Rock Hill Farms

[JLH3]

Not to derail things further, but how does Hancock's compare to Blanton's and RH? I like Blanton's and have never seen RH.

[black mamba]

I'm with squire-- Blanton's and RHF are very different, with RHF being bolder and more complex. I've tried the two over a 5 yr period and at least 3-4 different bottles of each, and the differences are consistent. Sometimes it's hard to believe they are the same mashbill.

Hancock's is more similar to ETL than either Blanton's or RHF. Soft brown sugar and citrus, most specifically orange, with the Hancock's, while RHF sometimes gives a banana hint in the finish.

[WAINWRIGHT]

I'm with squire-- Blanton's and RHF are very different, with RHF being bolder and more complex. I've tried the two over a 5 yr period and at least 3-4 different bottles of each, and the differences are consistent. Sometimes it's hard to believe they are the same mashbill.

Hancock's is more similar to ETL than either Blanton's or RHF. Soft brown sugar and citrus, most specifically orange, with the Hancock's, while RHF sometimes gives a banana hint in the finish.

This a pretty good overview,I could really only add that the Hancock's is probably the fruitiest bourbon you will ever try,almost an oddity within the group for this very reason.Blanton's is more muted and almost a bit earthy to me and I see more of a similarity to BT than RHF's.The RHF's to me is the hands down winner of the group in profile,loads of green apple,cinnamon,spice and really seems to be the most crisp and well integrated of the group by a mile.The only downfall is that in the past I have seen some inconsistency in the RHF's and that they have been overly grassy similar to what many complain about in other BT products,but that has been few and far between.

[brettckeen]

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."

There is some weird trend in LA for RHF, I have met a couple high end bartenders from out there that think it's the bees knees. I think it's good in a sea of other good products.

[squire]

Hancocks is simply the less talented sibling in the family. Similar to Blantons and Rock Hill it is weaker (proof, flavor) while at the same time conveying a complex suppleness that identifies it as above average. For a period of years I used Hancocks as a Bourbon introduction to Scotch drinkers.

[JLH3]

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I think I'll give it a shot next time I see it.

[smknjoe]

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!

[OscarV]

Yep.

I've had a few small pours out of this and it smells and tastes very grassy.

[smknjoe]

BT strikes again.

[OscarV]

I'm trying to be positive about it, but it's really pretty foul.

[fishnbowljoe]

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]

I agree that it may be a few years older. In the past, I saw a couple of RHF's with the weird top that the bourbon will go into when it's turned upside down. I passed on those.

Edited June 9, 2013 by smknjoe

[squire]

Yeah, it used to have the metal thingy around the neck, heck, it used to be labeled "Bottled in Bond", but I still refuse to pay the extra $20 or so just for the bottle.

[bllygthrd]

I still refuse to pay the extra $20 or so just for the bottle.

Damn ... now I feel like a bottle whore ...

[JLH3]

Hancock's is more similar to ETL than either Blanton's or RHF. Soft brown sugar and citrus, most specifically orange, with the Hancock's, while RHF sometimes gives a banana hint in the finish.

[squire]

Hancocks is the quiet sister that plays the piano well, just sort of there in the background.

[jburlowski]

Even in today's market, way too much to pay for seven year old whiskey.

[Kalessin]

On the other hand, I've been working on a store selection of RHF (from Julio's in MA) for almost a year, and it's been very, very good. Even better was that it was bought on sale for about $30...