New From Beam: Distiller's Cut

[cdcdguy]

18 hours ago, miller542 said:

 

While I see the value proposition of EWBIB, I'm going to disagree.  With another year or two of aging and non-chill filtered, Distiller's Cut does offer more.  Plus I've never gotten into the Evan Williams profile, so its an easy choice for me.  I can't think of a better value in the sub-$25 range right now than Distiller's Cut.  OF Sig, Ritt rye, Dickel, HH6yrBIB, Beam Black all come to mind as close competitors and maybe OGD 114, WT101, and EWSB if you find them on sale.  Only the last three would make me second-guess my choice at $25 or less.

You may certainly disagree! I do think Distiller's is of good quality especially for the price. I just can't get past what I think is a short finish. I had some neat last night and everything is great except at the end the flavor vanishes. Maybe it's just me.  

 

I do agree on your other choices. For the money, HHBIB6 is king in my opinion. Glad you really enjoy this new Beam product.

[Richnimrod]

Well, I opened up my new bottle Beam's Master Distiller's Cut and tasted it with my Baby Boy, Gary. 

My initial impression from the small in-store sample was confirmed.    I find it to be winner.     It isn't quite in the same class of "Best New Releases of the Last Several Years" that the Early Times BIB is; but, in my opinion not far behind. 

It's classic Beam in the same way that Knob Creek is, exhibiting the sweet corn, peanutty/yeasty caramel notes I find in KC, though not with quite same maturity; but a clear step up from Beam's BIB offering, and IMHO better than Double Oak, or Black.    I think the fact that it's NCF is the main difference. 

As a few have pointed out, the finish isn't special or long; but the entry and mid-palate are very nice and price ($23 locally) is very reasonable.  

I think this may be (have been?) a 'one-off', and I also infer from the statement on the bottle that Master Distiller's Cut may be an annual offering, though each year may be an entirely different batching, much like Parker's Heritage from HH; but considerably less costly and more common.      ...An interesting question for the folx at Beam/Suntory. 

[WhereIsMyOldAccount]

Found this on sale for $20 OTD instead of the typical $32. The finish is a bit disappointing as others have stated. At the sale price it's a decent pour for the value.  Above that pricepoint I'd rather have KC.  

[emr454]

Finally picked one up yesterday after passing it by a few times. $25.99+tax locally. I like it more than the Double Oak, this is oaky and spicy with a dark cherry note, cinnamon, cloves, etc. Not much sweetness that I detect, but not bad. I get a slight minty/herbal note a minute or so after swallowing. May or may not buy it again just because it's priced closer to other offerings. I'd like to do a sbs with OGD BiB some day.

Edited December 28, 2017 by emr454

[smokinjoe]

I thought the finish was better than what many are reporting.  But, finish is maybe the most subjective of all things to experience and report.  Specifically, I thought the drier and more oak driven whiskey played well in balancing the Beam profile (as compared to Beam White, say) on the finish.  

[musekatcher]

Interesting.  The price scatter is an issue though.  At $25, its in OFS territory, and a few other 100 proofers in that price range.  At $20, my only other 100 proof options are VB and EWBIB.  I'll check it out when I next hit the LS.