Foursquare Redoubtable rum. I'm really getting into aged rums. This one is delicious.
Oban Distillers Edition
Friends, over the weekend, shared some Fortress Rum they returned with from Nova Scotia last summer. Straight up it's great!
At home, enjoyed a glass of Henry McKenna 10 year old Bottled in Bond last night.
A joven mexcal I brought back from a small mexcaleria outside of Oaxaca. Sorry now that I did not buy more as I have not found anything stateside that is as good.
Interesting corn liqueur, called Nixta Licor de Elote. Sweet, but tastes like roasted corn. Could easily substitute for simple syrup in many drinks.
Having some of the new bourbon distillery in town. Green River Distilling. It's only 5 years old but has very distinct flavors. Very nice and less than $40/bottle.
Weller Antique 107
finished hafl btl of hibiki 17.
Light, subtlely sweet, very smooth
JW black
Was gifted a still at Christmas, made my first test batch of brandy a month ago from some inexpensive California Cabernet which is aging in oak currently.
VM
@Vino Me posted:Was gifted a still at Christmas, made my first test batch of brandy...
Uh-oh! If the revenuers ask me whether I knew about this, what am I supposed to say? 🤭
Hmm. I could have sworn that I posted this on here before, but I'm not seeing it now.
About a year back I bought an old bourbon, a Jim Beam clear bowling pin bottle from a private party nearby. This was/is my first "dusty". It was clearly unopened (old tax stamp intact), and in good condition; the gold lettering had worn in a few places. Even had the little marketing tag hanging on it. Guy said his father bought it, and it had been sitting in his basement for about 30 years. From the markings on the bottle, and the tax stamp, as near as I could figure it had been made sometime between 1961 and 1973. A little more research showed it going at auction for about 15 times what I paid for it. No, I didn't flip it. Opened it with some good friends, and found it to be a very good sipping whiskey. Still have about an inch left in the bottle.
So I’ve recently picked up a new client that’s based in KY. They were recently in town for a conference, and took them to a couple of honey holes for the following:
Weller Full Proof
Weller C.Y.P.B.
Heaven Hill 7 year BIB
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
They were quite amazed that prices here were cheaper than what the same went for in KY.
I live in Kentucky. Although many bourbons are more available here than elsewhere, due to the popularity we do pay more.
Also, lest we forget, Kentucky has horrific sin taxes on all alcohol. Those taxes alone Jack up the retail prices considerably. The difference in prices between Covington, KY and Cincinnati, or Louisville and the IN suburbs, can be considerably different just because of KY sin taxes.
There are still large portions of the State that are dry ( no alcoholic beverages legally sold), and they push taxes, at no cost to them, on we sinners that like to imbibe .
@Insight posted:So I’ve recently picked up a new client that’s based in KY. They were recently in town for a conference, and took them to a couple of honey holes for the following:Weller Full ProofWeller C.Y.P.B.Heaven Hill 7 year BIBElijah Craig Barrel ProofThey were quite amazed that prices here were cheaper than what the same went for in KY.
My friend still buys liquor online from stores in CA. Has it shipped to his son in Idaho, as it's at least 1/3 cheaper than buying it in WA, even with the shipping. Sometimes I'll piggyback on his order.
I was aware WA had the most penal taxes on spirits in the nation, with OR a distant 2nd. KY is apparently not even in the Top 10 states for alcohol taxes. Perhaps the county/local authorities are adding their own taxes on top?
Otherwise, it’s just basic microeconomics of not enough supply, with way too high demand, causing prices to go up more so in KY (center of the bourbon universe) than elsewhere.
Offerman edition Lagavulin 11 yo(Guinness casks)
Bunnahabhean Stieireadair Islay single malt
Last night after really high-end sushi:
Weller Full Proof
Stagg Jr Batch 16 (130.9 proof)
Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye, 58%
Powers John's Lane 12 Year Irish Whiskey, 46%
The HT is from a craft distillery out of IN that has gotten a lot of buzz (Fred Minnick said it was the best 1st batch of any whiskey in his career) that I picked up on a recent trip to Nashville, and just tried, and they aren't wrong. All the best things about rye without the not so good things. Seems much lower in proof than it is, with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. So easy to drink.
The Powers is the best deal in Irish whiskey. Blows away Redbreast 12 as is much bigger and bolder (12 proof higher) at about the same price. That and Redbreast 12 Cask Strength and Blue Spot 7 are my go to Irish whiskies.
Over the past 2 nights:
Weller Full Proof
Knob Creek 15 year
Eagle Rare
Parker’s Heritage Rye
Balvenie 21 year
I was the winner of a "Manhatten basket" charity raffle at work. Came with a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch, vermouth, cherries, and all the accouterments. Not bad for a $25 investment.
Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof. Bought a .375 of this. Very good
On the ground in Kentucky for my first time ever. Definitely be a fair amount of bourbon consumed while I’m here. Last night was the following:
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, 2021 release
Knob Creek 12 Year
Weller Full Proof, Hotel Distil barrel pick
Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat Experience
Jameson's Black
@Insight posted:On the ground in Kentucky for my first time ever. Definitely be a fair amount of bourbon consumed while I’m here. Last night was the following:
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, 2021 releaseKnob Creek 12 YearWeller Full Proof, Hotel Distil barrel pickBuffalo Trace Kosher Wheat Experience
I beat you to KY by two weeks, but was only in Louisville one full day as a stopover when helping my son move to Nashville (did Nashville Barrel Co. & Nelson Greenbrier (Belle Meade) while there). I toured/tasted at Michter's, Peerless & Beam (closest to Louisville). Based on what I see you post, check out Justin's House of Bourbon if you haven't already as they have unicorns and dusties galore (for a price). Going back in November to do it right with my best bourbon geek buddy.
@vinole posted:I beat you to KY by two weeks, but was only in Louisville one full day as a stopover when helping my son move to Nashville (did Nashville Barrel Co. & Nelson Greenbrier (Belle Meade) while there). I toured/tasted at Michter's, Peerless & Beam (closest to Louisville). Based on what I see you post, check out Justin's House of Bourbon if you haven't already as they have unicorns and dusties galore (for a price). Going back in November to do it right with my best bourbon geek buddy.
Was told by folks here to check out Justin’s, though I was aware they are definitely on the high end of the range for secondary market pricing. Went to browse a Liquor Barn Express the next block over from my hotel, and an employee there suggested what larger Liquor Barn locations to check out.
No tours on the agenda this trip. Will plan those for the next one out here.
As for last night’s shenanigans, had the following:
Heaven Hill Green Label 6 Year
Benchmark Full Proof
Michter’s Rye 10 Year
Weller Full Proof
@Insight posted:Was told by folks here to check out Justin’s, though I was aware they are definitely on the high end of the range for secondary market pricing. Went to browse a Liquor Barn Express the next block over from my hotel, and an employee there suggested what larger Liquor Barn locations to check out.
No tours on the agenda this trip. Will plan those for the next one out here.
As for last night’s shenanigans, had the following:
Heaven Hill Green Label 6 YearBenchmark Full ProofMichter’s Rye 10 YearWeller Full Proof
If it's any consolation, I stopped by a Total Wine and Liquor Barn on the north side of town on the way in to Louisville, and bought nothing. If you like Michter's, try to get a reservation for their cocktail bar on the top floor. We went after a regular tasting/tour and I got a flight of 4 bourbons (see pic) for $35. Also offer a rye version (2 were in my earlier tasting vs just one below). Bomberger's was the easy winner for me in that flight, but great price for what you're tasting.
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@Insight posted:Was told by folks here to check out Justin’s, though I was aware they are definitely on the high end of the range for secondary market pricing. Went to browse a Liquor Barn Express the next block over from my hotel, and an employee there suggested what larger Liquor Barn locations to check out.
No tours on the agenda this trip. Will plan those for the next one out here.
As for last night’s shenanigans, had the following:
Heaven Hill Green Label 6 YearBenchmark Full ProofMichter’s Rye 10 YearWeller Full Proof
Nice. I happened to get gas at the Louisville Costco when I was there about a year ago. Not surprisingly, they had the largest selection of bourbons I've ever seen at one of their stores, at prices that beat the distilleries.
If you want a little change of pace from the bourbons & ryes, check out Copper & Kings American Brandy in the Butchertown district. They have a nice tour & tasting as well.
Scored a Taylor barrel proof uncut and unfiltered at a local store for near msrp.
What a lovely bourbon of sweet vanillan oak that drinks way too smooth and easy.
@Insight posted:Nice score!
EH Taylor anything at near MSRP is basically impossible in CA.
i actually got mine at total wine.
69.97$ The green label
neighbor threw a party and had 10 btls of 1.75L of johnny walker blue sitting in a ice chest going around for all of the guests.
Been a while since i've had blue but it drinks incredibly well.
Peaty, fine smokiness that adds a cigar burn sweet touch that finishes incredibly long.
Had some more Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof, followed by some Angel's Envy.
Weller 12
ORVW 10
ORVW 12
Pappy 15
I believe it was the Lot B.
Yup, Van Winkle Special Reserve Lot B 12 year is what that be. Nice flight you had!
Midleton's Dair ghaelach
my goodness, dried orange peels, spicy white peppers, light birch wood.
What a great whiskey.