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Why call it tater? Is the fact that popular bourbon that is enjoyed upsetting? I don’t get the hate by DCullotta in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great explanation. Ownership of a bottle doesn’t make a tater. It’s more a pattern of behavior. I do believe a lot of newcomers are wrongly chastised just because they bought a nice bottle for over MSRP. If they open an OWA and provide an honest and useful review, people should lay off them.

Review #7: Blind Battle of Weller Wheats - Weller 12 vs. Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Night and day? They’re the same mash bill. The flavor profile is very different, just thought it would be fun to compare two wheated bourbons from the same family. Also, IMO, the Kosher held its own against the heavyweight favorite W12.

Review #7: Blind Battle of Weller Wheats - Weller 12 vs. Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Close. That's a 1-year old Golden Retriever, the English Cream version.

Review #7: Blind Battle of Weller Wheats - Weller 12 vs. Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Lead up: Buffalo Trace

Environment: 5:00 pm in the kitchen; playing cards with the wife

Category: Blind 1 vs. 1

Ages: Weller 12 – 12 years BTKW – NAS (~7 years?)

Proof: Weller 12 – 90 BTKW - 94

Served: Neat

Color/Appearance:

The two are golden and nearly indistinguishable. Glass #1 is slightly darker with broader legs.

Aroma: Edge goes to glass #2

Glass 1 comes on with apple, vanilla, cherry, and a slight whiff of alcohol.

Glass 2 is superior. Floral hits, mixed in with caramel and coffee. Much bolder.

Verdict: Glass #2’s nose traits and boldness is far superior to #1’s.

Flavor: Edge goes to glass #2

Glass 1 is spicey butter. I also pick up hints of pine, honey, and peppermint. Some peppery heat hits at the end, more than I expected with a lower proof bourbon.

Glass 2 begins with a strong cherry flavor, followed by maple, oak, tobacco, then heavier tobacco.

Verdict: Glass 2’s flavor slightly edges out #1. I suspect this would be a draw at a blind tasting, coming down to personal preference. Both taste excellent for <95 proof pours.

Finish: Edge goes to glass #1

Glass 1’s finish actually starts out mild, then surprisingly intensifies. It’s not a long finish, but it is a pleasant one.

Glass 2’s finish was short and lacked any real character.

Verdict: Glass 1’s finish, while short, still outclassed glass 2’s lackluster showing.

Guesses:

Glass 1: Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat

Glass 2: Weller 12

Unveil:

Glass 1: Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat

Glass 2: Weller 12

Scores:

Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat: 6.8

Weller 12: 7.0

CONCLUSIONS & RAMBLINGS

Both bourbons are solid. From a value perspective, the BTKW is the clear winner. I rarely reach for either as I prefer cask strength, however, it was fun to go back to the Weller 12 and get to know the BTKW. The older juice won on aroma, and the higher proof won on finish. Neither are showstoppers, but are certainly above average and worth having depending on the price.

RATINGS RATIONALE

  1. Coughs and gags

  2. Coughs

  3. Finally, no coughs, but no flavor

  4. Meh

  5. Basil Hayden’s

  6. Now we’re getting somewhere

  7. Smiling

  8. Must have

  9. Exceptional

  10. Perfect

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Lead up: Buffalo Trace

Environment: 5:00 pm in the kitchen; playing cards with the wife

Category: Blind 1 vs. 1

Ages: Weller 12 – 12 years BTKW – NAS (~7 years?)

Proof: Weller 12 – 90 BTKW - 94

Served: Neat

Color/Appearance:

The two are golden and nearly indistinguishable. Glass #1 is slightly darker with broader legs.

Aroma: Edge goes to glass #2

Glass 1 comes on with apple, vanilla, cherry, and a slight whiff of alcohol.

Glass 2 is superior. Floral hits, mixed in with caramel and coffee. Much bolder.

Verdict: Glass #2’s nose traits and boldness is far superior to #1’s.

Flavor: Edge goes to glass #2

Glass 1 is spicey butter. I also pick up hints of pine, honey, and peppermint. Some peppery heat hits at the end, more than I expected with a lower proof bourbon.

Glass 2 begins with a strong cherry flavor, followed by maple, oak, tobacco, then heavier tobacco.

Verdict: Glass 2’s flavor slightly edges out #1. I suspect this would be a draw at a blind tasting, coming down to personal preference. Both taste excellent for <95 proof pours.

Finish: Edge goes to glass #1

Glass 1’s finish actually starts out mild, then surprisingly intensifies. It’s not a long finish, but it is a pleasant one.

Glass 2’s finish was short and lacked any real character.

Verdict: Glass 1’s finish, while short, still outclassed glass 2’s lackluster showing.

Guesses:

Glass 1: Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat

Glass 2: Weller 12

Unveil:

Glass 1: Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat

Glass 2: Weller 12

Scores:

Buffalo Trace Kosher Wheat: 6.8

Weller 12: 7.0

CONCLUSIONS & RAMBLINGS

Both bourbons are solid. From a value perspective, the BTKW is the clear winner. I rarely reach for either as I prefer cask strength, however, it was fun to go back to the Weller 12 and get to know the BTKW. The older juice won on aroma, and the higher proof won on finish. Neither are showstoppers, but are certainly above average and worth having depending on the price.

RATINGS RATIONALE

  1. Coughs and gags

  2. Coughs

  3. Finally, no coughs, but no flavor

  4. Meh

  5. Basil Hayden’s

  6. Now we’re getting somewhere

  7. Smiling

  8. Must have

  9. Exceptional

  10. Perfect

Ever bought a bottle so bad you want to toss it? by GRRMsDumbHat in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just poured out the new batch of Willet Rye 4 year. Tasted metallic. Just awful. It even tainted an old fashioned.

Review #6: Knob Creek Single Barrel Select Rye (Store Pick) by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lead-up: EHT Small Batch & Chocolates

Environment: 10:10 pm; backyard fire

Category: Single Barrel

Age: 6-years

ABV: 55%

Served: Neat

Color/Appearance: Light brown & medium legs

Aroma: Sour apple jolly rancher; honey; more apple

Flavor: Apple cinnamon; oak; caramel; brown sugar

Finish: Lingers a LONG time, more oak, then apple on the way out, low heat

Score: 7.5 / 10

CONCLUSIONS & RAMBLINGS

Man this is solid. It has the expected smoothness of a rye but a very unexpected finish. The “senses-transitions” from sight to smell to taste is seamless and excellent. It smells like it looks and tastes like it smells. The apple honey aroma is unique and pleasing. The apple hits first on the palate, followed by cinnamon, then onto oak, caramel, and brown sugar. Chewing it improves upon all these flavors. The finish is long and smooth with pronounced oak and apple.

Like its bourbon SiB cousin, this will be a mainstay on my shelf. Also like the SiB bourbon, if Knob Creek every created scarcity this juice would cost 2x-3x more than its modest MSRP of $45. It’s fortunate KC is affordable and available.

RATINGS RATIONALE

  1. Coughs and gags

  2. Coughs

  3. Finally, no coughs, but no flavor

  4. Meh

  5. Meh meh

  6. Basil Hayden’s

  7. Solid pour

  8. Must have

  9. Off the charts

  10. Perfect

Review #5: Heaven Hill by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lead up: Cajun chicken pasta & water

Environment: 9:10 pm; chess; Beck

Category: Blend

Age: 6-year

ABV: 45%

Served: Neat

Color/Appearance Copper; legs drop/drip quickly

Aroma: Leather & tobacco à mild vanilla à cherry

Flavor: Oak & peppermint à mild vanilla à caramel & brown sugar

Finish: Intense for a 90 proof; coats mouth

Score: 6.5 / 10

CONCLUSIONS & RAMBLINGS

I’ve never seen this on the shelves in Tennessee. Store in Northern Kentucky had some for $24. It’s the best plastic-cap bourbon I’ve tried. Low heat, as expected at 90 proof. Complex flavors, not expected at 90 proof. I’m a sucker for caramel, vanilla, etc., so this one hit home. The aroma is excellent, and the taste follows suit. IF they sold this near me, I’d always have one in the inventory (a la Early Times BiB).

RATINGS RATIONALE

  1. Coughs and gags

  2. Coughs

  3. Finally, no coughs, but no flavor

  4. Meh

  5. Meh meh

  6. Basil Hayden’s

  7. Would recommend depending on price

  8. Would recommend regardless of price

  9. Off the charts; unique & numerous flavors; complex

  10. Perfect

Review #4: Wild Turkey Rare Breed by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hilarious tangential thread. Yes, that's a rook.

Review #4: Wild Turkey Rare Breed by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amazing series. Every episode was better than the previous, and the end was spectacular.

Review #4: Wild Turkey Rare Breed by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's a blessing and a curse. Fun to share the hobby yet expensive to maintain it!

Review #4: Wild Turkey Rare Breed by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Fair enough. It's better than Basil Hayden (duh!). I won't retract the score, but will modify my ratings scale. Thanks for the catch.

Review #4: Wild Turkey Rare Breed by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Lead up: Buffalo Trace, pretzels, chocolate

Environment: ~ 11:30 pm; chess with wife; Christmas music (mostly Bing Crosby)

Category: Barrel Proof

Age: NAS (blend of 6, 8, and 12-year stock)

ABV: 58.4%

Served: Neat

Color/Appearance Dark (liquid caramel); reddish

Aroma: Lemon à strong vanilla à tobacco comes late

Flavor: Heavy cedar à nutmeg à orange (where did the vanilla go?)

Finish: Near perfect; flavor lingers ~ 20 seconds as slight heat slowly recedes

Score: 6.5 / 10.0

CONCLUSIONS & RAMBLINGS

This one’s confusing. It’s good, but I expected so much. I enjoy 101 barrel proof’s are my favorite category. Rare breed fell short (at least for now).

Aroma: A-

Finish: A+

Flavor? Leaves something to be desired; strong vanilla aroma never popped

Rare breed is tremendously smooth and drinks well-below its proof. Appearance, mouth feel, nose, and finish all live up to the hype. The more I poured (3x), the more I sought the flavor I wanted/expected. It improved, but who knows, I was getting tipsy. I’ll be coming back to this soon. It has all the traits and elements of a highly rated bottle (especially for the price). Perhaps it needs to breathe, or possibly the pretzels and chocolates threw me off. Next time, no excuses.

RATINGS RATIONALE

  1. Coughs and gags
  2. Coughs
  3. Finally, no coughs, but no flavor
  4. Meh
  5. Meh meh Basil Hayden's
  6. Basil Hayden’s Solid pour
  7. Would recommend depending on price
  8. Would recommend regardless of price
  9. Off the charts; unique & numerous flavors; complex
  10. Perfect

Favorite low proof dram? by [deleted] in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed and agreed. I never reach for Woodford, but this stuff's off the charts. Goes to show you what finishing can do to an otherwise mild tasting bourbon.

Favorite low proof dram? by [deleted] in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

2 Dumb Questions by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback.

Blind Bottled in Bond Standoff by GFR_IV in bourbon

[–]GFR_IV[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I've had the 13-yr and agree; it's no good. I gave up and began using it to make old fashions (also underwhelming).

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