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-   -   The Bourbon Thread!! (http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=337)

icehog3 05-19-2025 12:12 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Local guy was selling an Elijah Craig A120, but he wanted about $20 too much for it. I got him to throw in a ECPB from Shorewood Liquors at coast. My favorite ECBP bottle ever, never thought I'd see another bottle, and certainly not so cheaply.

https://i.imgur.com/0newbzF.jpg

stearns 05-19-2025 12:51 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 2262501)
The sample was really tasty, Ben. Just need to decide when toy crack this one.

One of the managers told me they had something in the back for me. Never heard of it, but I bought it on the recommendation.

https://i.imgur.com/hOyZVyF.jpg

Turns out it's a new Maker's Mark offering...and it's already double what I paid retail on the secondary market.

Nice grab, I've heard great things. Also nice pickup on the A120, that stuff is seriously delicious :dr

Weelok 05-19-2025 09:25 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 2262507)
Local guy was selling an Elijah Craig A120, but he wanted about $20 too much for it. I got him to throw in a ECPB from Shorewood Liquors at coast. My favorite ECBP bottle ever, never thought I'd see another bottle, and certainly not so cheaply.

https://i.imgur.com/0newbzF.jpg

Nice negotiating!!!

New stuff I picked up to try.

https://i.postimg.cc/8CYPW3RD/IMG-1007.jpg

icehog3 05-20-2025 08:24 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns (Post 2262508)
Nice grab, I've heard great things. Also nice pickup on the A120, that stuff is seriously delicious :dr

I looked at the proof and was surprised I hadn't bought an A120 before.

All the credit on the SHF to my Binny's guy, Ben, I didn't even know what it was until I got home and researched it. :r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weelok (Post 2262510)
Nice negotiating!!!

New stuff I picked up to try.

https://i.postimg.cc/8CYPW3RD/IMG-1007.jpg

Nice Dave! I know one of the Smokeye Hill releases was Minnik's pick of the year. curious to hear what you think.

icehog3 05-20-2025 08:24 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Almost killed off another of my favorite ECBP batches last night.

https://i.imgur.com/gBioOt3.jpg

stearns 05-20-2025 08:25 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 2262519)
Almost killed off another of my favorite ECBP batches last night.

My all time favorite :noon:noon

icehog3 05-20-2025 08:30 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns (Post 2262520)
My all time favorite :noon:noon

It has been for me too, though the B520 gives it a run for its money. Can't wait to try the A120.

stearns 05-20-2025 08:38 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 2262522)
Can't wait to try the A120.

Same league as C919, they're both so good and make the newer batches feel basic by comparison

icehog3 05-20-2025 11:45 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns (Post 2262523)
Same league as C919, they're both so good and make the newer batches feel basic by comparison

And ain't that a shame. That's why i go hunting for some of the old ones.

Weelok 05-20-2025 11:50 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 2262518)
Nice Dave! I know one of the Smokeye Hill releases was Minnik's pick of the year. curious to hear what you think.

I opened it up last night to try it out. It lives up to the hype IMHO. Since I have a mediocre palate, to me it’s a bit better than Stagg. For those that can find Stagg, it’s probably not worth hunting for.

For us on the West Coast where Stagg is a hunt for sub $200 bottles, this Smokeye Hill is an $85 bottle on the shelf!!

My bottle is 134 proof. Hot for sure but very sweet and all the great intense high proof bourbon flavors shine through. I drank it neat but I may drop in some water in a pour tonight to see how it opens up.

I would agree it is smooth so the proof is manageable.

I ordered two more bottles from Remedy. Going to try and get another from Total Wine :)

Porch Dweller 05-20-2025 01:28 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Nice grabs! Been on a cruise for a couple of weeks, they had some decent bourbons on board. Drank mostly Buffalo Trace and WT101, as they were included with the drink package. It's going to feel odd drinking some high octane bourbon tonight for the first time in a while. I'm sure I'll get used to it, though. :D

stearns 05-20-2025 01:43 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Porch Dweller (Post 2262529)
Drank mostly Buffalo Trace and WT101, as they were included with the drink package.

If I had to pick two (attainable) bottles to keep me occupied on a cruise, these would certainly be up there as top options :al

icehog3 05-21-2025 08:17 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Weelok (Post 2262527)
I opened it up last night to try it out. It lives up to the hype IMHO. Since I have a mediocre palate, to me it’s a bit better than Stagg. For those that can find Stagg, it’s probably not worth hunting for.

For us on the West Coast where Stagg is a hunt for sub $200 bottles, this Smokeye Hill is an $85 bottle on the shelf!!

My bottle is 134 proof. Hot for sure but very sweet and all the great intense high proof bourbon flavors shine through. I drank it neat but I may drop in some water in a pour tonight to see how it opens up.

I would agree it is smooth so the proof is manageable.

I ordered two more bottles from Remedy. Going to try and get another from Total Wine :)

Sounds excellent, Dave, glad it hits your palate so nicely. 134 proof is right up my alley too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porch Dweller (Post 2262529)
Nice grabs! Been on a cruise for a couple of weeks, they had some decent bourbons on board. Drank mostly Buffalo Trace and WT101, as they were included with the drink package. It's going to feel odd drinking some high octane bourbon tonight for the first time in a while. I'm sure I'll get used to it, though. :D

https://i.imgur.com/f61VC3xm.jpg

Chainsaw13 05-21-2025 10:21 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Gosh darn it! Told myself I was done buying bottles. My local store got some of the new Four Roses single barrel releases. Got the OBSF recipe. Already had a pour. Delicious.

icehog3 05-21-2025 11:14 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chainsaw13 (Post 2262538)
Gosh darn it! Told myself I was done buying bottles. My local store got some of the new Four Roses single barrel releases. Got the OBSF recipe. Already had a pour. Delicious.

Quitting is for quitters! You're no quitter, Bob! :al :noon

mahtofire14 05-21-2025 12:51 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
My local shop just got a Larceny Barrel Selection in. Not really a typical bourbon you'd think of for a barrel pick but Larceny is one of my favorite every day drinkers so I'm looking forward to this. Big fan of most things by Heaven Hill.

Porch Dweller 05-21-2025 03:27 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Found this barrel at the Midleton Distillery in Ireland, patiently waiting to age some Irish spirit:

https://i.imgur.com/xCkXLco.jpeg

Weelok 05-21-2025 09:27 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Porch Dweller (Post 2262546)
Found this barrel at the Midleton Distillery in Ireland, patiently waiting to age some Irish spirit:

https://i.imgur.com/xCkXLco.jpeg

I want to go see that barrel and maybe drink some Irish Whiskey!!!

Weelok 05-21-2025 09:45 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
More stuff.

https://i.postimg.cc/4NtjBVSy/IMG-1014.jpg

Frey Ranch Fathers Day single barrels. Barrels #845 and #3085. #845 is 129.36 at 8 yrs and two months. #3085 is 131.04 and 6 yrs and one month.

Pinhook 8 and looking forward to trying that.

Kentucky Castle Bourbon Straight Single Barrel 9 year. No information on this other than it’s the founder of Angel Envy.

Chainsaw13 05-22-2025 01:17 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mahtofire14 (Post 2262542)
My local shop just got a Larceny Barrel Selection in. Not really a typical bourbon you'd think of for a barrel pick but Larceny is one of my favorite every day drinkers so I'm looking forward to this. Big fan of most things by Heaven Hill.

Sounds like a good pickup, Pete. :tu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porch Dweller (Post 2262546)
Found this barrel at the Midleton Distillery in Ireland, patiently waiting to age some Irish spirit:

https://i.imgur.com/xCkXLcol.jpeg

:dr:dr:dr

stearns 05-22-2025 06:19 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Weelok (Post 2262551)
Kentucky Castle Bourbon Straight Single Barrel 9 year. No information on this other than it’s the founder of Angel Envy.

I've never heard of Kentucky Castle before, sounds cool. Let us know what you think when you try it!

icehog3 05-22-2025 07:39 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Dave, you can ignore my Frey Ranch question on the other thread. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, Binny's is expecting single barrel picks soon.

I've been looking at the Pinhook 9 Year vertical. waiting for it to go on sale. ;)

icehog3 05-22-2025 10:58 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Binny's got in Buffalo Trace today, you could pick one from Blanton's, Eagle Rare, EH Taylor or Caribou. Either MSRP on Blanton's is up again, or Binny's is taking their little slice of the pie. Easy choice for me.

https://i.imgur.com/vUnIcWNm.jpg

stearns 05-22-2025 11:35 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
I think SRP is up to like $80 for Blanton's. Keep going at this rate and they'll end up sitting on shelves again

Weelok 05-22-2025 01:02 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 2262562)
Dave, you can ignore my Frey Ranch question on the other thread. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, Binny's is expecting single barrel picks soon.

I've been looking at the Pinhook 9 Year vertical. waiting for it to go on sale. ;)

I haven’t tried the Frey Single Barrel bourbons yet. I have drank a few of the barrel select Ryes and Wheats and they are great. The Uncut Barrel Strength bourbon didn’t do it for me.

I still have the Uncut and will try a few more shots in a few days. I recall it just being a higher proof of the regular bourbon and better watered down. I didn’t get more intense flavors out of the higher proof. I want to try these single barrels and then see what my thoughts are of the Uncut.

The Pinhook 9 is pretty prevalent on the shelves. Go for sale. It is great IMHO. Good enough I tracked down an 8 and found 7’s on the shelf at a local B&M.

Weelok 05-22-2025 01:02 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns (Post 2262556)
I've never heard of Kentucky Castle before, sounds cool. Let us know what you think when you try it!

I think this is the one on deck for tonight. I’m very curious.

Beagleone 05-22-2025 06:32 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns (Post 2262570)
I think SRP is up to like $80 for Blanton's. Keep going at this rate and they'll end up sitting on shelves again

Current MSRP is $95

-(P

Chainsaw13 05-22-2025 08:34 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Beagleone (Post 2262576)
Current MSRP is $95

-(P

~$80 here in Michigan. I’d rather have Rare Breed.

icehog3 05-23-2025 08:44 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
I appreciate the insight, Dave, a new manager is touting the Frey Ranch stuff but they haven't gotten anything uncut yet. Hoping they get some picks soon.

Tony, Ben, Bob, Blanton's is $89 here now, so almost $100 after tax. Secondary is $110, so there's no point in buying it to trade at this point.

Weelok 05-23-2025 02:58 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Weelok (Post 2262572)
I think this is the one on deck for tonight. I’m very curious.

https://i.postimg.cc/KvwGmxy5/IMG-1015.jpgshell diesel station locator

Whoo this is good bourbon. Smooth, oak, vanilla, caramel, and bit of other spice probably oak barrel pepper etc. This is a great bourbon. I will open up Pinhook 8 and see how they compare. I think the Castle is likely better but it will be close.

Definitely a small batch. My bottle was barrel 2 hah.

icehog3 05-24-2025 08:13 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Good to hear the Castle is a winner, Dave!

I wanted to open something low(er) proof but high flavor for the bar. Remus Gatsby Reserve (the first release) is 15 year MGP at its finest. Cola, caramel and sweet oak dominate the palate, while the finish is long lasting and bold.

https://i.imgur.com/eTk2s7G.jpg

Weelok 05-24-2025 04:05 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by icehog3 (Post 2262605)
Good to hear the Castle is a winner, Dave!

I wanted to open something low(er) proof but high flavor for the bar. Remus Gatsby Reserve (the first release) is 15 year MGP at its finest. Cola, caramel and sweet oak dominate the palate, while the finish is long lasting and bold.

https://i.imgur.com/eTk2s7G.jpg

Holy cow that sounds great!!!!

Weelok 05-24-2025 08:41 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
My brother brought over a Frey barrel select that can only be bought at the ranch. Very tasty. Had a forth grain in the mash I could taste that I think was barley??? Added a nice element.

I opened up my last barrel select Rye as well. Need to get more.

https://i.postimg.cc/LXs89dft/IMG-1019.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/vZWBXtbV/IMG-1020.jpg

138.92 proof on the bourbon.

icehog3 05-26-2025 07:54 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Weelok (Post 2262618)
My brother brought over a Frey barrel select that can only be bought at the ranch. Very tasty. Had a forth grain in the mash I could taste that I think was barley??? Added a nice element.

I opened up my last barrel select Rye as well. Need to get more.

https://i.postimg.cc/LXs89dft/IMG-1019.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/vZWBXtbV/IMG-1020.jpg

138.92 proof on the bourbon.

Glad they are good, Dave! :dr :tu

This one was 140.2 proof and made me very happy for 9 months. Thank you again, Hugh!

https://i.imgur.com/dxWTs6q.jpg

hotreds 05-28-2025 03:14 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Hope to bring some more goodies in August@

icehog3 05-29-2025 07:56 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hotreds (Post 2262677)
Hope to bring some more goodies in August@

:noon :banger :tu

icehog3 05-29-2025 07:57 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
I went to Binny’s yesterday and they had dropped several Jack Daniel’s barrel picks: Single Barrel, Barrel Proof Bourbon and Barrel Proof Rye.

I grabbed one of each BP, in the highest proof offered for each. (Bourbon is 135.6 and Rye is 137.8).

https://i.imgur.com/tUZrSPD.jpg

I haven’t cared much for the JD BP Ryes I’ve tried in the past, so I opened it first. After a small first pour I’ll say I like it better than those previous pours; I’m just not sure I like it yet.

https://i.imgur.com/uSlgFcs.jpg

I opened up the bourbon next. Middle of the road for JDBP picks. That means while it’s good, I’m still a little disappointed if that makes any sense.

jledou 05-29-2025 09:39 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Just picked up the same pair last night, only mine were in at 129.9 and 131.1.

Porch Dweller 05-29-2025 09:56 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jledou (Post 2262691)
Just picked up the same pair last night, only mine were in at 129.9 and 131.1.

https://external-content.duckduckgo....713ac14efe7712


:D :D

icehog3 05-29-2025 11:25 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jledou (Post 2262691)
Just picked up the same pair last night, only mine were in at 129.9 and 131.1.

https://i.imgur.com/1lAmqvS.gif

icehog3 06-02-2025 07:57 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Bought this on closeout at Binny's. 121 proof single barrel.

Guy tried to tell me it's Wild Turkey juice. It's not.

Opened it to see if it's worth $30. It is.

https://i.imgur.com/jsWuapL.jpg

Porch Dweller 06-04-2025 10:43 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Saw this on my local Air Force Base and grabbed it. I haven't found any information about it other than the "Selected for those who served" line. I asked one of the clerks and she had no clue (but TBH, she exudes an air of cluelessness pretty much constantly. She seems one of those people that manages to do just enough to not get fired and no more...but I digress.)

They also had MM Cask Strength on sale, and I rarely pass that up.

https://i.imgur.com/7hIdRcxl.jpg

stearns 06-04-2025 01:28 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Nice pickup! Usually when it says "Selected FOR XXX" it means that it was a distributor pick, meaning it wasn't somebody from the store that tasted a few and picked their favorite but moreso the store saying they just want a single barrel and taking whichever they get. That doesn't say anything about the quality, it could be the best barrel ever and at a minimum you know it's going to be good since it's a 9 year barrel proof single barrel EC, but a cool grab nonetheless

Porch Dweller 06-04-2025 01:42 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by stearns (Post 2262785)
Nice pickup! Usually when it says "Selected FOR XXX" it means that it was a distributor pick, meaning it wasn't somebody from the store that tasted a few and picked their favorite but moreso the store saying they just want a single barrel and taking whichever they get. That doesn't say anything about the quality, it could be the best barrel ever and at a minimum you know it's going to be good since it's a 9 year barrel proof single barrel EC, but a cool grab nonetheless

:cl

I knew someone here would have some background. Good info, thanks!!!

https://external-content.duckduckgo....77694784178619

icehog3 06-06-2025 08:55 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Definitely a nice pickup, James. :dr

I opened a couple new bottles this week. A Booker's Tommy's Batch because it is my "retirement" bottle and I just "retired" again.

https://i.imgur.com/okUiE5w.jpg

The next was a 1792 Full Proof, a Sal's pick single barrel. I wasn't expecting much, the last few Sal's picks gave been somewhat disappointing, and I am through with them unless it's something crazy allocated. This actually turned out pretty good though. :lr

https://i.imgur.com/YBlIE3i.jpg

icehog3 06-06-2025 08:56 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Latest pickup is a Jay West pick. I've had great luck with jay's picks, so I decide to take a chance on this one. Proof might be a touch high. ;)

https://i.imgur.com/jMTtA6Q.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0iZmU29m.jpg

Chainsaw13 06-06-2025 07:56 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Jesus H! 155? You could run a top fuel dragster off that.

I cracked open a RRSP from my local store. Almost 10 tears old. Very good stuff.

icehog3 06-07-2025 07:58 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Love the RRSPs, Bob. :dr

I opened the Hazmat bottle and gave it a try. There's no acetone or anything unappealing for a 155 proof bourbon. It has lots of oak, char, hickory, mesquite...I would call it a campfire. It does not have the complexity or depth of flavor that the last two Hazmat bottles had. (Mattingly Razor's Edge at 141.2 and ECBP at 140.2, both from Hugh by the way). Worth the price of admission if for nothing but the novelty.

https://i.imgur.com/vXKSiSs.jpg

Beagleone 06-07-2025 04:48 PM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Old Fitz 7 year BiB just hit north Texas. Our main Spec's store put 18 cases last Thursday, which quickly sold out. I've seen a number of post on FB selling them for a significantly increased price soon thereafter. MSRP is around $50. Today, the same store dumped another 150 bottles. Tilted said not to worry, this will be plentiful and avoid secondary. I haven't seen it hitting the other stores yet, but will grab a bottle or two when they land.

icehog3 06-08-2025 09:34 AM

Re: The Bourbon Thread!!
 
Hope you get some soon, Tony. I'll definitely give it a moment here as well and hope it eventually becomes easier to find at retail.


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