BOTM, 12/07: The Year in Review

[jeff]

Well, we're getting a late start again this month, and for that I apologize. What I thought might be fun is to begin a discussion comparing and contrasting this year's (2007) list of bourbons deemed worthy of the BOTM title. Would you consider one as Bourbon of the Year? If we can come to a consensus on a few, maybe we'll vote on a finalist. This year's list included (in no particular order):

Basil Hayden's

VOB BIB

Jim Beam Black

Blanton's

VW 12yo Lot "B"

Pappy Van Winkle 20yo

Four Roses Single Barrel

William Larue Weller

Old Pogue

OGD BIB

EC 18

Also, we've been at this for 2 1/2 years now, and while there are still quality bourbons left out there to showcase, as you can imagine the list is not infinite and we cannot continue on forever, while trying not to duplicate and maintaining a list of bourbons that are easily available to most of our members. We are open to hearing ideas for how you would like to see this continue, assuming you find it a valuable resource. What do you like, what would you like to see changed? Really we are just brainstorming here, but you guys provide most of the content, so it only seems right to get your input. Let us know what you think!

:893drillsergeant-thSound off:893drillsergeant-th

[Gillman]

Of these, I think one of the best and most distinctive is W.L. Weller. It has a close connection to the barrel source because of its proof, has a rich, pure taste, and just stands above the others generally in my view. If we were to vote from a group I would include EC 18, Pappy 20 and FRSB.

As for the future, I would consider doing 12 months of vatted bourbons. You, Jeff, might take suggestions from those interested during the month for selection in the next.

E.g., say Four Roses Small Batch and Bulleit were vatted 50/50, as I did the other day. People who have those bottles could make it in the glass, thus no big investment is required. We would re-use the resources of the past, in other words, but in a different way. VOTM, in a word.

Gary

[LarryG]

I'm a newbie here, and don't yet have a good sense of what might and might not work. And much of what follows amounts to little more than some brainstorming of my own. With those things said:

Some years ago I participated on a guitar forum that had a "Lunch Report" program. Each day, Mon-Fri, the current week's Lunch Reporter would start a new thread on the subject of his choosing, and the other members would discuss it. Each Lunch Reporter was also charged with appointing a new Lunch Reporter for the following week.

A variation of this might work here ... some member would announce his choice for BOTM and explain why he chose it. Discussion would ensue, pretty much as it does now. The BOTM designator would moderate the discussion, asking follow-up questions to keep things moving; at some time during the month, he would arrange for someone else to take over the BOTM job next. Basically, any participating member should be eligible: while there is much to be learned from the veteran members, the "out of the mouths of babes" factor could be refreshing, too.

As for "rules," I can think of only two to propose: whoever chooses the BTOM should basically take one turn only (there could be notable exceptions); and while the choice of any given BOTM ought to be left as wide-open as possible, perhaps there should be a stipulation that no BOTM choice should repeat within, say, any 12 month period.

Gary's vatting idea is intriguing, and could be easily incorporated. If he was chosen to select the BOTM and wanted to talk about a vatting, that'd be perfectly okay.

Lastly, again because I'm new, I don't know how much emphasis has been placed on choosing bourbons that are widely available. That's obviously a good idea, whenever possible; but I for one don't at all mind reading about some slightly-hard-to-find bottling that might be worth seeking out.

Just an idea. I won't necessarily say it's a good idea.

Larry

[barturtle]

Maybe BOTM could be a competition, with a pair of bourbons going head-to-head. Choose two bottlings, that are direct marketplace competitors, and give half the month to discussion between the two and the second half of the month to voting. Divide up the year into price categories, starting out low and working your way up to the Unlimited Division. A previous years' winner or loser could be paired up with a different bottling in its class in the future(possibly several years down the line) allowing it to defend its title or avenge its loss against another bottling.

As far as bourbon of the year, I'm always willing to support the underdog (I am a Bengals fan, after all) and place a vote for VOB BIB. But would also give nods to FRSB and Blanton's.

[sdawg]

.......assuming you find it a valuable resource.

As someone who is new both to Straightbourbon.com and to bourbon in general, I have found the Bourbon of the Month forum to be the most valuable resource on this website.

Cheers,

Steve

[shyster512]

I agree with Sdawg.

[ratcheer]

I would go for the Blanton's.

Tim

[jburlowski]

None of these would be my BOTY 2007 (that would be Parker's Heritage Selection).

But if I gotta pick from this list I would go with Lot B.

[polyamnesia]

Of these, I think one of the best and most distinctive is W.L. Weller. It has a close connection to the barrel source because of its proof, has a rich, pure taste, and just stands above the others generally in my view. If we were to vote from a group I would include EC 18, Pappy 20 and FRSB.

As for the future, I would consider doing 12 months of vatted bourbons. You, Jeff, might take suggestions from those interested during the month for selection in the next.

E.g., say Four Roses Small Batch and Bulleit were vatted 50/50, as I did the other day. People who have those bottles could make it in the glass, thus no big investment is required. We would re-use the resources of the past, in other words, but in a different way. VOTM, in a word.

Gary

i like this idea alot. the possible permutations will certainly allow for more (qualitative AND quantitative) reviews. whether as an extra ("VOTM") thread...or as an occasional thread between BOTM threads.

[TNbourbon]

None of these would be my BOTY 2007 (that would be Parker's Heritage Selection)...

Agree on the Parker's. However, from the BOTM list for '07, I'd nominate the Four Roses Single Barrel for BOTY. It's a fine bourbon, bargain priced, and dynamic in its spreading distribution and availability.

I don't always participate in BOTM discussions, for whatever reason, but I generally read them, and find them interesting and thought-provoking. I hope they continue.

I see no reason bourbons -- or other American whiskey (ryes or malts, et al) -- can't be repeated. We certainly talk about differences in EC12 batches, for example, and old vs. new versions of long-standing bottlings. I think repetition would be a fine and useful way of charting changing tastes and distillery qualities over time.

And, I'm always open to Gary's vatting experiments -- though I think that might be something reserved for a forum (whether BOTM, or other) when the poster's discretion directs the discussion.

[Tennessee Dave]

As both a new member and a new bourbon drinker this section of the forum is essential IMHO. Please continue it. Every one has to learn from someone unless you want to go thru a lot of trial and error and money. You guys are experts. Your willingness to share your wisdom and experiences with us newbies is what makes this forum such a great place.

[Gillman]

Just to add to Tim's point about repetition, peoples' take on even the same bottling will differ: reason enough to continue BOTM as is. It's the old, you say "tomahto", I saw "tomayto"...

Gary

[whiskydude]

I hope the BOTM will continue also. It is informative and interesting to hear the opinions regarding the different bourbons. Kinda like reading Car and Driver, you may not ever have a chance to drive the latest Ferrari, but it is kinda neat to read about it

[HipFlask]

I very much look forward to BOTM. Yes I am a little bummed when you have one I can't get or had but the stores are out. I would mix it up some Gillmans, some head to head, a American straight rye the next. That should spread out the repeats and keep it fun, entertaining yet still be educational. My vote goes for the VW lot B by a narrow margin over the FR single barrel. I didn't get to try the William Laure Weller, and it has been a couple seasons since I've had Blanton's.

Hey It's my B day. It is 12:50 AM 12-14 now. I wonder what Bourbon is in my immediate future. Sounds like another post is coming.

[pepcycle]

I have to vote for FRSB as the BOTY.

I credit FR with taking baby steps to achieve and redevelop a robust market without creating a demand abyss.

All in all, they have a nice limited line of complementary products.

FRSB is great whiskey. Let's hear it for one-story warehousing!!!!

[jburlowski]

I love the FRSB (actually I like the FR DmB (that's small batch ) even better. But for me, that was a BOTY from the past... admittedly I have the wondeful) advantage of living in KY.

Both FR expressions (Sb and SmB) are fantastic... but not unique to 2007.

[cas]

Really we are just brainstorming here, but you guys provide most of the content, so it only seems right to get your input. Let us know what you think!

:893drillsergeant-thSound off:893drillsergeant-th

How about expanding this to a "bang for the buck" sort of rating? With each discussion the participants would indicate what they paid for their bottle (that comparison alone might be interesting), and give the bourbon a rating, 1-10 or 1-100 or some chosen scale - this part would be purely subjective. Over time we could compile these and it would provide a comparative chart. Some interesting patterns might become apparent.

Craig

[squire]

Keep it the way it is with perhaps some variation like comparing, say, a Weller Antique with a Weller Special reserve. I also have no objection to repeating prior choices over a period of time.

Squire

[whiskeyhatch]

This is the thread that really got me into SB.com. Bottlings seem to change, and so do members of this forum. So, I wouldn't have any qualms with repeated BOTMs as they would invite new and different comments from members. Also, there seems to be enough new bottlings (RR Rye, WTAS, BTAC, EWSB, EW 1783 'No. 10' as opposed to '10 yo', various overlooked bottom shelf bourbons, etc.) that manifest with enough frequency to justify the continuation of this thread. As an open invitation to comments, tasting notes and general banter about particular bottlings, this thread must stay! There is a reason that it resides towards the top of the thread list... BOTM is an essential part of SB.com. We all look forward to it.

[Eggman]

Howdy,

I'm with CAS, let's have categories. "Bang for the buck", "Best, regardless of price", et al. FWIW, the only Bourbon listed I've tried is JBB. It's good in my Diet Coke.

Eggman

[Old Lamplighter]

Of these, I think one of the best and most distinctive is W.L. Weller. It has a close connection to the barrel source because of its proof, has a rich, pure taste, and just stands above the others generally in my view.Gary

For the reasons stated above, I am in agreement with Gary and my vote goes to WLW. In addition, like the other member bottles of the Antique Series, a bottle of WLW will go a long, long way if consumed under normal operating procedure for a high proof......which makes it much more economical than one might think when laying down the bucks at the point of purchase. Lot B would be a close second in my book.

[Special Reserve]

Lot B is a high quality drink. I not only enjoy sipping a glass, I also enjoy the residual smell on the glass the following morning.

[nor02lei]

WLW-06

Leif

[Bailey]

Like many others I have learned a great deal from BOTM. It appears that no one favors doing away with the thread entirely - but that is simply because you haven't asked the right people. I am sure my wife would be overjoyed to retain at least a portion of the money you guys cost her every month.

I am intrigued by the idea of starting a VOTM thread. It would really expand the number of options available to all of us. I have been a little afraid to try it out because I figure I will take two good bourbons and make one bad one. But with the expertise some of you have it might be possible to turn two or more average bourbons into something good. I am still looking for a way to put that bottle of Basil Hayden's to use.

As far as BOTY, I would have to vote for FRSB followed by WLW and Lot B. Thanks Jeff you did a great job with the selections. There really wasn't a bad bourbon among them (with the possible exception of BH) IMO.

Roger

[barturtle]

L

I am intrigued by the idea of starting a VOTM thread. It would really expand the number of options available to all of us. I have been a little afraid to try it out because I figure I will take two good bourbons and make one bad one. But with the expertise some of you have it might be possible to turn two or more average bourbons into something good. I am still looking for a way to put that bottle of Basil Hayden's to use.

Roger

I think a "what are you vatting now" thread would be a good thing to have in the tasting section, but as much as I like the concept of a vatting thread, a vatting of the month seems overly limiting to the concept. There are so many possible combinations that only one a month seems overly limiting. Maybe it could be called "Gillmanization of the Moment".

As far as turning two good bourbons into one bad one, while it could happen, I haven't had it occur. If you have two bourbons you like, vatting them is unlikely to turn ugly, it may take a bit of time to get the proportions worked out, but it'll likely be favorable from the start. The best part is, it only takes a half ounce or less to give it a shot, not much risk there.