Rock Hill Farms

[smknjoe]

I cracked open my first bottle of RHF last night and I'm not sure what to think about it. It has a "pine tree" nose and the taste is cinnamon predominant. After sitting for a while it changes and gets a little sweeter on the nose and tounge. I love ETL and expected this to be a bolder version, but I don't get much similarity between the two. I've attached some pics of the bottle and cork. That stain on the mouth of the bottle was there when I opened it. Do you think I possibly got an "off" bottle, or do I need to give it few more trys before I pass judgement? Note: when I opened it some small pieces of cork fell in the bottle. I've had this happen with bottles in the past and just left them in there since it didn't bother me. Would that affect the flavor much?

[Brisko]

I've only had one bottle each of RHF and ETL but I don't disagree with your assessment. RHF, while not bad, seemed very subtle, almost muted, compared to ETL, which I like much better. I do note some family resemblance between the two, but the differences are more prominent than the similarities. The only flavor that really stood out with RHF was some green apple hints.

Not sure about the cork issues but the lower 1/3 of my RHF cork broke off last week (using the bottle as a decanter for other things). Seemed clean, though.

[michang5]

I found my bottle of RHF to be a more subtly nuanced version of my ETL bottle. Definite family resemblance, but the RHF had a bit more complexity and balance. And it had a much better and longer finish than the Elmer. Enjoyment of the ETL seemed to drop precipitously when entering the finish.

I had a blind test of my RHF (down to a few ounces alas) against 4R Limited Edition Single Barrel 2012 last night. Very different bourbons, but I think I preferred the RHF -- even more at $30 less.

And my cork didn't look anything like that. Doesn't look healthy.

[bllygthrd]

Damn ... I'm more impressed with the $39.99 price tag ... goes for $52 in my area ... BTW, my RHF cork looks white and dense ... looked very fresh and new ...

[smknjoe]

That's why I grabbed it. I don't think it's normal for the whiskey to leak out and leave a stain on the bottle either... It was the last they had. I'll see if I can get them to give me store credit.

[compliance]

Speaking of RHF, the K&L email today mentioned that might also be affected by the shortages. No big deal since Blantons is usually around and I don't think anyone is making RHF their daily pour.

"In any case, now that the Weller 12 is gone for a while, I expect the Rock Hill Farms label from Buffalo Trace to vanish with it. The CA distributor has no ETA right now for more, so add that one to the list of short-term absences."

[smknjoe]

Come down to Houston. There are hundreds of bottles (if not more) of W12 all over the place. The only thing that I ever see sold out are ryes.

[HighHorse]

I cracked open my first bottle of RHF last night and I'm not sure what to think about it. It has a "pine tree" nose and the taste is cinnamon predominant. After sitting for a while it changes and gets a little sweeter on the nose and tounge. I love ETL and expected this to be a bolder version, but I don't get much similarity between the two. I've attached some pics of the bottle and cork. That stain on the mouth of the bottle was there when I opened it. Do you think I possibly got an "off" bottle, or do I need to give it few more trys before I pass judgement? Note: when I opened it some small pieces of cork fell in the bottle. I've had this happen with bottles in the past and just left them in there since it didn't bother me. Would that affect the flavor much?

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[Flyfish]

"In any case, now that the Weller 12 is gone for a while, I expect the Rock Hill Farms label from Buffalo Trace to vanish with it. The CA distributor has no ETA right now for more, so add that one to the list of short-term absences."

Explain, please. What is the connection between W12 (a wheater) and the availability of RHF (a rye bourbon)?

[smknjoe]

I would definately give it another try. It is very good stuff and the cork/top issue is suspect. I'd also sent the pics to the distillery via the web site and tell them your situation. Chances are you'll get a replacement .. even if you take it back to the retailer.

It's around $50 everywhere I've seen it.

[HighHorse]

Not if you got the Blanton's .. Just my thinking. Post your thoughts on the new one you picked up. Hope you like it after all this effort.

[smknjoe]

Jon, I'd be surprised if I didn't. I'll post some brief notes when I open it - soon.

[sailor22]

I would definately give it another try. It is very good stuff and the cork/top issue is suspect. I'd also sent the pics to the distillery via the web site and tell them your situation. Chances are you'll get a replacement .. even if you take it back to the retailer.

It's around $50 everywhere I've seen it.

[nblair]

I have never seen a Rock Hill cork with a hole in the center. I would suspect that is quite a few years old.

[smknjoe]

The one I replaced it with today has one too. The cork doesn't look that great either but better than the last. I haven't tasted it yet.

[squire]

I wouldn't be surprised if these bottles have sat on the shelves for awhile, the brand doesn't move very fast around here.

[michang5]

Holler if you would like a picture to compare against.

My 3-month-old bottle of RHF (no flaws that I can see or taste) has about 1-2 pours left.

[jeffrey r]

I wouldn't be surprised if these bottles have sat on the shelves for awhile, the brand doesn't move very fast around here.

Agreed. Priced like Blantons, often sitting right next to Blantons, except that people know Blantons. Doesn't bode well for RHF.

[squire]

I prefer the Rock Hill Farms over Blantons but it's not well known enough to sell. In fact there are two local stores that have had bottles of RHF sitting in the same spot on the shelf for several years now while the Blantons next to them sell regularly at a higher price.

[smknjoe]

The Blanton's they replaced it with is dated 11-12 and was $10 more. I'll taste this "new" bottle of RHF tonight. I don't see any signs of leakage this time but the cork is still rough looking.

[Bmac]

I am curious to see the notes. Most of the reviews I have read suggest that Blantons and RHF are identical in flavor profile. With the exception of a particular RHF that was hand selected by someone (can't remember the name off hand) but supposedly it's incredible.

[squire]

I beg to differ with that assessment. In our blind tastings the profiles have always been separate and distinct with Blantons being the softer, sweeter one and the RHF being the dryer, spicier one punctuated with it's slightly higher alcohol content.

[smknjoe]

Here are picks of the "new" bottle. At least this one looks like it hasn't leaked any. I'll get around to tasting it this weekend.

[squire]

Let us know how it tastes.

[mbroo5880i]

They reluctantly gave me a bottle of Blanton's to replace it. And a few blocks away I picked up another bottle of RHF for $41 It's usually $54+ Let's hope this one is okay as it had obviously been sitting for a while as well.

I'll send pics of the other bottle to BT if you think it's still worth it.

So, essentially, you got a bottle of Blanton's for $39.99 and then was still able to find another bottle of RHF for $41. I just saw RHF for $59.99 at one of the big liquor stores in Indy. You did quite well. I hope you enjoy both!