Gift advice

[BobA]

A casual friend is doing something very generous for me, and everyone else who was on that fishing trip. I want to do something to show my appreciation, and when I e-mailed a mutual friend about our benefactor's pour of choice, he said that he drinks "any bourbon" someone has, and if he buys his own, it's George Dickel. My only GD experience was unremarkable, and I have no thoughts of "well then, he might like . . ." Any suggestions?

I think he mostly drank JD on the trip. Of course, I could just get anything of quality, but I wouldn't mind expanding his horizons some. Especially if that got him into something he could afford to explore. I had a thought or two, but any ideas, based on the GD?

Thanks.

Bob

[ratcheer]

Maybe if you could find that 10-year old GD I have heard about.

Or, failing that, just buy him an excellent bourbon, say Kentucky Spirit or Rock Hill Farms or whatever is your favorite.

Tim

[bluesbassdad]

Bob,

Consider Jack Daniel Single Barrel. I like it, and I don't even drink JD No. 7 these days.

It will do little to expand his horizons, but it's a fairly safe bet, and it's rare enough and pricey enough to convey a message of gratitude.

In the horizons department, I'd concur with Tim; Rock Hill Farms is top-notch in my book, and the bottle is cool, to boot.

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[camduncan]

What about a Rye? It's not a 'bourbon' but it might be a nice drop for him to try..

[Hedmans Brorsa]

Dickel, to me, is a very distinctive whisky. I remember when I tried the No. 12 for the first time - I took a sniff and it immediately made its mark. A no-brainer in a blind testing.

At the same time I couldn´t evade a quaint sense of deja vu: it reminded me of something and shortly it dawned upon me that it shared some characteristics with Old Charter Proprietor´s reserve. What I´m thinking of first and foremost are the overtly toasty qualities that I haven´t encountered anywhere else in American whisk(e)y.

Then again, having read some tasting notes of OCPR on this forum, I have to draw the conclusion that there are bottlings with widely different characteristics doing the rounds. There seem to be a huge uncertainty potential when it comes to the brands that are part of the Bourbon Heritage collection (VSOF is another example).

If you find the Proprietor´s reserve to be a somewhat risky proposition then I would opt for Jack Daniel´s single barrel, as suggested earlier. If he´s into JD then this would probably turn out to be a pleasant experience.

[wrbriggs]

I've had lots of success giving Blanton's as a gift (I have to plan way in advance, as it takes my state 4-6 weeks to get a bottle to a store for me). It's pricey, but not outrageous ($38). The packaging is really cool, and the bourbon itself is extremely tasty and drinkable. There may be better bourbons out there, some for less money, but in my humble opinion, it's almost impossible to go wrong with Blanton's.

Some other good ones would be Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve or Kentucky Spirit, Rock Hill Farms (as previously mentioned), Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 15 year old (this is not cheap, runs between $40 and $50).

[ikewillett1]

I am a very predictable gift giver because I pretty much always give people bourbon. People always seem to like it though. Anyway, I have had good success giving folks Kentucky Spirit, Blantons, and Bookers. Kentucky Spirit and Blantons are both great and have attractice bottles. On the other hand, the high proof of Booker's seems to intrigue people as well.

[BobA]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I hadn't even thought of "good" Jack Daniels. I'd check out the Old Charter Proprieter's Reserve if I could find it; I've had my eye open for a bit but haven't seen it. (Even though I thought the 10 yr. old was harsh, maybe too dry. Sorry. I'm new at anything more than "mmmm" or "hummph".)

Small batch is a possibility, although I know that mutual friends have exposed him to Booker's and KC. Thought about OGD 114, on the theory that it's different, and if he likes it, its affordable, and he's even able to drop down in price to the BIB and 86, but then maybe the gift would be a little too affordable.

I've got a trip this weekend. Maybe I'll find the OC PR.

Bob

[cowdery]

I'm surprised no one except briggs has said this yet, but you can't go wrong with a Pappy.

Obviously, my thinking is don't try to match the GD experience, just get him something good.

[wrbriggs]

I'm surprised no one else has said this yet, but you can't go wrong with a Pappy.

I'd suggested Pappy 15, but nobody ever takes my suggestions seriously anyway...

But seriously, any of the Pappy line would definitely be a great gift. I suggested the 15 simply because it's delicious, and the price is about 1/2 the price of the Pappy 20.

[cowdery]

You did indeed. I shall make amends.

[wrbriggs]

You did indeed. I shall make amends.

Hehe, none necessary. My reply was more tongue-in-cheek than anything else.

[cowdery]

My reply was more tongue-in-cheek than anything else.

So are my amends.

[wrbriggs]

My reply was more tongue-in-cheek than anything else.

So are my amends.

Drat, foiled again. I was hoping for free booze...

[smokinjoe]

Hey Bob:

Good to hear from another Atlanta area Bourbon Lover. Thought I'd make my first post on SB.com an attempt to try and help out a fellow Bourbonian. Definately right on OCPR in our area being hard to find. I saw a bottle recently at a local store near the 'Hooch on the Northside. Problem is, I can't remember the name of the store. If you're still looking for this, PM me and I'll get you directions. At least I remember how to get back there! By the way, you might consider Chuck's book, <u>Bourbon, Straight</u> for your buddy. I got it online a couple of months ago. Great read for someone who enjoys bourbon. Even some mention in it on JD that your friend would enjoy. Good Luck!

[gr8erdane]

You may not get free booze from Chuck but hey, you were quoted by THE SB.com best selling author. That has to count for something.