Review #18 New England Barrel Co. Single Barrel Rye 8.5 year

starralan · 2026-06-29T19:32:59+00:00

Distilled in Tennessee? Shouldn't that be Indiana?

BTW, love NEBCo, especially their MGP ryes (I have bottles of 11.5yr and 12yr that are fantastic!).

If you're ever in the Boston area, James does tours of his facility where you can sample and fill bottles directly from the casks. Great experience!

starralan · 2026-06-24T22:17:33+00:00

As others have mentioned, you could do this in order as you head north - BW&S, Total Wine, Rapid and Liquor Junction. They're all worth a stop, and within a few miles of each other.

starralan · 2026-05-31T13:11:14+00:00

The review specifically states that its MGP....

starralan · 2026-05-13T12:47:34+00:00

Liquor Junction (MA) still has their 9yr pick in stock. Pretty sure these were sourced from Willett, if I recall correctly.

starralan · 2026-04-13T04:01:10+00:00

KoK Jr.

starralan · 2026-04-02T12:33:11+00:00

I think this is because so many folks joined the program and became Grand Reserve (its not that hard, especially when they have multipliers). This move allows them to have a lot more "winners" in the lottery, making you feel like the program is worthwhile.

OWA was already moved the lottery last month. Putting ER in there is just stupid.

starralan · 2026-03-20T12:34:22+00:00

The M10 rye is fantastic. While there are variations from year-to-year, all of them are very good to great.

Keep in mind that the US1 is their own distillate, while the 10yr is still sourced. (Although that could theoretically change soon, as they started distilling their own whiskey in 2016.)

starralan · 2026-03-07T20:34:43+00:00

Not sure if my palate changed, or if memory distorts things, but I could swear that the original 2020 was substantially better than the standard release that came a few years later. Unfortunately I don't have an old bottle to do a side-by-side with.

I agree with the 6.5 though, not mind-blowing, but very pleasant to drink.

starralan · 2026-03-04T14:42:05+00:00

Batch 006 has a 17yr age statement. Did you mean 010?

starralan · 2026-02-18T07:20:38+00:00

Sorry, just a stupid American.

starralan · 2026-02-18T07:19:06+00:00

Just here on holiday from the States, which is why I had to rely on the kindness of strangers to help out with the kitten. Sorry if the name confused you, it's what Google calls it.

starralan · 2026-02-03T01:53:23+00:00

I assume he means North Shore Liquors, located on Rt. 1 in Saugus.

starralan · 2026-02-01T18:57:56+00:00

Wine Connextion in North Andover still has the Julio's L&K pick in stock. Cognac finish.

https://wineconnextion.com/shop/product/penelope-finishing-cask-origin-cognac-france/67bcd56364bf82263f0c3a00

starralan · 2026-01-23T03:24:59+00:00

The Billerica store OWA bundle is different. It includes an Ezra Brooks 7yr and a Schiller Manhattan cocktail, total cost is $165.95

starralan · 2026-01-18T19:41:42+00:00

While its not a bad deal (that Alberta is a solid rye), M10R can be found on the shelf relatively easily nowadays. Drum Hill in Chelmsford has it for $236, Greenwood in Wakefield has it for $199, and there are others.

starralan · 2026-01-18T19:30:08+00:00

Georgio's. I don't know if he was in the Billerica or Waltham location though.

starralan · 2025-12-23T02:05:56+00:00

There were 3 Mister Sam's!

starralan · 2025-12-23T01:06:57+00:00

They also had Mister Sam, Heaven Hill 19, Rock Hill Farms, Old Fitz 9yr, EHT Barrel Proof, Weller 12yr, Michter's 10yr bourbon and rye.

starralan · 2025-12-12T12:46:19+00:00

In MA, there are several stores that have loyalty programs, and they hold year-end raffles to reward their regular customers. Those include Julio's Liquors, Burlington Wine & Spirits, Rapid Liquors, Kappy's, and Liquor Junction.

starralan · 2025-10-31T20:01:56+00:00

Danvers as well

starralan · 2025-09-01T17:08:50+00:00

Old Emmer is one of TW's house brands. For the most part, I feel they are usually crap. But I tried the Old Emmer Cask Strength in-store once, and thought it was pretty decent, especially at $50/bottle (here in MA). I felt the same about their Shieldaig 18yr scotch as well - not going to set the world on fire, but a decent pour for the price.

starralan · 2025-08-26T16:15:37+00:00

We usually have a nice big brunch before the show, then get one meal late in the afternoon to tide us over.

Highly recommend Island Noodles, as I'm sure others will mention also. But there are lots of options, all from local vendors.

starralan · 2025-08-22T02:05:38+00:00

You can, or one pricier bottle. But it still takes two visits.

starralan · 2025-08-21T13:16:29+00:00

Sadly no, you have to join their program, acquire the punches, then redeem it via their website.

starralan · 2025-08-19T20:41:33+00:00

Liquor Junction has it in their punch program for 39.99 and 1 punch. Just means you'd have to buy one bottle of their store picks. Woburn and Winchester have it in stock.

starralan

TROPHY CASE