What bourbon are you drinking - Fall 2013

[393foureyedfox]

of course, some more KC120 whilst I try to figure out some Dwight Yoakam on a guitar.....Im not one for country, but that guy had it right on

Edited October 10, 2013 by 393foureyedfox

[Yeti]

You convinced me to break into one of these OESK bottles and you're right, excellent stuff.

Thought it would be interesting to compare this to last year's Ledger's Liquors Private Selection (Barrel #14) since these two barrels were aged in essentially the same location (VE 24-3M vs. VE 24-3P) and are both OESK. The Ledger's selection was aged 11 years 6 months while the 4R gift shop selection was 12 years 4 months. Both are essentially the same proof (60.4 vs 60.5).

Both bottles definitely share a strong resemblance as far as flavor profile is concerned. The Ledger's selection is bolder with stronger leather and cherry flavors on a longer finish. The 4R gift shop selection presents a bit shorter on the finish but has more finesse/refinement on the palate...it isn't as aggressive or forward (reminds me of the elegance found in the LE SmB).

Can't go wrong with either one...both are tremendously delicious. Good drinking tonight.

Good stuff on the comparison. Thanks for sharing!

[squire]

After a frustrating day of visiting stores to find something interesting for Vbt #487 I rewarded myself with a tot of Old Grand Dad.

[final442]

Pour of W12 followed by BMH SmB. My first bottle of BMH and probably would not re-buy at $49, maybe at $29 if the selections were light.

[TunnelTiger]

Loving several pours of 4RYL tonight

[tuntime]

Yes, nice comparison beAUar. Have you tried any of the Healthy Spirits single barrels? I only tried the "Nate's Barrel", which was a blistering (and tasty) 64.5%, but surprisingly light in body - perhaps a characteristic of OBSO.

[beAUar]

Yes, nice comparison beAUar. Have you tried any of the Healthy Spirits single barrels? I only tried the "Nate's Barrel", which was a blistering (and tasty) 64.5%, but surprisingly light in body - perhaps a characteristic of OBSO.

I haven't had any of the Healthy Spirits selections. I did recently pick up the new Bevmo Private Selection OBSK which I did not like so much on first pour. The current 4R gift shop OBSK comes from the same warehouse location (DN 37-1D vs. DN 37-1M) and they are within 6 months of each other in terms of aging. When I get a chance, I'll do taste comparison.

I'm enjoying the current Hog & Rocks Private Selection...it's an 11year 9 month OBSO at 126.4 proof. More of that darker wood/caramel/leather flavors that I enjoy. Though not quite as nice as that Ledger's OESK (which was phenomenal).

[tuntime]

beAUar, I can't let you get ahead of me in post count.

Mmm, I was recently in the Bay Area and realized a day too late that Mr. Rutledge was giving a tasting at Elixir. Thanks for the Hogs and Rocks selection thoughts, that one piqued my interest too.

Of the four barrels picked by Healthy Spirits, I only tried "Nate's", which I had the pleasure to bring to a dinner party. That barrel was the favorite of several folks at the Elixir tasting (which included four selections for Elixir.) Nate has picked an OBSO from the same spot in the warehouse the last three years. He said that he and Jim have a running dialogue about their differing preferences for high tier, high alcohol (Nate) and lower tier, lower alcohol (Jim) barrels. Sounds like the Hogs bottle has similar qualities to "Nate's" - they are only a month apart in age with the same recipe.

[tuntime]

beAUar, I can't let you get ahead of me in post count.

Mmm, I was recently in the Bay Area and realized a day too late that Mr. Rutledge was giving a tasting at Elixir. Thanks for the Hogs and Rocks selection thoughts, that one piqued my interest too.

Of the four barrels picked by Healthy Spirits, I only tried "Nate's", which I had the pleasure to bring to a dinner party. That barrel was the favorite of several folks at the Elixir tasting (which included four selections for Elixir.) Nate has picked an OBSO from the same spot in the warehouse the last three years. He said that he and Jim have a running dialogue about their differing preferences for high tier, high alcohol (Nate) and lower tier, lower alcohol (Jim) barrels. Sounds like the Hogs bottle has similar qualities to "Nate's" - they are only a month apart in age with the same recipe.

[T Comp]

...*edit - I'm a big fan of current OF Sig, a very unique offering for the price point, and my favorite BF product next to DSP-KY-354 Ritt BiB. ...

...But I still find merit in the Signature and what I think is a current Bourbon style of lighter flavors of vanilla, carmel and citrus. Though a few dollars more and less age, I enjoy Signature just as much as the Barton and HH 6 year BIBs, and for the different styles they are at the bargain end.

...I too am an unabashed lover of OF Sig. I'm rarely without a bottle.

It's official! It can now be referred to here as a "board favorite" .

[DrBob]

A pour of EW BIB, followed by a light pour of WT101, on this night I found the white label a bit more tasty.

[Yeti]

Went back to GTS13 for round two. A better experience, but still struggling. This time I went for about 1.5 oz. in my Glencairn, with 4 drops of water from one of the new droppers I picked up. This was better than neat, and a huge improvement from the over-watered drink I finished the night before. I think it still needs just a bit more though, maybe 8 drops in 2 oz. will be the sweet spot. We'll see tonight.

Had some EC12 after that, and even though it's only 94 I put two drops of water in about 1.5 oz just for kicks. I had the dropper out. Wonderful vanilla over dry wood. Just like always.

[AaronWF]

Went back to GTS13 for round two. A better experience, but still struggling. This time I went for about 1.5 oz. in my Glencairn, with 4 drops of water from one of the new droppers I picked up. This was better than neat, and a huge improvement from the over-watered drink I finished the night before. I think it still needs just a bit more though, maybe 8 drops in 2 oz. will be the sweet spot. We'll see tonight.

I was leaning towards the GTS if I only get to pick one of the BTAC, but your experience coupled with the deeper release is leaning back towards the Saz18 or WLW.

I poured some more of the liquid gold that is the FR GS OESV I picked up during the KBF down my throat last night. This stuff is hypnotic. Religious. I swear I need a scissors to cut the pour off into my glass. It's that sticky icky. Not all of their 12yo barrels get this saturated, but the ones that do are special.

[Yeti]

I was leaning towards the GTS if I only get to pick one of the BTAC, but your experience coupled with the deeper release is leaning back towards the Saz18 or WLW.

I really want someone else to chime in. The two blog reviews I've read both enjoyed it very much. I thought last year was just fine, even though it was considered a dog by many. I'm not usually an ultra critical drinker, one who can find plenty to enjoy in just about anything. I really hate being one of just a very few voices on this one, especially when I don't have much nice to say at the moment.

[squire]

Put some mystery whisky in the coffee this morning.

[hn4bourbon]

Went back to GTS13 for round two. A better experience, but still struggling. This time I went for about 1.5 oz. in my Glencairn, with 4 drops of water from one of the new droppers I picked up. This was better than neat, and a huge improvement from the over-watered drink I finished the night before. I think it still needs just a bit more though, maybe 8 drops in 2 oz. will be the sweet spot. We'll see tonight.

Had some EC12 after that, and even though it's only 94 I put two drops of water in about 1.5 oz just for kicks. I had the dropper out. Wonderful vanilla over dry wood. Just like always.

Such a great description!

[AaronWF]

I really want someone else to chime in. The two blog reviews I've read both enjoyed it very much. I thought last year was just fine, even though it was considered a dog by many. I'm not usually an ultra critical drinker, one who can find plenty to enjoy in just about anything. I really hate being one of just a very few voices on this one, especially when I don't have much nice to say at the moment.

That's ok, if I pass on it and later taste it only to find it's marvelous, I'll just have to hunt you down. I'm sure some of that ultra-aged grain whisky will make me feel a little better...

I skipped last year's GTS because the '11 disappointed me compared to the '10. I made the right choice last year because I really liked the WLW, much more than the '11. I actually haven't found much love for a lot of the BT products lately. I'm always a sucker for aged rye though, so I might just have to grab a Saz18 (if I get to one in time).

[tanstaafl2]

I really want someone else to chime in. The two blog reviews I've read both enjoyed it very much. I thought last year was just fine, even though it was considered a dog by many. I'm not usually an ultra critical drinker, one who can find plenty to enjoy in just about anything. I really hate being one of just a very few voices on this one, especially when I don't have much nice to say at the moment.

I found that the GTS 13 needs a touch of water to be its best for me despite starting at a lower proof. Two other people tasting it with me felt the same way. Perhaps 8 drops will prove to be just what you need! My comparison bottle is the 142.6 proof 2011 GTS which I find to be better neat than the 2013 although I typically add a bit of water to that as well.

[DrBob]

I've found that BTACS aren't available in New Mexico

[BoyScout]

tonight it is Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 year

[Cigar Dan]

Just finishing a pour of Russell's Reserve SB. Not sure what the next one will be.

[beAUar]

Drinking some High West American Prairie tonight.

[JVande]

Tore it up tonight - Pappy 15, WSR (S-W juice), OWA (2005), Old Forester BB 2013...

[MyOldKyDram]

ORVW107 and WLW13. I'm giving it to the Rip. There's good on the Weller. I can feel it. But it takes time and patience I don't have tonight to get it there.

[smokinjoe]

Finishing up a really great evening with a neat pour of Bowman Last Millenium. I have generally found the older 14 yearish Bowman's to be entirely too hot and astringent to my liking, but this bottle is settling in nicely with me. Big oakiness, for sure. But, not as uncomfortable as the others. I am finding this bottle to be quite enjoyable.