Something Different about the latest release of ETL?

[The Black Tot]

My last bottle of ETL this summer tasted a little young for my preference set, as well. But I did know it was single barrel and only bought one to try, so I was able to leave the rest.

I hope they're not picking them younger for production pressure, but you never know.

[GaryT]

Thankfully, I'm well stocked in ETL with no need to purchase for years to come But as a NAS label, it certainly could be younger than in the past, although BT is motivated to try to align barrels to the taste profile - and I would be surprised if they were intentionally straying.

[chasking]

But as a NAS label, it certainly could be younger than in the past, although BT is motivated to try to align barrels to the taste profile - and I would be surprised if they were intentionally straying.

My impression is that many of the people hoarding ETL don't even know what the taste profile is (or was). Somehow, ETL has become one of the few whiskeys that's not Van Winkle or BTAC that the conspicuous-consumer secondary-market-driving demographic thinks is desirable. They could re-bottle AA and a lot of the people who are most desperate to score bottles of ETL might not even notice.

[squire]

The "right" label is what counts and no, the folks who live in the world of labels wouldn't notice.

[LCWoody]

You got to love good marketing...

[JGriff]

I bought a bottle yesterday (will have to get the bottle # tomorrow) and opened tonight. I thought it was damn good and I've got ETL going back a few years. Unfortunately the market has taken the prices considerably higher. If it's in the $30s buy it.

[atbat82]

I got a bottle for $35 a couple days ago. Haven't had any out of this one and haven't had a previous bottle in a few years. Good memories of it though, so hopefully it holds up.

[GizmoStudent]

Thanks again everyone for the feedback,

The purpose of my post was to comment on my perception of inconsistency

in the taste of the latest release of ETL as compared to earlier releases of ETL

that I have on my shelf and also to get feedback from other bourbon drinkers

to help develop my knowledge of Bourbon.

Lessons I have learned:

1. With regards to single barrel releases:

“Always buy one bottle of the latest release to taste it and if you like it -

-- go back and buy more”

2. What I find “different” about this release of ETL is the Finish.

3. This release of ETL is still a good bourbon but not the value point of $65.00+ as

sold in the liquor stores in my area.

Thank you,

GizmoStudent

Direct replies:

RobertSccr5: I purchased my latest bottles of ETL at Maplewood Liquors, San Jose, Ca.

[PaulO]

I'm amazed that this sells for $65+ and people are buying it. After all, we're talking about 90 proof no age statement bourbon that is still in production. Back when it wasn't too hard to find (not that long ago) I used to get a bottle now and then @ $25. Even at $25, I thought it was priced sort of high.

[squire]

My case also, interest waned as the price advanced.

[GizmoStudent]

Speaking for myself, I have only been drinking ETL for 2 years and ETL

has always been priced around $60.00 in my neck of the woods and

that’s only when it was available.

So I cannot identify with the comments about “how could” or “why would”

someone pay $60.00+ for ETL.

And the way I see it, the question should be -

Why would someone pay $60.00+ for Blanton’s or Rockhill Farms when they are

only IMO marginally better than a good bottle of ETL when ETL currently sells for

$30.00+ in other parts of the country?

[starhopper]

ETL is readily available down the street at my local store for $39.00. WAS on sale for $30 last month, so I bought several then.

[PaulO]

Gizmo, I'm not trying to criticize you. That's just my emotional reaction. Over the years I have had multiple regular bottles of ETL, some store selects, and 90th birthday commemorative. The price was around $25 until Mr. Lee passed. Since then, I have not seen a single bottle on a self anywhere. I still find plenty of great bourbon under $30, just no ETL. I remember AAA 10 year around $20 a liter too. Maybe I'm just getting old. :cool:

[Josh]

And the way I see it, the question should be -

Why would someone pay $60.00+ for Blanton’s or Rockhill Farms when they are only IMO marginally better than a good bottle of ETL when ETL currently sells for $30.00+ in other parts of the country?

Why would I buy RHF and Blanton's? Because I can find them easily. Also RHF is 100°.

[MTNBourbon]

I like the stuff I bought back a few months ago. Never had it before, then as well.

[starhopper]

The liquor store a mile down the road from me has 10 of 'em on the shelf - $34.95 ea.  Other stores nearby have ETL for $39 and $49. 

[Special Reserve]

11 hours ago, starhopper said:

The liquor store a mile down the road from me has 10 of 'em on the shelf - $34.95 ea.  Other stores nearby have ETL for $39 and $49. 

ELT is a buy at $34.95.  Not frequently seen in SEMI.

[starhopper]

24 minutes ago, Special Reserve said:

ELT is a buy at $34.95.  Not frequently seen in SEMI.

I know! And, it was ON SALE for $29.95 a month ago!  Should have bought the lot. But only bought three.

[Special Reserve]

1 hour ago, starhopper said:

I know! And, it was ON SALE for $29.95 a month ago!  Should have bought the lot. But only bought three.

$29.95 was about a decade ago and it was plentiful then.

[Louisiana]

I've never had a bottle of ETL that i didn't like.

Smooth and full of flavor. Easy sipper.

I bought 2 cases at $30 when it was readily available.

Wish I had bought more!

[Special Reserve]

46 minutes ago, Louisiana said:

I've never had a bottle of ETL that i didn't like.

Smooth and full of flavor. Easy sipper.

I bought 2 cases at $30 when it was readily available.

Wish I had bought more!

Good move.

[KyleCBreese]

I was able to get ETL for $25 in the summer of 2014 and bought a few bottles. Now when I do see it, it is about $35. It is becoming a pass in the $35-$40 range. There are just too many bottles in that price range that I feel are superior.

[starhopper]

14 minutes ago, KyleCBreese said:

I was able to get ETL for $25 in the summer of 2014 and bought a few bottles. Now when I do see it, it is about $35. It is becoming a pass in the $35-$40 range. There are just too many bottles in that price range that I feel are superior.

I agree completely

[SqueakScolari]

The ETLs I have seen all have gold foil, but I have recently seen pictures with silver/gray foil. Is this the latest release?

[b1gcountry]

It's probably the air force version...the gold is only for navy pilots.