James Bond
Footballguy
I just received a bottle of Uncle Nearest 1856 whiskey. Never heard of it. is it any good?
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Bourbon guys (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter top dog
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kutta
Footballguy
Yep! Very smooth. I just polished off my bottle.
I’m more a fan of spicy ryes, but this was a nice change for me. I enjoyed it.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
AAABatteries
Footballguy
My problem with bottles like Uncle Nearest are not knowing the mashbill and/or sourcing. I have different mashbills that I like but consistently I like high rye bourbons. If they want me to spend my limit funds on their product they need to be more open about it or I'm less likely to take a chance without hearing from someone who I trust AND has a similar palate to me. They source some (all?) of their whiskey but to my knowledge don't disclose it and the rumor was/is that it's Dickel which is definitely not something I'm a fan of.
This is a generic complaint and not specifically Uncle Nearest - just something that comes up for me and this gave me a chance to rant.
I'd happily try a pour but not spending the money without more information.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
***WARNING! THIS POST MAY ONLY INTEREST FBGs IN THE MD AREA***
I've hesitated on bourbon because of the time I overdid it the only time I had Jack Daniels, but I'm also trying to avoid being a whisk(e)y snob and want to keep an open mind. Whenever we've gone to farmer's markets, craft/vendor fairs, etc., and there's been a distillery there giving out samples, I've tried them, but the this local product from Baltimore was the first one whose aftertaste stuck with me and was pleasant. After seeing all the vendors, I went back and picked up a handle. Most of the samples I've tried had the alcohol bite up front, which is the main reason I haven't gotten into them yet. The bite on this one wasn't too bad and like I said, the finish stayed with me a long time. At $45 at the distillery and $50 in stores, it's just outside of my comfort zone, but I won't turn it down if given to me.
I also stumbled upon Gray Wolf Rye, based in St. Mary's, MD at a farmer's market. As with bourbon, I have very little experience with rye, but I was convinced to try it when I learned that it spends part of the aging process in a port cask, which really influenced the taste, smoothed it out nicely. They only sell it in 375 ml bottles for now, so while $27 is a hefty price by volume, that amount in and of itself is palatable.
I've hesitated on bourbon because of the time I overdid it the only time I had Jack Daniels, but I'm also trying to avoid being a whisk(e)y snob and want to keep an open mind. Whenever we've gone to farmer's markets, craft/vendor fairs, etc., and there's been a distillery there giving out samples, I've tried them, but the this local product from Baltimore was the first one whose aftertaste stuck with me and was pleasant. After seeing all the vendors, I went back and picked up a handle. Most of the samples I've tried had the alcohol bite up front, which is the main reason I haven't gotten into them yet. The bite on this one wasn't too bad and like I said, the finish stayed with me a long time. At $45 at the distillery and $50 in stores, it's just outside of my comfort zone, but I won't turn it down if given to me.
I also stumbled upon Gray Wolf Rye, based in St. Mary's, MD at a farmer's market. As with bourbon, I have very little experience with rye, but I was convinced to try it when I learned that it spends part of the aging process in a port cask, which really influenced the taste, smoothed it out nicely. They only sell it in 375 ml bottles for now, so while $27 is a hefty price by volume, that amount in and of itself is palatable.
Rustoleum
Footballguy
Had some Heaven’s Door Cask Strength last night.
Would definitely drink it again.
Drank it neat, and had a nice long finish on the tongue for me. Was surprised I didn’t have to add ice or a little water because the higher proof stuff (looking at you Knob Creek) usually is too hot for me.
Would definitely drink it again.
Drank it neat, and had a nice long finish on the tongue for me. Was surprised I didn’t have to add ice or a little water because the higher proof stuff (looking at you Knob Creek) usually is too hot for me.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Found a bottle of George Remus for the first time in Georgia tonight - $30. Why yes I will.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Yeah, I’ve usually got a 1.75L of it on me and is my standard go-to. Drinking an old fashioned with it now.
sho nuff
Footballguy
Yeah...good to have a nice bottle that you can drink straight up...but is still in the right price range where if you are desiring a cocktail, you don't feel bad about mixing it up.
Buffalo Trace was that for me before it started disappearing from the shelves so much here.
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Insoxicated
LOVE Knob Creek.
I find myself favoring KC120 or 100 when out and I want a sipper is very tasty but doesn't break the bank. Probably have half dozen KC 120 store picks around 12-15yrs old stashed away.
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Will have to check for the 120 on my monthly trip Friday.LOVE Knob Creek.
I find myself favoring KC120 or 100 when out and I want a sipper is very tasty but doesn't break the bank. Probably have half dozen KC 120 store picks around 12-15yrs old stashed away.
Can't find it at any ABC store and their website says it isn't available within 50 miles. Damn.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Heads up for those who like BT. Benchmarks 5 bourbon line has hit a lot of stores (at least in Georgia). Had the BiB and it definitely reminded me of BT. You can get basically the whole lineup for around $100.
The five bourbons which I think came out end of last year are (according to the descriptions on their labels):
Top Floor: at 86 proof, is said to age on the top warehouse floors
Small Batch: at 90 proof, is made by combining select barrels into a small batch
Single Barrel: at 95 proof, we are told that the best barrels are selected to become single barrels
Bonded: a bottled in bond bourbon (100 proof)
Full Proof: at 125 proof, this bourbon is bottled at the same proof that it enters the barrel
ETA - this is a decent budget option for folks.
The five bourbons which I think came out end of last year are (according to the descriptions on their labels):
Top Floor: at 86 proof, is said to age on the top warehouse floors
Small Batch: at 90 proof, is made by combining select barrels into a small batch
Single Barrel: at 95 proof, we are told that the best barrels are selected to become single barrels
Bonded: a bottled in bond bourbon (100 proof)
Full Proof: at 125 proof, this bourbon is bottled at the same proof that it enters the barrel
ETA - this is a decent budget option for folks.
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Bluesbomber
Footballguy
Stopped in at local shop on way to a show and they had an Eagle Rare. There was a line so I came back during set break to grab it. I mentioned I was looking for anything interesting and she said we have a Blantons lol...it was right next to the Eagle Rare in their case by register .lol.
The box threw me as I was hurrying .lol. 119 for the Blanton and 42 for the Eagle Rare, . Probably not best price but local and let distributor know to keep 'em coming for convenience sake. Will check back next few weeks for stock lol.
Stocked up for fall the day before with a Wild Turkey 101 handle, EW single barrel and a Woodinville as a sub in a delivery order....
The box threw me as I was hurrying .lol. 119 for the Blanton and 42 for the Eagle Rare, . Probably not best price but local and let distributor know to keep 'em coming for convenience sake. Will check back next few weeks for stock lol.
Stocked up for fall the day before with a Wild Turkey 101 handle, EW single barrel and a Woodinville as a sub in a delivery order....
AAABatteries
Footballguy
It’s kind of crazy how available Eagle Rare has been the last 2 months. I could get as much as I want for $40 after not seeing it on the shelf for 2 years almost.
jm192
Footballguy
Eagle Rare is pretty easy to find here in KY most of the time.
Did some cocktails with Evan Williams BIB last night. Good stuff.
Has anyone had the St. Elmo's Bourbon? It's got a hint of Cherry and Vanilla. But it's not as heavy on the flavoring as a lot of flavored bourbons/liqueurs. Great mixer.
Did some cocktails with Evan Williams BIB last night. Good stuff.
Has anyone had the St. Elmo's Bourbon? It's got a hint of Cherry and Vanilla. But it's not as heavy on the flavoring as a lot of flavored bourbons/liqueurs. Great mixer.
dickey moe
Fingerpicker
That's my favorite but I stopped by BevMo (I'm in CA) yesterday and they were out. Went with Buffalo Trace.jm192 said:
AAABatteries
Footballguy
High West Midwinter’s Night Dram hit Georgia in some areas this week. Got a bottle and a bottle of Redwood Empire’s Emerald Giant Rye which is just fantastic for $35.
Big Blue Wrecking Crew
downsized
Any folks out there familiar with Clyde May's bourbon? Have a chance to get a 5 year single barrel, but not familiar with him (though the brief background story of his moonshine days was interesting). 102 proof @ $55/bottle.
sho nuff
Footballguy
Is it me…or is the Weller Special Reserve really nothing special?
I enjoy the antique…but the green label special reserve is pretty meh.
local spot had an allocation…I just missed out on the EH Taylor Small batch…passed on adding another bottle of Blantons at $65 and Eagle Rare at $43 when I already have a bottle. Last bottle of antique went two people before me in line. So grabbed the special reserve as it had been a while since I had it. Not feeling it. Better bottles out there for $40 and even leas and better that are readily available .
Have we ever had like a “consensus “ ranking by price point? I know its all subjective…but may be interesting on some of the major labels most have had.
I enjoy the antique…but the green label special reserve is pretty meh.
local spot had an allocation…I just missed out on the EH Taylor Small batch…passed on adding another bottle of Blantons at $65 and Eagle Rare at $43 when I already have a bottle. Last bottle of antique went two people before me in line. So grabbed the special reserve as it had been a while since I had it. Not feeling it. Better bottles out there for $40 and even leas and better that are readily available .
Have we ever had like a “consensus “ ranking by price point? I know its all subjective…but may be interesting on some of the major labels most have had.
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
Agreed. I'd put it on par or maybe slightly below regular Maker's Mark. Great for mixed drinks.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I believe I said it before but to me one of the most important things a person can do is figure out what mashbills they prefer - there’s a pretty decent difference in a wheater versus high rye and then you have ryes, wheat whiskey, American, etc. I’m just not a huge wheater fan. I have several but in general I’m not a fan of the Weller line and Makers line. I’m a high rye guy generally speaking. As long as there’s some rye, like BT mashbill 1, I still find it pretty enjoyable but for me BT 2 > BT 1 > BT Wheated.
Although to be fair, I’ve not had many of the allocated BT so maybe I would love them - using them as an example but high rye being my favorite is pretty common them for me and I sometimes think I’m a Rye > Bourbon guy.
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DocHolliday
Footballguy
That makes sense and explains my taste a bit as well. I continue to try Makers over and over and continue to be disappointed. Some of my friends love it but no matter how many times I have it, I don’t like it much. I do enjoy the taste of higher rye. I should probably pay more attention to rye content.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Yeah, sometimes I think people think they don’t have a refined whiskey plate because they don’t like a certain well thought of whiskey.
Its why I’m a huge fan of MGP bourbons - both their bottling (like George Remus) and other brands that typically use a higher rye content. And their 95/5 rye is the bees knees.
sho nuff
Footballguy
I still enjoy a glass here or there…but it wouldn’t be my go to. And yeah Id put it similar with Makers (and I like Makers a lot for the price and availability…and don’t mind making a cocktail out of it or straight up)
Weller SR definitely living off its name vs that product. Good to have I guess as some friends who may not keep up as much with things may be fooled by the name when offering up a drink to people. That way maybe they shy away from my others I prefer.
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
⚡DEADHEAD⚡
Footballguy
Old Fashioneds, as easy to make as it seems or? Tips, tricks? Would love to try a few differing recipes. I'm a noob here.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Super easy to make and what is great is you can pretty much use any liquor you want - a Rum Old Fashioned is quite tasty, for example. My favorite definitely uses bourbon.
I make mine with sugar cubes (I just get a box of Domino sugar cubes), soak the cube with bitters and muddle well. Add a large square ice cube, pour the whiskey, stir and garnish with orange peel and sometimes a cherry. I find the orange peel to be essential - express it and rub the peel around the rim.
- I don’t add water as I find doing that and ice dilutes it too much. If you don’t add ice then a splash of water helps balance it.
- I like to use a higher proof than you will most likely get at a bar. 100-120 for me.
Lots of variations that are good - adding smoke to one is always delicious. Wisconsin Old Fashioned with brandy is quite good too.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Definitely lots of variations. As AAA mentioned, can use different liquors. I've been switching in some Mezcal Old Fashioneds lately, subbing in Mezcal and Agave Nectar Syrup.
Can switch up the bitters too. There's more standard stuff like Agnostura, Peychaud's, or Orange. I have some Black Walnut bitters that I bought off Amazon that I use instead sometimes.
Can switch up the proportions of liquor to syrup too and see what you like best. I've found myself more like 2oz of liquor and 3/4 oz of syrup with the dashes of bitters. My wife likes a bit sweeter and more like 2:1.
I like a good cherry too. I've been using the Amerana cherries (again bought off Amazon) that may have been recommended here or a different thread.
ETA: And for a noob, don't feel the need to use sugar cubes and muddle if you think too much work. Can just buy some simple syrup from the store. I have a couple of tall Monin bottles for the simple syrup and agave nectar syrup. Fun to experiment with cubes too, but easier ways to go about it if you just want do that first.
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AAABatteries
Footballguy
Don Quixote
Footballguy
The one that I've got in my liquor cabinet now is Los Amantes Mezcal Reposado. I'm still pretty new to mezcal though and don't claim to be a mezcal expert though (living in an ABC state limits my options too); so, I'm not sure how well it compares to some others.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Other than a night spent with @The General and a group of Mexican men, I’m new to Mezcal too.
I might try the Del Maguey next when I finish this bottle, and see if I can replicate this: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/oaxaca-old-fashioned-tequila-cocktail (less sure as to whether I'll do the flamed orange twist part though).
The General
Footballguy
I did add a bottle to the home bar since that trip.Other than a night spent with @The General and a group of Mexican men, I’m new to Mezcal too.
⚡DEADHEAD⚡
Footballguy
Oh thank you. And don't be shy. I'm not afraid of the work, just don't know what makes a good Old Fashioned. I mix semi-complex drinks all the time, but I had an OF at a friend's house recently and I was taken with how simple, and good, it was. I'll muddle for an hour if it's worth it, or I'll make my own simple syrup, or...
An aside, a couple favorites are the Paper Plane and the Red Hook.
And Luxardo cherries for the win, by the way.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Paper Plane is a good one. I've never had a Red Hook.Oh thank you. And don't be shy. I'm not afraid of the work, just don't know what makes a good Old Fashioned. I mix semi-complex drinks all the time, but I had an OF at a friend's house recently and I was taken with how simple, and good, it was. I'll muddle for an hour if it's worth it, or I'll make my own simple syrup, or...
An aside, a couple favorites are the Paper Plane and the Red Hook.
And Luxardo cherries for the win, by the way.
There is a separate cocktail thread. I'm okay with the cross-talk, but FYI as that might have some tips too.
Regarding cherries, I highly recommend Filthy’s Amarena Black Cherries.
(You can certainly get a smaller size, but the more the merrier with these delicious balls of goodness IMO.)
(You can certainly get a smaller size, but the more the merrier with these delicious balls of goodness IMO.)
dickey moe
Fingerpicker
I like to muddle with an orange slice, a real maraschino cherry, a bit of the maraschino syrup, and I recently started using a spiced simple syrup (found the recipe online - basically steep the heated simple syrup with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, orange zest, whatever you want). Add bourbon, bitters, and another orange slice. It's the bomb.
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dickey moe
Fingerpicker
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Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
Damn right!!AAABatteries said:
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
What a coincidence. This is how I treat my lettuce. Before I throw it away.dickey moe said:
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GroveDiesel
Footballguy
Reading reviews of bourbon online, I feel like a bourbon review parody site is needed. Reading stuff like this is just silly:
”The taste starts with soft floral honey that peaks with a rich butterscotch candy still in its wrapper before falling away towards a cedar box full of vanilla tobacco leaves.”
Still in its wrapper
”The taste starts with soft floral honey that peaks with a rich butterscotch candy still in its wrapper before falling away towards a cedar box full of vanilla tobacco leaves.”
Still in its wrapper
heckmanm
Footballguy
We did a blind sampling a couple years ago out of this thread (I missed out on the more recent one) and I found that the ones I liked less were all wheaters. I definitely lean to the rye side of things.
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Insoxicated
Just got an invite to the Nashville Whiskey House.... largest collection of open whiskey bottles in the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QVrtCsgCVY
Will be given a tour by John Brittle himself Wednesday at 3pm. Looking forward to sampling some pretty legit stuff. I'll be donating 2-3 bottles from my collection to the house as a thank you for the invite... one of which is a 2017 Old Weller Antique NCF Store Pick that is one of my personal Faves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QVrtCsgCVY
Will be given a tour by John Brittle himself Wednesday at 3pm. Looking forward to sampling some pretty legit stuff. I'll be donating 2-3 bottles from my collection to the house as a thank you for the invite... one of which is a 2017 Old Weller Antique NCF Store Pick that is one of my personal Faves.
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