Henry McKenna SB BIB vs. EWSB

[mgilbertva]

There have been several discussions of Even Williams SB which vary from year to year.

Is the same true of the HWSB? I've collected the 1992, 1994, and 1995 bottlings. But I have seen no discussion on whether one gets the same variation from year to year with HWSB as EWSB.

Since they're single barrel, I would assume such is the case.

Can anyone confirm this?

[ratcheer]

I would assume there would be minor variations due to the nature of single barrel. But I would also assume that the master distiller, or whoever is in charge of barrel selection, is trying to achieve a fairly consistent taste profile for Henry McKenna SB.

On the other hand, since EWSB is touting the vintage-ness of that product, I would imagine that they are trying to show what they can do, so to speak. Therefore, they probably feel freer to choose different taste profiles from year to year.

This is all just speculation on my part.

Tim

[mgilbertva]

No other opinions on the differences - if any - between HMSB vintages?

[TBoner]

Based on my understanding and the limited variety of bottlings I've tasted, McKenna SB seems to be aimed at one flavor profile across the board. And it's a good flavor profile. Certainly there are variations from barrel to barrel, but not on a "vintage" basis. In other words, the bottles I've had all fit into roughly the same flavor profile/spectrum.

So, that's my usual long-winded way of saying I agree with ratcheer.

[mgilbertva]

No, I wouldn't say long-winded. Not even medium-winded. More like medium-short.

[OscarV]

I got my empty bottle of Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled In Bond 10 year old, from barrel #252, barreled on 3/16/94. It had a few drops left and I sucked 'em out.

Then I got my empty bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel, barreled 7/18/94, barrel #262, bottled 6/09/04, and did the same.

With my memory of these, (I drank them around spring/summer '06), and this bottom sucking taste test, Evan Williams wins out.

[jburlowski]

It had a few drops left and I sucked 'em out.

...and this bottom sucking taste test, Evan Williams wins out.

Ah yes, the ultimate standard: the legendary "bottom suck".

[mgilbertva]

Ah yes, the ultimate standard: the legendary "bottom suck".

Hey, we're well-rounded here.

[ACDetroit]

Hey Oscar I have 2 of those McKenna #252 from 1994. Just found them on a dusty bottom shelf a week ago.

If you need to refresh your memory!

To keep myself from the "Bottom Suck" taste test I through the bottles away