Give the Gift of Bourbon

[Rughi]

...4 ounces at a time.

One of my fathers-in-law is a budding Bourbon enthusiast. I've brought a couple of bottles by his house, left a Pappy 15 to seal the deal, and now he's asking about what he should buy. Well, I gave him several ideas, but it occurred to me that the best I could do for him was a sampler from my bunker.

I got a case of 4 oz. bottles at the homebrew supply and made small labels almost verbatim from the label. I figure 4 oz. samples should be enough that he knows which ones to go buy and which just aren't so mouthwatering for him. I've sneaked a few in that he'll never find (like the 1980s Old Taylor and the 2004 Stagg), ensuring that he'll come back for another taste later.

I like this because in the same volume of 3 bottles, I'm able to give him 20 different flavors. Also, I never really finish many bottles, which causes an ever larger backlog of bottles waiting to get drunk (in the bibulous grammarian's sense of the phrase), so this helps alleviate a _problem_ that I have; too much open bourbon.

Roger

[Ambernecter]

...4 ounces at a time.

Also, I never really finish many bottles, which causes an ever larger backlog of bottles waiting to get drunk (in the bibulous grammarian's sense of the phrase), so this helps alleviate a _problem_ that I have; too much open bourbon.

Roger

Blimey Roger - too many open bottles is a problem? I admire your viewpoint but fear many forum members will not agree that this constiutes a problem!

So just to clear up, if your are not too keen on a Whiskey you don't finnish it?

Great gift idea any way you slice it - your inlaw is a very lucky man!

[Rughi]

So just to clear up, if your are not too keen on a Whiskey you don't finnish it?

It's not that. I just don't drink very quickly, and I have a lot of open bottles. I get a certain satisfaction in looking over the bottles, remembering the distinct pleasures of each, and perhaps taking a small pour of one. Also, my wife says I have a drinking problem - I forget to drink. Certainly not an efficient way to whittle away a sideboard of whiskey.

Roger

[fogfrog]

Where do you get the four ounce bottles?

[Ambernecter]

Well the slower you drink Roger, the more you savour it!

My hat's off to you... one day I may br able to claim the same - doubt it though!

[Rughi]

Where do you get the four ounce bottles?

I get sample bottles at the Oak Barrel wine and beermaking supply store, but they're pretty standard pharmaceutical/essential oil/cosmetic items.

Here they are for sale from one company I found at random on Google.

I like these glasses 4 ounce Clear Boston Round

and this type of cap Polyseal (cone) Lined Closures. They're reputed to give a more dependable seal than the cheaper flat caps.

Roger

[jspero]

I like these glasses 4 ounce Clear Boston Round

and this type of cap Polyseal (cone) Lined Closures. They're reputed to give a more dependable seal than the cheaper flat caps.

Roger

I think these would be great with the spray cap! I think I'll have a spritz of bourbon now.

Jay

[pepcycle]

A spritz of Bourbon right before a job interview.

Got to guarantee you'll get noticed.

A little dab behind the ear and on pulse points by my Significant Other, surely will get my attention.

[scratchline]

Wow! That is a GREAT gift. You are a very good son-in-law. Kudos.

-Mike

[Rughi]

I went to see the in-laws yesterday. Upon entering, virtually the first words that came out of my mother-in-law were "you've turned him into a total Bourbon slut." I wasn't sure what to make of that, but she quickly produced the box (photo'd at the top of this thread), and it was...completely dry, all 20 4oz bottles.

He was very good about keeping all the empties organized and his ratings clearly marked so I'd better know with what to refill the samples. He'd also finished an ET Lee and Eagle Rare 10 I had recommended to him. And, he's lovingly saving the empty bottle of PVW 15/107 that kicked off all this boubonia.

In case any are interested in one budding enthusist's evalutation, here are the scores. They are on a simple 1-5 system (5 being highest).

5

Stagg 2004 129proof

Sazerac 18 2004

Buffalo Trace circa 2004 (Sam's pick)

4

Eagle Rare 17 2004

Van Winkle Lot "B" circa 2004

Old Charter Proprieter's Reserve circa 2004

Old Charter 7year circa 1970s 86proof

Wild Turkey Rare Breed WT-01-99

Rock Hill Farms 100proof.

Virginia Gentleman "the Fox" recent bottling

3.5

Rittenhouse Rye BIB circa 2005

3

Old Grand-Dad BIB Circa 2002

Old Grand-Dad BIB Circa 1992 (ND)

Old Taylor 6year 86proof circa 1982

Wathen's Barrel 228 bottled 3-21-05

Sazerac Rye ("Junior") recent bottling

Beam 100month 86proof circa 1970

Van Winkle Rye "13 year old" F bottling

2

Wild Turkey Rye 101proof circa 2002

1

Elijah Craig 18year barrel 1044 barreled 12-17-81

What an indignity for the EC18. I like that one a lot. I guess the extreme woody/char is too much. And the Wild Turkey Rye - well, it's my least favorite rye in this group, too.

One other note: of all the 5 and 4 scores, 9 out of 10 are BT products (although 2 were produced before BT's involvement). Only one BT didn't get a 4 or 5. Next time I'll mix in more flagship products from other distilleries, but it's clear BT satisfies my father-in-law's palate quite well.

We tasted a Stagg 2005 141proof that he had waiting for me to ceremonially open. I hadn't had this bottling - it was impossibly smooth for it's proof (I advised others to cut liberally with water), was warming but not hot (considering proof), and had the most wonderful vanilla custard aroma. Very good.

Roger

[pabourbongal]

Terrific idea, Roger. Thanks for sharing. I should try something like this for my FIL, but my MIL and I are on good terms and I'd hate to wreck that! :grin:

Also interesting to see his rating system. Great thread!

[Randy_Ricchi]

If your father-in-law has a taste for Buffalo Trace products, he has good taste, IMO.