BigSkyDrams Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 Got an email from my favorite LS today that their Van Winkles have come in. However, they only got the ORVW 10 yr, pappy 15 and 20. I called and spoke with the owner today and he has offered me the ORVW for $80. They’re kind of combining the Van Winkle allocation with the BTAC though, so he said alternatively I can get a WLW for $150 (or GTS, but I already got one this year). I really wanted the Pappy 15, but that appears off the table for me, and I don’t think the store will allow me to purchase both WLW and ORVW (at least at this juncture), so question is: do I take WLW for $150 or ORVW for $80? I’ve had bottles of both before, and I’m leaning towards the former. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlutz Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 I’d go WLW 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flahute Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 WLW for sure. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jshleffar Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 Id go WLW as well 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CardsandBourbon Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 WLW, in a heartbeat. I just wish I could get a call like that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FacePlant Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 Nice call to get. Do you like silky smooth buttered caramel or a volcanic explosion of multiple bourbon tastes, all fighting for top billing? BOOM! I guess I'll have to go along with the others. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSkyDrams Posted November 13, 2017 Author Share Posted November 13, 2017 I think that pretty much settles it then. WLW it is. Thanks for the input. I have some whiskey-appreciating family coming to visit over Christmas, so now with the WLW I will be able to put on an epic tasting. Thinking of doing a side-by-side-by-side with WLW, Weller 12, and Lot B 12 yr. Obviously the WLW will standout for the barrel proof, but should make for some interesting tasting and conversation to compare the three. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FacePlant Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 You're going with 2 90 proofs against a 128. I guess if they're bourbon geeks they will applaud the WLW but it might work better for the "appreciators of fine whiskey" to add about 25% water to the WLW. NO THAT'S SACRILEGE!!! Sorry, bad idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSkyDrams Posted November 13, 2017 Author Share Posted November 13, 2017 (edited) 5 minutes ago, FacePlant said: You're going with 2 90 proofs against a 128. I guess if they're bourbon geeks they will applaud the WLW but it might work better for the "appreciators of fine whiskey" to add about 25% water to the WLW. NO THAT'S SACRILEGE!!! Sorry, bad idea. Yeah, I know it. It wouldn't be a blind tasting. The purpose of including the WLW would pretty much be to say, after enjoying the others, "now this is what it tastes like without dilution." Then perhaps water it down, and later in the evening or next day have them taste the first two blind and choose a favorite. Edited November 13, 2017 by BigSkyDrams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beasled Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 I'd go ORVW personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSkyDrams Posted November 13, 2017 Author Share Posted November 13, 2017 9 minutes ago, beasled said: I'd go ORVW personally. Reason? Just subjective taste preference? Price? Not a fan of barrel proof? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeeTen Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 (edited) 14 minutes ago, BigSkyDrams said: Reason? Just subjective taste preference? Price? Not a fan of barrel proof? 'Cause we all have different palates that respond in different ways to bourbon! But WLW would get my vote - it was my choice after PVW20 sold out in seconds in the TW&M Grand Reserve PVW/BTAC online sale a couple of weeks ago. Edited November 13, 2017 by GeeTen 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarthQuake Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 +1 for WLW, ORVW 10 is good but nothing exceptional. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Reserve Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 WLW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 (edited) FWIW, Old Rip is 107 proof... Edited November 13, 2017 by Paddy To add: I'd still go with the WLW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSkyDrams Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 15 minutes ago, Paddy said: FWIW, Old Rip is 107 proof... Suggestion being I could sbs with OWA if I got the Old Rip? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Just now, BigSkyDrams said: Suggestion being I could sbs with OWA if I got the Old Rip? ...plus, that it's a significant step up from the Lot B in proof (and everything else, IMO). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radioyada Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Personally I would grab a the second GTS, but if not that the WLW for sure. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FacePlant Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 (edited) 37 minutes ago, Paddy said: FWIW, Old Rip is 107 proof... Yep, sorry the 12 is 90. Woops he did say SBS Lot B. Edited November 14, 2017 by FacePlant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwolf Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 WLW for me too. Interesting they held their WLW this long. I might have to call my Montana connections about Pappy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSkyDrams Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 4 minutes ago, dwolf said: WLW for me too. Interesting they held their WLW this long. I might have to call my Montana connections about Pappy... Yeah, I was kinda surprised they still had it, and GTS apparently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwolf Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Especially since they aren't marking it up too bad. One of the stores that was asking 8 times MSRP called me back. Sounds like everyone might be telling them no. Hopefully everybody sticks to their guns and we can get reasonable priced bourbon again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSkyDrams Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 Thanks for all the input guys. I picked up the WLW. I’m still in the pool for a drawing this store will be doing where they’ll draw 2-3 names and offer the ORVW to those selected, and for some reason I’m feeling lucky about it! So fingers crossed I may still end up with both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSkyDrams Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 2 minutes ago, dwolf said: Especially since they aren't marking it up too bad. One of the stores that was asking 8 times MSRP called me back. Sounds like everyone might be telling them no. Hopefully everybody sticks to their guns and we can get reasonable priced bourbon again. Amen to that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beasled Posted November 14, 2017 Share Posted November 14, 2017 9 hours ago, BigSkyDrams said: Reason? Just subjective taste preference? Price? Not a fan of barrel proof? Subjective taste difference. I like barrel proofers (though I almost always add water) but if I could only have one then I'd go ORVW. ORVW is the best of the Winkle line I think, Rye aside. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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