Exotic (to a Michigander) Bottlings in Kentucky

[rccoulter]

I live in Michigan where there is a decent, but not great Bourbon selection. I have seen dozens of bottlings recommended throughout the forum that aren't available here.

Having recently exhausted what Michigan has to offer in the under $50 category, I am planning a trip which should take me through Kentucky this Winter, and would like to pick up a few bottles that I haven't tried before. I was hoping some of you could offer some advice on some good purchases that would fit my tastes.

My current favorites are Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye and Very Special Old Fitzgerald.

Here's a list of what I have tried, more or less:

Jim Beam - Everything

Wild Turkey - Everything

Makers - 90

Brown Foreman - Most

Buffalo Trace - Buffalo Trace, a few Van Winkles, & Blantons

Heaven Hill - Elijah Craig, Evan Williams Black, Henry McKenna, Old Fitz, Old Fitz VSOF,

Barton - Only Ten High

David Sherman - Nothing

United Distillers - Nothing

Four Roses - Bulleit

So as you can see, I am really lacking in bottlings from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Barton, David Sherman, United Distillers, & Four Roses.

Based on this, if I wanted to buy a few bottles that I haven't tried, what should I have on my shopping list. I'd like to spend ~$35/bottle or less. They don't have to be the absolute best bottlings, just good ambassadors of their distilleries.

Thank you.

[pepcycle]

There's a great liquor store near Auburn Hills, MI called the Red Wagon. Red Wagon They have an impressive collection of bourbons, including some I can't get in KY, Like the Pappy 23 and EW Millenium. Check them out.

[bluesbassdad]

In line with your $35 price constraint, I suggest both Eagle Rare Single Barrel and Eagle Rare 10 y/o 101. If you are willing to stretch a bit (maybe not, at Kentucky prices), then there's Rock Hill Farms, which is what I think Blanton's wants to be when it grows up. (Ducking for cover... ) All from Buffalo Trace, of course.

The locals tell us that Very Old Barton BIB and Ancient Ancient Age 10 y/o (not "10 Star") are worth a try. I wouldn't know; they aren't available in my state or in Illinois, home of Sam's and Binny's.

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[boone]

You mention the EW Millennium...

I have one...but I did not get it from Heaven Hill...I tried to get one locally, when we sent them out...no luck...All were leakers...A really good friend (on this forum) gave me one during the Bourbon Festival ...Thank you, Cliff ...I sincerely appreciate your "fine" gift

On this particular bottling...the number was limited and the mold was broken so no other's will be produced...It was watched very close...If a bottle was chipped or defective it was destroyed on the spot...No one was allowed to have one...and that included the defective one's...If you were caught with one you lost your job...It was a big ta do on this...lots of press...

Problem...bad glass...They leaked...Folks bought them and proudly displayed them in their display cases...Only to find their cabinet full of bourbon the next day...

A massive recall...They dumped the product and destroyed the globes...

Some of em are still out there...and good one's at that...This bottling, in my opinon, is a real collector's find...

I am very glad I have one...It's one of my favorite items I have in my collection ...

Bettye Jo

[MurphyDawg]

I remember catching a bit of a conversation about this at the festival, do you know how many of the globes they had to destroy? It is really unfortunate when you go through that much effort for anything and it doesnt come to full fruition.

TomC

[OneCubeOnly]

I can see how these would be fragile:

http://www.heavenhill.co.nz/pr01.htm

How rare are they? Is there one in Mark's collection?

[avery]

There is an EW Millenium at a liquor store in my town. I've considered buying it numerous times, but I remember hearing about defects on this board. I think I recall somebody saying something about the corks not sealing properly. If this one has sat on the shelf as long as it has... is it safe to assume that it isn't a 'leaker'? I don't know what these are going for, but I believe the price was $40-50 or thereabouts.

[boone]

I don't know what it sells for...

Some folks, have been lucky and found several of em that were sitting there gathering dust...To make sure they dont leak...just open the gift box...look for a bourbon stain at the bottom...

I do know, there will "never" be another bottling with such significance...Millennium...A ceramic decanter...and a limited number...

My oldest brother, searched for one for a very long time...He found many of em on ebay...but the price was ridiculous...He waited...and soon found one at a decent price...

At one time, I used to know the exact number that was bottled and shipped...Monday, I will go "out back" and ask Kenny what the numbers were...I seriously doubt I will get a number for the returned list...but I know it was a lot...I saw pallets and pallets of em, back in the warehouse...

I have attached a picture of my very specail gift Ohhhhhhhhh Yeahhhhhhhhhhh

Bettye Jo

[rccoulter]

Thank you for the suggestions. The Rock Hill Farms sounds very interesting.

You mentioned Sam's and Binny's. Sadly, Michigan has passed laws against ordering liquor (among other things) over the Internet. Sam's was crucial to my development as a bourbon lover when I lived in Chicago. Not only do they have a great selection, the prices are unbeatable. It's too bad when local government has to interfere...

[kitzg]

I certainly agree with the Eagle Rare. Rock Hill Farms is excellent but will cost $36 to $50.

From Heaven Hill I'd get the Single Barrel (available at many Sam's Club stores) or Elijah Craig 12 or 18.

I will mention that I don't care much for Very Old Barton -- but that's my taste.

[jmccarn]

I don't see Wathens mentioned yet ! It is terrific stuff. In Atlanta it is about $30 per 750ml bottle.

[bluesbassdad]

Shhh! Let's keep it secret, OK?

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield