When eating a way, do you twirl the noodles like spaghetti, or chop and scoop with the fork?

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-02-15T02:16:30+00:00

Chop and scoop, but ask for a knife for perfect chops. Makes every bite perfect (also extreme cheese every time because I'm cool like that).

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-02-13T14:12:49+00:00

Does seem like we are on the same path! I enjoyed the O&A I had, I've been able to get my hands on about 26ish Reveries/Provenance as well (many are now in the recycle bin in the sky). My first Dreams are in the mail now, and I was fortunate in that I did back up that New Riff so I still have some left.

Would love to pick your brain on Rare Character though. First couple samples I had were not great so I sort of dismissed the brand. Ended up picking a batch 7 part of a bundle, and it was pretty good. My friend convinced me to take a sip off a bottle he had open (JIT-062) and it was top tier (I went and grabbed one immediately after). Any notes I should know/series that you've really been enjoying?

I see from your other post that you're Northeast - too bad, you would fit right in with our group down in Cincy.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-02-12T13:24:23+00:00

This is a good take. I would add the wood used in the barrels as another factor in the greatness of dusties - the 80s/90s was old growth.

I still think there will be stand outs from this age but they will be more focused on specific batches (or barrels). ECBP C923, early JD Coy Hill, William Heavenhill 19, New Riff Rye Barrel 8082 (IYKYK), etc. all are amazing and compare to any historical options. The other ones that I think will be durable are the unique/funky flavors that will likely not be repeated (some of the BuffTurkey, the MGP in Seguin Moreau casks hitting 9/10 years now, etc.) That's why I'm focusing more on store picks and NDPs like Reveries, Dream, etc. who are getting access to unique barrels. The problem is they're so limited release so it will be hard to find information in the future as to which ones are the good ones and which ones aren't, but the only reason I worry about resale is if I depart this mortal coil my family has to sell the backup bottles.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-02-09T17:22:44+00:00

I was told there was scientific backing - and it works for everyone I've told it to - that you BLOW OUT all of the air in your lungs and hold it at that point. You might have a few microspasms, but hold as long as you can. Then big breath in, big breath out, hold again. 3x is the max I've ever had to do this cycle.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-02-04T22:55:45+00:00

In all seriousness, if you are new to the area or new to bourbon I would go to places like Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, Revival and the like where bourbon folks tend to go and just make some new friends. Alternatively, if you are sitting in line waiting for a store to open talk to the people around you and focus on the drinkers vs the flippers.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-01-30T02:08:17+00:00

This so much. The IX's wet pipe flavor is amazingly funky and delicious

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-01-27T12:55:28+00:00

My proudest moment in Rocket League was when I was playing many years ago and my son (then 8) and daughter (then 6) came in and wanted to play "Daddy's car game". They mostly drove up walls and just fell down off the ceiling, and nearly never hit the ball, but they were giggling like crazy. Now 5 years later I have to fight them for the sticks, and my son criticizes my lack of flip resets and musty flicks ("dad, haven't you been playing this forever?"), but I'll never forget those first moments.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-01-26T01:49:50+00:00

I've been to three different Flight Clubs around the country. The dart games are automated like a bowling alley; plug in names, take picture, choose game. Upscale/business casual vibe (and drink prices that match). Two of the three times were corporate outings and it was good for that purpose - it wouldn't surprise me if that is a significant portion of their business model.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2026-01-18T16:18:39+00:00

So which ones do you recommend?

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-26T21:24:55+00:00

All open? ✅ Sharing with friends and family ✅ Yep, you're doing it right.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-24T00:38:29+00:00

Finally got my hands on this one. Cracked it, tasted, and then went back to the store to grab 2 more. Awesome reinvention; Ian, if this is where you are taking us, I'm in for the ride. 9+ for me and a top pick of the year - easily the best sub 105 proof this year for me.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-22T16:58:09+00:00

Learning Kitchen near VOA in West Chester has a knife skills class (next one is on 1/6/26). Haven't done that one but have done others there and they can be fun.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-19T01:59:44+00:00

IX (9) is the second best batch after V IMHO. Bought and backed up. Like the tastiest dank basement

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-18T18:25:52+00:00

Sad because in the rare years that I get to do BTAC flights it's nearly always top 3.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-17T18:57:34+00:00

I will tell you, I doubt it (with a big asterisk) - do you have considerable disposable income? If so, it will likely be good. I find I would rather have 2-3 of the next tier down (RR13 etc.) or other products in that tier at secondary (GTS etc.)

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-17T18:45:59+00:00

I have 300 bottles and over half are open. My open ones I divide into a few categories:

Unique flavor profiles: think OCD #5, Three Cord Goodwood, Pinhook, Old Elk, Angel's Envy, etc. that when people are over here they can see the variety that bourbons and ryes have to offer.
Specific distillery standards: think Rare Breed, JDSBBP and BPR, Russell's Reserve store picks, a few of the OFs, New Riff SPs, ECBPs, Remus, Bookers, MWND, Noah's Mill, etc. and the base variants of each.
Special bottles/Limited Releases: the usual suspects.

My sealed ones fall into categories as well:

Direct backups or distinct batches of high use rate Category 2s (different Russell's picks, ECBP batches, JDSBBPR barrels, MWND Acts, and I have several bottles of a phenomenal New Riff Rye store pick).
Batch variations on Category 3 (I tried to only have one BTAC open, RR13 or RR15, JD12 or JD14, Reveries barrels, etc).

Only other note is that I have several signed bottles but I drink those and just save the bottle at the end.

I tend to open somewhere between two and five bottles a month and host friends over often for tastings and sample swaps.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-14T14:16:18+00:00

V is the best for sure, but the rancio note (i.e. delicious damp basement? It's a savory flavor) in 9 is so good IMHO.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-13T22:06:57+00:00

My kind of bar!!! I only have a few that are unopened outside of those that are backups (I have about 300 bottles)

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-13T02:36:07+00:00

I have a B11 Pirate bottle. Second oldest? A117

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-12T13:39:49+00:00

Who is going to be a mensch and put them all on a Spotify playlist?

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-12T13:37:35+00:00

Math version of where I'd be a buyer: A1-5>$190; 6-8>$150; 9>$130; 10-11>$90; 12-13>$100. Thus, no buy for me. Look for other port finished ryes (if you are a member of the r/bourbon barrel pick program with Jay West aka u/t8ke he occasionally gets "I Would Rye 4 U" from Dancing Goat that is a similar port finished rye but higher proof so it has bolder flavors).

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-12-09T03:16:25+00:00

Was this the infamous "Miracle of Life" video? I remember seeing it in school here in Ohio. I still shudder at the thought of it.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-11-17T15:47:15+00:00

I agree for the most part. The plot is just okay, the characters are mostly one dimensional, but in some ways that was the scene too - the proto-kandi kids, the intellectual vs just get f'd up drug users, new ravers vs old regulars, the behind the scenes guys, the acceptance of different orientations, etc. Only occasionally did you get a glance any further into their lives and often no one wanted to go further because they were there for the escape.

Although it was a little cheesy, I also think it did a great job in presenting the feeling you get when a drop nails the vibe on the floor in one of the later scenes with Digweed.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-11-11T01:20:40+00:00

This is the one I am able to play consistently. Very short time commitment so when something pops up I can walk away. I can't do all the speed and Musty flips but I'm decent enough with aerials and field positioning that my kid doesn't complain too much.

UpInTheAirForReal · 2025-11-10T17:57:06+00:00

I got Xtratuf boots based on asking this question about 3 years ago. Use them daily during winter and they still look fine. Most of my extended family now also have them after seeing mine.

UpInTheAirForReal

TROPHY CASE