The Bourbon Thread

[NickRut]

Funny enough my local store had some goodies for me tonight, picked up a 18 GTS, 4R 130th LESB and the Old Fitz 13 year BiB

Cant wait for the 13 Fitz

Wow strong showing. What’d they charge for the old fitz?

$150

Not bad at all. I passed on a bottle for $199 today. I hate the upcharge on some of these bottles.

[james l moleberg]

Funny enough my local store had some goodies for me tonight, picked up a 18 GTS, 4R 130th LESB and the Old Fitz 13 year BiB

Cant wait for the 13 Fitz

very nice, was a big fan of this year's GTS, and the 130th is my favorite LESiB since the 2013

[Brandon R]

Just had my first fingers of Booker's Kathleen's Batch last night. Definitely needed some water or ice because WOOO-WHEEE that was a burner! Great flavor, though.

[ERPark]

Had a few snorts of Old Fitzgerald 11 year BiB. No regrets about ordering them.......

[Dan Kimmelman]

Was in a little shop in Manhattan last night and they had Weller 12 for $250, 4R 130th for $500, 4R Elliot's for $400...

...and Parker's Heritage Wheated (8th ed iirc) for $130, which I would've snagged except how would I have gotten it home to socal today?

[Edward H. Earles]

Another Bourbon rickhouse collapsed about midnight last night. The O.Z. Tyler Distillery in Owensboro, Ky., appears to have lost about 4500 barrels; I don't know if they attempt to salvage any in such a situation. Fortunately no people were hurt or killed.

[Alan Rath]

Holy crap. Is land so expensive around there they they have to resort to a "structure" like this?

[Edward H. Earles]

I don't think the issue is land. Margins on Bourbon production used to be quite a bit lower than they are now. And building codes in decades past were pretty slack, compared to what they are now...so the structural supports in those rickhouses are all wooden (mostly oak), with no steel reinforcement. Since a barrel of Bourbon weighs about 520 pounds, if 4500 barrels fell, they represent 2,344,500 pounds of load, which seems a lot even for stout oak beams.

[Alan Eden]

Was in a little shop in Manhattan last night and they had Weller 12 for $250, 4R 130th for $500, 4R Elliot's for $400...

...and Parker's Heritage Wheated (8th ed iirc) for $130, which I would've snagged except how would I have gotten it home to socal today?

those weller and 4R prices are way out of whack, i bought same for $35 and $199 last week

[Alan Eden]

Holy crap. Is land so expensive around there they they have to resort to a "structure" like this?

Scary, where are the floors !!

[Edward H. Earles]

Holy crap. Is land so expensive around there they they have to resort to a "structure" like this?

Scary, where are the floors !!

They are splinters amidst the fallen barrels.

[Andrew Kotowski]

I saw the pot still for I think $80 post tax, and the Willet Rye small batch for around $100 also post tax. I didn't buy either one.

Total Wine in Bellevue has the 750 at $59.99 ($69), the 1.75 at $96.99 ($122.47) and the willett family estate Rye...

[JulianD]

Was in a little shop in Manhattan last night and they had Weller 12 for $250, 4R 130th for $500, 4R Elliot's for $400...

...and Parker's Heritage Wheated (8th ed iirc) for $130, which I would've snagged except how would I have gotten it home to socal today?

those weller and 4R prices are way out of whack, i bought same for $35 and $199 last week

Must be nice, I’ve never even seen them on shelves

[Alan Eden]

Was in a little shop in Manhattan last night and they had Weller 12 for $250, 4R 130th for $500, 4R Elliot's for $400...

...and Parker's Heritage Wheated (8th ed iirc) for $130, which I would've snagged except how would I have gotten it home to socal today?

those weller and 4R prices are way out of whack, i bought same for $35 and $199 last week

Must be nice, I’ve never even seen them on shelves

Neither have I, only way i get them is via a ten year relationship at same store buying regularly.

[Edward H. Earles]

Major fire at Jim Beam bourbon warehouse in Woodford County

https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Barre ... 56632.html

[Bill Buitenhuys]

Major fire at Jim Beam bourbon warehouse in Woodford County

https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Barre ... 56632.html

I hope Mila Kunis is safe

[Edward H. Earles]

45,000 barrels up in smoke...

[Edward H. Earles]

This is turning into an environmental disaster. The non-muddy liquid you see in this photo of the Kentucky River is cask-strength Bourbon, mixed with some water from the fire department, and charcoal. Millions of fish will die, and the tens of thousands of people whose water supply is drawn from the river downstream will experience....well, who-knows-what....


(photo: Seattle Times)

[JulianD]

Distillery will have to pay for cleanup/environmental costs, right?

[Edward H. Earles]

I imagine so. By the way, Jim Beam announced that those 45,000 barrels amounted to only 1% of their Bourbon inventory!!

[Alan Eden]

So they have 600 million bottles in inventory, the homeless of America will always have something to drink !!!

[Kris Patten]

So they have 600 million bottles in inventory, the homeless of America will always have something to drink !!!

Think your number is a bit light.

[Chuck Miller]

It’s amazing how much bourbon prices can vary state to state, I assume mostly due to liquor taxes. In WA state we have some of the highest liquor taxes around. As an example, Basil Hayden can retail in Wa for well over $50. Costco sells it for about $44. I’m on a driving trip across the N. states, and bought a bottle for $54 in Missoula, Mt. A few days later, I bought a bottle in Brandon SD that was on the shelf at $27 plus tax, so just over $30 all in. Here in MN at my hometown liquor store, I think it’s around $30 on the shelf, so last year when I was here, I had them order 24 btls for me. They happily did so and gave me a case discount, PLUS a free bottle for every dozen btls of bourbon you buy, and I paid all in $26 inc. taxes and happily drove them home in my car. Saved well over $400 compared to Costco. I’m here again and plan to do it all over again.

[Kris Patten]

It’s amazing how much bourbon prices can vary state to state, I assume mostly due to liquor taxes. In WA state we have some of the highest liquor taxes around. As an example, Basil Hayden can retail in Wa for well over $50. Costco sells it for about $44. I’m on a driving trip across the N. states, and bought a bottle for $54 in Missoula, Mt. A few days later, I bought a bottle in Brandon SD that was on the shelf at $27 plus tax, so just over $30 all in. Here in MN at my hometown liquor store, I think it’s around $30 on the shelf, so last year when I was here, I had them order 24 btls for me. They happily did so and gave me a case discount, PLUS a free bottle for every dozen btls of bourbon you buy, and I paid all in $26 inc. taxes and happily drove them home in my car. Saved well over $400 compared to Costco. I’m here again and plan to do it all over again.

WA has highest taxes in country. Almost 45% higher than #2.

https://files.taxfoundation.org/2018032 ... uor-01.png

[PeterH]

It’s amazing how much bourbon prices can vary state to state, I assume mostly due to liquor taxes. In WA state we have some of the highest liquor taxes around. As an example, Basil Hayden can retail in Wa for well over $50. Costco sells it for about $44. I’m on a driving trip across the N. states, and bought a bottle for $54 in Missoula, Mt. A few days later, I bought a bottle in Brandon SD that was on the shelf at $27 plus tax, so just over $30 all in. Here in MN at my hometown liquor store, I think it’s around $30 on the shelf, so last year when I was here, I had them order 24 btls for me. They happily did so and gave me a case discount, PLUS a free bottle for every dozen btls of bourbon you buy, and I paid all in $26 inc. taxes and happily drove them home in my car. Saved well over $400 compared to Costco. I’m here again and plan to do it all over again.

WA has highest taxes in country. Almost 45% higher than #2.

https://files.taxfoundation.org/2018032 ... uor-01.png

Similar with cigarettes, sales, and inheritance tax. It all has to do with not having an income tax. I try to be relaxed in my attitude to WA state consumption taxes. I didn't feel that way back when I had below average income.

[Kris Patten]

It’s amazing how much bourbon prices can vary state to state, I assume mostly due to liquor taxes. In WA state we have some of the highest liquor taxes around. As an example, Basil Hayden can retail in Wa for well over $50. Costco sells it for about $44. I’m on a driving trip across the N. states, and bought a bottle for $54 in Missoula, Mt. A few days later, I bought a bottle in Brandon SD that was on the shelf at $27 plus tax, so just over $30 all in. Here in MN at my hometown liquor store, I think it’s around $30 on the shelf, so last year when I was here, I had them order 24 btls for me. They happily did so and gave me a case discount, PLUS a free bottle for every dozen btls of bourbon you buy, and I paid all in $26 inc. taxes and happily drove them home in my car. Saved well over $400 compared to Costco. I’m here again and plan to do it all over again.

WA has highest taxes in country. Almost 45% higher than #2.

https://files.taxfoundation.org/2018032 ... uor-01.png

Similar with cigarettes, sales, and inheritance tax. It all has to do with not having an income tax. I try to be relaxed in my attitude to WA state consumption taxes. I didn't feel that way back when I had below average income.

Exactly, you're gonna get pinched one way or another, at least WA targets vices!

[Edward H. Earles]

Jim Beam to face fines after fire leads to environmental problems

https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Jim-B ... 47032.html

[Dan Kimmelman]

Jim Beam to face fines after fire leads to environmental problems

https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Jim-B ... 47032.html

"Those clowns at Beam don't know shit about corporate risk management!" - PG&E Exec, probably

[JunoS]

Had the latest pinhook cask strength purple wax and Four Roses Small Batch select. Bothe great bourbons without the hefty secondary markups

[alan weinberg]

Interesting story: https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/ ... li=BBnb7Kw

[Ryan Kilkenney]

Interesting story: https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/ ... li=BBnb7Kw

Funny, I’m sitting here with a copy of “Bourbon +” magazine (impulse purchase at the grocery store), and Uncle Nearest is the cover story. “Maple charcoal filtering” doesn’t sound like a recipe for a whiskey I’d enjoy, but it’s a good story.

[Ryan Kilkenney]

Drinking a barrel select Four Roses from Warehouse Liquors (Chicago). I think Four Roses single barrels may be the best deal going in bourbon right now. For my palate, which runs a little hot these days, only Bookers comes close.

[Edward H. Earles]

Franklin County water customers tasting effects of Jim Beam fire

https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Frank ... 88511.html

By WKYT News Staff |
Posted: Tue 11:40 AM, Jul 30, 2019

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - Some in Franklin County are complaining of a foul odor and an odd taste with their water weeks after a Jim Beam warehouse fire had major impacts on the Kentucky River.

Customers with the Peaks Mill Water District have reported their concerns, and the district is looking to improve the water quality.

The water supply became affected when water used to put out the fire made its way into the river, bringing with it materials stored inside the warehouse.

Although customers have reported a smelly and sweet taste to the water, district chairman Church Quarles say the water is safe to drink.

“We’ll have a water test back this afternoon hopefully," Quarles said.
"We’ll reassure the public that the water is safe to drink and we’re working diligently to try and address the issue.”

The district believes there is a leak on the back end of the district. Workers will have to identify the leak before they can flush any water mains.

The district buys much of its water from the Frankfort Plant Board. The board tells WKYT people who are in the Peaks Mill Water District could be noticing a slight chlorine smell in the water because of some temporary disinfection changes.

[Craig G]

Foul odor and odd taste is exactly how I remember Jim Beam.

[Edward H. Earles]

Foul odor and odd taste is exactly how I remember Jim Beam.

LOL!! Is this from on the way in, or on the way back out?

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

Anyone have the fitz 13 yet?

[Edward H. Earles]

I was treated to a shot of Old Pogue Master's Select last night, and thought it was quite good.

[NickRut]

Traveling out to Seattle this weekend. Any good spots to get some bourbon I may not be able to get in Atlanta?

[Kris Patten]

Traveling out to Seattle this weekend. Any good spots to get some bourbon I may not be able to get in Atlanta?

Best Whiskey selection in America is Canon, you'll pay up for it, up on Capitol Hill. I'd also suggest Rockcreek, Zig Zag, Bitteroot, WhiskyBar, and Radiator Whiskey.

[Andrew Kotowski]

Traveling out to Seattle this weekend. Any good spots to get some bourbon I may not be able to get in Atlanta?

Best Whiskey selection in America is Canon, you'll pay up for it, up on Capitol Hill. I'd also suggest Rockcreek, Zig Zag, Bitteroot, WhiskyBar, and Radiator Whiskey.

+1 on Canon, hands down.

I love Radiator Whiskey, but more because it’s the quintessential Seattle experience for me - edge of the Market, up a rickety flight of stairs, bartenders/chefs are tatted/pierced/mustachioed out, the food ranges from tater tots to pork shanks and you can watch grungy Seattle live, in front of Showgirls.

Zig Zag is great for cocktails, as well, but wasn’t as strong on bourbon the last time I was there (three or four years ago). Totally defer to Kris on that one.

[NickRut]

Thanks Gents. I'll be sure to check some of those places out.

[John Osburn]

Damn the Weather sometimes has good whiskey in that you can sip (eg Old Forester Birthday a number of months ago). Last year I spoke with a bartender who interned at Willett and was very informative (don't know whether he's still there or not).

[Kris Patten]

Thanks Gents. I'll be sure to check some of those places out.

Report back, please.

[Kris Patten]

Traveling out to Seattle this weekend. Any good spots to get some bourbon I may not be able to get in Atlanta?

Best Whiskey selection in America is Canon, you'll pay up for it, up on Capitol Hill. I'd also suggest Rockcreek, Zig Zag, Bitteroot, WhiskyBar, and Radiator Whiskey.

+1 on Canon, hands down.

I love Radiator Whiskey, but more because it’s the quintessential Seattle experience for me - edge of the Market, up a rickety flight of stairs, bartenders/chefs are tatted/pierced/mustachioed out, the food ranges from tater tots to pork shanks and you can watch grungy Seattle live, in front of Showgirls.

Zig Zag is great for cocktails, as well, but wasn’t as strong on bourbon the last time I was there (three or four years ago). Totally defer to Kris on that one.

Love me some Radiator Whiskey. Great place to have a drink and chat.

[Michae1 P0wers]

Drinking a barrel select Four Roses from Warehouse Liquors (Chicago). I think Four Roses single barrels may be the best deal going in bourbon right now. For my palate, which runs a little hot these days, only Bookers comes close.

I'm a big fan as well. In truth though I'm usually happy with the normal single barrel bottling, not the cask strength selections. I can get the single barrel under $35, while the barrel selections run around $60 or so. Some variation and you don't get to know the mash bill (maybe always the same? Can't recall) but the value still seems ridiculously good to me. Even the small batch isn't bad.

[Edward H. Earles]

To whomever it was, a few pages back, who recommended the Old Forester 1920, thank you.

[ERPark]

Got intro’ed to a secret little hideaway of a bar in San Francisco last night. Surprised to see bottles of Old Fitzgerald 13 year BIB, Weller CYPB and Old Forester Birthday available, and at very reasonable pricing to boot. Felt like the OFBB was off, as it was almost empty and the flavor was harsher than I remember when I partook if it earlier this year. Weller CYPB was the #1 by a decent margin, though the OF13BIB was solid.

[Doug Sher]

Drinking a barrel select Four Roses from Warehouse Liquors (Chicago). I think Four Roses single barrels may be the best deal going in bourbon right now. For my palate, which runs a little hot these days, only Bookers comes close.

I'm a big fan as well. In truth though I'm usually happy with the normal single barrel bottling, not the cask strength selections. I can get the single barrel under $35, while the barrel selections run around $60 or so. Some variation and you don't get to know the mash bill (maybe always the same? Can't recall) but the value still seems ridiculously good to me. Even the small batch isn't bad.

Michael,

The single barrel bottles all have a 4 letter "code". The second letter is either E or O. E is the low rye (20%) mash bill and B is the high rye (35%) mashibill. The last letter us one of five which tells the yeast strain. The first is always O and the third is always S.

[Mich@el Ch@ng]

Had 2018 WLW today, delicious. Will try to source a bottle if I can find one for a reasonable price.

[Edward H. Earles]

I'm into another bottle of Old Forester 1920...this is quite enjoyable.