Barrel proof bourbons

[portwood]

The advantage of barrel proof to me is I only use half as much.

... and you're helping reduce green house gases by not transporting water around the country.

[Yeti]

... and you're helping reduce green house gases by not transporting water around the country.

YES! I drink barrel proof for the environment. This is outstanding.

[squire]

I knew I was doing right, whisky will hone your instincts.

[Special Reserve]

Those are nice Joe. What do you think of that PHC wheated?

If you're like me you'll love it before breakfast.

[Meruck]

And I do not accept that one cannot be a 'true bourbon drinker' without enjoying bourbon at barrel proof.

Okay, Okay I mis spoke or perhaps over stated. Obviously the statement that unless you enjoy barrel prrof bourbon your not a "true bourbon drinker" is not correct. But I would say that if you do enjoy it at barrel proof, you are indeed a true bourbon drinker, for better or for worse.

I do agree that if you enjoy it a barrel proof then good for you, if you add water to taste, good for you, just as long as you drink what you like and like what you drink.

I told Squire I was having the PHC Wheated today. But I changed my mind when I saw the unopened bottles of "Blend of Mashbills" I knew I had a winner. And besides, Squire showed off his PHC Wheated yesterday.

Oh my,.....that is good. Perhaps I will try a splash of branch water.

[Meruck]

Ok, so I added a spash and really its even better.

If I just have a pour of Old Crow, will that count?

[Parkersback]

I know I am in the minority, but I really don't care much for barrel proof bourbons as such. I've loved some of the barrel proof bourbons I've had--WLW comes most readily to mind--but I always feel like I'm having to conduct some kind of chemistry experiment to try and figure out how much water to add, or feeling bad that I am adding plain ol' tap water rather than distilled or spring. I probably prefer something between 90 and 100 proof.

Which is why while I think the EC12 barrel proof release is very exciting, but I would be more excited for a standard release of EC12 that was not chill filtered.

[Meruck]

You have a point. I threw some water in my last glass just cause and I think I hit it just right as it worked very well. But I doubt I could exactly duplicate the mix. I guess that would be known as a "single glass".

[AaronWF]

FYI - It drinks a little hot. I let it sit in a glass for at least 30 min. and/or add a little water before consuming. YMMV

When I broke into my first bottle of PHC 4th I was sorely disappointed; all I got was heat and wood. After suffering through half the bottle, I finally decided to try adding a little water, and sure enough, I found heaven!

I take most CS bourbons down to around 110pf - just seems to be my sweet spot.

[hectic1]

When I broke into my first bottle of PHC 4th I was sorely disappointed; all I got was heat and wood. After suffering through half the bottle, I finally decided to try adding a little water, and sure enough, I found heaven!

I take most CS bourbons down to around 110pf - just seems to be my sweet spot.

I find that too with the PHC Aaron...I loved it in the 105-110 range...same with the Bowman 18yr GS 138.6 bottle...it's probably in my top bourbons at that proof...just magic in a glass!

I'm pouring some Willett 8yr wheated 1789b right now that is drinking well at bp though...

[smknjoe]

I agree, hectic1, that it depends on the bourbon. Some drink well at barrel proof and others don't. Some just need a little time in the glass. My sweet spot tends to be between 100-110 proof in most cases.

[Halifax]

...I loved it in the 105-110 range...same with the Bowman 18yr GS 138.6 bottle...

My last batch was devine at 114. Although... It is quite approachable at 138.6. Hands down the best of the Bowmans.

[Meruck]

So do you guys have proof-o-meters or something?

[MyOldKyDram]

There's a proofing calculator around here somewhere. Tasting forum?

[Halifax]

Here's the one I use:

http://homedistiller.org/distill/dilute/calc

[ErichPryde]

maybe they do, i just use this: http://www.straightbourbon.com/index.php/faq

[T Comp]

... i just use this: http://www.straightbourbon.com/index.php/faq

Me too along with some graduated cylinders. After I make enough space with a few pours I bring the whole bottle down to 107. Makes for a good Saturday morning project :grin:. I currently have 7 barrel proofs in the bottle at 107 proof. I drink more than one brand in a night and any proof over that deadens my palate quickly.

I recognize it could just be a placebo effect but mixing the water in advance this way, and especially after it sets and melds for a few days in the bottle, seems to make for a better tasting whiskey than just adding water to each pour. Of course I leave a few bottles at their original proof for when my Macho Man friends come a knocking :cool:.

[Meruck]

So tonights barrel proof is the George T Stage from the BTAC.

142.8 proof

I had some lesser pours earlier this evening so my pallet is somewhat "conditioned".

This is the first from this bottle and my first for the GTS. Really powerful flavor and finish. This is a wonderful bourbon. Now with just a splash......................

The best has been tammed and its an even better experience, (Thanks Col. Chuck and Squire).

Edited March 15, 2013 by Meruck

[johnm13]

i will NEVER let a GTS sit on the shelf. used to put it on a little crushed ice but prefer room temp water.

[black mamba]

Is $60 a good price for 2011 THH?

[Cigar Dan]

Is $60 a good price for 2011 THH?

Yes, that is a very good price. It wants you to take it home!

[black mamba]

They had a sheet on it which answered a question of mine. I always wondered why a 6-7 yr old was in the AC, but the sheet said it spent it's whole 6.4 yrs on the 6th floor of the warehouse. Pretty intense aging that high up.

[Meruck]

Tonight we go back in time and pay homage to a master; William Heavenhill.

This bottle is the second in the series, perhaps I should have gone with the first, first. But I didnt.

127.6 proof.

Luscious is the first word that comes to mind, followed by chewy and then....dam good whiskey. I think I will keep it dry tonight. Its just really so very good as it is.

[johnm13]

the first WH has a little age on the second, which i prefer, but they were just ok IMO.

[GaryT]

I agree with Chuck on having the full range of possibilities from a dilution standpoint, although I do enjoy barrel proof neat (depending upon the proof). Whenever I pour a GTS or THH, I'll almost always take the first sip (or two) neat and then add water as I go so I can experience it evolving (although I agree it isn't intended to be drunk in large quantities neat - you wouldn't be tasting much by the end!)