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BT Chardonnay experiments due in March

TNbourbon

By TNbourbon
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HighTower Disciple

HighTower

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When they say March release, does that mean the previous BT Experimentals have another release, or will it just be The 2 Chardonnay ones?

I'm not a huge chardonnay drinker, shiraz barrels would have been nice!

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TNbourbon Guru

TNbourbon

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When they say March release, does that mean the previous BT Experimentals have another release, or will it just be The 2 Chardonnay ones?

I'm not a huge chardonnay drinker, shiraz barrels would have been nice!

Last year's are long gone. These are true 'single-barrel' issues -- they only made a single barrel of each one. So, it'll just be the 700 or so 375ml bottles from these two barrels.

Some of us tasted one of them (I don't know which one) last spring, and it was pretty darned good! The Chardonnay isn't really a flavor so much as an accent.

And, I suspect, there is some shiraz/syrah finishing done is one or two of those 1,500 experimental barrels. I've heard reports from others' tastings of Zinfandel- and Cabernet Franc-finished ones, so I suppose they barrelled one of pretty much each varietal.

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lovejones Apprentice

lovejones

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When they say March release, does that mean the previous BT Experimentals have another release, or will it just be The 2 Chardonnay ones?

I'm not a huge chardonnay drinker, shiraz barrels would have been nice!

They still have a few bottles of the "Twice Barrelled" at Evergreen Liquors in Middletown KY.

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sysrick Taster

sysrick

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Was browsing the local Liquor Barn this evening (Beaumont-Lex) and they had one bottle of last year's "French Oak Aged--bottled 2-24-06" -- which is now home with me.

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cowdery Deity

cowdery

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This is an example of why it is a very good idea to get to know your local whiskey merchant. The previous releases of BTEC never made it to the shelf in most markets. They were sold by word of mouth to favored customers.

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luv2hunt Connoisseur

luv2hunt

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Well, it doesn't really matter if you know your local retailer....only if you know the ones that are going to get some. Indiana has been allocated two bottles. Not two cases. Two bottles. Fat chance I will even find out where the two bottles go. I'm betting the retailers won't even know about it.

Dawn

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panzer Novice

panzer

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Time to start schmoozing! The other issue would be figuring out who distributes what in my area-San Diego. I believe that BT is dist. by Young Mkt around here.

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tritioch Taster

tritioch

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From what I have been hearing, supply is remarkably small on this release, any idea if this is a function of wider distribution, or simply less bourbon?

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HighTower Disciple

HighTower

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They make one barrel of each of their experimental collection, so that is it. One measly barrel. Part of the reason it is also in a 375mL bottle and sells for $50 or more....

Scott

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tritioch Taster

tritioch

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True.... I re-read the release statement, and it makes a little more sense now knowing the age of the bourbon. For some reason the 14&18yr age statements didnt click on the first glance

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Dangermonkey Apprentice

Dangermonkey

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Add to that the problem that many states will require licensing each release/ type (in this case 2 different bottles) and filing all that paperwork.So tack another month on for paperwork turnaround.

Also divide the cost by the # of bottles. For New York it is $200 each ($400) just to sell the few bottles so probably $20 or more per bottle in licensing costs.

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  • 2 weeks later...
TNbourbon Guru

TNbourbon

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The Chardonnay-finished experimental whiskeys were distributed today in Middle Tennessee -- all six bottles!:rolleyes:

Joel (TNsquire) was Johnny-on-the-spot at the area's largest retailer in Nashville to grab the four it received, and two that were directed my way (BT's customer service excellence again:thankyousign:) are on hold and will be picked up tomorrow.

Not much for sharing, I realize, but you just can't hardly track down that what ain't!

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  • 2 weeks later...
MikeK Enthusiast

MikeK

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Anyone else gotten these yet? (Other than the geographically advantaged Tim) I am expecting a set through my local store, but they haven't arrived in these parts yet.

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Vange Connoisseur

Vange

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I am hoping to get one set, but who knows if that will come through. I was hoping for 2 sets. 1 to drink and 1 to hold for the future. If anyone can help me out let me know and I would be very grateful.

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MikeK Enthusiast

MikeK

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It's a sunny warm day and my set of Chardonnay bottles arrived today. Tasting notes to follow...

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  • 2 weeks later...
MikeK Enthusiast

MikeK

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This year’s experimentals are very pleasant and unique indeed. There is no question about the Chardonnay finish; it comes through clearly in the nose, taste, and finish. As Tim commented, they do not taste anywhere near their age. This is no doubt due to the extra years in used wine barrels, which would not impart the woodiness or age that a bourbon barrel would. The older bottling is definitely more rich and powerful, easily my pick of the two. They both share a fragrant fruity nose and I found chocolate-caramel, brown sugar, and fresh fruit on the palate. The finish was gentle with grape inspired fruitiness.

I enjoy them both, but they don't rock my world to the extent that I must finish them off. Considering their rarity I would rather share them with a less fortunate enthusiast. In order to share the experience, I have a proposition if anyone is interested. I will leave at least half the contents in each bottle and swap (as a pair w/box) for something of similar value. My biggest current interests are 60's/70's BIB OGD and 70's/80's/90's Fitz/Weller 100 proof bottles.

Cheers,

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doubleblank Disciple

doubleblank

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Tim kindly shared some of his Chardonnay finished whiskey at the Sampler and I found them interesting.....just like the experiments they are..... but wouldn't go on a rabid search for my own set. Nice of you to offer to share the experience with others Mike.

I have heard from some who have sampled the red wine cask finished whiskeys and heard good things about them.

Randy

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MikeK Enthusiast

MikeK

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Well if no one has a hankering for them in the short term I probably will bring them down for the Gazebo in September, which is the ideal way to share them.

Cheers,

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luv2hunt Connoisseur

luv2hunt

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Great idea :) I'd love to taste it in September! No bottles to be had here in Indiana!!

Dawn

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