My brother in law bought me a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 8 yr. from 1979 (so marked on the box) at an estate sale. I'm a big bourbon fan and have had current production Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 101 from about 2005,current Russell's Reserve 90 proof, Kentucky Spirit as well as many, many other current bourbon offerings from Evan Williams Single Barrel to Van Winkle Lot B. Let me tell you nothing but nothing holds a candle to this old bottle of 8 year old Wild Turkey 101. The first thing I noticed when I opened up the box and pulled the 1 liter bottle out and held it up was the dark almost ruby color of the contents. I broke the tax seal and lifted the almost deteriorated cork off the bottle. This is the absolute best bourbon I've ever tasted with rich toffee, caramel and vanilla flavors with a hint of tobacco. Just damn delicious! I shared this whiskey with a couple of my bourbon buddies and they all couldn't get over just how good this standard old bourbon was. It became very apparent that the quality of Wild Turkey has declined greatly over the years. I was not a big bourbon drinker in the 70s, but if this bottle is typical of the quality of bourbon 35 years ago, then we are not in the golden age of bourbon. Oh, it may be more popular and there may be many more choices, but I could be very happy to have a lifetime supply of this 1979 version of Wild Turkey 101 and forgo any of the current bourbons. Yeah, it's that good.
Now Evan Williams tastes as good as any, unless you like the really sweet stuff. I used to give Crown Royal to the rancher whos place i hunt west of Andrews and drank it myself.
He told me the blended whiskey gives hangovers and thats wuy they preferred E Williams.
I got to noticing that after 6 or 8 crowns and ice felt like crap all over my body the next day.
I toured the Buffalo Trace brewery while deer hunting in KY a few years ago, sampled several of their bourbons. The guys in hunting camp polished off a bottle every night after supper, I enjoy a glass every now and then my preference is for good scotch like Laphroig.
Supposedly whiskey doesn't 'age' in the bottle as does wine. It's more accurate to state that whiskey doesn't change as quickly or as much, but it does change. American bourbon whiskeys can change significantly due to the tannins leached from fresh oak barrels.
I'm in the biz and "Yes", this truly is the "Golden Age" for American bourbons. By and large, forget about Pappy, Orphan Barrel, and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection stuff these days. Can't find it and, if you do, you'll pay through the nose. Incredibly over-priced, at least for the time being. This phenomenon is even spilling over into "every day" bourbons - Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 Year, Basil Hayden's, etc. Hell, this past Fall, I grabbed a bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon for about $44 and could have easily flipped it for $250 - $300 on the gray market. Chose to hold on to it and am enjoying it slowly, as I think I'm appreciating it for the right reasons.
Bottom line - it is pure insanity right now when it comes to "collectible" bourbons. This will pass but it may take a while. As noted earlier, the Asian market isn't helping things. They caused a stir about 8 - 10 years ago with Bordeaux/Burgundy but that bubble eventually burst, so things should return to normal. Here's hoping, at least.
Supposedly whiskey doesn't 'age' in the bottle as does wine. It's more accurate to state that whiskey doesn't change as quickly or as much, but it does change. American bourbon whiskeys can change significantly due to the tannins leached from fresh oak barrels.
Yeah, whiskey doesn't age in the bottle, but it can change if the seal is bad and oxygen gets in. I looked at this as a time capsule. A glimpse at what a standard quality whiskey at the time was like. I can tell you that there was certainly older whiskey than 8 years (you have to put the youngest whiskey in the batch/barrel dump on the label) in this bottle. The 10 and 12 year old whiskeys I've had in the past few years didn't have anywhere near the color or complexity of flavors that this old WT 101 has. It's to be expected I guess, the more popular it becomes, the more it is rushed out the door. Have you noticed more and more whiskeys are losing their age statements? While there are still some pretty decent and enjoyable bourbons out there, it appears the golden age of bourbon was back when demand was down and the quality was way up. I'm happy the industry is doing well, and when the demand goes down, like it did with vodka, and with rickhouses full of whiskey, there could once again be older whiskey available at reasonable prices. Hope I live long enough to see it. Til then, the golden age of whiskey is long behind us.
I'm in the biz and "Yes", this truly is the "Golden Age" for American bourbons. By and large, forget about Pappy, Orphan Barrel, and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection stuff these days. Can't find it and, if you do, you'll pay through the nose. Incredibly over-priced, at least for the time being. This phenomenon is even spilling over into "every day" bourbons - Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 Year, Basil Hayden's, etc. Hell, this past Fall, I grabbed a bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon for about $44 and could have easily flipped it for $250 - $300 on the gray market. Chose to hold on to it and am enjoying it slowly, as I think I'm appreciating it for the right reasons.
Bottom line - it is pure insanity right now when it comes to "collectible" bourbons. This will pass but it may take a while. As noted earlier, the Asian market isn't helping things. They caused a stir about 8 - 10 years ago with Bordeaux/Burgundy but that bubble eventually burst, so things should return to normal. Here's hoping, at least.
Interesting. My family is big time "in the biz" and have no problem at all getting me any of the Pappy's, Blanton's, Col E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Booker's, and all the misc "small batches" etc, etc at a pretty good discount.... maybe a regional thing?
I'm in the biz and "Yes", this truly is the "Golden Age" for American bourbons. By and large, forget about Pappy, Orphan Barrel, and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection stuff these days. Can't find it and, if you do, you'll pay through the nose. Incredibly over-priced, at least for the time being. This phenomenon is even spilling over into "every day" bourbons - Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 Year, Basil Hayden's, etc. Hell, this past Fall, I grabbed a bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon for about $44 and could have easily flipped it for $250 - $300 on the gray market. Chose to hold on to it and am enjoying it slowly, as I think I'm appreciating it for the right reasons.
Bottom line - it is pure insanity right now when it comes to "collectible" bourbons. This will pass but it may take a while. As noted earlier, the Asian market isn't helping things. They caused a stir about 8 - 10 years ago with Bordeaux/Burgundy but that bubble eventually burst, so things should return to normal. Here's hoping, at least.
Interesting. My family is big time "in the biz" and have no problem at all getting me any of the Pappy's, Blanton's, Col E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Booker's, and all the misc "small batches" etc, etc at a pretty good discount.... maybe a regional thing?
More than likely. It's interesting from where I sit as well because, what we've discovered is that proximity doesn't necessarily mean access is any better. When it comes to the actual distribution of these "boutique" bourbons, there's a lot of "back scratching" that goes on. Same as what happens with Opus One, Dominus, Quintessa, and even some beers now - Pliny The Elder, from Russian River Brewing, comes to mind. I don't doubt for a minute that politics and preferential treatment are in play.
At 120 proof it was pretty lethal, and sipping it was an incredible experience. I have never tasted any whisky/whiskey that smooth and complex, regardless the proof.
Interesting. I found it to be "hot" even when reduced with spring water, and I'm accustomed to stuff even higher than 120 proof. Maybe the barrel mine was drawn from was a hot one.
I found my bottle hotter than a couple of bottles of George T. Stagg at 140+ proof.
I'm no stranger to Islay whisky. A favorite of mine is my cask strength, unfiltered Laphroaig. I don't cut that one either. Nor do I cut my Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Caol Ila, Bruichladdich, or Bowmore.
I'm in the biz and "Yes", this truly is the "Golden Age" for American bourbons. By and large, forget about Pappy, Orphan Barrel, and Buffalo Trace Antique Collection stuff these days. Can't find it and, if you do, you'll pay through the nose. Incredibly over-priced, at least for the time being. This phenomenon is even spilling over into "every day" bourbons - Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 Year, Basil Hayden's, etc. Hell, this past Fall, I grabbed a bottle of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon for about $44 and could have easily flipped it for $250 - $300 on the gray market. Chose to hold on to it and am enjoying it slowly, as I think I'm appreciating it for the right reasons.
Bottom line - it is pure insanity right now when it comes to "collectible" bourbons. This will pass but it may take a while. As noted earlier, the Asian market isn't helping things. They caused a stir about 8 - 10 years ago with Bordeaux/Burgundy but that bubble eventually burst, so things should return to normal. Here's hoping, at least.
Interesting. My family is big time "in the biz" and have no problem at all getting me any of the Pappy's, Blanton's, Col E.H. Taylor, Eagle Rare, Booker's, and all the misc "small batches" etc, etc at a pretty good discount.... maybe a regional thing?
You must be in the Ohio, TN or KY regions because that's where it all turns up. I have all those names you mentioned but most came out of Nashville to Louisville areas. I also have a few store owner/mgr guys in VA and SC that take care of me. VA is great because it's state control so they contain the markup. No surprise to walk in and see 20 bottles of Elmer T on sale at 29 bucks. 75 on the net!
FWIW---Do not buy the new purple bottle of Black Maple Hill out of Oregon. It sucks. Old red label only!! Those guys really screwed up.
I found my bottle hotter than a couple of bottles of George T. Stagg at 140+ proof.
I'm no stranger to Islay whisky. A favorite of mine is my cask strength, unfiltered Laphroaig. I don't cut that one either. Nor do I cut my Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Caol Ila, Bruichladdich, or Bowmore.
I am in need of a new bottle, and will be making that run shortly. I have been trying to keep from buying the expensive stuff lately. I do love the Elijah 12 YO for the price. It is dark and complex. I may just get a bottle of one of the old standbys, Woodford or Buffalo Trace. I like Bulleit also.
I had some Evan Williams white label about a month ago. I was surprised at how smooth it was for $16 a bottle.
The EC12 and EW Single Barrel are great values for the money. On the EW try to go as far back as you can for the vintage. 1999-2003 were consistently very good. I would suggest stocking up on a little Buffalo Trace as even it's becoming a short supply product. Anything out of the BT line is in demand.
Another great choice is Bowman Brothers Small Batch made in Virginia. They actually use the Buffalo Trace mashbill. The small batch can be had for about 23 bucks. Single Barrel John Bowman is around 40 bucks.
Thankfully I can appreciate bourbons that are either wheated, or high rye so long as they are quality. Any love out there for Four Roses Small Batch? I really enjoy that one even though it is a gentle bourbon. There are days though when only a high rye content bruiser of a bourbon will do. I have a bottle of bourbon from a local craft distiller that makes a great wheat pot-stilled vodka and I've had their very pricey buckwheat bourbon by the glass a couple years ago. It's called "Most Righteous Bourbon" from the Catskill Distilling Company. It's in my queue. I'm hoping that eventually some of these craft distillers can put an emphasis on quality back into the whiskey industry the way that craft breweries did to the beer industry. If it's going to happen, it will take some time.
I gotta say, BT is certainly not bad. The BT I have now is very light in color. After drinking some others for a while now, it seems the BT has decidedly less character/complexity than the Woodford and Elijah Craig 12 YO. Bulleit is better also, IMO.
I almost went with Dickel 12 YO or 1792. I will probably buy some 1792 next. I may just be off the BT bandwagon.
But I will have another glass now to make sure..............
If you can find Weller Special Reserve or Weller 12YO it's a steal at reasonable prices. Some say the Weller 12 is the same as Old Van Winkle Lot B 12. But I would defer to the poster who said he was in the business for the definitive.
1792 is good.
Try the Mitcher's that Scott brought up. I wound up with a couple of 20 year old Mitcher's before it became obscenely expensive. But the Mitcher's US No 1 bourbon at 40 bucks is outstanding.
EC 12 yr. is one of the steals in the whiskey world.
Kinda scares me. I LOVE my EC 12.
We bought Wiser's Very Old (18 YO) whiskey for $40/bottle, frequently, not long ago. It was definitely another STEAL. Well it is now $78/bottle. Word seems to have gotten out.....
I like my Old Fitzerald 1894. Been drinking that since I was a lad in college. I have a bottle that was distilled in 1938. Still a tasty Bourbon. Weller, Bulleit, Booker, Knob Creek, Rowans Creek, all good.
If you can find Weller Special Reserve or Weller 12YO it's a steal at reasonable prices. Some say the Weller 12 is the same as Old Van Winkle Lot B 12. But I would defer to the poster who said he was in the business for the definitive.
The samples I and others tested were definitely not the same.
This includes a really blind test, the taster didn't know what he was testing. He was given two poured samples in identical nosing glasses and asked for an assessment. Same? Different? If different, how?
Angel's Envy from Lincoln Henderson is catching my taste buds lately. Finished in port wine barrels. Found it at a barbeque joint in Chesterland OH and got a bottle for Christmas. For me, it's a nice change of pace from the Buffalo Trace and Woodford I keep around.
By the way, if you're in the Chesterland area, look up Oak & Embers for some good BBQ and a good, lengthy bourbon list.
David. that is damn spendy, but I'm sure it's still good. Here is the bottle I have. I bought it about 30 years ago for $5.00 in an antique store. Saved it for my Daughter's wedding. Took the bottle up to NY State for that event, and opened it in celebration. Still have about half a bottle. Delicious.
Sam, it is truly spendy and someone will eventually buy it. I saw a small Jack Daniels collection sale for 10k last week. Truly wild what's going on in the whiskey/bourbon collectors world.
I would love to have a a drink with you from that beautiful bottle. Treasure that because there will be no more. Just like there will be no more little girl in your loving daughter. Well you know what I mean.
At any rate, that is a great little bottle of history that you have.
Y'all must have watched Boubontucky and got thirsty
The head of Beam said he doesn't think the best bourbon has been made yet, says they learn and refine within the limits of keeping it bourbon.
Mike
Of course he says that, he's in the business of making and selling the stuff. It might be the case though when the demand slows down and they have lots of barrels of old stuff in their rickhouses. I'm sure they can refine the mashbills and make a good wort, when they go back to pot distilling and can put it into some real good casks for a long time under great conditions, they can once again make a great bourbon. It's less likely when they lower the proof or push younger and younger whiskey out the door to meet demand. It's still pretty good, but can be oh so much better.
The 10 and 12 year old whiskeys I've had in the past few years didn't have anywhere near the color or complexity of flavors that this old WT 101 has. It's to be expected I guess, the more popular it becomes, the more it is rushed out the door. Have you noticed more and more whiskeys are losing their age statements?
A large part of that is due to the fact the distilleries for the most part are less selective in making cuts (if any) during the run and by and large most have switched to using plated or refluxe columns rather than the pot stills which yield less alcohol but inherently have more flavor than the former.
Look for more to implement heat aging to reduce time spent in the barrel.
Picked me a up a nice big bottle of Bulleit last month and I'm a happy camper. Can't get even a whif of Pappy or EC here. Like they're holding gold dust, if you do get a whif.
Angel's Envy from Lincoln Henderson is catching my taste buds lately. Finished in port wine barrels. Found it at a barbeque joint in Chesterland OH and got a bottle for Christmas. For me, it's a nice change of pace from the Buffalo Trace and Woodford I keep around.
By the way, if you're in the Chesterland area, look up Oak & Embers for some good BBQ and a good, lengthy bourbon list.
Angel's Envy is one bourbon I really disliked. It just doesn't taste the way I want bourbon to taste. But folks have different tastes, that's why they make and sell as many different types/brands that they do. I'm doing my part to help keep the price of that stuff down for ya by reducing demand.
You got that right. I know a guy who landed a bottle of Pappy 15 for $150. He took it to his local store and traded for a couple of BT, which I thought was pretty smart. Just said he wanted something of good quality to last him the year and one jug of Pappy wouldn't cut his consumption.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/33081/filename/image.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/30784/filename/War%20Eagle.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](http://s1181.photobucket.com/user/rugershooter1/media/6BAF1B72-7025-47E9-95B0-47701C2E57A8.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg342/steveberrett/20120611_112631.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](http://i.imgur.com/LaBYSX3.jpg)
![[Linked Image]](http://s626.photobucket.com/user/Knocky/media/Knocky%202011%20second%20half/OldFitz.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/rbunt227/20150129_131852_zpssmhmzmef.jpg)
position on the bar