What bottle did you open today? ~ 2021

[Kepler]

3 hours ago, WhiskeyBlender said:

@Kepler, I'm with you 1000% on this. WT Rare Breed has been one of my all time favorites precisely because of the consistency of it. In fact, I'm having some WTRB right now. 

Yes it's one we can always count on.  They really have it dialed in. 

 

Besides, we have Russell's Reserve single barrel store picks for when we prefer to explore all the excellent variations that Wild Turkey is capable of.

[Bob_Loblaw]

On 5/11/2021 at 6:12 PM, Kepler said:

Oh no,  I hear what you're saying but very respectfully disagree - not a good idea.  I for one absolutely love that WT has kept Rare Breed as a consistent and "long term" batched product.  Let's not go down that path with RB.

 

On 5/14/2021 at 6:52 PM, WhiskeyBlender said:

@Kepler, I'm with you 1000% on this. WT Rare Breed has been one of my all time favorites precisely because of the consistency of it. In fact, I'm having some WTRB right now. 

 

Teaming up!  No Fair!   Two heavy hitters as well.

 

In the spirit of keeping the conversation going I will defend my position, but this is all for good discussions sake.  Here we go . . .

 

1 - I think ECBP is actually a remarkably consistent  product.  They are all on point and very good and every batch hits the profile head on. . On a 100 point scale I would say every ECBP is right in the 93-98 point range.  Yes, some variation in individual batches, but OVERALL the product line is very consistent.  

 

2 - We already have different proofs/batches for Rare Breed, they just do not change it very often.  I believe, it is agreed that the 112pf prior batch does have a slightly different profile than the current 116, no?  And the 2003 OR batch is significantly better.  I have never done a batch comparison or tried the OR.  

 

Also, even within the current batch we do get minor batch variations in Rare Breed.  At the last barrel pick that I was part of I brought up Rare Breed.    I was curious as it seemed like the current 116.8 batch had been around and regularly on shelf for quite a long time.  I was trying to understand how often then changed batch proofs and also how large the batches were.  The response was that they get a bit of leeway with the actual proof vs the stated proof so while subsequent smaller batches may be a proof point or two different.  Now I have never noticed ANY type of difference between two bottles from the same batch so this may actually play more into your point that Rare Breed is always consistent bottle to bottle!  But my thought is that if you are already doing several large batch dumps why not release them at the proof that it shines most at versus knowing you are proofing to a specific number?  It is just that Campari does not want to change labels??

 

3 - Finally, I will say I just would like to see more active blending that is directly worked on by Eddie Russell.  Giving him the reins to release 2-3 separate, but very similar blended batches of Barrel Proof Turkey seems very appealing to me.   Then again, I think we will get a good look at this when this 13 year BP RR comes out sometime this year.  This is the WT release I am most excited about this year.

 

While on the subject how about an annual Christmas release of 12 year WT 101?  Or anything like that from ANY major distillery between December and June?  Instead everyone waits until late summer early fall and competes with the BT drops.  

[0895]

5 hours ago, Bob_Loblaw said:

 

1 - I think ECBP is actually a remarkably consistent  product.  They are all on point and very good and every batch hits the profile head on. . On a 100 point scale I would say every ECBP is right in the 93-98 point range.  Yes, some variation in individual batches, but OVERALL the product line is very consistent.  

You “new bottle” ECBP guys crack me up...

[Bob_Loblaw]

1 hour ago, 0895 said:

You “new bottle” ECBP guys crack me up...

To me there is only the one bottle shape for the Barrel Proof.  I did end up with a whole bunch of rear label age stated EC12, but the BP has all been the new label.  As a result, I associate the old style bottle with EC12 and the new one with ECBP.  

 

[BlueMonk]

8 hours ago, Bob_Loblaw said:

 

 

Teaming up!  No Fair!   Two heavy hitters as well.

 

In the spirit of keeping the conversation going I will defend my position, but this is all for good discussions sake.  Here we go . . .

 

1 - I think ECBP is actually a remarkably consistent  product.  They are all on point and very good and every batch hits the profile head on. . On a 100 point scale I would say every ECBP is right in the 93-98 point range.  Yes, some variation in individual batches, but OVERALL the product line is very consistent.  

 

2 - We already have different proofs/batches for Rare Breed, they just do not change it very often.  I believe, it is agreed that the 112pf prior batch does have a slightly different profile than the current 116, no?  And the 2003 OR batch is significantly better.  I have never done a batch comparison or tried the OR.  

 

Also, even within the current batch we do get minor batch variations in Rare Breed.  At the last barrel pick that I was part of I brought up Rare Breed.    I was curious as it seemed like the current 116.8 batch had been around and regularly on shelf for quite a long time.  I was trying to understand how often then changed batch proofs and also how large the batches were.  The response was that they get a bit of leeway with the actual proof vs the stated proof so while subsequent smaller batches may be a proof point or two different.  Now I have never noticed ANY type of difference between two bottles from the same batch so this may actually play more into your point that Rare Breed is always consistent bottle to bottle!  But my thought is that if you are already doing several large batch dumps why not release them at the proof that it shines most at versus knowing you are proofing to a specific number?  It is just that Campari does not want to change labels??

 

3 - Finally, I will say I just would like to see more active blending that is directly worked on by Eddie Russell.  Giving him the reins to release 2-3 separate, but very similar blended batches of Barrel Proof Turkey seems very appealing to me.   Then again, I think we will get a good look at this when this 13 year BP RR comes out sometime this year.  This is the WT release I am most excited about this year.

 

While on the subject how about an annual Christmas release of 12 year WT 101?  Or anything like that from ANY major distillery between December and June?  Instead everyone waits until late summer early fall and competes with the BT drops.  

Love the Christmas WT101 12 year idea.  But really I am buyer of any special releases Eddie wants to serve up.

[flahute]

8 hours ago, Bob_Loblaw said:

While on the subject how about an annual Christmas release of 12 year WT 101?  Or anything like that from ANY major distillery between December and June?  Instead everyone waits until late summer early fall and competes with the BT drops.  

This has been a request in many a Year End State of the State posts I've done! Turkey would absolutely kill it with that. Festive label? Double bonus kill it!

[beasled]

Cracked a KC9 from the bunker. Forgotten how good this one smells. 

 

Cheers!

[Kjbarth]

RR 10

[flahute]

8 hours ago, beasled said:

Cracked a KC9 from the bunker. Forgotten how good this one smells. 

 

Cheers!

I'm sitting on a bunch of these still and just recently finished one. It was so good.

[beasled]

6 hours ago, flahute said:

I'm sitting on a bunch of these still and just recently finished one. It was so good.

 

I've got a dozen or so bunkered too, glad I did!

[Kjbarth]

KC SBR

 

[Kepler]

On 5/17/2021 at 2:32 PM, Bob_Loblaw said:

 

 

Teaming up!  No Fair!   Two heavy hitters as well.

 

In the spirit of keeping the conversation going I will defend my position, but this is all for good discussions sake.  Here we go . . .

 

1 - I think ECBP is actually a remarkably consistent  product.  They are all on point and very good and every batch hits the profile head on. . On a 100 point scale I would say every ECBP is right in the 93-98 point range.  Yes, some variation in individual batches, but OVERALL the product line is very consistent.  

 

2 - We already have different proofs/batches for Rare Breed, they just do not change it very often.  I believe, it is agreed that the 112pf prior batch does have a slightly different profile than the current 116, no?  And the 2003 OR batch is significantly better.  I have never done a batch comparison or tried the OR.  

 

Also, even within the current batch we do get minor batch variations in Rare Breed.  At the last barrel pick that I was part of I brought up Rare Breed.    I was curious as it seemed like the current 116.8 batch had been around and regularly on shelf for quite a long time.  I was trying to understand how often then changed batch proofs and also how large the batches were.  The response was that they get a bit of leeway with the actual proof vs the stated proof so while subsequent smaller batches may be a proof point or two different.  Now I have never noticed ANY type of difference between two bottles from the same batch so this may actually play more into your point that Rare Breed is always consistent bottle to bottle!  But my thought is that if you are already doing several large batch dumps why not release them at the proof that it shines most at versus knowing you are proofing to a specific number?  It is just that Campari does not want to change labels??

 

3 - Finally, I will say I just would like to see more active blending that is directly worked on by Eddie Russell.  Giving him the reins to release 2-3 separate, but very similar blended batches of Barrel Proof Turkey seems very appealing to me.   Then again, I think we will get a good look at this when this 13 year BP RR comes out sometime this year.  This is the WT release I am most excited about this year.

 

While on the subject how about an annual Christmas release of 12 year WT 101?  Or anything like that from ANY major distillery between December and June?  Instead everyone waits until late summer early fall and competes with the BT drops.  

 

Bob bringing it strong, I like it!

 

Great points all around. I just like that WTRB changes things up every few years but hasn't gone to multiple batches per year, which if they did would fundamentally transform the reliably consistent giant killing Rare Breed that we all know and love into a tater sh!tshow.  Lord knows the bourbon world doesn't need anymore of those.

[0895]

Fresh cracked RR single barrel pick today, since the one @GeeTen left here finally bit the dust.

 

Figured a little sbs would be fun.

Camp Nelson A (FL4) vs. F (FL6).

 

Quite a bit different from each other, the “A” has a mustier profile, with more caramel, oak, and hints of peanut butter.

 

”F” is brighter, with red fruit and spice.  The Turkey funk if you will, sits in the background during the sip, but lingers on your tongue nicely at the end.

 

Both are delicious in their own way, but I’ve professed my love for the F-6 barrels before and will continue to do so in the future, as they suit my personal tastes so well.

 

Yum!

 

[Kepler]

Time to grab another from the bunker

 

 

[Wedelstaedt]

1 hour ago, Kepler said:

Time to grab another from the bunker

 

 

Well done. That is a Seriously good Rye. Enjoy. 

 

Cheers

[Edd]

I finally got around to opening this last night and trying it for the first time while playing cards with the fellas. Being a long time Scotch & Irish drinker and fairly new still to bourbon, I must say I'm sticking with W.T. I find myself tipping the 101 and rare breed quite a bit and the Europeans in the bar are feeling a bit ignored. 

[Kepler]

For some reason I had an uncharacteristic sweet tooth this afternoon.  Decided to open a bottle of caramel.

[0895]

3 hours ago, Kepler said:

For some reason I had an uncharacteristic sweet tooth this afternoon.  Decided to open a bottle of caramel.

Well Damn that looks good!

I remember hearing about those still being around in stores (in Texas I believe) up until 2015-16.

 

I only ever found the Charter 101 around here.

Edited May 24, 2021 by 0895

[Kepler]

22 minutes ago, 0895 said:

Well Damn that looks good!

I remember hearing about those still being around in stores (in Texas I believe) up until 2015-16.

 

I only ever found the Charter 101 around here.

I actually picked up this pair of 750s locally in Texas in 2017.  Also found a handle of OC10  later in 2017 as well.  I've never seen it since then.  And quit looking after 2018 ever since the Tater Renaissance ended the dusty era. 

(social media ruins everything it comes into contact with)....

 

 

 

[0895]

1 minute ago, Kepler said:

And quit looking after 2018 ever since the Tater Renaissance ended the dusty era. 

(social media ruins everything it comes into contact with)....

 

Amen.

 

[Clueby]

On first sip I was a little disappointed in this barrel but after sitting a bit it has opened up and also developed a nice sweetness. 

[dad-proof]

Opened, drank, and shared 3/4 of a bottle of Eagle Rare at a wedding on Saturday. This bottle fit the ER profile fine, a little hot on the finish but not in a bad way, just a good ol Kentucky hug to round out the cherries and baking spices. 

[fishnbowljoe]

With regards to my post in the “Empty Bottle Support Group” thread, men up!

 

Biba! Joe

 

 

 

 

[dad-proof]

Fresh crack of WT101 that I had left in the office pre-pandemic, and first in office drink in 18 months. Just a wee dram for QA purposes, of course.

[Clueby]

I didn't ask if it was my bottle or her bottle.  (see the "purchase" thread)