Whiskey Clique

Cliffy6745 said:

Clear alcohol is for rich women on diets 

Well call me Michelle.  

Cliffy6745 said:

You inspired me. In North Carolina and I couldn’t get those bottles in PA if my life Depended on it

Never had the Ardbeg, but that Four Roses SBS is really good. Nice finds!

Gern Blansten said:

I snagged a bottle of Stagg, Jr and a Weller Antique 107 last night at a local "Whiskeyfest"

They had about 200 bottles available for a randomly generated pick.  My wife got pick 23 (Stagg) and I was 104 for the Weller.

There were 3 bottles of Van Winkle in that mix that obviously went quick.  We were laughing that the Kentucky Owl (2 bottles both at $300 or so) and the Sweetens Cove (around $200 I think) were still available close to the end. 

They did an auction after the random picks that we didn't stick around for but the Pappy and Rip bottles started at $500

Nice scores! Have you tried 'em? What do you think? If I had my pick of two "readily available" BT products, those would be the two. Consistently great, higher proof, and killer deals at MSRP. If Weller 107 was the 104th bottle chosen, I'm curious what other awesome stuff they had.

exploderball said:

Gern Blansten said:

I snagged a bottle of Stagg, Jr and a Weller Antique 107 last night at a local "Whiskeyfest"

They had about 200 bottles available for a randomly generated pick.  My wife got pick 23 (Stagg) and I was 104 for the Weller.

There were 3 bottles of Van Winkle in that mix that obviously went quick.  We were laughing that the Kentucky Owl (2 bottles both at $300 or so) and the Sweetens Cove (around $200 I think) were still available close to the end. 

They did an auction after the random picks that we didn't stick around for but the Pappy and Rip bottles started at $500

Nice scores! Have you tried 'em? What do you think? If I had my pick of two "readily available" BT products, those would be the two. Consistently great, higher proof, and killer deals at MSRP. If Weller 107 was the 104th bottle chosen, I'm curious what other awesome stuff they had.

I haven't cracked the Weller yet but the Stagg was great...

They had a lot of good stuff. There were 6 bottles of Blanton's that got picked before the Weller.  It's a pretty cool "fest" that is put on to benefit a local charity by a local liquor group. They sell the random pick bottles at retail which is nice. The tickets to get in are like $60 but they give you some decent food and some whiskey tastings.  They had about 4 bottles of the 107 and I think I got the last one but I was surprised at the number of Weller bottles that were still there after my 104 pick.  I bet they went pretty quick after me though.

They make a Rip and Pappy bottle available for a separate raffle at $10/ticket.  I bought 5 tickets and didn't score but that would have been nice.

The auction was for Pappy, Rip, bottle of Stagg (Sr), William Larue Weller, etc.

bbiggs said:

exploderball said:

bbiggs said:

A buddy was pouring some really good bourbon last night. I had pours of Eagle Rare 17, George T. Stagg (2015) and Weller CYPB. It was my first ER17 experience, and while it was really good, it was well behind the GTS. It lacked the flavor explosion that the GTS had, but that’s likely from the lower proof. Cool to try it though. 

What was your second favorite? I've heard mixed reviews for CYPB due to its low proof. Never tried it myself. That 2015 GTS must have been the runaway favorite. Almost hazmat at 138.2 proof!

Makes me wonder... what's everybody's highest proof whiskey ever? Mine was a local Old Forester Barrel Strength store pick at 134.1 proof.

It's funny you ask.  I really thought (and maybe wanted?) ER17 was going to be one of the best bourbons I've ever tasted and it just wasn't.  Very tasty, but plenty of bottles that are more attainable that I would take over it.  So to answer your question, ER17 and CYPB were about equal to me.  The GTS was light years ahead.

As far as proof, I think this may have been my second highest proof.  I had a pour of GTS '12 that from memory was 142ish?  One thing to add to the recent GTS '15 pour is that it was super smooth and easy to drink for being so high in ABV.  Much more flavor, but not more heat compared to the ER17 at 101 proof.  Dangerous combo.

Try a drop of water in the ER17 and it should open up nice.

Highest I had I can remember was 121.  I have 2 bottles at home that are higher than that I haven't opened yet.

I finally scored an ETL at my local shop for $55! Been hunting this bottle for years. Why is it so damn hard to find? Many people rank it last among BT mashbill #2 offerings, but I'm still very excited to finally try it. Have you guys had it?

2 new private barrels just came in. Note the ABVs.....

So I have an open bottle of Old Tub that I will have from time to time.  It was something to try out.  I had it the day after drinking the Midwinters Dram and completely noticed a difference.

exploderball said:

I finally scored an ETL at my local shop for $55! Been hunting this bottle for years. Why is it so damn hard to find? Many people rank it last among BT mashbill #2 offerings, but I'm still very excited to finally try it. Have you guys had it?

Nice score man.  I've never owned a bottle, but have had pours.  Hard to find because it is highly allocated and the bourbon hawks cash in on it.  Super solid and easy drinker at its proof.  Enjoy!