What Bourbon/Scotch are you drinking?

So I finally got around to opening this sought after bottle of OF. I had been holding off on it because of the 125 proof and the aforementioned throat violence aversion, but I figured what's a better time than after acclimating myself with the 120 proof KO bourbon.

This is a complicated one. It's aromas are wonderful, it's taste is powerful and complex, and it's actually pretty gentle on the throat for such a high proof bourbon ... but, it also does that thing where everything is fine until five seconds after you drink it and you get heartburn like you ate a ghost pepper infused burrito.

I'm going to give it a few more tries to see how it plays out but to me this one falls short of what is required to make high proof whiskey wonderful ... it lacks the genius of smoothness at high proof. Best way to describe it is that it's closer to Booker's than to Thomas Handy.

That said it is precisely what someone who likes Stagg JR would like ... so if that's your thing this will be your thing too.

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Have you tried a single ice cube to see if it opens it up/tames it a little?

 

I will put a couple of drops of distilled water in some whiskeys to release the aromas and flavors but I will not drink whiskey on ice ... I stick to the principle that if I have to dilute whiskey to make it tolerable then it's not to my taste.

Thankfully after yesterday's unpleasantness, the unmentionable bottle has been put aside for the serving of objectionable guests (is there any other kind?), and I've decided to soothe my soul, my throat, and my thorax, with something quite special.

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i love everything about this post

 

Within an hour of touching down we had our bags, our rental car, and--most importantly--a smoke wagon UCUF 92 and a 1.75 of Trace so I have a good stock for deck fire nights.

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Found a good one today.

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Image Unavailable, Please Login I’m a bourbon novice, but a tequila connoisseur. I picked these two up yesterday to give Bourbon a try. The Makers has lots of depth and a big kick. The Angel is desert.


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If that's "starting out" you're goin places!! Nice picks!

 

Thanks. Straight to the Top Shelf. It took 30 years to go back to Bourbon after UGA football games.

 

Decided to pick up a bottle of Elijah Craig yesterday afternoon based on this recommendation. I agree - very good stuff, especially for the price. Enjoyed some around the fire to complement the Oliva V Melanio figurado I was also enjoying. Great combo.

 

Some good stuff right here.

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Reloaded with some Angel’s Rye this weekend Image Unavailable, Please Login
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Boom!

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For those who weren't following the shenanigans on intsa, we were out in Vegas for EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival, 3-night rave--yes I'm 41 years old and I still go to raves ) and naturally the day we landed, we had several hours to kill before we could check in at the hotel. Welp. Might as well go look for berbin right?

While the Trace isn't *TOO* big a deal, just Trace itself in MD is almost nonexistent, and when you find it, it's at a *STUPID* price. (I still have one of the two store-pick bottles I scored in the spring stashed, fantastic long caramel finish) A 1.75? nope. not happening. nowhere in this state. So at 40 bucks, it was a no-brainer.

My big target was Smoke Wagon since it's from Vegas. Can't visit the distillery yet (tasting room is nearly done but the license isn't anywhere close to completion from what I get talking to Aaron) but all the local spots have small batch and straight fairly easy to find. Uncut/Unfiltered can be a challenge, but the Total Wine on S. LV Blvd (the strip) had ONE bottle left. Hidden behind the small batch. After an employee told me they were out. 99% sure he was stashing that one for a friend lol. OH WELL I WIN.

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Then I also scored two of their Halloween bottles of Straight (one for a friend here in MD) at a Lee's location. Finished off my previous straight tonight with a DOF so I have an excuse to pop the spookybottle soon.

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We're heading back in May for EDC 2022 so I'll probably enjoy the SW a little more frequently betwixt now and then. Hoping Aaron can get everything squared away (bribes paid? it's vegas after all lol) for the tasting room to be open by then.

 

A couple special bottles and a solid daily pour I picked up today Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

2 others I grabbed last week Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

TGIF

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Been looking for this for a while so to get at retail is a huge win Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

HOLY CRAP congrats!!!

 

Congrats man, that’s about as good as it gets.

 

I’m a newb to bourbon, scotch etc… My Loan Officer friend gave me this on the refi closing. Anyone tried? I don’t want to be a pleb and use it to make a mixed drink like I do with Bulleit. Thanks.

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Blade & Bow is delicious and a great value. You should get more loans.

 

Have to use some freebies for hotel stays by the end of the year, so I'm heading to the hills to visit Trace, Heaven Hill, Angels' Envy, and Makers (for sure) over vets day weekend.

Any other suggestions?

 

If you are a Marriott guy there is a new hotel in downtown Louisville called Distil. Heard great things. Definitely check out the ones you mentioned and also add Rabbit Hole, Stitzel Weller, Castle and Key, Michters and Peerless to the list. Woodford is also a beautiful property.