Best & worst Bourbon?
Oct 3, 2015, 6:20 pm
#541
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NYC
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Posts: 2,564
Some real bourbon experts in here. A lot of great info. I recently tried the Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (120 proof) at lunch a couple weeks back and thought it was quite tasty. So I ordered a bottle...for $30 it's a solid value.
Oct 4, 2015, 11:56 am
#542
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Speaking of Smooth Ambler, I stopped by their distillery last weekend and tried several things of theirs you can't find in VA's crappy ABC stores.
I'm a fan of their 7 year bourbon and their 7 year rye, both sourced products. Tried the 10 year bourbon, which the server claimed was typically something those who like the 7 don't like (and vice versa). It was tasty, and I bought a bottle. I can't recall if it's wheated and the 7 is high rye content or vice versa.
They also had a 9 year release of the same stuff as the 7, single barrel. Not sure it's substantially better with 2 more years to it.
Tried the Contradiction, which is a blend of their sourced 10 and their own distilled bourbon with 2 years of age. (The 10 must be wheated as IIRC their distillate is high rye bourbon.) This is available in DC and MD. Bought a bottle.
They also had a 3 year expression of their own distillate, which though definitely showing youth has promise. They said they plan a wider release of it a couple of years or so. And they're growing their own rye now as well, with their corn coming from Indiana IIRC.
I'm a fan of their 7 year bourbon and their 7 year rye, both sourced products. Tried the 10 year bourbon, which the server claimed was typically something those who like the 7 don't like (and vice versa). It was tasty, and I bought a bottle. I can't recall if it's wheated and the 7 is high rye content or vice versa.
They also had a 9 year release of the same stuff as the 7, single barrel. Not sure it's substantially better with 2 more years to it.
Tried the Contradiction, which is a blend of their sourced 10 and their own distilled bourbon with 2 years of age. (The 10 must be wheated as IIRC their distillate is high rye bourbon.) This is available in DC and MD. Bought a bottle.
They also had a 3 year expression of their own distillate, which though definitely showing youth has promise. They said they plan a wider release of it a couple of years or so. And they're growing their own rye now as well, with their corn coming from Indiana IIRC.
Oct 4, 2015, 3:45 pm
#543
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: DL PM, 1MM, DL SC, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 2,416
Went to my liquor store yesterday and the manager, who knows me pretty well, had received some Sazerac 6 yo and set a few aside for me. $23/bottle cash price -- I was all over that like stink on a monkey! 
Also picked up something new (for me) from a Texas distillery: Ranger Creek Rimfire, which is a scotch-style single malt smoked with Texas mesquite instead of peat. Can't wait to try it; sounds interesting.
Also picked up something new (for me) from a Texas distillery: Ranger Creek Rimfire, which is a scotch-style single malt smoked with Texas mesquite instead of peat. Can't wait to try it; sounds interesting.
Oct 4, 2015, 3:56 pm
#544
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Balcones Brimstone from Texas is scrub oak smoked, and though the smoke is overpowering, it's quite interesting.
Oct 4, 2015, 7:04 pm
#545
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Speaking of Smooth Ambler, I stopped by their distillery last weekend and tried several things of theirs you can't find in VA's crappy ABC stores.
I'm a fan of their 7 year bourbon and their 7 year rye, both sourced products. Tried the 10 year bourbon, which the server claimed was typically something those who like the 7 don't like (and vice versa). It was tasty, and I bought a bottle. I can't recall if it's wheated and the 7 is high rye content or vice versa.
They also had a 9 year release of the same stuff as the 7, single barrel. Not sure it's substantially better with 2 more years to it.
Tried the Contradiction, which is a blend of their sourced 10 and their own distilled bourbon with 2 years of age. (The 10 must be wheated as IIRC their distillate is high rye bourbon.) This is available in DC and MD. Bought a bottle.
They also had a 3 year expression of their own distillate, which though definitely showing youth has promise. They said they plan a wider release of it a couple of years or so. And they're growing their own rye now as well, with their corn coming from Indiana IIRC.
I'm a fan of their 7 year bourbon and their 7 year rye, both sourced products. Tried the 10 year bourbon, which the server claimed was typically something those who like the 7 don't like (and vice versa). It was tasty, and I bought a bottle. I can't recall if it's wheated and the 7 is high rye content or vice versa.
They also had a 9 year release of the same stuff as the 7, single barrel. Not sure it's substantially better with 2 more years to it.
Tried the Contradiction, which is a blend of their sourced 10 and their own distilled bourbon with 2 years of age. (The 10 must be wheated as IIRC their distillate is high rye bourbon.) This is available in DC and MD. Bought a bottle.
They also had a 3 year expression of their own distillate, which though definitely showing youth has promise. They said they plan a wider release of it a couple of years or so. And they're growing their own rye now as well, with their corn coming from Indiana IIRC.
Their own distillate is a 60% corn, 20% wheat, 20% barley mashbill.. I haven't tried the yearling yet but I have heard that it shows promise..
It's great that they show the meatballs on their website.. just realized why the 10 yo is so sweet- it's a high corn product (75%).. and yes the 7 is a high rye...
It's good stuff; a buddy of mine flies his private plane into there from time to time and keeps inviting me to come....
FDW
Oct 9, 2015, 6:32 am
#546
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: MSP
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Today is Friday. What are you planning on drinking this weekend? Trying anything new or just the comfort of the ol' standby? 
Oct 9, 2015, 6:40 am
#547
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: DL PM, 1MM, DL SC, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 2,416
Last week I picked up a bottle of Highland Park 18 which, despite being a fan of the HP Valhalla collection, I hadn't tried before. It's great stuff -- why did it take me so long to try? I may need another dram this weekend.
Oct 9, 2015, 6:42 am
#548
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Bernheim 7 yo Wheat Whiskey
Old Weller Antique
Smooth Ambler 7 yo Bourbon
Smooth Ambler 7 yo Rye
So I figure we have a wheat whiskey, a wheated bourbon, a high rye bourbon and a rye for tasting.. should be interesting...
FDW
Oct 9, 2015, 6:44 am
#549
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Excellent choice. I saw a wide variety of HP offerings at a World Duty Free shop recently. Many I would assume to be travel exclusives. Harald, Loki, etc.... Enjoy!
Oct 9, 2015, 6:47 am
#550
Join Date: Jun 2015
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My neighborhood is having a Octoberfest this weekend.. since I only tolerate beer from time to time I've also used it as an excuse to have a little whiskey tasting.... current plan is:
Bernheim 7 yo Wheat Whiskey
Old Weller Antique
Smooth Ambler 7 yo Bourbon
Smooth Ambler 7 yo Rye
So I figure we have a wheat whiskey, a wheated bourbon, a high rye bourbon and a rye for tasting.. should be interesting...
FDW
Bernheim 7 yo Wheat Whiskey
Old Weller Antique
Smooth Ambler 7 yo Bourbon
Smooth Ambler 7 yo Rye
So I figure we have a wheat whiskey, a wheated bourbon, a high rye bourbon and a rye for tasting.. should be interesting...
FDW
Not sure if it's worth the trouble.
Oct 9, 2015, 7:05 am
#551
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: DL PM, 1MM, DL SC, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 2,416
Never had the chance to try the Harald, but the Loki is one of the Valhalla collection and if you see a bottle, grab it because I don't think they're making any more. I am still looking for a bottle of the Odin, and my liquor store says the chances of seeing one are slim. Guess I need to check duty free stores as well; maybe I'll get lucky.
Oct 9, 2015, 7:05 pm
#554
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
I do quite like the Old Weller Antique.. for the price one of the best drinkers out there....
FDW
Oct 9, 2015, 9:24 pm
#555
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I killed a bottle of Angels Envy last night. Been out drinking stout this evening but will probably crack open one of 2 bottles of 1792 sitting on the floor by the liquor cabinet. Or maybe lower the level in the Colonel EH Taylor that's already open. The old standby is Basil Haydens. I will hold off opening the next bottle until company arrives in 2 weeks.