Ancient Age Barrel 107: What Did I Find?

[TNbourbon]

I plucked this bottle from the rear of a row of basic Ancient Age 90 proof today for $11.22. Anybody know what the heck it is? An old version (the bottle bottom seems to indicate '93) gone export-only? A one-off? A one-of-a-kind rarity that will make me rich?

What little I find on the web seems to come from overseas.

Sorry about the photo quality, I spend my money on bourbon, not digital camera equipment .

Anyway, the box and label call it Special Edition 10yo Ancient Age Barrel 107, and it is 107 proof. It's old enough to be from the Ancient Age Distilling Co., not Buffalo Trace (renamed in '96, right?).

[dgonano]

Tim, I acquired one through Internet Wines two years back. Never saw it elsewhere. I believe some of our overseas members have commented on the bottling. I imagine it was from the late 90's or early this decade.

[Gillman]

I have something which I think is similar, a Bottled In Bond Ancient Age 100, also with 93 stamped on the glass underneath and bearing imprint of Ancient Age Distilling Co. (although I wonder if even current bottlings of Ancient Age don't carry that name as a divisional or unit name of Buffalo Trace). Mine, as reported some weeks ago, is very good, rich and pure in taste with a slight, "high" or "gamey" note. The connection to Blanton is certainly there but Blanton seem different too in ways I cannot easily explain (more concentrated maybe, and possibly older). I suspect your bottle is very similar to mine but slightly higher in proof.

Gary

[koji]

Hi Tim

The bottle was a regular here in Japan until about two years ago.

It was usually priced $38~$40,I had them at my bar regurally and it was one

of the best from AA(BT)at that proof.They don't bottle it any more and I cant

find any around here in my country.Last time I saw it in a shop in Yokohama

in a wooden case and the price was $80.I left it there on the shelf.

If you could grab a few,I suggest to try this one it is one good boubon.

Koji

[koji]

Here are some other AA on the shelf most of them empty.

Koji

[TNbourbon]

Yep, second from left, that's the bottle. Thanks, Koji, for the info. I wish I could grab some more of it, but it was the first and only bottle I've ever seen.

(Just what I needed -- another one-of-a-kind bottle to decide when to open!)

[cowdery]

The original expression of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was in that same bottle and was, I think, 107 proof too.

[wrbriggs]

The original expression of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was in that same bottle and was, I think, 107 proof too.

Hmm. I have an expression of Elmer T. Lee that is in that bottle, but is only 90 proof. Must not be the original. Still quite tasty!

[mike1]

the 107 Elmer Lee also came in an opaque bottle which was unusual

[bobbyc]

I will interject here that this is the same shape of the now infamous "Butt Ugly" bottle referred to often that was the first bottle for ET Lee. I recently found a few bottles of AAA 10 year in this same bottle. It hasn't been untill fairly recent time that Ancient Age went to the square squat bottles similiar to Jim Beam or Evan Williams.( Recent time for me is 10 or so years ago.)

[Gillman]

Bobby, if you are minded to open one of those post-10 year old bottles of Triple A, I would be interested in your taste-off conclusion as against the current Triple A. The one from back then, in the different bottle shape you are referring to, is superior in my view.

Gary

[TNbourbon]

Bobby, if you are minded to open one of those post-10 year old bottles of Triple A, I would be interested in your taste-off conclusion as against the current Triple A. The one from back then, in the different bottle shape you are referring to, is superior in my view.Gary

Well, Gary, I can't and shouldn't speak for Bobby, but if either you or he will bring the current edition to the Gazebo during Sampler time, we'll test your theory -- I have some tax-stamped AAA 10yo (if I can just remember to bring everything I'm supposed to!).

[Gillman]

You're on Tim, thanks, I don't have Triple AAA with me but I know I can always get some at Liquor Barn when I'm in town. I am also bringing some ORVW 15 year old whiskey.

Gary

[bobbyc]

Yes, what Gary and Tim said!