Rock Hill Farms & Blanton's

[wrbriggs]

After a long wait, it appears that I am going to get my bottle of Blanton's this weekend, and a bottle of Rock Hill Farms will be delivered to my state liquor store next Thursday.

Hooray!

Sorry, but I need to share my excitement with someone, and very few of my friends drink bourbon. Even fewer know what Blanton's or RHF are. Since I have never tried either one of these, I'm extremely excited!

Does anyone have any hints on the best way to drink these two bottlings? I typically drink my whiskey neat, but I've had folks tell me that some bourbons actually have more flavor on-the-rocks.

Thanks,

Will

[cas]

I find it hard to go wrong with either of these. I prefer them neat, but sometimes on the rocks works just fine.

There are a few favorites though, that I prefer on the rocks, EC 12 year being a good example.

Craig

[TrueBarrel]

Neat.

[clayton]

Neat.

Absolutely.

And such bourbons deserve the right glassware -- whisk(e)y glasses or brandy snifter. It really does make a difference.

[cowdery]

Both Blanton's and RHF are fine neat. I'm also a big believer in dilution with a little room temperature water. On the rocks, while enjoyable and refreshing, is not really that good for tasting.

[Nightcap]

I'll put ice in a highball, but I don't do whiskey on the rocks. I've tried it on several occasions, and I find that the perfect balance of whiskey and water is maintained for about 15 seconds, after which it becomes too diluted. I will sometimes cut with tap water, however. I think it's a good idea especially when tasting a new whiskey, because it will open up the flavor more readily for inspection. I read somewhere that Sc*tch connoisseurs do this, so I adopted the practice, and found it helpful. I've found that whiskey rarely suffers from a splash of water, but often benefits. I also use a small snifter that I bought for $1.79 at Fred Meyer, and I find that it contributes significantly to the overall bourbon experience. Even mediocre whiskey is better in a snifter. And besides that, I like having a legitimate excuse to carry such a cool thing around.

[TNbourbon]

I like neat under 100 or so proof, with some 'branch' (or the closest you can come) whenever proof is higher. Sometimes just a few drops will do.

As noted above, steer clear of ice -- the constant melting ice changes the dilution (and, of course, the flavor) too much over the course of sipping.

[camduncan]

I've found Blantons Original is great neat, but must confess, have not tried it cut with a little water.

[pete_d]

Cam, is that going by the little miniatures you brought back from O/S, or have you ordered one from Nicks?

Did they have the Blanton's Original 94proof for sale after all or just the special reserve?

I'd be terrified to open it if/when I buy it.

[pete_d]

What's the difference between RHF and Blanton's? Are they the same formula/mashbill? Is there any specific age for either?

What is everyone's preference. The Blanton's seems universally loved. And there's a lot of respect for RHF, apart from an earlier post by Marvin.

[ratcheer]

I prefer both of those uncut.

Tim

[ratcheer]

I love Blanton's but I love RHF even more.

Blanton's is a more subtle experience, RHF is bolder.

Tim

[bluesbassdad]

...RHF is bolder.

Tim,

Indeed it is, and for that reason it has been my favorite of the two -- in fact, my favorite bar none.

However, after a fairly steady diet of wheaters and Buffalo Trace lately, I tried RHF again night before last, and it was just too intense for me to enjoy.

I suppose I should go into my personal profile and update my "Favorite Bottling" entry, but I can't bring myself to do so without at least one more trial.

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[squire]

Hi Will,

Well there is a family resemblance but subtle differences. Being Single barrel expressions there will be some variation even within the brands.

I find Blantons to have more wood and something somewhat floral in the nose along with a lighter body and a slightly drier flavor.

Rock Hill has more richness, body, flavor and a Maple-caramel nose with sweetness and roundness comming through on the flavor and aftertaste.

Both are fine but I believe Blantons is targeted for a different audience, prehaps one whose members occasionally sample a dram from some other Country?

Regards,

Squire

[squire]

Left off tasting proceedures. I always dilute whith soft filtered water when tasting. About 20% seems to work best for me.

When pouring a drink I always mix the whiskey with ice and water. I enjoy the subtle shades of flavor changes as the ice melts.

Regards,

Squire

[Ken Weber]

Bingo! I agree that Rock Hill Farms has more of a maple-caramel flavor than Blanton's. Both bourbons are just about the same age, but Blanton's comes from Warehouse H (a metalclad warehouse). I believe this bourbon is simply not as sweet as some of the product from other warehouses.

Ken

[wrbriggs]

Not that anyone probably cares, but for some reason the Blanton's never materialized. I did get the RHF, and am waiting for a special occasion (or a good excuse) to open it. I'm still fighting with the LCB here in VT trying to get a bottle of Blanton's.

Thanks for all the responses, and for all the advice that folks have given me here!

[Ken Weber]

Sorry for all the trouble getting the Blanton's. I have sent your note to my East Coast Division Manager and am trying to get him to help out.

Ken