Favorite Bourbon

[pmsummer]

With just a couple of ice crescents, the flavor changes dramatically (not unusual for the higher-proof whiskies). What stands out now, even though it's only barreled 6 years, is the wood. The oak stands tall. Very nice.

My 'wallet-check' rating says you'd have to spend two-three times as much to get a better bourbon, and then only maybe. But it's no Weller 12. That remains KING of the mid-priced bourbons, and thereby my 'favorite' pour.

 

[aopisa]

Speaking of hot & spicy...and grassy is this bottle of Willett small batch. Just finished up a road trip that took us through Bourbon Country. We came across the Willett Distillery in Bardstown, KY. For some years now Willett has been exclusively aging and bottling bourbons made by other distillers (they would not tell me which ones).

This bottle is the exception. Two years ago they began distilling again. So, this is a young release of their first new product. I thought it was worth a shot since I did not think this is something I am going to easily find in Vermont anytime soon. The bottle states that it is a straight rye whiskey bottled at 107 proof cask strength. It's interesting in small doses and good to bring out when tasting other ryes as a comparison to illustrate what an additional 4-10 years in the barrel does.

 

[madwing]

I saw that Willett in San Francisco the other week (D&M Wine & Liquor), about $45 iirc. I spoke with the proprietor about it, he said they were getting pretty close to releasing the 4 yo version of that bourbon. a bottle of each would be interesting...

 

[brhalltx]

I actually found the Spec's that has some of the VOB/BIB in Austin (not their BIG warehouse store, but a smaller one). When I go into town next week I'm picking up a couple of bottles.

Which one has (or had, after you were there...) it?

 

[pmsummer]

Which one has (or had, after you were there...) it?

The Highland Spec's on Airport Blvd @ 2222/Koenig Lane in Austin (near the old Highland Mall). I bought two bottles. They had plenty more, and it's a regular stock item apparently (it replaced the Old Grand-Dad BIB they can't get now, or so I was told).

 

[aopisa]

I saw that Willett in San Francisco the other week (D&M Wine & Liquor), about $45 iirc. I spoke with the proprietor about it, he said they were getting pretty close to releasing the 4 yo version of that bourbon. a bottle of each would be interesting...

At $35 I thought it was worth a try. I don't think it's worth $45. You can get some pretty stunning 10 year+ bourbons for $45.

 

[pmsummer]

BTW: In episode 2 of Stephen Fry's tour of America (BBC "Stephen Fry In America"), he pays a brief tasting visit to the Woodford Reserve distillery... and over-enjoys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cn8io3kplA

 

[madwing]

At $35 I thought it was worth a try. I don't think it's worth $45. You can get some pretty stunning 10 year+ bourbons for $45.

well, i think the extra $10 is a "sold in san francisco" thing...

 

[pmsummer]

Garrison Brother's Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey

They capture their own water (rain).
They grow their own corn.
They get wheat from the Texas Panhandle.
They distill their own whiskey (no "brown vodka", as Dan Garrison calls faux-bourbon made from imported from Indiana neutral grain spirits put in barrels locally).

Damn fine stuff. Not my 'favorite', but really great stuff. I ration it carefully.

 

[madwing]

but is it worth $75/bottle?

 

[finnbow]

Delete.

 

[Oerets]

This was talked about a few weeks ago around here. But the first release of 250 bottles @ 200$ didn't go to far.

They are aging more on a container ship right now.



Barney


http://www.cigaraficionado.com/webfeatures/show/id/16647

 

[pmsummer]

but is it worth $75/bottle?

If money is no object, sure.

I paid $62 (on sale from $82), and even that's pushing the envelope. Sadly, for independent distillers and consumers, the distributor sets the price. Kind of like the music business.

-edit-

Oops! You are talking about Willett's Brown Vodka, I think. If so, the answer is no.

 

[Squidbilly]

Old Grandad 100 proof here,Usually a double shot strait then pour some about yay far in my mason style glass&top it off with RC cola.
Havent tried the 114 yet.

 

[abpeep]

The Garrison Brothers is very nice and it's something that I keep on hand and, as PM says, ration closely. It's just nice to splurge occasionally as it is very expensive vs. other good whiskey. Generally, I have several other bourbons on hand - right now I have some Weller 12, Dickel , Evan Williams, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Old Charter Ten Year Old. I'd almost swear that somewhere in there is a bottle of Bulleit.

Probably finish off one of these tonight watching the Longhorns take on the Mean Green of UNT.

Alan

 

[madwing]

pmsummer I was talking about the garrison.

 

[GP Hill]

Got this for Christmas, haven't had a special enough occasion to drink it yet.

 

[pmsummer]

pmsummer I was talking about the garrison.

I remain a fan of Garrison Brothers, and the owner (Dan Garrison), who believes it should be on the shelves for about $50. The distributor thinks otherwise.

 

[HiFi in WYO]

I searched, but just led me to the overall discussion. Tried Stranahan's a couple weeks ago (somewhere around $50 per bottle). Very nice. Starts off like a scotch (which isn't usually my favorite way to go) then turns to a burbon and finishes smooth as silk. Very tasty, very addictive. Thank goodness it's expensive.

 

[gogofast]

Got this for Christmas, haven't had a special enough occasion to drink it yet.

Being from where you are, I guess you can find one of those in a gas station? ...kidding but probably a lot easier than here.

Out here in the NW, it's almost impossible to find any pappy stuff.