EW "10 year" now "no. 10"

[mbanu]

While I was at the local liquor store today, I noticed that the new stock of 1783 had replaced the "10 years old" with "old no. 10". A terrible shame. I'll be keeping my eye out for old stock.

Do you think this is a reaction to the fire they had a few years back? Or are other forces at work?

[barturtle]

I would guess, that while the fire did affect their stocks somewhat, the main issue is the change in the market over the last decade, more people are drinking older whiskies and noone foresaw that happening 10 or more years ago. There has been a huge change there, while the fire didn't help them to keep up with it, it would be hard for any company to say "Hey, look, we sold 10% more of the older stuff this year than we did last year, we think that that'll increase to 50% in the next 5 years, so now we need to stockpile whiskey" That's a very expensive risk they would be taking, in a very conservative market.

I've noticed in the recent past that people have mentioned that the distilleries are operating at capacity...yet, a couple weeks ago I was at BT, and looked over their production sign (the one that notes when they have produces one of their millionth barrels) and it seems they are operating at around 1/5 capacity compared to the late 60's early 70's.

When so many distilleries got shut down/damn near did/etc. it's hard for them to risk overproducing and having to go quiet or close completely.

[Jazzhead]

The standard Heaven Hill black label has also lost its 10 yo age statement lately. New bottles just say "mild and mellow". I know a spot that still has a couple of the 10 yo bottlings, for the princely sum of $7.80 apiece. This is perfectly drinkable stuff, so I may bunker a few.

[barturtle]

I noticed this morning when I went to the liquor store that the No. 10 Evan Williams 1783 has indeed replaced the 10yo...I was tempted to pick up the last couple 10yos on the shelf, then I remembered...I don't like the stuff.

The VROHH 10yo, on the other hand was still in good supply, though the price has gone up a bit...but even at $13 it's still a good deal.

[polyamnesia]

ok.....in the spirit of adventure and economics (!), i decide to shoot for a bottle of the 1783 because it is on CLOSEOUT here in PA stores...and it's going for a whopping $8.99.

if it's that bad, i figured, i would drop a peppermint stick in the bottle!

also, for fun, picked up a bottle of HEAVEN HILL...$8.79.

i know, i should NOT compare either to what i've been pouring lately. so i will check that one out later...(again, the peppermint stick or the pantry cooking items options remain as my safety valves...but, man, i hope these are simply decent!).

ok....in the spirit AGAIN of not wanting to open a new thread, i will smuggle my initial tasting notes here:

APPEARANCE: reddish/orange; sticky cling-drops

NOSE: fresh peaches? banana? caramel...

on second try, caramelized raisins, old wood/leather...antique house???

TASTE: old leather...NO sweetness hinted at in nose...oily/buttery?

on second sip, walnuts? semi-sweet butterscotch...

FINISH: dry(ing), woody; subtle sweetness on second try as if recalled from memory

final comment notes: "not bad at all--would like a more pronounced effect from the TASTE and FINISH...

too subtle? or just not there?"

so, nothing sweet here!

i may even get a sense of tobacco. something i can't put my finger (or tongue tip) on...a sense of decay, but in that good, autumnal, wet leaves sense...will try a small pour tonight, outside, in the cold and wind. it's been a beautiful day here. exemplary FALL!

[TroyM]

Has anyone tasted the Evan Williams with the Red Label? If so, what is it like?

[barturtle]

Has anyone tasted the Evan Williams with the Red Label? If so, what is it like?

Do you mean the 15yo? Not I, in that case. I know of no other red label EW.

[Virus_Of_Life]

Do you mean the 15yo? Not I, in that case. I know of no other red label EW.

Maroon label is 15, Red is 12 year... I had the 12 and it was good but not great. 15 was Great.

[TroyM]

Evan Williams 'Old Red Label' 12 yr old - 50.5% abvAmerican bourbon whiskey - 750ml

[TNbourbon]

I concur with Christian -- the 12yo EW is unexceptional. Just think of the EWSB aged another 2-3 years.

The Evan Williams 15yo sent to Japan (of course:rolleyes:) is the best Heaven Hill bourbon I've tasted. Every time I've tasted it.

[Virus_Of_Life]

Evan Williams 'Old Red Label' 12 yr old - 50.5% abvAmerican bourbon whiskey - 750ml

THAT'S THe one!! And come to think of it... I don't even know where my bottle is!?! I only drank about a 1/4 of it before I moved in a haste; therefore I HOPE it is in the open bottle cupboards. Oh well, I'll find out when I am finally home for some length of time...

... I really need to do an inventory/database when I am home after this extended business trip.

[TroyM]

Thanks guys, Will try and get a 15

[polyamnesia]

i gotta admit, i was not thrilled with the No. 10 at first...ok, i thought for being only $8.99 closeout...but maybe it's true that as the bottle goes down, something does change. i am enjoying it quite a bit. as i am the OGD BIB that i complained aloud about...both are showing odd subtle flavors. i am simply surprised. and pleased.

i wish i bought another of the 1783...

[squire]

Yes, an infusion of fresh air does wonders sometimes to open up the whiskey.

Squire