Solid pours James. :-)

I recently did a trade with a local guy from a FB bourbon group. 15 Booker's samples from me for 15 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof samples from him. Started working my way through them, 12 different batches from 2017-2021, and 3 single barrel store picks. Going to take me all week, but who's complaining? :-)
[Reply]

It's important to have goals. :-)
[Reply]

Yeah, and I'm half way done. :-) :-)

Grabbed a couple of my favorite Barrell batches at retail yesterday, these batches (27 & 28) are becoming scarce on the shelves.

Image
[Reply]

That sounds awesome! Hope you did them blind, that's where I start having fun. Did 15x Russell's Reserve warehouses in a blind bracket last year, the process of tasting and raking make me really focus on what I was drinking. While most were fairly similar, there were two that both beat out high end Russell's in one final blind matchup at the end (RR13 and RR 2003)

Had the pleasure last weekend of trying, among other things, a 1960's airplane bottle of Makers from an airline that's long gone. After sitting in a glass for a while this stuff was really great, wish the stuff they're making now was as good as the stuff they were making back then :-)

Image
[Reply]

Was that Elmo Airlines. Ben? :-)

Even doing the samples blind, there's so many issues with 15 samples. I can't drink them all in one night, and we know the palate changes based on lots of factors. If I tried to do 15 at once, I'd be buzzed and my palate off half way through (yeah, I can drink :-)). So while I'm doing it over a few days and ranking them, I know the method is severely flawed... but I am getting a general idea about the batches I'd seek out again and those I would not.
[Reply]

Five at a time, three times (or 4 at a time and one short round). Put the top tanked against each other for one more winner's bracket :-)
[Reply]

Is "tanked" a typo, or a pretty good pun?
[Reply]

Typo, but I'm keeping it :-)
[Reply]

I like it. :-)
[Reply]

Somewhat local (30 miles) store released a Barrell SiB, 8 year MGP at cask strength. Grabbed 2 at a pre-sale discount, and picked them up earlier in the week. Just amazing, maybe better than Batches 27 & 28, chocolate covered cherries, dark fruit, MGP spice on the finish. May have to grab another pair if they discount them again...or even if they don't. :-) :-)

Image
[Reply]

Looks like a tasty duo. I have been enjoying most of the Barrell products. Picked up the Rye batch #3, probably my favorite and different tasting rye I have had. Worth trying if you can find a bottle.
[Reply]

I haven't had any of their ryes, Jay, I will get myself a bottle or at least a pour to see how it tickles my fancy.

If you happen to see either Bourbon Batch 27 or 28 on the shelf at retail, I wouldn't hesitate to buy.
[Reply]

I had a sample from a 140+ proof rye from them, I was incredibly impressed, it's certainly hot but had a candy note that was very pleasant
[Reply]

I've seen hazmat rye from them a couple times, maybe I'll need o pick one up. :-)
[Reply]

Something new

Image
[Reply]

Nice Tony. :-)

I haven't had any of the Stagg Jr store picks yet. There's a couple from the area that are getting rave reviews, but at $450 on secondary, I'm gonna have to stick to my Buffalo Trace. :-)
[Reply]

You around this weekend? Cornhole tournament in Denver, top prize is a pair of local Stagg Jr. picks :-):-):-)
[Reply]

Hmmm. Any participation prizes? :-)
[Reply]

The person dressed the most American gets a W12, I bet you could take it :-):-)
[Reply]

'Merica! &#(% Yeah! :-)
[Reply]