Virginia Gentleman 90 proof

[fitzharry]

I just picked up two bottles of this bourbon tonight at Spec's in downtown Houston. I've actually been looking for it for some years but never could find it.

What should I expect as I drink it? Is it a respectable bourbon or should I have spent my money elsewhere? I usually find something I like about all the bourbons I buy, but perhaps others can tell me what they like about it. Thanks!

[smokinjoe]

I think you've done well. "The Fox", as the 90 proof is sometimes called, is a very enjoyable whiskey. One of the sweetest bourbons you'll find. I've had several bottles, and have liked all of them. BTW, if your bottles have a raised fox head molded into the glass, just above the label, you have somewhat of a "dusty". Enjoy, and tell us what you think!

Cheers!

JOE

[fitzharry]

Thanks, Joe. I opened the bottle this evening and smelled the whiskey and it certainly has a fruity nose to it. I am definitely going to enjoy this one.

Unfortunately, the bottle is not old enough to have the Fox above the front label, but I did notice that the rear label is signed by two gentlemen, one of whom is named Robert E. Lee IV.

If that's not a top endorsement, then I don't know what is!

[bluesbassdad]

I thought I recalled posting about "The Fox" a few years ago. Sure enough. A search turned up this thread, among several that I posted to -- in those long-ago days when I could drink whenever I felt like it.

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[mozilla]

I didn't read through all of those old post, yet....but, I thought that VG was from the AA mashbill not the Weller mashbill. Linn lists it as wheated.

Anyone have the scoop on that?

[jeff]

From memory, I believe that myth was debunked, but I can't recall when or by whom; Probably Ken Weber.

[fitzharry]

After sipping this one the past week, I've come to the conclusing that this is an imminently easy-drinking bourbon, perhaps one of the most approachable I've ever had. It doesn't demand your full attention while you're sipping, trying to find the words to describe the taste, because it just tastes rich and good--not complex, but not one-dimensional, either. Perhaps it's the lack of barrel char in the taste, but the fruit overwhelms the senses and kind of reminds me of a young grain brandy, instead of a whiskey, if that were possible (?).

Altogether, I like this bourbon very much. It makes a delicious summertime drink--I know a lot of folks find bourbon too "hot" during the summer, but for me bourbon is the perfect summertime drink because it just tastes right in the summer. And Virginia Gentleman is a great go-to bourbon due to its perfect all-around 90 proof (not too low, not too high) and wonderful bright taste. I'm going to keep this one around now that Old Charter 12 is no longer available.

[kickert]

After sipping this one the past week, I've come to the conclusing that this is an imminently easy-drinking bourbon, perhaps one of the most approachable I've ever had. It doesn't demand your full attention while you're sipping, trying to find the words to describe the taste, because it just tastes rich and good--not complex, but not one-dimensional, either. Perhaps it's the lack of barrel char in the taste, but the fruit overwhelms the senses and kind of reminds me of a young grain brandy, instead of a whiskey, if that were possible (?).

I think you have nailed it with these notes. I just opened a bottle and am sipping it now.

It is very approachable. I did not find the sweetness that others have mentioned. It reminds me of a toned down ETL. I agree, this is "not complex, but not one-dimensional." There is absolutely nothing offensive in this. The alcohol is present, but not overwhelming. The finish is next to nothing. What does stick around reminds me a whole lot of ETL - that sweet, yet full flavor.

I did not have very high hopes for this. I expect a decent pour, but nothing outstanding. I was impressed. I would buy this again. As Harry said, this is a great bourbon to sip on when you don't want to think about it.

Has anyone had the 80 proof version? It is only $10 here in KY.

[Lost Pollito]

I thought the mash bill was the low rye bt, then it's shipped to va for final distillation, and stored in barells standing upright for aging.

[bluesbassdad]

I think you have nailed it with these notes. I just opened a bottle and am sipping it now.

It is very approachable. I did not find the sweetness that others have mentioned. It reminds me of a toned down ETL. I agree, this is "not complex, but not one-dimensional." There is absolutely nothing offensive in this. The alcohol is present, but not overwhelming. The finish is next to nothing. What does stick around reminds me a whole lot of ETL - that sweet, yet full flavor.

I did not have very high hopes for this. I expect a decent pour, but nothing outstanding. I was impressed. I would buy this again. As Harry said, this is a great bourbon to sip on when you don't want to think about it.

Has anyone had the 80 proof version? It is only $10 here in KY.

Here's a thread I contributed to long ago. And another.

And here's one regarding "The Fox".

Yours truly,

Dave Morefield

[kickert]

I thought the mash bill was the low rye bt, then it's shipped to va for final distillation, and stored in barells standing upright for aging.

I have always thought it was the high rye, but I am not sure where I got my information. The BT website greatbourbon.com lists it as "90 proof Rye Recipe," but then again, they use that designation for bourbons from both mashbills. Unfortunately, when I searched for Virginia Gentleman mashbill, most of the results point back to me. If I am wrong, I have significantly contributed to spreading misinformation. Here is where I think I got my original information:

High Rye BT...AA, AAA, RHF, HPR, Blantons, Virginia Gentleman all use the high rye mashbill.

Does anyone have the definitive answer?

As for the unique distilation / storage method - that is actually what finally convinced me to purchase a bottle. The whiskey in the bottle seemed to have a unique enough story to warrent being picked up.

[funknik]

I have always thought it was the high rye, but I am not sure where I got my information. Does anyone have the definitive answer?

My info comes from the same source, Ben.

BT Mashbill #1: Benchmark, ER, OC, BT and Stagg

Mashbill #2: AA/AAA, RHF, HPR, Blantons, ETL, Virginia Gent.

It always seemed weird to me that ER & BT are not from a high rye mashbill. I haven't had the Stagg, but I imagine it to be robust....the OC and Benchmark definitely seem high corn % though.

[bonneamie]

Recently participated in a tasting that included The Fox. As I recall, at least for me, it got low marks for its unremarkable, undemanding flavor. I guess that means it's very drinkable! The label was very pretty, too.

[GOCOUGS2002]

I picked up a couple the other day for the bunker for less than $18 a piece...If I don't like it I will just "gift" it to one of my friends.

[kickert]

I picked up a couple the other day for the bunker for less than $18 a piece...If I don't like it I will just "gift" it to one of my friends.

We are friends.... right???

[GOCOUGS2002]

We are friends.... right???

If I don't like it you will be the first on my list of potential new parents for the extra bottle.

[kickert]

If I don't like it you will be the first on my list of potential new parents for the extra bottle.

It isn't going to blow anyone's socks off, but I think it would be pretty hard to hate this. I can imagine it would be a good mixer

[Lost Pollito]

I have always thought it was the high rye, but I am not sure where I got my information.

Thanks. I 'm good at remembering things backwards.:grin:

[unclebunk]

After sipping this one the past week, I've come to the conclusing that this is an imminently easy-drinking bourbon, perhaps one of the most approachable I've ever had. It doesn't demand your full attention while you're sipping, trying to find the words to describe the taste, because it just tastes rich and good--not complex, but not one-dimensional, either. Perhaps it's the lack of barrel char in the taste, but the fruit overwhelms the senses and kind of reminds me of a young grain brandy, instead of a whiskey, if that were possible (?).

Altogether, I like this bourbon very much. It makes a delicious summertime drink--I know a lot of folks find bourbon too "hot" during the summer, but for me bourbon is the perfect summertime drink because it just tastes right in the summer. And Virginia Gentleman is a great go-to bourbon due to its perfect all-around 90 proof (not too low, not too high) and wonderful bright taste. I'm going to keep this one around now that Old Charter 12 is no longer available.

I think your tasting notes perfectly sum up my feelings about VG. As you said, it is not a complex bourbon but it is also not one dimensional either. Sometimes I just want to sip a nice tasting whiskey without having to "think" about it, know what I mean? I certainly didn't find the VG boring in any way, like some other "non-challenging" bourbons I've purchased, so I think I'll keep a bottle of this around, especially for those occasions when I want an easygoing, delicious pour while reading a good book before bed.

It is very approachable. I did not find the sweetness that others have mentioned. It reminds me of a toned down ETL. I agree, this is "not complex, but not one-dimensional." There is absolutely nothing offensive in this. The alcohol is present, but not overwhelming. The finish is next to nothing. What does stick around reminds me a whole lot of ETL - that sweet, yet full flavor.

I did not have very high hopes for this. I expect a decent pour, but nothing outstanding. I was impressed. I would buy this again. As Harry said, this is a great bourbon to sip on when you don't want to think about it.

I think the comparison to a "toned down" ETL is right on! That's another of my favorite "after dinner" or "bedtime" pours and the price of the VG makes it an easy choice for me.

[cowdery]

I've always found it tasty enough, but not compelling. I suspect that the third distillation strips most of the flavor out of the distillate itself so all you're really tasting is the barrel. I think the only unique thing about the aging is that the barrels are stored on end, not on their sides as is customary, and the fact that it's aged in Virginia.

But it's still good for winning bar bets with people who think bourbon has to be made in Kentucky.

[kickert]

But it's still good for winning bar bets with people who think bourbon has to be made in Kentucky.

That "made" word is obviously loosely interpreted. Technically the alcohol is "made" in Kentucky, but then that alcohol is "made" into bourbon in Virginia.

[cowdery]

Just be careful how you phrase the bet.

[camduncan]

This one's been on my short list to try for some time, as the flavour profile that I've read about seems to fit my current bourbon preference - light, slightly sweet, low alcohol burn on the finish (like ETL or MM.) So, when I read this thread, I got motivated to jump online and order a bottle from the (only) Aussie store that imports it.... and, they're out of stock :smiley_acbt:

C'est la vie.

[Josh]

The Fox was a part of my "hard to get" tasting a week ago. I'll try and post the notes today.