VOB 6YO/Proof Bunkerworthy?

[Vadertime]

I had my stateside package store order me two cases of VOB BIB 6YO, but what came in was 90 proof 6YO. It seems the BIB is out of stock. Being as it is, should I pick up the 90? I highly doubt the 6YO BIB will be coming back to GA. Some folks seem to prefer the 86 or 90 proof it seems based on comment here and there.

Handles for 19.99 feel like a good price as well.

Cheers

[TunnelTiger]

If you enjoy it get it while you can because when it's gone it's gone. All my stores are now empty of the 6 year 90, just the new big 6 90 now on the shelves.

[smknjoe]

You really need to try it to see which you prefer. I've only had the 86 and 100 proof versions. I like the 100 proof BIB much better for sipping. The 86 is no slouch and does well as mixer in my house.

[Vadertime]

Is there a big drop off from the BIB to 90 Proof (both 6YO)? I won't really be able to taste both as I am abroad atm. Locally, the only Barton I can get is Kentucky Gentleman KSBW aged 4 years, which is not bad at all. It tastes like "Bourbon!" I can imagine the same juice at 50% more aging to be significantly better.

I ordered the BIB, but the shop wasn't able to get it, but he did receive 2 cases of 90 proof. He said I could take as much or as little as I wanted, so I would like some input before making a bulk purchase.

Thanks for your insight folks!

[393foureyedfox]

i would have them verify for you, by a picture of the neck label, if its indeed 6 year old or just -6- Barton, and then decide. 6YO is gone now, but the -6- will be here whenever you come back likely (and hence, no point in stockpiling), so if its indeed 6YO, Id grab a case. At the price of it, youre not gonna go wrong.

[brettckeen]

I grabbed a couple 6yr bib before they went away, really as a reference point for future tastings. I don't want to one day be like "hey this tastes like VOB BIB 6yr but I have none to compare to" It is a great value product, but I don't consume enough annually to justify serious bunkering like WT 101 Rye (old stuff)

[wadewood]

As long as it's truly 6 years old, 90 proof handles for $19.99 are definitely bunker material.

[Josh]

I would say yes. I'm bunkering them myself, actually.

I don't think there's much of drop off in quality between the BiB and the 90 or the 86 for that matter. Sometimes they taste a little older than the BiB to me. IMO, the 80 is not as good.

As for Kentucky Gentleman, as with all of Barton's products, it's unclear what the mashbill is. It may be the same as VOB or the same as 1792 or completely different from either.

Edited March 20, 2014 by Josh

[393foureyedfox]

you could also stockpile HH 6YO BIB's stateside....they are still, currently at least, available, and even cheaper than the Barton BIB's. I know you talk a lot on the other bourbon forum about your like of HH products, so I thought I'd throw that option out there....There is a 6YO 90 proof HH, and a 6YO BIB HH, with prices of $9-11 each for a 750. With any of the three, you'll be happy though. Enjoy!

[squire]

That is a good price and I would grab them as I expect the 90 will be the next one to go.

[393foureyedfox]

That is a good price and I would grab them as I expect the 90 will be the next one to go.

even the 6 year 90's are now -6- 90's

[squire]

Quite true but if you're going to buy Barton now's the time before they start tinkering with it.

[Quantum]

You really need to try it to see which you prefer. I've only had the 86 and 100 proof versions. I like the 100 proof BIB much better for sipping. The 86 is no slouch and does well as mixer in my house.

This is my experience as well.

The first bottle of NAS 86 I tried tasted exactly like a lower proof 6yr BIB, so I imagine the 90 proof would still be in line with those. I prefer the BIB, but the lower proofs are not a bad consolation prize. I also wouldn't worry too much about the age statement right now, as the first couple batches will probably be as good as the age stated versions. I would stick a date label on any bunkered bottles, just to differentiate from future batches.

[squire]

The sticker is a good idea. Vintage dating Barton, who would've thought.

[jburlowski]

If you like any bourbon and think you'll be drinking more of it, a case can be made for bunkering it. They all are going to continue going up in price in the near term.

[393foureyedfox]

If you like any bourbon and think you'll be drinking more of it, a case can be made for bunkering it. They all are going to continue going up in price in the near term.

exactly!

I keep a case of $10 HH 6YO BIB here, and keep an eye on the forums to know when/if it is d/c'ed, so I can respond by buying about 5 cases quickly. Plus, it's much easier to stockpile good $10 bourbon than it is for $50 bourbon!

[jonnyd]

I just bought the last bottle of 6yr stated VOB at a local liquor store tonight. It was a 1.75L of the 90 and every other size and strength of VOB was -6-NAS. Considering myself lucky.

[Vadertime]

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[Vadertime]

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[tanstaafl2]

That is the "I've got a 6 on the neck label for no apparent reason" VOB and not the discontinued true 6yo VOB.

[Josh]

Yes, the faux age statement.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[squire]

I suppose the next move will be to plastic which would at least be easier to handle.

[Vadertime]

Still worth getting a case?

[squire]

At the present time, yes.