I prefer the C923 over A124 by a fairly wide margin. A isn't bad, just not as good imo. It should be about time for B524 to be out and in the stores.Anyone tried the latest batch (A124) of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof? C923 was so good, and I'm seeing mixed reviews of A124 online. I'm sure it's still good, Elijah Craig isn't going to put out a bad batch, but it's definitely younger and lower proof than C923 was...
I like to trade samples with people. Get to try a lot of things that way that are either not available around me or, perhaps after tasting a sample, can decide whether it is worth buying a bottle or not. I can follow other users and they can follow me. We can't really communicate through the app, but it allows us to see each other's collections. So, maybe it isn't quite social, but allows collection info to be shared. We then actually communicate through bourbon groups on Facebook or Discord.I
I have only been using OnlyDrams for about 3 months now, and haven't gotten into the social aspect of it yet. Can you give me a quick rundown of how you use that side of it? Send it in a PM maybe so we don't clog the thread up. ThxI have both Whiskey Shelf and OnlyDrams going. I started both of them thinking I'd compare and decide which I like better. Both have pros and cons for sure. I lean towards Only Drams, but one is not significantly better than the other. I like that the social aspect of Only Drams is free. I think that is a paid/premium feature in Whiskey Shelf. I like the infinity bottle tracker in Whiskey Shelf. Only Drams can definitely be challenging to add unique bottles and seems to be a little clunky when trying to edit info. You can't enter bottles for yourself. You have to "send it in" and have them add it to their database. I have a few without barcodes from barrel picks I can't scan. I have another bottle from Nashville Barrel Co where the bar code just won't read. When I try to send a picture in through the app to "learn" the bottle, I just get error messages. Only Drams is largely still being developed and tested and should continue to evolve in the near future. They have a Discord with forums with places for feedback, suggestions, issues, and support. If you did not know, OnlyDrams is being put out there by the SLB crew. Trenton has been fairly responsive to folks in the Discord and posts bug fixes and updates. They also raffle away a bottle each month to those who are paid supporters. They gave away a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 last month.
I agree with this. C923 is special. A124 isn't bad, but it is not at the C923 level. B524's are starting to show places. I have seen some reviews that are very favorable. Not sure anything will match the C923 again...I prefer the C923 over A124 by a fairly wide margin. A isn't bad, just not as good imo. It should be about time for B524 to be out and in the stores.Anyone tried the latest batch (A124) of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof? C923 was so good, and I'm seeing mixed reviews of A124 online. I'm sure it's still good, Elijah Craig isn't going to put out a bad batch, but it's definitely younger and lower proof than C923 was...
Yeah, I was always told that bourbon was one of the worst spirits in that regard - whereas tequila / vodka were much lower. Maybe a wives' tale?I've gotten away from drinking bourbon (too much sugar), but I saw this thread earlier this morning and it totally sparked something in my brain about a dream I had last night about a self-serve whiskey dispensing spigot-type-thing built into a kitchen countertop at a house I was at (or owned). So funny how a word can just trigger something like that. Maybe my brain was disappointed in me that I actually had a Jack & Coke for the first time in forever on Saturday night.
Sugar?? Do you mean it affects your blood sugar level?
AAA - Happy birthday!!Turned 50 this past weekend - here was my haul:
On another note - on the way to the cabin Thursday we stopped and it seems like things aren't as crazy. Guy had a ton of allocated stuff in the back that his offered me. Including a Pappy 13 year rye - I've talked to the store owner several times over the years but I wouldn't consider myself a regular. I've bought some of his store picks and a few others but not a ton. When I told him I was looking for something special he originally offered Michters Barrel Stength rye and when I passed he called me back and sat that on the desk. I had to thank him profusely for even offering it to me but then passed. Just can't pay $1,300 for a bottle of whiskey. Wife paid $350 + shipping for the RB21. One day if/when I retire I think I'll get that RB27 - beyond that I don't plan to ever pay for current Pappy markup.
- McKenna 10 yr. BiB
- Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye (Canadian)
- Bulleit 12 year rye
- Redbreast 21 - delicious, was my birthday night pour and it didn't disappoint. Now I REALLY want to go get the RB 27
AAA - Happy birthday!!Turned 50 this past weekend - here was my haul:
On another note - on the way to the cabin Thursday we stopped and it seems like things aren't as crazy. Guy had a ton of allocated stuff in the back that his offered me. Including a Pappy 13 year rye - I've talked to the store owner several times over the years but I wouldn't consider myself a regular. I've bought some of his store picks and a few others but not a ton. When I told him I was looking for something special he originally offered Michters Barrel Stength rye and when I passed he called me back and sat that on the desk. I had to thank him profusely for even offering it to me but then passed. Just can't pay $1,300 for a bottle of whiskey. Wife paid $350 + shipping for the RB21. One day if/when I retire I think I'll get that RB27 - beyond that I don't plan to ever pay for current Pappy markup.
- McKenna 10 yr. BiB
- Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye (Canadian)
- Bulleit 12 year rye
- Redbreast 21 - delicious, was my birthday night pour and it didn't disappoint. Now I REALLY want to go get the RB 27
I like the McK 10 BiB
Love the Alberta Premium!!
Haven't tried Bulliet 12 Rye
And oh my gosh, I am more than jealous of your pour of R21. The highest I've had is the R15, that I tend to nurse, and I absolutely love the R15.
Got an email today from Trenton with update information. One of the items among several things was this...- My biggest gripe: You can mark a bottle as Open, Unopened, or Empty. I don't always keep the list 100% accurate as to what's open or unopened (and % full is another option you can use for each bottle). BUT I do want to mark bottles that are empty. But empty bottles still count towards your collection total #. You can filter your collection to show Open, Unopened, or Empty, but you can't filter OUT Empty. So my collection total is never correct. Yes you can select "remove bottle from your collection" but then it's deleted completely. I like having them in there as Empty so I can go back to them, remember what variant of X it was that I had, remember what I paid for it, etc.
Spreadsheet complete. Here's a screenshot. I've got most of them in OnlyDrams, too, but I need to do some more fiddling around in there...It doesn't take much time. You can do it!!!If I could make the time, I'd love to spreadsheet everything that I've got...
Or get one of the apps that allows you to simply scan the barcode on your bottles and the inventory is created for you. Whiskey Shelf and OnlyDrams are the 2 that I am somewhat familiar with.
There you go...nice work on the spreadsheet. Now that it is made, it is easy to update and edit since the collection will change slowly. Some good options in there. So many unopened though. I think you need to drink more.Spreadsheet complete. Here's a screenshot. I've got most of them in OnlyDrams, too, but I need to do some more fiddling around in there...It doesn't take much time. You can do it!!!If I could make the time, I'd love to spreadsheet everything that I've got...
Or get one of the apps that allows you to simply scan the barcode on your bottles and the inventory is created for you. Whiskey Shelf and OnlyDrams are the 2 that I am somewhat familiar with.
103 total bottles of whiskey. Only 30 (29%) are open.
Good poll questions would be:
- Do you open every bottle you buy?
- How many bottles do you have?
- What percentage of your bottles are open?
Bourbon noob here and I'm looking to take my game up a notch. I'll assume this group will steer me in the right direction.
Just finishing a bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
I've been thru Makers Mark, 4 Roses Small Batch, and a Legent. I may prefer the fruitier, sweeter styles but certainly not opposed to the oaky, smokey flavor.
What should my next bottle be? What's a good bottle that should be on everyone's "must try" or "go to" list?
Looking for something $100 or less.
Eagle Rare from Buffalo Trace (fruity), 1910 from Old Forester (combines the sweet and oaky), or if you are ready to try something with a little more proof, Rare Breed from Wild Turkey are my recommendations.Bourbon noob here and I'm looking to take my game up a notch. I'll assume this group will steer me in the right direction.
Just finishing a bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
I've been thru Makers Mark, 4 Roses Small Batch, and a Legent. I may prefer the fruitier, sweeter styles but certainly not opposed to the oaky, smokey flavor.
What should my next bottle be? What's a good bottle that should be on everyone's "must try" or "go to" list?
Looking for something $100 or less.
Compared to most of the folks here, I'm a noob as well, so from one to another:Bourbon noob here and I'm looking to take my game up a notch. I'll assume this group will steer me in the right direction.
Just finishing a bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
I've been thru Makers Mark, 4 Roses Small Batch, and a Legent. I may prefer the fruitier, sweeter styles but certainly not opposed to the oaky, smokey flavor.
What should my next bottle be? What's a good bottle that should be on everyone's "must try" or "go to" list?
Looking for something $100 or less.
I've paid $70 or more for many other bourbons I like less than Eagle Rare. Getting a good whiskey with a 10 year age statement at $70 isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things. That said, location is key. I pay $43 for Eagle Rare when it does come around every other month or so.Eagle Rare is a fine bourbon, but it's not a $70 bourbon, so you're paying for its scarcity more than you are for its quality.
In the current state of the whiskey market, you're right. The point I had in mind was that In places where it's available and not marked up due to scarcity, what you're able to get it for is reasonable. As for 10-year age statements, Russell's Reserve 10 sells near me in that same price range, which is part of my reasoning as well.I've paid $70 or more for many other bourbons I like less than Eagle Rare. Getting a good whiskey with a 10 year age statement at $70 isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things. That said, location is key. I pay $43 for Eagle Rare when it does come around every other month or so.Eagle Rare is a fine bourbon, but it's not a $70 bourbon, so you're paying for its scarcity more than you are for its quality.
I love Redbreast, but haven't had the 21. I'm sure it's great, but I'll never shell out the $$$ for it.Turned 50 this past weekend - here was my haul:
On another note - on the way to the cabin Thursday we stopped and it seems like things aren't as crazy. Guy had a ton of allocated stuff in the back that his offered me. Including a Pappy 13 year rye - I've talked to the store owner several times over the years but I wouldn't consider myself a regular. I've bought some of his store picks and a few others but not a ton. When I told him I was looking for something special he originally offered Michters Barrel Stength rye and when I passed he called me back and sat that on the desk. I had to thank him profusely for even offering it to me but then passed. Just can't pay $1,300 for a bottle of whiskey. Wife paid $350 + shipping for the RB21. One day if/when I retire I think I'll get that RB27 - beyond that I don't plan to ever pay for current Pappy markup.
- McKenna 10 yr. BiB
- Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye (Canadian)
- Bulleit 12 year rye
- Redbreast 21 - delicious, was my birthday night pour and it didn't disappoint. Now I REALLY want to go get the RB 27
Absolutely true. I escalated in proof very quickly in my bourbon journey, and regularly enjoy bottles that are 120+ in proof. 110 proof seems to be my floor. I have to take a break for a week or so before I can go back to a 100 proof or lower whiskey and really get anything from it. I hated Russell's 10 for a long time because it just tasted very plain to me - I was so acclimated to high proof stuff (for a long while Rare Breed was my "low proof" shelfer) that anything in the 90's just tasted bland to me.
4. As you're still in the 'exploring' phase, I caution you about proof. If you start in with higher proof (this is subjective, but I think 105 and up is a fair starting point for 'high' proof) as opposed to working your way to it, there may not be any going back, at which point you will have to spend a lot just out of necessity for barrel proof/cask strength.
Having started with scotch, I was fine with lower proof, and I thought of something like Wild Turkey 101 as dangerous. When I started with bourbon, the bargain basement was full of 90 proofers, so I adjusted pretty quickly, though 101 was still my threshold. Then I got on a bottled-in-bond kick (Evan Williams and Old Grand Dad), which pushed my threshold up to 100 proof and 90-95 as my 'wheelhouse'. Then came Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength (112.2) and it had no bite and no Kentucky Hug to speak of, which scared me a little. I also started seeing a lot of videos praising Rare Breed, which got me curious, and one night I found myself at my honey hole store with the lowest prices around me and Rare Breed going for ~$45, which I thought was a steal even though it was above what I was comfortable spending at the time. There's a post here many pages back where I called it the best bourbon I've had so far, and I haven't moved from that statement.Absolutely true. I escalated in proof very quickly in my bourbon journey, and regularly enjoy bottles that are 120+ in proof. 110 proof seems to be my floor. I have to take a break for a week or so before I can go back to a 100 proof or lower whiskey and really get anything from it. I hated Russell's 10 for a long time because it just tasted very plain to me - I was so acclimated to high proof stuff (for a long while Rare Breed was my "low proof" shelfer) that anything in the 90's just tasted bland to me.
4. As you're still in the 'exploring' phase, I caution you about proof. If you start in with higher proof (this is subjective, but I think 105 and up is a fair starting point for 'high' proof) as opposed to working your way to it, there may not be any going back, at which point you will have to spend a lot just out of necessity for barrel proof/cask strength.
Since I mentioned Rare Breed, a question I've always wondered...the bottle says barrel proof, but it's got to be cut in some way right? Because it's always at a consistent proof - every Rare Breed is found at the exact same proof point of 116.whatever. Compared to ECBP which is always a different proof every batch. Woodford batch proof is different each time. Almost every other barrel proof offering differs in proof a bit from batch to batch or barrel to barrel, but Rare Breed is 116.x every single time...
Just using what you have tried, I would suggest these:Bourbon noob here and I'm looking to take my game up a notch. I'll assume this group will steer me in the right direction.
Just finishing a bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked.
I've been thru Makers Mark, 4 Roses Small Batch, and a Legent. I may prefer the fruitier, sweeter styles but certainly not opposed to the oaky, smokey flavor.
What should my next bottle be? What's a good bottle that should be on everyone's "must try" or "go to" list?
Looking for something $100 or less.
Rare Breed is not a single barrel whiskey. It is a small batch blend of 6, 8 and 12 year whiskey. They do not add water to proof down the whiskey before bottling, so it is the proof that it is coming out of the barrels. Rather, they play with the batch blend to get the proof where they want it. A few years ago Rare Breed was a 112.8 proof. I think they changed to 116.8 proof around 2016.Since I mentioned Rare Breed, a question I've always wondered...the bottle says barrel proof, but it's got to be cut in some way right? Because it's always at a consistent proof - every Rare Breed is found at the exact same proof point of 116.whatever. Compared to ECBP which is always a different proof every batch. Woodford batch proof is different each time. Almost every other barrel proof offering differs in proof a bit from batch to batch or barrel to barrel, but Rare Breed is 116.x every single time...
This was me for the first 2 years of being a "bourbon guy". Bought a Basil Hayden, finished it, then bought EC Small Batch, finished it, then Four Roses yellow label, finished it, then...I'm efficient
- Do you open every bottle you buy? Yes
- How many bottles do you have? One
- What percentage of your bottles are open? 100%
It is a solid pour. I bought one, tasted it, and went and backed it up with a second bottle. I really like it and it is a decent value pour in a cool bottle that I hope to use as an infinity bottle when it is empty.Has anyone had James E. Pepper barrel proof? Picked some up today for $57. First time I've ever seen it locally...
I had to google infinity bottle. Looks like a fun little project that I'm almost certainly going to get into.It is a solid pour. I bought one, tasted it, and went and backed it up with a second bottle. I really like it and it is a decent value pour in a cool bottle that I hope to use as an infinity bottle when it is empty.Has anyone had James E. Pepper barrel proof? Picked some up today for $57. First time I've ever seen it locally...
I have one going at the moment that has about 7 different 1 oz samples in it now. Haven't tasted it yet. It is in a Bardstown Discovery #6 bottle simply because that is what I had available when I started it not long ago. I want to move it to either the James E Pepper bottle or a Frey Ranch bottle which I also like the look and feel of a lot. Neither are close to being empty yet though, so I got some drinking to do...I had to google infinity bottle. Looks like a fun little project that I'm almost certainly going to get into.It is a solid pour. I bought one, tasted it, and went and backed it up with a second bottle. I really like it and it is a decent value pour in a cool bottle that I hope to use as an infinity bottle when it is empty.Has anyone had James E. Pepper barrel proof? Picked some up today for $57. First time I've ever seen it locally...
Funny you say that. I just this afternoon grabbed a Bardstown 6 yr and just poured a shot on top of the last pour in a 4R small batch bottle, so I guess I'm in. I have no intention of keeping track at all. If I like it, it goes in. Looking forward to the mystery of it all. Thanks for putting me onto it.I have one going at the moment that has about 7 different 1 oz samples in it now. Haven't tasted it yet. It is in a Bardstown Discovery #6 bottle simply because that is what I had available when I started it not long ago. I want to move it to either the James E Pepper bottle or a Frey Ranch bottle which I also like the look and feel of a lot. Neither are close to being empty yet though, so I got some drinking to do...I had to google infinity bottle. Looks like a fun little project that I'm almost certainly going to get into.It is a solid pour. I bought one, tasted it, and went and backed it up with a second bottle. I really like it and it is a decent value pour in a cool bottle that I hope to use as an infinity bottle when it is empty.Has anyone had James E. Pepper barrel proof? Picked some up today for $57. First time I've ever seen it locally...
ETA...if anyone uses the Whiskey Shelf app, it can track what what you add to the infinity bottle and report the current proof point of the mixture. I believe there are other apps capable of this as well.
enjoy the journeyFunny you say that. I just this afternoon grabbed a Bardstown 6 yr and just poured a shot on top of the last pour in a 4R small batch bottle, so I guess I'm in. I have no intention of keeping track at all. If I like it, it goes in. Looking forward to the mystery of it all. Thanks for putting me onto it.I have one going at the moment that has about 7 different 1 oz samples in it now. Haven't tasted it yet. It is in a Bardstown Discovery #6 bottle simply because that is what I had available when I started it not long ago. I want to move it to either the James E Pepper bottle or a Frey Ranch bottle which I also like the look and feel of a lot. Neither are close to being empty yet though, so I got some drinking to do...I had to google infinity bottle. Looks like a fun little project that I'm almost certainly going to get into.It is a solid pour. I bought one, tasted it, and went and backed it up with a second bottle. I really like it and it is a decent value pour in a cool bottle that I hope to use as an infinity bottle when it is empty.Has anyone had James E. Pepper barrel proof? Picked some up today for $57. First time I've ever seen it locally...
ETA...if anyone uses the Whiskey Shelf app, it can track what what you add to the infinity bottle and report the current proof point of the mixture. I believe there are other apps capable of this as well.
Old Overholt is a Suntory Global Spirits product. Suntory is the parent company of Jim Beam. Old Overholt has basically been a Beam product for nearly 40 years now and it is produced in Kentucky. It was last made in Pennsylvania prior to 1987.Knee-jerk reactions: My state pride took a bit of a hit tonight, as this brand from our northern neighbors in Pennsylvania hit nearly the same notes as my local hero
I saw that on the label, but it didn't really register. Thanks for the correction, though in the interest of full disclosure, as far as I know, Sagamore still sources its 95/5 mash bill from MGP, so the 'state pride' angle is overblown as well. No matter: it was still a blow to my sensibilities that for $25 less, I can get a similar drinking experience to something whose image I bought into.Old Overholt is a Suntory Global Spirits product. Suntory is the parent company of Jim Beam. Old Overholt has basically been a Beam product for nearly 40 years now and it is produced in Kentucky. It was last made in Pennsylvania prior to 1987.Knee-jerk reactions: My state pride took a bit of a hit tonight, as this brand from our northern neighbors in Pennsylvania hit nearly the same notes as my local hero
That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.
Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?
Good luck getting it less than $125 on the west coast.That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.
Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?
Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.
For regular Blanton’s?!Good luck getting it less than $125 on the west coast.That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.
Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?
Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.
Yes. Here in Oregon, the price is controlled at MSRP of $59.95, but you'll never find it on the shelves.For regular Blanton’s?!Good luck getting it less than $125 on the west coast.That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.
Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?
Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.
In Ohio, which is price controlled, Blanton's is now ~85 with tax. Happened fairly recently.That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.
Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?
Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.
74.99 + tax so closer to 80 than 85, but to the point, yes it is overpriced for what it is.In Ohio, which is price controlled, Blanton's is now ~85 with tax. Happened fairly recently.That's almost secondary pricing. I think the most I'd pay is $75-80.I'm currently in France and have been keeping my eyes out for Blantons. I finally found a bottle for $97 which I think I'll go back and get, assuming it's still there.
Any other European varieties in the same flavor profile that I should keep my eyes out for?
Speaking of Blanton's, my wife is from Poland, and we're headed there in a few weeks to visit her family. I've got 3 bottles of Blanton's Gold (light years better than the standard) en route to her mom's place as we speak. Cost me $141 each. If nothing else, they're good currency for trading with the taters back here in the U.S.