NEW TO BOURBON (MY REVIEWS)

[Dango]

Hi, Everyone,

I have been really getting into the bourbons over the past 8 weeks. Prior to this I have enjoyed several bottles of JD single barrel select over the past 2-3 years. I would mostly drink when I had a few of my friends from out of town over, and this didn't happen much so it was a rare drink for me, but enjoyable.

 

However for some reason about 8 weeks ago I stopped in a Irish pub and decided I wanted some American whiskey. Looked at the menu and decided on Elijah Craig 12 year. (not sure if this was new NAS or the older 12 year label one) but I enjoyed it. Thats when the madness began.

 

I have since proceeded to by EW single Barrel vintage 2009, and pounded 3/4 of bottle. Really liked it. 

 

Next was Blantons SB, really enjoyed this one, pounded the week of the July fourth. Shared with others. Gone.

 

Next ER 10 year, some days its great others just ok, but this bottle is almost gone.

 

Next Weller SR and Antique 107. SR is drinkable and somewhat enjoyable but not something I will finish but not go back to. The 107 for me I just can't get a liking for it. I try to take a small pour daily to see if its my taste buds or if it needs some air time, but I have yet to enjoy this one, Its like a redhot tamales with a hot burn. I don't really care for it and the kicker is I bought 2 based on reviews.

 

Next E.H. Taylor Jr. small batch. This is by far my favorite so far. I really enjoy this one and will go back for another. I find it tasty and smooth. 

 

Aiming for the Weller 12 year for my next bottle buy. But based on what I have said above, I would be open to recommendations. 

 

I enjoy the website and thanks to you all for your input and information during this new obsession. 

[fishnbowljoe]

Welcome to the site Dango. Looks like you've been bitten by the bug too.  Don't take things too seriously. Enjoy yourself and have some fun, but keep an eye on your wallet. 

 

Cheers! Joe

 

 

[Special Reserve]

Dango,

 

A great beginning!  Like Joe said enjoy the journey.

 

Welcome and be well.

 

Wll

[Richnimrod]

Welcome to 'the board', Dango!     The only suggestion I'll give you is this: Try the OWA 107 over an ice cube, or even 2-cubes.     Let 'em melt into the spirit for a couple minutes, then savor the dram as further ice-melt changes the character of the pour.     Nobody says you must drink everything neat.     In fact, anybody telling you how to drink your own Bourbon is being a toad.

[Dango]

21 minutes ago, Richnimrod said:

Welcome to 'the board', Dango!     The only suggestion I'll give you is this: Try the OWA 107 over an ice cube, or even 2-cubes.     Let 'em melt into the spirit for a couple minutes, then savor the dram as further ice-melt changes the character of the pour.     Nobody says you must drink everything neat.     In fact, anybody telling you how to drink your own Bourbon is being a toad.

I have done this, first just a small cube then a couple. Doesn't seem to improve for me. 

One thing I have learned quickly was that my palate does change, and the same bourbon can taste differently from day to day, But OWA 107 has been the same since I opened it. I feel like the heat kind of over powers the more subtle flavors that I am not tasting, All I get is Red Hots cinnamon. I am not one to just quit though, I will keep going to this and see if it improves. 

[CardsandBourbon]

Welcome.  You asked for suggestions.  One I have is Knob Creek Single Barrel, preferably a store selection.  It's 120 proof but doesn't drink hot but has tons of flavor.  I have about 30 others that I would suggest but this is a good start.

[Whiskey Dick]

sounds like you enjoy HH and BT's profiles.....so might I suggest a regular 'ol Buffalo Trace, and  McKenna 10 year BIB? Both under $30 and easy to find

[kevinbrink]

My recommendation is to buy some smaller bottles of some standard stuff to see what you like, I'll throw in a few you shouldn't look past, Wild Turkey 101 and generally speaking anything with the words bottled in bond or bonded on the bottle. 

[Jackinbox]

24 minutes ago, kevinbrink said:

My recommendation is to buy some smaller bottles of some standard stuff to see what you like, I'll throw in a few you shouldn't look past, Wild Turkey 101 and generally speaking anything with the words bottled in bond or bonded on the bottle. 

 

Yeah, WT101 is a must-try for a beginner.  That and Old Grand-Dad Bottled-In Bond.  

[Dango]

1 hour ago, CardsandBourbon said:

Welcome.  You asked for suggestions.  One I have is Knob Creek Single Barrel, preferably a store selection.  It's 120 proof but doesn't drink hot but has tons of flavor.  I have about 30 others that I would suggest but this is a good start.

Mann, I am (I hate to say it) slightly worried about these barrel proof bourbons. I'm a guy who when I like a flavor of something I want more and more. I tend to drink to fast when I like a flavor profile. I was enjoying very much the E.H. Taylor this past weekend and during my 3rd 2-3 finger pour all of sudden BOOM I felt a shift in my buzz, I was like damm I gotta finish the one in hand. I managed fine but trying those 120's and above does worry me some.

[Dango]

32 minutes ago, kevinbrink said:

My recommendation is to buy some smaller bottles of some standard stuff to see what you like, I'll throw in a few you shouldn't look past, Wild Turkey 101 and generally speaking anything with the words bottled in bond or bonded on the bottle. 

I am a bit curious about the WT 101. Whats the flavor like?? 

[Dango]

7 minutes ago, Jackinbox said:

 

Yeah, WT101 is a must-try for a beginner.  That and Old Grand-Dad Bottled-In Bond.  

Can you describe taste of this? If not no worries, I'm currently not good at describing what i'm tasting.

[Jackinbox]

7 minutes ago, Dango said:

Can you describe taste of this? If not no worries, I'm currently not good at describing what i'm tasting.

 

I'm not great at tasting notes either, but for me WT101 has a brown-sugar sweetness on the front with a spicy finish.

 

Old-Grand Dad has a higher amount of rye than most of what you've tried so far (except maybe Blanton's..I can't remember the exact percentages).  It's not as sweet on the front as WT101, but has some spiciness and a good amount of flavor for a sub-$25 bottle.  Just make sure you get the "Bonded", not the 80 proof.   

[Patrick_OKC]

Dango, I would include the WT101 in your bourbon repertoire as it is an everyday enjoyable whiskey. A staple that you will ultimately use as part of your baseline for assessing the many choices you have.

 

Pat

[Dango]

2 minutes ago, Jackinbox said:

 

I'm not great at tasting notes either, but for me WT101 has a brown-sugar sweetness on the front with a spicy finish.

 

Old-Grand Dad has a higher amount of rye than most of what you've tried so far (except maybe Blanton's..I can't remember the exact percentages).  It's not as sweet on the front as WT101, but has some spiciness and a good amount of flavor for a sub-$25 bottle.  Just make sure you get the "Bonded", not the 80 proof.   

 

Just now, Patrick_OKC said:

Dango, I would include the WT101 in your bourbon repertoire as it is an everyday enjoyable whiskey. A staple that you will ultimately use as part of your baseline for assessing the many choices you have.

 

Pat

Ok, I will jump in and report back. May be a couple weeks but will do. Thanks guys.

 

[PaulO]

Dango, the KC single barrel 120 proof is really good.  You have to just have tiny pours and or ice.  Otherwise you will time travel into the future like Buck Rodgers.

The only 80 proof bourbon I like is Four Roses.

 

[Patrick_OKC]

4 minutes ago, PaulO said:

Dango, the KC single barrel 120 proof is really good.  You have to just have tiny pours and or ice.  Otherwise you will time travel into the future like Buck Rodgers.

The only 80 proof bourbon I like is Four Roses.

 

Echo that on Four Roses Yellow Label. Virginia Gentlemen is also pretty good too.

 

Pat

[Dango]

3 minutes ago, PaulO said:

Dango, the KC single barrel 120 proof is really good.  You have to just have tiny pours and or ice.  Otherwise you will time travel into the future like Buck Rodgers.

The only 80 proof bourbon I like is Four Roses.

 

And whats wrong with time travel?? Sounds like a nice trip. I totally get what you mean, I will venture there in due time. My Goldilocks zone is between 90-100 proof. Again I tend to drink fast mainly due to taste. As I previously said I got a slight red flag this past weekend to perhaps slow down a touch. Digging the ER10 tonight.

[JoeTerp]

Welcome to the board. I would recommend Four Roses Single Barrel (even better if you could get private selection). 

[Dango]

Thanks everyone for all the welcomes and advise. Just got a call today to come pick up 2 bottles of Weller 12 year coming in tomorrow. (I wont believe it until its in my hands)

Looking forward to trying this one.