the bourbon experiments, part 3

[DowntownD]

with your help I'm finishing up Phase I tonight, and Phase II arrives from Binny's via Fed Ex tomorrow. so, as I look ahead to the next part of this so-called experiment (my goal being finding 4-6 bourbons to stock deep and consider daily-pour worthy, regardless of cost - in either direction) I could use your help again flushing out an order for Phase III (amongst what's currently available, within reason, and bourbons only please).

Phase I:

* Booker's

* PVW 15/107

* VW Lot B

* ER 10yr SB

Phase II:

* GTS

* ETL SB

* Weller 12yr

* FR SmB

Phase III:

* BTAC WLWeller (already have a bottle on hold for me)

* ??

* ??

* ??

as I think about this order/phase, these questions come to mind:

- is Pappy 20 or 23 really much better/different than the 15 or Lot B?

- are there any other noteworthy cask strength bourbons around? I happen to like Booker's (with a little water) a lot, what else is similar?

- is it possible to get a bottle of this Van Blankle I keep reading about?

- anyone taste the new FR (anniversary version) and is it available yet? the other thread mentioned it might be ready by the sampler, was that the case?

thanks, and cheers...

- D

[spun_cookie]

* BTAC WLWeller (already have a bottle on hold for me)

* Pappy 23 if you can spring for it (and yes it is that good - to me)

* Blantons Strast from the Cask (Export, but can be found)

* Weller Centennial (A personal fav.)

* Four Roses Single Barrel (an extra to trade with the above)

My two cents anyhow... I have everything you have less the ER 10yr SB, and I love them all except the FR Smal Batch.

[callmeox]

Ask Brett which of the Old Forester Birthday expressions that he has available to ship. Have you tried Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit? I continue to be impressed with the Old Forester Signature (100 proof) that I brought home from Binny's as well. You can't go wrong with the Buffalo Trace that they have on sale for 18.00 either.

Anyhow, isn't this a great 'problem' to have to figure out?

[DowntownD]

agreed, there are much worse problems to have.

excellent suggestions. thanks.

Phase III (final, assuming I can get the Blanton's):

* BTAC WLWeller

* Four Roses Single Barrel

* Old Forester Birthday (year TBD, I think Spring 2003 has the best description...)

* Blantons Strait from the Cask (Export, but can be found - where??)

Phase II arrives in a few hours... it's going to be a great day in downtown Burbonia, I can feel it. A swim in the creek, an amazing taco, and an afternoon of new tastes. that's my agenda today...

[wadewood]

All the Blantons will have the same profile for tasting purposes. Other than the proof, there are no differences between the different bottlings (Gold, Silver, Barrel Proof, etc.).

[spun_cookie]

PM sent, Emerlad ........

[CorvallisCracker]

- is it possible to get a bottle of this Van Blankle I keep reading about?

I think that "Van Blankle" is just another term for Van Winkle Lot B.

[doubleblank]

Van Blankle is the name given by Ed (Pepcycle) to a single barrel of Van Winkle Lot B I purchased from Julian in the summer of 2004. There's a long thread about the selection with pictures somewhere here at SB. The barrel produced 17 cases.....I have 15 bottles left.

I always bring some to the Gazebo activities and it didn't last long at this year's Sampler. The Gazebo is your best bet to get a taste. Or come by my place here in Houston and I'll be glad to share some.

Randy

[mozilla]

David,

I highly reccomend The Taco Deli...down by the Barton Skyway entrance to the Green Belt. Eric or Robert will take good care of you....mention my name for an extra side of abuse. No really they are old freinds of mine and will abuse you for it. BTW, you can bring your own beer and sit on the patio and enjoy an 80 degree day.

As far as phase III: I would work the Weller line over from top to bottom. It won't disappoint. Try one of each including the Centennial....and maybe a little of the Turkey line would help round things out..Russels reserve, 101, Ky Spirit and Rare Breed.

Enjoy the trip!

[DowntownD]

thanks randy; I don't make it to Houston much but if I do I'll take you up on your generous offer. with pleasure.

jeff - right... that's funny... I was thinking of taco deli when I wrote that. the cowboy taco is my favorite, momma-slapping goodness.

ok, but here's the important question: rudy's or salt lick or other?

[mozilla]

thanks randy; I don't make it to Houston much but if I do I'll take you up on your generous offer. with pleasure.

jeff - right... that's funny... I was thinking of taco deli when I wrote that. the cowboy taco is my favorite, momma-slapping goodness.

ok, but here's the important question: rudy's or salt lick or other?

Depends.....but, mostly other.:bigeyes:

[Phischy]

You need some Saz. Either Baby Saz or BTAC Sazerac. I love that stuff.