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Carillon posted:Anyone had the Angels Envy Rye? I'm curious how the rum cask finish works, or if it sweetens it up too much? Very very sweet, I like sweet so I like it. But even for me it’s like a good nice in awhile type drink. I consider it sweeter than WR double oaked, and OF 1910, which are two big dessert type drams(although neither are ryes).
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Sep 14, 2020 21:25
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I went to the liquor store, got Whistlepig 12, Jefferson’s Ocean Cask Strength and then couldn’t decide between Old Forester 1920 or Four Roses Small Batch Select or something else. Anyone have a preference?
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Sep 17, 2020 23:04
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Gatts posted:I went to the liquor store, got Whistlepig 12, Jefferson’s Ocean Cask Strength and then couldn’t decide between Old Forester 1920 or Four Roses Small Batch Select or something else. Anyone have a preference? I love OF 1920, but not the $55 price tag. I also love all the four roses. I do need a few drops of water in the OF for it to sweeten up a bit but all the four roses I drink neat. I don’t think you can go wrong either way.
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Sep 17, 2020 23:21
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Old Forester 1920 100%. The small batch is fine but bland by comparison. OF1920 is what I recommend to people who are looking to expand outside the stock Knob Creek or Buffalo Trace.
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Sep 17, 2020 23:22
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Thank you guys!
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Sep 17, 2020 23:25
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The FR single barrel otoh...
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Sep 18, 2020 06:00
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IMO Small Batch Select (NCF dark brown label) beats regular 4R single barrel hands-down. I blinded it against 2 lower proof K yeast barrel picks a few months ago and it was definitely a winner, and I think K (and F) are the best Four Roses barrels. It is an entirely different beast from 1920 though, they have completely different profiles. The Old Forester is more sugary sweeter and "darker" tasting (chocolate, coffee, caramel) while the Four Roses is almost all fruit and spices
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Sep 18, 2020 13:19
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S.W.O.R.D. Agent posted:New Riff is pretty great and started by people who legitimately care about spirits / bourbon. I have an opinion. Don't buy anything made by Rabbit Hole, it's aged an incredibly short span and wildly marked up. OK that was it.
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Sep 18, 2020 22:53
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Carillon posted:Anyone had the Angels Envy Rye? I'm curious how the rum cask finish works, or if it sweetens it up too much? Like others said, it's seemingly the sweetest barrel finished American whiskey on the market that supposedly doesn't contain additives. My bottle has sediment swirling around after being left untouched for a year or two.
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Sep 18, 2020 22:55
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 Stagg Jr., Bookers 30, Van Winkle flight, etc. was fun.
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Sep 18, 2020 23:54
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Bar looks like it had a hell of a selection. Where is it? E: I swear to God if that's your basement bar.
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Sep 19, 2020 00:37
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Lowness 72 posted:Bar looks like it had a hell of a selection. Where is it? Lmao no. It’s a Lizardville in Akron-Cleveland. We have a chain, Winking Lizard, and they made a little subdivision of a whiskey bar for themselves that has a ton of whiskeys, scotches, bourbons and is a beer store that has a tremendous selection. It’s awesome and my go to bar close to home. That’s half of what they have, The other one is LBM that’s further away which is a Viking themed cocktail/speakeasy type bar. This is my home bar...   
Gatts fucked around with this message at 04:32 on Sep 19, 2020 |
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Sep 19, 2020 04:24
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Gatts posted:Lmao no. It’s a Lizardville in Akron-Cleveland. We have a chain, Winking Lizard, and they made a little subdivision of a whiskey bar for themselves that has a ton of whiskeys, scotches, bourbons and is a beer store that has a tremendous selection. It’s awesome and my go to bar close to home. That’s half of what they have, The other one is LBM that’s further away which is a Viking themed cocktail/speakeasy type bar.
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Sep 19, 2020 14:25
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Sounds like WT is coming out with a 13 year Russel’ Reserve barrel proof. Which on one sand sounds awesome, on the other, will it ever be findable? And will it get tatered so hard that people start buying rare breed instead? If so, I am not excited.
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Sep 22, 2020 02:02
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DoctaFun posted:Sounds like WT is coming out with a 13 year Russel’ Reserve barrel proof. Thank god they're finally releasing one of these things at barrel proof. Let the bird kick, dammit!
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Sep 22, 2020 04:11
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So, after years of drinking bottom shelf garbage, I received a small windfall a few months ago and I decided to start figuring out what type of whiskey I like. I'm generally of limited means, so I have been mostly sticking to $20-30 bottles with a few treats in-between. Im far from a sommelier, so forgive me if my tasting notes from the last few months aren't super descriptive. Here's thoughts. Irish: before my journey, Jameson or 2 Gingers was my go to when I was feeling a little fancy. Theyre both fine, but inoffensive. Neither leaves me with much to think about.. I've since had Proper 12 which I think i like a little more, but its a bit one note. I'd be open to suggestions, but my local selection isn't super broad. Scotch: I really wanted to appreciate scotch but I honestly think it's not really for me. I'm still open, but with the price points being a bit higher, its not cheap to explore. I started with Glenlivet 12, which I enjoyed quite a bit, but that may be the bourbon barrel finish. Probably spoiled me though because from there I went to Dewars, which tasted like I was chewing on oak bark, and Laphroaig, which I've since defined as the scotch that made me realize I'm a bourbon drinker. The peatyness was not for me. Bourbon/American Whiskey: here I seem to have found my wheelhouse. I really enjoy woodford reserve, makers mark, and (don't hate on me for this) I often fall back on Evan Williams Single Barrel. I really don't like regular evan williams, and if I'm feeling cheap, I go for jim beam white over it every time. Usually to make a whiskey sour with. I feel like I've not enjoyed high rye whiskeys as much, although I preferred bulliet rye to their bourbon, so im open to the idea of higher rye content. I lucked into an eagle rare early in my experience, and today scored a buffalo trace (which i used to drink before it was harder to find), which i would place maybe a step above woodford and EWSB. Being a nerd, im kinda interested in the chase of the rare bottle, but don't want to pester store clerks too much. Does anyone have recommendations for me that would be interesting and not too costly? Edit: or, honestly, things to look out for? Gejimayu fucked around with this message at 04:30 on Sep 22, 2020 |
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Sep 22, 2020 04:22
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Irish: Redbreast first and foremost. The quintessential expression of the Irish Pot Still style of whiskey. Green Spot would be my go-to after that. Powers 12 years old John's Lane release is also excellent (but skip the other powerses) Scotch: Well you've tried two extremes, the very soft (but somewhat boring) glenfiddich, and the most part of peaty whiskies Laphroaig. I am 100% sure there is something in between that you will like and will make you realize that you're also a Scotch drinker.  There is just such a massive range of flavors in Scotch that it's hard to generalize it.As for recommendations there are a couple in the OP. I would suggest going for something like Balvenie Doublewood which is very easy to drink still but a tad more interesting than Glenfiddich. I would also suggest Glengoyne as a very pretty single malt without a single hint of peat. GlenAllachie 12yo is a good one to try as well, it's got some good Sherry influence but is a bit heavier and oilier without going to the smoky side.
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Sep 22, 2020 07:59
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Gejimayu posted:Scotch: I really wanted to appreciate scotch but I honestly think it's not really for me. I'm still open, but with the price points being a bit higher, its not cheap to explore. I started with Glenlivet 12, which I enjoyed quite a bit, but that may be the bourbon barrel finish. Probably spoiled me though because from there I went to Dewars, which tasted like I was chewing on oak bark, and Laphroaig, which I've since defined as the scotch that made me realize I'm a bourbon drinker. The peatyness was not for me. spankmeister posted:Irish: I've only ever had Jameson. How does that compare to the others you've mentioned? That Powers was really trendy / highly regarded about a year or so ago, but I've yet to pick up a bottle.
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Sep 22, 2020 15:07
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Gejimayu posted:Bourbon/American Whiskey: here I seem to have found my wheelhouse. I really enjoy woodford reserve, makers mark, and (don't hate on me for this) I often fall back on Evan Williams Single Barrel. I really don't like regular evan williams, and if I'm feeling cheap, I go for jim beam white over it every time. Usually to make a whiskey sour with. I feel like I've not enjoyed high rye whiskeys as much, although I preferred bulliet rye to their bourbon, so im open to the idea of higher rye content. I lucked into an eagle rare early in my experience, and today scored a buffalo trace (which i used to drink before it was harder to find), which i would place maybe a step above woodford and EWSB. Being a nerd, im kinda interested in the chase of the rare bottle, but don't want to pester store clerks too much. I like Evan Williams Bottled in Bond (white label) more than the black label or Jim Beam White. I can usually find it for ~$15. Wild Turkey 101 is a few dollars more but is probably my favorite bang for your buck bourbon. If you want to splurge, pick up Four Roses Single Barrel ($40).
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Sep 22, 2020 15:18
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i got a bunch of suggestions when i asked for whisky suggestions months ago. here's my terrible personal notes that make senses to me - which is the most important part of tasting notes: Good: Longmorn Distiller's Choice - mild kick, lots of strong flavours, good as an occasional drink, overall alright wouldn't drink often - much better on a second pass, still not as good as the BenRiach but would drink more often BenRiach 12y Sherry Wood - really nice, small spice to it and really smooth, could drink regularly, overall would drink again Redbreast 12y - strong character up front, no real variance to taste more of a single flavour with slight burn, very pleasant taste overall GlenDronach 12y - Better than 'generic whisky' but hard to get any specific characteristics for it. would get more, but nothing particularly exceptional Alright: Glenrothes 10y - really generic, nothing special, overall eh Bad: Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair - slight kick, no real strong flavours, very dry, overall eh. turns into a smooth generic whisky after sitting for a few days yeah the Bunnahabhain was strangely dry, never really had that with a whisky before but it turned out good after a few days so it's more Alright. still would just grab Balvenie Doublewood, Aberlour 10y, or Tamdhu instead though - those are amazing, maybe i'll grab another benriach though. i taste a major difference between the aberlour 10 from the 12, but that might be a bad bottling of the 12 i had
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Sep 22, 2020 15:20
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Gejimayu posted:So, after years of drinking bottom shelf garbage, I received a small windfall a few months ago and I decided to start figuring out what type of whiskey I like. I'm generally of limited means, so I have been mostly sticking to $20-30 bottles with a few treats in-between. Im far from a sommelier, so forgive me if my tasting notes from the last few months aren't super descriptive. In terms of Scotch, there are (quite broadly) three big influences on the flavor: the spirit itself (including malt vs grain, distillation process, etc.), the peated versus unpeated spectrum, and the barrel finishing. Unless otherwise noted, most Scotch is finished in ex-bourbon barrels or a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry, but none of what you've tried is focused on sherry cask flavors. I would try one or two bottles of those. Glendronach, Glenfarclas, Aberlour, and much of the Macallan line are focused on sherry notes, as are a number of particular bottles offered by the other big names (e.g., Glenfiddich 15). You'll definitely want to give at least one or two such bottles a try. It's worth noting that Redbreast (the Irish whiskey rightfully recommended above) also has a decent amount of sherry influence. In terms of peat, a strong dislike of Laphroaig doesn't mean you'll hate all Scotch (or even all peated Scotch!). Laphroaig is super divisive, possibly moreso than any other distillery. If you ever feel like returning to a (much lighter) peat experience you could do worse than trying Oban 14 (SUPER delicate, but tasty) or Johnnie Walker Green Label (low-to-moderate peat influence, fairly sweet, lots of notes for a blend). Of course, there are plenty of other lightly peated options as well, but there's no need to dive right back into peat when there are so many other options to explore. In terms of American stuff, I think you'd like Buffalo Trace, which I look at as a gold standard for straightforward, drinkable bourbon. You can expand into Elijah Craig for more barrel flavors, and bump up into the cast strength stuff if you're looking for a full-bodied, wallet-emptying experience (Stagg Jr., Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, etc.) You should also give more ryes a try if you haven't already--some of the cheap ryes you may have had in the past are pretty rough and may have soured you on the stuff. Best entry-level rye I would recommend is Rittenhouse. If you like that one you might bump up and try it's bigger brother, Pikesville. Sazerac is also good, and sweeter than most ryes. Since you like Bulliet Rye (which I love, but mostly as a mixer) you might consider some other 95%/100% ryes. Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye covers the sweeter end of that group, and anything out of MGP covers the big herbaceous, minty side of rye. If you're up for an adventure (and you can find it) you could try Bone Snapper, which bottles a barrel strength MGP rye. Vox Nihili fucked around with this message at 00:50 on Sep 23, 2020 |
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Sep 23, 2020 00:43
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Gejimayu posted:So, after years of drinking bottom shelf garbage, I received a small windfall a few months ago and I decided to start figuring out what type of whiskey I like. I'm generally of limited means, so I have been mostly sticking to $20-30 bottles with a few treats in-between. Im far from a sommelier, so forgive me if my tasting notes from the last few months aren't super descriptive. Store picks store picks store picks. You don't have to spend that much more and get some great riffs on your favorites. If you're inclined to Facebook, find a state or local bourbon group and many liquor store owners who are strong into bourbon will tell the group when they're getting their picks in so they could get first grab. You also will learn who has good picks because the good stores will have a line up out the door when a good whiskey drops. It's also fun to get a few different bottles of the same bourbon but from different stores and do your own taste test to see how much they vary. I know Eagle Rare, Russell's Reserves, and Woodford Reserve all have well regarded store pick programs.
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Sep 23, 2020 03:07
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I hated Laphroaig the first time but the next day I wanted to try it again, the next day again. I still hate it but I would drink that nasty fire water every day.
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Sep 23, 2020 04:25
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I used to drink Buffalo Trace back when I could find it on every shelf, but its almost never around out here. I saw a 1.75 in my town earlier in the month but it was like $55 and I didn't want to pay that much at the time. I was near our local university yesterday and the closest liquor store had about 6 sitting on the shelf, as well as other allocated stuff. Got a bottle for 23.99. It was actually quite delightful for that price. I wouldn't spend 40 on it but for 24 bucks it was great! I scored an eagle rare store pick a few months ago and had a similar experience. Very good for $35 but I wouldn't pay secondary. Ill take the scotch recommendations and try to further explore.
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Sep 23, 2020 14:18
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I’ve been very much on a cask strength kick the last 6 months or so, jumping back and forth from like rare breed, to ECBP, to JDBP, Edradour natural cask strength, A’bunadh, etc. Then this week I poured some Oban 14 and dang, sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy something softer and that Oban is a great fall dram. Green apples, a little bit of bribe/saltiness, honey, so enjoyable! Then I poured some woodford double oaked and same deal. Sweet, easy to drink, just all around enjoyable. So let this be your PSA to put those cask strength bottles away sometimes and just enjoy some well crafted whiskey at lower proofs.
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Sep 23, 2020 17:22
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I hear you, I noticed lately that my babby‘s first cask strength (Glenfarclas 105) will just kill all nuance in any softer whisky I drink shortly after, just like with peated whiskies.
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Sep 23, 2020 19:35
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Question for the thread: what's the furthest you'd drive for a guaranteed bottle of Weller Full Proof at retail? Same question for Stagg Jr? Other allocated but not limited edition bottles?
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Sep 26, 2020 01:51
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Deceptive Thinker posted:Question for the thread: what's the furthest you'd drive for a guaranteed bottle of Weller Full Proof at retail? You know it's funny (this is unrelated to your driving question but related to Weller), I used to drink Weller in college and then for a bit after I graduated and had my first full-time job. I didn't have much cash at all so, while I can't remember how much it cost, it can't have been that expensive. It's crazy to me now that I can't even find a bottle, much less for msrp. I loved Weller but just due to my own personal history, it's a bit like someone said oh pbr? It now costs 40 bucks a can.
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Sep 26, 2020 06:48
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Deceptive Thinker posted:Question for the thread: what's the furthest you'd drive for a guaranteed bottle of Weller Full Proof at retail? Two hour drive but I'm a basic bourbon bitch who loves Weller and FP is very good. An hour for other allocated bottles.
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Sep 26, 2020 14:04
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So I recently just got a big promotion and my sister in law wants to get me a nice bottle of bourbon. It’s a totally nice gesture but the most I’ve ever spent is $55 on a bottle of OF 1920. I suggested four roses single barrel and she said she’s willing to do more than $45. So I guess I’d say under $100 would be a good target. I like Buffalo Trace, WT 101, and Four Roses. What would you recommend that would be fairly easy to get in Massachusetts? She’s tried looking for eagle rare and Blanton without any luck in the past.
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Sep 26, 2020 23:29
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nwin posted:So I recently just got a big promotion and my sister in law wants to get me a nice bottle of bourbon. Four Roses Small Batch Select, Booker's, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, EHT Small Batch or Single Barrel Where in MA? I can suggest some stores with good selections
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Sep 26, 2020 23:34
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Four Roses store pick maybe? I've yet to find a bourbon I like more than Four Roses Single Barrel at any price point. If it were me, I would consider something out of the ordinary like High West Campfire, which I wouldn't see myself gambling $70 on but would gladly accept as a gift. Edit: Yeah or small batch select, which I haven't had but heard is fantastic.
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Sep 26, 2020 23:39
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Possibly double posting with my blind for the week. Available high quality bottles @$50-60 I can't rank these except for the loser. Competitors: Old Forester 1920, Four Roses Small Batch Select, Baker's 7y Single Barrel (new), New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon (111 proof barrel strength). Nose A. Heavy fruit, cherry vanilla, apple, slightly astringent B. Cherry, chocolate, vanilla cream, frosting C. Astringent butter, nutty, oranges, floral D. Cherry, oak, strawberry, mint Palate A. Heavy cherry, heat, vanilla, rye spice pepper, long rear end finish B. Oak, chocolate, smooth (yeah wtf) but bitter, brown sugar, vanilla and caramel C. Sadly flat, floral, candy, nutty, brown sugar, oak D. Brown sugar, oak, spice, raspberry, mint Ranking: gently caress this, they all have positive aspects. I love the spice in A, I love the depth and heft of B, I love the balance, complexity and fruit in D C falls flat but is still great whiskey - it's the weak point here, the rest are all worth the price Reveal: A: New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon B: Old Forester 1920 C: Baker's 7 year single barrel D: Four Roses Small Batch Select I only paid $45 for the Baker's because it was mislabeled as the old batched version and priced that way. For $55 or whatever it is going for now you're better off with a knob creek single barrel pick unless you want the cool looking bottle. But I guess if you want that you can just get Legent for $40 New Riff SiB is a winner though, and I can't wait to taste older juice from them
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Sep 26, 2020 23:53
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Deceptive Thinker posted:Four Roses Small Batch Select, Booker's, Russell's Reserve Single Barrel, EHT Small Batch or Single Barrel
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Sep 27, 2020 00:15
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nwin posted:Andover. You're a bit further north than I'm totally familiar with, but in range is Rapid Liquors in Stoneham, and Liquor Junction in Reading, Woburn, or Winchester Both have great prices, selection, and store picks according to my Facebook groups Also obviously New Hampshire liquor outlets I just picked up 4 bottles on my way home from vacation there. The prices and selection are hard to beat
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Sep 27, 2020 00:30
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I knew which one was Baker's from your notes and I haven't tried the new bottle yet. New riff sounds like something I'd really enjoy. Will have to pick up a bottle after I've cleared some space on my shelves.
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Sep 27, 2020 01:59
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asciidic posted:I knew which one was Baker's from your notes and I haven't tried the new bottle yet. New riff sounds like something I'd really enjoy. Will have to pick up a bottle after I've cleared some space on my shelves. Beam bottles be nutty
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Sep 27, 2020 02:08
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I've reached peak whisky drinker, my collection is now in a storage unit and the wife has the key.
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Sep 28, 2020 01:58
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Did Laphroaig up the price on Quarter Cask? Bottle King is usually pretty good on sticking to MSRP but they had it for $80 today
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Sep 29, 2020 22:41
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zmcnulty posted:I've reached peak whisky drinker, my collection is now in a storage unit... Yeah, and? zmcnulty posted:...and the wife has the key. Good lord.
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Sep 30, 2020 01:28
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