Which bourbon or whiskey has surprised you the most this year?

[jvd99]

Now that I'm 1/2 through my recent purchase, I was surprised I don't like the 1792FP, it really doesn't agree with me.  While I drink just about everything under 125ish neat, this one is blazing hot to me and while my initial thought was that water did this some good, not so sure now.  Its just out of balance and the remaining contents are going to be sampled out so I can forget this one. 

[Richnimrod]

3 hours ago, jvd99 said:

Now that I'm 1/2 through my recent purchase, I was surprised I don't like the 1792FP, it really doesn't agree with me.  While I drink just about everything under 125ish neat, this one is blazing hot to me and while my initial thought was that water did this some good, not so sure now.  Its just out of balance and the remaining contents are going to be sampled out so I can forget this one. 

Ooooooh, send it along to me!    I love the 1792 FP.    I'm sure I'll enjoy it more than you're gonna, given this evaluation.   HA!

[garbanzobean]

6 hours ago, jvd99 said:

Now that I'm 1/2 through my recent purchase, I was surprised I don't like the 1792FP, it really doesn't agree with me.  While I drink just about everything under 125ish neat, this one is blazing hot to me and while my initial thought was that water did this some good, not so sure now.  Its just out of balance and the remaining contents are going to be sampled out so I can forget this one. 

 

One reason I've held off buying this is that for my everyday pours, less is sometimes more.  1792 is very much an everyday pour kind of whiskey for me (even the quite excellent SB I currently have open), and I'm concerned that the altered presentation will detract from my easy enjoyment.  Even if it makes it a far more complex and engaging pour, if it takes away from approachability, I have to move it to the "sit and thinker" pile.  The standard is pretty high on that side of the fence.

 

Now that's not to say I wouldn't 100% jump at the chance to do a 1792FP barrel pick or custom batch or anything.  No need to get all Donnie Darko mad world crazy or anything.  Just that 1792 is one of my go to "simple pleasures in life" pours that make me relax and say "bourbon boom what?"  I can drink the heck out of a bottle of this without messing around proofing it down or anything, pitch the empty, and grab a new one at almost any liquor store in the area any day of the week--which is, sadly, about the highest accolade one can give a bourbon these days.  Being able to rely on a bourbon that way makes me wary of change--the same reason I get into such a snit every time HH starts messing with their lineup.  

 

Long story long, I'd hate to complicate such a perfect relationship, though I'm certainly anticipating trying it at a bar when I see it.  Maybe my concerns will be 100% for nought.

[OldDrinker1978]

Wild Turkey 13 

Jim Beam Double Oaked

Eagle Rare 10 (I didn't have it in a while and this new bottle blew me away)

[FacePlant]

Quote

Eagle Rare 10 (I didn't have it in a while and this new bottle blew me away)

 

For my taste absolutely the best off the shelf bourbon. Easy to find and for "a wheat lover" this rye is tops. Price is very fair for an upscale drink.

Edited October 3, 2016 by FacePlant

[jvd99]

13 hours ago, garbanzobean said:

 

Long story long, I'd hate to complicate such a perfect relationship, though I'm certainly anticipating trying it at a bar when I see it.  Maybe my concerns will be 100% for nought.

Probably.  I'm sure I'm an outlier on this one

[B.B. Babington]

On ‎9‎/‎24‎/‎2016 at 9:44 AM, BDanner said:

My surprises for the year (not necessarily new releases, just ones i "discovered" this year):

1) Henry McKenna 10YR SiB BIB (my current favorite/Tastes like Autumn in a bottle)

Ah, showing good taste

[B.B. Babington]

On ‎9‎/‎24‎/‎2016 at 9:44 AM, BDanner said:

My surprises for the year (not necessarily new releases, just ones i "discovered" this year):

1) Henry McKenna 10YR SiB BIB (my current favorite/Tastes like Autumn in a bottle)

Ah, showing good taste

[B.B. Babington]

On ‎9‎/‎30‎/‎2016 at 7:50 PM, Kpiz said:

I've been most surprised by the quality of some of the American malts, which have been pretty good at a young age and seem to be improving. The prices are still relatively high on many of them but hopefully they'll start creeping down.

Have you tried Wasmunds?  IMO, good product for decent price.

[Kpiz]

22 hours ago, B.B. Babington said:

Have you tried Wasmunds?  IMO, good product for decent price.

I have not, actually. The good American malts I was alluding to are Westland's American Single Malt (I prefer this over their peated and sherry expressions but YMMV), Venus's Wayward Single Malt, and Cut Spike. I remember Wasmund's being on shelves in my area a while back but I haven't seen it in some time. Maybe it's time for a treasure hunt - thanks for the recommendation!

[Auracom]

On 9/24/2016 at 11:06 AM, Auracom said:

More of the 'discovery-type' for me as well, but two come to mind.

 

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel (store selections) - obviously can vary but I tried two this year and both were winners. Clearly WT is putting some effort into this label and I'm a fan of that. The surprise comes from lowered expectations based on Rare Breed.

 

Bookers 2014-06. Wow. I wish I had tried this batch back when it was first released. Would've bought a case. Have tried numerous Bookers, enjoying all of them, but this was probably the best juice from Beam I've had. 

 

Add one more to my list for positive surprises - Henry McKenna 10 yr BIB. Of course, it's another one that can vary because of single barrel effects but I'd never tried it before and the new bottle I opened last night was excellent. Probably better than any regular EC12 I ever tried and nearing the value peak of 4R SiB (which I will be trying directly alongside each other soon).

[Flyfish]

Some of you will find this downright scandalous, but for me it was 4RYL. I've had it numerous times over the years and my typical response to the fellow who poured it was, "Thank you very much. This is nice." Meanwhile, I was thinking "This is rather thin and lacking in bourbony character." On a recent stop in Louisville to restock (Booker's, for example, was more than $20 cheaper than in OH) I bought 4RYL just to have on hand for those who like it. But I discovered that, all of a sudden, I was one of those guys. So I went back and bought a handle. For me. Never mind Bill and Dan.

[dcbt]

I need to revisit this because I've only had the one pour a week ago or so, but Gifted Horse pleasantly surprised me. 

[Golferpimp1]

I need to revisit this because I've only had the one pour a week ago or so, but Gifted Horse pleasantly surprised me. 

Was happy to read this, as I have a couple waiting their turn in the bunker.

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[ccleve23]

For me it has to be rebel yell single barrel. 

[Old Dusty]

17 minutes ago, ccleve23 said:

For me it has to be rebel yell single barrel. 

Just opened mine and so far, I have to agree. Hits all the right notes for me. And the age/proof/wheated mashbill combo echoes Weller Centennial. And I'm not usually a fan of HH's wheaters. Ironic that it took Luxco to put out a better product than their source does. 

[Special Reserve]

4 minutes ago, Old Dusty said:

Just opened mine and so far, I have to agree. Hits all the right notes for me. And the age/proof/wheated mashbill combo echoes Weller Centennial. And I'm not usually a fan of HH's wheaters. Ironic that it took Luxco to put out a better product than their source does. 

A HH wheater of note:  PHC 2010 is simply outstanding.

[Old Dusty]

2 minutes ago, Special Reserve said:

A HH wheater of note:  PHC 2010 is simply outstanding.

Noted, and I agree. The PHC 8 Wheat Whiskey was fantastic too. But the on-life-support/almost dead Old Fitz line is what I had in mind. The current Prime is dreck, the BIB is a good mixer but rough neat. And the now unicorn VSOF was overpriced and under proofed. And now , I believe, discontinued. Larceny is serviceable but I would buy Weller and Makers all day over it. 

[Special Reserve]

8 hours ago, Old Dusty said:

Noted, and I agree. The PHC 8 Wheat Whiskey was fantastic too. But the on-life-support/almost dead Old Fitz line is what I had in mind. The current Prime is dreck, the BIB is a good mixer but rough neat. And the now unicorn VSOF was overpriced and under proofed. And now , I believe, discontinued. Larceny is serviceable but I would buy Weller and Makers all day over it. 

My turn to agree.  Make you wonder how one product can be so good while the others so forgettable.

[Canarse]

On 9/30/2016 at 9:01 AM, jvd99 said:

The Binny's Maker's Mark private barrels were surprisingly good.  I'm not a huge MM guy, don't particularly covet the cask strength, and thought the private barrel concept was a bit gimmicky, but in the end, I liked both barrels a lot and would re-purchase if I had the opportunity, but they're all gone in my neck of the woods (except the one I've put up in the SB FF League). 

 

I've been drinking MM for decades.  Not one of my top pours anymore, but had the chance to try Keeneland's MM private barrel this past weekend.  Wow!  I was surprised and impressed at how much I liked it.  Makers flavors, but in a big way.  Maybe the longest finish I've experienced.  If you make your way to Keeneland this week give it a try.  It's available at the second floor bars.  It's a bit rich at $15 a pour, but very good.  I will be looking to grab a MM private barrel if I see one out there.

[JTaylor]

Thomas H. Handy Rye. My first and only Rye was Bulleit Rye over a year ago which kind of put me off Ryes... but this Handy is candy in a glass...

[inf3st]

I opened a Bottle of Henry McKenna Barrel #1. I expected it to be a solid pour but was expecting anything special. It blew me away. It quickly made it into my top 3 all time whiskeys. The color is amazing. It's a 10yr old bonded but darker than Barterhouse 20yr or Elliot Select. I will miss it when it's empty.

[KyleCBreese]

The new OF 1920 has been fantastic. I've also been pleasantly surprised by a RR Single Barrel pick. 

[mortre]

Dry Fly Triticale

After taxes it is a $60 bottle of 2 year old 88 proof whiskey, that is delicious. Pretty outrageous on the price unfortunately, but it's the only whiskey I've bought a second bottle of. I try something new every time, but after I finished the 375ml bottle I went back for a 750ml.

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[meadeweber]

10 hours ago, mortre said:

Dry Fly Triticale

After taxes it is a $60 bottle of 2 year old 88 proof whiskey, that is delicious. Pretty outrageous on the price unfortunately, but it's the only whiskey I've bought a second bottle of. I try something new every time, but after I finished the 375ml bottle I went back for a 750ml.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I stopped reading after "$60 bottle of 2 year old 88 proof"