Do I have damaged taste buds?

[Picker22]

Ok....understand that I am new to bourbon. I've moved from beer to being a wine and whiskey drinker (can't give up my Guinness though...).

I've got a pretty good selection in my cabinet. Baker's, Booker's, Bulleit (my favorite 'everyday resonably priced') Elijah Craig 18yr, Gentlemen Jack, Rittenhouse Rye, Dickel.

Here's my question. Everyone seems to really enjoy WT 101. I gave it a whirl the other day, and it just didn't do anything for me. Am I missing something? Have years of Miller Lite drinking destroyed my taste buds?

This is a great website. I've learned a lot in the few weeks I've been out here. Thanks for all the info.

[ILLfarmboy]

WT 101 often has a fresh wood quality in addition to char. You may be responding to this. I have found bottles that exhibit this fresh wood quality in abundance often have a corresponding reduction in char. Give WT Rare Breed a try it has a deeper flavor (less fresh wood).

[Stu]

Picker,

I, too, have only recently discovered the joys of bourbon. I've never had Rittenhouse Rye, but other than that, I'd prefer anything in your liquor cabinet to WT 101. I don't think there is anything wrong with our taste buds, they're just different. Like you, I love EC 18, however you'll read a lot of people on the site don't care for it and describe it as earthy, dirty, or some other uncomplimentary adjective. Since we seem to have similar taste buds, try some WT Kentucky Spirit. In my opinion that is the best product WT makes, however Rare Breed is good also.

I also love a Guinness, but only if it is on tap. However my first love is single malt whisky, the peatier the better.

[Picker22]

BTW - I was sipping a nice cab watching the Daytona 500. Just didn't seem right....switched to EC 18yr. I'm much more comfortable now....:grin:

[TimmyBoston]

No damage, I don't particularly care for WT 101, either.

[JDutton]

I think you're right in blaming the Miller Lite .

Jeff

[ggilbertva]

My own experience over time has been that as I've broadened by bourbon experience, I've found that my "love" of WT has diminished as I've experienced other selections. For instance, I've found that I tend to lean more toward a Wheater than a Rye (WT is a Rye mashbill). But, there are times when a Rye really hits the spot. I love ER17 which is a Rye Bourbon.

My only suggestion would be is for you to shelve your WT 101 and come back to it later. There are many here in SB, including myself that have come back to a bottle later and found it to be a better pour that we first experienced.

[mythrenegade]

I've got a pretty good selection in my cabinet. Baker's, Booker's, Bulleit (my favorite 'everyday resonably priced') Elijah Craig 18yr, Gentlemen Jack, Rittenhouse Rye, Dickel.

Here's my question. Everyone seems to really enjoy WT 101. I gave it a whirl the other day, and it just didn't do anything for me. Am I missing something? Have years of Miller Lite drinking destroyed my taste buds?

I love EC18, Bookers and a host of other bourbons. I do not like WT101 either. That doesn't mean I didn't finish the bottle I bought, but I won't be buying another one. I would rather have EC18, Bookers, Blantons, EC12, Elmer T. Lee, Eagle Rare 10 yo, EWSB, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, PVW20 or any other premium bourbon over the WT101. Since it's in the same price range as ETL, MM, EC12 and a few others, I won't buy another bottle.

So you are not alone, and I don't think there is anything wrong with your taste buds...

Joel

[ratcheer]

I will put in my vote of confidence for WT 101 (there don't seem to be many others around, right now). It was the first premium bourbon I ever tasted, back in the late 60's when it was just about the only premium bourbon. I have loved it ever since, even though it is now only considered an upper-level standard bourbon. IMHO, Wild Turkey tastes like what bourbon should taste like.

Tim

[jburlowski]

I will put in my vote of confidence for WT 101 (there don't seem to be many others around, right now). It was the first premium bourbon I ever tasted, back in the late 60's when it was just about the only premium bourbon. I have loved it ever since, even though it is now only considered an upper-level standard bourbon. IMHO, Wild Turkey tastes like what bourbon should taste like.

Tim

What he said...

[ILLfarmboy]

Glad someone else stepped up to the plate. All the anti-turkey talk was getting depressing.

[CrispyCritter]

I'm another fan of WT, even if Buffalo Trace products seem to get most of my attention. Whether it's standard 101, RR101, Rare Breed, or rye, I've never been disappointed by a bottle.

The only reason I haven't had RR90 is that it isn't any cheaper in spite of its higher water content.

[Edward_call_me_Ed]

I will put in my vote of confidence for WT 101 (there don't seem to be many others around, right now). It was the first premium bourbon I ever tasted, back in the late 60's when it was just about the only premium bourbon. I have loved it ever since, even though it is now only considered an upper-level standard bourbon. IMHO, Wild Turkey tastes like what bourbon should taste like.

Tim

:bowdown: Tim!

In the 80's WT 101 was my special occasion bourbon. That was when I was drinking JB White most of the time. (I still miss that 'whiskey glut' Jim Beam.)

The only reason I didn't post here last night was that I don't get the standard WT 101 here in Japan. I get the eight year old. The only reason I don't drink more of that is the competion from WT's other products. When I want Wild Turkey I am likely to pour WT 12 or WT RB.

Ed

Ed

[jsgorman]

I don't like the newer version of WT101. I liked the original 8YO WT101, but find the new one tastes like a new toothpick.

That being said, I think the Russel's Reserve 90 and 101 are better bottles.