The best versions of BT's high rye mashbill

[Brisko]

I had a sample of Ancient Age Bottled in Bond, not sure how old or from what era, from a fellow SBer and frankly it was probably the best example of the Age mashbill that I've had. I like RHF and I like ETL but this was a much bigger whiskey than either of them, but still with the family resemblance.

[compliance]

I picked up my first Hancock's Reserve today and I have an open bottle of Elmer T Lee. The Hancock is more rye forward and lighter. Seems to me like it's younger too but I guess we don't know for sure. I think I can pick up the tropical notes people mention, but they aren't that strong to me. I get more banana. My current bottle (and most ETL bottles to me) are cherry/Dr. Pepper like, but Hancock's is not. The finish on the Hancock lasted a lot longer than I was expecting which was nice. ETL is the winner tonight, but I'll give the Hancock a chance to open up over the next week or so.

[squire]

My take on Hancock is about the same, a lighter version of ETL. The flavor wouldn't be determined by proof alone, there's not that much difference between 88 and 90 proof, so it's profile is a definite choice but it is a stylish, sophisticated whisky. My only objection is the price which also reflects the higher cost packaging.

[JKLS]

Well I plain don't like Blanton's, ETL is okay and RHF wasn't bad. Guess I don't like BT's high rye mashbill. BUT, I do love some barrel proof whiskies that I find underwhelming at younger, lower (90-107) proofs (WLW vs W12/OWA for example). So I would be interested in trying a BTAC ETL or whatever possible higher proof/extended age high rye they possibly might produce.

[Dolph Lundgren]

I found a local shop (not Binny's) that did a ETL barrel select and, for the price, its really good. I could drink this my entire life and be happy.

I found a ETL BUB 107 a while back and its sitting on the shelf waiting to be cracked. From my understanding, it's different juice from the AA 107, right?

And my vote is for an ETL BTAC - 15 years at 107.

[OscarV]

Best I've had was the Kahn's Rock Hill Farms from a couple years ago.

Oh teah, I'd od loved to had that at barrel proof.

[OscarV]

Dusty:

Elmer T Lee 15yo barrel pick (when was this released and what store?)

If it wasn't Julio's then it was Shoppers Vineyard, not sure which one but I'm leaning towards Julio's.

And I think it came out in late 2011.

Very few bottles, it was the best tasting subtle bourbon I've ever had.

[WAINWRIGHT]

Oscar was pretty much right on target as usual,it was SV in 2011 released in the spring. I've had this bourbon on several occasions and it truly was a divine whiskey.

[p_elliott]

It was SV and I still have a bottle in my bunker.

[WAINWRIGHT]

It was SV and I still have a bottle in my bunker.

You sir are a lucky man!

[WsmataU]

It was SV and I still have a bottle in my bunker.

Show off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[compliance]

One showed up for my bunker too . Mr Fedex was kind to me today. No store label on it but it has the 15 yr sticker.

[mbroo5880i]

One showed up for my bunker too . Mr Fedex was kind to me today. No store label on it but it has the 15 yr sticker.

That is awesome!

[smknjoe]

One showed up for my bunker too . Mr Fedex was kind to me today. No store label on it but it has the 15 yr sticker.

You Richard.......

[compliance]

You Richard.......

Wait till you see what he's supposed to bring me tomorrow...

[jeffrey r]

One showed up for my bunker too . Mr Fedex was kind to me today. No store label on it but it has the 15 yr sticker.

[OscarV]

Wish I had some in the bunker--great stuff.

[humchan2k]

Wait till you see what he's supposed to bring me tomorrow...

It's gonna be a good Saturday, Compliance

[smknjoe]

It's gonna be a good Saturday, Compliance

You're both real Richards...

[shoshani]

I'd love to see something like this. 10-15 YO at maybe 107 proof, something reminiscent of the old Ancient Age Barrel 107.

I don't think it's gonna happen, but I can dream. I emailed Mark Brown several years ago when BTAC took off, and he said there were no plans to release anything under BTAC with the higher rye mashbill. He didn't say why, but I have my suspicions that they can't. From what I understand, that mashbill is not BT's but belongs to Takara Shuzo, as does every brand associated with it. They can't just up and bottle a barrel strength (or any other new expression of) ETL, because Sazerac doesn't actually own that or any of the Age International brands.

[WsmataU]

I'd love to see something like this. 10-15 YO at maybe 107 proof, something reminiscent of the old Ancient Age Barrel 107.

I don't think it's gonna happen, but I can dream. I emailed Mark Brown several years ago when BTAC took off, and he said there were no plans to release anything under BTAC with the higher rye mashbill. He didn't say why, but I have my suspicions that they can't. From what I understand, that mashbill is not BT's but belongs to Takara Shuzo, as does every brand associated with it. They can't just up and bottle a barrel strength (or any other new expression of) ETL, because Sazerac doesn't actually own that or any of the Age International brands.

I don't know if that is accurate. Basically what we are asking for is Blanton's Gold to be sold under the BTAC line labeled as ETL15. Other than slightly impacting the international market's ability to fill BG quotas, I don't see a real downside. In fact, it could improve sales overseas if it is seen as a "limited" quantity.