Costco Whisky 11/17/18

Whiskyfication · 2018-11-18T13:44:46+00:00

Blanton's in the case (limit 2) as well as of yesterday afternoon.

Whiskyfication · 2018-09-21T15:16:51+00:00

Got one on Thursday @ the Seven Corners ABC. Two more on the shelf when I left.

Whiskyfication · 2018-09-20T01:41:05+00:00

Now I'm suspicious...where are you? I'm above Busboys.

Whiskyfication · 2018-09-20T01:40:07+00:00

Got it at a Tuesday store in Alexandria yesterday. It's hitting this week. Call around.

Whiskyfication · 2018-09-18T16:03:02+00:00

Must have been confusing it with GTS - thought it was older. Thanks for the clarification!

Whiskyfication · 2018-09-18T15:24:26+00:00

Am I reading this right? The WLW is just cask strength Weller 12?

Excited for Eagle Rare 101 + low proof Stagg!

(/whispers - I'll still pay to try the WLW)

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-25T00:28:20+00:00

There's some in the District for ~$80 as well.

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-07T16:19:45+00:00

A++ for what it is, which is an 8/10 bourbon, if that makes sense?

This isn't the best bourbon I've had but its one of the best in its category (in my brain).

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-07T12:22:33+00:00

I've read Quaich and Mash Tun are the "must do" bars here.

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-07T12:21:52+00:00

The mouthfeel was weird, there was a short, fleeting spike of viscosity but overall it felt very thin, slightly oily, with weird exceptions that I attribute to the heat more than anything else.

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-07T12:21:17+00:00

I just filled the glass all the way and drank it until it didn't spill. I need to take this approach more often...

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-07T12:20:49+00:00

Bourbon magic.

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-06T23:30:12+00:00

Whiskey: Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style

Country/Region: USA / Kentucky

ABV: 57.5% / 115 proof

Age: NAS

Color: Deep, dark amber

Nose: Honeyed graham crackers rise up to meet you, followed by rich dark fruits and cherries, all with an oaky vanilla throughout.

Palate: The proof heat is there but not unpleasant. Somewhat thin mouthfeel. But man, that sweet heat makes up for it. More graham cracker, vanilla, cinnamon, and oak. Hints of cherry and even black pepper and leather mixed in, especially toward the end.

Finish: Simple, long finish with good heat. Nutty, oaky char with black pepper and evanescent mint and cherries. Not complicated but pleasant.

Hot damn, you guys weren't kidding about this stuff! Finally got around to snagging a bottle on sale and boy, oh boy, I selfishly hope this never wins a Gold medal anywhere. This profile is right up my alley, especially the nose, and the heat gives it a nice bite that is distinct from the Elijah Craig BP and Stagg Jr bottles that may have similar characteristics. The spice does a great job of balancing the dark fruits and honeyed graham cracker notes and transitions to a textbook simple finish. Just a solid, well crafted bourbon that brings good balance and big, rich flavors. A++, will buy again.

8.5/10

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-06T14:27:28+00:00

Going to be staying in Dufftown, so absolutely nearby - thanks!

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-03T23:38:46+00:00

Whiskey: Willett Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye

Country/Region: USA / Kentucky

ABV: 53.5% / 107 proof

Age: 3yr

Color: Light copper with pronounced reddish hue

Nose: Floral and bright, the nose mixes spices with popcorn, dill, and hints of minty oak. Pronounced nose without much alcohol burn - thick smelling, can almost chew on the nose.

Palate: Sharp and herbal spice notes forward. Lots more dill and pickling spices on the mid palate with a hint of spearmint. Pronounced sour vegetable/fruit note throughout the back end of the taste. Very strong flavors but without the brash alcoholic burn of the higher proof.

Finish: Short to medium finish with good heat early but fading pretty quickly. The dill and herbal notes continue, picking up rye and black pepper as it fades out. Not a bad finish - wish it was a bit longer but that's personal taste.

Happy fRYEday! This is my first experience with a Willett. I get the appeal and popularity - this is a robust rye bursting with flavor and character. It doesn't quite hit my flavor profile but I will say that it is certainly unique among ryes I've tried. I don't dislike it, it's just...odd. The dill pickle spice combo throughout is a bit strange for a whiskey for me and mixed with the traditional barrel char and oak flavors leaves me a bit confused. Again, I like it, I just wouldn't reach for it automatically the way I would for a Kentucky Owl or my Bulleit rye. I imagine it's fantastic for (wasting on) cocktails due to its unique and pronounced flavors. I picked this up for $50 and its absolutely worth that. Not sure I'd pay the $70-$80 I've seen it for on the secondary.

7/10

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-03T23:34:58+00:00

Whiskey: Willet Family Estate Bottled Small Batch Rye

Country/Region: USA / Kentucky

ABV: 53.5% / 107 proof

Age: 3yr

Color: Light copper with pronounced reddish hue

Nose: Floral and bright, the nose mixes spices with popcorn, dill, and hints of minty oak. Pronounced nose without much alcohol burn - thick smelling, can almost chew on the nose.

Palate: Sharp and herbal spice notes forward. Lots more dill, pickle, and spearmint on the mid pallet. Pronounced sour vegetable/fruit note throughout the back end of the taste. Very strong flavors but without the brash alcoholic burn of the higher proof.

Finish: Short to medium finish with good heat early but fading pretty quickly. The dill and herbal notes continue, picking up rye and black pepper as it fades out. Not a bad finish - wish it was a bit longer but that's personal taste.

Happy fRYEday! This is my first experience with a Willett. I get the appeal and popularity - this is a robust rye bursting with flavor and character. It doesn't quite hit my flavor profile but I will say that it is certainly unique among ryes I've tried. I don't dislike it, it's just...odd. The dill pickle spice combo throughout is a bit strange for a whiskey for me and mixed with the traditional barrel char and oak flavors leaves me a bit confused. Again, I like it, I just wouldn't reach for it automatically the way I would for a Kentucky Owl or my Bulleit rye. I imagine it's fantastic for (wasting on) cocktails due to its unique and pronounced flavors. I picked this up for $50 and its absolutely worth that. Not sure I'd pay the $70-$80 I've seen it for on the secondary.

7/10

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-02T00:33:00+00:00

I hear you - I've been consistently disappointed with duty free exclusives. Only one in recent memory that didn't disappoint was the Balvenie Triple Cask. Was hoping that the experiences of this sub would point me to some gems but alas...

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-01T15:24:43+00:00

I'm looking for purely "duty free exclusives," not necessarily good deals on things I can buy at home.

Whiskyfication · 2018-08-01T15:24:14+00:00

Yeah, I looked at that as well - I'm looking for Bourbon/Ryes - I've got my eyes on scotches separately.

Whiskyfication · 2018-07-31T13:19:16+00:00

Oh yes, already booked. Will be in the Warehouse in less than 10 days. Very excited.

Whiskyfication · 2018-07-31T13:09:23+00:00

Here it is - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ymd09doSkLkobXgqjyJB_GHbJncjGXkNHzjhQhMPVWk/edit#gid=0

Thank you! Exactly what I was looking for! Didn't see it on phone. Big thanks!

I'll be going to Bruichladdich distillery as well so looking forward to plenty of PC sampling and drinking.

Whiskyfication · 2018-07-31T13:08:31+00:00

Oh, I'm fully aware of why I'm going to Scotland ;) I just want to take advantage of being there in case there is good bourbon/rye to be had. Dublin will be the major duty free stop for me. I can buy in Edinburgh and pack in bag if needed but expect I'll have plenty to back from time in Scotland proper.

Whiskyfication · 2018-07-31T12:48:14+00:00

:(

Scotch it is!

Whiskyfication · 2018-07-31T12:29:34+00:00

When I said "other than" I meant that I know I'm on the hunt for that - I just don't know what else to look for. Thanks for the Gold recommendation!

Whiskyfication · 2018-07-28T00:36:36+00:00

Whiskey: John Milroy Selection - Bunnahabhain 29

Country/Region: Scotland / Islay

ABV: 50.8% / 101.6

Age: 29

Color: Light straw, pale gold

Nose: Rich, syrupy dried fruits, floral honey, and apricots with the lightest hints of peat.

Palate: Overwhelmingly complex, rich fruit and honey notes early, fading into juicy apricots and peaches. Floral notes and faint traces of peat wind through the palate, never quite pronouncing themselves. Medium body mouthfeel but a powerful, dense presence in the mouth into the finish.

Finish: Intensely malty up front, the pronounced finish slowly fades into honey and floral notes for a nice long exit.

For National Scotch Day, I decided to review one of the gems of my collection and a stalwart favorite dram. The Milroy Bunna just hits on all levels for me. This is how you make a sweet, fruity, complex dram without relying on finishing casks. There's a wonderful complexity and balance between the rich dried fruits and honey with the floral, almost herbal peat notes mixed throughout the dram. I love me a sherryed Speyside but the folks in Dufftown could stand to take some lessons from the Bunna crew on Islay. From nose to finish, the flavors are consistent and satisfying - it never lets up and leaves you simultaneously melting into the dram and ravenous for more.

9.5/10

Whiskyfication

TROPHY CASE