What Bourbon Are You Drinking Summer 2025?

[markandrex]

Some RR13 tonight.  Just taking it easy.  We are scheduled for closing on 7/3 on the new place.  

[ebo]

Smoke Wagon Small Batch tonight. Not impressed. It doesn't suck, but I won't buy another bottle.

[Kepler]

8 hours ago, Anwalt said:

 

Happy Hatching Day! Good way to celebrate.

Thanks sir 

[rzelinka]

On 6/24/2025 at 12:59 PM, markandrex said:

I’m having a mid-day pour of a 2017 GTS.  I just got done with the orthopedic surgeon who advised me the I have a broken lower back (small fractures , disk compression and some arthritis). She also advised me the the mri detected a kidney stone.  Insult to injury.

Now we have an appointment with a neurosurgeon to determine the path forward.  
I may need a few today.  Not the news we wanted.

I am sorry to hear that. I hope you have a quick recovery 

[Anwalt]

11 hours ago, ebo said:

Smoke Wagon Small Batch tonight. Not impressed. It doesn't suck, but I won't buy another bottle.

 

I remember liking that one. Just an easy drinker. I'll try it again. 

[ebo]

30 minutes ago, Anwalt said:

 

I remember liking that one. Just an easy drinker. I'll try it again. 

I've been on a higher proof kick lately and this was just a very easy drinker. I was probably expecting more. It has good flavor, but I thought it lacked character/complexity. I'll give it another try or two before pulling the curtain on it.

[MM818]

3 hours ago, ebo said:

I've been on a higher proof kick lately and this was just a very easy drinker. I was probably expecting more. It has good flavor, but I thought it lacked character/complexity. I'll give it another try or two before pulling the curtain on it.

With a lot of these NDPs you have to get them in the first several releases. 

[Skinsfan1311]

Fresh crack....and damn!

This is really good......

[WhiskeyMaier7]

This is fantastic!

[markandrex]

WLW in the glass.  We met with Orthopedic surgeon, not good.  Disks in three areas require fusion/screws.  Mid and lower back first, come back in 3-6 months for neck.  
On a positive note , she got me fast-tracked into the leading spinal clinic in Nashville on Tuesday.

Surgery is imminent and soon.  The spinal cord is pinched in all three areas.  She was impressed but concerned that I was moving at all.  
Now that the wife is done crying, it is time to relax.

Cheers all!

[Richnimrod]

55 minutes ago, markandrex said:

WLW in the glass.  We met with Orthopedic surgeon, not good.  Disks in three areas require fusion/screws.  Mid and lower back first, come back in 3-6 months for neck.  
On a positive note , she got me fast-tracked into the leading spinal clinic in Nashville on Tuesday.

Surgery is imminent and soon.  The spinal cord is pinched in all three areas.  She was impressed but concerned that I was moving at all.  
Now that the wife is done crying, it is time to relax.

Cheers all!

Ooooh!   Not all good news;  but, at least the plan is now in place and it sounds like the wheels are turning.   Best of "luck"; but, I hope it isn't luck that sustains you in this markandrex!   Prayers will be sent up for your health.

[Skinsfan1311]

58 minutes ago, markandrex said:

WLW in the glass.  We met with Orthopedic surgeon, not good.  Disks in three areas require fusion/screws.  Mid and lower back first, come back in 3-6 months for neck.  
On a positive note , she got me fast-tracked into the leading spinal clinic in Nashville on Tuesday.

Surgery is imminent and soon.  The spinal cord is pinched in all three areas.  She was impressed but concerned that I was moving at all.  
Now that the wife is done crying, it is time to relax.

Cheers all!

You got this!

[fishnbowljoe]

I had a pour of MM earlier this evening. I was intent on having another when I read the post from @markandrex. I changed course and decided to have a pour of WLW to show support for him. Best to you on successful surgeries, and your recovery. Cheers brother!  We’re here for you.

 

 

 

[Scotch_Collector]

I bought and tried the Blackened X Rabbit Hole Cask Strength finished in Calvados barrels. 

 

I was skeptical about Blackened. I love Metallica but celebrity whiskey? I had good experience with the Nulu High Malt Cask Strength Bourbon, which, as I understand it, is essentially the Beyonce Bourbon but cask strength. My friend had me try his blackened cask strength finished in brandy barrels and I was impressed, although it was more of a desert bourbon (which I like when in the mood - just clarifying). I've see the Blackened X Rabbit hole of a lot of money of MSRP ($150), but was in store that had it at about MSRP ($167). I have a store pick Rabbit Hole Heigold that I enjoy and I decided to give it shot. 

 

It is a nice bourbon. Very apple forward, but not overpowering or too sweet. You really get nice apple notes that are distinct and clean along with some nice cinnamon and bourbon sweet/vanilla flavors. 

 

My friend tried it last night (who had the Blackened brandy finished cask strength bottle) and said it was similar to an Amburana aged bourbon without the Amburana potency and wood notes. 

 

I think it's like a toned down apple pie flavor, but with more green apple notes. 

 

Overall, I like it but at that price, it is probably a little steep. On flavor alone, definitely happy to have that bottle. 

 

8/10

 

[Richnimrod]

Dragged down an 'old' sample bottle (among many) that I have decided to start killing off.   This one is a Booker's Roundtable Pick, from 2013 (I think... too lazy to go look).   Quite a nice pour, as nearly every Booker's I've ever tasted has been.

I long for the days when Booker's was found on shelves everywhere at about $40 (or even less!).   But, I really did enjoy this last taste of this one.     

If I could've had a sample before buying, even today, I may have opened the wallet (not easy for a tightwad like me) for $60 or $70.    A really nice, well-rounded example of what Beam can do.   Loved killing it off.

...Now . . . What next?    Stay Tuned.....

[Skinsfan1311]

2 hours ago, Richnimrod said:

Dragged down an 'old' sample bottle (among many) that I have decided to start killing off.   This one is a Booker's Roundtable Pick, from 2013 (I think... too lazy to go look).   Quite a nice pour, as nearly every Booker's I've ever tasted has been.

I long for the days when Booker's was found on shelves everywhere at about $40 (or even less!).   But, I really did enjoy this last taste of this one.     

If I could've had a sample before buying, even today, I may have opened the wallet (not easy for a tightwad like me) for $60 or $70.    A really nice, well-rounded example of what Beam can do.   Loved killing it off.

...Now . . . What next?    Stay Tuned.....

Amen!

I'd buy it by the case if it was that cheap now

[Skinsfan1311]

Revisiting this one....

[Kepler]

On 6/27/2025 at 7:32 PM, markandrex said:

WLW in the glass.  We met with Orthopedic surgeon, not good.  Disks in three areas require fusion/screws.  Mid and lower back first, come back in 3-6 months for neck.  
On a positive note , she got me fast-tracked into the leading spinal clinic in Nashville on Tuesday.

Surgery is imminent and soon.  The spinal cord is pinched in all three areas.  She was impressed but concerned that I was moving at all.  
Now that the wife is done crying, it is time to relax.

Cheers all!

 

Well crap, not the news you were looking for I know.  But you will feel a lot better when its all said and done.  I've had lower back surgery myself so if you are curious for any advice, PM me.  Rehab will be critical regardless.  But you can do this!  

[Kepler]

Last pour from a KC120 SiB Lincoln Rd store pick.  A few drops of water tames it down and brings out all the flavor.   This last pour is a full 2 ounces so I will take my time enjoying this one.  

[Kepler]

The Knob Creek SiB PS tasted so good that I knew right away that this is a good Beam palate night.  So for my next pours I made sure I made them count.

 

KC18

Baker's 13 Yr

 

Both are excellent well aged bourbon that have just the right amount of oak without going over.  Kinda like a contestant on the Price is Right that bids just .01 cent over the next highest bidder (you youngsters might not understand this reference, lol).

 

It's tough deciding which of these I like best.  Tonight I'm going with the Baker's 13.  It just has a bit more depth and complexity than the KC18. 

 

But the KC18 always impresses me that an 18 year bourbon is capable of being rich and balanced while not being over-oaked.  It's a rare feat to pull off in bourbon with the brand new oak casks.  Beam must have a really good handle on the capabilities of their various rickhouses.  

 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by Kepler

[Wedelstaedt]

With all of the Recent OF BiB, I thought I might join the party. I haven’t sampled from this bottle for a bit. I’m looking forward to the revisit. 
 

Cheers

[Wedelstaedt]

8 minutes ago, Kepler said:

The Knob Creek SiB PS tasted so good that I knew right away that this is a good Beam palate night.  So for my next pours I made sure I made them count.

 

KC18

Baker's 13 Yr

 

Both are excellent well aged bourbon that have just the right amount of oak without going over.  Kinda like a contestant on the Price is Right that bids just .01 cent over the next highest bidder (you youngsters might not understand this reference, lol).

 

It's tough deciding which of these I like best.  Tonight I'm going with the Baker's 13.  It just has a bit more depth and complexity than the KC18. 

 

But the KC18 always impresses me that an 18 year bourbon is capable of being rich and balanced while not being over-oaked.  It's a rare feat to pull off in bourbon with the brand new oak casks.  Beam must have a really good handle on the capabilities of their various rickhouses.  

 

 

KC SiB, KC18 and Baker’s 13? All in one session, you are living right my friend

You are right, Beam is hitting their stride. 
 

Enjoy & Cheers 

 

Edited 8 hours ago by Wedelstaedt

[Kepler]

5 minutes ago, Wedelstaedt said:

KC SiB, KC18 and Baker’s 13? All in one session, you are living right my friend

You are right, Beam is hitting their stride. 
 

Enjoy & Cheers 

 

Yessir.  Sometimes it doesn't cost that much more to go first class!  Cheers! 

[Wedelstaedt]

Just now, Kepler said:

Yessir.  Sometimes it doesn't cost that much more to go first class!  Cheers! 

I like the way you think. If the OF doesn’t work out, I might go to the Beam cabinet.
 

Cheers

[Kepler]

15 minutes ago, Kepler said:

The Knob Creek SiB PS tasted so good that I knew right away that this is a good Beam palate night.  So for my next pours I made sure I made them count.

 

KC18

Baker's 13 Yr

 

Both are excellent well aged bourbon that have just the right amount of oak without going over.  Kinda like a contestant on the Price is Right that bids just .01 cent over the next highest bidder (you youngsters might not understand this reference, lol).

 

It's tough deciding which of these I like best.  Tonight I'm going with the Baker's 13.  It just has a bit more depth and complexity than the KC18. 

 

But the KC18 always impresses me that an 18 year bourbon is capable of being rich and balanced while not being over-oaked.  It's a rare feat to pull off in bourbon with the brand new oak casks.  Beam must have a really good handle on the capabilities of their various rickhouses.  

 

Just to follow up on my impromptu SBS.

 

If I were wanting to be "scientific" (I'm not),... then my previous post would have included these details
 

Nose:  KC18

Palate:  Baker's 13

Finish:  KC18

 

Yes I preferred the nose and finish of the KC18.  The finish on the KC18 is especially exquisite.  Elite, even.

But I drink whiskey.  The *taste* (i.e., "palate") is what matters most to me.  In this case, on this night, the Baker's 13 just *tastes* a little bit better.  

Granted, the KC18 leaves a more lasting and pleasing note on the finish, well after the sip is complete.  Sometimes, that might be more important to me, ... but not on this night.

 

I just wanted to add these little details for any of my fellow bourbon nerds, lol