest in tobacco and BS - my loss, I guess.

Ha! Glad you enjoyed it. That hornets' nest hasn't been kicked in a while...

[smknjoe]

The ones Greg is descibing he had a hand in picking out.

I realize that, but surely plebs can find honey barrels too.

Ha! Glad you enjoyed it. That hornets' nest hasn't been kicked in a while...

Enjoyable and informative read. Thanks.

[PaulO]

I managed to pick up some single barrel OWA last time I was at Kahn's in Indy. I really like it a lot. When the first bottle was nearly empty. I opened a regular bottle to compare. I really like that too. They're not exactly the same, but pretty close. :grin:

[hectic1]

OWA continues to get younger and younger so I would go with a SB over a shelf offering 100% of the time.

[wadewood]

OWA continues to get younger and younger so I would go with a SB over a shelf offering 100% of the time.

How do you know the SB offerings are any older? Unless you were there to pick barrel, you don't.

[hectic1]

How do you know the SB offerings are any older? Unless you were there to pick barrel, you don't.

Because I know the age on 100% of the SB offerings that I drink...

[Tico]

And the SB offerings will continue to get younger as well

the trend continues.......