Hirsch 20yo

[bromike666]

For what its worth, http://www.nywineexchange.com has it on their site for $369.99. I called them to verify and they say they "can get it for you" when you place an order online.

I'm no expert like some of ya'll and very new to all this vintage Bourbon stuff so I'll be passing on this one.

Just thought I'd let anyone who is interested know about what I found.

[cowdery]

Sounds like for $369.99 they'll make it for you, if you know what I mean.

[Docholiday]

I had found online, an offering for A H Hirsh 20 with a picture at a unrealistic price. I called the store and they said that they indeed had it. I asked the clerk to check both the price and the stock. She said that she could see it in the case from where she was standing and that the price was correct. I just couldn't believe it and told her that I would take both bottles in stock. I told her I would be there in 1/2 hour. When I got there I could not find it amongst their Bourbons and assumed she had removed them from the shelf for me. I asked at the counter and the clerk showed me two Hirsh 20 year old American Whiskey bottles. I had printed out a copy of their ad which I Had with me and showed it to the clerk. She called the manager who looked at the ad and said it was an error and that they did not have it and he would have it corrected. Needless to say I was quite unhappy. Maybe this too is what you have found.

[bromike666]

I had found online, an offering for A H Hirsh 20 with a picture at a unrealistic price. I called the store and they said that they indeed had it. I asked the clerk to check both the price and the stock. She said that she could see it in the case from where she was standing and that the price was correct. I just couldn't believe it and told her that I would take both bottles in stock. I told her I would be there in 1/2 hour. When I got there I could not find it amongst their Bourbons and assumed she had removed them from the shelf for me. I asked at the counter and the clerk showed me two Hirsh 20 year old American Whiskey bottles. I had printed out a copy of their ad which I Had with me and showed it to the clerk. She called the manager who looked at the ad and said it was an error and that they did not have it and he would have it corrected. Needless to say I was quite unhappy. Maybe this too is what you have found.

Talk about a let-down! Thats putting it in PG-13 terms.

[Colorado]

i have 7 bottles, A.H.Hirsch 20 y.o. w/ the red was caps intact i'd like to sell.

[spun_cookie]

I'm your huckleberry... ... ...

[TNbourbon]

i have 7 bottles, A.H.Hirsch 20 y.o. w/ the red was caps intact i'd like to sell.

Try eBay. Sure, someone here -- probably a lurker, not yet a member -- will offer to buy 'em, but we're pretty cheap. We realize it's waaayyy overpriced.

(Pardon the directness, but we tend to be a little radioactive when a new member's first post is an offer to sell us stuff a good many of us have already had -- and I realize I'm going to be bashed by certain members for my 'inhospitality' but, well, there ya go...)

[TNbourbon]

Try eBay. Sure, someone here -- probably a lurker, not yet a member -- will offer to buy 'em, but we're pretty cheap. We realize it's waaayyy overpriced.

(Pardon the directness, but we tend to be a little radioactive when a new member's first post is an offer to sell us stuff a good many of us have already had -- and I realize I'm going to be bashed by certain members for my 'inhospitality' but, well, there ya go...I think of SB.com as something more than a classified ads page. Go figure.)

[Colorado]

appreciate your directness. i'll try e-bay. these were given to me instead of a payment, and i don't know what to do with them

[spun_cookie]

Tim,

What is strange is he is member #898.... long time to wait for a first post... so not such a supper newbie...

[TNbourbon]

Em, while I understand any angst you might feel as a relative (and appreciated) newcomer, I (and I know I'm not alone) just hate when bottles go to the highest bidder instead of to people who will appreciate the whiskey in the bottle, just because it might be one of the current 'rarities du jour'. I found four Hirsch 20s a few years ago at $108 each, and I passed them along for $108 each. And, yes, it was already a rarity by then.

Have I ever made a profit on a bottle? Sure -- as recently as last weekend in Bardstown. But, it took some convincing, because it was a bottle I'd taken to the Sampler to open and taste! And the buyer was someone who has both been very good to me, and I know will open it someday and enjoy it. It won't be a 'bunker queen'.

But, most of all, you'll find that the 'old-timers' here -- and I guess I qualify as being among them -- didn't forward this forum as a trading post. We have had, and continue to have, an abiding respect, appreciation, and enjoyment of America's native spirit, the value of which is not counted in dollars, but in experiences and societies engendered.

I promise you, Em, if I can find a reasonably-priced Hirsch 20yo again, I will offer it to you at the price I've paid. That, for better or worse, is the best I can do.

[spun_cookie]

Your a good man sir and not a problem ... thank you for the kind offer...

I just can't bring myself to sell what I have... It is like my wine, I want to know what it tastes like with fellow enthusiasts... (one of the reasons my wife will not let me invest in wine )

[stoopsie]

(Pardon the directness, but we tend to be a little radioactive

Radioactive..... I resemble that remark:slappin:

[cowdery]

Thanks, Tim, you expressed the SB gestalt very well.

[AVB]

The last one on ebay just went for $676! I guess I have to decide sometime if I'm ever gonna open up the second one I have stashed away.

[Gillman]

I'd just like to add that Hirsch 20, which I've had a number of times, is a very good bourbon but is not unique in flavor profile. There are many whiskeys whose tastes approximate it quite closely and are as good or better. The best bottles of EC 18 years old (some of which are actually 20 years old or more) are just as good. So are some of the vintage series bottlings of KBF, the Vintage Bourbon 18 years old is very similar, IMO.

I realise that this brand represents a kind of loadstone but bottles of bourbon or rye of a similar age are on the market and I for one would be hard pressed to distinguish some of them in a blind tasting. Certainly I have my own elusive bottles, which perhaps I will never get to try. I am comforted in the fact that bourbon flavors, while as complex and interesting as those of the best malt whiskies and other great spirits, operate in a relativey narrow range (it is just the nature of the creature, you might say).

In fact, a thread on which straight whiskeys approximate or exceed the palate of Hirsch 20 year old bourbon would be instructive and revealing, I think.

Gary

[doubleblank]

As has been opined here on many occasions, the Hirsch 20's "value" lies in its relative rarity, not in its unique or outstanding flavors. I'll go on record that the Hirsch 16 wax tops are far better whiskeys to my taste......and offer a unique flavor profile. The Hirsch 20 yo flavors are much more dominated by wood than the 16 yo......the same/or similar flavors that show up in many 20 yo and older bourbons, IMHO.

Regarding the recent Hirsch 20 sale on ebay, that price seems in line based on other recent sales.....Dickle BHC for $150, Stagg 2003 for $300....all pretty funny to me. Of course, its easy to laugh when these things are already in my bunker.

Randy

[Gillman]

Randy, I agree, but I think some people at least when they hear about the brand feel there is something unique about it and extra-special (in the taste), and they may not realize that it's always a relative matter. Some no doubt take the collecting approach to it (and fair enough, collecting has its own appeal), but as a palate matter, it is an excellent whiskey that has as you say specific attributes which are not unique IMO again.

Gary

[mgilbertva]

Radioactive..... I resemble that remark:slappin:

Ba-dump bump.

No, that's not a quip about stoopsie's glowing personality. Maybe he needs to work on it some more.

[RWBadley]

A number of years ago I found a small shop that was shutting it's doors (RIP). They had some glorious Scotch, Bourbon, Cognac, and others. I ended up aquiring a fine lot of Booze that I still have bits and pieces of.

There was a couple of Hirsch 20yo left on the shelf, and I pulled those for purchase as they were (with closing discount) about $45 each. I had the bourbon before and knew it a fine deal, especially at that price. The owner asked me if I'd be interested in any more and I replied "of course". I ended up with I guess seven or eight bottles of it, and have very happily consumed it over the years.

Several years ago a shop got wind I had a couple of bottles left and offered me $250 for a bottle. I declined. Seeing the recent bottle on fleabay go for $667 would make it very tempting to sell if I had more than one left. I'd really rather have the Hirsch, but knowing it's $650+ out the window for me cracking the bottle certainly gives pause.

The truth is, Over the last twenty years I have made it my avocation to taste and evaluate many, many different hootch. High end Cognac, Mezcal, Tequila, Scotch etc. I've enjoyed many and often. (I'm sure my liver thanks me) Many I have tried are not available anymore. Or if they can be found are stratospheric in price.

I have done many many side by side comparisons, and while the Hirsch 16 won slightly in bright flavors and character, the 20 had the depth and complexity that time and time again took best in show against all comers, whether it be Scotch, Cognac etc etc etc.... I will admit it was a good thing they didn't let it age longer on wood, as the balance was just very slightly tipping to a touch of tired wood. Nevertheless.

Of all I'd say I remember the 1970 21 yo Glen Garioch gave it a serious run, an old Bowmore did also, one Cognac that was from just post war was close ( my minor complaint was that it was just tooo smooooth;-).

I have tasted many Bourbon, with very few that would approach it. I think the old Pappy 20 was quite good, while not so refined as the Hirsch, it made up for it with a nice depth of leather and mint. The vintage Port Ellen cask strength Scotch approached it. The Bladnoch 1965 was excellent. But--- the Hirsch 20yo nipped 'em all in the end. Every time. With many palates on hand it was always the winner.

It really is World class, and is very deserving of being so highly sought after. Worth $600+? Well, I dunno, I'm just glad to have a small bit left, cuz I sure couldn't afford to buy it now.

[DowntownD]

A number of years ago I found a small shop that was shutting it's doors (RIP). They had some glorious Scotch, Bourbon, Cognac, and others. I ended up aquiring a fine lot of Booze that I still have bits and pieces of.

There was a couple of Hirsch 20yo left on the shelf, and I pulled those for purchase as they were (with closing discount) about $45 each. I had the bourbon before and knew it a fine deal, especially at that price. The owner asked me if I'd be interested in any more and I replied "of course". I ended up with I guess seven or eight bottles of it, and have very happily consumed it over the years.

Several years ago a shop got wind I had a couple of bottles left and offered me $250 for a bottle. I declined. Seeing the recent bottle on fleabay go for $667 would make it very tempting to sell if I had more than one left. I'd really rather have the Hirsch, but knowing it's $650+ out the window for me cracking the bottle certainly gives pause.

The truth is, Over the last twenty years I have made it my avocation to taste and evaluate many, many different hootch. High end Cognac, Mezcal, Tequila, Scotch etc. I've enjoyed many and often. (I'm sure my liver thanks me) Many I have tried are not available anymore. Or if they can be found are stratospheric in price.

I have done many many side by side comparisons, and while the Hirsch 16 won slightly in bright flavors and character, the 20 had the depth and complexity that time and time again took best in show against all comers, whether it be Scotch, Cognac etc etc etc.... I will admit it was a good thing they didn't let it age longer on wood, as the balance was just very slightly tipping to a touch of tired wood. Nevertheless.

Of all I'd say I remember the 1970 21 yo Glen Garioch gave it a serious run, an old Bowmore did also, one Cognac that was from just post war was close ( my minor complaint was that it was just tooo smooooth;-).

I have tasted many Bourbon, with very few that would approach it. I think the old Pappy 20 was quite good, while not so refined as the Hirsch, it made up for it with a nice depth of leather and mint. The vintage Port Ellen cask strength Scotch approached it. The Bladnoch 1965 was excellent. But--- the Hirsch 20yo nipped 'em all in the end. Every time. With many palates on hand it was always the winner.

It really is World class, and is very deserving of being so highly sought after. Worth $600+? Well, I dunno, I'm just glad to have a small bit left, cuz I sure couldn't afford to buy it now.

hell of a first post...

welcome.

- D

[TNbourbon]

hell of a first post...

welcome.

- D

Indeed! RWBadley, we'd most enjoy hearing about some of the other liquors you've enjoyed, especially the whiskeys.

[RWBadley]

Indeed! RWBadley, we'd most enjoy hearing about some of the other liquors you've enjoyed, especially the whiskeys.

Thanks guys; for the warm welcome and kind words.

Living on the left coast I'm sure I don't have local access to the depth of Bourbon available elsewhere. I'll post when I get some time in the newbie thread with an introduction of my tasting experience and background.

In Van Nuys CA (I'm in Reno NV) there is a store called Wine and Liquor Depot. I had been getting liquor shipped from there for several years when I found the chance to drive down and check them out personally. This was maybe eight or ten years ago I guess. Howard was always so nice on the phone... So I get there and introduce myself.

Walking around the shop I picked out a mixed case when Howard came up to me with a small glass. He offers it to me with the explanation it is Knappogue Castle (sp) 1951 (or '52) So here I am walking around this amazing high end booze shop with a glass of 40 yr old Irish. Heaven! I felt like a kid in a candy shop with a pocket full of nickels.

I ended up bringing home some nice Singletory Highland Park cask 1975, along with Ardbeg 20something and Port Ellen. I think I brought a few bourbon back too, tho this trip might have been a couple of the Hirsch 16. These were all less than $75 each at the time, now more like 300 I'd guess, at least for the POrt Ellen. The Hirsch was around $40 if I remember right.

All good whiskey. Keep this hint on the back page, but the best value imho lately and one you should try is the oops, hang on a sec... Let me order another bottle before I let the cat out ;-) I'll share that tip next time.

Cheers,

RW

[heatmiser]

Wine & Liquor Depot in Van Nuys is a great shop. I have been there numerous times. They have one if not the best independant scotch offerings in SoCal. There tequila selection is phenomenal as well. Bourbon selection is just so-so. Prices are always on the low end. Great store!

[Gillman]

Just a correction, when I mentioned earlier Vintage 18 from KBD, I meant the Vintage Bourbon 17 years old (Cliff's recent post on the tastings he does in New York prompted this correction).

It would be interesting to know its origin.

It does seem to have a high rye-type taste, and maybe this is why it reminds me of Hirsch 20, but it could be the barrel too.

I do not believe I ever had the 21 and 23, maybe one of them, once.

Gary