Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
Welcome to Our Forums. Once you've registered and logged in, you're primed to talk football, among other topics, with the sharpest and most experienced fantasy players on the internet.
Bourbon guys (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter top dog
- Start date
MrJimiT
Footballguy
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.
Galileo
Footballguy
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.
Galileo
Footballguy
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...
AAABatteries
Footballguy
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?
I'm a moron so don't ask me, but my understanding is that there's no sugar/carbs in whiskey. What the body does with it I'm not sure but I think it's always "approved" on low-carb diets so take that for what's its worth.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Turned 50 this past weekend - here was my haul:
- 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
MrJimiT
Footballguy
AAA - Happy birthday!!
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.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Thanks JimiT! I was in shock when I opened the bottle from my wife. She did great and that's a decent price. I had my bottle of RB 12 CS with me so we A/B'd them. It was a somewhat close contest but we preferred the 21. It was just great.
I've been looking for that Alberta forever and never, ever see it. My friend found it online for $35 plus shipping!
Galileo
Footballguy
Got an email today from Trenton with update information. One of the items among several things was this...
- Empty status: Bottles marked as empty will no longer contribute to your collection's value, but they will still be displayed in your collection list.
Not sure if they are still included in the bottle count, but this is probably an easy update for them to include in the future if not already done.
gruecd
Footballguy
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...
103 total bottles of whiskey. Only 30 (29%) are open.
Galileo
Footballguy
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.
Travieso
Footballguy
long time lurker of this topic; first time posting:
I do not open every bottle I buy - usually b/c some are purchased as gifts for others
currently have 35 bottles which is a huge increase over last 12 months; I went a little nuts purchasing last year
about 1/3% of bottles are not open (which includes 3 future gifts). Making myself work through current open bottles before cracking new ones. Finally getting close; most of my open bottles have less that 25% left.
Try to always have a back for Knob 12 and Eagle Rare (although that is getting harder these days)
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Chicken ****
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Oh come on
Bossman
Footballguy
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.
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.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Maybe Basil Hayden’s or Angels envy
opensourcebeer
Footballguy
Russell's Reserve would expose you to some classic Wild Turkey flavors.
Similarly Knob Creek provides a look into Beam's offerings.
1792 is a decent cheap bottle IMO.
Eagle Rare is a wonderful whiskey, but difficult to find in some areas.
Elijah Craig barrell proofs, which they release 3 times a year, are typically very good.
Galileo
Footballguy
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.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
Compared to most of the folks here, I'm a noob as well, so from one to another:
1. To really up your game, you need to get really
about it, i.e., learn the mash bills of the brands you like, and learn if any particular distillery's mash bills run toward your preferred flavor palate. For example, Buffalo Trace's offerings tend to be on the sweeter side, Wild Turkey's mash bills generally are higher in rye content, etc. That will go a long way in directing you. To help you out a little, this link will take you to a list of mash bills for many distilleries. Woodford, for example, comes from the Brown-Forman Distillery, and Brown-Forman also makes Jack Daniels, Old Forester and Cooper's Craft. That site will show you that Woodford, Old Forester and Cooper's Craft have the same mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% barley. It's safe to believe that since all three brands come from the same distiller and have the same mash bill, they should have a similar taste to each other. The obvious difference with the Woodford is the double-oak part, but my point remains for Old Forester and Cooper's Craft. The same theory should apply to all major distilleries, so that if you like one offering from a particular distillery, you shouldn't go wrong trying something else from them. The bottom line with any type of whiskey is that all that should matter is what you think is good and drink it how you like it best. In that context, 'upping your game' is about your palate more than any specific whiskey/whisky.2. As for cost, ~$50 is a good floor for decent quality, and you may even find hidden gems if you go even lower to ~$30 range; after that, it would come down to how much you want to gamble, though speaking of Buffalo Trace, they have a poorly guarded secret: they have a couple of more readily available but lower caliber brands out there, namely Benchmark and Ancient Age. I'm not sure why those labels aren't as allocated, but the Benchmarks can be had for $20-30, and the Ancient Age for less than $20. An example of a good ~$50 brand is Wild Turkey Rare Breed. At ~$50, it's a higher aged, high proof delicious dram, and the sub $30 Wild Turkey 101, while not as refined, is a great bang for the buck in the same flavor 'family'. Also, not all $100 bourbons are created equal. Sometimes you're going to pay for rarity, especially with allocated brands. 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.
3. Since you're a noob, keep trying offerings from different major distillers, i.e., labels you'll be able to find anywhere, though with your spending threshold, you can also expand into more local distillers as well. @opensourcebeer mentioned a few brands from distilleries that offer multiple labels, including Beam, which is a great example. In fact, they just came out with a 7-year aged product selling for ~$30 that is getting nothing but high praise and recommended as a "beginner's bourbon". Like Wild Turkey 101, it's probably a great example of the 'basic' palate for bourbon, and a good frame of reference when trying others.
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.
Galileo
Footballguy
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.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
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.
To me, 'scarcity' is an artificial way to hike up prices, especially since there are areas where Buffalo Trace products specifically are available in abundance.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
I love Redbreast, but haven't had the 21. I'm sure it's great, but I'll never shell out the $$$ for it.
wlwiles
Footballguy
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...
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
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...
As for how WT gets consistent barrel proof, I'm going to look into that; part of my interest in whiskey is the process as well as the taste.
MrJimiT
Footballguy
Just using what you have tried, I would suggest these:
Makers Mark 46 Cask Strength
Four Roses Small Roses Small Batch Select
(Woodford Reserve Double Oaked a very good offering you've already tried)
Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Knob Creek 9 (I prefer KC12 but has been difficult to find in Michigan)
Old Forrester 1910 or 1920 - both good for different reasons (mixing 50/50 with each other is really good)
Galileo
Footballguy
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...
wlwiles
Footballguy
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...
Sometimes I wish I still did it this way. At some point I got hooked on the hunt...
gruecd
Footballguy
Has anyone had James E. Pepper barrel proof? Picked some up today for $57. First time I've ever seen it locally...
Galileo
Footballguy
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.
psychobillies
Footballguy
I had to google infinity bottle. Looks like a fun little project that I'm almost certainly going to get into.
Galileo
Footballguy
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...
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.
psychobillies
Footballguy
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.
Galileo
Footballguy
enjoy the journey
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
Up next on my journey: Old Overholt 114 Proof Rye
First thoughts: I can't hide my penchant for cruising around the bargain basement, so my hope is to make my choices count for something at this point.
When I started my foray into rye, I wanted to take the same approach that I did with bourbon, i.e., start cheap and work my way up. At 19.99 for their base, 86-proof offering, this brand qualifies. I went to a store near me that's actually been captured on video by a whiskey vlogger. I've been stalling for months about picking up Old Overholt (though at the same time, seeing Don Draper make an old fashioned out of it on an episode of Mad Men kept it on my radar), I knew this store had it and cheap. Then I noticed the 114 proof version sitting right next to it for $31. While I'm not a 'proof hound', I'm no longer afraid of high proof and also know higher proof can also mean better/more flavor, and that price for that proof, vs 19.99 for their 86 proof made going for the 114 a no-brainer. My only misgiving right now is that I'm going into it with no idea of its flavor palate. On the other hand, I had a good experience with Sagamore's cask strength, so it may not be as scary as I'm imagining it.
One final comment before sampling: nothing says 'bargain basement' like a screw cap on a 114 proof whiskey.
First sniff: From the bottle, it has the 'typical' notes I've gotten from other ryes/high rye bourbons--'neutral', slight mint and 'grain'. Not as pungent as I would expect for high proof.
<<Between opening the bottle, pouring and letting it sit before tasting, I sniffed the bottle 2-3 more times and it got a little sweeter each time. I'm getting cautiously optimistic.>>
First taste: While I don't have a lot of experience with rye, I do believe this shares a lot of the same notes I get from the others I've had, outside of Old Forester. There was a quick flash of heat on the end and a blink-and-you-miss-it Kentucky Hug on the way down, and it doesn't linger on the palate, though the aftertaste is sweetness.
<<the nose gets better with each successive sniff, reminding me of my beloved Sagamore Double Oaked>>
Second taste: There must be something about how rye interacts with oak, because I got the same kind of caramel/brown sugar goodness that I get from the Sagamore Double Oaked, though also with a flash of heat and the same quick Kentucky Hug, and again the whole experience vanished as quickly as it arrived.
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 costs $25 more. I can't complain about how quickly the flavor fades because it's a joy while it lasts. $31 for such a high proof bottle seems like steal. Despite the screw cap and low-rent vibe that Old Overholt gives, I recommend it without hesitating. And a plug for the store that sold it to me, Angel's Share Wine & Spirits. I usually don't fall for sales tactics, but I have to admit that allowing me to blather on about my whiskey experiences and letting me sample two other ryes, Woodinville and Rittenhouse, may have helped sway me. Nevertheless, it still felt like low-key selling at best and I could have walked out without buying anything, which I did there the last time.
First thoughts: I can't hide my penchant for cruising around the bargain basement, so my hope is to make my choices count for something at this point.
When I started my foray into rye, I wanted to take the same approach that I did with bourbon, i.e., start cheap and work my way up. At 19.99 for their base, 86-proof offering, this brand qualifies. I went to a store near me that's actually been captured on video by a whiskey vlogger. I've been stalling for months about picking up Old Overholt (though at the same time, seeing Don Draper make an old fashioned out of it on an episode of Mad Men kept it on my radar), I knew this store had it and cheap. Then I noticed the 114 proof version sitting right next to it for $31. While I'm not a 'proof hound', I'm no longer afraid of high proof and also know higher proof can also mean better/more flavor, and that price for that proof, vs 19.99 for their 86 proof made going for the 114 a no-brainer. My only misgiving right now is that I'm going into it with no idea of its flavor palate. On the other hand, I had a good experience with Sagamore's cask strength, so it may not be as scary as I'm imagining it.
One final comment before sampling: nothing says 'bargain basement' like a screw cap on a 114 proof whiskey.
First sniff: From the bottle, it has the 'typical' notes I've gotten from other ryes/high rye bourbons--'neutral', slight mint and 'grain'. Not as pungent as I would expect for high proof.
<<Between opening the bottle, pouring and letting it sit before tasting, I sniffed the bottle 2-3 more times and it got a little sweeter each time. I'm getting cautiously optimistic.>>
First taste: While I don't have a lot of experience with rye, I do believe this shares a lot of the same notes I get from the others I've had, outside of Old Forester. There was a quick flash of heat on the end and a blink-and-you-miss-it Kentucky Hug on the way down, and it doesn't linger on the palate, though the aftertaste is sweetness.
<<the nose gets better with each successive sniff, reminding me of my beloved Sagamore Double Oaked>>
Second taste: There must be something about how rye interacts with oak, because I got the same kind of caramel/brown sugar goodness that I get from the Sagamore Double Oaked, though also with a flash of heat and the same quick Kentucky Hug, and again the whole experience vanished as quickly as it arrived.
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 costs $25 more. I can't complain about how quickly the flavor fades because it's a joy while it lasts. $31 for such a high proof bottle seems like steal. Despite the screw cap and low-rent vibe that Old Overholt gives, I recommend it without hesitating. And a plug for the store that sold it to me, Angel's Share Wine & Spirits. I usually don't fall for sales tactics, but I have to admit that allowing me to blather on about my whiskey experiences and letting me sample two other ryes, Woodinville and Rittenhouse, may have helped sway me. Nevertheless, it still felt like low-key selling at best and I could have walked out without buying anything, which I did there the last time.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
FWIW, I'm following up that pour with my beloved Sagamore Double Oaked. The Sagamore's nose is a little sweeter, it's slightly softer on the palate and definitely lingers longer. Cost has always been a major factor when I buy whiskey, and now that I've had a comparable brand for far cheaper, I'm going to have extra guilt reaching for the more expensive one. If they cost the same or similar, I'd still go with the Sagamore, but $25 is a llllot of money to pay for a small margin of taste, though 'buy local' can justify spending more.
Galileo
Footballguy
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.
Charlie Steiner
Footballguy
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.