While traveling, found Wild Turkey Kentucky Select. It's terrific, some of Jimmy Russell's best.

I'm going to pick up some "local" bourbon the next time I'm in Bardstown, possibly this summer.

I have more experience with Scotch than Bourbon. Usually I add a few drops of water to my Scotch to open it.

I assume most Bourbons proof higher than Scotch, so is it common practice to cut Bourbon slightly?

I don't like Scotch with ice, or mixed with soda, BTW.

To be defined as bourbon it must be bottled at 80 proof, but in reality, few are that bottled that low. Most are around 90, but barrel proofs broach the 130 mark. What I like about barrel proof is you get to decide how much water, i.e. what proof, does it for you with a particular bourbon.

The Stagg Jr. I was inquiring about earlier is just over 131, I believe, and reputedly very hot neat. But, add the right amount of water and folks are saying very nice things about batch #3.

I'm actually drinking the current Stagg Jr. this evening.

regular Stagg tastes even better, but I like the Jr also.

at least now there's another Barrel Strength option.

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
I'm actually drinking the current Stagg Jr. this evening.

regular Stagg tastes even better, but I like the Jr also.

at least now there's another Barrel Strength option.

Thanks, 46and2, that's all I need to know. I called and have 2 bottles on hold for pickup later this afternoon. Current meaning batch #3, 132.1 proof? There seems to be a more positive consensus on #3. Tried the other two?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jigray3,

quote:

Originally posted by jigray3:
I called and have 2 bottles on hold for pickup later this afternoon. Current meaning batch #3, 132.1 proof? There seems to be a more positive consensus on #3. Tried the other two?

I have a bottle of batch 3 that was very harsh on opening. It's settled down and improved with air time. Have fun.

Get past the burn, and the flavors are wild. I get concentrated candied apple and berries on top of toffee and caramel. Absent medicinal flavors despite the attack. Very unique sweet hot thing at higher proof. Smooth and tasty knocked down, but more fun and challenging at the stiff end. Very dark red color is your first warning. It's the only bourbon I own where you can't see through the bottle. Proof on this one us 132.2.

I like it.

The hits just keep on coming. One of the Orphan Barrels, Barterhouse, hit the stores yesterday. I got a call from a friend alerting me, otherwise I would have missed out. The reviews were mixed, most were trying to justify the price, but for a 20 year bourbon, $85.00 is probably on the cheap end. I think it's very, very good, if not quite great at first blush. Little bit of everything up front, but not quite the mouth feel, depth and long finish you feel like it should have. A lot of reviews comment the proof may be a little to low at 90.2, but I can't say I think that observation holds true of this release.



The others are from a package store in Kingsport, TN called B&B. They make trips to the distilleries to taste and hand pick barrels. So both the Buffalo Trace and the 4 Roses are hand selected single barrels. I was curious about these two because I didn't really care for the "generic" versions of each. Still settling in, but dramatic difference, no question. The 4 Roses has anise on top clear as a bell. This bottle of BT is far less oaky, but still picking out the flavors.

Also found and bought another bottle of Stagg Jr. The first one just disappeared. I couldn't stop myself.

Go for it. Ya can't take it with you and that money won't spend itself.

Might need some help drinking this, Jim. Not a lot, but some....

which Mash combo is your Four Roses Single Barrel?

Has anyoned sampled the new Woodford Reserve Rye yet? I'm interested in some, feedback..

quote:

Originally posted by CQB60:
Has anyoned sampled the new Woodford Reserve Rye yet? I'm interested in some, feedback..

I bought a bottle a few days ago, being that their Bourbon is one I always keep around, and my first impression was positive. In a few days I'll do a vertical tasting and compare it against the other Ryes I keep on hand (Baby Sazerac, Van Winkle, Willett 4yo, Taylor, and Thomas Handy).

quote:

Originally posted by jigray3:
Might need some help drinking this, Jim. Not a lot, but some....

That's what friends are for!

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
which Mash combo is your Four Roses Single Barrel?

60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley, aged 9 yrs. 11 mos. I didn't know they might have different mash's.

Also, I had an opportunity to pick up a bottle of Whistlepig 10yo rye. After reading some of the reviews, that may have been a mistake, but it was nearly as pricey as the Barterhouse. Did I screw up?

quote:

Originally posted by jigray3:

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
which Mash combo is your Four Roses Single Barrel?

60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley, aged 9 yrs. 11 mos. I didn't know they might have different mash's.

Four Roses has ten different Mashes, used in various mixes, and their Single Barrel Expression has been released in several combinations. One of my favorites is called OBSV and another is OBSK... Yours will have a similar four letter combination on it somewhere.

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:

quote:

Originally posted by jigray3:

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
which Mash combo is your Four Roses Single Barrel?

60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley, aged 9 yrs. 11 mos. I didn't know they might have different mash's.

Four Roses has ten different Mashes, used in various mixes, and their Single Barrel Expression has been released in several combinations. One of my favorites is called OBSV and another is OBSK... Yours will have a similar four letter combination on it somewhere.

Sure enough "OBSV" on the label on the side. I noticed it when looking the bottle over, but, of course, it meant nothing to me. Fascinating that there would be so many different recipes. Most companies wouldn't risk their brand like that. The product could be perceived as inconsistent by consumers, but I suppose the strategy is to create sub brands attractive to bourbon lovers. Still risky.

I've taken to trying pours when going out to dinner, so I tried 4 fingers of the 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, a frequently recommended bourbon here on the forum, which I quite enjoyed. It almost possessed the sweetness if a wheater, which really complimented the crispy fried catfish and buffalo sauce, cheese grits and tart slaw. Another very good option in the mid $30.00 range, and they are stacking up.

1792 is in my top 4. It runs about 26 here. I was in tulsa awhile back and they had it and elijiah craigh small batch for 20 bucks. I should have stocked up.... kinda like missing ocean aged jeffersons for 34 bucks 5 months ago.

quote:

Originally posted by Deqlyn: kinda like missing ocean aged jeffersons for 34 bucks 5 months ago.

Whaaaaat!!!

Oh, Deqlyn.....

No opinions on the Whistlepig, huh?

Since no one has said it: Great Karma. Count me in!!

I lubs me some good whisky. But usually only buy it on special occasions.