This is a bourbon thread...

Elijah Craig 12yr. Well I bought a bottle the liqour store owner brought in for me and I must say there is a lot going on here-many flavors different than what I previously tried.
I really like it! This stuff is very tasty.

To me it has notes of vanilla and pecan for some reason I think of praline ice cream when I was drinking it. I would describe it as a slow burn rather than feeling the heat right away. Once taking a drink the burn starts slow almost like a vicks vapor rub down to the belly. It does not have that strong kick in the mouth but a slow mild heat that tails off starting in the back of the mouth moving down through the throat. The Elijah is sort of on the sweeter side if that makes sense.

This is my first more obsecure brand of bourbon I have tried and it tastes like nothing I have ever tried before. I am hooked! It was around 28 smackaroos but well worth IMO. I was very satisfied with the Elijah Craig 12 and it did not leave me wanting anything more as far as taste wise and in fact it really satisfied my bourbon hankerin'.

Toast to you fellas! Have a great weekend!!
 
After re-reading the thread many of you guys think the Elijah Craig is good stuff-thanks for all the advice guys!

On a different note, I was watching the National Geographic Channel on satellite and there was a neat little show regarding Moonshinning. Mostly about the authorities sneaking around peoples land trying to find moonshine makers. I was surprised how much $$$ these guys can make by making this moonshine. I was wondering is that stuff real good or is it that people just like making there own brew? Why is this illegal? Is it because the govt. is not getting a piece or does it have to do with FDA standards? Anyhow not to open up any can of worms just thought I'd share something related to bourbon.
 
jonnymac44 said:
Nimick,
I have a question for you. I enjoy my bourbon on the rocks, just an ice cube or three at most. I notice that say, if I'm typing away at the computer or whatever, and my drink sits for a little bit, the whiskey becomes cloudy. It's not condensation on the glass, but actually the whiskey itself. This only happens when I use ice. I've seen it with several, including Booker's, Maker's, Bulleit, and Knob Creek. Any insight on why this is? The whiskey also seems a touch thicker after the clouding, but that could just be imagination.

Cheers,
Jon
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Any "unfiltered" bourbon will do that to some extent. it has to do with all the crap (esters and fats) that makes those bourbons taste good getting cold enough to solidify. Whiskey's that are "unfiltered" are typically bottled at a higher proof to keep them from clouding up on their own.

it's exactly the same as the phenomenon observed with "Non-Chill Filtered" Scotch Whisky's.

Diamond Dog said:
After re-reading the thread many of you guys think the Elijah Craig is good stuff-thanks for all the advice guys!

On a different note, I was watching the National Geographic Channel on satellite and there was a neat little show regarding Moonshinning...
...Why is this illegal?
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Is it because the govt. is not getting a piece or does it have to do with FDA standards?
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It's mostly the former, Uncle Sam wants his cut. there is the fact that boiling alcohol in an enclosed space is not the safest thing to do, and most backyard operations don't meet OSHA guidelines. It has also been found that some backyard stills use radiators from old cars, which generally contain (and pass on) an unhealthy amount of lead.
 
Nimick said:
Any "unfiltered" bourbon will do that to some extent. it has to do with all the crap (esters and fats) that makes those bourbons taste good getting cold enough to solidify. Whiskey's that are "unfiltered" are typically bottled at a higher proof to keep them from clouding up on their own.

it's exactly the same as the phenomenon observed with "Non-Chill Filtered" Scotch Whisky's.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response, Nimick. It makes perfect sense now that I think about it. Also, for the record, my wife and I got an overnight trip away without the kids and stayed at our favorite little inn that's within walking distance of one of our favorite restaurants, so I was up for a little bourbon. I finally got a chance to try out Pappy Van Winkle's and started out with the 12 year, which was so smooth and tasty that I didn't bother going to the 15 or 20, at least not on this trip;) It is definitely one that will make it into my home collection, very very good stuff.

Cheers,
Jon
 
Recently realized that bourbons are a heck of a lot different than JD (don't mind me, I'm a yank). Recently bought a bottle of Woodford Reserve and man, what a difference! So smooth and tasty. Someone who's a conneiseur and makes yearly trips down south to "fill up" got me a bottle of Sonoma-Cutrer finished Woodford Reserve after he found out I got the bug. Awesome stuff. Nowhere as smooth as the normal WR, but the fruit, and especially the smoke come out in each sip. I don't even want to know how much he paid for it.
 
Wintermute, I'm glad to see that you have discovered that JACK DANIELS isn't the end-all/best in the world bourban that they'd like you to believe. All JD does is give you a nasty hangover and make ya wanna fight. Woodford Reserve is pretty decent, but there is even better... that's the fun part, finding and trying all the others.

I wish more bourbons would be offered in 375ml size bottles... a very handy way to see if you like one, without much wastage if you don't care for it.
 
Nimick said:
on an unrelated note,

has anybody here tried Four Roses?
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Yep. Today I hit Binny's again... decided upon Four Roses Small Batch. All I have to say is ...... WOW! This stuff is the best I've had yet. I like it better than the Old Forester Birthday 2006 that I have, and that stuff is exceptional. I understand that the distribution of Four Roses is spotty at best, but the Chicago area has it. I paid about $27 plus tax, which I think is pretty good for a five star pour.
 
Nimick said:
my current collection:

DSC01682.jpg


My guard bird:

DSC01685.jpg


Edited to add:

From left to right

Front Row:

Pritchards Double Barreled
Elmer T. Lee
Blantons
Jeffersons Reserve
Bernheims Wheat Whiskey
Rock Hill Farms
W.L. Weller Centennial 10yr (actually 12yr)

Back Row

Wild Turkey American Spirit 15yr
Sazerac 6yr Rye
Eagle Rare 10yr
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Bourbon
A. H. Hirsch Reserve 16yr
Pappy van Winkle 15yr
Van Winkle 12yr-Lot B
Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye
Noah's Mill
Parker Heritage Collection Barrel Proof
Four Roses Small Batch
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Well -- this gives me something to shoot for. I think I've been focused on single malts for too many decades. Time to get 'American.'

I've had all the basic Bourbons and Tennessee Sippin' Whiskies. Time to branch out, so to speak. ;)
 
Buffalo Trace is waaaaayyy the best for the money (to me!). A. H. Hirsch is some folks fav- I like it a lot but it's hit $180.00 per and up. I'd like to retire some day. One of my new favs is Black Maple Hill- it isn't available around here but what are friends for if not being designated shippers!? Pappy Van Winkles is superb- especially the 20. There is also a (rarer) Van Winkle's Family Reserve which is great but, kind of like some of the Blanton's offerings may be a bit TOO smooth for some tastes.
 
Nimick said:
my current collection:

DSC01682.jpg


My guard bird:

DSC01685.jpg


Edited to add:

From left to right

Front Row:

Pritchards Double Barreled
Elmer T. Lee
Blantons
Jeffersons Reserve
Bernheims Wheat Whiskey
Rock Hill Farms
W.L. Weller Centennial 10yr (actually 12yr)

Back Row

Wild Turkey American Spirit 15yr
Sazerac 6yr Rye
Eagle Rare 10yr
Black Maple Hill Small Batch Bourbon
A. H. Hirsch Reserve 16yr
Pappy van Winkle 15yr
Van Winkle 12yr-Lot B
Thomas Handy Sazerac Rye
Noah's Mill
Parker Heritage Collection Barrel Proof
Four Roses Small Batch
Click to expand...

I am envious of you, sir. That being said, PARTY AT NIMICK'S!!! :D
The 2 I currently have are Russel's Reserve and Wild Turkey Barrel Proof. Straight up, maybe a tablespoon or so of water to open it up a bit.
Always have a big bottle of some iteration of Jack open as well. It has it's place.
 
Buffalo Trace have a lot of great bourbons. My favorite is Eagle Rare, especially the 17 year old. I also really like Wild Turkey - Rare Breed.

If you want an incredibly powerful, intense bourbon, try George T. Stagg. It is always over 125 proof and is 15 or 16 years old.
 
bourbon makes me want to sing and tell my ex's how much i love them haha i like bourbon.
 
opened a bottle of '02 Stagg. the finish is everything on this stuff. you're sitting there ten minutes after the last sip thinking "wow, this stuff still tastes amazing". the finish is so long that it's easy to shut it down by taking another sip.

the '05 stagg is better IMO. I have a bottle of '03 and '06 waiting in the wings.
 
Nimick, you are da Bourbon man! I'll second the notion of party at Nimicks!:thumbup:
 
Nimick do you own a bar or something! +++party at Nikick's!

Well funds have been tight as of late so I purchased some Wild Turkey 101. It was a decent drink, no complaints. A bit on the ordinary side comparitive to the Elijah but in a good way. I thought the 101 would have knocked me on my arse but it didn't. If I drank more probably, but the taste was fair and honest with some burn but not too bad. This stuff would be more suitable for an everyday type of drink after work for me and the Elijah more of a treat or weekend thing. I mixed the Wild Turkey with coke and it was okay but more and more I find that the coke ruins the taste of bourbon. As for my next purchase maybe I'll revisit Knobbs Creek or try out some Eagle reserve.
On another note there is this Canadian Whiskey my liqour store guy was recommending called Pendelton. He said it is smooth like Crown Royal so I may pick that up.
 
I found a source of Four Roses on Long Island. Just gotta get through my Russell Reserve first.

Wanna get yourself in trouble? Works especially well during a big football game - say Giants vs Packers in the playoffs in Lambeau Field.

Buy yourself a bunch of Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer (the best beer I've ever tasted by far). Drink the said bunch. First thing you notice as you drink it is "Hey, this is the best beer I've ever tasted". Next thing you notice is "Hey, alot of these tastes really remind me of bourbon, maybe I should have some". Next thing you notice is it's Monday morning and you have to figure out a way to last through a whole day of work.
 
I had the pleasure to try the Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select (batch 1) yesterday. I'm not a huge bourbon fan, usually, but this one, I like! I guess I haven't tried the good stuff yet...anyway, I'll make sure to try other recommended bourbons on my next visit to the liquor store! Thanks to all for the suggestions; keep'em coming! :thumbup:

0044.jpg
 
Nimick said:
opened a bottle of '02 Stagg. the finish is everything on this stuff. you're sitting there ten minutes after the last sip thinking "wow, this stuff still tastes amazing". the finish is so long that it's easy to shut it down by taking another sip.

the '05 stagg is better IMO. I have a bottle of '03 and '06 waiting in the wings.
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Hey Nimick,
I went by Beverages and More today, which is the local big box liquor chain out here in California. They usually have quite a large selection of upper end spirits. Anyway, I was looking for some of the Pappy Van Winkle 12 year and the shelf was empty. The gal checks the computer and says that they've discontinued ALL Van Winkle bourbon!!!:eek:

Like I said earlier in the thread I tried it at a restaurant because of the way everybody raved about it, and sure enough, I loved it!! But now, I can't find it. Any suggestions as to where I should get it??

I should add that I decided it would be a bad idea to leave the store without something good, since that's why I went in the first place. I ended up seeing a bottle of Eagle Rare 10 year and thought the bottle looked very familiar (your pics perhaps??;)) It's a very nice substitute. In fact, I just finished a sip of it before typing this sentence. Very very good.

Let me know about pappy!!

Cheers,
Jon
 
jonnymac44 said:
Hey Nimick,
I went by Beverages and More today, which is the local big box liquor chain out here in California. They usually have quite a large selection of upper end spirits. Anyway, I was looking for some of the Pappy Van Winkle 12 year and the shelf was empty. The gal checks the computer and says that they've discontinued ALL Van Winkle bourbon!!!:eek:

Like I said earlier in the thread I tried it at a restaurant because of the way everybody raved about it, and sure enough, I loved it!! But now, I can't find it. Any suggestions as to where I should get it??

I should add that I decided it would be a bad idea to leave the store without something good, since that's why I went in the first place. I ended up seeing a bottle of Eagle Rare 10 year and thought the bottle looked very familiar (your pics perhaps??;)) It's a very nice substitute. In fact, I just finished a sip of it before typing this sentence. Very very good.

Let me know about pappy!!

Cheers,
Jon
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either:

1. They can't sell it (because they have no idea what the heck it is)
2. They can't get it (it's an allocated product, see reason 1)
3. Buff trace isn't making any right now (nobody has any bourbon)
 
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