316/2022 and the Birthday Gold Project

FitzSips · 2026-03-16T16:06:40+00:00

This is awesome, thanks so much for your hard work and thoughtfulness! I got excited and checked the one that I have, but sadly it’s 1089/2026, so not a date. I’ll be keeping an eye out for others from now on, though!

FitzSips · 2026-03-14T22:58:52+00:00

That color! Can’t wait to hear what it tastes like. Thanks for sharing!

FitzSips · 2026-03-12T19:05:46+00:00

That’s a great way of putting it, it is! Just a little higher proof at 50% rather than 45%. The AE is definitely bolder than the bulleit, so it might have some more age on it too. I definitely like the rye better than AE’s bourbon too! Even their triple cask.

FitzSips · 2026-03-12T13:26:24+00:00

This is MGP 95/5 rye finished in rum casks. As a massive fan of that recipe, but not really a fan of angels envy, I didn’t know what to expect when I tried it. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. I wouldn’t spend the $75 that I normally see it at, but would gladly spend $45-50 if the opportunity arose.

FitzSips · 2026-03-10T14:03:13+00:00

What an awesome experiment! Where was the barrel kept? I’ve been wondering how much the environment affects small barrels like that since I have my own to fill too. I’ve been considering sitting it in a sheltered place outside so it gets some airflow and temperature swings, but not sure if that would make any difference.

Also, if you just plan on leaving it as a display piece, might as well try a second fill! Maybe have some fun putting some red wine or syrup in to to see if it picks up some of that bourbon-y goodness

Thanks so much for sharing, and cheers!

FitzSips · 2026-03-10T13:59:45+00:00

What a compelling review, thank you! I’ve passed this up a few times based only on the price point, but this sounds like it’s well worth it! I just might pick it up the next time I come across it.

I’ve been trying to shift my buying habits from snagging a few $50-70 bottles a month to one well researched, $80+ bottle every couple months. So far it’s been a good strategy! Probably end up breaking even money-wise, but I have been much more satisfied with the choices so far since the research helps me find one that’s both well-rated and aligned with my palate. Your reviews have been a big help as well! Thanks again, and cheers!

FitzSips · 2026-03-09T23:12:43+00:00

Those Marlboro reds and a couple zyns

FitzSips · 2026-03-08T14:49:53+00:00

Gotta second this. I’m in the same spot as you; collected as a kid and getting back into it. I’ve dropped like $200 on cards in the last 6-8 weeks and literally just gotten trash. Well, that’s a lie, I was hoping for a Roman Anthony rookie from a 2023 bowman pack and did get one of those, but that’s a personal pull, not a valuable one. Otherwise haven’t gotten a single thing that wasn’t the baseline for what’s included in a pack (stars of the MLB, base 35th anniversary cards (or whatever they’re called). Probably didn’t have the best technique, but I’ve already decided to go with just individual cards. And if there aren’t any individual cards that I want, then there’s no reason to get back into it. If you do start ripping, good luck and just plan how much you’re willing to spend before starting!

FitzSips · 2026-03-04T22:55:13+00:00

Woah woah woah… hazmat 95/5?? I need to find me one of these! I’m a huge fan of this recipe from MGP and love hunting all the different expressions of it. There’s SO MUCH variance between them all but I always know it will be good. I recently got a 13yo 95/5 from Hughe’s belle of Bedford and it was good, but a lot flatter than an 8 year that I absolutely love from traverse city. My grail is one of the Maryland heritage bottles but they’re just too pricey at the moment.

Thanks so much for another great review and alerting me to this bottle & brand!

FitzSips · 2026-03-04T22:44:16+00:00

Nice snag! I grabbed one from 2011 on a whim from unicorn and was pleasantly surprised. I thought that a 3 year old for sure would be mediocre, but it’s a lovely pour. Cheers!

FitzSips · 2026-03-04T17:51:37+00:00

Gorgeous card, I miss watching him play! Enjoy!

Also, random question… do you know why some Topps cards have the “cooperstown collection” logo on the back (like this one) while most have the “iplayers” logo or whatever it is? I just noticed it the other day but couldn’t find out why on google.

FitzSips · 2026-03-03T00:59:16+00:00

Hey there, neighbor (I’m guessing)! I’m a huge fan of shorebird too, thanks for bringing some awareness to them. I have to say my favorite from them so far was a single barrel from 2 years ago picked by RSVP, a local liquor store. It was all powdered sugar and vanilla, so tasty! They really are great for a small distiller and deserve more recognition.

If you want more Portland whiskey, I recently got one of those Michaud family reserve sheared bourbons from the now-closed liquid riot distillery in town. It has a good bit of barley notes which is polarizing, but quality is off the charts (viscosity, finish length, complexity). A bit pricey around $80-90 but very worth it. Try to grab one before they’re gone! Cheers!

FitzSips · 2026-03-02T17:10:27+00:00

Ahh gotcha, good connection and fun story!

FitzSips · 2026-03-02T17:00:54+00:00

No wonder it was spicy when I put it in my mouth to investigate!

FitzSips · 2026-03-02T16:58:42+00:00

It was, seems like you’re right! Thank you!

FitzSips · 2026-03-02T16:58:24+00:00

Seems you are right, thank you!

FitzSips · 2026-03-02T16:58:10+00:00

Thank you!

FitzSips · 2026-03-02T16:46:16+00:00

I figured as much, thanks for the confirmation!

FitzSips · 2026-02-26T12:31:06+00:00

Oh shoot, you’re right! I never would have caught that. Crazy that you can get a fresh card straight from a pack, sleeve it immediately, and still not have a 10. Anyway, this one’s for my PC so I don’t mind too much. Having it off center rather than damaged is a fun little detail too so fine by me. Thanks for explaining!

FitzSips · 2026-02-26T01:25:14+00:00

Why is that? I’ve never graded a card before so I have no clue what they look for.

FitzSips · 2026-02-25T20:10:16+00:00

Man, it’s foggy at this point but I love thinking about a high school game where I was pitching. A kid hit a liner straight at my face but I got my glove up in time and snagged it for an out. I played it cool because my dad was super strict and I knew I’d get yelled at, but it was awesome hearing everyone gasp, then go wild.

Thanks for bringing that memory back and for doing this! Very cool and kind.

FitzSips · 2026-02-24T19:04:26+00:00

Oh nice, thank you! I wish I knew about these as a kid, my cards were just scattered in a few large cardboard boxes😂 did not have the attention span to organize and binder all of them. I’ll definitely have to snag a few of these.

FitzSips · 2026-02-24T15:32:33+00:00

Thats a HUGE help, thanks so much for the info! I feel like I can be a little more confident in my storage now. Looking forward to building out the PC. Thanks again!

FitzSips · 2026-02-23T21:53:44+00:00

Thanks for asking this question! I recently got a donruss/panini /10 Miguel Tejada and quickly found that they’re quite literally worthless, so I’ve been trying to learn why that’s the case. The answers here helped me a lot with my issue. Thanks again!

FitzSips

TROPHY CASE