Bourbon.

[venividivicibj]

I always kept a small bar out at my place in the Smokies. Came across the photo and kind of laughed about how probably 4 or 5 of those bottles are effectively unicorns, and I kept these out there because I didn’t need them at home lol

View attachment 2124417

 

[gnatty8]

Jeez, had some Yama 12 and 18 in there also lol

 

[armedferret]

Got picked to receive one of these in a lil local raffle type thang. Immediately opened.

Immediately lovely.

 

[KarlHungus]

Jeez, had some Yama 12 and 18 in there also lol

Yeah the 18 is a unicorn.
I'm guessing the Glendronach 15 is also old fill (ie. spirit from pre-distillery closing) meaning it is also unicorn-ish.

 

[classicalthunde]

Got picked to receive one of these in a lil local raffle type thang. Immediately opened.

Immediately lovely.

View attachment 2124627

Saw this and wanted to give it a whirl but it was $105 in my area, which gave me pause.

Not to make everything about price, but as someone who doesn’t really frequent bars anymore (young kids at home) and therefor isn’t able to try a bunch of diff bourbons frequently, these new high prices make it tough to gamble and try new things. Especially when I know I can grab a known banger of a bottle of whiskey for the same or less.

 

[armedferret]

While i cant say for sure if it's worth it to anyone but me, I definitely feel like it's worth the price point. I tend to divide the price by 12, and ask myself if I'd pay that for a 2oz pour in a bar or restaurant.

Definitely would here.

But i also thoroughly enjoy evan williams bonded and JTS brown bonded so I'm not strictly a "social media trending expensive bottles only" kinda guy.

 

[gnatty8]

Yeah the 18 is a unicorn.
I'm guessing the Glendronach 15 is also old fill (ie. spirit from pre-distillery closing) meaning it is also unicorn-ish.

Yep, that photo was probably from 2011 or 2012 I’m thinking; so you’re probably correct there. Amazing how those markets have changed in just 10 years

 

[stephenaf2003]

 

[jcman311]

Jeez, had some Yama 12 and 18 in there also lol

I mean I remember 15 years ago the Yama 18 was like $90. Those were the days...

 

[ricoishere]

What is your favorite and how do you take it?

Booker's and I take it neat or as an Old Fashioned. As for other bourbon cocktails, such as the Manhattan or Mint Julep, I turn to Maker's Mark. Maker's adds just the right amount of sweetness and I feel less bad clouding its taste than say I would with a more premium bourbon.

I can’t say I have a favorite however I prefer bolder spirits. Tonight enjoying Knob Creek 9yo 100 Proof in a Manhattan.

 

[gnatty8]

I mean I remember 15 years ago the Yama 18 was like $90. Those were the days...

Crazy thing is, always preferred the 12 myself

 

[Watchman1]

Knob Creek 9 is possibly the best value/quality ratio bourbon available. Literally you can buy at Walmart. It’s because we’re so “familiar” with it that it doesn’t get the admiration it deserves

 

[gnatty8]

Knob Creek 9 is possibly the best value/quality ratio bourbon available. Literally you can buy at Walmart. It’s because we’re so “familiar” with it that it doesn’t get the admiration it deserves

I don’t disagree with you here. I’ve also had a few store picks over the years that were only slightly more expensive than the mainstream 9 which were mind blowingly good for the price. I think the consensus is that Knob Creek is just Booker’s mash bill with some extra age but without the precise rickhouse geography that is part of the secret to Booker’s releases. I have a bottle of 18 year old Knob I bought at the Spec’s bourbon drop this year that I have high hopes for!

 

[classicalthunde]

the precise rickhouse geography that is part of the secret to Booker’s releases

Amateur question - does the location of where the barrels in the storehouse really make that big a difference in the outcome? I've read that higher up, means more evaporation/higher proof but other than that I have no idea how placement impacts flavor/complexity/notes...

 

[ricoishere]

Got picked to receive one of these in a lil local raffle type thang. Immediately opened.

Immediately lovely.

View attachment 2124627

I rarely drink, but on business trips I always stopped at dusty liquor stores, and would find gems. I’m finishing up my wine room, and I started opening boxes, and realized I have more liquor I’ll consume in the next 10 years, including several William Larue Weller and Pappy

Amateur question - does the location of where the barrels in the storehouse really make that big a difference in the outcome? I've read that higher up, means more evaporation/higher proof but other than that I have no idea how placement impacts flavor/complexity/notes...

Not an amateur question at all! But yes it does make a difference... The temp, humidity, even amount of daylight will make a difference.