GTS blasphemy?

[felthove]

Using the proof calculator I estimated that I need about 2.5 parts of Stagg at 144 proof to 1 part water to get a final proof of 107 (which is about the hottest I like my bourbon).

I've been adding water in this ratio each time I have a pour and figured I could save some time by adding some spring water to the bottle and pre-mixing to 107 proof. So I did it. I now have full bottle of GTS right where I like it. But I feel like I've sinned somehow :grin:

Anyone else do this, or have you avoided doing this for some other reason, such as wanting to retain the option of tasting a really high proof product now and again?

[gothbat]

Anyone else do this, or have you avoided doing this for some other reason, such as wanting to retain the option of tasting a really high proof product now and again?

I don't do this but I've thought about it. I decided against it to simply keep my options open. I've always assumed that, more so than presenting the opportunity to taste bourbon at barrel proof, the intention of these bottlings was to give people the chance to play bottler (I'm not sure the correct term for this) and water it down themselves to their liking. Just seems like you took it a step further than everyone else and did the entire bottle rather than each individual glass. If 107 is the highest you'll go on proof to drink then I don't see any reason not to do this.

[cowdery]

I never thought of this -- too much math for me -- but I don't see anything wrong with it. Seems smart, in fact. The point of barrel proof whiskey is to let the consumer pick the drinking proof. The point is not necessarily to drink them at barrel proof.

[doubleblank]

I made a similar post many years ago also using Stagg for my base whiskey. I think I used Stagg 2003 and brought the proof down to 100. I used a decanter, 1/2 bottle of Stagg and watered it down to 100. Suited me just fine and I left the remainder of the Stagg in the bottle for those that wanted the full proof version.

Randy

[billthewoodguy]

Blasphemy indeed...

Sip slowly but sip often if my policy.

[billthewoodguy]

Blasphemy indeed...

Sip slowly but sip often is my policy.

[jburlowski]

It's your booze... you paid for it... drink it the way you like it.

End of story.

[CorvallisCracker]

No, it's not blasphemous.

Me, I like keeping it at full strength just to impress my guests, most of whom have never encountered anything that strong.

ADDED VIA EDIT

Hey, I see I'm now an Enthusiast.

Think I'll celebrate with some GTS.

[DowntownD]

Hey, I see I'm now an Enthusiast.

Think I'll celebrate with some GTS.

George and I say "cheers" to your enthusiasm.

[TNbourbon]

Here's my take:

Once a bottle is unsealed (e.g., opened), it's essentially worthless monetarily. Therefore, I treat nearly all my open bottles equally -- any preserving is done based on rarity, and the resultant difficulty in replacement -- and drink them any way that strikes my fancy.

Stagg is not that tough a find around here, at least within 2-3 months of release. So, I mix it with cola, I cook with it (I made peanut brittle with it around Christmastime. Excellent!), I vat it with other whiskeys. It's just another bottle on my shelf.

Frankly, it's pretty versatile bourbon, so you're missing a lot of its endearing qualities if you DON'T do any of those things with it.

[lovejones]

What kind of water do you guys use? I prefer around 100 to 107 proof, so I don't have to be exact in my measurement....but what water should I use?

[TNbourbon]

...but what water should I use?

Barry, even chlorinated 'city' water will de-gassify if left out overnight in an uncovered container.

Personally, I usually have some counter-top-distilled water in the 'fridge. But, frankly, distilling is overkill.

[cowdery]

Brita-filtered water has always treated me right.

[dcb]

I add water to Stagg by the glass, not much, maybe down to 115-120 proof or so. We've got great well water so I just let the tap trickle in my glass for a second and then give it a swirl.

[spun_cookie]

the 2007 is my ffavorite rocks bourbon... 1-2 cubes with 3-4 ounces... nice sippin' night

[CorvallisCracker]

Brita-filtered water has always treated me right.

That's what I use as well.