Get used to it. For the last 6 months my local grocery store has had blantons, ER10, and EHT at msrp. I imagine prices will only get better
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Hosted a tasting of single barrel picks chosen by the Atlanta Bourbon Society (which is both a buyers group and a charitable endeavor) a few weeks ago, and they really did have some stellar bottles, so thought I’d share…
The night kicked off with one of the best cocktails I’ve had in years, a Boulevardier made from 2 parts 1972 release of 12yo Ezra Brooks, 1 part 1960s era Campari, and 1 part (current day) Carpano Antica. Damn. Complexity level off the charts, incredibly smooth but deep, just the right touch of sweetness. Thanks to Nelson of the ABS.
We then went in order of proof, which is a nice idea I’ve never really done. Jason, who was part of the crew that picked each of those barrels (I think all of them on site at the distilleries), led us through the tasting and gave great commentary on each one. He said they often look for things that stand out from the norm, basically things you won’t find in the standard releases from each distillery. I think they nailed their picks in that they were uniformly better than you would expect and often very distinctive in a good way.
Buffalo Trace. 90 proof. Notes: Vanilla galore, a pleasant yeasty/sourdough note on the nose, classic profile otherwise, a bit hot for the proof, but a good leap above normal Buffalo Trace. Nice way to kick things off.
Blanton’s, warehouse H, rick #2, 93 proof. I’m not really a Blanton’s fan, but this showed well, hitting somewhere between buttered popcorn and caramel popcorn as the dominant note. Very good.
Maker’s Mark. 110.7 proof. Stave profile: 1 Baked American Pure, 2 Seared French Cuvee, 2 Markers Mark 16, 4 Roasted French Mendiant, 1 Toasted French Spice. Maker’s use of staves for their single barrel picks is kinda gimmicky if you ask me. That said, this was a big step up in depth/complexity vs. typical Makers, and the oak did not overwhelm at all. Pleasantly dry and spicy. I liked the Blanton’s a bit more actually.
Old Fourth Ward (sourced Wild Turkey), 116 proof, aged 7 years 11 months. A bit hot before a touch of water, but this bottle was when things really started to kick in - dry, spicy, almost rye-like profile with green/grassy notes. Excellent.
Four Roses. OBSQ. 119.2 proof. Warehouse HW, aged 10 years 7 months. My notes read: “perfect.” My favorite of the night, not surprisingly because I am a sucker for Four Roses singles barrels that hit that 10-11 year mark.
Jack Daniels, 134.7 proof. Barrel House 1-01. Handles the proof very well. Very good stuff.
Driftless Glen RYE. 116 proof. I failed to take notes other than “excellent” - my hazy memory is that it was on the earthy/herbal side of things, but I might be wrong. This was a new producer to me and I was impressed.
Then a bonus: Sazerac Rye - wow, if you told me this was pear brandy, I would believe you. Green apple and pear notes balanced with an almond-marizapan rich sweetness. Fantastic. Miles away from standard Sazerac Rye.
Accompanying all this, I threw out some meat and cheese - most happily being a plate of Benton’s bacon and a plate of Benton’s “country ham” done in a prosciutto style. Damn those are both stellar, and home-runs alongside bourbon. Also made three different tavern style pizzas using Kenii’s base recipe (literally my favorite recipe of all time) - pepperoni, turkey fennel sausage with giardinera (for a non-pork-eating friend), onion and mushroom. So good. The onion and mushroom was my surprise favorite on this particular night. Subbing in the turkey for pork… well, it works, but the pork is about 10x better. Also some bourbon barrel chocolate from Ritual in Utah, damn good.
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I’m ready to move to Atlanta, down to the Benton’s… which I’ve done, as well!!! Nicely done!
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The single barrel barrel strengths from four roses are always some of my favorite bottles. I agree something magical happens to those barrels after 10 years.
Which Sazerac rye did you taste? 90 100 or 125 proof? or was is the Antique collection?
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The Sazerac 125 could really be BTAC Handy. It’s crazy how good this release is and especially for the price.
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Good question. I’m pretty sure it was the 125 single barrel, but I didn’t get a photo of the bottle, and have asked the guy who brought it. It was VERY good.
Ive only had the 100 and it is also very good
agreed. the THH is better but not 5x+ which I believe to be the price difference.
one more pick to go and Manhattan season starts in earnest. can’t wait and it you are a Manhattan drinker and haven’t had a THH Manhattan - it’s worth the effort & price to try
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Some years ago the bartender at Cochon objected heavily at making me a Sazerac with 17yr. To keep the peace I did settle for a pour.
I get it (kinda) since I’m sure the stuff was a prized by the restaurant, but I think that was the last time I ever saw it reasonably priced anywhere so I’m still dreaming.
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Awesome, I have been waiting 14 years since release #1 to find another bottle locally and it just happened in the nick of time.
On the left is the last of my very first release bottles on the right is also the bottle I picked up recently (Ohio holds releases late) 14 years is a long time but I’ve been drinking #1 occasionally all along.
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When did they change from Stagg, Jr.?
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Would also note that secondary pricing fell through the floor soon thereafter. Up through 14-15 at least, Jr was holding $200-$225 valuation. New ones flip for $100 on average. I went to clear a bunch and decided I was probably better off drinking it.
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