Antique Collection

[wrbriggs]

Well... my neighbouring state of New Hampshire has just purchased 8 cases of Sazerac 18 yr old Rye, and they supposedly will be receiving some Eagle Rare 17 yr old and one other brand from the Antique collection (not sure if it is Stagg or Weller).

I am looking to get some bottles transferred to the NH store closest to Vermont, but I am being told that I may have to purchase an entire case if I do this. Money is a bit tight, and I really can't afford to purchase a case of something I've never tried, especially when I would rather get 1 bottle of each of these.

Not sure what my point is - I don't think I have one. But I guess I'm wondering if the Sazerac (or any of the antique collection) is worth purchasing an entire case (3 bottles) of, at $42.99 per bottle?

[wrbriggs]

Ok, well, before anybody takes the trouble to respond - I just heard back from the NH folks, and I can indeed just purchase one bottle, even if they transfer an entire case.

And the third brand they purchased is indeed the Stagg, but it has not arrived yet. Apparently the Sazerac is available now.

So - now I just want to do a little dance of joy, but since I'm in a cubicle-based office environment, I'm restraining myself.

New question now - if you had to rank the Antique Collection in order of preference, what would your list look like?

[bobbyc]

Stagg would be first on my list, then I suppose it would depend on whether one was in the mood for a Rye or a Bourbon.

[wrbriggs]

Well, I've never had a rye before (with the exception of Jim Beam rye, which I was not a big fan of). Since the Sazerac is the only one that's been delivered so far, and I've never tried a rye, I will get that first. I think I'll then put Stagg first in line over the Eagle Rare.

Thanks for the advice!

-Will

[clayton]

I can't stand the Jim Beam rye either, but I dearly love the Sazerac. The Stagg is the finest whiskey I've ever had, so I would rank that above the Sazerac. I haven't had the Eagle Rare 17.

I tell you, though, that I would immediately buy any bottles of the Antique Collection that I happened to find on a shelf. I'm not rich either, but these would go on the credit card if necessary. Their availability is fleeting and I would kick myself later if I didn't buy them.

[bobbyc]

I tell you, though, that I would immediately buy any bottles of the Antique Collection that I happened to find on a shelf.

Indeed.

[TNbourbon]

and one other brand from the Antique collection (not sure if it is Stagg or Weller).

The W.L. Weller 19yo was a one-time bottling -- the Stagg has replaced it in the Antique Collection lineup.

A chance to buy any of them is a rare treat, but hold out for the Stagg if you can -- you'll understand the hullabaloo once you've had it.

[wrbriggs]

The W.L. Weller 19yo was a one-time bottling -- the Stagg has replaced it in the Antique Collection lineup.

A chance to buy any of them is a rare treat, but hold out for the Stagg if you can -- you'll understand the hullabaloo once you've had it.

I didn't realize the Weller was a one-time deal. I guess I just might have to buy a bottle of each member of the Antique Collection as an early Christmas present for myself. I hope I haven't gotten my expectations for these bottlings so high that I'll be disappointed in them when I finally try them.

[bobbyc]

I hope I haven't gotten my expectations for these bottlings so high that I'll be disappointed in them when I finally try them.

That could happen, but only if it turns out that "Bourbon" just isn't your thing.

[halpap]

While I have only had previous year's versions of the Antique collection, I think the Eagle Rare and the George Stagg are both terrific and a bargain at $42.99 (both in the absolute sense and relative to what stores in the Northeast charge for the Antique Collection (when you can even find it)). I am less fond of the Sazerac Rye, but I am coming around. Enjoy!

[cas]

I've been lucky to find a shipment of all 3 in the last few weeks at the local distributer. I just opened the eagle rare over the weekend and it is very nice. In order of preference I would say Stagg, Eagle Rare, then Sazerac - though they are very different from one another, each offering a distinct experience.

Craig

[Bamber]

ER 17 is fast catching up with Stagg for me. Unfortunately I have only one bottle (2002) that I will probably never be able to replace

They are all incredibly good and your life will be incomplete without them.