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Bourbon guys (1 Viewer)

ditka...mike ditka said:
I have a one liter barrel that my g/f got me.  Ive sealed it and everything but have yet to test it out.

Anyone have a suggestion or combo they want me to try then Ill report back?
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Tough to beat a barrel-aged Manhattan.  You might try something like (assuming a 2L barrel):

A fifth of Rittenhouse Rye

250 ML of sweet vermouth (Dolin rouge is a decent mid range choice)

Maybe 70 ml of bitters (Angostura is fine, but you can do cherry bitters or even orange bitters if you like).

Turn the barrel 90 degrees once a week and age for a month or so. 

 
On NYE, local bar has tasting of 12, 15 and 20 year Pappy for $160/person. What do you guys think? I've never had Pappy and would be interested, but price seems steep and, while my girlfriend and I enjoy a good bourbon (our favorite is Blanton's, of which we have a bottle), we aren't exactly connoisseurs. Worth it?

 
Shrugs said:
On NYE, local bar has tasting of 12, 15 and 20 year Pappy for $160/person. What do you guys think? I've never had Pappy and would be interested, but price seems steep and, while my girlfriend and I enjoy a good bourbon (our favorite is Blanton's, of which we have a bottle), we aren't exactly connoisseurs. Worth it?
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Does that include food, entertainment or is it just the  three 1 oz pours of Pappy?

 
ditka...mike ditka said:
I have a one liter barrel that my g/f got me.  Ive sealed it and everything but have yet to test it out.

Anyone have a suggestion or combo they want me to try then Ill report back?
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I'm a big fan of boulevardier, it's basically a negroni with whiskey. I usually do my cocktails with rye, but I prefer bourbon in my boulevardier since it'a sweetness balances the bitter compari.

 
I had about 2oz of Woodford and about 1oz of MM left in the cabinet so I poured them together over ice. Because #### it I just drove 7 hours today, half of which with a screaming 6 month old. 

 
What turns me off is this bar is in Downtown LA but they have another location in San Diego, and I just noticed the bar in SD has the following for just $125

Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon 10 Years Old ⠀Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon Lot B. 12 Years old⠀Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Years Old⠀Pappy Van Winkle 15 years Old⠀Pappy Van Winkle 20 Years Old⠀Pappy Van Winkle 23 Years Old

They put in the 23 year rather than the 12, and they add tastes of the three other Van Winkles all for $35 less.

 
Shrugs said:
What turns me off is this bar is in Downtown LA but they have another location in San Diego, and I just noticed the bar in SD has the following for just $125

Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon 10 Years Old ⠀Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon Lot B. 12 Years old⠀Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Years Old⠀Pappy Van Winkle 15 years Old⠀Pappy Van Winkle 20 Years Old⠀Pappy Van Winkle 23 Years Old

They put in the 23 year rather than the 12, and they add tastes of the three other Van Winkles all for $35 less.
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Now thats a great deal!

 
Really cool, late & unexpected Xmas gift. 

Got home today from a week long family ski trip to find your Weller12 waiting for me on the porch.

Cant thank you enough icon - really nice of you. I'll be sure to report in here once I crack that open.

Oh btw - will be sending back a small thank you.

Thanks again and Happy New Year.

 
=Smackdown= said:
Really cool, late & unexpected Xmas gift. 

Got home today from a week long family ski trip to find your Weller12 waiting for me on the porch.

Cant thank you enough icon - really nice of you. I'll be sure to report in here once I crack that open.

Oh btw - will be sending back a small thank you.

Thanks again and Happy New Year.
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Im about to have a similar expirece.  Get home tomorrow from a week long ski trip and believe my sample of Weller 12 will be waiting for me.  Excited to try.  Cheers to Icon!

 
Tasted my barrel aged Manhattan today - one week in. 

Really good. A bit on the sweet side right now. Depending on how it changes may add a bit more bourbon / less vermouth next time. Can't taste any of the coffee beans I put in.

The spout thing isn't working right so it takes awhile to pour the drink. I have to hold the barrel in an odd way just to get it to trickle out.

On the bright side it probably saves me from drinking it. 

 
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Son gave me bottle of Jefferson's Reserve small batch bourbon for Xmas.  Haven't opened it yet.  Any reviews?

 
ditka...mike ditka said:
Im about to have a similar expirece.  Get home tomorrow from a week long ski trip and believe my sample of Weller 12 will be waiting for me.  Excited to try.  Cheers to Icon!
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Sorry guys the two samples were delayed but they will be going out in the next day or so! 

 
tried bookers for the first time on NYE. I was pretty impressed. I typically go with buffalo trace or ER so this was eye opening. robust flavor im a big fan

 
I was lucky to have a Weller 12yr sample and an almost full bottle of Eagle Rare show up just before New Year's Eve.   What perfect timing, and man what a treat it was to get to try such tasty spirits.    As mentioned earlier, I'm somewhat new to bourbon.   Both of these are probably among the best I've tried (Weller perhaps atop the chart).  The only thing that I would consider close would be Woodford Reserve - at least to my unsophisticated pallet. I'm anxious to follow this thread going forward.    ICON truly is one of the good guys. What a cool thing to do.  I was truly humbled by such a kind gesture during the holiday season.   Thanks again man!   

 
Appreciate the kind words guys, but just wanting to share the hobby with folks and pay some of Cavalier's kindness forward from another thread. I really hope everyone enjoys the bottles/samples.

May do another round of samples of various stuff sometime in the near future. Ordered some padded envelopes (to cut shipping costs) that accommodate the standard 2oz glass sample bottles I use.  

 
[icon] said:
Appreciate the kind words guys, but just wanting to share the hobby with folks and pay some of Cavalier's kindness forward from another thread. I really hope everyone enjoys the bottles/samples.

May do another round of samples of various stuff sometime in the near future. Ordered some padded envelopes (to cut shipping costs) that accommodate the standard 2oz glass sample bottles I use.  
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I was wondering how you would be sending a sample when you told me.   Those little 2 oz bottles are perfect.  :thumbup:

 
Rushmore said:
I was wondering how you would be sending a sample when you told me.   Those little 2 oz bottles are perfect.  :thumbup:
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yep. they're called "Boston Rounds" and are the standard vessel for whiskey/scotch/bourbon sample trading. They're sturdy, reusable, and a great size (2oz allows for two tastings, or one nice "sipping" pour).

If anyone is interested more info can be found here at Modern Thirst. They can be found on eBay or Amazon... generally about $1ea in smaller quantities (12-20pcs) or $0.50ea in larger quantities (50-100pcs). 

 
Had a sample of OKI today. Not bad at all. Still about a year out from the first true  New Riff release. Signed my dad, my father-in-law, and myself up for their Ranger program three years ago. The waiting is killing me.

 
Megla said:
As soon as I put it on ice and sip it I'll let you know

Thanks again
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Sorry for the long delay life keeps getting in the way!

Really liked the Weller 12 year but I have to admit I think I liked the ER 11 year even more.

Thanks again for the samples

 
Breckenridge anyone?   I know they have good brew's, but what are the prevailing thoughts on their bourbon?

I think I am on board as a daily type of beverage...what say y'all? 

 
Barrel Aged Manhattan is now a month in. 

Lost a bit to leakage over the past couple of weeks. Not a ton, but put a little dish underneath. 

Tastes very smooth. There is zero of the booze burn when drinking just warm going down. I think I might be able to taste a hint of the coffee beans I put in there but not sure if that's because I know I put them in there. 

Not sure when I'm supposed to know it's done. May have to have more than just a small sip next time to see. Think when I'm done I drain it, put it in a bottle and then immediately refill the barrel. Read that you shouldn't let the barrel dry after it gets wet.

 
[icon] said:
Sorry guys the two samples were delayed but they will be going out in the next day or so! 
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3 weeks late... better late than never? :unsure:  Had to order new packing material.. then stamps... then just got sidetracked and slacked. Sorry guys! 

Had this 8yr age stated Old Weller Antique come in from Louisville this morning. Rare laser etched bottles done for a barrel pick for PartyMart out of Louisville. Going to hold onto this one for a while I think. 
 

 
The General said:
Barrel Aged Manhattan is now a month in. 

Lost a bit to leakage over the past couple of weeks. Not a ton, but put a little dish underneath. 

Tastes very smooth. There is zero of the booze burn when drinking just warm going down. I think I might be able to taste a hint of the coffee beans I put in there but not sure if that's because I know I put them in there. 

Not sure when I'm supposed to know it's done. May have to have more than just a small sip next time to see. Think when I'm done I drain it, put it in a bottle and then immediately refill the barrel. Read that you shouldn't let the barrel dry after it gets wet.
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Very cool... :popcorn:

My Old Weller Antique 107 was is now 7 days in... at 5 days a buddy and I pulled a small taste. I've also bottled a 2oz sample. I will be tasting/bottling at 10 days, 15 days, and 20 days to see where it goes... then tasting all bottled samples side by side at the superbowl party with a couple buddies to compare notes. 

Here is an image and tasting notes side by side with normal OWA from the bottle: 

OWA in 1L oak charred barrel (1st use) +5days in on left Color: no perceptible difference 
Nose: (from my 100% sober GF, unaware of which is which) "this one smells more like eggnog and rum, this one burns my nose". My buddy and I (admittedly not blind) nosed it and both agreed the 5 measly days in the barrel rounded out the heat dramatically. 

Palate: +5d (Buddy and I : both not blind): noticeable softening of heat... subtle but very noticeable increase of vanilla/marshmallow notes. Much "milder". 

Was a shocking difference just 5 days in. We have drawn small samples for a blind tasting at +5/+10/+15/+20 days before the Super Bowl next Sunday. 

 

 
My neighbor the drunk bought a bottle of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.  I thought it was a bit on the spicy side but that may have just been fire from the high alcohol content.  It's 133 proof which is higher than the other cask strength bourbon I've tried.  It was nice to try and I definitely felt the proof but it's probably not something I'd buy for myself.

 
Eephus said:
My neighbor the drunk bought a bottle of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.  I thought it was a bit on the spicy side but that may have just been fire from the high alcohol content.  It's 133 proof which is higher than the other cask strength bourbon I've tried.  It was nice to try and I definitely felt the proof but it's probably not something I'd buy for myself.
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I got that for Christmas, definitely needed the water. Liked it a lot with the right amount of water.

 
What priced Rye/Bourbon would you say is too much for making classic cocktails with? Where is the line where it becomes a waste?

 
Ilov80s said:
What priced Rye/Bourbon would you say is too much for making classic cocktails with? Where is the line where it becomes a waste?
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Depends on the cocktail for me. Something like an old fashioned that is very liquor-centric I don't mind using a nicer whiskey. 

 
[icon] said:
Depends on the cocktail for me. Something like an old fashioned that is very liquor-centric I don't mind using a nicer whiskey. 
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Yeah I pretty much only make liquid centric drinks. I said classic but maybe liquor centric is more descriptive. 

 
[icon] said:
Depends on the cocktail for me. Something like an old fashioned that is very liquor-centric I don't mind using a nicer whiskey. 
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Ilov80s said:
Yeah I pretty much only make liquid centric drinks. I said classic but maybe liquor centric is more descriptive. 
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There was discussion a page back about the Boulevardier.  I love 'em almost as much as Negronis but the Campari tends to overpower the other ingredients.

 
Anyway, reason I ask is High West Double Rye is my standard at home cocktail whiskey. I got into a conversation with a bourbon guy at the liquor store today. He knew way more than me and was a little appalled I was using the HW for cocktails.

 
Ilov80s said:
Anyway, reason I ask is High West Double Rye is my standard at home cocktail whiskey. I got into a conversation with a bourbon guy at the liquor store today. He knew way more than me and was a little appalled I was using the HW for cocktails.
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HW Double Rye is a $30 bottle of Rye... I would tell the guy at the liquor store to get over himself and enjoy your drink. If you were using Sazerac 18 or Whistle Pig 10yr, THEN I'd say you might be pushing it. 

Now, if you're making a Bourbon and Coke 50/50, just get a $19 handle of Evan Williams Black label and be done with it. :)

 
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Eephus said:
There was discussion a page back about the Boulevardier.  I love 'em almost as much as Negronis but the Campari tends to overpower the other ingredients.
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Yeah, huge fan. A  local restaurant turned me onto them recently as they make a dynamite version. I started trying to recreate it. It's not as good but I definitely use bourbon and go easy on the compari.

 
[icon] said:
HW Double Rye is a $30 bottle of Rye... I would tell the guy at the liquor store to get over himself and enjoy your drink. 

Now, if you're making a Bourbon and Coke 50/50, just get a $19 handle of Evan Williams Black label and be done with it. :)
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Yeah I didn't think it was a big deal either, guy seemed like an anti cocktail nut so I think he just looked down on mixing anything that was halfway decent.

 
Ilov80s said:
Anyway, reason I ask is High West Double Rye is my standard at home cocktail whiskey. I got into a conversation with a bourbon guy at the liquor store today. He knew way more than me and was a little appalled I was using the HW for cocktails.
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I use Bulleit for my go to nothing special and it works just fine. Maybe Woodford occasionally.

The fancier stuff I only bring out for special occasions. Think he was just being a bit snobby.

 
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Ilov80s said:
Yeah I didn't think it was a big deal either, guy seemed like an anti cocktail nut so I think he just looked down on mixing anything that was halfway decent.
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Likely doesn't know nearly as much as he thinks he does if he's looking down his nose at anything outside neat whiskey. Enjoy your drink :thumbup:

 
The General said:
I use Bulleit for my go to nothing special and it works just fine. Maybe Woodford occasionally.

The fancier stuff I only bring out for special occasions. Think he was just being a bit snobby.
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He looked like a mess too- not the kind of guy I want bourbon advice from.

 
@[icon] - My brother knows the owner of a local bistro that has a ton of bourbons.  He has a "10 yr and 12 yr bottle(s) of Pappy" he will sell him for $400 a bottle.  Is that a good price?  I'm assuming these are Old Rip Van Winkle?  I don't think there is a 10 or 12 year Pappy Van Winkle is there? 

 
top dog said:
@[icon] - My brother knows the owner of a local bistro that has a ton of bourbons.  He has a "10 yr and 12 yr bottle(s) of Pappy" he will sell him for $400 a bottle.  Is that a good price?  I'm assuming these are Old Rip Van Winkle?  I don't think there is a 10 or 12 year Pappy Van Winkle is there? 
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10yr old RIP van winkle

12yr van winkle family reserve lot B 

15/20/23yr pappy Van winkle 

$400 is the standard "secondary" market of 12yr and it is NOT worth it. 

 
[icon] said:
10yr old RIP van winkle

12yr van winkle family reserve lot B 

15/20/23yr pappy Van winkle 

$400 is the standard "secondary" market of 12yr and it is NOT worth it. 
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:thumbup:

Thanks.  I could have bought the 10 year from him but I didn't think it was that great of a deal.. except that #### is impossible to find around here.  That being said, I don't NEED it.. So, I should buy $400 of other awesome bourbons instead.

 
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