How much does it take?

[smknjoe]

Well, you are talking about actually leaving the cork out. That's more believable than the "I close the bottle back up tightly after every pour, but after 6 months of sitting in my bar it's much better from air time" theory that most believers attest to.

[garbanzobean]

Well, you are talking about actually leaving the cork out. That's more believable than the "I close the bottle back up tightly after every pour, but after 6 months of sitting in my bar it's much better from air time" theory that most believers attest to.

Yeah, I have no qualms about agitating the bottle or leaving corks out until off flavors subside. Seems like whatever is harshing my vibe is pretty volatile, since it typically evaporates off with 4-24 hours of airtime.

[TunnelTiger]

If it's a first time buy for me I usually give it a thumbs up, down, or meh about half way through. If I have a bottle that I have liked for sometime not taste as good as it's previous brothers I'll give it another shot. Case in point HMcKBIB. Current bottle is really good after having two that were just meh.

[Creggor]

Hi Squire.. I agree with you.. I like to be home with my favorite bourbon glass.. I have little trouble these days deciding what I really like or not.. Many years ago when I just starting to lean about bourbon I tried writing a few reviews.. I was never much good at writing how something taste to me.. I do however know what good bourbon is when I have it.. And since then I limit my bourbon $$$ to what I like and what is not all that readily available.. I sure miss getting the various Pappy Bottlin'gs on trips to KY.. Brian Hue and Cork and Bottle In Covington KY was a must stop for me back then.. I will take a nice two ounce pour these days and let it stand for a few minutes to to open up.. If I like the pour.. I will then have some more with Diet Coke.. Yikes did I say that.. Creggor

[Dannabis]

Over the years, a number of SBers have suggested that the way to sample an unfamiliar bourbon is to go to a bar and order a shot. Or to buy a mini. Or a 375.

You fellows must hang out in really nice joints. I've never been in a bar where I could do any serious tasting. It is hard enough to find a bar keep who knows what "neat" means.

Then there is the volume issue. Some bourbons seem to benefit from being allowed to breathe for a while. Hard to let a mini catch its breath. A 375 might be capable of some shallow inhaling. My palate is slow to catch on. The bourbon might be truly wonderful but if my palate were off when I sampled the shot or the mini, I might never order it again. It takes me at least a half bottle before I can begin to "appreciate" a bourbon so I try to withhold judgment until I have given it a fair shot, so to speak. In the case of 4R YL and SmB, it took several bottles and several years. I kept coming back because I admire Jim Rutledge's work. If I had never heard of him and just tried a mini of YL, that would have been the end of that. Even now, I don't love those two but I can "appreciate" them.

So, how much bourbon or time do you need to reach a definitive conclusion?

possibly a 750ml will give you a good taste of a product and possibly it will take more and multiple experiences.

time and setting, man. chemistry.

I've come around on a lot of bourbon I didn't appreciate at first.

tongues change.

Edited July 12, 2014 by Dannabis

[jasmorg1075]

Those who make 30K but spend like they make a mil.

This thread is cracking me up. The 30,000 millionaire is commonly referred to as the "30,000 aire" or "Triple Dbag" where I come from. I don't do the bar scene anymore and prefer to sip at home and usually buy the 750 to try something. I've found a ORVW in a steakhouse with my boss which got me drinking bourbon in the first place. Really not sure why I didn't start drinking it sooner.

[393foureyedfox]

The 30,000 millionaire is commonly referred to as the "30,000 aire" or "Triple Dbag" where I come from.

d-bag is funny, no matter which 'd' it refers to